A pregnant woman's closet

Yes, you see it here. This is not the right body, but the right underwear that I recommend mommies-to-be to wear! (photo from Victoria's Secret)



Two of my friends recently told me that they "might have seen me" on the street, but didn't come over to say hi. I know why they didn't -- because I looked very different from the usual me. It wasn't the big belly, because my belly didn't really show until after the 4th month. It was how ugly I dressed and looked.



It took me a long time to figure out how to adjust my closet so that I may dress properly and maybe even stylishly as I gain the 20~30 pounds needed to grow a baby. It is not easy to find information and places to buy things, either, especially when you are always tired or sick or need to lie down. Most important of all, you will care more about sleeping, and eating, then anything else that you used to care about.


Here are some tips I discovered along the way:


1. You will not be able to wear your normal pants starting at about week 10~12. Wear empire-waist dresses and stretchy skirts or pants instead. Wait until your are done with all the first trimester screenings and that you are sure about going through the whole pregnancy to spend money by taking the following steps.


2. Review your closet. A super skinny friend of mine who stays home most of the time told me that she did not buy any maternity clothes for her entire pregnancy. It was mostly summer time and she just wore her loose dresses. This didn't work for me, but not everyone needs to make adjustments to their wardrobes.

General rules: you want something that is stretchy, soft, comfortable, and easy to wash and dry. When in doubt, go with darker colors and stay away from T-shirts that tell people you are pregnant.

Put away these items for storage: anything tight, anything uncomfortable, anything with a belt, all of your belts, all the fitted pants and skirts, and maybe all of your high heels.

Keep these items: A-shape dresses, empire-waist dresses, long tops that cover your butt, long or short cardigans, big and long t-shirts or tops, and some of your sleeping or gym clothes.



3. Buy the necessary maternity clothes early. Because you will need them in the end anyway, you might as well buy them sooner to enjoy them early. All of the bottom items will need to be designed for pregnancy.


I love http://www.motherhood.com/ for basic items, and http://www.apeainthepod.com/ for fancy things. If you are lucky to be near their stores, you will enjoy shopping there and trying things on. I walked to A Pea In The Pod one day near work and tried on my very first pair of maternity pants and didn't take it off that whole night. (In fact, I recommend even non-pregnant people to try maternity pants. They are just so comfy.)


Other maternity clothing brands to consider are: Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, Target, Old Navy, but none of these brands have good selection in their stores and you really need to try them on most of the time before purchasing.



Maternity legging at motherhood.com
I cannot live without these!





You will need a pair of nice looking maternity jeans that fit you.
I got mine at A Pea In The Pod.





For work, I absolutely need these basic black pants. Good quality is important with these. You want them to be comfortable and can go from summer to winter, and are washer and dryer friendly. I got mine from A Pea In The Pod. Happy that their Petite xs is almost my size!




Super soft and stretchy skirt that goes with anything. I got mine from motherhood.com




You will also need some casual dresses. I have this one from motherhood.com and love it!




Depends on your needs, you might also want some more formal dresses. I bought this one because it looks like I can still wear it after the baby comes out.




I need some dresses for formal work events, so I got this one from gap maternity on sale last weekend.




Last but not least, there are a lot of non-maternity tops available and I strongly encourage buying normal clothes that you can still wear after the pregnancy. However, I still have a few maternity tops for work. These one give my belly more breathing space and have some unique designs on them, like this one in the picture.



4. Don't buy maternity clothes if you can find them at your normal favorite stores. If you have the energy, you can still shop at your usual stores. I am lucky because baggy sweaters and loose tops are popular this year. It wasn't too difficult to find pieces that I can wear, at least until I am into month 8 or 9.


Zara, H&M, Gap are the stores I go to. Their super long tank tops are good for layering. Make sure you try them on, because some pieces may look pregnancy-okay, but have tight linings inside or are hard to put on with a belly in the middle. Here are some of my purchases to give you some ideas --



From Gap. It's so chic and is on sale now!




I have 3 of these good quality, super long cardigans before I got pregnant. I still wear them ALL THE TIME.

Summer dresses that are bright and cheerful always get me into a good mood. (from gap)

5. Underwear for growing boobs and belly can be found at your normal shopping places. (This advice might only apply to petite women.) Some people recommend buying nursing bras early, but I found that some underwire-less soft cotton bras at Gap Body that are very nice. Make sure you bring more bigger sizes to the fitting room.

Aim for comfort and buy some bigger ones for the future! (from gap body)

As for panties, you just need something that sits well below your belly. For many reasons, pregnant women need to stay cool and dry there, so stay away from materials that are tight or non breathable. I found these super cute all-lace hipster panties at Victoria's Secret Pink line. They are usually on sale at $25 for 5.

The same pantie as in the first photo of this post. They come in different colors and are super cute.


6. Accessories -- I mentioned this in point #1 already -- don't wear high heels because your body will be going through some weight shifting and your reaction time will be slower. Just don't risk it. People also told me that my feet will be bigger into the later stage and I will not be able to tie my own shoelaces, either. So buy some flats that are easy to put on.

Also, try not to carry heavy things. You may want to choose a light bag for everyday use and carry water and healthy snacks with you at all time. (such as raisins, granola bars, pieces of fruit, crackers, etc)

I don't plan on buying any new winter coats for this winner, even though my belly will be really big in December and January. My plan is to wear my long cardigans, my trench coat, and use my large and chunky scarves to cover the middle where my coats can't close. (maybe this is a bad idea, but I want to see how it works out.) Big scarves are very useful in the beginning of your pregnancy, too, especially if you want to hide your belly.

7. Last but not least, whether if you believe this thing works or not, stretch mark prevention just sounds like a good idea. A dermatologist friend recommended this one to me -- Bella B Tummy Honey Butter. I have been using this once or twice a day since month 4, and so far so good.

Amazon seems to be the best place to buy this. Or just use baby oil or some heavy cream. Anything is better than nothing.

That's all I have to share for now. All the mommy readers out there, please leave comments if you have other tips or want to share your experience with us. Hope this helps!

* update on 11.9.2010 -- just bought this jacket from J Crew which fits my 8-month big belly perfectly! Just in time for the cold weather. It's on sale, too. I am sure I will be wearing it after the baby comes out as well.

This color is very popular this winter. Grab it if you see it in your size immediately!

You don't have to be an Asian teenage girl to enjoy MOCHI!

Last night, I was honored to be interviewed by Mochimag to promote the book vote on their blog. Jennifer Kung summarized our conversation in a clear way that speaks so fluently to their target audience. Check out this blog and their e-magazine to see what the Asian American teenage girls care about!

‘Books for Asia’ Online Campaign: ‘Choose a Book. Change a Life.’
By Jennifer Kung

As young adults and students, a lot of you have the heart to give to those in need, but not necessarily the financial means. That’s why we’re eager to let you guys know about this simple, immediate and powerful way you can help bring books to children in Asia, just by watching a quick video and making an online vote.

The Asia Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on philanthropic work in Asian countries, is currently holding an campaign through their program “Books for Asia” until March 29, 2010. You just have to go on their website and choose your favorite book out of five popular children’s classics titles: “The Little Engine That Could,” “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” “Corduroy,” “Who’s Spot?” and “Make Way for Ducklings.” For every vote, a generous donor of the Asia Foundation will contribute $1 – up to $10,000, and the winning book title will be delivered to the entire first-year English class at Khishig-Undur School in Mongolia. You can watch their video of how your vote will benefit Mongolia students after the jump.

The best part of this campaign is that it allows teens and young adults to contribute in a way other than money. By voting online, and sharing their website link and video on Facebook and Twitter, you can help bring awareness to the cause—which is the fundamental goal of philanthropy—as knowledge is power.

In an interview with Mochi, Alice Wu, the Associate Director for Resource Development at the Asia Foundation, pointed out how we all reach a certain point in our lives where we can take what we have learned and start to give back. Alice came to this realization after getting her MBA at NYU Stern and working in finance, where the value of her work was mostly measured by money. In order to use her skills to contribute to society, she joined the Asia Foundation, which allowed her to give back to the Asian community by doing what she’s good at—raising money and using her knowledge of Asian and American culture to bring awareness on an international scale.

Most importantly, Alice explained how in the non-profit world, there are many different types of “money”—for young people, their form of “money” can be spending the time and energy to learn and care about certain issues. By going on nonprofit websites, participating in charitable events and simply thinking and caring about others, young adults can educate themselves to think on a philanthropic level, which will plant a future generation of leaders who can act upon these values of giving back.

So if you’re at all interested in learning more about how you can contribute to Asian countries, go to their website at http://www.asiafoundation.org/ to learn more. Besides “Books for Asia,” you can check out their other numerous programs such as “Women’s Empowerment Program,” and spend some time watching their more informative videos here.

Click here to become a fan of the Asia Foundation on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @Asia_Foundation. There’s only less than a week to vote and raise money for these children in Mongolia, so share the link and help make a difference.

Feel Good, Look Nice, and Shop Smart

Blogging from my new home! The internet connection is finally on. Sorry for disappearing for so long, my friends.



Filing magazine articles. Real Simple and Instyle are my favorite.

I counted, I have moved 10 times since I moved to Boston in 2000.

Every time I moved, I had to pack everything I own and bring it with me. Every time I move, I re-examine my belongings and donate, sell, give away as much as I can. And then I tell myself to not buy things I do not absolutely need, love, or want to carry with me for a long time. (and then forget about it soon after I am settled again)

A few weeks ago, I spent a few hours going through all the magazines I've collected since I moved to my previous place 2 years ago. Before the old magazines went into the recycling bin, I clipped and filed all the articles that I would read or find useful in the future.



View from my previous home's living room.

For girly magazines, I file them into the following categories:
Beauty/skin care -- good tips for now or later
Fashion -- all the classic do's and don'ts
Home decoration/design -- to get ready for my real home
Gift ideas --I love love love these gifting ideas!
Others, etc -- everything else

* As disorganized as I normally am, once in a while when I need to move, I become organized!


No 5 Law of CHIConomics -- the more you wear it, the more it is worth


In November 2008's Instyle, there was an article called "The Laws of CHIConomics -- tough times equal smarter shopping." I remember reading it and thinking -- recession is definitely here to stay.

Some interesting reminders to share with you during this holiday shopping season:

(1) Learn to spot quality: you can't go wrong with spending money on classic styles in basic colors and great quality.

(2) If you don’t absolutely love it, keep shopping: when it comes to big purchases and any major commitments in life, you really need to love it with all your heart.

(3) The right mix of pieces is the key to a rich wardrobe: black and white always look more expensive than colorful clothes. Good shoes and bags and maybe a nice pair of earrings can change the entire outfits.

(4) The more you’ll wear it, the more it’s worth: Super important to keep in mind! This is such a fun "value calculator" for nerds like myself.

Use these 10 questions to calculate whether if something is worth to you or not. Starting with a value of 100, add or subtract as you go:

1. Does it go with more than three things you own? YES (+5); NO (-10)
2. How many seasons can you wear it in? ONE (-5); TWO (+0); THREE (+5); ALL FOUR (+10)
3. Would your boyfriend, boss and glammiest girlfriend all approve? YES (+5); NO (-5)
4. How often will you wear it? OFTEN (+10); SOMETIMES (-10); ONCE (-15) --unless many important people will see you in it, such as your wedding dress, then +20
5. Does it need dry cleaning? YES (-5); NO (+5)
6. Does it need tailoring? NO (+5); JUST A HEM (-5); A LITTLE (-10); A LOT (-20)
7. Will it transition from day to night? YES (+5); NO (-5)
8. When was it last in style? WHEN WASN’T IT? (+10); FALL 1981 (-10)
9. Do you need to lose weight for it to fit? YES (-50); NO (+5) -- this one is the killer rule for me.
10. Will it still fit you if you gain 5 pounds? YES (+10); NO (-10) -- especially important when you plan to eat some big meals with this outfit.

Results:
50 and below – Purchase at your own peril.
50 to 95 – Proceed with caution.
100 to 120 – You love it. Buy only if you can really afford it.
121 and above – Bravo: you've just found your new uniform!

Click on the picture to read these shocking stats

Last but not least, here is a shocking page that shows you what else you can get for the cost of a super fancy CHANEL rare alligator bag.

1 month's vacation in Bora Bora or an alligator bag?
9 months education at Harvard University or an alligator bag?
25 years of monthly flower deliveries to your home or an alligator bag?
31 kids in a third world country going to school for 4 years or an alligator bag?

No offense to people with alligator bags, but instead of this bag I will ask for 1 week's vacation in Bora Bora, plus 3 month's education at a great university, plus 5 years of monthly flower deliveries for my friends and families, and sending 8 kids to middle school for 4 year in a third world country. That ought to make me feel so good that I don't mind just using paper bags to carry my things around.

Nerdy Beauty-Product-Junkie – all time favorites

“If beauty hides the truth, or the lack of truth, I'd rather be ugly but influential.” -- This is how I ended my earlier post about Ha Jin’s book.

Here I am, talking about beauty products that basically serve the objective to hide or prevent the appearance of the ugliness of my real face. The irony is that beauty is powerful. In order to be influential, you need to have “face validity” – as we say in statistical research terminology.

An American makeup artist, Bobbi Brown, has a famous saying -- Beauty isn’t about perfect. It’s about celebrating your individuality. Bobbi believes that "makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident." I totally agree with her. Occasionally, if you enjoy doing it, you do it for fun and can be very creative and bold. Most of the time, I need my basic makeup to look fresh, awake, refined, and sometimes just not to scare people.

Skincare is in a different category from makeup. It is personal and depends on the skin type and the weather condition, so I will only share with you my all time favorite top 5 makeup products here.

Make Up Forever Face & Body Liquid Foundation – This foundation and I go way back. When I was in New York, Make Up Forever had their studio in SOHO. To me, picking the right color is 80% of the job. The coolest thing about this was that they custom blended this foundation for me from two different colors. I now have 2 of them and I blend it myself. In the winter, I add more lighter color; in the summer, I add more darker tone. This goes on smoothly, like water; and is light, waterproof, and can be layered for more coverage.

NARS The Multiple Highlighter – Color: Maldives for East Asian skin tone – This thing is expensive, but it lasts 5 years even if you use it everyday. I put it under the arch of my eyebrows, and above my cheekbones. It takes one second to deliver this very subtle glowing effect. My real secret is now out!

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner + Brush -- Beautiful colors, super long wearing, and very versatile. Takes some practice, but it’s worth the time. Be sure to get the brush, as it makes a difference. My favorite color is Violet Ink.

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara – I don’t care that it creates high impact curls or not, this thing stays on FOREVER!! My eyelashes are long and honestly look good without any mascara. I have never used mascara in the past, because nothing stays on my lashes. I have tried all the waterproof ones you can think of but only this one (and very few others that use that new “tubing” technology) stays. Clinigue makes many mascaras, so make sure you get the right one. (Their Lash Power Mascara Long Wearing Formula is very good too, but is more natural.)

Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey – This is clinique’s most famous item and color. It really universally flatters every skin tone, and the texture is between lipstick and lip gloss. It goes on smoothly and looks so natural. Don’t be fooled by how dark it looks in the tube, you have to try it on to know what everyone is talking about.

Lastly, my recommendations are worth listening to, not because I am gorgeous, but because I am not. Why get makeup tips from someone who is naturally beautiful? They always look nice. But on my face, you can tell which products really do work or not!

Nerdy Beauty-Product-Junkie -- splurge or save?

Photo from Real Simple Magazine

Those who know me in person (=everyone who reads this blog), know I can get very nerdy when it comes to calculating numbers. Those who have had the fortune to go shopping with me, know that I am a bit of a beauty product junkie. So, if you put these two together, I am actually a nerdy beauty-product-junkie.

Just like investments or charitable donations, I believe people need to take a portfolio approach toward spending money on beauty products. Some are worth larger allocations, while some are not worth the high price tags. Some are long-term, buy-and-hold blue chip purchases, while some are short-term trading oriented items.

If the department store one is only 10% better than the drugstore one, why pay double the price for it? Inspired by this very good article Splurge or Save? The Smartest Beauty Buys by Elizabeth Schatz Passarella at one of my favorite magazines -- Real Simple, I opened my makeup bag and medicine cabinet and created an excel spreadsheet to calculate how much money was spent on my face.

Here is how to read my list:
Item - save with drugstore brand or splurge on department store brand-- $ price and length of usage -- $ amount spend per month

Skin Care
Eye makeup remover – save -- $6 for 6 months -- $1/month
Face makeup remover – save -- $12 for 6 months -- $2/month
Face wash – save -- $16 for 12 months -- $1.3/month
Toner – save -- $10 for 3 months -- $3.3/month
Eye cream/gel – splurge -- $54 for 9 months -- $6/month
Night cream/lotion – splurge -- $30 for 9 months + $30 for 6 months -- $8.3/month
Day cream/lotion – splurge -- $42 for 6 months -- $7/month
Exfoliater – save -- $24 for 2 years -- $2/month
Cleaning mask – splurge -- $18 for 3 years -- $0.5/month
Moisturizing mask – save -- $1.5/mask, twice per month -- $3/month


Photo from Real Simple Magazine

Makeup
Foundation – splurge -- $40 for 9 months -- $4.5/month
Concealer – save -- $24 for 2 years -- $1/month
Blush – splurge -- $30 for 4 years *
Lip balm – save -- $5 for 2 years -- ignore
Lip pencil – splurge -- $15 for 2 years -- $0.5/month
Lip stick or gloss – save -- $24 for 12 months -- $2/month
Eye liner – splurge -- $20 for 4 years *
Eye shadow – splurge -- $40 for 4 years *
Mascara – save -- $15 for 12 months -- $1/month
Face powder – save -- $24 for 2 years -- $2/month

Other
Tools – splurge (tweezers, eyelash curler, brushes) $100 forever *
Hair products – save -- $9 for 9 months -- $1/month

Calculation
*Total fixed cost (4 years or more of usage): $190
Total monthly variable cost: $46.5

Conclusion
I spend about $1.55 per day on my basic skin care and beauty products. “Basic” is the keyword here. Please know that a non-disclosed amount of money is spent on non-basic products. Compared to $12 a day of parking I pay for my car, I feel bad for my face now.

Added on 8/21/09: I know. I know. I am spending way too much time on this completely unproductive thing. But I also discovered that I spend 68% on Skin care and $22% on makeup. Only 2% on hair, and 8% on tools, etc.



In the near future, I will write about why I decide to spend big or small amounts on these things. I will also share with you my “all time favorite + will buy again and again” top recommendations of beauty products. A lot of tuition was paid to discover these goodies, so please stay tuned!

The Enemy of Great

The Fashion Show on Bravo TV has become my guilty pleasure in the past 2 months.

Last night, it was the season finale and I like all 3 of the finalists --
Anna, who won the competition, is humble and under-stated, but yet so lovable and has an eye for runway styles that are also marketable. Daniella, is brave, young, powerful and full of potential. James-Paul is an intellectual fashionista, who stays true to himself, where he came from, and where he wants to be. He said that he has the rest of his life to make pretty clothes, but only has this one chance to make a statement in front of the world.

I admire his wisdom and this got me thinking -- what are the things I can always do in the future? And what are things that I only have one chance to do now?

Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief Harper's Bazaar, was one of the toughest judges. But Glenda said that she was helping these designers by giving them constructive criticisms. She said, "Good is the biggest enemy of great", which made me think about all the things I thought I was good at and how I stopped becoming better for that exact reason.

If you are into fashion and drama, this show is for you!