The Swanky Stork

Lilly B

2010-07-12T14:51:00.001-05:00

We have a beautiful new clothing line called Lilly B!! We are so excited they are here!!

Check out the Aztec Maxi below that was featured in Cosmopolitian Pregnancy Magazine!!!

Come see our new line as well as several other new ones that we have added to our selection!

~ Eleanor

Storksak Shipment!!

2010-06-28T14:37:00.001-05:00

We recieved a new shipment on Storksak diaper bags today!! See the new styles below!

Alison in Black

Olivia in Moss

Emily in Pewter Twill

Dori Red Label in Black

Jessica Alba carries this one!

Keep up with the fashion of the Stars!

2010 Maternity Style Trends

2010-06-22T13:03:00.000-05:00

From pregnancyfashion.sheknows.com:

What will the fashionable pregnant moms be wearing this year? Taking cues from celebrity style and fashion trends, we predict the hottest looks for pregnancy.

Leggings: Why are we happy this trend is back? Maternity leggings are as comfortable as they are stylish and versatile. Dress them down with flats or boots paired with a bump-hugging sweater or tunic top. Dress them up with heels or booties and a long flowing top, paired with a belt. Have fun by wearing print leggings are trying out a new fabric, such as leather or velvet. Find out more on how to wear maternity leggings here!
Celebrity who loves this trend: Ellen Pompeo

Leggings in all styles and several colors available at The Swanky Stork

Maternity skinny jeans: Don’t panic! Skinny jeans don’t mean you have to be skinny to wear them, it just refers to the tapered leg cut of the jeans. Make sure your skinny maternity jeans contain a bit of stretch for maximum comfort. In fact, today’s jeans often feel as comfortable as leggings! Wear them much in the same way you would wear leggings — paired with bump-hugging sweaters, print tunic tops and funky belts.
Celebrity who loves this trend: Nicole Richie

Twiggy Jeans by James Jeans available at The Swanky Stork. Two new washes arriving soon!!

Mini dresses: Maxi dresses are still a maternity must-have, but for a special occasion many expecting moms are now turning to mini dresses. Paired with opaque tights, you will feel as sexy as you look!
Celebrity who loves this trend: Kourtney Kardashian, Jenna Elfman

Mini Dresses of all styles available at The Swanky Stork

Feminine dresses: Look for details like flower prints, dainty ruffles and flowing fabrics. Most women feel their most feminine when pregnant, so your clothes should be an expression of this.
Celebrity who loves this trend: Sarah Michelle Gellar

Available at The Swanky Stork
Rocker chic: On the flip side of feminine, another maternity trend forgoes dresses in place of hip jeans, graphic tees, boots and a leather jacket. Rock out, mama!
Celebrity who loves this trend: Gisele Bundchen

Check out The Swanky Stork's HUGE selection of designer denim and trendy tees!!

Introducing Storksak Diaper Bags!

2010-06-02T14:45:00.001-05:00

A favorite of the celebs! We have the Gigi in Chocolate as shown below on Angelina Jolie!

We also have the Alison in Chocolate!

More to come each month!

Stay stylish!

~ Eleanor

New Color!

2010-05-24T11:24:00.000-05:00

New color in the Bravado Nursing Tank!

Passionate Pink!

We also carry this tank in white, chocolate brown & black!

Be Girly!!

Kat & Eleanor

Be Active!

2010-05-21T14:14:00.000-05:00

25% off full priced Fit2Bmom activewear

May 21-22!

Get outdoors & be active!

Kat & Eleanor

We're On Facebook!

2010-05-11T16:51:00.001-05:00

Find The Swanky Stork on Facebook

click "iLike!"

Don't Judge Too Quickly!

2010-05-05T10:02:00.001-05:00

I know you have heard the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover." Well, don't judge a piece of clothing by how it hangs on the hanger or on a mannequin! Lots of items look better on the body!! Come in and be daring! Try these new jumpers on! They are the new trend! Who says just because we are pregnant we have to be practical! Treat yourself to some summer fun!

Black Long Jumpsuit

Cotton Glam

$99

Green Double Fabric Twisted Jumper

Cotton Glam

$99

Kat

Too Hot Tuesday!

2010-05-04T10:58:00.004-05:00

It's really hot! 10% off these items TODAY only!!!

Sleeveless Beaded Tiffany Top

Ripe

$89 XS

Fashion Frill Dress

Jules & Jim

$139 M

One Shoulder Ruffle Top

Olian

$99 L

Racer Back Dress / Tunic

Notice

$119 XL

Grab them while their hot!

Kat

Friday Fun!

2010-04-30T10:33:00.001-05:00

Michael Stars shipment just arrived!

Henley's, V-neck Dresses, Beater Tanks, Tees, and

Shirred Scoop Neck Tees!

These are must have's for any weekend getaway,
mother's day gift,

or just a happy for yourself...
because we deserve that every now and then!

Drop by & see us!

Kat

Sales Tax Break This Thursday Only!!

2010-04-14T15:41:00.006-05:00

Drop by The Swanky Stork April 15 and we'll pay your tax!

Happy Tax Day!

Kat

Too Hot Tuesday!

2010-04-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

These items are too hot! We only have one size left!

Burnout Peony Diamond Top

Maternal America

$99 XS

Model Peasant Top

Cotton Glam

$59 M

Ruffle Blouse

Maternal America

$99 XL

Drop by to see more Too Hot items!

Kat

New Addition!

2010-04-08T09:31:00.001-05:00

Introducing Beth's baby boy!

Barrett Edward

March 3, 2010
20 inches
8 lbs. 1 oz.

Noodle & Boo

2010-04-07T16:47:00.003-05:00

Are you ready to show off your skin? Spring is in the air and it's time to start thinking about that summer glow with Noodle & Boo's Glowology line! All the following products are available on our website and at our stores! Just click on the link to order!

The Balm $24

Sugar Mama Scrub $26

{my personal favorite}

Opulent Body Butter $18

Happy Spring!

Kat

National Commercial Campaign

2009-10-01T16:04:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, a portion of the proceeds from The Swanky Stork goes to The Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation. This foundation was set up in memory of our mother, who lost her battle with breast cancer almost 15 years ago, and supports children who have lost a parent to cancer. We are those children, those silent victims of cancer, and it is our goal to give them a voice and to help them in any way possible. This foundation is our passion and is why we do what we do!

Recently, Mutual of Omaha's Aha Moment Campaign contacted us and asked us to share the foundation story. They came to Birmingham and filmed our story. We just found out that we have been chosen out of thousands to possibly have our story featured as one of Mutual of Omaha's national commercials for 2010. They have narrowed it down to 75 Aha Moments and have now opened voting to the public. The first round of voting goes from Oct. 1- 15 and the 75 will be narrowed down to 25. The second round of voting is Oct. 16 -30 and narrows it down to 10, which will be the stories featured for their national commercials for 2010. We would love for you to help by voting for us and sharing this with your friends. It is our desire to see this foundation grow beyond our wildest dreams and to be able to help as many families as are nominated for help! We know that the national exposure will not only honor our mother's legacy, but also open the door to help countless "silent victims" all over the U.S. and hopefully the world one day! You can vote here.

And if you know of children who have lost a parent to cancer and could use our help, we want to know about them! Tell us their story and ways you think we could help at info@firefliesandfairytales.com

We appreciate your help! Happy fall!!! Check out the latest new fall arrivals - TONS of GREAT things arriving daily from Michael Stars, Notice, Olian, Japanese Weekend, Fierce Mamas, Maternal America and more!!

Pregnancy & Swine Flu

2009-09-22T20:36:00.002-05:00

I think all of us are worried about flu season coming up - especially with the recent outbreak of the Swine Flu. And for all moms-to-be, there are many unanswered questions about The Swine Flu in general, but especially about the impact it can have on pregnancy. Here is a great article that answers many of those questions!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/16/pregnancy.h1n1.flu/index.html

And be sure to stop in The Swanky Stork for all the latest in preggo style! Tons and tons of new fall fashions arriving daily!! We promise to keep your baby bump looking fabulous!

Fall 09 Trend Report

2009-08-19T13:38:00.005-05:00

OK soon - to - be- mommies - we have your Fall 09 Trend Report ready to go. Check out the latest trends and tips for wearing them!

Keep that baby bump looking fabulous and perfectly in style by keeping an eye out for the following trends - all available at The Swanky Stork.

Color!
Bright, fun colors were hot for spring and are still hot for fall. Forget dull colors - fall is all about bright (almost neon) colors that make a statement! The best way to follow this trend is to not put yourself in bright color from head to toe. Rather find a great color jacket that you might put on over a camel dress or black top with jeans. Or find a bright colored shirt and pair it with dark denim. And as always, you can never go wrong by adding a pop of color with a handbag or scarf or other accessory.

Prints
Printed pieces are another carry over trend into fall. Look for great printed dresses or tops and wear them proud. Look for a little less over the top prints to be hot this season - still with great color. One word of caution with this trend: Not all prints are flattering on all body types, so be sure to try on printed styles and be sure it compliments your body type. If you aren't sure, ask the sales people in the store - they are trained on the latest trends and know how to help you pick clothing that flatters your body type perfectly.

Also, as always, plaids, houndstooth, tweeds, etc. are still very hot for fall in coats, tops, skirts, scarves etc. This season look for these prints in fun colors!

Layering
The layered look was all over the runways for fall fashion week and is a GREAT trend for moms-to-be! There are so many ways to make this trend work. From a sleeveless dress over a long sleeve t-shirt with a scarf to a cozy shirt with a wrap over denim or leggings, the layered look is easy to pull off and great for transition from hot summer days to cold winter days. Look for some staple pieces for your wardrobe such as a fabulous scarf, great wrap, leggings, etc. to pull this trend off again and again!

Strong Shoulders
The newest trend to hit the runways this season is the strong shoulder trend. Think big boxy shoulders (remember shoulder pads in the 80s???). This one is probably hard for some of us to wrap our minds around, but it is EVERYWHERE! And it doesn't have to be the shoulder pad look. This trend is more about calling attention to a very delicate and sexy part of a woman's body that is often overlooked or covered up and not highlighted. This trend can be pulled off in a number of ways. It can be through a beautiful one shoulder Grecian look that really highlights the bare shoulders or through a top or dress that has more defined shoulders in the cut and style. Look for this trend to be one of the biggest of Fall 09.

Accessories
Accessorizing never goes out of style. Constantly be on the lookout for a great jewelry, handbags, scarves, etc. that can add a punch of style to any outfit! The great news is you do not have to spend a fortune to follow this trend!

Fall 09 promises to be a great season! Check out The Swanky Stork today for all of these latest trends and more!

Maternity Chic

2009-07-29T14:18:00.002-05:00

We recently did an interview with Birmingham Magazine about maternity fashion! See below for a basic Q&A on maternity style!!

From Birmingham Magazine
By Mary Ellen Stancill

Overalls and muumuus are a thing of the past for today’s moms-to-be. From high end lines like Juicy Couture to affordable fashions from H&M, it seems everyone finally gets it— there’s no reason for women to have to endure a nine month fashion disaster while they’re expecting.

Recently, we checked with the owners of The Swanky Stork—sisters Beth Montgomery, Mary Ann Hudson and Bryson Wilson—in Homewood for their advice on maternity chic.

Birmingham magazine: When should you start buying and wearing maternity clothes?
The Swanky Stork: Different people show at different times during pregnancy. Some people may not show until five or six months (especially if it is a first pregnancy). Other people show much sooner than that. The right time to buy and wear maternity clothes is when your regular clothing begins to feel uncomfortable or tight.

BM: What are current trends in maternity styles?
SS: Maternity fashion is the best it’s ever been and continues to get even better. Maternity styles and trends follow regular styles and trends. The Maxi Dress (floor length dress), made popular by Angelina Jolie, is definitely a must have right now. They are hot in both prints and solids and are available in almost every style imaginable—strapless, halter, Vneck, etc. Maxi dresses are comfortable, flattering on all body types and great for after the baby as well!
Floral prints are huge this season. We are seeing them on everything— dresses, skirts, tops, bathing suits, etc.

Color, color, color! Spring/summer fashion is all about color. Everything from solid colors to prints filled with amazing color, to accessories that add color to an outfit.

White is “white hot” and is now an all year round color. The old “no white after Labor Day” rules are gone! We have a huge selection of white designer denim, white Capri pants, white skirts, etc. White bottoms are a great buy and an excellent way to easily incorporate color into your wardrobe with a bright solid color top or colorful print top. Also, look for fun, flirty white dresses and use accessories to add pops of color to it.

Embellishments on clothing are another great trend right now. You will see everything from ruffles to bows to flowers on tops and dresses adding that extra bit of pizzazz that makes the outfit right on target stylewise.

BM: What would you recommend as essentials for your maternity wardrobe?
SS:The Bella Band is our recommended “first buy” for all moms-tobe. It is designed to fit around your regular pants, allowing you to leave your pants unbuttoned and wear them a little longer. It is an excellent buy and also works in reverse after the baby when your body is shrinking back to its original size.

Designer denim is definitely a “must have” of all maternity wardrobes. One of the biggest mistakes we hear people say they make is that they waited too long to buy designer denim or waited until a second pregnancy to buy them, only to realize how great they are and how much they wear them. … Not all designer denim is the same, so we suggest taking some time to try on different brands to get the perfect fit for your body. Denim can be worn with most any top and can be dressed up or down.

A good pair of black pants is also a great buy for a maternity wardrobe. They are another staple in your wardrobe that works with several tops and can be worn casually or dressed up for work or evenings out.

Dresses are definitely an essential for any maternity wardrobe. Most women will have a few baby showers and other special events to attend during her pregnancy, so finding a few dresses is necessary for those occasions. Dresses are also the most comfortable styles to wear during pregnancy and are available in styles that are sure to be flattering on all body types.

Leggings are a maternity essential because they are stylish and trendy, but also help to stretch maternity budget dollars. Tunics/dresses purchased early in pregnancy sometimes get a little short as the baby bump grows. Those tunics/dresses look just as cute with a great pair of leggings underneath, allowing you to continue wearing them throughout your entire pregnancy.

The Belly Bandit is our recommended “last buy” during pregnancy. Recommended by doctors and endorsed by people like Oprah and Rachel Ray, the Belly Bandit is proven to help you get your body back much quicker after pregnancy. It is a band that Velcros around the waist and uses compression methods to shrink the belly, allowing you to get back to that pre-baby body quickly!

BM: What are some chic shoe options for pregnant women?
SS: We do not carry shoes, however we highly recommend Shoe Fly boutique which is two doors down from The Swanky Stork. One of our most favorite shoe lines is Volatile. They have an excellent assortment of wedge flip flops in all different colors and styles. They are super comfy for pregnant women but still provide height and style!

BM: Are there fashion mistakes you should watch out for while pregnant?
SS: The biggest fashion mistake we see moms-to-be make is not embracing her pregnant body and working more to hide it. Pregnancy is an amazing miracle and a pregnant woman’s body is beautiful!
Maternity styles are fabulous today and we guarantee we have clothes for all body types that will enhance pregnancy and show the beauty of it. By trying to disguise and cover up her pregnant body, often times, a woman ends up looking like she’s wearing clothes that are too big or simply just don’t fit at all.

Visit The Swanky Stork at 2827 18th St. S. in Homewood, 803-2133 or theswankystork.com.

The sisters also own Fireflies & Fairytales, a children’s boutique. A portion of proceeds from both stores goes to the Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation, benefitting children who have lost a parent to cancer, in memory of their mother, Kathy Montgomery.

Nursing Bra 411

2009-07-23T21:31:00.003-05:00

Probably one of the most confusing purchases a mom-to-be has to make is a nursing bra. Nursing bras are a must for all moms who are breast feeding. However, purchasing a nursing bra can often be a very challenging process. Below are a few tips to guide you in your purchase of the right nursing bra for you.

Fit
Fit is perhaps the most important part of purchasing a nursing bra. Nursing bras come in many shapes and sizes. They either come with underwire or without underwire. It is highly recommended that a new mom not wear a nursing bra with underwire until breast feeding has been established. This is because most women do not wear bras that fit them correctly and the underwire ends up pushing on the milk ducts and clogging them, which is a very painful process. There are many nursing bras that do not have underwire but still offer great support. Your nursing bra should support from the band of the bra (from the back) not from the shoulder straps (pulling down on your shoulders).

Nursing bras should fit well and be comfortable, but not so tight that the breast is being smashed too much. This again can interfere with nursing and cause problems.

It is very important to let the sales staff measure you to ensure you buy the right bra size when purchasing a nursing bra. Ideally, you would be measured around 38 weeks for your nursing bra and then purchase a bra with the same band size one cup size larger to accommodate your breasts enlarging when your milk comes in after the baby is born. You may also choose to just purchase one bra at 38 weeks to use in the hospital and then return to the store around 2 weeks after giving birth when your milk comes in to get re-measured. At that point, you should purchase one more nursing bra that should be a very accurate fit based on those current measurements.

Nursing bras are sized in different ways. Some come in band/cup sizing, others come in S,M,L sizing. The sales staff will know how to direct you to the bra size that is best for you.

Ease of Use
All nursing bras feature an access point to the breast for breast feeding without having to remove the bra or lift the bra up. Most bras unsnap at the cup. Be sure you feel comfortable opening and closing the bra you purchase. This should be an easy process. Also be sure the closures are not uncomfortable on your body in any way and that they are strong and durable as you will be using them repeatedly.

Be sure your bra is also adjustable. As your body regulates during the nursing process, you will need to adjust your bra to accommodate the changes in your breast.

Types of Nursing Bras
There are different types of nursing bras. Ideally, a women would purchase at least two regular nursing bras for every day wear ensuring a fresh nursing bra is always available.

Sleep nursing bras are designed to give you support overnight, yet be extremely comfortable to sleep in. When your milk first comes in, until your body regulates your milk supply, the breasts are often very engorged and heavy and require support at all times. Sleep bras almost resemble sports bras. They are soft, usually do not feature a closure in the back and usually do not feature a closure at the cup. They are designed to just slide off the breast for breast feeding at night, while still supporting the breasts throughout the night. Ideally a woman would purchase at least one sleep bra that will most likely be used at least in the first two weeks of breast feeding, if not longer.

Fashion nursing bras are also available. These are bras that feature different fabrics or prints such as lace, leopard print, bold colors, etc. These are designed for women who may have evenings out, functions to attend, etc. while breast feeding. Nursing bras are not dull and boring - they are fashion forward as well!

Ask questions!
Finally - be sure to allow the sales staff to assist you. They are trained in nursing bras and can help you find the exact size and style for your body and preferences. Nursing bras are usually not cheap and you want to be sure you get the most for your money. Ask questions and utilize the training of the sales staff.

Decoding Designer Denim

2009-07-07T12:15:00.002-05:00

One of the best investments you can make during your pregnancy is designer denim. Designer denim is top of the line denim that will last throughout your entire pregnancy and the weeks following your pregnancy as your body is returning to normal. Designer denim also never goes out of style so investing in them during your first pregnancy pays off well for subsequent pregnancies - even if they are years apart. Very well worth the money!!

That being said, before you invest in them - it is important to know some basic facts about designer denim so that you are an educated buyer and get the perfect pair for your body type.

1. Not all designer denim is created equal. Some denim stretches more than others. Some denim is softer than others. They have different panels (as in some have over the belly panels, some have under belly panels and some have no panels). Be sure you try on all different styles to see what is most comfortable to you and offers the options you prefer.

2. Different brands fit in different ways. For example, Citizens of Humanity and Paige jeans are usually most flattering on a curvy body type. Also the bootcut fit tends to be more flattering for a curvy figure. Chip & Pepper Jeans are typically most flattering on straighter body types. A bootcut fit is also flattering on a straight figure, as is a slim leg fit.
We are finally seeing designer denim available in petite sizing. It has taken a long time, but they are beginning to produce petite sized maternity denim and that is a great thing for those of us not blessed in the height department! Again, try on all different styles to see which fit is perfect for your body type.

3. Sizing is everything! Designer denim is sized by waist size. But - again, not all denim is created equal, so you might be different sizes in different styles of jeans. It is important for your denim to fit snugly in the dressing room. This is because all denim stretches and if it is not snug in the dressing room, by the time you wear them a while and stretch them out naturally, your jeans will be loose and sagging and unflattering.

That being said, because you are pregnant, your body is growing, so it is important to buy with the idea that you are growing and want to be able to wear these jeans the entire length of your pregnancy. The basic rule of thumb is to buy up one size from your regular size for maternity denim.

Another thing to consider is where you would naturally gain weight. If you naturally gain weight in your hips and thighs, you definitely want to buy up one size to get the most wear out of your denim. If you normally do not gain in hips and thighs and tend to gain more in chest and upper body area, you may be safe to stick to your regular size. I gain in chest and stomach area and was able to stay in the same size denim for both pregnancies.

Trying on is, again, key to making the best decision. Allow The Swanky Stork staff to assist you. They are trained in helping you pick out the best denim, with the best fit for your body type.

4. Pick a wash that is most suitable to your style. Denim comes in "washes" which is another word for the color of the denim. Washes range from very light to very dark. A lighter wash is very trendy this season and works great for casual wear. A darker wash is classic and stylish and also works great for casual wear, but is also able to be dressed up for dressier evenings out, etc.

Know that designer denim is worth the investment and there is a perfect pair of designer denim out there for you no matter what your size or body type. We are happy to assist you in the process of selecting what is best for you and are trained on each denim style available at The Swanky Stork and will work to get that perfect fit for you. We have the largest selection of designer denim in the state!! Come in check it out!

Accessorize Yourself!

2009-06-17T13:37:00.017-05:00

One of the basic keys to a great wardrobe is perfect accessories! Did you know that The Swanky Stork is loaded with great accessories to add the perfect touch to any outfit? We are loaded with fabulous jewelry, handbags, scarves, diaper bags (yes, even diaper bags make a perfect fashionable and functional accessory) and more! In addition to the fact that accessories are the perfect addition to any wardrobe, the greatest thing about accessories is that they go on parts of your body that are actually not changing or growing!

Check out just a few of the great accessories available at The Swanky Stork.

Initial Pendants - SUPER hot right now! We absolutely LOVE these necklaces. The charm look is all the rage. And this is a perfect example of the modern "mom necklace". Great gift for a mommy-to-be!! These will be arriving this week at The Swanky Stork!

Earrings to add a pop of color to any outfit!

(here's the best thing...almost all of our jewelry is in the $8-12 range!!)

Jewelry that captures the latest trends perfectly!

(By the way - peacock is the latest fad sweeping the nation right now - it is EVERYWHERE!!)

Back to the basics: Timeless jewelry updated for the modern fashionista!

Every mom needs a diaper bag! Diaper bags these days are as sleek and stylish as ever - yet super functional. Who needs designer handbags when you have diaper bags that look like these and can double as both!

Check out a few samples of these fabulous diaper bags from Petunia Pickle Bottom and Fleurville!

(available in a variety of styles and colors/prints)

That's just a small taste of the large variety of accessories available at The Swanky Stork. Watch for more must have affordable jewelry arriving soon at The Swanky Stork! And as always, you will find us well stocked on the latest and greatest in maternity styles like Michael Stars, Notice, Citizens of Humanity, Paige, Maternal America, Olian and more!

Stop by and see us. We are in Homewood next to Mama Goldbergs and across the street from Smith's Variety Store.

Pick Us!!

2009-06-02T13:28:00.008-05:00

We are so pleased to announce that Fireflies & Fairytales (the sister store of The Swanky Stork) is a nominee for the Nickelodeon's 2009 Parents' Pick Award for Best Children's Clothing Store.
And you can help us win!!

Go to: http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks/birmingham-al-usa/best-birmingham-kids-clothing-store

VOTE for us DAILY!!!

As Seen On...

2009-05-20T13:03:00.004-05:00

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama. As many of you know, Nicole Allshouse, one of the hosts of the show, recently announced her pregnancy. We are excited for Nicole and are thrilled to be "dressing" her each day for Talk of Alabama throughout her pregnancy.

Nicole will be wearing something from The Swanky Stork each day, which is a great way to see maternity styles and fashions on an actual person, as well as, keep up with the new styles and trends as they arrive each week.

In addition to Nicole modeling maternity styles each day, over the next several months, Talk of Alabama will feature segments on maternity style, nursery "must haves", the latest trends and styles in kids clothing and more - all available at The Swanky Stork and our baby store, Fireflies & Fairytales. Tune in this Friday for "finding the perfect diaper bag" featuring Petunia Pickle Bottom and Fleurville Diaper Bags available at The Swanky Stork.

And in celebration of Memorial Day and a fun weekend at the pool, on the lake, at the beach, etc, watch the link below to see some fabulous maternity swimwear for all shapes and sizes available at The Swanky Stork.

http://cfc.abc3340.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=40825&category=toa

We look forward to celebrating this wonderful time with Nicole and also encourage all other mommies-to-be to stop by The Swanky Stork. We promise to keep your baby bump looking fabulous!

Star Maternity Style for Less

2009-05-08T14:54:00.011-05:00

We all know the celebrities look perfectly fashionable and stylish all the time - especially when pregnant. Now more than ever, we are seeing more celebrities who are preggers and amazing maternity style as a result. We also know most of the celebrities spend thousands of dollars to maintain that style and most of us are not able to do that. So, is it possible to have celebrity style and taste for much, much less? Absolutely! Check out some examples below....

Angelina Jolie Maternity Style

Known for making the maxi dress famous, Angelina Jolie is pictured here pregnant with her twins and wearing a beautiful maxi maternity dress. An almost identical style by Olian Maternity is available at The Swanky Stork.

Or go for the shorter version - also available at The Swanky Stork in a fabulous Persian blue color.

White Hot Maternity Style

as seen on Ashley Simpson, Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry

Celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Ashley Simpson and Halle Berry keep their baby bumps fun, flirty and comfortable in summer chic white dresses, similar to a style by Olian Maternity available at The Swanky Stork.

Grecian Goddess Maternity Style

as seen on Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba

Get a similar look with the Grecian Gown by Hatch Maternity below, available at The Swanky Stork.

Nicole Richie Maternity Style

Known for her street chic style, Nicole Richie is expecting her second child and looks great in her casual strapless, printed maxi dress. Similar to the strapless, floral maxi dress below from Mercedes Hill available at The Swanky Stork

For an evening out Nicole Richie traded her casual style for a more sophisticated style similar to the Cowl Neck Dress by Fierce Mamas below, available at The Swanky Stork.

V-Neck Maxi Style

as seen on Angelina Jolie & Ashley Simpson

The V-Neck maxi boho chic maxi dress worn by Angelina Jolie and Ashley Simpson creates a flattering, comfortable styles for all mommies-to-be. Get a similar printed V-Neck maxi dress by Olian Maternity at The Swanky Stork.

Gwen Stefani Style

Gwen Stefani is known for her edgy, trendy style and is seen out in a great printed sundress similar to the Sunflower Strapless sundress by Lauren Kiyomi available at The Swanky Stork.

Evening Attire

For a stroll down the red carpet, Nicole Kidman looks fabulous in a black silk V-neck evening gown, almost identical to the style below by Ripe available at The Swanky Stork.

Check out The Swanky Stork for the latest in maternity fashion! We promise to keep your baby bump looking fabulous!

To keep your baby looking fabulous - check out Fireflies & Fairytales. Also check out the new Fireflies & Fairytales Blog!

Great Finds Under $100

2009-05-01T09:59:00.009-05:00

These days, we all are trying to stretch our dollars a little further and we know that mommies-to-be are no exception! However, you can still keep your baby bump looking fabulous without breaking the bank. Here are some great finds for under $100 available now at The Swanky Stork.

Dresses Under $100
Dresses are great for casual wear, showers, events, evenings out, etc. Dresses are a great buy and flattering fit for all women who are preggo.

Cute Cowlneck Dress by Fierce Mamas - $79

Vee Neck Cotton Dress by Cotton Glam - $69. Perfect for this season's trend of bright fun colors!

Black Pintuck Tunic/Dress by Ripe - $79

Black Shine Vee Neck Dress by Michael Stars - $80. Love this!!

Tops under $100.
These tops are great because they are basic tops that are trendy and can be mixed and matched with many bottoms, making them not only a great find for under $100, but another great way to get more for you money!

Black Shine Henley Top by Michael Stars - $54. These are a must have in every mommie-to-be's wardrobe! Available in other colors. Looks great layered!

Black bow top by Maternal America -$89. This is a perfect top for casual wear with jeans, capris, shorts, etc. Also looks amazing dressed up with pants and skirts! Also available in navy/white stripe.

Plum Ashbury Top by Juliet Dream - $89. Trend Alert - accessories on clothing is hot this season!

White ruffle tube top by Maternal America - $79. This top screams summer fun. It's comfy, cool and super cute! Also available in black!

Nathalie Tunic by Ripe - $99. Looks fabulous with leggings!

Seashell Ring top by Maternal America - $89. Available in black or espresso.

Black off shoulder top by Maternal America - $69. Love, love this one!!

Blissful Boxpleat Shirt by Fierce Mamas - $59

Bottoms under $100.
Having a few great basic bottoms in your maternity wardrobe is essential. Here are some great basics for under $100. These all work perfectly with most of the tops under $100.

Oatmeal Linen Pants by Mercedes Hill - $69. Fabulous find!!!!

Pink/White stripe seersucker shorts by Maternal America - $99

Black/White stripe seersucker shorts by Maternal America - $99

Denim Pencil Skirt by Maternal America - $99

These are just a few examples of some great finds available at The Swanky Stork! Even if your baby bump is growing but your budget is not - we promise to always keep you looking fabulous no matter what!

Fabulous Find: Fit2BMom Activewear

2009-04-24T09:53:00.017-05:00

Since opening The Swanky Stork, we have been on a mission to find the perfect active wear for mommies-to-be and we have finally found it!!!!!

Fit2BMom is an active wear line that is taking the maternity world by storm!! Celebrities like Ugly Betty's Ana Ortiz stay fit and active with Fit2BMom. The press they have received is way too much to mention - so you can just check it out here if you are interested.

Here's why we LOVE this line!

1. It's super cute! It actually looks really good and not just like over-sized, boring, ugly work out clothes that don't fit right!

2. Besides making your baby bump look really fabulous - it actually serves a purpose.

Fit2BMom is founded by fitness instructor and mother of 2, Christine Lavin. She's a fitness instructor - she knows her active wear!! But here's why it's GREAT! The tops provide 360 degree supportive shelf bra with adjustable straps and drawstring shirring along the sides that adjust to your growing baby bump or shrinking post baby bump. In a nutshell - they actually fit well AND support well!! And it does even more! It is designed with Supplex fabric that is moisture wicking, promising to keep your body cool and dry - while exercising or just on those hot summer days.

3. Did we mention that it is absolutely adorable!! This line is perfect for leisure wear - even if you never step foot in a gym. It's super comfortable. The pants, capris and skorts feature roll down waistbands, allowing them to be an over belly or under belly fit - whichever you prefer.

Enough talking - see for yourself...

Criss-Cross top featuring 360 degree built-in shelf bra. Available in different colors.

Cami Top - also featuring 360 degree built in bra with adjustable straps and also available in a variety of great colors.

Skort - featuring roll over waistband. Available in several colors. Love this!!

Capri pants featuring roll over waistband and available in several colors.

Don't you just love it!?! It's all available at The Swanky Stork. (And watch for new styles and colors arriving this fall.)

Your baby bump will be looking HOT in these clothes (while staying very cool and dry)!

Top Maternity Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 09

2009-04-16T14:13:00.023-05:00

I copied this article from a Fashion Trends Blog - it's a great summary of what's hot for spring/summer 09. Beneath each fashion trend are pictures from clothing available at The Swanky Stork. Our mission is to keep your baby bump looking fabulous and perfectly on trend...you'll see below that we mean it!

Trend 1: Flowy Dresses
Flowy Dresses accent a pregnant body so well. With or without leggings, bold prints or solids, bright hues or simple ebony and ivory. It seems you can't go wrong this spring with a flowy dress. Besides, every pregnant girl needs a gorgeous dress. Go belted to define your new pregnant tummy and add a cardigan or even a vest if it cools off.

Trend 2: Different Necklines

Necklines will give a new look to pregnancy. Be sure to include V-neck cuts and off-the-shoulder styles because they're already starting to be HOT this spring.

Trend 3: Bohemian Style
Bohemain Style is a big hit this spring. The best way to pull this off is to pair a bohemian styled piece with something a bit more conservative. Perhaps a bohemian skirt with a solid colored top.

Trend 4: Color
Color is a huge consideration for pieces this spring. An abundance of nudes offer a neutral palette which is perfect for adding a splash of color. Metallic liquid silver and gold is everywhere. Bright colors should be included such as lemon yellows, neon oranges, chartreuse, fuchsia and bright blues. Muted bright colors such as mint green and coral are also big.

Trend 5: Ruffles and Bows

Ruffles and bows dressed up simple silhouettes in the Spring 2009 Collections. Look for bows at the shoulders or hips and ruffles at hemlines.

Trend 6: Floral Prints
Floral prints are back again. Whether it is large blossoms or tiny flowers, floral prints always look great for spring. It works best to pair this look with a soft tank top or flowy tunic.

Trend 7: Oversized Jewelry
Oversized jewelry is a statement piece that can update any outfit. Huge chunky necklaces and chandelier earrings are a must. However, be careful not to wear anything too heavy.

(We always have a fabulous assortment of jewelry and accessories at The Swanky Stork - watch for a fantastic new jewelry line - under $20 - arriving very soon!)

Now that you've got an idea on what this spring is all about, pick and choose your items with confidence. Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to compromise your desire to be up-to-date on all the latest fashions. Be bold, you can have fun with Maternity Clothes too!

Fierce Mamas has arrived!!

2009-04-09T12:19:00.005-05:00

OK mommies-to-be -- if you don't know about Fierce Mamas -- you need to!!
Fierce Mamas is a new maternity line on the market from Christian Siriano. For those of you who are thinking, I know that name - why do I know that name - Christian is the winner of last season's Project Runway and has skyrocketed to designer fame as a result. He is worn by almost all celebrities and one of his biggest fans is Victoria Beckham, the queen of style herself.

Christian is now designing for the maternity world and his line is called Fierce Mamas! This line has the "straight off the runway look" without the runway price! It's FABULOUS! Fierce Mamas has been featured in almost every pregnancy magazine and many others as well. E! News Live also just did a live fashion show featuring Fierce Mamas.

We are pleased to be one of the only stores in the state of Alabama offering Fierce Mamas. This line truly is guaranteed to keep your baby bump looking fabulous - or fierce!! Check out some Fierce Mama styles below available at The Swanky Stork.

The Luscious Long dress - one of our favorites!!!

Jersey Cowl Neck Dress - great for any time during pregnancy and beyond!

Beautiful Bolero - straight off the runway. Check The Swanky Stork for matching pencil skirt!!

Pleated Box Shirt - looks great with jeans or dressed up!

On another note - The Swanky Stork is all over the place these days! We hope you saw us in the Homewood Helping Hands and High Fashion show last Saturday. Thanks to all our beautiful models for showing some of the latest styles out for spring!

If you missed that, you can catch us on April 14th on NBC 13's Daytime Alabama at 11:30. We will be showing the latest styles and trends for spring. We were also thrilled to have the host of the show Brooke Smith as one of our models. Brooke is almost 5 months pregnant and looks great in one of our T-Bags dresses!

And finally, be sure to check out our new selection of wood frames available at The Swanky Stork. These frames are hand crafted and designed right here in Alabama. They are made with real wood and are perfect for new nurseries! Available in many color options and sizes - custom colors and sizes are available upon request. See you soon!

Swanky Stork styles featured in Pregnancy & Newborn

2009-03-23T12:51:00.007-05:00

One of our favorite pregnancy lines, Olian, is being featured in the March issue of Pregnancy & Newborn. In this issue, Fashion Editor, Erin Bransford had an opportunity to interview and style Victoria Recano, celebrity interviewer for the hit entertainment show “The Insider”. As you can see in the images below, Victoria looked beautiful in two of our very popular Lycra dresses.

Lycra Dress Style in Royal Blue

Lycra Dress Style in Cobalt Blue

Also featured through out the magazine were additional pieces from Olian’s Cruise & Spring 2009 Collections:

Silk Cotton Voile Top in a Blue Sapphire Print

Rayon/Spandex Dress in a Yellow Floral Print with a Striped Border

These styles and much more fabulous preggo looks are available at The Swanky Stork! Stop in and we promise to help you keep your baby bump looking fabulous!!

In case you missed it...

2009-03-16T20:15:00.002-05:00

Want some great ideas for Easter maternity fashion or just fabulous spring styles in general? Check out our models on Fox 6 Good Day AL http://www.myfoxal.com/dpp/gda_publish/20090310Maternity_Fashion.

The stork is dropping off new spring arrivals every day!! Spring fashion is wonderful this year - fashion definitely agrees with pregnancy these days! Come in and check out all the latest styles.

Come See Us!

2009-03-05T15:01:00.003-06:00

I don't know if you've heard of one of the greatest events that happens in Birmingham every year, but it's happening this weekend at the BJCC. It's called Cottontails! The show happens every year and features over 500 booths of really neat and unique stuff!!! Things like clothing, jewelry, gifts, home decor, etc. This is an all in one stop shop!

Many of you know that in addition to The Swanky Stork, we have a baby/children's clothing and gift store - Fireflies & Fairytales - and we set up a booth each year with THE CUTEST baby/children's clothing and accessories around. So - even if you are a mom-to-be, it's time to start thinking about all the cute things you are going to put that new little bundle of joy in. So - come see us! We'd love to meet you. It starts tomorrow and runs through the weekend. Stop by the Fireflies & Fairytales booth and say hello!!

Celebrity Maternity Style at The Swanky Stork

2009-02-26T13:41:00.009-06:00

Hot celebrity mamas are popping up all over Hollywood these days. They always seem to look fabulous and the great news is - you can look just as fantastic as they do! Check out the article below from http://www.pregnancyandbaby.com/.

"What are some of the newest maternity style trends in Hollywood? Maternity style trends in Hollywood are easier to spot these days, with so many hot mamas getting pregnant. Overall, there has been a move away from showing your bare belly, but clothes certainly do still show the belly off with fitted tops and sexy styles. Jeans continue to be a big trend, with designer denim like Citizens of Humanity selling well. Pregnant stars are pairing jeans with the hottest trend right now, which is novelty tank tops and tees. These tops are printed on the front with fun sayings and prints such as "Due In January," from Samson Martin, printed with monthly due dates and "What's Kickin" ...from 2chix. Fun printed tank tops with graphics such as a bun in an oven have also been big hits.

Another trend is longer length tops, which are also called tunics. These tops are often embellished, and the longer length is flattering and cool. They are a bit roomier, but still sexy and form flattering. The good news is that a mom-to-be outside of Hollywood can look as good as a celebrity with so many new styles from which to choose!"

Here's the even better news - The Swanky Stork carries all the things mentioned as the "must haves" in this article! You can look EXACTLY like the celebrities and even better!

And here's a snippet from an article in http://www.splendicity.com/ - celebrity maternity style. "I’m noticing that these celebrity Hot Mamas To-Be have been keeping it casual and light with maxi dresses and comfy sandals. Perfect for any stage of pregnancy and ohhhh soooo comfortable. I remember how “free” I felt in maxi dresses while I was pregnant. No restricting pants with restricting waistlines. No fighting with zippers and buttons when you go to the ladies room to go “tinkle”, you feel me? I knowww my Mommies do!!!"

The Swanky Stork is LOADED with maxi dresses - from elegantly fashionable to fun and funky - we have the perfect maxi dress for your maternity style. Here are a few samples:

Be sure to stop by The Swanky Stork today to check out all the latest maternity styles from top designers. We promise to keep your baby bump looking fabulous!!

One last thing: Be sure to check out http://trolardimaging.blogspot.com/. These are our friends Ron & Megan Trollard and they do AMAZING pictures of newborns, babies, children, pregnancy photos, family photos and more! If you are thinking about remembering this special time of life through photos, be sure to check them out!

In fact, here is a picture of the newest member of The Swanky Stork family, Sellers Kathleen Hudson - taken by Ron & Megan Trollard - Trollard Imaging (http://www.trolards.com/):

She's Here!

2009-02-16T20:03:00.002-06:00

Sellers Kathleen Hudson was born on Thursday, Feb. 12th at 6pm. She weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long! She's perfect!! We are so excited to welcome her into the world.

Also - be sure to check out our HUGE selection of Michael Stars! Beaters, dresses, henleys and more in amazing colors! Stop by today!!

We're on baby watch!!

2009-02-12T11:40:00.002-06:00

We are anxiously waiting for the stork to deliver Sellers Kathleen Hudson, daughter of Matt & Mary Ann Hudson. Mary Ann is the middle of the three sisters and owners of The Swanky Stork and Fireflies & Fairytales. She went into labor last night about 11:00 and is still in labor today! We can't wait to meet this precious miracle!! Watch for pictures and information soon!

PS - be sure to check out all the fabulous new spring arrivals at The Swanky Stork. We are getting huge shipments in every day!!

Did you know...

2009-02-03T11:14:00.006-06:00

The Swanky Stork supports a foundation - The Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation. You can mash here to read more about it. But - in a nutshell - we, my sisters and I, lost our Mom to cancer almost 14 years ago. Since that time, we've always wanted a way to honor her memory. She was a loving, caring, completely selfless and giving woman, who particularly had a heart for children. She was a kindergarten teacher, volunteer children's worker at our church, etc. She loved children and was extremely gifted at working with children. So, we thought - what better way to honor her memory and put into practice the values she instilled in us than to create a foundation in her memory that would benefit and support children.

My mom's story, and our story, is cancer. Cancer is a horrible disease that claims many lives and leaves behind often unforgotten and nameless victims - like the children of those who lost their battle with cancer. The Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation supports and benefits those children, the ones who have lost a parent to cancer. We are those children and know that pain and want to do our part to comfort, encourage and support those children and their families.

We are always taking nominations of families who need help and are grateful that we have been able to support 3 families to date. The Foundation is funded through a portion of the proceeds from sales at The Swanky Stork and Fireflies & Fairytales, our children's boutique, and through sales of Fireflies & Fairytales Originals. If you would like to nominate a family, please email info@firefliesandfairytales.com.

Here is an article in Alabama Baby about the Foundation and another story from the Shelby County Reporter and one other story in the Birmingham News.

So - know that as you are growing your little miracle and shopping at The Swanky Stork - you are also helping to take care of someone else's little miracle(s) in the process. We are grateful for the opportunity to create and support this Foundation and pray that it grows into more than we could ever dream or imagine!

We love you and miss you, Mama!

5 Trends for Spring

2009-01-29T09:26:00.005-06:00

We just got back from market this weekend! The greatest thing about market is we are able to see the upcoming trends for the next season. We always want our moms -to -be to be up to date on the latest fashion trends - so here are the top 5 trends we are seeing for spring!

1. White, white, white! White is so hot right now - especially white denim. The greatest thing about white is it has become seasonless.

2. Bold, fun, funky prints! We are seeing fabulous prints everywhere! Watch for great prints in all styles - dresses, shirts, shorts (yes - even shorts - we have an AMAZING pair of printed shorts coming in this month from Maternal America!). Gone are the days of boring, plain maternity clothes. You can find fabulous prints in great colors that express your style perfectly. Pair those great printed tops with the stylish white jeans and you are a perfect ten for spring style! Also, watch for maxi dresses (floor length) to be available in a variety of great prints this season.

3. Diaper bags that express your sense of style! Diaper bags are no longer just boring bags that serve a purpose. Diaper bags are now a hot accessory that defines your sense of style - but also serves a purpose! One of our favorites is Petunia Pickle Bottom. These diaper bags - yes, they really are diaper bags - look like handbags that are to die for! The thing is - they look like an amazing handbag, but have all the functions of a diaper bag. This line is red hot and we LOVE it! (Petunia Pickle Bottom is currently available only at Fireflies & Fairytales - our baby store - in The Village at Lee Branch, but will be arriving at The Swanky Stork very soon!!) Also check out Fleurville - another one of our favorites. Chic and practical! Find a diaper bag that expresses who you are and compliments your sense of style and your fabulous wardrobe!

4. Color! It almost seems like a contradiction because we talked about how hot white is right now. Well - color is also hot. Look for cropped pants this season in a variety of fabulous colors. These pair really well with those fun prints you'll also see this season. For example - one of our favorites is the Maternal America navy and white striped shirt paired with a great pair of navy or yellow cropped pants (watch for the pants to be coming very soon!). This is a comfortable outfit that hits the mark for spring style!

5. Activewear and Swimsuits! Now, more than ever, America is working hard to stay fit. Fit doesn't mean a certain size or shape - it is simply being comfortable in your own skin and working to keep your body as healthy as possible. That even includes mommies! And one of the hottest trends right now - especially in celebrity world - is looking good while you are working on keeping your body fit and healthy. Anytime is a great time to exercise - especially during pregnancy. Even if it's just walking around the block and getting out to enjoy the outdoors. And don't worry - we have just what you need to keep you looking chic in the process.

OK - so I know you are thinking - the exercise thing I might can do, but why in the world do I want to put a swimsuit on and expose my ever growing belly. Because - for one thing - you always need a great swimsuit in spring and summer - that's a given - and we have some absolutely amazing ones. But also, your ever growing belly really is beautiful - it's an amazing gift and accentuating that with the perfect swimsuit is perfectly alright! Swimsuits are one of the hottest items introduced each spring and we have one that will perfectly fit your sense of style and body shape!

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you are your best style icon. The "old fashion" fashion rules are long gone. You can stay perfectly in style, while reflecting your own sense of style. When shopping for your stylish new spring maternity wardrobe - have fun! Enjoy it! And use it as an opportunity to reflect the inner beauty going on inside your body, specifically, your belly - you are growing a person! That's amazing and incredibly beautiful!!

Building the Perfect Maternity Wardrobe

2009-01-20T10:24:00.004-06:00

Probably the number one question we are most often asked is "how do I even begin to start building a maternity wardrobe"? Fortunately - we know the answer to that question and can provide some very useful and basic tips to building a very stylish - but comfortable maternity wardrobe.

But before we give tips - the biggest hurdle to overcome is actually taking the leap and getting into maternity clothes. First time moms (including myself) are usually very hesitant to take the plunge and start wearing maternity clothes. I don't know if we are just scared to actually admit we are "growing" in the belly or if the maternity fashion world is just so unknown that we don't want to venture into it. Who knows - but for whatever reason so many first time moms are squeezing themselves into their old clothes to the point that we become so uncomfortable that we have no choice but to just "do it" - start wearing maternity clothes.

Here's the good news - maternity clothes are super cute today! Maternity fashion has come A LONG LONG way! And to let you in on a secret - we even have people shopping the store who are not pregnant because they see something in the window or the store that they think is so cute. Who would ever know it was a "maternity" outfit!

So - once you jump the hurdle of taking the plunge and starting to wear these cute maternity clothes that are designed to make your little belly bump even cuter than it already is - here are a few tips for getting started.

1. Maternity clothing, for the most part, is sized based on your pre-pregnancy size. That being said - always try everything on. But to get you started - shop looking for sizes as you normally would.

2. Invest in a good pair of denim jeans early on. Denim is hot and has been hot for a long time and will continue to be hot for a long time. It is worn in all seasons and does not go out of style. That being said - not all denim is created equal. Designer denim is a bit more pricey than other denim, but is worth every penny. We feature a denim bar with just about every brand of designer denim that offers maternity. You are guaranteed to find a pair of designer jeans that fit your body and your shape perfectly and just make you feel like you look really good - even with a baby bump! Designer denim also holds up very well. And because it does not go out of style you can wear it for subsequent pregnancies and stretch your dollar even more. We see so many women hesitate to pay the money for designer denim, only to come back either towards the very end of their pregnancy or early in the next pregnancy saying - "I wish I would have bought these earlier when I was thinking about it". This is a purchase you will use throughout your entire pregnancy, subsequent pregnancies and yes, even after pregnancy when you are working hard to get rid of that cute little baby bump you've had for 9 months!

When buying designer denim - the rule of thumb is to buy one size up from you pre-pregnancy size. But always try everything on. Different brands fit different ways. You want your jeans to fit you very well in the dressing room because they will stretch some as you wear them. If they are loose on you when you try them on - they will be very loose on you as you wear them.

2. Another great purchase early on is a great pair of pants - whether it be black, chocolate, white, winter white - whatever you seem to wear most. Pants (and denim) are the first things you will need as you begin wearing maternity clothing. You will notice that your pants are very uncomfortable - often before others even notice you are pregnant. You want to have a few good pairs of pants ready to go when you just can't squeeze into your regular pants anymore.

3. We suggest spreading out buying tops throughout your pregnancy. Your upper body changes the most during pregnancy, generally, and it's best to start with a few cute tops and continue buying along the way as your body grows and changes. That is also a great way to spread out your budget, while consistently updating your wardrobe throughout your nine months. The denim and basic pants you invested in early on look like brand new outfits as you mix and match new tops and colors and prints with them throughout your entire pregnancy.

4. Dresses are an essential to all maternity wardrobes. You will most likely have showers - so it's worth looking for a couple of really cute shower dresses. Many people like to look for dresses with some pink in them if they are having a girl or blue for boys. Others just look for fun shower dresses. Whatever the case - you can't go wrong with having a few dresses in your wardrobe. And the great thing is - dresses are the most comfortable of all clothing to wear when you are pregnant. Be sure to look for the maxi dress (floor length) again this season. It continues to be one of the hottest things out there right now - thanks to the celebrities, especially Angelina Jolie. This season look for them to be offered in a variety of fabulous prints!

5. Leggings are a mom-to-be's best friend! Whoever or whatever brought the leggings trend back - we are grateful! Leggings are so comfortable and are so versatile! Those cute dresses you got early on in your pregnancy that are a little too short now that your belly bump has grown - can become cute tunic tops when you throw a great pair of leggings underneath. Don't forget the leggings! They are offered in cropped length for spring/summer and ankle length for fall/winter.

6. Accessorize!! Don't forget your accessories. Handbags, jewelry,scarves,etc are a great and affordable way to add color and pizazz to any outfit. And let's be honest - accessories go on the only parts of your body that are actually not changing or growing, so sometimes it just feels good to buy them!!

7. Don't forget your intimates! Maternity pajamas are designed to be SO comfortable and very stylish. You can find adorable and/or sexy maternity pajamas. You can also find great pajama/robe sets that are perfect for the hospital. Don't' forget your PJ's! Also - nursing bras and maternity panties are a necessity as you grow in your pregnancy. Nursing bras, in particular, are very important. Be sure to ask someone to measure you to ensure you are buying the right size bra.

8. Try everything on and ask for help. That's what we are here for!! Everyone working in the store is there to help you. They are stylish and know what is in the store and can really help you find exactly what you need. They will give honest opinions about how things fit or how they work together. Take advantage of that. It's one of the greatest things about shopping a maternity boutique. They are there for you and are happy to help you!

9. The best "first purchase" and "last purchase" you will ever make. The Belly Band is a great "first purchase". This is a band that is designed to allow you to wear your regular clothes longer. You can wear your pants unbuttoned and put this over them so that it will hold them up and no one will ever know. It also creates a great layering look. And after the baby is born when you just can't quite fit back into your regular clothes yet - you can use it for the same purpose!

Also, the Belly Bandit is a great "last purchase". Let's face it. Even though you got some really fabulous maternity clothes - after your little bundle of joy arrives - you can't wait to get back into your pre-pregnancy clothes! The Belly Bandit will speed up that process!! This is a compression wrap that is proven to help get your stomach back to it's pre-pregnancy size much quicker. It has been featured on Oprah, Rachel Ray and other shows and is consistently ordered by doctors who perform surgeries on the stomach to help in the healing process. It can be worn by all women - whether you've had a C-Section or not.

10. Enjoy this time! I've been pregnant twice - I know it's hard to enjoy. Your body is changing , you feel funny, you don't think you look good! We encourage you to enjoy the miracle your body is performing! And trust me, when your little bundle of joy arrives - it will be worth every bit of it!!!

Watch for us on Talk of Alabama!!

2009-01-07T20:15:00.002-06:00

Be sure to watch Talk of Alabama this Friday, Jan. 9th at 9:00AM on ABC33/40. The Swanky Stork will be featuring the hottest new trends in maternity fashion for 2009!

Also, be sure to stop by the store soon! There are fabulous new arrivals daily!

Just arrived: Citizen of Humanity white bootcut denim! Ladies - the days of "you can't wear white after labor day" are long gone! White is a year round color now and it is hot! These jeans are fabulous and are "must have" for any wardrobe. In fact, the Today show recently did a segment on how to wear white all year long.

Also just arrived: Citizens of Humanity Ava Fit Jean. These are a straight leg jean that's perfect for that great pair of boots to be worn over the jean.

And don't miss our latest shipment of handbags, jewelry and scarves. Accessories are the perfect way to add spice to an outfit. And - the best thing about accessories is they go on the only parts of your body that aren't growing and changing!!

Watch this month for a HUGE shipment of Michael Stars and Maternal America - two of our most favorite brands!

See you in the store!

Annual Comfort & Joy Sale

2008-12-02T15:10:00.003-06:00

During this holiday season, moms, we believe you should be comfortable (yet fabulously fashionable) while waiting on the arrival of your little bundle of joy and we want to help you do just that with our annual Comfort & Joy sale!!

THIS SATURDAY, Dec. 6th, The Swanky Stork will host our first annual Comfort & Joy sale and this is your invitation! Here are just a few details:

Paper Denim & Cloth Designer Maternity jeans will be reduced to 40% off
Buy ANY nursing bra and get a Bravado Original Nursing Bra absolutely free!!
All coats, cords & diaper bags (including Fleurville) will be 25% off!
Jewelry & Handbags reduced 30% (great way to spice up your maternity wardrobe without breaking the bank!)
New markdowns taken throughout the entire store!

This is one sale you DO NOT want to miss!! It's our ONE DAY (Saturday only sale). But - here's a little secret - for you moms who are avid readers of our blogs - we invite you to beat the crowds and shop early at our preview sale on Friday - just as our way of saying thanks!

Remember - the sale absolutely ends at 5:00 on Saturday. We hope to see you there!

Belly Bandit arriving this week!!

2008-12-01T13:50:00.003-06:00

Ok moms - this is the thing you have been waiting on without even knowing it - TRUST ME! The Belly Bandit is arriving at The Swanky Stork this week! The Belly Bandit™ wrap is an
abdominal compression binder designed to help you get your body back to its former fabulousness post childbirth.

So you are probably thinking - yeah right! Well I was thinking the same thing too, so I called the company and asked around to get more information. Here's how it works. As you grow along in your pregnancy, your uterus grows to accommodate a growing child (or children for some of you) in your belly. After you give birth, your uterus is still large and does not shrink immediately (thus the reason you go home still looking pregnant and still wearing those really cute maternity clothes). Your body continues to have contractions to start the process of shrinking your uterus back down to it's normal size. Breastfeeding speeds up this process because breastfeeding causes those contractions - that's why you've always heard that breastfeeding helps you get your pre-pregnancy body back faster. Well The Belly Bandit also assists you in this process. The wrap compresses your stomach - aiding in the contraction process - thereby shrinking your uterus faster.

And, for all you moms who have C-Sections - the bamboo bandit is just for you. The fabric is perfect for moms recovering from C-Sections. The fabric allows your body to breathe and will not retain moisture. It also offers abdominal support which is very important in the healing process after a C-Section.

And, if you don't believe me - check this out: Rachel Ray is featuring the Belly Bandit on her show as a must have for all post delivery moms. Doctors order this product and use it on patients who have had tummy tucks to aid in the recovery process. And, Oprah's producers recently called the company to ask for a sample. The company anticipates The Belly Bandit's debut on Oprah very soon. So - all of that to say - we aren't the only ones who think this little wrap is a really great thing and a definite MUST HAVE for all moms who are ready to get that body back after baby!! Call The Swanky Stork today to reserve one for yourself or maybe Santa could bring one to an expecting mother!

Sale! Sale! Sale!

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Be sure to take advantage of our Iron Bowl Specials going on this Friday & Saturday. Take 25% off anything red, orange or houndstooth at The Swanky Stork. Also, all football related clothing is drastically reduced at Fireflies & Fairytales! Don't miss these great opportunities to pick up the perfect outfit for you or your kiddos for the big game!

Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation in Alabama Baby

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We are thrilled that The Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation is being featured this month's edition of Alabama Baby!! You can find these magazines in local boutiques and many other stores in the Birmingham area. We hope you'll check it out!

Welcome

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Hello! Welcome to The Swanky Stork blog. Pregnancy is such a beautiful and wonderful thing, but is also a time filled with lots of changes and lots of questions. The goal behind this blog is to help you navigate the crazy pregnancy days, while also having a bit of fun in the process!

A little background before we get going - The Swanky Stork is a maternity boutique located in downtown Homewood on 18th Street. We are next door to Mama Goldbergs (a.k.a. Mama G's) and across the street from Soca Clothing. The Swanky Stork is owned by three sisters, Bryson, Mary Ann and Beth. I (Bryson) am the mother of two children, Kate and Cole. Mary Ann has a daughter on the way - due in February. We also own a children's boutique, Fireflies & Fairytales located in The Village at Lee Branch off Hwy 280 in the Greystone area. The stores support the Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation. This Foundation was established in memory of our mother, who died of breast cancer. The foundation benefits children who have lost a parent to cancer.

We believe that a great maternity store should not only have fabulous clothes, but also a knowledgeable staff to help answer questions "beyond the clothes". You will find this when you come in the store, but also hopefully will find this blog useful for that same purpose. So, welcome to The Swanky Stork blog! Check often as we will update regularly with new arrivals in the store that are absolute "must haves" for all you moms-to-be. We will also feature "wonder why Wednesdays" where we'll ask those "wonder why" questions that we all have. And we'll just discuss pregnancy in general - things like tips for establishing a fabulous pregnancy wardrobe without breaking your budget, how and when to buy nursing bras, how do I know where I'll gain weight, what do pregnancy sizes mean and how do they run - you get the picture.

Thanks for reading! Check back often and we hope to see you in the stores soon!
Bryson