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Sheri McKee (pictured here with daughter Kylie) is on a mission to find some baby clothes that aren't so goddamn lame.
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Since Katrina hit, many had these distressed notions of the world is ending along with the need to re-populate the city, hence the thousands of pregnant women wobbling around in this un-Godly heat, here in NOLA. Luckily, I unbelievably managed not to become one of these women, although I have no doubt, once my house is finished being rebuilt, I too will be sporting the latest Prego fashions. Now having been referred to as “MILF” which I’d like to take as a very nice compliment from both younger and older men, and having lived in maternity clothes from 2001-2003, I’d like to update some of you on hot mommy fashions to buy and wear when you live here in NOLA.
First off, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a t-shirt with an arrow or words declaring my pregnant state to anyone who was too stupid to realize that I wasn’t this fat, but instead that I had a little alien growing inside my body that took it over and declared it as her home. I’ve always been a trendy fashion gal wearing low cleavage exposing styles, and wasn’t about to let my pregnancy or nursing bra ruin my fashion image. I suddenly became a trend setting mommy-to-be during my 9-months of pregnancy. My OB/GYN’s office use to love to see my maternity clothes ranging from sequin tops, beaded halter tops, fringed low-rise jeans, sheer surplus wrap blouses, velvet and suede pant suits, and yes even black leather maternity pants. I personally adored the snakeskin lace print pair that really went nice with this little shimmery black maternity sweater I picked up to go with them. Living in New Orleans and being knocked up during the social holiday season, I often found myself purchasing maternity cocktail and formal gowns with empire style lines to help flatter my leaking bosom and the strange looking bump beneath them that looked as if I strapped a frozen turkey onto my abdomen.
Most of the time I found myself venturing out into the world of plus size clothing where brands from Lane Bryant, Torrid, and Elizabeth from Liz Claiborne reign supreme. I simply had the latest fashion styles altered to fit my newly pregnant body and explored the realm of handbags to find only the coolest messenger style totes that could hold a baby bottle or juicy cup as easily as my cell phone. Nine West really was the brand that came to my rescue as it looked like a regular bag, yet had all the necessities of a diaper bag. Even during the days when I was merely surviving off of lemon-lime and orange Gatorade, I always tried to look divine with my manicure, pedicure, highlighted hair, and chic styling clothes. Sure, I couldn’t see my feet and was finally able to eat ice cream without any guilt, but I looked like a glowing fertility goddess, or at least chose to view my pregnant self as one.
Now for some of you hot mommies about to burst at the seams, here are some great places to shop and stay cool at around town this summer while shopping for clothing to cover your little bundle. First, you can always find great deals over at Bella Materna, the latest maternity boutique in Old Metairie, and be sure to pick up some fashions for your little newborn. Here you can find designer maternity fashions and bags in all sizes and shapes. They also have some great newborn baby gifts that include some adorable receiving blankets, burp cloths, and precious Chinese looking pajamas for your newborn or toddler. If you’re having a boy, be sure to check out the new shop next door, Just for Boys, for unique clothing pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. While you’re on Metairie Road, be sure to check out other great children’s stores like Children’s Orchard, Banbury Cross, and even Little Miss Muffin that has a special clothing area for newborns and toddlers. Each place has charming gifts for newborns and kids that will delight any new parent. I actually found many items at these places to move me when I was pregnant, or shall I say my daughter that just couldn’t stop jabbing her foot into my bladder when I was shopping. The mall is also a great place to walk around in hopes of going into labor while staying cool and shopping. Lakeside and Esplanade malls have some great stores including the Disney Store, a favorite amongst kids of all ages.
Now if some of you are on bed rest, like I was during most of my pregnancy, then you’ll love online shopping, especially if you haven’t tried it already. You can pick out some great maternity fashions and baby stuff from places like www.oldnavy.com, www.gap.com, www.fashionbug.com, www.maternitymall.com, www.babyzone.com, www.babystyle.com, www.torrid.com, www.hottopic.com, www.maternityfashions.com, and one of my personal favorites,
Mixed Breed Creations in California.
Meggan, owner of Mixed Breed Creations, was just like every other fashion hungry pregnant women seeking great style for yourself and baby. She immediately noticed that there wasn’t much out there to choose from other than the normal pinks, blues, and baby animals. Since she had been collecting Nightmare Before Christmas stuff, she created custom crib bedding in their daughter’s nursery to this theme. She also custom designed her daughter’s wardrobe to include punk rock t-shirts and onesies, tattoo flash blankets, and Day of the Dead bib and burp cloth sets. Mixed Breed Creations are currently sold at the Birth Connection in Fullerton, California, and on her myspace page.
One of her most popular items is the Day of the Dead skull onesie, adorned with glittery accents and metallic stitching and made of 100% super soft cotton in a sweatshop free factory in Downtown Los Angeles. Another top seller is the Mixed Breed Creations blanket that is large enough for a toddler and snuggly enough to swaddle your newborn baby up inside. She specializes in custom creations allowing “you” the parent to create your own bedding and layette with your own personal style, which is ideal for most New Orleanians introducing fleur de lis and bright harlequin patterns, jesters playing and crowns galore, and wild rock n’ roll tattoo flame styles that are growing popular amongst thirty-something’s in the city about to deliver.
“I see moms of today wanting the best for their baby,” said Meggan, owner of Mixed Breed Creations. “I also see moms as wanting to be the best mom they can be without sacrificing who they are and the lifestyle they have chosen; maintaining the balance between herself and the best care for her child at heart. There is no reason why a mom can’t wear punk rock tees, die her hair, get tattoos, go to concerts and still have an honor student and be on the PTA. Her baby will still have sweet dreams whether they are sleeping with Winnie the Pooh blankets or dancing skeletons.”
Needless to say, if I’m ever blessed with another bundle of joy, I’ll be contacting Meggan right away for some custom designed tattoo flash, fire flames, and leopard print bedding to replace my past baby bedding that was destroyed during Katrina. I’m also keeping her on my list for great and unique baby shower gifts, which are always so hard to find for that special girlfriend or musician that’s about to learn the joys of diaper changing. So far down here, I’ve yet to find a baby boutique specializing in alternative style baby items like the ones Meggan creates. I have seen baby tie-dyed onsies down in the French Market, along with Hot Topic in Lakeside Mall carrying a limited inventory of rock style baby onsies. I’m currently ordering some specialty rock t-shirts for my daughter, from Megan at Mixed Breed Creations. My 3-year old will soon be sporting a New Orleans eternal flame winged heart on her chest that matches my tattoo on my left ankle, along with band names like Galactic and The Garden District. I know there is a definite need for it with as much fun loving music enthusiastic thirty-something’s living down here. Most of us have tattoos, piercings, and a unique style that doesn’t always scream Martha Stewart lives here. It’s actually very refreshing to me to see other moms just like myself wanting and desiring the same thing, and then actually creating it in the marketplace where there is truly a great demand for these goods. As a parent, we now can create and design our children’s room and clothing to match their personality and our favorite things.
Sheri McKee is the latest addition to the NOLAFugees.com writers' stable. She holds it down in Metairie. Look for more to come.
