FALL FASHION REPORT

- Ali Wolfe, Contributing Writing
 
This past Spring/ Summer collection of rompers, baby doll, and swing dresses were a pregnant girl's dream, in terms of fashion options. The roomy silhouettes were appropriate for any expecting mommy who wanted to stay chic through the summer months; harkening back to Mia Farrow as the pregnant Rosemary Woodhouse in 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby; an iconic classic in both film and fashion. Although, I personally believe a smart ‘70’s inspired mumu continues to be a timeless summer staple for both pregnant and non-pregnant women during the sweltering summer months in the city.



I’ve been a slave to fashion since I was born. Even as a 3-year old, I insisted my mother buy me the googley-eye frog mock turtleneck with matching green polyester bell bottoms much to her chagrin. In summer camp, I’d anxiously await the arrival of September Vogue from my mom in the mail. Released in late August, the big book, as I refer to it, is where I began to plot out my look for the upcoming school year. My sister loves to remind me of my black sequin baseball cap that I had to own in the fall of 1989 (think Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation).

Well, nothing's changed and even as the temperature and humidity are rising in the sweltering city called Manhattan, I’m dreaming of which fall coat, boots, shoes, blouse and trouser I will make my own. The problem is that it is difficult to plan my new look for fall when I am also planning on getting pregnant. It’s hard to justify the $600-plus Mark Jacobs wool-blend trouser when I may not be able to fit into it once fall finally rolls around. Fashion designers have yet to catch onto the trend of Global Warming. The fashion seasons have become tighter and tighter, and even in New York City, the first frost may not even come until late January while I’ve begun to try on boots in mid-July. (I’ve already pre-ordered the YSL "Ascot" boot).



But, if last Spring/ Summer was “expecting-friendly,” then Fall/ Winter 2007 is “with-child’s” best friend. Case-in-point: this seasons latest silhouette, the ultra sharp, wide-leg high-waist trouser. It’s about time, too, as I believe this style pant complements any woman’s physique. And, is even pregnant woman friendly. First of all, the high waist makes even the dowdiest woman appear willowy. Secondly, the pleats make the pant more roomy, so as your butt and hips expand, you can literally grow into them. I’m not saying that you’ll be marching around in them way into your 3rd trimester, but it’s a great way to still look fashionable while you get there.



Case in point, the Plae Jade Wool cashmere check trouser from Stella McCartney. I just had to have them. Maybe it’s because Stella’s been pregnant twice that she understands the conundrum women find themselves in when planning on getting knock-up between seasons. High-waisted, pleated, with just enough bagginess in the butt -- this is a trouser I know I can grow into. Even the fabulous matching slate patent shoe with just the right amount of wedge makes me think that Stella understands that maybe a stiletto isn’t the right shoe for all women in all seasons, because nothing is worse than a pregnant woman’s feet squeezed into a 4 ½” heel. We can all still be fashionable while pregnant, ladies.  We just don’t have to become victims to it.



I am already craving the Christian Laboutin 4 ½” suede knotted peep toe stiletto for fall. But, at $900, I am hoping I get pregnant before I am forced to buy them.