I'm always more than happy to have stylin' contributors on Life in Mod (especially when the Moo has been sick with her first stomach flu the past few days -ew- and I have been MIA!). Today I'm welcoming the lovely Laura of A Little Bit of Lacquer. She's sharing how to rock it at the beach with a baby bump...and goodness does she rock it. :)

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For many women, the idea of heading to the beach 20 pounds heavier is a terrifying idea, but for us mamas-to-be, it should be a cause for celebration! With so many styles to choose from, embracing your beautiful baby bump under the sun has never been easier. Here are a few tips for picking the right beach wear for your bump.

- Know your comfort level. I'm all about showing off the bump in a bikini, but if you've never been one to wear a bikini even before baby, don't feel pressured to start now. Instead, opt for cute one pieces made for a bump (side ruching does wonders!) and with fun details like a bow (I've been obsessed with my Asos one piece http://rstyle.me/~Hyut)

- Support where you need it. Most women's cup sizes increase dramatically during pregnancy - opting for a supportive top will prevent the girls from looking a little sloppy. A strong halter with thick ties or even a bra top with underwires will be your best friend! (This molded cup in a non-maternity bikini from target would provide plenty of support http://rstyle.me/n/bimfngq9e)

- For a cover up, I love using a fun light shirt (chambray is perfect) to show off the belly and prevent the oversized T-shirt look. If you don't want to show off the belly make sure to still accentuate it by picking a breezy coverup with a tie waist. (This one from JCPenney is one of my favorites http://rstyle.me/n/bimdhgq9e)

- Don't forget the SPF! Pregnant or not this is a must for being out in the sun to reduce the risk of sun-induced skin cancers, but being pregnant our skin is also more likely to develop hyperpigmentation (dark spots and splotches) that can be difficult to get rid of. So cover up with SPF, an actual cover-up, or in some shade! And make sure to stay hydrated for you and baby.

- Bring your confidence. Nothing is more beautiful than a pregnant woman, and as celebrities feel more and more confident baring their bumps, so should us normal moms! So get out there and be proud of the changes your body is going through!

Laura

maternityshmernity: DiaperbagShmiaperbag

Hi! Its me, Kallah!  This is not the typical style post... just sharing an awesome new find with you mamas  (slash-future-mamas)!  As y'all know, this series is about taking something that can be uninspired, overpriced and even frumpy, yet something even we most-fashionable of mama's feel locked into...  and using imagination, creativity, and determination, making it fun, glamorous, and something to be proud of. If you thought this would apply only to your outfit and not other impossible things such as your  - gasp - diaper bag - think again.  Yeah, everyone knows there are cool diaperbags to be had out there. But a few quick looks show they are all extremely expensive. And not all of this expense is warranted. The materials are not always necessarily as high as the price tag would imply... Meet my new Simone Tote, c/o Ellington Handbags, a small Oregon-based company. 

The leather is as rich and sumptuous in person as in these photos. The quality is seriously unbelievable.

Unzip that center compartment, and you have:

-The essentials for an emergency poopy diaper. 

-A washable changing pad (they sell them super cheap at Target), diapers and wipes. 

-& when I have a newborn again, I can easily add my Bebe Au Lait nursing cover-up in the bottom there. 

Ellington prides themselves on giving their customers a "forever" bag. One that will never go out of style or fall to pieces.

This is a great quality to have for a diaper bag. Its big, roomy, has just the right amount of hidden compartments for all and sundry emergency Mom stuff, and looks awesome. 

Plus, the specific bag that I got is now on SALE for 50% off! 

It also comes in black. Go. Get it. You will not be disappointed! 

I was so blown away I was able to get my act together and send Ellington a handwritten Thank-You note... and get it into the mailbox! That is a huge deal! 

Peace out, mamas!