From the fiery age of twelve, Wendy has designed, cut, sewn, and created clothes for herself, inspired by her mother, who made clothes for her and her sisters. Wendy has always been particular about the way fabric feels, and with her keen eye for color and sense of style, it just made sense for her to start sharing her creations with the world. Today, she does just that through Snugabell, where she first presented us with this idea that a hands-free pumping bra can not only be practical, but stylish and fun as well. She can’t help it; creative people just won’t be satisfied with merely functional. Get to know Wendy a bit better by reading on, and discover the Toni Dress; maternity, nursing, pumping and beyond, this beauty may just be your new favorite garment. Enter for your chance to win one below.
TLB: Wendy, you have superb taste in fashion.. Has this always been the case or was it something you developed over time?
Wendy: Wow. Superb? Not sure about that, but I’ll take it! My mom sewed a lot of my sisters’ and my clothes growing up. I was always pretty particular about fabric, colour and style, even from a young age. I remember standing at my closet (albeit a very small closet) each school day “wondering what to wear”. I was not allowed to use my mom’s sewing machine until I took Home Ec in Grade 8, at 12 years old. After that I spent a lot of the money earned at my first job buying fabric and patterns and sewing my own clothes for hours and hours on the weekend. So long story short, I think I was born with it. Every person in my family is creative.
TLB: Are either of your girls showing interest in fashion yet, themselves?
Wendy: Antonia, my eldest (she just turned eight years old in November) both loves clothes and shopping for them. What I enjoy the most is watching her draw and colour people and then ‘dressing’ them in original outfits. They are always quite detailed and her work is apparently very advanced for her age. She is a true artist in that she has to be inspired to produce her best work. One of my sisters is an artist, so I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!
TLB: Tell us about the Toni line; inspiration, fabric choice, and design details.
Wendy: When I had my girls, I didn’t buy much, if any, maternity or nursing clothing. I did have some maternity clothing given to me by friends, and honestly, as soon as I gave birth, I couldn’t WAIT to give it away. I *hated* the unsightly maternity panels that are commonly found on jeans and skirts. I also disliked the “industrial-feeling” nursing bras (that seemed to be the norm at that time, especially for women that need a supportive bra like me) that were cut in a way that wasn’t compatible with the necklines of many of my favourite tops, so I switched to nursing camis with my second baby. But honestly, the camis didn’t give me the support that I needed (but it was better than wearing that “armour”).
When it came time to diversify our product line, I was inspired to create clothing that works for maternity, nursing AND hands-free pumping that could also be worn after your child weaned (and that you WANTED to wear after your child weaned because it was gorgeous!). We chose the modal fabric, which is essentially a rayon made from beechwood fibre, because it is luxurious, easy-care and lightweight (as we know how pregnant and nursing mamas tend to feel on the warm side). The wrap panels are the cornerstone of the design, providing discreet nursing access as well as support for hands-free pumping all while flattering mom’s’ figure!
TLB: When you were a new mother, what would make you feel pretty?
Wendy: Having a shower. 😉
TLB: Moms are busy and may neglect themselves, happy to have their children just so. What are some of your favorite fashion and beauty tips for moms? After getting the kids ready, what can she do to look stunning in minutes?
Wendy: Every woman has that outfit that she always gets compliments on – wear that and wear it often. As for a five-minute makeover, I don’t leave the house without undereye concealer, blush and lip balm. If I have five more minutes, a little bit of eyeliner and mascara and I’m golden. My hair is naturally wavy/curly, so I kind of let it do its own thing. If your hair tends to misbehave, grab your favourite hat and go for it! And the easiest thing to don to look gorgeous is a smile!
Wendy is giving away a stunning Toni™ Dress in Flame Red that you may just have to try on for your Valentine this year !
Retail value $86.00
The Toni Dress is designed for all stages of a busy mom or mom-to-be’s life – from pregnancy to nursing and beyond weaning. It even works for hands-free pumping! You can wear the Toni Dress with a jean jacket and boots for an everyday look or add some heels and fabulous jewelry and you’re out on the town for the evening. When you wear the Toni Dress – you feel A-MAZE-ING. You know those garments that once you put them on, you are constantly stroking the fabric? Uh-huh, THAT’S the Toni Dress. It will quickly become one of THE favourite pieces in your closet.
Currently Leakies can find this and other Toni “bump, breast & beyond™” maternity, nursing and hands-free pumping clothing on the Snugabell website at: http://www.snugabell.com/products/toni-top.
______________________________
Good luck to everyone! Please use the widget below to be entered. The giveaway is open from February 11, 2013 through February 14, 2013. A big thanks to Wendy and Snugabell for their ongoing support of TLB and all breastfeeding women; please be sure to visit their Facebook page or follow them on twitter (@snugabell) and thank them for their support of TLB and this giveaway opportunity.
This giveaway is open to international entries.