Edmonton: A soignée stop for moms-to-be
An expanding waistline is never a good thing unless, of course, you are pregnant. Yo Mama Maternity Boutique (10122-124 St, 780-488-0040, yomamamaternity.com) is where you’ll find Edmonton’s soignée moms-to-be (the ones who wouldn’t dare think of covering up their yoga-toned prenatal bodies with shapeless frocks or oversized T-shirts) skillfully navigating the racks of fashion savvy maternity clothes from much sought-after brands including Ripe, Olian, Love My Belly, Inca Mama and Jules et Jim.
The owners, sisters-in-law Tara and Schoena Strudwick, also keep their boutique stocked with cult status designer jeans from James Jeans, Paige Premium Denim and Citizens of Humanity, so you can continue to wear your fave bootcut, stovepipe or capri jeans into your ninth month. Jersey knit tees from Shade have the perfect mix of cotton and spandex to accommodate your growing belly and perform double-duty as the perfect transition pieces to wear until your post-baby body is once again Madonna buff. Yo Mama carries everything from pyjamas and yoga gear to suits and formal eveningwear, so your closet will be fully prepared, and you appropriately attired, for anything. You also need to check out their vast collection of diaper bags, nursing tops and accessories and beauty products.
For summer, the Strudwicks have brought in several pieces in technicolor shades of turquoise, jade, coral and yellow and their selection of tankinis by Prego will keep you, and your bun in the oven, looking chic while lounging pool-side.
With maternity clothes this stylish and versatile, it’s no wonder many of Yo Mama’s clients continue to wear several of their pieces well after their bundle of joy has arrived.
(A little bit of trivia for those expectant mothers who also happen to be die-hard Oilers hockey fans. It is Edmonton Oiler Jason Strudwick, Schoena’s husband and Tara’s older brother, who is responsible for the shop’s charming moniker).
A self-proclaimed accessories junkie who is addicted to shoes, sunglasses and vintage jewellery. Even my mom claims that I “came out of the womb wearing stilettos.” Although my shoe collection (178 pairs and counting) is a definite source of pride, my greatest achievements to date are my three sons, aged two years and under. If you need the scoop on all things fashion in the City of Champions, I’m your gal.
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