For Holiday Office Parties and Other Social Celebrations

Velvet is the hot fabric of the season...maternity or not. It is soft, luxurious and very festive. Three of the most elegant choices come in classic black, seasonal blue, and a new vibrant holiday color - deep violet. With all the options, you can select the body and color that is right for you. Browse through some selections:

Anna Cris Maternity at www.annacris.com, (or 1-800-281-2662) has a two piece scoop neck tunic/skirt in violet stretch velvet that falls fashionably just slightly above your knee. The skirt has a front stretch panel and elastic waist for ultimate comfort.

Japanese Weekend at www.japaneseweekend.com, (or 1-800-808-0555) offers a short dress with square neckline and princess seams, or scoop neck tunic/legging, both in classic black.

Belly Basics at www.nystyle.com, (or 1-800-496-6684) carries a knee length velvet dress with empire waist and slim sleeves, in black or midnight blue, and comes packaged with black sheer hosiery.

For New Year's Eve

A Classic Little Black Dress is always appropriate. Anna Cris Maternity's best seller is a swingy, figure flattering, a-line crepe that falls slightly above the knee. Covered button trimmed shoulders and invisible back zip are among the feminine details. A great party dress!

Belly Basics offers a seductive cotton/lycra, body- hugging- to- the- ankle style, with a back slit for ease of movement. Wear it alone or with a layered blouse or jacket.

Japanese Weekend's cotton/interlock mid-calf length dress, with a wrap bodice, is every bit as elegant with a more conservative flair. Bring along black pumps and pearl necklace and earrings, and go straight from office to party!

Whichever the style that you prefer, The Little Black Dress is always in season, always festive, and always a classic.

For Other Special Occasion

Need something that's a little more conservative? A few good choices:

Anna Cris Maternity carries a well cut pant suit with contemporary, tighter fitting, tapered legs in a seasonal burgundy. Ribbed texturing and buttons up to the neck take you a step away from everyday basic styling. Wear it straight from the office out to your afternoon or early evening company party!

Also, in the Nordstrom's Holiday 98 catalog, you'll find 4 pieces in a new ribbed knit, stretch faille - a shirt jacket, relaxed fit pant, sleeveless dress, and sleek overalls - all in classic black. Great for mixing and matching and creating endless outfits. Call 1-800-560-5990 for a copy of the catalog.

For A Gift

Trying to buy a gift for that special expecting someone? Belly Basics solves your problem with their Original Pregnancy Survival Kit, pre-packed in a gift giving box. The pieces in the kit are all one color, cotton/lycraâ, and include a dress, a short skirt, a legging, and a tunic. These four basic maternity pieces can be worn together, or can mix and match with other tops and bottoms. It retails for $152, and is sized P-XL to fit a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Not sure about her taste and size? Buy her a book written by the founders of Belly Basics, Pregnancy Chic: The Fashion Survival Guide .It's filled with tips and advice on how to plan your maternity wardrobe using only a few basic pieces, and retails for $16.95.

Another suggestion is to buy her some gift certificates to her favorite maternity store or online boutique. Gift certificates are always welcomed. They come in any denomination, they don't expire, and they take all the guesswork out of your gift. Let her choose the styles and sizes she prefers, at the time she needs them.

Whatever your needs this holiday season, personalize them with your own individual style, and fill them with fun and excitement. Feel pretty in any of the holiday styles available, or feel confident in your gift giving. But most of all, enjoy this special time and please have a healthy and happy season!

Seasons Greetings from Teresa and Maria at Anna Cris Maternity!