5 Qs with Alison

Name: Alison Schwartz

Neighborhood: SoHa (South Harlem)

Occupation: Editorial Director, Lulu

Baby’s Gender: Surprise

How would you describe your pregnant style?

I didn’t switch to wearing maternity clothes until I was 7 months pregnant with the exception of the amazing maternity jeans I bought at H&M . They are so comfortable and flattering — I’m a convert. I did buy a few oversize flowy tops from Joie and Club Monaco and had my first outnet.com experience, and I definitely plan to wear these blouses again. I also bought a new pair of high-waisted Lululemon leggings, which I wear all the time.

For the 3 true maternity dresses I did buy, I bought them all on ASOS. This was a great tip from a friend who’d already had a baby (and I hear that Top Shop has great maternity clothes online, too). I tried to be a bit more adventurous than I usually am; for example, I bought a dress with a pretty wild leopard print pattern in blue and red. I figured it was a good time to try something new at an affordable price point ($40) and, if I hated the pattern, I never had to wear it again after the baby.

Have you had any challenges learning to dress your body during pregnancy?

No real challenges but I found that any sort of meaningful heel was a non-starter, so I’ve worn a lot of flats and got a new pair of black suede booties with a lower heel. They go with everything, so it was worth it — I’ll definitely wear them afterwards.

So far, what has surprised you most during your pregnancy?

If I had known that being pregnant was WAY better for Day 3 hair than any dry shampoo on the market, I would have done this baby thing a lot sooner. I have a feeling that my hair will return to its normal state soon enough, but I’ve enjoyed the extra volume immensely.

What are you most looking forward to sharing with your baby?

I walk everywhere in NYC, so I’m looking forward to strolling around our new neighborhood, SoHa, with the baby. I’m also very curious to explore the NW corner of Central Park. So far, from what I can tell, this corner seems very woody and there are some absolutely beautiful buildings on CPW up here to gaze at.

What’s your 5 registry essentials?

True confession: I just copied what all my friends registered for on their registries, so it’s a bit too early to say what I’ll find most helpful. My friend, Jennifer Lee Koss, co-founder of Brika, sent a gorgeous care package, all wrapped up in the Petit Pohr pompom basket, nspiring our polka dot nursery theme.

Alison is wearing:

Nanette Lepore sweater dress (similar style)

Black suede Matiko Boots with fringe (similar style)

Hair and Makeup Courtesy of Glam Squad

Photography by Jonica Moore Studio

Location provided by Katherine Salyi

SHOP ALISON’S STYLE