DOCSLIB.ORG

Consumer Buying Behaviour Towards Eco-Friendly Maternity Wear

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Consumer Buying Behaviour Towards Eco-Friendly Maternity Wear IOSR Journal of Business and Management (IOSR-JBM) e-ISSN: 2278-487X, p-ISSN: 2319-7668. Volume 19, Issue 11. Ver. V (November. 2017), PP 14-22 www.iosrjournals.org Consumer Buying Behaviour Towards Eco-Friendly Maternity Wear Mrs.R.Saranya.,MBA.,M.phil., Asst.Professor, Dept of Business Administration, NIFT-TEA college of Knitwear Fashion,Mudalipalayam,Tirupur ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- Date of Submission: 25-10-2017 Date of acceptance: 25-11-2017 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- I. Introduction Pregnancy can be a fascinating phase with so many changes taking place and so many things to look forward to such as the need for comfortable maternity clothes. Various changes occur in a pregnant women's body over a time period of nine months. They may feel a bit uncomfortable, unattractive and self-conscious. In the recent decades, maternity clothes have actually become quite fashionable. There is now a never-ending list of maternity clothes that the expectant mother can select from. There are now so many choices that are available in maternity clothing to match any pregnant woman's personal style. Avoid unwanted chemical exposure by opting for these organic maternity clothes, which are also made from sustainably grown fabrics. Even though maternity wear is only useful for a few months before becoming redundant, it is still worthwhile to invest in a few high quality and versatile pieces that will make your pregnancy much more comfortable. The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to an eco-approach to maternity clothes is the Three R‟s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. For a textile to be sustainable, it has to be made from a renewable resource, it has to have a good ecological footprint (how much land it takes to bring it to full growth and support it), and it should not use any (or use little) chemicals in the growing and processing of it. Sustainable fibers provide solution for the companies facing issues regarding environmental problems; these fibers are also favorable to meet the market demands of quality products these days. Overview of Fashionable Maternity Clothes India‟s textiles sector is one of the oldest industries in Indian economy dating back several centuries. Even today, textiles sector is one of the largest contributors to India‟s exports with approximately 11% of total exports. The Indian textiles industry is extremely varied, with the hand-spun and hand-woven textiles sectors at one end of the spectrum, while the capital intensive sophisticated mills sector at the other end of the spectrum. The decentralized power looms/ hosiery and knitting sector form the largest component of the textiles sector. Textile industries are facing a challenging condition in the field of quality and productivity, due to the globalization of the world market. The highly competitive atmosphere and as the ecological parameters becoming more stringent, it becomes the prime concern of the textile processor to be conscious about quality and ecology. Again the guidelines for the textile processing industries by the pollution control boards create concern over the environment-friendliness of the processes. This in turn makes it essential for innovations and changes in the processes. As a result, the research and development strategies of the textile processors will be highly focused and the challenges will force many changes in the textile industry. Biotechnology is one such field that is changing the conventional processing to eco friendly processing of the textiles. Maternity clothes around the world have been undergoing significant changes. In both Eastern and Western cultures, there is greater demand for fashionable maternity clothes. In Western cultures the influence of celebrity culture means that pregnant women in the public eye are taking the lead on maternity fashion. As a result, pregnant women are no longer trying to hide or disguise their "baby bumps", instead choosing to wear garments which closely fit their new shape, often emphasizing the bust and abdominal area. Women in Eastern cultures, however, have maintained a much greater sense of modesty when it comes to maternity wear. In both the Islamic and Asian cultures, maternity wear is much less fitted, hemlines are longer and necklines higher. Modern Islamic maternity wear uses fabrics with brighter colors and bolder prints. Aside from cultural modesty, Chinese women have sometimes sought to hide their second pregnancy in less shapely clothes because Chinese policy has dictated that they can only have one child. In Chinese and Japanese cultures, there is a fear of radiation from devices such as computers and mobile phones, especially during pregnancy. Even though there is no evidence to support this (according to WHO), Asian maternity wear is often manufactured from “anti- radiation” fabrics. DOI: 10.9790/487X-1911051422 www.iosrjournals.org 14 | Page Consumer Buying Behaviour Towards Eco-Friendly Maternity Wear Conceptual Framework For many decades during the 20th century, maternity wear was considered a "fashion backwater." Pinafores were the most common style and were often sold through nursery shops. Maternity clothing hasn't generally been considered a potentially profitable area for most major clothing manufacturers. The word „eco‟ is short for ecology. Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Therefore „eco‟ friendly (or „ecology friendly‟) is a term to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal or no harm on the environment. Reason for Eco-clothing- We have come to a time in man‟s history, where all around us we see large carbon footprints that our ancestors and we have left on our environment. These footprints are not only in the form of carbon emissions, but also in the form of pollution and depletion of natural resources, etc. As more and more people come to be aware of the dire situation our environment is facing today, an increasing proportion of people are turning toward eco green living. The use of eco-friendly products like eco clothing is one aspect of eco green living. Making a truly eco-friendly product keeps both environmental and human safety in mind. At a minimum, the product is non-toxic. ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS - Using organic fabrics is not the only way the fashion industry is going "green", but also engaging in environmentally sustainable practices, making sure that product quality is maintained, offering business and technical expertise and opportunities for worker advancement, contributing to community development, building long-term trade relationships, and being open to public accountability”. Both recycling fashion and organic clothing can contribute to eco sustainable development. There are a variety of materials considered "environmentally-friendly" for a variety of reasons. They are: I. Fibres: Hemp, Bamboo fiber, Organic cotton, Alpaca ,Soy silk , Recycled polyester ,Jute ,Tencel , Ramie ,Organic ,Fortrel Ecospun ,Milk silk , Corn fiber , Apart from the eco-friendly fibers mentioned above, here are some other eco-friendly fibers are Pineapple fiber, Banana leaf fiber, Black diamond fiber, PLA fiber, Lyocell, Lycra, Organic Wool, Organic Silk. II. Dyes: Dying is the important process which result in water pollution & more harmful to the environment. To avoid this ,there are various Dyes introduced to reduce harmfulness, they are Azo-free, Biodegradable, Chrome- free, Fiber reactive dyes, Heavy metal free , Low-impact refers to synthetic dyes , Natural dyes, etc., III Eco finishing: The finishing process that is most suitable and within the norms of eco label standards is called Eco Finishing. They are Chlorine-free bleaching, Cold or low temperature dye processes , Dry-heat fixation , Dye bath reuse , Eco bleach ,Ink-jet printing , Vegetable tanning , Waste water recycling, etc., II. Researchers Views NARDINE SAAD; December 23,2013; article ,Stylist Rachel Zoe Welcomes second beautiful, healthy‟ baby boy: “I don‟t really have maternity clothes , I don‟t dress that much differently pregnant than I do when I am not pregnant, honesly. I live in kaftans, ponchos, and drape-y tunics because I liked to be comfortable, so dressing is not that different. It , The Celebrity Stylist is the same thing but it takes no longer to get ready, I will tell you that much!” says Rachel Zoe JEANNINE STEIN; March 15, 2002; article: Not your mother‟s clothes: “Pregnancy is being approached as a time of celebration.‟ Technological advances in textile allows for fashionable, flattering clothes, and women want to show off their bodies because they‟re staying in shape throughout their pregnancies. Look for a great pair of basic black pants and a skirt. You may have to pay a little more, but they‟ll take you through the pregnancy .” According to Julie Hill, Fashion Editor Of Fit Pregnancy Magazine STEPHANIE Young, author of the “Young Pregnancy” says “The women who is getting pregnant today doesn‟t need to look like a Kewpie doll wearing Peter Pan Collar-enhanced dresses.” Robert Pollock, chief operating officer of Dallas-based Page Boy says “You have to understand there is more fabric in a maternity garment and that costs money” KARTHIKEYAN has made an investigation on consumer‟s behavior and preference towards apparel. In his study, he tried to understand the lifestyle and consumption pattern of Indian
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Pattern Adaptation for Body Changes During Pregnancy: a Single Case Study
    A Pattern Adaptation for Body Changes during Pregnancy: A Single Case Study A thesis submitted to the faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota by MyungHee Sohn in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Sciences Elizabeth Bye, Adviser November 2009 Abstract Pregnant women experience dramatic body changes during their pregnancy. With the wide variety of body shapes and sizes, physical changes occur differently for every pregnant woman; thus, these variations lead to problems of comfort, fit, and sizing of ready-to-wear maternity apparel. Therefore, this study examined the changes in body measurements and shapes during pregnancy and analyzed the relationship between these changes and pattern measurements and shapes. A single case study method was used to observe one participant’s body measurement and body shape changes during pregnancy, and the relationship between these body changes and related pattern changes. Findings were analyzed by the changes in body measurements and body shapes and the relationship between the body changes and pattern changes. The entire pattern adjustment process represents the analysis of the relationship of body changes to pattern changes. The findings of this study suggest that consideration of body shape during apparel pattern development offers valuable information related to fit that goes beyond standard linear measurements. In addition, the results indicated that body measurements and patterns did not increase proportionally to each other. The pattern changes were not necessary due to body measurement or shape changes. The patterns were adjusted not only to accommodate body changes but also to maintain the garment style.
    [Show full text]
  • Holiday Maternity Fashions
    HOLIDAY MATERNITY FASHIONS Carley Roney, editor in chief of TheBump.com visited The Early Show for a maternity holiday fashion show! She had five soon-to-be-mommies modeling trendy and affordable (all sell for less than $65!) outfits pregnant women can wear to their holiday festivities this season: Many moms-to-be don't want to shell out a lot of money for all the holiday parties they have to attend (especially in this economy), so TheBump.com editor-in-chief Carley Roney, shared some of her favorite picks. From business casual office parties to festivities with friends to glam celebrations for New Year's, she had some wallet-friendly holiday maternity outfits so mom-to-be can save that money for her future baby! Is it hard finding a holiday maternity outfit? And on a budget? A lot of pregnant moms can feel blah about their bodies as they get closer to their due date-and shopping for a holiday party outfit is the last thing they want to do! Believe me: I'm the mother of three! There are a lot of great maternity outfits for the holidays, but you definitely have to dig around to find one that's not super-expensive. And it's even harder to find party-ready outfits that can go from day to night. Luckily, there are more companies now that have adorable maternity clothing priced just right for this economy. You can celebrate in comfort, and on the cheap! Do you have to wear special undergarments under these outfits? You don't have to-but a lot of pregnant moms swear by maternity Spanx! They have a line just for moms-to-be.
    [Show full text]
  • Maternity Wear Practices of Rural and Peri-Urban Women an Assessment
    International Journal of Management (IJM) Volume 12, Issue 1, January 2021, pp. 358-366. Article ID: IJM_12_01_030 Available online at http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJM?Volume=12&Issue=1 Journal Impact Factor (2020): 10.1471 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com ISSN Print: 0976-6502 and ISSN Online: 0976-6510 DOI: 10.34218/IJM.12.1.2021.030 © IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed MATERNITY WEAR PRACTICES OF RURAL AND PERI-URBAN WOMEN: AN ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES Anuradha N.Yadav Ph. D. Scholars in Fashion (Design/Tech./Mgmt.), Amity University, Mumbai, India Dr Bhawana Chanana Director of Fashion (Design/Tech./Mgmt.), Amity University, Mumbai, India ABSTRACT Maternity wear is an inevitable need for the pregnant women to adapt themselves to the pregnancy driven major bodily changes. Modern day maternity wear not just ensures the comfort of the expecting mothers but also enhances the fashion appeal thereby allowing to retain the self-identity. Comfort in combination with style makes maternity wear the most sought after clothing solutions for the pregnant women. However, till date the timely use of appropriate maternity wear is more prevalent in the urban areas as opposed to the rural and peri-urban areas. The current study thus intends to assess the popularity of maternity wear among the rural and peri-urban women. Key words: Maternity Wear, maternity fashion, accessibility, comfort, rural, peri-urban Cite this Article: Anuradha N.Yadav and Bhawana Chanana, Maternity Wear Practices of Rural and Peri-Urban Women: An assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes, International Journal of Management, 12(1), 2021, pp 358-366.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Download
    BILL MANNING Showcasing the Military Aviation Uniform Collection at the Canada Aviation Museum The mandate of the Canada Aviation Museum which was responsible for the administration of all (CAvM) is “to illustrate the development of the federal museums, was dissolved. The National flying machine in both peace and war from the Museum of Science and Technology Corporation pioneer period to the present time [with] particular (NMSTC), later renamed the Canada Science and but not exclusive reference to Canadian achieve- Technology Museum Corporation (CSTMC) ments.”1 Consequently, its collection of aviation became an independent crown corporation. NAM, clothing represents a broad range of activities both later renamed the Canada Aviation Museum civilian and military. CAvM is not a “war museum,” (CAvM) became one of its three component mu- nor is it a museum of military aviation history per seums, along with the Science and Technology se, so it follows that the collection of air force Museum and more recently the Canada Agriculture uniforms is relatively modest in size.2 The Museum. assemblage nevertheless includes interesting The focus of the aviation collection has always artifacts that illustrate the development of uniforms been, and remains, aircraft and related technology. worn by the flying services in which Canadians Little in the way of flying clothing and uniforms made a significant contribution. was acquired before 1967. An examination of surviving documentation on old NMC and NMST Collection History Acquisitions and Collections files
    [Show full text]
  • Notice of Appeal
    Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Electronic Filing System. http://estta.uspto.gov ESTTA Tracking number: ESTTA1093219 Filing date: 11/04/2020 IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD Application Serial 88566849 No. Applicant Paul D. Adkins Sr Notice of Appeal Notice is hereby given that Paul D. Adkins Sr appeals to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board the refusal to register the mark depicted in Application Serial No. 88566849. Applicant has filed a request for reconsideration of the refusal to register, and requests suspension of the ap- peal pending consideration of the request by the Examining Attorney. The refusal to register has been appealed as to the following class of goods/services: - Class 025. First Use: 2014/03/10 First Use In Commerce: 2014/03/10 All goods and services in the class are appealed, namely: Cloth bibs; Cloth bibs for adult diners; Clothing extenders for Retail; Clothing extension used to extend the normal size range of clothing items to accom- modate pregnancy size changes; Clothing for athletic use, namely, padded pants; Clothing for athletic use, namely, padded shirts; Clothing for athletic use, namely, padded shorts; Clothing for babies, toddlers and children, treated with fire andheat retardants, namely, pajamas, jackets, shirts, pants, jumpers; Cloth- ing forwear in judo practices; Clothing for wear in wrestling games; Clothing items, namely, adhesive pockets that may be affixed directly to the body as a decorativepiece of clothing with utility; Clothing
    [Show full text]
  • India Maternity and Baby Care Industry Outlook to 2018
    1 © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. India Maternity and Baby Care Products Market Introduction New Age Maternity Benefits Provided to Women 2. India Maternity Products Introduction and Market Size, 2008-2013 3. India Maternity Products Market Segmentation, 2013 3.1. India Maternity Apparels Market Introduction and Size, 2008-2013 3.1.1. India Maternity Apparels Market Segmentation, 2012 3.1.1.1. By Ethnic and Western Wear, 2012 3.1.1.1.1. India Maternity Western Wear Market Segmentation, 2012 3.2. India Maternity Pillows and Cushions Introduction and Size, 2008-2013 3.3. India Maternity Books and CD’s Market Introduction and Size, 2013 3.4. India Maternity Creams and Lotions, Feeding Accessories, Support Belts and Others Market Introduction and Size, 2013 3.5. By Organizational Structure, 2009 & 2012 3.6. By Distribution Channels (EBO, MBO and Online), 2012 4. India Online Maternity Products Market 4.1. Introduction and Market Size, 2012 4.2. Competitive Scenario of Online Maternity Products Players in India 5. Trends and Development in India Maternity Products Market Rising Awareness and Evolving Attitude Towards Maternity Wear Celebrity Pregnancies Drive Trends in Maternity Industry Emerging Trend of Organic Maternity Clothing 6. SWOT Analysis of India Maternity Products Market 7. Competitive Retail Landscape of Major Maternity Brands in India 8. Profile of Major Players in Maternity Products Market in India 9. India Maternity Products Market Future Outlook and Projections, 2014-2018 2 © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied 10.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study on Durable Maternity Wear Fashion
    © 2021 JETIR May 2021, Volume 8, Issue 5 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162) A STUDY ON DURABLE MATERNITY WEAR FASHION SANIYA.A¹ Dr.V.MAHESHWARI² M.Sc. COSTUME DESIGN AND FASHION¹ ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR² DEPARTMENT OF COSTUME DESIGN AND FASHION PSG COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE, COIMBATORE ABSTACT The purpose of this study to design maternity clothes in relation to the body image of the pregnant women. They are chosen during the second trimester of pregnancy because the maternity leave is needed to accommodate the changes in the body. From the monthly analysis of the body measurements of pregnant weight, chest circumference, bust girdle, waist and hip girdle were found after pregnancy. These maternity clothes are designed to be used from the beginning of pregnancy to the time of delivery and are suitable for use with elastics and sib materials to adapt to physical changes. Keywords: Durable, Maternity wear, Fashion, pregnant, Body. INTRODUCTION As your baby bump grows, you may find yourself unable to fit into all your normal clothes. But there’s no need to buy a whole new wardrobe of maternity wear. These tips will help you look and feel good without blowing your budget. Most women can wear their normal clothes for most of the first trimester (3 months). But you might need to consider a larger bra or looser fitting clothes for comfort during this time. When you are around 4 or 5 months pregnant, you may have to start wearing larger clothes. Most women switch to maternity wear when they are about 6 months pregnant.
    [Show full text]
  • Policy Directive Subject Supersedes Employee Uniforms 02.03.103 (01/05/2009) Authority Mcl 791.203; 791.206
    MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER 05/22/2017 02.03.103 POLICY DIRECTIVE SUBJECT SUPERSEDES EMPLOYEE UNIFORMS 02.03.103 (01/05/2009) AUTHORITY MCL 791.203; 791.206 PAGE 1 OF 4 POLICY STATEMENT: Employee uniforms, including accouterments and insignia, shall be issued and worn in accordance with this policy to ensure Department staff maintain a consistent professional appearance. RELATED POLICY: 02.03.104 Grooming Regulations - Employee POLICY: GENERAL INFORMATION A. Exclusively represented employees shall be governed by their collective bargaining unit agreement where in conflict with this policy. B. This policy does not apply to employees of the Special Alternative Incarceration Program (SAI). Uniform requirements for SAI employees are set forth in PD 02.03.121 "Special Alternative Incarceration Program Employee Uniforms.” C. The Director or designee shall appoint a Uniform Committee to recommend the kinds and types of uniform items to be authorized pursuant to this policy, except as set forth in Paragraph L. D. The appropriate Deputy Director may issue an implementation schedule for full implementation of any uniform requirement set forth in this policy. The schedule may require that existing stock of uniform items be exhausted prior to issuing new items authorized by this policy. E. Supervisory staff shall be responsible for ensuring that employees wear uniform items as required by this policy. This shall include a shift commander inspection during roll call of those required to wear the corrections officer uniform. The Correctional Facilities Administration (CFA) Deputy Director shall develop standards to be used for such inspections in CFA, the Detroit Reentry Center (DRC), and the Detroit Detention Center (DDC).
    [Show full text]
  • LD5655.V855 1958.G88.Pdf (8.079Mb)
    CLOTHINGFOR PREGNANTWJI'1EN by Barbara Connelly Groseclose Thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty or the Virginia Polytechnic Ins~itute in candidacy for the degree of MASTEROF SCIENCE in HOMEECONOHICS December 1958 Blacksburg, Virginia -2- TABLEOF CONTENTS Chapter Page I. INTRODUCTIOH.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 10 Review of Literature • • • • • • • • • 11 Purpose • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ·• ·• 21 Procedure • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ·• 22 Description of Sample • ·• • • • • • • • 2) II. WOMENDURING PREGNANCY ••••••••••• 32 III. TH&WARDROBE CONTENT OF PREGNANTWOMEN • • • 63 Outer Garments • • • • • • • • • • • • 65 Undergarments • • • • • • • • • • • • • 88 Shoes •••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • 101 IV. MATERNITYCLOTHING DESIGNED BY THE INVESTIGATOR•••• • • • • • • • • • • • • 106 v. SUMMARY,CONCLUSIONS AND RECOl·lMENDATIONS• • • • • • • • • • • • • • 125 Recommondations •••••••••••• 131 VI. BIBLIOGRAPHY• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1)3 VII. VITA •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 136 APPEUDIX• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 137 -3- LIST OF TABLES Table Page I. Age and Income of Womenin Study Expressed in Per Cent of Women • • • • • • • 25 II. Education or Womenand Husbands or Womenin Study Expressed in Per Cent of Women ••••••••••• • • • • • 27 III. Employment or Womenand Occupations or Husbands of Womenin Study Expressed in Per Cent of Women ••••••••• • • • 29 IV. Time Womenin Study Required Maternity Wear Expressed in Per Cent of Women •• • • • 33 v. Bi1·th Dates or Expected Birth Dates or Babies of Womenin Study Expressed
    [Show full text]
  • What We Accept
    What We Accept Oaks | Reading | Lower Bucks | Lancaster CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES & SHOES | FALL 2021 Yes! CLOTHING Infants to Size 18 for Girls and Boys | Sizes 0-11 for Junior Girls Think heavy fabrics in darker colors, like corduroy, suede, velvet, flannel, fleece, thermal, or lined clothing. Button-up cardigans & pull-over sweaters. Zip-up & pull-over hoodies & sweatshirts. Long sleeves & 3/4 sleeves, fall/winter skirts & dresses, long pants, jeans & leggings. Coats, fleeces, puffer vests, snow pants/bibs, and Long sleeve onesies, sleepers, pajamas (fleece and cotton) snowsuits. & wearable blankets. Jean jackets & heavier rain coats. Seasonally appropriate school uniforms for area schools. Costumes & dress-up, & dancewear/gymnastics leotards. Holiday/wedding outfits and team sports wear that would be worn between September and March: (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, and Fall/Winter gear such Eagles/Flyers). ! No Short Sleeves. Exceptions: Onesies 24 month or smaller. Dark and solid colored "polo" style shirts; graphic t-shirts size 10+, and sports teams that play in the fall (i.e. Eagles, Flyers and Penn State), pj tops sold with pj pants as a set. JUNIORS: Limit 10 items for juniors/teens. Sizes 0-11. Focus on MATERNITY: Limit 10 name brand items. All Seasons (must be brands such as Abercrombie, Hollister, Nike, Under Armour, Pink, maternity brands). Focus on maternity brands such as Ann Miss Me, Lululemon and other mall brands that teens wear. No Taylor, Liz Lange, Motherhood Maternity, Mimi, Old Navy/Gap, women’s/men’s brands or styles. Pea in the Pod and boutique brands. No ladies brands or styles.
    [Show full text]
  • Mine for Nine Launches | All Cities
    Online - May 31, 2011 The Look for Less from Mine for Nine Rental Maternity Wear for Formal Occasions 33 people like this. Be the Like 14 first of your friends. MEMORANDUM To: Pregnant Working Women Who Are Required to Wear Suits Cc: Pregnant Women Invited to Weddings; Pregnant Women Who Live in Inclement Weather From: DailyCandy Kids Subject: Your Wardrobe Effective immediately, your burgeoning belly will no longer limit your ability to dress in materials other than stretch viscose. Mine for Nine, a new online rental shop for maternity wear, provides you with access to well-made, hard-to-find clothes for limited-term engagements (i.e., before you go up a size). Please be advised that blowing your budget on a suit that will last two months is not recommended. Instead, rent separates from the likes of Maternal America, Séraphine, Hatch, and Ripe Maternity for as little as $11 a month. All of the pieces have been measured to ensure a flattering fit. For those of you anticipating the need for a winter jacket, Mine for Nine also rent coats for one- to-three-month cycles, as well as formal attire for galas, weddings, and other occasions that require squeezing swollen feet into high heels without the numbing effect of multiple cocktails. Available online at minefornine.com. Oh Happy Day Jordan Ferney’s blog is an absolute delight. The party planner mom of two (who recently packed up her fam and moved to Paris for the year, le jealous sigh) has relaunched her beloved site, which is chockful of DIY projects, party ideas, and pretty curiosities.
    [Show full text]
  • Appearance and the Transition to Motherhood: an Exploration of Consumption and Identity Construction
    BROWN, VICTORIA S., Ph.D. Appearance and the Transition to Motherhood: An Exploration of Consumption and Identity Construction. (2016). Directed by Dr. Nancy Hodges. 263 pp. The purpose of this study was to explore what it is like to be a new mother and to consider the role of appearance in this experience. The three objectives of this dissertation were: (1) to examine how new mothers use appearance to establish identity, (2) to investigate the meanings new mothers assign to appearance, and (3) to understand the role of these meanings in shaping their identities as new mothers. Substantial research exists that focuses on the experience of being a mother, and on the many physical, emotional, and mental changes that women typically experience. Yet few studies are concerned with how the identity of a new mother might be developed and conveyed through appearance and what this means in the context of new motherhood. This dissertation therefore fills a void in the academic literature by exploring the meanings assigned to appearance by new mothers and helps to deepen our understanding of the role of these meanings in the shaping of a new mother’s identity. A phenomenological approach to research was used to address the purpose of the study. Specifically, the lived experiences of first-time mothers were examined in terms of how they use appearance and consumption as a means to shape their identity during the transition to motherhood. Two methods of data collection were employed, including in- depth interviews and focus groups. A total of 24 first-time mothers were interviewed, and two focus group sessions were conducted.
    [Show full text]