Chicago Maternity Photographer | Interview with Tiff Marie Maternity

I’m a new mom, wife, reformed Wall-Streeter, and aspiring clothing designer.   I come from a large Italian-American family; my grandparents were immigrants that settled in Brooklyn, NY.   Fashion runs deep in my blood. My grandmother, Rose, was a seamstress in the ’20s and designed outfits for figure skater Sonja Henje.    I chose a career in finance, however, and stayed with it for 10 years with the though of one day trading in the long hours to follow my true passion of clothing design.

I lived and worked on Wall Street where I met my husband and we moved out to Chicago two years ago where I had my son, Aston Rye, who is now 6 months old.   We live in Oswego, IL where I operate my clothing studio and online business.

While pregnant, I picked up my favorite pastime of sketching clothes and started to doodle outfits that I’d wear with a baby bump.  I felt rather discouraged about the clothing I found to wear while pregnant and decided to contact a seamstress and present her with some of my designs.   She encouraged me to bring them to life and I later wore the samples she made for me to the office, holiday parties, my baby shower and other celebrations.  From the positive feedback I received on the styles, I knew that I had an opportunity to create a collection for other women who also felt constricted by traditional “maternity” wear.  My looks were fun, fashion-forward and equally comfortable.   I spent a lot of effort testing fabrics to find quality materials that were flexible, soft, and forgiving for every shape and size.

My maternity photos, from Elle Baker Photography, really helped inspire the elegant aesthetic of my website. I used the photos of me wearing my designs at the Elle Baker studio to construct my website (which I shockingly created on my own).

 

My personal style, which is strongly reflected in my clothing brand, is classy with a pop of uniqueness.   I’d also say, effortlessly chic, by looking cool with out trying too hard.

For my line, it’s all about velvet and glamour for the fall through holiday season.  I have an amazing maxi dress (the “Bianca“) that’s launching in a beautiful stretch crushed velvet silver/grey and rosé (yes, just like #roseallday wine).

 

My style has metamorphosed since my party-goer NYC days in my 20’s and I’m still trying to find what that looks like.  I have worn a lot of my own maternity designs during my postpartum phase because they work so well even with out a bump thanks to the stretch fabric material.   I do like to shop at Revolve.com for today’s “it” look and always enjoy a boho-chic outfit from Free People.

 

Yes!  Nothing that looks cheap with thin material or short hemlines.  Always go classic with a touch of a fun design to make it more unique and modern.  No bright or light colors that would make someone feel too exposed or uncomfortable.

My inspiration is honestly my own drive.  It’s a good/bad quality.  I’m never quite satisfied with what I’ve accomplished to date and push myself to keep achieving.  I know internally what I’m capable of and how I can help others; this keeps me motivated to grow my line and brand awareness.  I perform better when I am operating at full speed and constantly occupied.  Everything that I have accommodate to date, hasn’t come easy, and it’s all from hard work.  That feeling is insatiable.

 

Although not a typical fashion icon, I do admire Eva Mendes’ style when she was on the scene a lot more.  I enjoyed her sultry looks when she hung out with Dolce & Gabbana in the Mediterranean and other red carpet styles influenced by her then-stylist, Rachel Zoe.  She’s a strong curvy women that kept it classy.

 

Our bell-sleeved “Delancey” dress in blue and almond.  The statement sleeve is camouflaging and fun.  The material honestly feels like your favorite sweatpants but wears perfectly in this dress.

  

I sell online via my website, tiffmariematernity.com and have an Etsy store Tiff.Marie Maternity. I’m also excited to announce that Kickin’ Chicago in Roscoe Village will introduce carry styles this fall.

 

My collection will be worn by stylish mamas across the country for their special occasions (baby shower, maternity photos, gender reveal parties, etc.) and be sold in a prominent department store, like Nordstrom, as their premier line of fashionable maternity clothing for modern women.

Laurie Baker with Elle Baker Photography is Chicago’s premier Maternity Photographer.  Shooting for both pregnancy clothing lines as well as for her clients she focuses on natural poses and minimal props during her sessions.  Her comfortable studio space is located in Homer Glen not far from Chicago but she also serves the Naperville, Hinsdale, Oakbrook, Burr Ridge, Oswego, and Frankfort areas.