Guest Chik:Lay & V

On today's Guest Chik feature, we're excited to introduce you to Danielle of Lay & V. This boss chik has created a maternity bodysuit that will help mama chiks everywhere! If you're expecting, or know someone who is, read on to learn all about this staple you're going to want to pick up or gift!

My name is Danielle, mother to 3 beautiful girls – Layla, Vita and Cora. I am the owner of Lay & V and designer of the maternity bodysuit. The bodysuit is 1/2 comfy tank top that is nursing friendly. 1/2 four-way stretch denim that will grow as you grow through all 40 weeks. Creating 1 foundational maternity piece that eliminates pant sagging!
 
My story begins with my third pregnancy; throughout my first two pregnancies I had an extremely hard time finding pants that stayed on my tush, I literally spent half my day pulling my pants up. I also found everything to be super uncomfortable, not flattering and I inevitably felt frumpy. All the tops were ruched down the side, all the pants fell off my behind and on top of all that, everything was so expensive to wear for only 9 months. I knew I wasn’t the only one who had this issue, my sister and best friend were also pregnant and we used to have complain sessions about maternity clothes and pant sagging . I began researching and trying to find a solution, only to came up empty handed. In an “ah-ha” moment I decided I’ll make something that solves this problem. 

I started sketching out my design - I wanted something fresh and updated to the maternity scene, but it also needed to be functional. I had so many thoughts around what needed to be included, a laundry list of comfort, style, functionality, versatility, and on. I added real

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pockets and belt loops because any pregnant woman knows, that most maternity pants have no belt loops and fake pockets. I created a faux tuck lip so you can do a partial shirt tuck, stitched in a “fly” and added a button so you can actually feel like you are wearing pants, not maternity clothes. The concept was easy - treat it as an affordable, foundation maternity piece that you can simply dress up or down by adding a top, blazer, cardigan (really anything) or by accessorizing.
 
With my sketch complete, I bought a sewing machine and got to work! I found some old maternity tank tops and jeans and began constructing a one piece. It happened fairly fast, although it was not super cute (I am not the best seamstress in the world). I scoured the internet to find the most perfect fabrics and a wonderful manufacturer – this sounds easy but it legit took months of work, I will save you from all those details . Long story short here we are today, from a problem, to an idea, a vision, a prototype, to Lay & V.
 
It was not always easy, but my dad once told me, “if it was easy, everyone would do it.” He was right, that has always been true to me. I have always challenged myself and I have never looked for the easy road. I do not believe in “I can’t” and I always believe there is a way, don’t take no for an answer.  I was Air Force Security Forces, I was an Army Blackhawk Pilot, I have worked as a Defense Analyst, all predominately male career fields, but I went for it. This was no different, I knew I wanted this to work and I knew it would work. It was going to take time, dedication and sure, a few hiccups here and there but I feel like as long as work hard and believe in yourself the rest will fall into place. This is just the beginning for Lay & V and I am so excited to see where this journey leads us .
     
Written by: Danielle Lungu, Owner/Designer
www.layandv.com
IG: @lay_and_v
FB: @layandv

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