Regardless of personal style, chic and simple basics are a wardrobe must. But as one’s belly grows (because of a baby, not a brownie), the options for such pieces become extremely limited. Like, non-existent.
I’ve had pregnant friends, fearful of taking the leap into the frumpy maternity section of their local department store, squeeze into their pre-baby clothes until bursting seams give way. For the sake of said friends everywhere, I give you Storq.
When it comes to the notion of traditional maternity wear, this eComm newcomer is pushing the envelope to the stratosphere. A collaboration between friends Courtney Klein and Grace Kapin, Storq aims to provide maternity essentials that are equal parts practical, accessible and stylish. “At the end of the day, pregnant women just want to feel like themselves,” says Klein. “Storq is for the woman with a very strong sense of personal style.”
Sounds like us (minus the pregnant part). I caught up with Klein to learn more:
Julie Bensman: Where did the idea for Storq come about?
Courtney Klein: Listening to pregnant friend after pregnant friend passionately discuss maternity fashion, or the lack thereof. There’s a real desire to preserve a sense of identity and style while pregnant and not a lot of options out there for doing so.
JB: Whether pregnant or not, good basics are key to good style…
CK: The best basics take the stress out of getting dressed each morning. We’re in favor of minimal silhouettes, super soft fabrics and styles that mix seamlessly with everything in your closet.
JB: The site offers beauty and body products, as well?
CK: Yes! Pregnant women have a unique set of concerns when it comes to what they can safely put on their skin. We set out to source products that are not only safe for moms-to-be, but also effective and luxurious.
JB: You recently relocated to San Francisco from NYC. How do you see street style differ between the two cities?
CK: There’s no illusion that The Sartorialist is lurking around the corner in SF.
JB: How would you describe your own sense of style?
CK: Classic and laid-back with emphasis on a good shoe.
JB: Favorite designers?
CK: It’s always more about individual pieces, but I would say Azzedine Alaia, Phoebe Philo, Rei Kawakubo, Acne, Nicholas Ghesquiere, Christobal Balenciaga, Bonnie Cashin, Helmut Lang and whoever invented espadrilles.
JB: What’s the last thing you googled?
CK: Grace and I only use Bing. Just kidding! “Talking cats.”
