Hip to Be Round is a boutique maternity store located in the Mosaic Shopping District. Based out of Richmond and newly opened in Fairfax in March 2014, this is the first Northern Virginia location for ‘Hip to Be Round’. The boutique has a fresh feeling with funky stencils on the wall and clothing racks with room to breathe.
Merchandise
Hip to Be Round offers medium to high end maternity pieces, diaper bags, accessories and nursing bras. The pieces for expecting moms are based on traditional sizes (S, M, L) with designer denim (sized by waist). There are a few items throughout the boutique for nursing moms that are marked with a yellow hanger. Hip to Be Round has nursing bras by Bravado and Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags. A few accessories like belts ($15), scarves ($20), Chew Beads jewelry ($30), nursing teas and even bags of Lactation Cookies ($13) by milkmakers were available.
The Mom Appeal
Located right next to the Target parking garage, it has easy access. On a weekend afternoon, the boutique had steady customers browsing throughout. The sales associate immediately greeted customers and asked if they needed assistance without being overbearing or asking too many questions. I felt free to browse uninterrupted, but aware that friendly help was nearby.
Most of the pieces were on the dressier side. There were many dresses that would work well for a baby shower or a professional work environment. I noticed a unique selection of casual pieces that ranged from $38 to $120. My personal favorite was a striped cardigan for $38 with patches on the sleeves. Remember how classy Princess Kate Middleton was when pregnant? She often wore a hard-to-find-brand called Seraphine and guess what? Hip to Be Round carries it!
I was also pleasantly surprised by the selection of bathing suits. Hip to Be Round carries a nice selection of suits that were under $100; a welcome departure from the usually skimpy or boring black suits normally found in maternity shops. Hip to Be Round does not carry as wide of a variety as Pea in the Pod or Destination Maternity. After all, it is a boutique, but, Hip to Be Round makes up for it in the quality and one-of-a-kind items offered in an easy location. Most pieces had less than five of each item so you won’t be wearing the same maxi-dress at the park as every other mom.
I suggest coming here at the beginning of your pregnancy to invest in a few pieces to compliment your basics – it will be worth the investment! Have a game plan – think of what you need, the season, or the event and enjoy showing off that belly!
Photo by Andrea Verwys.
