about

Brody & Cole clothing is designed for a woman's body and is proudly American-made. Our seasonless, luxurious European fabrics and styles are sophisticated and interchangeable - creating an effortless wardrobe with breadth. Perfect for travel, work-to-play versatility, and special occasions. The classic lines of Brody & Cole Womenswear and Maternity clothing collections make a fashion statement of simple elegance.

BABY. Truly a miracle, the creation of a child is an amazing, life-changing experience. As a "forty-something," mother of two toddlers, it is my hope that you joyfully embrace this new beginning and everything unexpected that comes along with it.

BODY. Your body will change as your baby grows. This is inevitable and a significant aspect of bonding with your child. Equally transforming is the shift from the "self" era to the "baby and me" era. It is important to hold onto a piece of "self" -- regular exercise, date night and self-image are difficult to maintain, but turned out to be exactly what I needed to nurture my motherhood, my relationship and ultimately my family's happiness.

BEAUTIFUL. As I relaxed into motherhood, my sons Brody and Cole, inspired my creative mind. First it was sewing maternity clothes for myself, then it was sewing playmats for my babies and then Brody & Cole Design was born. My clothing designs capture the embodiment of the mother and child relationship -- so beautiful.

MY STORY. When I was pregnant in 2005 with my first son Brody, I found it challenging to find maternity clothes I liked. One day, when I was six months pregnant, my frustration peaked. I was lying on a bed at my sister's house, while she physically cut me out of a pair of $200 maternity jeans - I'd purchased just three weeks earlier - with a HUGE pair of scissors. Brody & Cole Design was conceived that day.

I worked in marketing and public relations, and the business culture expected I wear stylish professional clothing. Through the first five months of pregnancy I made my existing wardrobe work for me. Inevitably, I arrived at that point where I had to get maternity clothes, and fast.

The immediate challenge was my bosom which had grown exponentially. I didn't want things cut so low I'd be baring too much, nor did I want to be wearing turtlenecks every day. I went to eight shops locally and then to the city department stores only to find they had nothing that appealed to me. After a long, disappointing search I purchased three maternity items - the 'jeans' and a couple of tops. The 'jeans' were to be the foundation of my casual wardrobe, or so I thought.

A few weeks later I visited my sister. I was feeling increasingly uncomfortable in 'the jeans'. Suddenly I found myself stuck in them, suffocating -- and battling an urgent need to use the ladies' room. My sister had no choice but to cut me free. Although we laugh about it now, at the time it was so humiliating.

Frustrated, hormonal and out of pocket, I could not face going shopping again. I had an idea. I'd designed clothes for myself before I was pregnant. So, I pulled out my sewing machine and endeavored to make a few simple pieces that worked with wraps, jewelry and shoes already in my closet. In my mind's eye, the clothes needed to be multi-functional nurturing my personal fashion sense while meeting my pregnancy needs. Soon friends were asking me to make them a tube dress, capelet or halter top. Over the next four years as my sons Brody and Cole were born I tweaked the designs and imagined new concepts.

It is amazing to see the expecting and lifestyle collections come to life. It's so exciting to hear echoes of my own experience from moms who have worn my clothes. 'The fabric feels so good against my skin.' 'I feel beautiful.' 'The clothes work for nursing, for not nursing.' 'They make me feel elegant, not awkward.' Moms get it. It is so fulfilling to know I've given them something to nourish themselves.

Presently I'm 18 months postpartum and wearing the designs we've created for moms to enjoy after they are pregnant. It's been an amazing journey and I'm very proud to introduce you to Brody & Cole.

Erin Marino Robbins