Liz Skone James is the editor of luxury London property and lifestyle magazine, Fabric. She is expecting her first baby at the end of March this year.
Ironically, before it magically popped out overnight, I was longing for a bump – visible proof on the packed tube that I was deserving of a surrendered seat. Then it appeared, and brought with it all kinds of sartorial complications. Usually I jump at the excuse for a valid reason to hit the shops, but not when I know I will only be wearing the spoils for a few months, so I’ve tried to be clever with my purchases.
In a way, I’m lucky that my day-to-day work wardrobe consists largely of dresses; most will stretch (sometimes in an ungainly manner, admittedly) to accommodate my widening waistline. Some, like my Ingenue Liv dress in a graphic pink flower print, look positively made for maternity and have garnered more compliments avec bump than in the days of a flatter tum. There are other items that have proven equally adaptable, like my old but faithful MET jeans, which are so low cut that they still sit comfortably underneath baby SJ at 33 weeks and counting. And I can’t not mention my Marks and Sparks leggings – designed for normal folk, with their StayNEW technology (nope, me either) they’re perfect for preggies, too, with a magically expanding and supportive middle panel that sits over the bump most pleasingly.
Of course, I have bought new bits, but among the throwaway maternity fashions of the high street favourites, my best pieces have been from super stylish Séraphine. Sienna Miller recognised the sheer brilliance of the Black Knitted Cape and likewise, I am loving it (not least because, thrown on over my trusty leather biker jacket, it keeps me chic and cosy on a cold morning AND hides the fact that the zipper gave up on containing me some time hence). And I know that I’ll wear it even after baby has arrived, which is the beauty of so many clothes in this collection. Take the Maternity and Nursing Jumpers which will see me through to birth, and then potentially another year of feeding, and the Grey Nursing Shawl, the most sumptuous of scarves now, and a discreet cover up when breastfeeding. And try as I might I couldn’t wait to use my Tote Changing Bag. Serious arm candy, I don’t need a baby to sport this Séraphine classic – in fact, it’s the perfect size for my purse, keys, iPad, Gaviscon, maternity notes… How will I ever make room for nappies?
And if all else fails? Avert attention from the tum with perfect posture and a clear complexion. I can’t recommend Charlotte Colwell’s facials strongly enough, and a few sessions with Pilates pro Liza Cawthorn should help you to avoid the waddle and carry your girth with grace.
Good luck girls.
Other Articles You May Like:
Pregnancy style Q&A with Sunday Times features editor Laura Atkinson
Deputy showbiz editor Sarah Bull’s top 5 celebrity maternity styles
Seraphine founder Cecile talks business and lifestyle in the press this week