Author: Blog Editor

Heels – How high is too high when you’re pregnant?

There are certain discussions about pregnancy fashion that seem to crop up time and again. One is whether it’s acceptable to carry on wearing figure-hugging dresses once your bump begins to show (of course it is) – and the other relates to heel height. Every time a pregnant celebrity is spotted wearing shoes of any kind, debate erupts over their suitability. If they’re stilettos the commentary is usually especially fierce, but flip-flops and even boots can result in newspapers dedicating column inches to analysing their pros and cons.

 

So, how high is too high when it comes to pregnant women and heels? Should we go straight to flats, or is it acceptable to put on heels sometimes? The answer seems to be that while the odd pair of heels may be acceptable for a special occasion, you shouldn’t be teetering around in them for the whole nine months. This is despite the fact that you probably saw Rachel Zoe, Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham wearing stilettos even into the late stages of their respective pregnancies. However, Posh may actually have acted as a good advert for stepping away from the Manolos – as she suffered with a slipped disc after sticking to her designer heels even when she had a really big bump.

 

Why can heels be dangerous when you’re pregnant? The main thing to consider with heels is that they throw your centre of gravity off-kilter even when you’re not expecting, so this effect is underlined when you’ve got extra weight in your tummy to contend with. You might feel more wobbly and unable to keep your balance – and the last thing you want to do with a baby on board is fall over.

 

High shoes can also cause you real pain in your back and joints. The hormone relaxin is produced during pregnancy in order to loosen the joints in preparation for labour, but it also has an effect on the legs as it passes through them. If you wear precarious shoes while your ankles are weaker than usual, you can increase your risk of a sprain and even do permanent damage to the ligaments, not to mention causing your spine even more stress by contorting it into unnatural positions.

 

Expert organisations such as The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists recommend switching to supportive footwear as soon as you can after your bump begins to show, as it’s best for your body and for the safety of the baby. If you think flats can’t be stylish and supportive, then check out our ShoeTherapy range and prepare to be proven wrong!

 

Founded by Cecile, the revolutionary shoe brand ShoeTherapy is a line of stylish shoes that are medically proven to alleviate back ache, and is the first patented shoe that’s recommended during pregnancy. In the shape of cute ballerinas and our new fashionable loafer styles, the footwear collection is the perfect match to our stylish maternity wear. Loved by Cathy Butterworth, Fashion & Booking Editor at Elle Magazine and Brigid Moss, Health Editor at Red Magazine, these pumps are a must have for your maternity wardrobe. You’ll love them so much you’ll be wearing them long after your pregnancy too.

 

If you can’t go without your heels for long, try to keep them only for special occasions. Don’t forget that even celebrities won’t be wearing their Louboutins all the time – you only see them when they’re really dressed up and they probably put their trainers on as soon as they get out of paparazzi range!

 

Wedges can be a happy medium as they’re easier to walk in … but why not follow the good example of Kristin Cavallari and others and go for pumps instead? Even dedicated heel-wearer Jessica Simpson eventually changed her mind and opted for less vertiginous footwear before she gave birth, so you can too and still look great.

 

Punk & pregnant: Celebrity fashion at the Met Ball

Photographs of red carpet events are always fun to look at, but you don’t get too many Lady Gaga moments – there are usually more pretty gowns and posh hairdos than meat dresses!

Much to our delight though, all that pomp and ceremony went out of the window at this year’s Met Ball – that’s because it was themed PUNK: Chaos to Couture (based on a special exhibition at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York). Even more fun was the fact that the celebrities went all out to stick to the theme, with studs and spiked tresses popping up everywhere.

However, it’s worth pointing out that while there was a lot of black and studs on accessories, the punk theme was really all about rebellion – taking what you think you should wear to a posh event and turning it on its head. With the pregnant attendees being no exception, proving maternity fashion can be fun too!

•  Jaime King , who has very recently announced her first pregnancy rocked up in a tuxedo and crown. A masculine style with a feminine touch of lace and of course a punk twist with the head piece and spiked jewellery. You can rock a similar look with our luxe maternity blazer and matching trousers.

•  Ivanka Trump sported a really cute black top and green skirt combo, a colour blocking look similar to our Colour Block Silk Cocktail Dress (ideal if you want to get her look for a fraction of the price!). The high waisted style is ideal for small bumps. Create her look with our maternity maxi skirt, punk accessories are optional!

•  Kim Kardashian turned up looking like a Spanish senorita in a floral gown that was slit to the thigh with a huge train. It clung to her bump but flattered her figure perfectly, showing it’s a great idea to take the plunge and wear something completely different while you’re expecting a baby. We loved her confidence in trying this look out and it shows she’s really learning a lot about how to be fashionable and elegant at a time when her body’s totally changing from its usual shape.

But what about those of you who love all things rebellious but don’t get the opportunity to have a ball at themed parties like this? Well, you can still get the punk feel by toning it down a little – think rock chick as opposed to Sid Vicious.For instance, you could wear a pair of skinny jeans with Seraphine’s classic Silver Buttoned Charcoal Shift Dress, slick your hair back in a super-high ponytail and accessorise with chunky silver jewellery or a studded handbag. Check out pictures of Shakira during her pregnancy if you need some inspiration, as she was the epitome of rock chick. Nicole Richie and Malin Akerman were other good style muses you can easily emulate.

Give it a try and see if you can rebel against the establishment during your own pregnancy!

 

Products that help cheat sleep – as road-tested by Ellie Crompton

This baby is going to be an ‘Angel Baby’ and a great sleeper I smiled to myself as I lay on the sofa reading The Baby Whisperer and playing Mozart to my bump. I am fairly relaxed, I reasoned, some might even say happy go lucky. I LOVE sleeping, ergo, my baby will be just the same as me. Babies pick up on vibes you know, so if I am all chilled out and zen, the baby will be too non? NON. My first baby hated being put down, would happily fall asleep in my arms and then having been gently lowered into a pre-warmed (I tried all the tricks) cot would wake instantly on next to no impact.  She hated naps in the day and woke at least twice a night until she was one.  This meant that I was very, very tired for about a year.  All I thought about was sleep. I became enraged when friends told me about their snoozy little bundles sleeping soundly through the night AND for two hours during the day and I began to look as demented and sleep starved as I felt.

 

Having returned to work at heat magazine after 7 month’s maternity leave I was extremely fortunate to have access to a whole arsenal of tiredness antidotes. As I hooked myself up to my breast pump in the fashion cupboard (seemed perfectly normal at the time) which doubled up as a beauty cupboard I would scan the shelves and grab any product that promised to soothe my puffy eyes and tighten and brighten my grey, sagging face.  There are of course no miracle potions and lotions out there but there are some creams that really do perk you up and make you feel a whole lot better. Yes, you may have walked to the corner shop with your jumper on inside out and a pair of knickers tying your hair back, but with a few wise beauty buys you can at least feel reassured that your face isn’t falling off and at the very least your thighs feel invigorated.

 

Maybe the sheer act of rebelling against the tiredness and doing something, anything to take control is what helps the most? Here are the products that I discovered in the fashion cupboard and a few more that I found during the early months with my second daughter. No, she didn’t sleep much either.

 

• Guerlain Midnight secret late night recovery treatment 30ml £65
A lovely indulgent treat that smells gorgeous and really does make your skin look better in the morning. Best reached for at around 3am.

• Eve Lom Cleanser 100ml £55
If you have time to do this three times a week it really is worth it. This cleanser may smell like a pet shop but it always works wonders when I have tired, flakey, spotty skin and I kick myself for not using it all the time.

• Origins Plantscription Anti-aging cream £46
I am dedicated to this cream which really does feel like a drink for my skin. I do think it has improved overall lines and complexion too.

makeup1

• Bliss Hot Salt Scrub £28.60
Uplifting and invigorating  this is like a mini spa treatment in your own bathroom.

• This Works Deep Sleep Pillow spray £16, This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil £25
When sleep is limited you might as well make the sleep you do get the most restful and effective sleep you can get. These products are relaxing, soothing and make you feel wonderfully cosseted.

• This Works Energy bank Bath and shower oil £37
Need to wake up? The essential oils in this will give you a boost.

makeup2

• La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, 20ml £212.00
Crazily expensive but definitely the best eye cream I have ever tried. I would consider buying it if I was flush otherwise I stick to Bobbi Brown’s excellent Hydrating Eye Cream £29

• Sarah Chapman Facialift Massager £25
This is a recent discovery and I am addicted. It gives you a mini lymphatic drainage massage and helps relax forehead wrinkles. I really notice a difference after a few minutes of rolling.

• Floradix – Floravital Herbal Iron and Vitamin Formula £9.99
A great tonic to help boost your energy levels and make sure you are getting enough vitamins especially good for when breastfeeding.

• Bobbi Brown creamy concealer £18
A thick concealer  with a great texture that covers the darkest shadows.

makeup3

• Daniel Sandler WATERCOLOUR CRÈME ROUGE BLUSHER In Soft Peach £15.50
This ultimate flushed cheeks shade will instantly freshen up a sleep drained face.

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Nude £33
This is my hero product. Never clinging to wrinkles, not too sheer and not too heavy it creates a luminous, dewy complexion that looks very natural.

• Rimmel Wake me up instant radiance shimmer touch in shimmering sand £4.99 
An instant pick me up for the face. Dab on cheekbones, brow bones and apply a tiny dab on inner eye corners for a dewy, wide eyed look

 

makeup4

Ellie Crompton is mother to Beatrix and Mathilde and a freelance Style Editor who has worked for Company, Elle and most notably heat magazine over the years. She recently started her blog The Mumday Times  (themumdaytimes.tumblr.com) where you can catch up on all her shopping tips, mum musings and more. 

What’s your maternity style? – Annabel Kerman

Annabel trained in costume, and worked in television and stage design before moving into fashion styling. She worked as Fashion Editor of a national newspaper for 15 years from age 21, and now primarily styles celebrity clients, editorially, for television, and personally.

 

1.  Describe your pregnancy style

I have tried various styles throughout my 3 pregnancies, during the first two I wore a lot of empire line and bodycon dresses, showing off my bump.  This time around I’m having a bit of a ‘Victoria Beckham’ moment:  I’m not wearing so many figure hugging pieces, prefering outfits that just skim, rather than shouting out ‘I’m pregnant!’ I’m also bigging up the accessories with statement bags etc.    I’m trying to achieve the idea that my bump is not the main focus of my style.

 

2.  What is your fail-safe outfit?

 A couple of failsafe outfits are a mini smock dress, or a stretch mini dress with a statement looser top worn over.  Then a statement bottom covering coat to cover any sins.   I am also NEVER without some bump covering thick black opaques or leggings

 

3.  What is your favourite piece from Seraphine?

I am  currently LIVING in my denim hotpants from Serephine- they work well with my pre pregnancy style- I team them with studded ankle boots , black opaques and a looser top. However I’m just off on holiday, and looking forward to wearing a beautiful black jersey maxi dress  from the summer collection with a deep v and cap sleeves.

 

4.  What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Concentrate on showing off your best bits, and don’t think that you have to wear a generic ‘maternity’ style just because you’re pregnant, try to adapt your pre pregnancy style which will always suit you best. Plus make maternity bump covering tights and leggings your friends.

 

Fashion and Celebrity Stylist and Consultant

www.annabelkerman.com

Find me on twitter @akermanstylist

What’s your maternity style? – Kirsty McCabe

Kirsty McCabe is a TV presenter and meteorologist who currently presents the weather on BBC Scotland. Previously she was the breakfast weather presenter for GMTV and Daybreak and prior to that she presented national and international weather forecasts across the entire range of BBC television and radio channels. She lives in London with her husband Renato and their toddler, Ethan. She is pregnant with her second child, due in May.

 

1. Describe your pregnancy style?

For work it’s dresses that show off the bump without being too clingy. Nothing too floaty or I just look big all over, it’s nice to try to define a hint of a figure hanging on in there… At home I live in my skinny leg over-the-bump jeans, and given our recent weather I usually layer on a vest, long-sleeved top and cardigan/wrap. I’m hoping I can move onto my maternity leggings (I do love things that come right up over the bump) and more spring-like tops soon.

 

2. What is your fail-safe outfit?

Again, jeans are great because you can smarten them up with a different top for evenings out. Although that doesn’t happen too often with a toddler..

 

3. What is your favourite piece from Seraphine?

A gorgeous navy lace dress from the Luxe collection that I wore to the Tommy’s Baby Awards in London. I got so many compliments on it and felt very glamorous, even with a big bump.

 

4. What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Invest in decent underwear – make sure your bra fits you properly and clothes will look much better. And I sometimes wear a maternity skirt from Seraphine under dresses that are a bit too clingy so they hang better and you can’t see any VPL!

 

SS13 BEHIND THE SCENES – A TASTE OF THE COLLECTION

SS13 has arrived mamas, and now is the perfect time to shake up your style with some brand new maternity clothes! Check out our fashion video for a sneaky behind the scenes look at our location photoshoot, and to discover the incredible styles on offer this season – perfect for before, during and after pregnancy. We’ve updated our collection with brand new maternity dresses, stunning new nursing clothes, and super flattering maternity jeans – you are guaranteed to find something to suit your style.

Be the first to work this season’s hottest new trends! For a closer look, order our SS13 catalogue now and discover what this season has in store for the world of maternity fashion.

For more behind the scenes peeks, follow us on Facebook.

When Cecile Met Heidi

Seraphine founder and creative director Cecile Reinaud met with Heidi Murkoff, author of the world’s best-selling pregnancy and parenting series, What to Expect, that began with the book What to Expect When You’re Expecting (written when she was pregnant with her first child!) to celebrate the launch of their new site What To Expect UK.

 

Not able to find the answers to all the questions she faced, Heidi Murkoff conceived the idea for What To Expect When You’re Expecting during her first pregnancy. With the aim to write a guide that would help other expectant parents sleep better at night, Heidi delivered the book proposal hours before delivering her daughter Emma! Emma is now a new mother herself and Seraphine’s number one fan. With a maternity wardrobe made up exclusively of Seraphine clothes, find out how here love for the brand begin here.

 

Over 20 years later, the What To Expect brand has grown tremendously and Heidi is now also the founder of the What To Expect Foundation, as well as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2011.

 

The book has also been turned into an incredibly entertaining film featuring the likes of Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez and Elizabeth Banks.

 

 

Have you read the book or watched the film? Let us know your thoughts.

 

Pregnancy captured in Time Lapse Videos

At Seraphine we believe pregnancy is a beautiful time – a truly amazing process where your body changes as your bump and baby grows.

 

Many mums-to-be want to capture these months, whether it’s in picture, video, or written form. One popular idea that expectant mums are using are time lapse videos.

 

A collection of images taken daily put together to encapsulate the pregnant journey, and have a little fun along way.

 

Here’s one we love:

Pregnancy Time Lapse of Lucy!

 

A little taste of what to expect when you’re expecting, you can see the beautiful transformation of her body over time, condensed into this delightful video journal.

Did you record the growth of your belly? Tell us how in the comments below.

 

 

What’s your maternity style? – Katie Lester

Katie Lester is the Fashion Editor at You Magazine, the hugely successful colour supplement to the Mail on Sunday. Having worked her way up the Fashion Department for the last 10 years, she edits the magazine still life pages and also styles and directs main fashion stories leading her to travel the world and work with some of the best known models and celebrities including Cheryl Cole, Mary-Kate Olsen and Behati Prinsloo. Katie helped launch and continues to work on Inspire Magazine, the Mail’s luxury bi-annual magazine

Katie has appeared on television, most notably BBC Breakfast and ITV’s This Morning as a Fashion Expert and her commercial clients include marks and Spencer’s, Boden and Next

Katie is married and has a two and a half year old son, Saul and a ten week old daughter, Sylvie

 

Describe your pregnancy style?

My pregnancy style pretty much mimicked my non pregnant style.

I lived in skinny jeans. I found a black pair that flattered me and teamed them with blouses and neat jackets for work with statement necklaces and cashmere jumpers and patterned scarves for the weekend.

 

What is your fail-safe outfit?

My seraphine black skinny jeans, white blouse top and Zara long-line tweed jacket (it doesn’t fasten over the bump but still looks great) with a pair of ankle boots.

 

What is your favourite piece from Seraphine?

I love the burgundy knit with zip details on the shoulder. Such an on trend colour and flattering shape whilst being really practical too.

 

What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Invest in some great support vests. Whatever I’m wearing I like to wear a comfy long-line vest underneath. These staples give a good silhouette making clothes more flattering. And the best bit is that you can continue to wear them after.

 

 

What’s your maternity style? – Ellie Crompton

Ellie Crompton is mother to Beatrix and Mathilde and a freelance Style Editor who has worked for Company, Elle and most notably heat magazine over the years. She recently started her blog The Mumday Times  (themumdaytimes.tumblr.com) where you can catch up on all her Shopping tips, mum musings and more. 

 

Describe your pregnancy style? – Me with a bump

 

What is your fail-safe outfit?  – A printed smock dress over leggings/tights worn with ankle boots and a cropped leather jacket

 

What is your favourite piece from Seraphine? It’s a toss up between the shift dress and the slim cut jeans

 

What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women? You don’t have to wear top to toe stretch jersey. Mix up your fabrics.

 

 

Timeless Maternity Pieces – By MyChicBump

If you are anything like me, when you found out you were pregnant you had a million questions and knew that life would never be the same. Strange cravings, hormonal roller coasters, and the fear of losing that body you worked so hard for… And then the moment comes… you’re pulling on your favorite pair of skinny jeans, ready to head out with your hubby and something just isn’t working. GASP! That’s when you realize that your regular clothes just wont cut it anymore. So now what do you do?

 

Don’t worry, just because your body is changing and your skinny jeans don’t quite fit like they used to, doesn’t mean you need to replace your whole wardrobe. The key is to invest in the right kind of clothes that will work for you during and even after your pregnancy. When deciding where to spend your money, look for clothes that are classy, that accentuate your body (more posts on that soon!), and that will last for years to come. Maternity clothes don’t have to be baggy and frumpy, in fact, since giving birth in November I’ve worn each of the pieces below on multiple occasions.

 

Here are the top three items that are definitely worthy of investment and that will last you through pregnancy, nursing, and beyond:

 

1. The Tunic

It’s the perfect balance between comfort and style. A tunic is flattering on most bodies, pregnant or not. Pair it with black leggings or opaque tights for an extra slimming look.

 

2. The Tregging

This super functional pant is more than just a pair of leggings. Because of its quality fabric, belt loop, and tailored fit the tregging can be worn as a regular pant or trouser! They are so comfortable you will want to wear them well after you give birth. Definitely a must-have in your maternity wardrobe!

 

3. The Shawl

One of the most, if not, the most versatile pieces I own in my closet! You can wear it over your shoulders to keep warm, as a nursing cover for stylish functionality, or a scarf to perk up any outfit! And its so incredibly soft and delicate you will want to wear it over and over again.

 

Read more about Karen Zaro’s fashion and lifestyle tips on her blog MyChicBump.com

Follow her on Twitter here.

 

 

The baby naming challenge

Lots of eager parents will already know the sex of their baby before the birth these days, but that doesn’t mean choosing a name for the child is any easier.

Fearne Cotton recently gave birth to a boy last week and subsequently announced that she and partner Jessie have called him Rex Rayne. Unfortunately, this prompted comments on the social networking site such as: “Who the **** suggested that name, Scooby Doo?” and “What’s she had, a baby or a Labrador?”

But of course she is not the first celebrity to choose an unusual name for their new child, nor will she be the last. Just see this wonderfully amusing top 30 unusual celebrity baby names compiled by Mumsnet.

Do any of them pick your fancy? The name picking process can be a difficult one. Many friends report drawing up a shortlist and coming up with various ways to cross the contenders off, while others insist they want to wait until after the birth to see what the little girl or boy would suit. However, this can result in long periods where the newborn is ‘Baby Girl’ or ‘Baby Boy’ as indecision often strikes at this point.

The best way to go about it, in our experience, is to come up with a plan with your partner and stick to it. Don’t be swayed by relatives who try to persuade you to name the baby after them unless you really want to.

A nice way to go about choosing is looking for a name with a hidden meaning – for example, Verity means ‘truth’, while Jason means ‘healer’.

Need more help? See Mumsnet’s ‘Baby name dos and don’ts’ for a some baby naming guidelines!

Are you trying to come up with names right now? How are you getting on?

Translate »