Andrea Caamano is HELLO! Online’s managing editor. She just became a first-time mum to an adorable baby boy named Ethan. Here, she shares her views on pregnancy style and why she’s totally taken with Seraphine’s nursing clothes…
When I became pregnant I genuinely believed I could go through my whole pregnancy without buying maternity clothes. I usually favour loose styles – think oversized T-shirts and low waisted jeans – which I thought were ideal for pregnancy style…Turns out I was wrong!
As soon as my bump popped, around the six month mark, the aforementioned loose styles started to become very unflattering. There was no definition and I ended up looking bigger than I actually was. Not ideal.
So it was time for a wardrobe revamp – just in time for summer!
Seraphine soon became my go-to brand. I work in the celebrity and royalty world and so I knew that I would be in good hands (I’ve written countless articles about Princess Victoria, Princess Madeleine and the Duchess of Cambridge wearing their creations, not forgetting Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani!).
Seraphine designs manage to strike the balance between fashion and function – which is all-important when you’re carrying around a rather large bump! Their maternity jeans fit like a glove, the tops showed off my bump perfectly and I love the dresses – I even wore a beautiful white maxi dress to my baby shower at 38 weeks.
Shortly after mastering maternity wear, I was interviewing a celebrity who had recently given birth. Speaking to her, I realised it was time to start thinking about nursing clothes…
This celebrity had her son with her during the interview and had to briefly stop to breastfeed. She pulled out this beautiful white shawl with poppers for fastening at the shoulder and I decided that I needed it asap (pregnancy hormones make you go crazy for the most random things!).
She told me it was Seraphine’s ‘Breastfeeding Shawl‘ and I went home to search for it online. There, I uncovered their amazing world of nursing clothes – and thank goodness I did.
Honestly, it has saved my life! The first weeks are hard enough with a newborn, especially if, like me, it’s your first time round. But having the right nursing clothes – think tops, knitwear, shawls and even nightwear – which are not only practical but seriously fashionable, makes this whole new experience 100 times smoother!
Last summer gorgeous fashion blogger Courtney of the Cocofashionista blog chose Seraphine maternity clothes to stay trendy throughout her pregnancy. Her top pick was our New York Bump kit, including comfortable and stylish pieces that go with just about everything. Check out what she had to say about it along with some great styling tips on her blog…
The stunning pregnant blogger created a summery daytime look with the Maternity Pencil Skirt. She wore the skirt over her bump with a tropical print crop top and sneakers for a fresh and sexy look. She accessorised with a silver neckband and a matching chunky bracelet, while original graphic sunglasses completed the glamorous maternity fashion ensemble.
But why stop at just one look? The Seraphine Bump Kit gives you 4 maternity fashion essentials to mix, match and accessorise, allowing you to create literally hundreds of outfit combinations – whether you wear it for work, play or even working out!
Courtney spent a relaxed weekend with her family rocking our over the bump leggings and our Secret Support Maternity Vest, which she styled with a cute pink sweater, matching trainers & cool shades. She said:
“Comfy doesn’t quite describe how awesome this outfit was!”
And for her last Bump Kit look, Courtney styled the little black dress with a pair of fun mirrored sunnies, a cute neon bag and a gorgeous pair of tropical print loafers. Shop the style on her blog: CocoFashionista.
And she is not the only beautiful pregnant mama to fall in love with the Seraphine Bump Kit: It’s a must have!
Amanda Marcantonio is the Senior Fashion Editor for Good Housekeeping and Prima magazine and is currently 32 weeks pregnant with her first baby. Here she shares her top 3 maternity style tips and her 6 must-have pieces for dressing your baby-bump.
DON’T LOSE YOUR IDENTITY
If you only choose to follow one piece of advice, this should be it. Not looking like ‘me’ was one of my biggest fashion fears when I became pregnant. My personal style is classic with a cool, modern twist. I love leather, denim, layering, my high-top trainers, biker boots, stripes and a splash of leopard print and I was dreading having to wear floaty boho maternity clothes which are pretty but it’s just not me! After A LOT of maternity style research and some purchases from Seraphine (skinny jeans, Breton top and black pencil skirt), I realised you can easily find clothes that work with your new body without sacrificing your usual style.
PLAY WITH PROPORTION
Pregnant or not, I always tell my readers to balance proportions. Not only will it keep you looking modern and up-to-date, it’s also the ultimate in figure-flattering dressing. If you prefer looser tops or longer floaty tunics, pair with skinny jeans or tapered slim-fit trousers. If you feel comfy in roomy wide-leg trousers I’d recommend wearing it with a well-cut top to give your figure some shape and definition.
GET MORE MILEAGE FROM YOUR MATERNITY WEAR
Let’s face it, after months of wearing the same items over and over again, everyday outfits can become a little boring and predictable. So why not try reinventing your existing staple pieces by wearing them differently. Why wear a dress as a dress? It can double as a tunic and be layered over jeans or trousers. Try slipping a jumper or top over a dress which turns it instantly into a skirt. I’m also a big fan of long sleeves under short, rolling up the hem of your jeans, or pushing back sleeves and letting long sleeve T-shirts peep from under a jumper … there are endless ways to give old outfits a fashionable new twist.
INVEST IN THESE 6 STYLE STAPLES
Here’s my ultimate list of the best maternity style saviors – the hero pieces that have seen me through my pregnancy…
1) Jeans
Jeans shopping is notoriously tricky but when you’re pregnant it’s even harder. After trying on MANY pairs of jeans from different high street stores (it’s fair to say I’m a fussy jeans shopper), Seraphine under-the-bump skinny jeans have been my go-to style staple. But since reaching my third trimester I’ve switched to their over-the-bump skinny jeans for extra comfort and to wear post-baby. In reality, you’ll probably still wear maternity clothes for a good few months after your baby is born, so great quality maternity jeans are a wise investment.
2) White Long Sleeve T-shirt
The ultimate foundation piece for layering. Seek out a long-line T-shirt with flattering bump-friendly ruching around the tummy. The longer length means you can possibly wear some of your pre-pregnancy tops for a bit longer like I did and just let the T-shirt peep underneath. Wear on its own or layered under tops, dresses and jumpers, the humble long sleeve T-shirt will up the ante of simple outfits.
3) An LBD
A Little Black Maternity Dress is unbelievably versatile – I wear mine at least 3 times a week, if not more! I dress it down with boots and a leather jacket, glam it up with jewels, heels or embellished flats (if I can’t face heels) and I often wear it under a top or jumper. It’s so easy to transform from desk to dinner – it’s myultimate maternity style winner.
4) Black Trousers or Leather Leggings
You simply can’t go wrong with a trusty pair of black trousers but if you want more of a fashion edge like I did, buy some faux leather leggings. I really don’t like my upper legs and thighs so I wear my leather leggings with long tops, jumper dresses and tunics – it keeps them cleverly covered!
5) Stripes
Stripes are my default purchase at any time in my life and they look just as chic when you’re pregnant. They’re effortlessly fashionable and make you look polished and pulled together without even trying, which is why they’re my pregnancy secret weapon. Why not double up and buy a Breton that’s a nursing top too?
6) Simple Skirt
A go-with-everything chic black pencil skirt is a must-buy. It’s your shortcut to staying stylish all pregnancy long. From weekdays to weekends, it can do both and will be one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe. I personally wanted to embrace my new pregnancy shape which is why I love my Seraphine soft stretchy pencil skirt as it accentuates my tummy and keeps my silhouette streamlined.
Nathalie Bernadotte is a partner and event manager at Kensington Mums – a local London network aiming to provide support and to help mums make connections and forge friendships. Nathalie has a lively 2 year old Leonardo and a brand new baby daughter Sienna – she opens up about maternity style & becoming a mother of two.
1) First, congratulations on welcoming your beautiful new daughter! How are you finding life as a mum of two?
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Two months in and I still can’t believe I’m a mum of two… the joy is hard to describe!
Its not easy as my son is going through the terrible twos at the moment so many tantrums to handle and In all honesty, I had forgotten how tough it is to wake up several times per night breastfeeding. But again, I can’t and don’t want to complain – it was always my dream to be a mum so becoming a mum of two; what a blessing!!!!
My son adores his little sister and cannot wait for her to be a little older and play. It’s a special bond and I am so happy to have been able to give this to them.
2) We love your maternity style! Can you sum it up in 3 words?
Thank you! hmmm, shall we call it ‘The Seraphine Style‘? 3 words, that’s tough but I’d probably go with ‘practical‘, ‘comfortable‘ and ‘me‘.
3) How did you style your bump? Are you more of a fitted kind of girl, or did you like to keep things loose and flowing?
I surprised myself during pregnancy – I normally wear loose & comfy clothes but during pregnancy I enjoyed showing off the bump with more tight & fitted outfits.
On one specific occasion, my 30th birthday, I wore the Seraphine Claret Lace Maternity Cocktail Dress which I LOVE! All my friends were very surprised to see me in such a tight ‘sexy’ dress – I don’t think I would have ever dared without the bump.
But I must add that it also depends on the pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my son, I was due in September and wore loose tops and maternity dresses during the summer as it helped with dealing with the heat. This time round I was due in December and it was really cold so I preferred having tight warm clothes on me.
4) Do you have a favourite piece from the Seraphine collection?
I’d say most dresses from the Luxe Collection! But the Silk and Lace Maternity Evening Gown I wore at a dinner party back in October has to be ‘the one’. I wore it in black but the Navy & Black combination is just a dream.
And I adore the ‘you + me = us‘ charity top. In fact I am wearing that today…and most days! (scroll down to see the picture!)
5) How do you feel that being involved with Kensington Mums has helped you through pregnancy and as a mother?
I first joined Kensington Mums in 2013 as an expecting mum. I was the first in my close group of friends here to become pregnant. So meeting other mums-to-be was invaluable. It also helped me mingle with girls who, just like me, don’t have a family support system in London and have to go through pregnancy and motherhood with little support.
Kensington Mums helped me build confidence and make many new friends along the way – many of which I am sure will be good friends for a very long time.
Since becoming a partner in this business, it has been of great help in introducing me to many mummy related brands, companies and other mum-preneurs, which I would have never known about without working at Kensington Mums.
6) Do you have any beauty or styling tips to share with other expectant mums?
Don’t lose yourself, look after yourself during pregnancy.
I know it can be a very challenging time in our lives and not being in control of our bodies can be extremely frustrating but it’s your body and it’s the same body you will have after giving birth so look after it. Rest when you need, exercise when you can and nurture it everyday.
7) We are confiscating your makeup bag – you’re allowed to keep three essential cosmetics. What do you choose?
This is a tough one as I’m not big on makeup (mostly because I’m not very good at it) so it would have to be… concealer, mascara and lip balm/gloss (I’m obsessed with lip balms)
8) If you could have one super power, what would it be & how would you use it?
Before becoming a mum I wouldn’t count this as a super power but now…. it would have to be PATIENCE and I would use it at all times with my little ones.
9) Who are your heroes? Can you share your top 3 inspirational women?
I’m not sure I have any heroes or can name 3 individual inspirational women. I admire many women.
I have a lot of respect for single mums out there. I think that doing the job I do as mum can be extremely challenging and I am lucky and blessed to have my husband by my side to help me and don’t know what I’d do without him, so to know that there are women out there who do it all alone is just incredible.
I find most of my friends inspirational. They are ordinary people who can at times struggle through everyday challenges, but just get on with it. That to me is inspiring.
Women inspire me.
10) What was the best piece of advice you received when you were pregnant?
Sleep when your baby sleeps! I completely ignored this advice the first time round and now that I understand it and want to put it into action, it’s impossible because when baby sleeps, 2 year old wants to play.
The Tommy’s Awards is an annual event, held to celebrate those working to make a difference in the lives of families across the UK. This year Seraphine maternity was incredibly proud to sponsor the Mum’s Voice Award – a prize to honour one special mum with the courage to share her story, bringing hope and reassurance to others going through similar experiences. Allow us to introduce Leigh Kendall – blogger at www.headspace-perspective.com, health communication advocate and winner of the Mum’s Voice Award 2016….
1)First off, congratulations! How does it feel to have won the Seraphine Maternity Mum’s Voice Award?
Thank you! Winning the Seraphine Mum’s Voice Award was a proud but bittersweet moment. I am proud that my writing and campaigning is making a difference, and that people are paying attention to it – but I would give it all back in an instant to have Hugo back in my arms.
2)Tell us about Hugo and Hugo’s legacy.
Hugo was born in February 2014, 16 weeks prematurely. He had to be born then because I had the rare, life-threatening pregnancy complications pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The only cure is for the baby to be born, otherwise both mum and baby are likely to die. Hugo wasa gorgeous, perfectly-formed little boy. He fought so hard and was pretty feisty, which earned him the nickname ‘Hugo Boss’ from his nurses. Sadly he died aged 35 days – he was too small, and premature. I am utterly heartbroken.
I started Hugo’s Legacy as a way of channelling my grief, and celebrating Hugo’s life. Hugo’s legacy focuses on raising awareness of HELLP syndrome (few people have heard of it; I didn’t know it existed until I was diagnosed); support for parents of premature babies, and for bereaved parents.
While nothing could have been done differently in terms of the care Hugo and I were given – nothing would have changed the outcome – there were many times when communication was insensitive or lacking, making a difficult time even more stressful. Helping health professionals understand the importance of effective communication is another key part of Hugo’s legacy.
Hugo weighed only 420 grams when he was born (about the same as a tin of baked beans). He shows that there is no footprint too small to leave an imprint on the world.
3)We love your blog Headspace Perspective. Do you feel that blogging has helped you? How?
Thank you so much! Blogging became my release after Hugo died. I was angry with the world, that this had happened to me, that I didn’t have Hugo. Writing about HELLP syndrome, about Hugo, and about life after his death was cathartic, especially as it was difficult to find support. As a proud though heartbroken mummy, I also use the blog to tell the world about my beautiful boy.
Headspace Perspective gave me a focus, a sense of purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. It has also introduced me to wonderful, kind, supportive people from all over the world.
4)The style section of your blog is fantastic – how important is it to you to maintain your sense of style?
That’s brilliant, thank you! I’ve always loved clothes and style, but for many years lacked the confidence to wear the outfits I admired. After Hugo died (and my own close call with death) I realised life is too short and that I should just wear what I like and rock the outfits! For me, my style is about celebrating the beauty of life through wearing bright colour, and celebrating who I am. Maintaining my sense of style in my grief has also been about an act of self-care, telling myself I am worth the effort.
5)A little bird told us that you have a favourite Seraphine maternity dress…
Yes that’s right! When I was pregnant I bought myself the knot front maternity dress in fuschia. It’s the one made famous by Kate Middleton in the first photo with Prince George. I love pink, and the cut and colour of the dress are so flattering. I loved wearing it, and admiring my growing bump in it. The dress got a lot of wear during Hugo’s life – it was easy to express my breast milk for Hugo while wearing it, and the bright colour brought a bit of joy to my day. I also wore the dress to Hugo’s funeral – we had asked our guests to wear bright colours in celebration of his life.
6)Can you sum up your signature look in 3 words?
Colourful, classic, and curvy!
7)We are confiscating your makeup bag – you’re allowed to keep 3 essential cosmetics. What do you choose?
Ooh that’s scary, I love my make-up! I think my three most essential items would be a tinted moisturiser, mascara, and lip balm.
8)Who inspires you?
Besides Hugo, my favourite inspirational person is Rosa Parks. She is the woman who defied segregation by refusing to let a white man take her seat on the bus. Rosa championed what she believed in with a quiet, dignified confidence.
9) You look great in our Just for Love charity tee – what do you think of the campaign?
Thank you, the Just for Love charity tee is gorgeous. The campaign is invaluable because it is fundraising for a new medical research centre that will help prevent miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth. There surely can be no better cause than saving babies’ lives. Losing your much-wanted, much-loved baby is utterly devastating, it is something I would not wish on anyone.
10)What advice would you like to pass on to other mums?
Be aware of your body while you are pregnant and don’t hesitate to seek help if you are ever worried – you are better safe than sorry. Being a mum is not always easy, whether or not your baby is in your arms – but do your best to celebrate and enjoy every moment.
Seraphine founder Cécile Reinaud is passionate about entrepreneurship, and as a female entrepreneur herself, she has a special interest in encouraging and supporting other women in what can at times feel like a man’s world.
So with this in mind, Cécile is thrilled to introduce Rana Nakhal Solset: a fellow female entrepreneur who is preparing to launch her brand new British luxury label Emel + Aris – home of the self-heating coat!
“A self-heating coat!” we hear your cry “Amazing! Why has nobody thought of this before?”… Well we’re just as baffled as you – but so pleased that somebody has finally seen the light and invented the ultimate in wearable tech.
And they’re ultra-stylish too! Emel + Aris is set to launch with 2 beautiful coats for women – a lightweight cotton trench and a luxurious winter wrap coat in wool and cashmere. Each will be made entirely in Europe, and equipped with innovative in-built technology allowing them to offer infrared heat to keep you cosy without sacrificing your style.
Here’s Rana Herself to Explain How it Works:
The core aim of staying stylish whatever the weather is one that we share here at Seraphine; offering fabulously fashionable maternity clothes to flatter your changing figure and keep you comfortable through pregnancy without ever compromising on style.
The beautiful Emel + Aris wrap coats would make the perfect post-pregnancy pieces – ideal for strolling around town with your beautiful new baby or running errands with the older kids.
Rana is launching her Kickstarter campaign on the 11th of March – this is your opportunity to be an early investor in this new luxury brand and to ensure that you are among the first to own one of these amazing smart coats! To stay in the know about all their latest developments, register for their newsletter at www.emelandaris.com and follow them on Instagram@emel_and_aris.
Until then, why not browse our maternity coats and jackets online. You’re sure to find something equally stylish (if not quite so tech-savvy)!
Charlotte Kewley is a stylist, writer and Contributing Fashion Editor at Mother & Baby magazine. Mum to Isabella, 18 months, she is 5 months pregnant with her second child. She talks us through her thoughts on second pregnancy style…
First time around I admit I tried to avoid maternity wear for as long as possible. It felt like giving in to start wearing it. I did the whole elastic band through the buttonholes of your jeans trick for a while but it just wasn’t comfortable. Then people suggested that you could just buy regular clothes a size or two bigger. Not true in most cases. Unless you have a seamstress on speed-dial. Maternity wear is cut to fit your size but also accommodate a bump. Normal clothes aren’t. Fact.
After I’d come around to the idea that I did now have a bump (and perhaps a few extra pounds too) and as a stylist with an addiction to shopping that wasn’t prepared to disappear for nine months I shopped around, discovered Seraphine and a few other favourites and now I truly love all of my maternity clothes from my first pregnancy. Some even more than my pre-pregnancy regulars. So I was super excited to be able to wear them again – and add to my collection – dressing a bump is more of a challenge than dressing a pre-pregnancy body but as a stylist there’s some fun in that! During my first pregnancy I bought a lot of basics that I still have, so this time I’m adding in more fun and fashion pieces. Plus accessories. And more red lipstick.
You definitely show quicker second time around. At 23 weeks I’m already bigger than I was at 29 with Isabella. But I don’t mind. It means I get more wear out of my mat buys and to be honest there’s no option so it’s best to embrace your new shape.
During your first pregnancy you learn how to adapt to a new body shape and spend much of your time experimenting with what works. Or just examining your new body in the mirror trying to figure it all out. Second time you’re more aware of and confident in your new curves and already know how to dress them.
A lot of people really have no idea where to buy maternity clothes so find it hard to stick to their personal style. They’re limited in options so it’s easy to feel uncomfortable, unattractive or just ‘not like you’. My best advice would be to shop online. There are so many cool maternity pieces available when you actually look for every shape and style, there’s really no need to alter your personal style. And ordering online means you can try everything on in the comfort of your own home and style it up with your own accessories.
Charlotte’s Pregnancy Style Must-Haves
I’m lucky that because of the work I do I’ve had the opportunity to try and test a lot of maternity styles and shapes and am therefore a bit of an expert on the best buys!
Here are the Seraphine must-haves I recommend for second (or first) time pregnancy style…
1) White Cotton Maternity Dress
2) Polka Dot Button Down Maternity Blouse
3) Stretch Denim Maternity Jump Suit
My favourite new-in piece. I’m a big fan of maternity jumpsuits and dungarees. One stop dressing.
It’s SO important to think about what will work for nursing (if that’s what you plan on doing). I breastfed Isabella but ran out of clothing options after two days, so had to do an emergency online shop for easy-access tops and dresses. Plan ahead and order some cool but comfortable pieces that will be easy to wear and feed in for the first few weeks before you gain confidence and are happy to whip them out wherever!
6) Faux Leather Panel Maternity Leggings
These have been my go-to maternity pants this time around. Dress up with a tailored coat or at the weekend with trainers and a cashmere sweater.
Charlotte Supports our Just for love campaign in aid of Tommy’s
Get your Love Tee now and help save babies’ lives.
Tara Lee has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She is a registered senior teacher with Yoga Alliance UK and is a trained Doula who has taught thousands of pregnant women, guiding them through their pregnancies and births. She is also a mum of 2.
Tara’s pregnancy yoga DVD boxset “Bump, Baby and Beyond” is now available online. Read on for Tara’s introduction to the benefits of pregnancy yoga.
Pregnancy Yoga
Many women instinctively feel more connected to their bodies during pregnancy and more concerned with looking after themselves now that they have a new life growing inside. This makes it the perfect time to practice yoga even if you have never done any before.
Many expectant mums attend yoga classes thinking that they would like to stretch a little bit, or because they have been told it will be good for them and their babies. They soon discover after a few classes that not only have aches and pains disappeared, they also feel more energised and have a stronger connection to their bodies and their babies.
The stretches help to release tightness and tension from the muscles, but the breathing techniques used work on a deeper psychological level to release fears, anxieties and bring a feeling of calmness and clarity to the mind. Insomnia, sciatica, hip pain, rib pain, back ache, SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction), pelvic girdle pain, headaches, anxieties and general discomfort can be drastically improved or disappear altogether with regular yoga practice.
As the bump starts to grow and the centre of gravity shifts, regular yoga practice can help fine tune the balance both physically and emotionally. The classes also offer tools (such as breathing techniques and positions for birth) to use during the labour that help women feel empowered, in control and able to deal with whatever turn their birthing takes.
Yoga to Aid Labour & Recovery
A regular yoga practice during pregnancy does not provide any guarantee of a ‘perfect’ birth. If anything it helps women realise that there is no such thing as the ‘ideal birth’ but that they can stay calm and open minded and embrace the experience. It helps women to develop the right mindset to cope well when things don’t go according to plan (as so often happens).
Using the movements, breathing and sound techniques learnt during the classes encourages the body to relax and open, supporting the labour, speeding up contractions and assisting and facilitating the whole labour process. Women who have practiced yoga through pregnancy are better able to listen to their bodies, to move instinctively and trust that their bodies know what to do.
Additionally the recovery after the birth will be better for women who are fit and healthy from yoga practice throughout pregnancy. They are less likely to suffer from prolapsed organs, pelvic floor weakness or incontinence and can apply the techniques they have learnt for their labour to cope with those exhausting first months to gain energy and stay calm.
Tara currently teaches ‘Pregnancy Yoga’, ‘Mother and Baby Yoga’ and ‘Vinyasa Flow Yoga’ at The Life Centre, Notting Hill Gate in London. Visit her website www.taraleeyoga.com to find out more. If you aren’t one of our lucky winners, her Bump, Baby and Beyond box set is now available from Amazon. This boxset contains pregnancy and postnatal Yoga DVDs to guide you through your pregnancy and help with your postnatal recovery after you have had your baby.
Jo Parkerson is the Entertainment and Lifestyle Content Director at Bauer Media UK – the parent company of some of the UK’s biggest magazines and radio stations including Absolute Radio, Magic 105.4, Heat, Grazia & Mother & Baby. But you may know her better as the Presenter behind Magic’s Green Room, interviewing some of the world’s biggest stars – scroll down to see what happened when Jo & Bump met Will Smith! Now expecting her second daughter, Jo shares a few of her pregnancy tips and maternity styling tricks.
1)We love your style! Can you sum it up in 3 words?
Thank you 🙂
High Street lux!
2)How have you been styling your bump? Are you more of a fitted kind of girl, or do you like to keep things loose and flowing?
A mix of the two depending on how I’m feeling and which trimester I’m in! First trimester was definitely loose and flowing hiding the bump. During my 2nd trimester I embarked the bump …once it had popped out and I stopped looking fat! And now at 32 weeks I’m all about loose and flowing …..shift maternity dresses and tights are my go-to-look.
3)Do you have a favourite piece from the Seraphine collection?
Not having to hold my tummy in! And feeling like you have a little companion everywhere you go – I’m still blown away by the fact I’m growing another human being inside me!
5)Have you had any weird pregnancy cravings?
Fizzy Water! I can’t get enough of it!
6)We are confiscating your makeup bag – you’re allowed to keep three essential cosmetics. What do you choose?
7)Do you have any beauty or styling tips to share with other expectant mums?
Comfort is key…but don’t forget fashion! Invest in some key pieces that make you feel good.
Don’t try and squeeze into your old clothes as soon as you’ve told everyone your good news, embrace your growing bump & treat yourself to some new maternity clothes!
And the obvious …don’t forget to moisturise your bump every day with a bump cream to prevent or reduce stretch marks
8)Finding the perfect balance can be a challenge – if you could have one super power, what would it be & how would you use it?
Never ending energy!
9)Who are your heroes? Can you share your top inspirational women?
Cate Blanchett, Sam Taylor Johnson
10)What was the best piece of advice you received when you were pregnant?
Try and enjoy it and savour the feeling of your baby growing inside you – as once they’ve popped out you won’t remember those amazing kicking sensations or the changes your body went through.
Eimear Varian Barry is a super stylish Irish blogger and Instagram queen taking the fashion and lifestyle world by storm. She lives in Surrey with her partner Daniel & their gorgeous two year old Saoirse, and is expecting baby number two in March. We caught up with her to chat about fashion, pregnancy and her biggest inspirations.
1)We love your style! Can you sum it up in 3 words?
2)How have you been styling your bump? Are you more of a fitted kind of girl, or do you like to keep things loose and flowing?
Definitely a mix of both! I don’t know what I did without my black maternity skinny jeans during my first pregnancy! I love pairing them with an oversized maternity sweater at this time of year. I have a few knitted dresses which I love to just throw on. I hate anything that restricts the bump or is in any way tight on it.
3)Do you have a favourite piece from the Seraphine collection?
Yes! The Wool and Cashmere Maternity Coats! I am obsessed with cashmere and love the structural style of these coats. I am wearing a lot of black at the moment, so all three shades go with everything!
4)What is the best part about being pregnant?
I think the fact that it actually slows you down. At the beginning, I was frustrated by it, but now I can see how much good it is doing for me physically and mentally.
5)Have you had any weird pregnancy cravings?
Not weird, but I am eating a copious amount of apples at the moment!
6)We are confiscating your makeup bag – you’re allowed to keep three essential cosmetics. What do you choose?
Primer- I use the Smashbox primer. It is like silk on your skin and keeps my foundation on for hours.
My Lip liner. It does wonders for the shape of my lips!
7)Do you have any beauty or styling tips to share with other expectant mums?
I put oil on my bump as much as I can. In saying that, I use oil all over, to prevent stretch marks. On my boobs, bum and thighs too! I use Eve Lom cleanser which I cannot rave more about. My skin has been breaking out lately and their cleanser reduces the redness and is the best product I have ever used for taking off make up.
8)Finding the perfect balance can be a challenge – if you could have one super power, what would it be & how would you use it?
Well it’s like every working woman isn’t it? I would love to be able to commit to what I do full time, while also living like the devoted mother in Little House On The Prairie, while also being a more present friend to those who are dear to me. Oh and be able to have the apartment perfect 24/7 and perhaps be able to read a book now and again? And get to shave my legs in between all of that!
9)Who inspires you?
I bought Lynsey Addario’s book this week. She is a photojournalist I have been following for a while and who I admire hugely. Hopefully I will get around to reading some of it soon!
10)What was the best piece of advice you received when you were pregnant?
It was from my mum and it was just to do my own thing. Not be scared, not do what the book says but what feels right for you. It worked well for having Saoirse, so i think i’ll do the same this time!
The Gorgeous Rosie Nixon – editor of Hello! Magazine headed off on maternity leave this month, and is now enjoying some well-earned R&R ahead of her imminent new arrival. This week she posted this gorgeous pic wearing our Zip Detail Maternity Dress for a relaxed lunch out with her bestie Chrissie Reeves, the showbiz & royalty editor at OK Magazine.
This stylish pair of showbiz bezzies are godmothers to each other’s babies! Here’s Rosie looking super cute in our Striped Cowl Neck Maternity Tunic, sharing a cuddle with Chrissie’s adorable daughter India.
Rosie has been a huge fan of Seraphine maternity clothes through her pregnancy, wearing our styles just about everywhere – from home, to the office to glamorous red carpet events! Recently she was spotted sporting our Graphic Floral Maternity Dress to celebrate her exciting new book – The Stylist – due out in January.
Chilling at her local pub garden with 20 month old big-brother-to-be Heath, looking super cute and cosy in matching grey cardis! Our Cotton & Cashmere Waterfall Maternity Cardigan was the perfect piece to take the edge off the autumn chill.
Rosie has no shortage of invitations to glamorous showbiz events, and when she asked us to style her for the GQ Awards we were happy to help! She ruled the red carpet in our Claret Lace Maternity Cocktail Dress.
And the very next evening she looked stunning in our Black Lace Detail Maternity Gown at the British Olympic Ball. She is one super stylish mama in high demand!
Rosie loves our AW15 collection, and back at the start of the season we were delighted to film with her as she talked through her favourite Seraphine pieces.
Here she is having fun with baby Heath in our Latte Popper Nursing Top. It’s ultra-soft and perfect for pregnancy, with simple poppers at the shoulders which open up for nursing.
Glamorous mama Claire Sanderson is the assistant editor at Look magazine, who describes herself as a Valley girl done good! Mum to 2 year old cutie Zak with another one on the way, we caught up with Claire to find out how she’s been styling her bump for the office.
1) Describe your day to day style
I’m all about simple yet knockout dresses and love a printed, vintage find. Pre pregnancy I’m a curvy size 12 with a narrow waist and wide hips so I’m a big fan of nipped in waistlines – the classic tea dress is my ultimate cut. I also prefer a midi length to balance out my hips. I rarely, in fact never, wear jeans or trousers. Even on the weekend you’ll find me in a dress with nice flats and a cross the body bag.
2) Did you stay true to your style during pregnancy?
Yes, definitely. I’ve worn more plain dresses as opposed to lots of prints, but my waist, although higher, has remained comparatively small to my ever growing hips and bottom so the fit and flare style still suits me best.
3) How did being pregnant affect your work wardrobe?
To be honest, it didn’t. I’ve just worn different dresses, but with flats rather than amazing heels. One of my colleagues paid me a lovely compliment recently saying I’d worn my pregnancy well and always dressed appropriately for the office. I’ve tried to keep my wardrobe elegant, even when it’s the last thing I actually feel.
4) What was your favourite Seraphine piece?
I love the navy pleated dress. It’s so comfortable, a must for expectant mums. The three quarter length sleeves are very flattering and the midi length is perfect to accommodate a growing bump without the hem riding up and becoming too short. The belt detail below the bust line exentuates what is still my slimmest area leaving me feeling confident and ready to take on the work day.
5) Any top tips to share with pregnant mums?
Pregnancy shouldn’t change who you are or your style, but obviously adjustments have to be made. When it became apparent that I was a liability in heels – my balance and spatial awareness seem to have all but disappeared – I bought a couple of pairs of great flats. I’d also advise investing in key maternity pieces that you can rotate and accessorise differently. Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. No one is expecting you to look amazing every day.
