Category: Guest Contributors

Fashion and Celebrity Stylist – Annabel started her career in television and stage design before moving into fashion styling. She worked as Style Director of a national newspaper for 15 years and now primarily styles celebrity clients.  She has 2 (soon to be 3) children. She runs through a few mother and baby treats that have taken her fancy.

www.annabelkerman.com

Find me on twitter @akermanstylist

Only ten days off my due date and my thoughts are turning away from clothes.  It gets to a point when the bump becomes less of a neat and stylishly clad fashion statement and more of an independent being with a mind of its own, knocking things over, getting stuck in doorways, you get the idea.  At this stage minimising the impact and going dark and tight is really the only way forward when it comes to getting dressed.

So, where does that leave a fashion stylist?  Refreshingly free to turn my attentions to lovely things like beauty products and baby treats. (And maybe a few post birth fashion essentials like stylish nursing underwear and chic feeding cover ups)

Here’s some of my current favourite things, also beloved of celebrities, that I hope will make my first days as a third time mum just that little bit easier.

 

Stylish Muslins

Australian label Aden + Anais has cornered the market in gorgeous muslins that can be used as anything from swaddling blankets to buggy covers.  Their extra large size makes them feel that little bit more luxurious than your average muslin plus they come in gorgeous modern prints, including this star print I currently have my eye on.  The label also features baby sleep bags made of layered muslin fabric, which I’m coveting in cool charcoal grey.

Celebrity fans:  Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts

 

Sexy Nursing Undies

There’s nothing more soul destroying than swapping Agent Provocateur for a sensible nursing bra, so I was delighted to discover that nursing underwear has taken a big leap forward in the style stakes, and is now positively glamorous. I love the range that Seraphine stocks: practical enough for nursing but sexy enough for us to feel we haven’t totally lost ‘it’.

Celebrity fans: The Kardashians, Denise Van Outen

 

 

 

Ren Moroccan Rose Products

Throughout my pregnancies I have tried pretty much everything on the market aimed at keeping expectant mums stretch mark free, but Ren Moroccan Rose products have got to be my most successful find:  Super moisturising and gorgeous smelling,  plus free from any nasties you wouldn’t want to be feeding your skin when pregnant. I use the body oil at night and the cream for day, which I will continue once I’ve had the baby.

Celebrity fans:  Victoria Beckham 

 

Cover All Wrap

An essential for those planning on breast feeding, I have been wearing the Seraphine cotton leopard print scarf to disguise my bump and will continue to wear it to feed my new baby discreetly. However Seraphine also sell a beautiful pashmina feeding wrap that has specially designed poppers to make it less likely to slip off mid feed.  Plus being made from bamboo fibres it is hypoallergenic and regulates baby’s temperature.

Celebrity fans:  Jessica Alba, Lily Allen

 

Extra Special Baby Bottles

Feeding bottles are usually a necessity rather than a treat, but my discovery of stylish American bottle brand Born Free has changed all that.  Last time around I was coveting their heavy glass bottles that had an old school vibe I love.  More recently they have brought out new retro ‘deco’ designs in lighter weight BPA free plastic that are on my current baby wish list.

Celebrity fans: Leah Wood, Matthew McConaughey 

 

 

Chic Baby Bouncer

Baby ‘kit’ can start to wear thin with a third child,  however uber chic Dutch baby label Nuna has renewed my interest.   This LEAF chair starts as a baby bouncer, or side to side rocker (hence the name) with toy bar, and  graduates to hold a hefty 80 kilos so will be useful in years to come for all my children.  Plus it helps that it’s super stylish and comes in 9 gorgeous colours.

Celebrity fans:  Tess Daly, Miranda Kerr

 

Kelly is mum to Isaac (2) and eight months’ pregnant with her second child. She has worked in media for over 15 years with roles spanning advertising, publishing and product management. She recently started blogging for MSN as their Royal Baby blogger on how it feels to be expecting at the same time as the Duchess of Cambridge http://style.uk.msn.com/royal-baby/blog/

 

As MSN’s royal baby blogger, I am transfixed by the royal pregnancy and all things Duchess of Cambridge currently.  I admire the way that she has kept true to her tailored style and hasn’t morphed into someone she isn’t by swapping elegance for bodycon dresses and leggings.  For me she’s an excellent example of someone who has stayed true to their own style but has ensured that pieces remain flattering and colours brighten her complexion.

On the other hand, thanks to the Mail Online. I am totally up to date with Kim Kardashian’s latest fashion faux pas. I applaud her for being normal and putting on weight whilst pregnant (although maybe not for declaring that her sister was bigger in pregnancy than she is – ouch); it makes a change to see a celebrity bloom in pregnancy rather than refuse to succumb to their cravings.

IMHO she had a very hot body pre pregnancy and still is a gorgeous woman but perhaps not all her previous clothes are going to suit her. It’s a lesson that all pregnant women learn. That empire line dress that you had pre-pregnancy and you thought would stretch through your pregnancy, at some point becomes indecently short at the front. Your favourite tight fitting jacket becomes a shrug. There are days where you literally have nothing to wear that feels comfortable apart from an old sweatshirt and leggings.

The other lesson is that if it didn’t suit you pre-pregnancy, it won’t suit you now. Dresses that look mumsy on you pre-pregnancy will look even worse, tops that show too much cleavage, will look playboyesque and colours that drained you, will do you no favours now that you’re knackered and nauseous.

I never learn this of course. In preparation for our babymoon I ordered several pairs of loose summer trousers online to try. I’ve always found trousers really difficult to buy (I’m an apple shape) and have never, ever, ever, ever managed to find a flattering pair of wide leg linen trousers. So here I am with a big bump (and no brain) imagining now is the time to try to conquer styles that never suited me before. Each pair looked more and more ludicrous than the previous ones, climaxing with a pair that were so clown-like I could see the big top before my eyes.

So my top tips are

1.       Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you need to dress totally differently. Thankfully maternity smock dresses have been left in the 1980s.

2.       Be aware of your changing shape. If your legs are still your best feature you can enhance them in skinny jeans and shorter dresses.  The old saying “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative” still holds true

3.       If it didn’t suit you before it definitely won’t suit you now. You haven’t lost 20 pounds, you’ve gained 20 pounds (ouch!)

4.       Try to buy some clothes from shops where you regularly shopped before. They’ll have clothes that are true to your own style.

5.       Head to a specialist maternity fashion store like Seraphine for some wardrobe staples such as a great pair of flattering jeans, tops that flatter and skirts that don’t cut you in two.

Charlie Barnett from StyleNest roundups up a few of her favoruites…

 

Us Brits aren’t used to the heat but when the long awaited British sunshine arrives, it really hits us with full force. Transport for London, aren’t prepared, our makeup is melting and we’re regretting not giving ourselves that mini-pedi last night so our feet can see the light of day. And before you know it, the sun has gone and the brollies are out.

 

Summer dressing however becomes even more of a challenge with the forthcoming wedding season. Bump or no bump, there really is nothing harder than shopping for occasion wear.

 

Although you may be daunted by the season of weddings, races and summer parties, help is on hand to ensure you feel fabulous. You might not be able to drink the champagne and your feet may be swollen, but with these top tips you will no longer size up another non-pregnant woman again as we guarantee you will be looking chicer and more glamorous than her.

 

To avoid any Kim Kardashian catastrophes, first rule of thumb is to dress for your bump and be comfortable.

 

 

Issa Gathered V Dress £425

Ideal for weddings, this elegant and classic nude dress will cover your bump neatly with the beautiful wrap detail, whilst the plunging neckline will highlight your brilliant new cleavage. With a simple colour palette seen at the SS13 shows including Celine, JW Anderson and Preen, not only will you look bang on trend with this number but you will also have something effortlessly stylish to wear post pregnancy.

 

Valentino So Noir Leather Sandals £600

Nothing makes me feel happier than a new pair of shoes. It’s like a fairytale story of Cinderella and the glass slipper, every time I find that pair. We’ve spotted numerous celebs sporting these bad boys, from Emma Stone to Alexa Chung and we understand what all the fuss is about because they are irresistible. If you’re going to be on your feet all day, this sensible heel height is elegant enough to give you a bit of height without making you hobble ungracefully around the dance floor. I love the candy pink and nude combo to add a contrast pop of colour to your sensible dress and the signature golden studs gives the whole look a tough-luxe finish.

 

Pink Laser Clutch Bag £22

I love this pink floral laser cut clutch to complete your summer wedding outfit. Big enough to fit an iPad so if you have a little one they will remain occupied all day yet chic and stylish so it won’t compromise your outfit.

 

Long Gold Open Style Cuff Bracelet £14.95

I love a bargain as much as the next person and this gold finish cuff statement bracelet with faux leather inlay detail is the perfect way to finish off any occasion wear outfit. With this, you don’t need to worry about earrings or a necklace as the cuff says it all.

 

Seraphine Navy Sleeveless Maxi Knot Dress £59

Now, if in typical British form the weather takes a turn for the worst, Seraphine’s navy sleeveless maxi knot dress makes for the perfect dress to wear to wear to a special event. It will cover your legs, if you’re feeling a little self conscious and the gorgeous knot detail flatters your bump perfectly. The great thing about a maxi dress is that you can wear sandals and flats without losing any glamour stakes.

 

Olympia Le-Tan Madame Bovary Embroidered Clutch £1035

I love this gorgeous Olympia Le-Tan clutch embroidered with Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary novel. Not only does it carry your lippy and all your bare essentials but the bright pop of yellow allows you to add another statement colour into your ensemble.

To add the perfect finish to your look, your makeup is almost as important as the outfit. Coordinate your look with a statement pop of colour such as a bright yellow varnish or strong pink blush.

 

As these affairs are usually long, it’s important to keep your skin looking fresh so you don’t face the dilemma of melted makeup at the end of the day. Although you should already have that glowing look, it won’t hurt to enhance it a little more.

 

Bobbi Brown’s Brightening Finishing Powder £40 gives you’re skin an illuminated finish and is perfect to keep in your handbag for throughout the day touch-ups. Simply sweep over your nose, forehead and cheeks for that summer fresh look.

 

For more information on summer maternity occasion wear, visit StyleNest at www.stylenest.co.uk.

 

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

 

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.