Category: Featured

Second Trimester Fashion Tips: How to Dress a Baby Bump

The secret is finally out… Baby is coming! Your second trimester is the time to settle in and start enjoying your pregnancy & flaunting your changing figure!

Every pregnancy is different, but it’s often at this stage that the bump will really start to show. Here are our top 5 tips for dressing a baby bump in the second trimester…

1) That’s a Wrap

This trimester you may go from barely showing at the start to beautifully blooming by week 27, so now is the perfect time to invest in maternity clothes designed to grow with you.

Wrap maternity dresses are perfect for this! A second-trimester mamma’s secret weapon, they’re comfy, stylish, ultra-versatile, and the clever wrap ties let you adjust the fit as you grow.

2) Let’s Talk Bras…


If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to invest in maternity bras – the sooner you make the switch the better. All of our bras offer a super flexible fit and easy access for nursing.

With the right support you’ll look and feel like a new woman!

3) The Perfect Pair of Jeans

With your newly budding bump, a comfy pair of maternity jeans is sure to be high up on your shopping list.

If you like a little extra support & cover, opt for a comfy over the bump style. Or for a pair that looks just like your pre-pregnancy jeans, under bump is the way to go.

Browse our denim collection online for skinny, slim leg, boyfriend fit, organic options and more in a great selection of colours!

4) Always Overalls


We don’t know about you, but we can’t think of anything cuter or more comfortable than a great pair of overalls – and they work so well with a second trimester bump!

Our essential denim overalls feature several size settings at the sides, so you can adjust the fit as you need to.

5) Flaunt that Blossoming Bump!

Styling in the second trimester is all about emphasising the empire waist. It’s your slimmest point right now, so highlighting it will flatter your figure & show off your beautiful bump to its best advantage. Afterall, now’s the time you want people to know it’s a baby in there… not a cheese burger!

Our double layer maternity & nursing dresses are perfect for this – the topper in a different fabric provides the perfect contrast to show off the bump.

Maternity Fashion Tips from Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Editor in Chief

It’s not every day you get to pick the brains of one of the most influential fashionistas in the Middle East. So when Seraphine founder Cecile Reinaud met the Editor in Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Louise Nichol, she took the opportunity to sit down and quiz her on her approach to maternity fashion.

 

 

Alongside her duties as Editor in Chief of one of the most glamorous glossy magazines around, Louise is mama to 4 year old Leo and 1 year old Fox, and is expecting baby number 3 – a boy! – in the autumn. In May she attended the launch of our new flagship maternity store in Dubai’s famous Festival City Mall, and was thrilled with what she saw, saying:

“The store looks incredible – I love the Seraphine brand, so it’s wonderful to have you here in Dubai!”

 

Watch the Interview Now

Louise wears:

White Flutter Sleeve Maternity Shirt

Premium Under Bump Maternity Skinny Jeans

Special Occasion Maternity Coat

 

Fashion Editors Love Seraphine Maternity Clothes

 

 

And of course Louise isn’t the only fabulous fashion editor to love Seraphine! This week we were delighted to see the stunning Candice Lake, Style Editor at Vogue Australia rocking our Black Summer Maternity Trousers. She styled them with a cute Breton maternity top, a stunning camel coat and bright white sneakers for an effortless dressed down look.

 

A photo posted by Candice Lake (@candicelake) on

 

And the gorgeous Rosie Nixon, Editor in Chief of Hello! Magazine was a huge fan of Seraphine maternity wear throughout both of her pregnancies. We loved her in our Claret Lace Maternity Cocktail Dress, which she wore to last year’s GQ Awards. She was also spotted looking stunning in our Black Lace Detail Maternity Evening Gown at the London Olympic Ball!

 

A photo posted by Rosie Nixon (@rosiejnixon) on

 

Whether in London, Sydney or Dubai, it is always a pleasure to see stylish fashion mamas looking so well in Seraphine maternity clothes!

 

Click to find out more about our brand new flagship maternity store in Dubai!

 

 

Pamper Days at Home: Seraphine’s 10 Steps to Ultimate Relaxation!

During pregnancy you deserve to be pampered. And while a weekend at the spa isn’t always on the cards, at home pamper days are the perfect little luxury for an indulgent Sunday afternoon. So clear your schedule, relax, de-stress & unwind with our 10 steps to the ultimate at home spa day!

 

1) Set the mood – Before you begin, take some time to unwind & prepare your space. First, turn off your phone – nothing can compromise your Zen today! Next, slip into a soft pair of maternity pyjamas & brew a pot of your favourite herbal tea. Then dim the lights, put on a soothing playlist, light some candles & let the perfect at home pamper day begin.

 

 

2) Facial steam – Open up your pores & hydrate your skin with a relaxing herbal steam. Combine calming lavender, toning geranium oil & antioxidant green tea in a large bowl with warm water. Then sit with your face over the bowl & cover your head with a towel to create a sweet scented steam tent. Relax & allow the steam to work its magic for up to 10 minutes.

P.S. If you decide to create your own combinations of herbs, tea and essential oils – make sure to stick to the pregnancy-safe options, & always stop if you start to feel over-heated!

 

3) Exfoliate – Treat your skin from top to toe with a luxury exfoliating scrub. This will remove dead skin & impurities, leaving you with radiantly glowing fresh skin. Use a scrub from your bathroom cupboard, or whip up a home made batch combining sea salt, olive oil, lemon & lavender. Get the recipe here. Then rinse off in the shower & wet your hair.

 

Maternity nightwear

 

4) Hair mask – Smooth on a hydrating hair mask, then wrap up and secure your hair in a soft towel or old silk scarf and allow it to soak in. We love these DIY recipes from Hairspray & High Heels!

 

5) Soak in the bath – Lie back & indulge in a relaxing bath while you let your hair mask set. After all that exfoliation, your skin will be perfectly primed to absorb all the lovely things you can throw at it. Try adding 2 cups of full fat milk & half a cup of pure honey for a softening soak worthy of the queen of Egypt.

 

6) Rinse off – When you’re finished in the bath, rinse off the hair mask in the shower, and use a clarifying shampoo to prevent any product build-up. Once you’ve dried off, take a few minutes to massage your bump with bio oil, or any other anti-stretch mark product you like to use (if your partner is around, this could be a good job for him!)

 

 

7) Face mask – Slip back into your robe & apply a soothing face mask. You can find some fantastic DIY options at Wellness Mama, or check out the video above from Promise Phan for a miracle turmeric mask – and don’t forget the cucumber slices for your eyes!

 

8) Foot wrap – While the face mask sets, apply your favourite foot moisturising cream liberally, then wrap them up in cling film with a hot towel on top for 10 – 15 minutes. You can make a hot towel by getting a hand towel wet, wringing it out & microwaving it for 1 minute.

 

Pregnant women wearing black maternity pyjamas

 

 9) Mani Pedi – Rinse off the facemask & remove the foot wrap to reveal your beautiful soft feet. Time to paint your nails!

 

10) Treat – Slip into a pair of soft maternity pjs, stretch out on the sofa & indulge in a girly chick flick & chocolate while your nails dry.

 

 

New Mum Style: 5 Fashion Tips for Nursing Mums

Congratulations new mama! Bringing a baby into the world is pretty high up there on the list of life altering events – but with the right nursing clothes, it certainly doesn’t have to mean that you sacrifice your style. To help you on your quest for yummy mummy style, check out our top 5 fashion tips for nursing mums:

 

 

 

Our first piece of advice is to hold onto those maternity clothes for just a little while longer. Your favourite comfy, stretchy styles are perfect for those first precious months with your newborn. They provide plenty of cover and a flexible fit while your body begins to settle back to normal.

At Seraphine, all of our maternity clothes are designed to fit and flatter your figure before, during and after pregnancy, and you’ll be especially pleased to have your maternity jeans to pair with new nursing tops!

 

nursing jumpers

 

The world is your oyster when it comes to nursing access these days. You can go for zips, poppers, buttons, clips, wrap dresses and even discreet double layer lift up tops and dresses – it’s all about which style suits you and your baby best.

Our Breton Cotton Blend Nursing Jumper opens at the sides with easy poppers – it’s a must-have for a new mum!

 

 

Now that baby is born it’s not just your sensitive skin you have to think about – your baby will be cuddling up against whatever you wear! Super soft natural fabrics like cotton, linen and bamboo viscose are ideal.

You’ll love our Striped Cotton Maternity & Nursing Tops, available in red, blue and pink stripes. Made in 100% pure cotton, they’re guaranteed to be kind on sensitive skin.

 

 

Of course all of your styling efforts will be in vain if you don’t have the right lingerie underpinning your outfit! Well-fitting nursing bras are a must, and a good collection of supportive post-pregnancy bodies and vests and leggings is a great way to smooth your shape.

 

Breastfeeding covers

 

 

There’s nothing like a stylish nursing shawl for breastfeeding on-the-go! A trendy fashion accessory and an ultra-versatile piece, these shawls pair perfectly with our designer changing bags, and make a beautiful gift for a new mum.

 

Check out our video guide to Nursing clothes

 

Nursing Bras & Maternity Bras: Busting the Myths Wide Open

We want to talk about bras… Specifically, maternity bras & nursing bras. Bra buying can be a challenge at the best of times; add to that the drastic fluctuations in size and the extra features you’ll need for pregnancy and nursing, and you’ve got quite an underclothing conundrum on your hands. This week on the blog we are ironing out the issues and busting the myths wide open. Mamas: Welcome to Seraphine’s Ultimate Guide to Maternity & Nursing Bras!

 

Maternity & Nursing Bras: The Basics

 

First off let’s get one thing straight: your bra is not just there to look pretty. It has a very important job to do – keeping you and your bust fully secure and supported. During pregnancy this job becomes even more vital; as the added weight of your growing bust can put pressure on the delicate ligaments at the top of your chest, causing them to stretch. So we think it’s fair to say that your maternity and nursing bras are a pretty important underwear purchase!

 

Pregnant woman wears a Seraphine maternity bra & robe

 

When fitting your bra, the recommendation is that:

80% of the weight of your breasts should be supported entirely by the under-bust, and only 20% should be carried by the straps.

Seraphine maternity and nursing bras are made with super supportive elastic instead of underwire. This helps you to keep your shape and makes for a healthier, more comfortable option.

 

Buying Maternity Bras

nursing bras basics

 

When to Buy a Maternity Bra

Generally, your cup size will grow over the first 20 or so weeks of pregnancy. Your rib cage will start to expand after that from 20 weeks onwards.

We suggest switching to a maternity bra at some point in your second trimester. Your cup size should be fairly stable by then, and all of our maternity bras are made with extra hook and eye settings at the back to allow a flexible fit to accommodate your expanding rib cage.

 

Fitting Your Maternity Bra

As a general rule of thumb: Take your usual pre-pregnancy bra size, and then go 1 cup size up and 1 back size up. So if you usually wear a 34C, you’ll want to try a 36D.

When trying on your maternity bra, make sure that you feel comfortably secure on the tightest setting, giving yourself plenty of room to adjust the fit as you grow.

 

Buying Nursing Bras

buying maternity bras

 

When to buy a Nursing Bra

When your milk comes in for breastfeeding you may find that you’re busting out of your bras again, so it’s a good idea to buy new nursing bras a couple of weeks before your due date. That way you’ll be prepared when baby arrives, and will have a good idea of the size you’ll need.

If you continue with breastfeeding, you may find that once you’ve established a feeding routine and your body is basically back to normal, you’ll need a smaller size. All of our maternity bras feature nursing capabilities, so at this point, you can switch back to using the maternity bras you bought in your second trimester!

 

Watch John Lewis’ tips for choosing your nursing bra

 

Fitting your Nursing Bra

Take your pregnancy bra size, and then go 1 cup size up and 1 back size down. So if you are wearing a 36D near the end of your pregnancy, you should opt for a 34DD for nursing.

When you try on your nursing bra towards the end of your pregnancy, it should feel comfortably secure on the loosest setting so that you can tighten it up over time as your body settles back to normal.

 

Looking After Your Maternity Lingerie

Maternity lingerie

 

Remember: not all bras are machine washable!

To avoid disaster, always read the instructions on the label and if in doubt:

  • Hand wash with cold water
  • If you choose to machine wash, hook the bra together and use a wash bag, setting it to a delicate cycle.
  • Dry your bra in the shade to avoid sun damage and do not tumble dry

 

Nursing Clothes Shopping List

Nursing clothes must-haves

 

If you plan to breastfeed, it’s a good idea to have plenty of nursing clothes ready a couple of weeks before your due date. Nobody wants a situation where daddy gets sent out on an emergency clothes shopping trip – least of all him! So what will you actually need aside from nursing bras:

 

We know there’s a lot to take in here, but we hope you’ve found it helpful. For more info, make sure to check out our Maternity & Nursing Bra Advice online.

 

The Cointreau Awards: Super Models, Signature Cocktails & Seraphine

The venue: Liberty of London. The guest list: VIP. The signature drink: Cointreau fizz – what else!

Always keen to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs, Seraphine founder Cecile Reinaud joined a glamorous crowd this week at the Cointreau Awards for creativity and innovation.

 

 

Cecile spent time chatting with British super model and winner of the ‘true icon award’ Lily Cole, who loved Seraphine maternity clothes while she was expecting her daughter Wylde, and revealed to Cecile that she now can’t get enough of our nursing clothes.

 

 

The judging panel offered a seriously stylish line-up. Breath-taking French super model Laeticia Casta, who has been the face of innumerable fashion houses – Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Jean-Paul Gaultier to name but a few, took her seat on the panel. While the inspirational Guila-Clara Kessous, a French human rights artist and UNESCO artist for peace, looked stunning in our Emerald Silk Maternity Evening Dress.

 

 

Much like Seraphine, The Cointreau Awards fused French chic and British innovation, taking the best bits from both sides of the channel and wrapping them up in one glamorous package. The awards celebrate entrepreneurial individuals who dream big and dare to create, and everything about the fabulous event reflected these ideals.

 

 

Pregnancy Glow: Beauty Tips for Radiant Skin, Glossy Hair and a Gleaming Smile

Glow like a goddess through your pregnancy with these simple hints and tips for radiant skin, glossy hair and gleaming white teeth! We’ve all heard of that radiant pregnancy glow that appears during your nine months… the one that will have friends and family commenting on how fantastic you look. So why not give your natural glow a little boost with these simple pregnancy-safe tips:

 

Radiant Skin

Shop our gorgeous designer changing bags today!

There are no shock revelations or secret shortcuts here (well maybe just one….). The best way to ensure radiant skin fit for a goddess, is to lead an equally saintly lifestyle. That means drinking plenty of water and eating good anti-oxidant rich foods like grapefruit, watermelon and broccoli to flush out toxins.

When it comes to your skincare routine, every goddess is different, so all we can really advise is that you find a regime that works for you and stick to it. You may find that your skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, so it’s probably best to steer clear of heavy duty products, opting for the gentler ones instead.

 

Quick Fix

If your pregnancy glow is in need of an instant radiance boost, try sucking on an ice cube! This will boost circulation to your face and provide an instantly plumper, rosier complexion. Works like a charm!

 

Glossy Hair

For glossy, goddess-worthy locks, it’s all about keeping things cool. It’s no secret that heat is damaging to your hair, so a quick cool rinse at the end of a shower, or finishing off your blow dry with the cool shot setting on your hair dryer could make the world of difference!

 

Top Tip

Did you know that different hair colours behave differently? Lighter hair is more porous, and will be more prone to build-up, so blondes are at their glossiest when their hair is freshly washed. Whereas those with darker hair are at their best with well-conditioned second-day hair! Learn how your hair behaves and you’ll be able to wash wisely for your next big party.

 

Gleaming Smile

Aside from the obvious (brush twice a day and don’t forget to floss), a great way of keeping your teeth pearly white is to eat plenty of crunchy fruit and veg like apples, celery, broccoli and carrots. Sounds like some crunchy crudités and hummus is in order!

 

Let Your Pregnancy Glow Sparkle & Shine

Of course once you’ve achieved your goddess-like pregnancy glow, there’s no better way to show it off than in some stunning new maternity clothes! Choose the styles that make you feel like the most shiny and fabulous version of yourself. Whether that means rocking a Grecian style maternity dress, strutting your stuff in the perfect pair of maternity jeans, or pulling out all the stops in a glamorous LUXE maternity evening gown!

Look after your pregnancy glow & have fun with fashion this season mamas!

 

Maternity Fashion Headlines – 14 Years of Seraphine in the Press

Did you spot Seraphine on the cover of Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine this month? This is the latest in a glamorous string of maternity fashion cover shots, exclusive features and articles about Seraphine maternity clothes in the press.

In case you missed any, here are just a few of our all-time favourites…

 

Pregnancy & Newborn

 

 

Styled with a funky yellow top and chic pendant necklace, the gorgeous model looks super cool in our must-have Khaki Summer Maternity Trousers on the cover of Pregnancy & Newborn this month.

 

Mother Baby & Child

 

 

Earlier this month, Seraphine Founder Cecile Reinaud made the cover of the UAE’s most popular parenting magazine Mother Baby & Child! Celebrating the launch of our brand new Seraphine maternity store in Dubai’s glamorous Festival City Mall, the beautiful shot shows Cecile with her two boys Lorenz (12) and Florian (7). Inside the magazine there’s an exclusive interview with Cecile all about motherhood, maternity fashion and the new Dubai maternity store.

 

World Wide Headlines

 

 

Nothing quite compares to seeing our Jolene Fuchsia Pink Maternity Dress making headlines around the world! Back in 2013 the Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning in our dress in the first official pictures with Prince George. Within hours of their release, those beautiful pictures had been beamed around the world, and our knot front maternity dress had completely sold out!

 

Absolutely Mama Magazine

 

A photo posted by Cecile Reinaud (@cecilereinaud) on

Stunning singer Sophie Ellis Bextor rocked our charity maternity tee on the cover of Absolutely Mama Magazine back in March. She looked utterly gorgeous in the t-shirt, designed to raise money for Tommy’s the Baby Charity, helping them to open the UK’s first medical research centre dedicated to early miscarriage.

 

Pregnancy & Newborn

Seraphine on the cover of Pregnancy & Newborn

Last spring our stunning Floral Silk Maternity Maxi Dress was featured on the cover of Pregnancy & Newborn. Made in flowing silk with a beautiful abstract floral print, it’s the perfect style for spring weddings and glamorous summer parties – and it looked gorgeous on the cover!

 

Here’s to many more glamorous maternity fashion cover shots to come!

 

 

More Than Just Maternity Jeans: Our Top 5 Summer Denim Trends

With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to give those well-worn black skinnies a break & embrace some cool new maternity jeans for the warmer weather. We’ve rounded up our top 5 summer denim trends with a few great ideas for working the looks through pregnancy…

 

1) Cool Colours

Summer style is all about bold colours and beautiful pastels, so now’s the time to think beyond your classic blues and blacks and opt for some cool coloured maternity jeans! Made in our signature soft stretch denim and fitting comfortably under your bump, choose between full length & cropped pairs in a stylish selection of shades.

 

2)  Jumpsuits

Denim maternity jumpsuit

 

Why not opt for a full denim ensemble with our iconic Stretch Denim Maternity Jumpsuit – It’s a real statement piece loved by fashion stylists and bloggers alike!

 

3) Denim Skirts

A classic denim maternity skirt is an all-season style staple for every mama’s wardrobe. Team it with a cute summer top, sandals and sunglasses through the summer, then transition it easily for cooler weather later on with tights and boots. Browse our denim boutique and choose from classic blue, bright white and chic stripes.

 

4) Denim Shorts

And last but by no means least, a chic pair of denim shorts is the ultimate summer time must-have. Our classic Under Bump Denim Maternity Shorts are perfect for summer getaways and trips to the beach, while our Over Bump Denim Bermuda Shorts offer a little more cover and gentle support around your middle

 

5) Summer Whites

Nothing says chic summer style quite like a pair of pristine white maternity jeans! Whether you opt for the cropped under bump or full length over bump, our ultra-soft white jeans are loved by celebs including Kate Hudson and Karolina Kurkova, and are sure to become a key piece in your new wardrobe.

 

 

Karolina Kurkova Supports Your Right to Breastfeed in Public

Super model Karolina Kurkova took to Instagram this week to stand up for your right to a safe, clean and private place to breastfeed your baby!

She posted a sweet selfie, drawing attention in the comment to the work of US Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth. Tammy has been campaigning to pass a bill that would require US airports to provide a designated space for breastfeeding and pumping mothers.

 

Karolina said:

“As I sit here pumping, I’m thinking of how I’m so proud of US Congresswoman- Tammy Duckworth’s efforts w/ US airports.🙌🏼 She wants to require them to have spaces available for breastfeeding/pumping mothers!! 👏🏼 We need a place where we feel safe and comfortable #breastfeeding in public.”

 

As an international super model, Karolina frequently travels abroad for work and often brings her two sons, six year old Tobin and baby Noah. She has also been an outspoken advocate of the benefits of breastfeeding, even posting her own breastfeeding selfie to encourage and celebrate other mothers who make the choice to breastfeed.

As a frequent flyer and mother of a new baby, this issue is clearly very close to her heart.

 

 

Karolina was a big fan of Seraphine maternity clothes while expecting Noah. She was spotted looking ultra-cool in a pair of our Seamless Maternity Leggings at New York Fashion Week. And she loved our Cropped White Maternity Jeans so much that she wore them to Cindy Crawford’s book launch and even posted a selfie wearing them in bed!

 

 

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, proposer of the bill in question, highlights the fact that nursing mothers are all too often pointed in the direction of the bathroom when looking for a private place to feed. She believes that this is unacceptable, saying:

“We would never ask our fellow travelers to eat their meals in bathroom stalls, yet we ask new mothers to feed their children while sitting on a toilet seat.”

We’re with Tammy and Karolina on this one – no mother should be made to feel that she has to breastfeed her baby in a public bathroom.

 

 

Seraphine Maternity Founder Cecile Reinaud Makes the Cover in Dubai!

This week Seraphine Maternity founder Cecile Reinaud made the cover of the UAE’s top parenting magazine Mother Baby & Child! The gorgeous cover shot shows Cecile with her two sons Lorenz (12) and Florian (7), and celebrates the opening of our brand new flagship Seraphine maternity store in Dubai.

 

 

In honour of our beautiful new maternity store in Duabi’s Festival City Mall, the magazine featured a full 6 page spread including an exclusive interview with Cecile about motherhood, maternity fashion and dressing the Duchess of Cambridge. Read the full article below – click the button at the top right to view it on full screen.

 

 

Cecile said: “I am thrilled to be featured in Mother Baby & Child – surely being a cover girl is every fashionista’s secret dream! I am also delighted to be opening our new store in Dubai – this is such an exciting part of the world for fashion right now, and it’s wonderful that Seraphine Maternity will now be a part of it.”

 

 

Photo Credits: Imagethirst

Beautiful Baby Clothes – 3 Essential Styles for Your Little Princess

We were thrilled to see the beautiful pictures released on the occasion of Princess Charlotte’s 1st birthday! She looked utterly adorable, and so pretty in her little pastel baby clothes.

 

 

Dress your little Prince or Princess in royal style with The Diana Collection – a beautiful new range of luxury baby clothes with a real royal connection! Each piece in the collection features the iconic Diana Pastel Tartan, and 12% of the price goes to The Diana Award – a charity set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales to continue her charitable legacy.

Here are the top 3 baby wear styles that every little Princess needs in her wardrobe.

 

1) Tartan Cotton Baby Dress

 

A must have for your little one’s summer closet, a pretty cotton baby dress will look adorable, keep her cool and feel soft against her skin. Perfect for playtime and parties, these little baby girls dresses come in pink tartan, blue tartan and soft ivory with pretty tartan trims.

 

 

 

2) Cotton Baby Grow

 

The ultimate layering pieces for your little lady, our cotton baby grows are soft, light and fully machine washable. Available in long or short sleeve versions with pink or blue tartan detailing, there are plenty of options for little Princes or Princesses. Pair one with a pretty skirt or pinafore dress, or Let her rock it alone on a hot sunny day.

 

 

 

3) Matching Baby Head Band

Pastel baby head bands

 

Complete her look with a matching tartan headband in pink or blue. Made in the softest cotton, these adorable head bands are gently elasticated for a secure and comfy fit, and feature a pretty bow – it’s the perfect finishing touch!

 

Take inspiration from Princess Charlotte and dress your little love in pretty pastel shades!

 

 

 

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