Luxe in the city | Styling your maternity clothes post pregnancy

When buying maternity clothes, many of us tend to air on the side of caution when it comes to how much we need. After all, you can only wear it for 9 months right?

Wrong! We’re here to prove that many of the gorgeous clothes you buy throughout your pregnancy will fit and flatter for your full nine months, and will continue to look fabulous long after your little one has arrived, and for years to come!

luxe dresses seraphine

But you don’t have to take our word for it – let’s take a look….

 

Luxury Black Lace Maternity Occasion Dress

Shop the Black Lace Dress

Our best selling black lace dress is a super sexy style whether you’re pregnant or not! Luxurious peek-a-boo lace swathes your arms and collar bones, and the style stretches to accommodate your growing curves, then pings back for a perfect post-pregnancy fit! Everybody loves a bit of lace, and this little black lacey dress is sure to become one of your go-to pieces for when you’re after a touch of glamour. Style it simply with heels for a party, or juxtapose the ultra-feminine lace with our Black Post Pregnancy Tummy Tuck Leggings and a leather jacket to create the perfect rock chic look.

She is styled in a Kooples leather jacket, a Moschino bag, Prada sunglasses and a Failsworth hat

 

Dove Grey Multiway Maternity Dress

Shop the Dove Grey Dress

The fluid skirt on this slinky silvery little number drapes beautifully from the empire line and gives plenty of swish as you walk. It’s perfect to accommodate your blossoming bump, and then after baby is born, it fits as a flirty flowing cocktail dress with plenty of gathers at the front to disguise any trace of a mummy tummy. You can even change the way you tie the long sashes to create a totally new look each time you wear it! The subtly shimmering fabric catches the light and swirls as you move – this is a super feminine style that simply begs to be danced in!

She is styled with a Zara bag and Vera Wang sunglasses

 

Royal Blue Lace Maternity Cocktail Dress

Shop the Blue Lace Dress

Made in stunning royal blue lace, this dress is designed to turn heads! During pregnancy, the luxurious stretch lace grows with your curves, then after your baby is born, the dress drapes perfectly down over your body with not a trace of bulk or bunching. The flattering sweetheart neckline provides a nice boost for your bust, and the feminine shape is echoed through in the low scooped back for a flirty rear view! This is quite simply a beautiful little lacey dress – worn after pregnancy, nobody would guess it was maternity wear! Wear it simply with heels and a handbag for a party, or style it with the Ivory Cropped Peplum Jacket for a super stylish dressed up look – perfect for a spring wedding!

She is styled in a Moschino bag, Rayban sunglasses and a Seraphine jacket

 

Silk Chiffon Polka Dot Dress

Shop the Polka Dot Dress

The perfect polka dot dress; this luxurious silk chiffon style feels light as air to wear, and drapes from the empire line with pretty pleats for a flattering fit before, during and after pregnancy! Sheer panels are one of the hottest trends this year, and the silky sheer chiffon sleeves on this cheeky polka dot dress are the perfect way to work the trend without giving too much away. A polka dot print is a classic look that never dates, so you’ll still feel fantastic in this dress years down the line!

She is styled with a Zara bag and vintage sunglasses

Shop Luxe Maternity Dresses

 

Watch the slideshow to see the full shoot

A big thank you to the super dad who was walking in the park with his adorable babies!

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Spring Bling: Our Stella & Dot Jewellery Wish List

Bright colours, bold shapes and big statements are the jewellery buzz words for this season, and the gorgeous designs down at Stella & Dot fit the bill perfectly! Their stunning boutique jewellery collection by exclusive New York designers is loved by Jennifer Aniston, Elle McPherson and Katherine Heigl to name but a few of their celebrity clientele, and is perfect for adding a flash of colour to any springtime ensemble.

Pregnancy is the perfect time to get creative with your accessories, and here at Seraphine we can’t get enough of the chunky colour-tastic pieces around at the moment. So why not treat yourself to a gorgeous new statement necklace for the new season – you deserve it!

Here are the pieces we’re coveting right now, and how we’d style them: 

 

The Norah Pendant

The art deco style Norah Pendant is perfect for adding a little extra zing to your outfit this spring. The chunky gold metal chain and shiny cut glass stones make the perfect setting for the little pings of neon yellow that make this piece unique. It looks stunning against navy blue, so we’d style it to work a colour block look with our Blue & Neon Maternity & Nursing Wrap Dress, or to jazz up our Navy Maternity Shift Dress with a matching neon clutch bag for a night out.

 

 

Colourful Stella & Dot Necklaces

 

The Frida Necklace

The riot of colour that is the Frida Necklace combines flirty fuchsia pink with fresh coral, turquoise and navy blue in a dazzling pick n mix arrangement that’s guaranteed to brighten up any outfit. Pink is one of the hottest colours of the year, so this vibrant statement piece is just what you need to work the trend! We think it would look fabulous against a pattern or a solid colour  – style it with our Black & White Polka Dot Maternity Dress, or set off the pink colour block style of our Black & Pink Maternity & Nursing Wrap Dress.

 

The Linden Necklace

The gorgeous green Linden Necklace features custom blended stones in tonal shades of jade green, which are hand set in polished brass for a quintessential spring time look. The feminine tear drop shapes are a beautiful way to break up a neckline, and the soft green shades are a modern look that will tie any spring outfit together. We’d team it with our Navy Lace Maternity Dress for a smart occasion, or to jazz up a daytime casual look with our Coral Cropped Maternity Jeans and Soft Grey Cowl Neck Top.

 

 

Stella & Dot necklaces - Pegasus

 

The Pegasus Necklace

The stunning Pegasus Necklace is a bold bib of intricate silver feathers, hand sewn in India to a silk organza cascade. The style acts as a chic collar, and is the perfect way to add a touch of drama to your neckline. We think it’d look fierce with our Burgundy Maternity Shift Dress at the office, or to add a fashion edge to a casual style with our Grey Ruched Maternity T-Shirt and Black Summer Slouchy Maternity Trousers.

 

The Rory Necklace

Another art deco inspired piece, the Rory Necklace uses beautiful hand set stones in a geometric triangle design in the shifting ocean shades of turquoise, blue and green, hanging from a vintage style gold plated chain. This necklace makes a style statement, but is also understated and elegant – the perfect finishing touch to any springtime outfit. We’d love to style it with our Azure Blue Grecian Maternity Maxi Dress for the perfect look for a warm summer evening, or to create a stylish daytime look with our Sea Mist Cropped Maternity Jeans and our Grey Linen Layering Maternity Top.

 

Charms

 

Stella & Dot charm necklaces

If you’re looking for something a little more discreet, there is a fabulous selection of charm pendants to wear on delicate chains – perfect for creating an understated chic look. We love the You Are My Sunshine Necklace, which would make the perfect little treat to celebrate your impending new arrival! We’d team it with our Black Maternity Skater Dress, or for a more dressed down look, style it with our Black Crossover V Neck Vest and Tribal Print Slouchy Summer Maternity Pants.

 

 

Other Articles You May Like:

Spring feet: welcome in the new season in stylish pumps and loafers
Spring clean your style: beauty hair fashion and all!
Mila  Kunis & Ashton Kutcher: The latest in the new wave of celeb baby news!

Things I wish I’d known about nursing – By Rosie Nixon, Editor of HELLO!

Greetings from the ‘other side’ of pregnancy. Yes, it turned out the swelling midriff I’ve been carrying around for the last nine months did actually contain a baby. And what a perfect bundle of pure joy – and milk – our brand new little son Heath is.

After navigating some new style rules as I dressed to accommodate my growing bump, it is now time to turn my attention to housing these two…how shall I put it…bouncing breasts.

All the guidebooks advise forgetting any semblance of style for the first week or so after giving birth and spend your time in bed Yoko Ono-style getting plenty of skin on skin, learning how to feed and bonding with baby – advice I strongly heed – but there are still some steps you can take to make it easier, more comfortable and with a nod to your former fashionable self. Based on a straw poll of one, with a few of weeks worth of experience fresh in my mind, here are some nursing style tips I hope you’ll find helpful…

 

1) In the latter stage of pregnancy invest in a couple of tops that will fit both your big bump and be suitable for nursing as soon as you’ve given birth: This is because you simply won’t ‘snap’ back to your pre-baby figure immediately and will want to feel comfy and secure in familiar clothes. The Seraphine long line popper nursing tops in black and purple, and grey knitted bamboo breast feeding top were style savers for me, they comfortably covered my mummy tummy and were hassle-free to feed in while getting the hang of things. I lived in them at the end of my pregnancy through to the first fortnight with my newborn.

Shop Nursing Tops

 

2) Don’t bother splashing out on nursing bras before your milk has come in: I thought I was being super organised buying a few pretty nursing bras in advance of giving birth, but they have been rendered useless because I bought the wrong size and they are past the date of return. You may be a little shocked by how many cup sizes you crank up with your new milk-filled puppies, plus you’ll need space to accommodate a breast pad as well. I would recommend buying one nursing bra at least two cup sizes bigger and broader across your back to use in hospital and wear in bed, and hold fire on getting any others until you’re milk rocks up. And you’ll know when you’re milk’s come in, believe me. The best, most comfortable and practical nursing bras I found are the Pink & Mocha Seraphine Nursing Bra and the Seamless Black & Purple Nursing Bra, both of which look great but most importantly provide quick and easy access for nifty nursing.

 

3) As you get more practised at nursing, invest in a couple of tops that will give you the confidence to feed in public: After hibernating in the safety of your own home for a week or two,  you’ll be starting to feel more like the old you and will want to venture out for some fresh air and to introduce your beautiful baby to the world – and this will inevitably involve feeding him in public. Gulp, it’s a scary prospect. I’m not one for erecting a tent around myself to feed, as I think it draws even more unwanted attention to you, but I quietly thanked the stars for this Seraphine top that makes breast feeding more discreet. I have this style in 3 colours and they are my spring/summer staple.

Shop the Grey Knitted Bamboo Breastfeeding Top

 

4) Make sure you own one cosy wrap: Another key piece in your nursing wardrobe should be a stylish waterfall-style cardie. This versatile wrap is ideal for cosying up with your little one at home, as well as providing a bit of a privacy shield when breast-feeding on the go. I love my Seraphine Grey Cotton & Cashmere Waterfall Maternity Cardigan – the cashmere has a gorgeous luxury feel and the buttons mean it can be worn in a variety of ways, from a cowl neck to draped open over a vest top a summer’s evening. It is a classic and I have worn it endlessly, both for off-duty days during pregnancy and nursing.

 

HAPPY NURSING

 

Other Articles You May Like:

Seraphine’s top 5 tips for simple and stylish nursing
Seraphine’s video guide to nursing clothes with Jocette & baby Roxette
Get inspired to create a beautiful nursery for you and baby

Say it on Your Shirt: Seraphine’s Top 5 Slogan Tees

A celebrity favourite and a street style must-have, stylish slogan tees make a bold statement so you don’t have to!

Not so much a trend as a lifestyle choice… like red lipstick or high heels… the slogan tee is always a sassy option, and spring is the perfect time to rock the look.

Browse our stylish maternity tops & check out our top 5 slogan tees…

 

 

Nautical vibes, a touch of French chic and an ultra-laid back message, this cooler-than-cool t-shirt is a must-have for those dressed down days. Made in the softest stretch viscose with easy nursing access, the C’est La Vie tee says it all!

 

 

Never forget the golden rules and always say yes to chocolate! This ultra-soft and stretchy maternity top will make sure you never have to politely decline a mistakenly offered glass of bubbly again.

 

 

Ta-da! Show off your new curves in our most feminine maternity & nursing slogan tee. Perfect for before, during and after pregnancy with easy nursing access, team it with leggings, heels & a leather jacket et voila… instant glam!

 

 

Not all the slogans are saved up for the daytime; put a rock and roll spin on your bedtime routine with our Sweet Love Maternity Pyjamas! The soft cotton top is the perfect rock chic loungewear option, and can even be teamed with skinny jeans for a dressed down day.

 

 

And our personal favourite – The Love Tee! This soft grey marl charity tee is perfect before, during and after pregnancy. Modelled by the lovely Sophie Ellis Bextor, 100% of the profits from this t-shirt go directly to Tommy’s the baby charity, helping them to fund the UK’s first medical research centre specialising in early miscarriage. AND we’ll donate an extra £1 for every picture uploaded to our online gallery.

 

For more maternity fashion inspiration, check out the rest of our stylish maternity tops online!

 

 

Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher: the latest in the new wave of celeb baby news!

Now that Halle Berry, Gwen Stefani and Kate Winslet have all welcomed their healthy baby boys; Maceo, Apollo and Bear into the world, and with Drew Barrymore due any day now, we here at Seraphine Maternity were beginning to wonder just how we would get our celeb spotting fix! But it turns out that we needn’t have worried – Mila Kunis could just be the latest in a new wave of celebrity pregnancies along with the glamorous likes of Scarlett Johansson and Charmed actress Alyssa Milano!

 

Rumours are flying around recently engaged Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, ex-co-stars of ‘That 70’s Show’, who have been dating since 2012, and are now reportedly expecting a baby! The notoriously private pair have yet to comment on the pregnancy rumours, but multiple sources around them have confirmed the news.

Here are our top 3 pregnancy style predictions for Mila Kunis:

 

Red Carpet Gowns

Walking the red carpet, Mila tends to go for statement gowns in bright colours and is a big fan of designers Vera Wang & Elie Saab. She’s dazzled in lilac, green and red, and most recently, we saw her at this year’s golden globes in a stunning silvery metallic Gucci gown.

She’ll be out and about this summer promoting her upcoming film Jupiter Ascending, so there ought to be plenty of opportunities to see her in a few gorgeous maternity gowns, and we think she’d look amazing in our Multiway Blue Silk Maternity Evening Gown or our Embellished Butterfly Sleeve Maternity Gown.

 

Casual Summer Style

Mila will be pregnant through the hot LA summer, so she’ll be looking for ways to keep cool in the heat. She’s partial to a pair of shorts, and was snapped looking ultra cool (in every sense of the word) in a cute pair of denim shorts with a plain white tee and flip flops – perfect for those off duty summer days. She could easily recreate this look with our Blue Denim Maternity Mini Shorts and our White Chiffon Maternity Top!

She also loves cute summer dresses in monochrome styles; we think she’d look fabulous in our Short Sleeve Polka Dot Mock Wrap Maternity Dress or our Fitted Empire Line Maternity Cocktail Dress.

 

A Low Key Wedding?

The latest rumours would suggest that the pair are thinking about a low key registry office wedding possibly as soon as April! We predict that Mila may just go for a shorter wedding dress rather than the full on traditional gown and we think she’d look simply beautiful in our Round Neck Ivory Lace Maternity Wedding Dress!

 

Other Articles You May Like:

Pregnancy style predictions for first time mum-to-be Scarlett Johansson
Gwen Stefani’s secret weapon: the maternity LBD
Celebs, stylists, Seraphine: What’s the best advice your mother ever gave you?

Celebs, stylists, Seraphine: The best advice my mother ever gave me

“The only love that I really believe in is a mother’s love for her children.” – Karl Lagerfeld

With mother’s day fast approaching we came across this beautiful article on the Hungry for Change blog on a mother’s influence on the health of her daughter. It got us thinking about how influential our mothers can be in all aspects of our life, and how lessons learned young can stay with us forever.

Your mother is your very first teacher. She teaches you how to tie your shoes, how to clean your teeth and how to brush your hair. She guides your discovery of the world, introducing you to the wonderful things and shielding you from the bad until you are strong enough to handle them. The things you learn from your mother are often things that you carry with you your entire life long. Little pearls of wisdom that lift you when you need a boost, ground you when your head is reeling and guide you when you don’t know which way to turn.

In honour of mother’s day, we have gathered all the motherly advice and tips from celebs, stylists and Seraphine girls, asking the question: What is the best advice your mother ever gave you?

 

Cecile Reinaud – Seraphine Founder & Creative Director

Follow your dreams but don’t be a dreamer. What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve!

Read more about Cecile Reinaud

Rosie Nixon – Hello! Magazine Editor

‘This too shall pass’ – it’s a well known saying, but somehow when mum says it, I believe her. Whether we’re talking baby tantrums, work stress or just a bad day, mum puts it all into perspective with these simple words.

 

Tina Fey

I get my sense of humor from my mom. There are so many quiet times you spend as a mother that aren’t glorified but are a foundation for your kids. No matter what, there was always a thick safety net under this trapeze.

 

Thea Lewis Yates – Freelance Stylist

On life – Always be kind. It’s the most important thing and how everyone will remember you.

On love – Don’t chase. The right person will appear in due course – the people who are meant to be in your life always find their way there.

On babies – If you’re happy, the likelihood is your baby will be happy too. Take plenty of time to nourish your marriage, friendships and life, and your baby’s happiness will follow suit.

 

Jessica Alba

She taught me to give a hundred percent, always. Never give up and, if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. We came from a very modest background — nobody was in the entertainment business. I had a dream to be an actress, and every time I would sort of get devastated she would always encourage me.

 

Alice – Seraphine Copywriter

My mum taught me to find joy in the little things in life, and always to treat others as I would like to be treated.

 

Charlotte Kewley – Freelance Stylist

My mum taught me… how to run my business! She was a head teacher (now retired) and always worked so hard and was super organised. Watching her inspired me to work hard. She also taught me how to create a spreadsheet! Not so fun, but necessary.

 

Jennifer Garner

My mom is a hard worker, she puts her head down and she gets it done. And she finds a way to have fun. She always says, ‘Happiness is your own responsibility.’ That’s probably what I quote from her and live by the most. If you have a tough road in front of you, it’s your responsibility to make it as joyful for yourself as you possibly can.

See more Celebrity Seraphine Styles

 

Catherine Hudson – Beauty and Fashion Writer for Prima Baby and Assistant Web Editor at Juniormagazine.co.uk

My mum has always taught me the great value of making my own mistakes. Growing up, I knew I would always be able to take chances and gain valuable independence without any judgement. I felt safe in the knowledge that she was always watching from the sidelines, celebrating my successes and supporting me when things didn’t quite work out. It has made me an open-minded person who will give (almost) anything a go. And I’m strong, like my amazing mum. I’m never usually one for cringe-inducing clichés, but my mum really did give me wings to help me fly – what better gift can a parent give?

 

Shirin – Seraphine PR

Don’t be afraid to go after what you want, if you don’t ask you don’t get! I wouldn’t have accomplished half of the things I’m proud of without her support.

 

Audrey Hepburn

‘Manners,’ as my mother would say, ‘don’t forget, are kindnesses. You must always be kind.’ — taken from – How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life

 

Annabel Kerman – Freelance Stylist

That having children doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your own personality in the process, and that families thrive on happy, social parents. Also, it’s entirely possible to keep throwing raucous dinner parties with three children asleep upstairs.

 

Kate Hudson

Be happy. That’s the best thing you can tell your kids. Be happy — if not get drunk, and then you’ll really be happy!

 

To celebrate Mother’s Day we are offering you free delivery on orders over £40! Simply enter the code MDFREE at the check out and treat yourself to some beautiful new maternity clothes. After all, you deserve it – advice you offer now will shape lives in the future!

Spring Clean Your Style – Beauty, Hair & Maternity Fashion

Spring has sprung mamas! With sunny weather just around the corner, now is the perfect time to shake up your makeup, try a new hairstyle and refresh your wardrobe with a few new looks for the coming season. We’ve rounded up some of the hottest SS16 trends in beauty and fashion – so sit back, relax and prepare to be inspired!

 

SS16 Beauty Trends

 

 

After a few seasons of ‘no-makeup-makeup’ ruling the runways, we are pleased to report that the classic red lip is back and bigger than ever! This look united designers and makeup artists across the board with sexy red lipsticks making a big impression everywhere from Oscar de la Renta to Jason Wu and DKNY.

And just in case that wasn’t enough colour for you, blue eyeshadow was the break out look of the season! We saw everything from bold blue liners, to subtle touches, and special mention must go to the powder blue bandit masks at Chanel.

 

SS16 Hair Trends

Good news mamas – the big story this season when it comes to hair is the come as you are trend! This season more models than ever walked the catwalks with their own length, style and texture intact. In fact some of the most talked about models were the ones who dare to be different – think Ruth Bell, Edie Campbell and Peyton Knight. So this season is all about rocking your signature style and letting your hair do its thing, whether that’s tight curls, poker straight or a short sharp crop – this zero fuss all natural trend is perfect for busy mums!

And for those days that call for something a little bit special, the star accessory this season was the tiara! Seen everywhere from St Laurent to Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy and Chanel, if you don’t fancy going full princess on your night out, why not add a stylish embellished Alice band like our Ivy Hair Band to complete your look.

 

SS16 Maternity Fashion

 

 

Wondering what to wear to show off your newly revamped look? SS16 has fashion trends galore – here are just a few of our favourites….

Gingham had a major fashion moment this season – Victoria Beckham, Celine & Stella McCartney all revamped this classic feminine look to fabulous effect. Our Gingham Cotton Maternity Dresses in blush pink or blue are the perfect way to work the look. Along the same lines, Stripes – always a flattering choice for pregnancy – was another style making a splash on the runways at shows like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. Try our Striped Maternity & Nursing Dress for a bump flattering look that’s perfect for spring.

But it’s not all stripes, checks and geometric prints, Christian Dior’s SS16 show was awash with romantic designs in feminine fabrics and soft pastel shades. Get the look with our Pink Printed Maternity Dress or put a bohemian twist on the style with our off the shoulder Crochet Lace Maternity Dress.

And when it comes to denim, from Chanel’s denim gown to Alexander McQueen’s stunning embroidered coat, this season is all about the statement piece! Pregnant fashion bloggers can’t get enough of our Premium Stretch Denim Maternity Jump Suit, and our Chambray Belted Maternity Shirt Dress is one of the star pieces in this season’s collection.

 

Follow Seraphine Maternity’s board SPRING IS IN THE AIR on Pinterest.

Happy Easter Mamas – enjoy creating your new spring look!

 

 

Spring feet – Welcome in the new season in stylish pumps and loafers!

Spring is here and the weather is starting to warm up, so now is the time to switch those winter boots for a couple of pairs of pretty flats!

Ballet pumps and loafers are stylish, comfy, easy to wear and the perfect choice for those spring days when it’s too hot for boots but not quite warm enough for sandals.

Our super stylish ShoeTherapy flats come in a range of colours, patterns and styles from plain black ballet flats for the office, and chic snakeskin ones to style with jeans, to studs, bows and leopard print – there is a style to suit your every mood.

And that’s not all: Not only are these stylish little shoes the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe, but they are ergonomically designed to improve your posture and boost your circulation, minimising back and joint pain often experienced during pregnancy! These clever little miracle shoes will allow you to get on with your day without that constant ache in the background, and they won’t force you to compromise your style!

Right now, we are offering you a fantastic 15% off across our entire range of miracle back ache busting pumps and loafers, so you can try them out for yourself!

How it works

Shop ShoeTherapy

 

From the Designer

Being able to offer a fashionable looking shoe that has real health benefit is very exciting and I hope you will enjoy wearing them as much as I enjoyed developing this new venture. The creation of ShoeTherapy meant a lot to me, as I myself have experienced the discomfort of back ache and how incapacitating it can be.” –  Cecile Reinaud

 

Tried & Tested

These shoes are made with patented technology, and are clinically proven to reduce back ache and joint pain, but don’t take our work for it – they are loved by doctors and fashion editors alike:

Your shoes saved my life. I had forgotten my flats and having walked down Baker St in my 6 inch stacks, I was in need of help. I have been wearing them as my in-betweeners ever since. I love them, they are comfy and cute and I like the sneaky yet supportive heel. I think the trendy pregnant patient will also love them.” – Pixie Mckenna – Doctor and Channel 4 TV presenter

These ShoeTherapy pumps are so comfy it feels like you are wearing trainers not ballet pumps! Perfect for later pregnancy when the thought of wearing heels doesn’t go beyond the thought! However these aren’t just a pregnancy purchase; they are perfect when you have to walk far but want to arrive in something stylish. I will be walking miles with my buggy in these.” – Ali Hall – Editor Look magazine

 

So go on, treat yourself to a gorgeous new pair of flats for spring – You deserve it!

 

Other Articles You May Like:

Discover London Fashion Week’s big color trends
Hello! Mag editor Rosie Nixon’s video guide to maternity jeans
Gwen Stefani’s secret weapon – the maternity LBD

 

WIN Easter Goodies from Award-Winning Chocolatier Paul A Young!

With Easter just around the corner, we here at Seraphine find ourselves spending an increasing amount of time dreaming about CHOCOLATE! With life’s little indulgences somewhat restricted throughout pregnancy – champagne, sushi and even lattes are suddenly off the table – chocolate remains gloriously safe to eat.

To celebrate chocolate as the trusted pregnancy-safe treat that it is (and since it’s nearly Easter) we are giving away 5 of our stylish Yes To Chocolate Tees along with a delicious selection of chocolate bunnies and chicks!

Enter our Facebook Competition to Win! *competition now closed*

 

#COMPETITION As it’s nearly Easter, we are giving away 5 of our stylish “Yes To Chocolate” Tees along with a delicious…

Posted by Seraphine Maternity on Monday, 21 March 2016

 

When it comes to chocolate bunnies – or chocolate anything for that matter – no one does it better than award-winning London chocolatier Paul A Young.

 

A photo posted by Paul a Young (@paul_a_young) on

 

Based between his three London stores in Soho, Islington and Bank, Paul and his team spend their days developing creative flavour combinations and experimental, often experiential, artisan chocolates – and we can’t get enough!

 

If this video doesn’t spark a craving we don’t know what will…

Happy Easter Mamas, and best of luck!

 

 

Postnatal Exercise: Keep fit, bond with baby & boost your mood!

A little gentle exercise can be a great way to boost your mood and shift that extra baby weight after baby is born. Once you’ve cleared it with your GP after the initial 6 to 8 weeks recovery time, you are good to go and can start to get active!

Why not join a specialised postnatal fitness class? This is a great way to get out and about and meet other new mums, and you can be sure that all the exercises are specially tailored to what your body needs. Many classes will even welcome your baby too, either to join in with the class or with a crèche service, so there’s no need to arrange for a babysitter! Postnatal yoga is a great way to stretch out and tone up your muscles in a relaxed environment – check out these simple poses to try at home. Or if you fancy a more active approach, why not go along to a Buggyfit class near you for a brisk walk with baby in the buggy and a safe workout routine with other new mums.

Of course you can also exercise at home, so slip on a pair of comfy maternity leggings and dig out your trainers – it’s time to get active! Check out Parenting.com’s list of fun exercises to try at home with baby, and this list from Good Housekeeping to try in the garden! Here are a few of our favourite fun exercises for mummy and baby to try together!

 

Kiss ups

 

Postnatal exercise with baby kiss ups

This is just about the sweetest way we can think of to start toning your tum!

Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet placed firmly on the floor in a position ready to do sit ups. Sit baby half way up the slope of your thighs, holding him in place around his middle. Then simply do a set of regular sit ups, giving baby a kiss at the top of each one! Aim for 3 sets of 12.

 

Tickle Lunges

 

Postnatal exercise with baby and buggy

Tone up and make baby laugh!

Put baby in his buggy and face him, with your left foot back about three feet and your hands on your waist. Then bend both legs until your right thigh is parallel to the ceiling, making sure your right knee stays in line with your ankle. When you reach the bottom of the lunge, tickle baby and make him laugh, then slowly return to a standing position, pushing through your right heel. Aim for three sets of 12 on each side.

 

Alphabet Abs

Postnatal exercise - alphabet abs

 

 

Teach baby his ABCs and tighten up your abs while you’re at it!

Lying flat on your back with baby next to you, place your arms at your sides and extend your legs straight up toward the ceiling, feet together.
Then recite the alphabet slowly to baby, drawing each letter in the air with your toes. Keep the moves slow and be sure to keep your belly button pulled in toward the floor. Aim to make it through the entire alphabet!

 

Mummy & Baby Yoga Routine

 

 

For more info on safe postnatal exercise, check out this article from the Guild of Pregnancy & Postnatal Exercise Instructors

Other Articles You May Like:

Keeping fit and fabulous during pregnancy – by Lisa Sidgewick
Top 5 tips for post pregnancy style – by Personal Stylist, Daniella Marks
Detox with these great smoothie recipes pregnancy

Pregnancy style predictions for first time mum-to-be Scarlett Johansson

Huge congratulations to the drop dead gorgeous Scarlett Johansson and her French journalist fiancé Romaine Douriac who are expecting their first baby later this year!

Former child star Scarlett has grown up in the public eye, and has been walking the red carpets since her early teens, so we’ve been able to follow her style evolution over what has already been an impressively long career. Notoriously versatile as an actress, Scarlett is no stranger to experimenting with fashion. She has rocked all sorts of styles over the years, and has headed up major campaigns for big names such as Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein and Mango.

Here at Seraphine, we can’t wait to see how she adapts her style to suit her new curves, so here are our top 3 pregnancy style predictions for Scarlett Johansson:

 

1)      Red Carpet Glamour with nostalgic hair and makeup.

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A red carpet pro, Scarlett has mastered the art of wowing the crowds with the perfect statement evening gown. Whether it’s classic and elegant or low cut and racey, Scarlett seems to look amazing in pretty much any style she tries – perhaps it comes with the territory as the two time winner of Esquire’s sexiest woman alive award!

We predict that she’ll stay true to form, and will try lots of different maternity styles throughout her pregnancy, probably sticking to shorter figure hugging shapes at the beginning like our popular Navy Lace Maternity Cocktail Dress, then as her curves begin to show, she may migrate to more flowing styles like our Secret Support Silk Evening Gown.

Pregnancy is a great time to go all out with hair and makeup, and Scarlett often works a nostalgic 1940s bombshell style, so we predict plenty of bright red lips and pin curls!

 

2)  Cool and Casual in maternity jeans

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Scarlett tends to lead her private life well away from the cameras, and when she isn’t all dressed up for a big night out or a glamorous Hollywood event, she keeps things casual, often going for skinny jeans, stylish tops and jackets.

We reckon that when she starts to build up her maternity wardrobe, one of her first investments will be a perfectly fitting pair of stylish maternity jeans. Kate Winslet wore our Black Maternity Skinny Jeans on the red carpet last year, and we think that Scarlett would look equally fantastic in them !

 

3)      A wedding on the horizon?

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The newly engaged couple have yet to set a date for their wedding, and with Scarlett’s love of privacy, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if they decided to take a leaf out of Halle Berry’s book and sneak off for a romantic secret ceremony abroad before the baby comes! E! Online suggested that our Ivory Silk & Lace Gown could be the perfect wedding dress for her, and we would have to agree – the luxurious silk floats delicately over the curves, to flatter your figure however far along you are, and the exquisite lace overlaid bodice is the perfect feminine touch for a blushing bride.

 

Other Articles You May Like:

The Oscars 2014 – A red carpet fashion round up
Gwen Stefani’s secret weapon – the maternity LBD
Elsa Pataky transitions the seasons in a Seraphine maternity cardigan

 

How to Dress a Small Bump – by Fashion Stylist Charlotte Kewley

Charlotte Kewley is 31 years old and lives in London. She has been a Fashion Stylist & Editor for the last 12 years working on magazines, with celebrities, private clients and for fashion brands. Beginning her career at Sugar magazine as a teenager she then went on to work at More and over the last seven years has contributed to magazines including OK!, Fabulous, Now, Grazia and Stylist and was most recently Contributing Fashion Editor at Zest magazine.

 

Right now I am18 weeks pregnant with my first baby. My tummy is no longer flat. But I definitely don’t have an obvious bump. I just look a little bit fat! Even for someone who styles people for a living this is a tricky time as you don’t yet have the bump to ‘show off’ but skinny jeans and a fitted top no longer cut it. And don’t even go there with skirts! My little A-line minis just ride up looking indecent, particularly for a pregnant person.

So after a lot of trying on, wardrobe editing and several carefully selected new additions I’ve pin pointed a few key, any-occasion looks and shapes for this tricky in-between time that I intend to adhere to until my bump decides to pop out!

 

Look 1

The blazer, tee and skinny jeans look

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This look is easy to create: Black skinny jeans, a boyish V or scoop neck slouchy T-shirt (way more flattering than a round neck with my newly existent bust), in my opinion it’s worth spending money on a quality tee as you’ll wear it forever. Then to ‘cool it up’ a statement blazer. A new blazer was my investment piece to last throughout pregnancy, opt for one that’s designed not to close at the front so it never looks too small. The tailoring pulls the look together so it works for day (with Converse) or evening (with a heel). This is a look that’ll last the whole 9 months and after…

 

Look 2

The layered look

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The key to this look is to find the right pretty dress as the base: Not a fitted shift, but not a baggy tunic and definitely not a wrap dress (yet). Something floral and a bit hippy looks fresh. I’ve been wearing an old Isabel Marant Etoile one I’ve had forever! Wear with a V-neck knit (Uniqlo’s cashmere is perfect!) over the top and add a fitted jacket to sharpen up your silhouette. Add a pair of chunky heeled ankle boots and done. Cool, easy to wear, comfortable but still sharp.

 

Look 3

The bodycon skirt look

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My new Séraphine stretchy bodycon skirt is my best maternity buy yet. Super comfy but still that little bit sexy. Try it on in a size smaller than you’d usually opt for so it really is bodycon and wear with maternity tights and boots now, then slip on sneakers or black sandals come summer. I’ve been wearing it with my new Peter Pilotto for Target printed sweatshirt which skims my tummy but doesn’t cling and makes enough of a statement for people not to notice my expanding waistline but when I get a bit bigger I’ll wear it with a more fitted Breton stripe tee.

 

CHECKLIST

  • Do invest in some trapeze style tops or vests, they look good worn loose over skinny jeans even if you’re not pregnant so they’ll see you through to the end.
  • Get yourself a couple of perfectly fitting pairs of maternity jeans.
  • Get obsessed with accessories (we’re looking at you scarves, statement necklaces and great hats) and red lipstick. They’ll become your saviours for making a simple outfit look that little bit cooler and adding a personal touch.
  • Stick to your style. If you’ve never worn a smock dress why start now when there are so many other great maternity looks available.
  • Cosy knitwear is always great! Layer it up.

 

Other Articles You May Like:

Pregnancy style Q&A with Elle Commissioning Editor Hannah Swerling
My Pregnancy Style – by PR Consultant and Fashion Writer Kerry Law
Dressing my bump – by Fabric Magazine Editor, Liz Skone James

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