Category: Featured

A maternity fashion show sponsored by Seraphine!

It looks like a fabulous time was had by all at the charity maternity fashion show held at Saffron Walden Town Hall on Wednesday evening – the pictures speak for themselves! Here at Seraphine we were proud to sponsor Beauty, Bump and Baby and were very happy to see some of our gorgeous dresses lighting up the catwalk. We think the models looked stunning in our Mock wrap polka dot dress  and our vibrant Colour block maxi. We also love the daring figure hugging styles on show, they remind us of our bold Blue body con dress. We were really impressed with the high quality maternity fashion on show, and we think it’s fantastic that all of the money raised is going to a good cause. A huge well done to all involved, you all look magnificent!

 

Maternity fashion show
Maternity fashion show

Baby joy for Alesha Dixon – here’s to the latest celebrity pregnancy!

We don’t know about you, but we’re really looking forward to following the celebrity pregnancy style evolution of Alesha Dixon after she recently announced she is expecting her first child. The singer’s publicist confirmed the momentous news to the press and her fans, saying: “Alesha Dixon and her partner, Azuka Ononye, are delighted to announce that they are expecting their first child later this year. Alesha and Azuka are looking forward to this happy chapter in their lives.”

 

Alesha followed up the revelation with a tweet to thank all of her fans and followers for their messages of support and congratulations, saying: “Would just like to say a big THANK U for all of your lovely messages and well wishes! #verysweet #veryblessed 🙂 X.”

 

It’s going to be a busy few months for the star, as she’ll be getting used to pregnancy, filming the next series of Britain’s Got Talent and appearing on the new ITV entertainment series, Your Face Sounds Familiar.

 

As if that weren’t enough, she’ll also be working on her next album. She’s making us feel tired just by looking at that list! Hopefully she finds plenty of time to pamper herself in between engagements. It’s her wardrobe that we’ll really be interested in though, as we want to see how she translates her usual look into the maternity clothes she’ll no doubt be stocking up on.

 

Actually, she won’t need to deviate too far from the trends she currently wears, as Alesha already has a fantastic sense of style. She isn’t afraid to express that huge personality through her clothes, which always results in a really fun and bright look. Like most women, we enjoyed seeing how she was a complete contrast to her Britain’s Got Talent co-host Amanda Holden during the live finals, favouring minidresses and bold hues over Mandy’s floor-length pastel gowns.

 

So, how might she make the style transition and what could she wear over the coming months? Here are Seraphine’s suggestions based on her previous great outfits.

 

  1. Bright colours

We love Alesha’s totally tropical dress sense – she’s a breath of fresh air, always looking like she’s on holiday even when she’s in rainy Britain. She can definitely continue this during pregnancy, as bold hues are really on-trend for summer 2013 and beyond.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

  1. High hemlines

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can no longer wear minidresses, so we hope Alesha won’t lose her penchant for high hemlines and will keep showing off those perfect pins. She may have to swap her towering stilettos for something more stable – but our ballet flats will look just as good with those thigh-skimming skirts.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

  1. Sharp tailoring

When Alesha’s not in dresses, she often goes for a complete contrast by opting for smart yet feminine tailoring. Again, this will be ideal for pregnancy because a blouse and blazer combo looks so flattering – and the outer layer can be left undone when that bump gets really big. Unsurprisingly, she shies away from black and chooses bright shirts and jackets, so this is something we reckon will continue as she vets candidates for BGT this year.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

Congratulations, Alesha!

Pregnancy beauty – by Grazia beauty editor Lauren Murdoch Smith

Lauren Murdoch-Smith has worked at Grazia for….well, a long time! In that time, Lauren has risen the ranks from Beauty Assistant to Beauty Editor.

Whilst working with the beauty team, she’s developed an unhealthy obsession for nails, shopping and celebrities – which is useful when you work at Grazia!

Currently, Lauren is masquerading as a domestic baking goddess to keep her calm as she travels all over the world to cover all four fashion weeks every season. Oh, as well as generally conquering the beauty world to bring the best news stories and breaking trends for Grazia and, of course, Grazia Daily.

 

It’s funny, I’m a beauty Editor but never before have I written about pregnancy beauty, and since falling pregnant, I’ve discovered a whole new exciting world of beauty.  Being pregnant during the summer brings with it a whole host of new rules and introductions to new products.  Not that I’m complaining, I’m a complete beauty junkie and I’ll find any excuse to uncover new and brilliant products.

With my due date in September, I’m determined to have one last holiday, albeit to our usual haunt in Spain, so nowhere far flung or adventurous but still the last, relaxing holiday before the bambino arrives!  With the enticing Mediterranean heat comes the issue of sun care during pregnancy.  With pretty much every other change going on in your body, you’ll find that your skin is one of the biggest things to change which you have to adapt to pretty sharpish.  Oil and super hydration aside, the sun can cause bigger problems.  Thanks to all those lovely pregnancy hormones and it’s these hyper hormones that give you overly sensitive skin, which means you’re more likely to burn, so don’t even think about applying an SPF on your face unless it’s 30 plus.  Look for high factors, particularly for your face, as the risk of hyper pigmentation is higher during pregnancy; this is due to melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the hormone that reacts to the sun, responsible for making your skin darker, good if you’re looking for a tan but bad news for us pregnant ladies!

 

Here are my golden rules for well, a golden (pregnancy) glow this summer…

  • Don’t think a higher SPF means being pale for summer.  It just means your skin is better protected from burning and ageing, giving you a more even, longer-lasting tan

 

  • Look for sensitive sun care ranges. Liz Earle and Sisley are great for over sensitised skin thanks to their natural approach to sun protection.

 

  • Avoid overheating which is more likely during pregnancy and can lead to prickly heat; again another common problem during pregnancy.  Brands like Sisley are great at preventing prickly heat and but it’s also a good idea to carry around a water spray like Evian’s Brumisateur Facial Spray, for an instant cooling action.

 

  • Wear a big floppy hat! Not only is it this season’s must-have holiday item, it’ll stop you picking up unwanted pigmentation on your face

 

 

Top Pregnancy Sun Care

For ultra sensitive skin: Avene Eau Thermale Avène Very High Protection Cream SPF50.

Great for anti-ageing too: Sisley Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

A good, budget option for skin that needs a little extra TLC: Nivea Pure and Sensitive Sun Range

For those of you looking for something natural: Liz Earle Mineral Sun Cream

Make sure you protect extra sensitive and easily burnt areas like your nose and ears with: Vichy Capital Soleil Sunstick SPF30

For those of you that are oil addicts, get your fix with: Lancaster Satin Sheen Oil Fast Tan Optimizer SPF30

Lauren_beauty_products

 

Celebrities love maternity maxi dresses and you will too – GIVEAWAY (CLOSED)

If there’s one thing we would recommend that every woman should have in her maternity wardrobe, it would be a great maxi dress. They are incredibly flattering, as they skim fluidly over your body while also making you appear taller, no matter how petite you are. They also look so stylish and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and time of day, but they’re really quick to throw on when you’re in a hurry. Is it any wonder that maxi maternity dresses quickly become a go-to piece for when you’re not sure what to wear but know you want to look fabulous?

 

OK, so you won’t want to cover up for the whole of your pregnancy, but a nice long maxi will provide comfort as well as a polished appearance for the days when you do. Pregnant celebrities are also well aware of the benefits a long dress can provide, if the huge list of famous faces who have been spotted in them is anything to go by.

 

To name just a few over the past couple of years, we’ve seen Neve Campbell, Melissa Joan Hart, Alyson Hannigan, Megan Fox, Jessica Simpson and Jessica Alba all rocking maternity maxi dresses to great effect, sometimes for high-profile events and at other times just for a stroll around the shops.

 

One thing you’ll notice is that all of these women are very different shapes, sizes and heights, proving that this type of maternity clothing is flattering for everyone. For example, Alyson wasn’t swamped by hers even though she’s petite, while Jessica Simpson appeared balanced out despite her larger chest size.

 

These girls have also helped to showcase the variety of ways you can wear a maxi dress during the summer. Alyson was spotted wearing a denim jacket over her patterned style when it was cooler, while Megan’s plain black one was dressed up with fancy sandals and elegant jewellery for a family event.

 

And proving that they know great maternity wear when they see it, a number of celebrities have also been photographed in Seraphine’s very own maternity maxi dresses.

 

Alyson often wore our Blue Printed Maxi Dress, while Jessica Alba had our Brown Floral Print Maternity Maxi Dress.

Maxi_dresses_celebs

In fact, the latter seems to be a particular favourite, as its bohemian floral print is always on-trend and the cut provides an amazing slimming effect. It’s also 100 per cent cotton so you won’t have to worry about being too hot.

 

Get a great summer look for any occasion with our Brown Floral Print Maternity Maxi

 

  • Easy and breezy for running errands, like Jessica

 

Jessica wore a beige cardigan with her maxi and accessorised it with a grey bag. You can get a similar look with our Sand Linen Waterfall Maxi Cardigan and Grey Storksak Olivia Satin Maternity Bag – all you need are some A-list sunglasses to go with them!

 

  • Ready to party in comfort and style

 

Add an Ivory Silk Sequin Shawl to your maxi and some chunky gold or tribal-style jewellery and you’ll be ready to party, whatever the occasion this summer. Just sweep on some beautiful bronze makeup to reflect the warm colours in your dress for a real glow.

 

  • Go more formal for special events – or a smart-casual office outfit

 

Seraphine’s Black Cropped Cardigan or Ivory Wrap Blazer with some Python Ballerina with Suede Bow shoes will instantly smarten up your maxi, proving that it is suitable as part of a formal outfit as well as for a trip to the park or beach.

 

GIVEAWAY! (NOW CLOSED) HOW TO WIN OUR BROWN PRINTED MAXI DRESS:

To enter like us on FB, share this competition with a friend & post your favourite Seraphine blog post in the comments below! Double your chances by following us on Twitter too 😉

 

Terms & Conditions:

  • Competition opens: 20.06.13 & closes: 27.06.13
  • Automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified
  • The winner will be drawn at random amongst the correct answers
  • The prize may be subject to size availability

 

Break the rules for great maternity style

Everyone has heard fashion commandments like thou shalt not wear socks with sandals – they’re passed down by magazines, friends and our mothers to prevent us making faux pas that might be embarrassing in public. However, while certain advice may still apply, we think some of these rules are outdated. We’re here to show you how breaking them can result in great maternity style that will really make you turn heads this summer.

 

1.     Horizontal stripes

You probably think that horizontal stripes are best avoided, but this definitely isn’t the case. Particularly during pregnancy, they can actually really flatter your figure and make for a cool nautical feel. Try maternity dresses in white and navy, or a top in darker colours paired with jeans to see what we mean. Alyson Hannigan often wore stripes when she was pregnant, so check out some past photographs online if you need some inspiration.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

2.     Patterns with prints

There was a time when you would never have seen spots mixed with stripes or geometric put with paisley, but this has gone out of the window as we get more adventurous with what we wear. Summer 2013 is the season of the print, so why not make the most of it and adorn yourself with more than one? As long as you go for similar base colours or complementary hues on the maternity clothes you choose, it’ll look avant-garde rather than appearing as though you ran through your wardrobe covered in glue.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

3.     Mixing black with brown … or navy with black

It’s often said that black and brown don’t go together, but look at women in many Mediterranean countries and you’ll see this isn’t the case at all. Black and tan look particularly nice as maternity fashion choices, as frequently demonstrated by Victoria Beckham. Likewise with navy and black – we don’t know who first said you shouldn’t wear them together, but they were wrong. However, mix them fairly evenly rather than just wearing, for example, a black dress with brown shoes, as this can look accidental.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

4.     Clashing colours

If there’s anything that the long-running trend for colour blocking should have taught you, it’s that clashing different hues is absolutely fine, contrary to popular belief a few years ago! We especially like to see bold shades coming together, as it creates a really summery feel. For example, maternity tops that are bright pink will look eye-catching with azure as opposed to just black. Even shades you wouldn’t think would go together (like rust and fuchsia, or purple and orange) can be dazzling – it’s just a case of trying them out and seeing what works.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

Go on – be a rebel and break the rules this summer!

Show off your pins this summer for great pregnancy style!

We spend so long in our winter woollies here in Britain that it’s a real treat when good weather arrives and we can finally cast off those extra layers. However, we speak to lots of women who assume that because they’re pregnant, they can’t get away with short dresses and skirts any more. It’s as though they feel that being an expectant mum comes with a set of rules about how much flesh to flash.

 

Well, we’re here to insist that it’s fine to be a little daring with your pregnancy style this summer – and what better part of your body to show off than your legs?

 

Your belly and chest can start to expand really rapidly after the start of the second trimester, but those pregnancy pins are likely to stay pretty much unaltered. In fact, they’ll probably appear even slimmer than usual in comparison, so you should definitely take this opportunity to show them off!

 

First, ensure they feel good

You can keep your legs toned with plenty of walking and swimming during pregnancy, but don’t forget to keep putting your feet up to reduce swelling around the ankles. Rubbing plenty of moisturiser in will help to keep your circulation flowing and reduce any dry skin too. Finally, ensure you start wearing supportive footwear as soon as possible, as this will reduce the strain on your calves and feet.

 

Look stylish in smart shorts

Maternity shorts don’t have to be casual. If you go for a city style in a dark-coloured cotton, you could even get away with wearing them to work alongside a blazer and blouse. However, they will look equally as good with a summery top for a day out with the girls. You’re sure to turn plenty of heads while still looking polished and elegant.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

Feel cool in denim shorts

Denim is always a winner for maternity fashion, but sometimes a full-length jean can be a little too hot on warm days. Denim shorts are the perfect compromise, as they allow you to keep wearing that failsafe fabric while also showing off plenty of leg. Go for a style with a stretchy band at the waist and they’ll see you through the whole nine months – just wear them with tights as we move out of summer and into autumn.

 

Get the look with Seraphine: 

 

Feel flirty in a summery skirt

There are lots of different skirt lengths you can choose from during pregnancy, depending on your maternity style. A mini is perfect for a casual look, while a midi is ideal if you would prefer to cover your thighs. Don’t forget the sexy pencil either, which shows off a great lower body without being revealing at all.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

Feel understated yet sexy with skinny jeans 

Whether you’re feeling a little pasty-skinned or you simply prefer to keep your legs covered up, you can still look sexy rather than swamped in fabric this summer. How? Go for skinny maternity jeans that cling to every curve but are specially styled for comfort. They’re perfect with a T-shirt for rock chicks!

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

Which style will you choose as the weather hots up?

Make your pregnancy nails the perfect fashion accessory this summer

If you’re a regular reader of these pages, we know you’ll have an arsenal of maternity style tips by now, from how to rock a maxi dress to which footwear will take you comfortably through to the third trimester. However, we also aim to offer you maternity beauty tips too, as we like to share the knowledge we pick up through our own experiences and those of our customers.

 

Today, we’re going to fill you in on some of the hottest nail trends for summer, as your nails can be a fantastic accessory that will cheer you up all day if you keep them looking fresh with the latest techniques. Let’s start with the basic ones and move on to the more adventurous as we go along.

 

  • Oval nails

Pregnancy beauty is all about convenience, as you don’t want anything too high-maintenance when you’re already coping with lots of changes in your routine. That’s why we were thrilled to hear that this season is all about oval nails. Scary-looking pointy talons a la Rihanna have been put on the backburner, so there’s no longer any need to worry about putting your eye out when you scratch your face. Oval nails are also less breakable and they give the illusion of being longer than they really are.

 

  • Nouveau nude

Nude nails are the trend that keeps on giving, as they show no signs of going out of style yet. They’re ideal for work or formal occasions and there are so many shades that you’re guaranteed to find at least one to suit your skin tone – try anything from cream and taupe to greige for an instantly elegant feel.

 

  • Neon

Think nude is too boring? You’ll be wanting one of summer’s neons then. No bright is too bright where this season’s concerned, so feel free to give day-glo green or orange a go. It’s a great way of livening up dark-coloured clothing and will instantly make you feel summery, no matter what the weather is doing.

 

  • Nail art

If you like to spend time on your nails then nail art is perfect, as you can customise it to suit your own style. It’s also bang on-trend, having been seen on the fingertips of Blake Lively, Sienna Miller and, of course, Katy Perry recently. Try a summer-themed pattern, stick-on crystals, a modern French or even ready-done transfers – anything goes for 2013.

 

  • Texture

This is an evolution of nail art and is really in vogue right now. We’ve seen everything from leather-effect polishes to feathers and big glitter flakes adhered to fingertips, so don’t feel as though you have to go for a flat matte with your pregnancy nails.

 

  • Don’t forget your toes with a classic pedicure

We’d definitely recommend pampering yourself with a pedicure during pregnancy, whether you do it yourself or head to a salon – all the massaging can help to boost circulation and rubbing cream in will really help if your feet are sore and swollen.

 

You may find you need professional assistance by the third trimester though, as seeing your toes can become a bit of a challenge! Why not take some time to yourself and give something off our round-up a try this summer?

 

Here comes the summer – Find what your maternity holiday wardrobe needs

There’s nothing better to perk up your spirits than some sunshine, whether it’s on a bucket and spade break in this country or on foreign shores. The sudden return of great weather in the UK has got us thinking about maternity swimwear and all the other items you might be wanting over the coming weeks to ensure you’re ready to hit the golden sands and feel fantastic about your body.

 

Don’t be concerned that it’s difficult to dress for warm weather now you’ve got a bump, either – all you need to do is invest in a few pieces that will build you a comprehensive maternity holiday wardrobe and you’ll find it’s a breeze. This part is really key to body confidence – don’t try to make your old beach wear stretch and change to fit you now, as it just won’t provide the support you need. For instance, past bikini tops may buckle under the pressure from your expanding chest, while bikini bottoms even from last year could start travelling southwards as you move. Neither makes for a good look – and it could prove embarrassing!

 

Instead, take a peek at Seraphine’s swimwear collection, as everything has been designed with pregnancy in mind for comfort, support and a really flattering look. Here’s a quick taster of some of our favourites.

 

Swimwear

We have plenty of swimwear to suit all tastes, whether it’s a maternity bikini, tankini or one-piece you’re after. You’ll soon notice that all or items have special adaptations to suit your new curves – the bikinis, for example, have roll-top fabric on the bottoms where they meet your tummy, so you can pull them up or down depending on where on your bump you want them to sit. One-pieces are very on-trend this summer, while tankinis offer the best of both worlds – you can move them around if you want some air to your middle, or keep the top pulled down.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

Cover-ups

We all know it’s not a good idea to get too much sun, so cover-ups are an essential for both beach breaks and picnics in the park. If you’re heading to the coast, you want something you can fold up into a bag so it’s easy to carry, but that also looks great when you pull it on. A maternity kaftan is the perfect solution, as it’s light enough to keep you feeling cool and also offers plenty of coverage. Go for one with plenty of shaping though, so it’s flattering as opposed to tent-like!

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

Co-ordinating pieces

Even if you plan to do little else but relax on your holidays this summer, you’ll still want to leave the beach at some point. Consequently, make sure you pack plenty of maternity wear that can be thrown on quickly, leaving you comfortable and free to go exploring. A combination of maternity shorts, maxi skirts, light tops and dresses is your best bet, as this mini-capsule wardrobe will leave you covered for every eventuality. You can even mix and match it with your swimwear for an easygoing vibe.

 

Get the look with Seraphine:

 

All you need to do now is get your case packed and be ready for the sunshine – don’t you just love summer?

How to style your little black maternity dress – GIVEAWAY (CLOSED)

The little black dress is a maternity wardrobe must have. It’s understandable to want to splash out on a whole new set of maternity clothes as you’ll need something to suit your changing body for every occasion.

However, the a little black maternity dress offers the best investment, as you can effortlessly dress it up for an occasion, mix and match with accessories for casual chic, or go for a smart professional look with ease.

Giving you plenty of value from what you buy, it’s the perfect way to ensure you get maximum wear out of everything – as most of Seraphine’s items can be mixed and matched with other pieces to make them suitable for an array of different events.

Our iconic little black maternity dress is the ideal summer wardrobe investment, as it’s made from light and stretchy jersey fabric, plus it has an empire line that skims the tummy and thighs. The sleeves are also super-flattering for the upper arms, as they’re an update of the traditional cap sleeve that lots of women love. The knee-length hem and V-neck add a hint of flirtiness too, which is perfect for this time of year.

 

Wear_it_with

 

1. Coral leopard print scarf 2. Tote changing bag 3. ShoeTherapy quilted ballerinas 4. Disk stud earrings 5. Sequin satin black belt 6. Ivory wrap blazer

 

  • Wear it on a day out

Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a shopping trip with the girls, our LBD is a great style choice. You can add a pair of ShoeTherapy Elastic Back Red Ballerina Shoes for comfort and a splash of complementary colour, as well as a Black Storksak Emily Maternity Bag (as worn by Angelina Jolie) to carry all your bits and bobs. We’d also add a Leopard Print Scarf to finish off the look.

 

  • Wear it out in the evening

Not just a daytime maternity dress, this LBD would be fantastic for a date night or a party. Keep the evening chill out with an Ivory Silk Sequin Shawl and add even more sparkle with Seraphine’s bestselling Sequin Satin Black Maternity Belt. All you need is an updo and some blingalicious jewellery and you’ll certainly turn heads.

 

  • Rock it at work

It can be difficult to dress for the office in summer, especially if you’re feeling the heat already. But our LBD can come to the rescue again, keeping you cool while also looking smart. Just add a Black Front Tie Blazer and some ShoeTherapy Black Python Ballerina Shoes and you’ll instantly achieve a professional finish. You can put a vest top underneath if you need a little more support at the bust. We’d also recommend our Grey Retro Print Storksak Nina Changing Bag – who says you can’t use a maternity bag for work before you use it for baby stuff?

 

  • Keep wearing your dress on cooler days 

We’re busy enjoying summer now, but don’t think you can’t keep wearing your new dress when cooler weather eventually returns. Just add Seraphine’s Grey Tie Front Long Line Cardigan and Luxe Tailored Treggings and you’ve got a versatile piece for any season. You could also use a Leopard Print Scarf to keep you warm and looking stylish.

 

Why not take a look at some of our other maternity clothes too and see if you can come up with new ways to style them for all occasions?

 

GIVEAWAY! (NOW CLOSED)

Want to win this fabulous little black dress?

QUESTION:  Which two actresses announced their pregnancies this week?

CLUE: Check out our celebrity maternity category 😉

Leave your answer in the comments below!

 

Terms & Conditions:

  • Competition opens: 6.06.13 & closes: 13.06.13
  • Automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified
  • The winner will be drawn at random amongst the correct answers
  • The prize may be subject to size availability

 

WINNER:

Congratulations to Natalie on winning our LBD!

 

 

Celebrity pregnancy news for Kate Winslet and Jennifer Love Hewitt!

It’s been a busy year for celebrity pregnancy news so far in 2013, but after weeks of nothing much happening, two have come along at once! Congratulations to Kate Winslet and Jennifer Love Hewitt, who have both announced they are expecting babies later this year. It will be Kate’s third child, although it is her first with new husband Ned Rocknroll, who she married last December. Mia, 12, and nine-year-old Joe are no doubt looking forward to having a little brother or sister to boss around!

 

“I can confirm Kate Winslet is pregnant and she and Ned Rocknroll are thrilled. The baby is due at the end of the year,” said a spokesperson for the couple.

 

Meanwhile, Jennifer is expecting her first baby with her Client List co-star Brian Hallisay.

 

“We’re so thrilled and happy to start a family,” they told Us Weekly, adding that Jen is around three months along.

 

It means both women will be having babies around the same time – and we can follow how their maternity style evolves this summer and autumn! So, what could be in store for their wardrobes over the coming months? Let’s take a look…

 

Kate Winslet

Kate+Winslet+Outerwear+Blazer+LJKHEsUbWqml

We can cheat a little with Kate, as we can speculate what she might wear based on her previous two pregnancies – although they were quite a while ago, so she’ll definitely need to update her maternity wardrobe. Last time, we spotted her in a cute white midi skirt and denim jacket, which would still work. However, we think she might translate some of the more old-school Hollywood glamour she has perfected into what she wears this time around.

Kate almost always goes for figure-hugging shapes that flatter those hourglass curves and there’s no reason why this should change just because she’s got a bump – the look definitely suits her. She also gets pictured in lace quite a lot, which would be bang on-trend for maternity wear this year.

 

However, she looks equally good when she’s androgynous – she has worn several flattering trouser suits for special events over the years and blazers are ideal for wearing open during pregnancy. We also like to see her in striking colours like red, black and blue to suit that peaches and cream complexion – pale pinks would only wash her out.

 

Seraphine’s Kate-style top tips:

 

Jennifer Love Hewitt

jennifer-love-hewitt-arrives-at-the-60th-primetime-emmy-awards-held-at-the-nokia-theatre-on-septmeber-21-2008-in-los-angeles-californiaJennifer has a very different shape to Kate, as she’s dainty as opposed to curvaceous – although she’ll obviously change a little once her tummy starts to bloom! We haven’t got a past pregnancy to go on here, but the actress has a definite style and we think she’ll stick to it as she progresses through the trimesters.

 

We have often seen her wearing cute tops in pastel colours, which really suit her skin tone and silhouette. She usually favours crochet and chiffon, both of which will translate well as maternity clothing, so there may be plenty more of these to come. It will be interesting to see if she takes to maternity jeans too, as we could definitely see her in a pair of skinnies, maybe in grey.

 

However, Jennifer can also rock a formal, fitted dress when she needs to – she looks particularly good in satin and jewel tones, although black and red suit her equally as well as they do Kate.

 

 

Seraphine’s Jennifer-style top tips:

 

We’ll be following these two very different women with interest, then, ahead of their new arrivals!

10 DAYS TO GO… MOTHER AND BABY TREATS BY ANNABEL KERMAN

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

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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

 

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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 

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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

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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 

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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

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How your pregnancy hospital bag can feature style as well as substance

Some great outfits in your hospital bag will be a real confidence boost before and after you give birth. You’ll no doubt have been told already that it’s a good idea to have a bag packed, put in the hallway and ready to go to hospital once you reach about 36 weeks of pregnancy. There’s no telling exactly when the baby will arrive and you don’t want to be scrabbling around in your wardrobe for clothes while you’re trying to cope with the early stages of labour, after all! It’s not going to be like packing a holdall for an ordinary weekend away though – what on earth are you supposed to take?

 

On top of all the practical items that your midwife and other mums will be able to fill you in on (like sanitary items, water, lip balm, baby clothes etc), we’d recommend putting together a few different outfits that will ensure you still feel like your stylish self both before the birth and afterwards. Don’t forget that you’ll have lots of visitors once the baby is here – and although they’re technically there to see your new arrival, you won’t want to feel like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards, especially if they’re armed with cameras. Here are our top tips about what should be in your hospital bag.

 

Something cool and comfortable

Hospitals can be really hot, so it’s a good idea to pack plenty of light layers and natural fibres. Don’t forget that you might be sitting around for a while before everything starts as well, so a couple of changes of clothes are best. Take some long-sleeved tops and a cardigan or two, as well as some maternity leggings, as they’re really comfy for lounging in.

 

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Maternity Nightwear

The chances of an overnight stay are high both before and after the baby comes, as labour can take time and midwives usually keep you in if this is your first baby too. Make sure you don’t forget nightwear – this will ensure you don’t end up in one of those awful hospital gowns! You can go for pjyamas before you give birth, while a nightie is best for during and afterwards, especially if it has button-down panels to aid breastfeeding.

 

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Nursing clothes 

Speaking of breastfeeding, you’ll need nursing clothes too. Items that are specially adapted will mean you can feed your new baby comfortably and discreetly, which is ideal when you’re not used to it yet. A good breastfeeding top will also appear stylish in all your visitors’ photos, so they won’t know it’s not a regular top. We’d definitely recommend a shawl too, in case there are lots of people coming and going.

 

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A going-home outfit

Finally, don’t forget a fabulous outfit for when you’re let out into the world as a yummy mummy for the first time. You’re best off with maternity clothes, as your tummy is still likely to be quite swollen and the rest of your body might feel tender, but choose good ones and nobody will know anyway. Maternity jeans with a nursing top are always a good choice, but a dress might be nice if it’s a sunny day.

 

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Start packing now and you’ll have one less thing to worry about, plus you’ll definitely be the most stylish new mum on the ward!

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