Fashion features | Seraphine blog

Maternity fashion faux-pas and the real you

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

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

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

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

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

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

So my top tips are

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

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

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

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

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

Maternity fashion dilemma : Flat shoes as glamorous as heels?

If you religiously watched TV programmes like Sex and the City or Desperate Housewives, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the only acceptable footwear for fashionistas features a sky-high heel. However, this mindset is increasingly being challenged by women who are fed up with tottering around with the balls of their feet burning like mad – and it’s great news for your maternity fashion options when it comes to special occasions.

We don’t know about you, but we’ve spotted lots of celebrities wearing flat shoes lately and they look no less glamorous than those who have donned Louboutins – in fact, we think they look even more chic.

The most recent and probably best case in point is Keira Knightley, who wore flat shoes for her wedding to James Righton in Provence last weekend. She donned a beautiful short Chanel gown from the spring/summer 2006 range, which was very similar to a Rodarte dress she sported pre-Baftas in 2008. It was accessorised simply with a band of flowers in her hair and a sweet bolero jacket, while her feet were kept comfortable and true to her usual style in a pair of nude ballet pumps. The outfit really suited the down-to-earth ceremony and intimate party afterwards and it just goes to show that you don’t have to be dressed up to the nines to look fabulous. Sienna Miller also recently wore flat red shoes for the red carpet of a film festival to great effect.

There is even more of a reason to make sure your shoes are supportive once you become pregnant though, aside from just the fashion side of things – it’ll save your body a lot of strain and pain. Heels cause the balance of the body to be disrupted and your weight to be thrown forwards, which affects the spine, knees, calves and ankles at a time when they’re already under pressure from the baby weight, while research from the US also recently found that your feet can grow between two and ten millimetres during pregnancy.

This will make cramming your feet into stilettos even more uncomfortable, so it’s important to choose pregnancy shoes that will look after your feet while also complementing your maternity wardrobe for special occasions – and fortunately, we can help you out here at Seraphine. We have designed our own range of maternity footwear specially made for pregnant women, ShoeTherapy, which features an array of elegant and fashionable flat styles that also have ergonomically engineered soles to stimulate circulation and correct posture. There is just a tiny heel to prevent fallen arches, back and joint pain, but you won’t notice it because it is moulded into the base of the shoe so there’s no wobbliness.

Better still, they will look just as good with your maternity dresses as any heel this summer. Try colour-blocking by wearing the red ballerina with a bow alongside our gorgeous purple peplum dress, or complement our bestselling blossom printed dress with a pair of python ballerinas with suede bows.

We think you’ll be reluctant to go back to heels once you’ve tried our ballet flats – and you’ll look just as great as Keira!

Cannes 2013 Red Carpet Style: Get the Look

We love it when Cannes Film Festival time arrives, it’s always full of our favourite A-list celebrities is fabulous red carpet style, and great for maternity occasion wear inspiration.

The stars turned out in force to celebrate 2013’s biggest silver screen offerings and we spotted lots of fabulous outfits, as well as some definite trends for this year’s summer season.

Here’s a quick round up in case you missed any of them.

Very vintage

The forthcoming arrival of The Great Gatsby in cinemas has had a huge impact on fashion for 2013, with 1920s style beading and dropped waistlines appearing everywhere. At opening night of Cannes on Wednesday (May 15th), you couldn’t move for vintage inspired outfits and we’re already eager to emulate some of them.

Carey Mulligan dazzled in a flowing gown that was the palest possible shade of pink and set off her creamy complexion perfectly, while Freida Pinto carried on the theme the following evening in a gorgeous flapper inspired gold dress.

Even the rain didn’t put them all off taking to the red carpet for photos, although it was umbrellas at the ready to prevent the frocks and hairdos getting ruined!

• Get the look: The Embellished Butterfly Sleeved Gown from Seraphine’s Luxe collection is pure Great Gatsby and is perfect for all your big events this season.

Marvellous monochrome

The screening of The Bling Ring took place last night (May 16th) and the celebrities had mirrored its glamour by opting for a mixture of black and white outfits, with Chanel and Dior in particular hitting the headlines.

Homegrown talent Emma Watson is one of the stars of the movie and she looked beautiful in a long gown with a black bodice that had just a few straps on the back and a complementary white skirt.

Indeed, almost all of her co stars were wearing black and white, so it lent a very prom like, formal feel to the proceedings.

• Get the look: Our Two Tone Empire Line Cocktail Dress is perfect for emulating Emma and co with sexy sophistication.

Stand out favourites

Of course, there were lots of different looks outside these themes and we had some definite favourites after spotting them in photos. One was worn by Isla Fisher, who went for a beautiful scarlet dress covered in feathers all over the skirt.

Totally different was the lovely Cindy Crawford in a white gown that was almost bridal with a huge train that she had to scoop up in her arms to avoid the rain.

Among the monochrome crowd, we loved Taissa Farmiga’s beautiful dress, which was almost Edwardian with its fitted skirt and lacy top, while Zhang Ziyi stood out in a Carolina Herrera dress covered in a brush stroke style pattern.

However, if there was a top prize for style we would give it to Nicole Kidman, who shone on opening night in a midi length gown that had a full skirt and was overlaid with gorgeous embroidered pastel flowers.

• Get the look: Our Silk Printed Maxi Dress is a dead ringer for Zhang Ziyi’s frock and we have lots of floral prints in stock if you loved Nicole Kidman’s country garden vibe. To copy Cindy Crawford in white, why not pick Seraphine’s Silk Halter Neck Wedding Gown? Nobody will know it’s bridal wear, especially if you accessorise it with plenty of gold jewellery like she did.

As you can see, our spring and summer collection is full of Cannes celebrity lookalike maternity dresses so although you may not have had the chance to get to Cannes this year, you can easily get the look with some savvy shopping!

Summer maternity occasion wear – by StyleNest’s Charlie Barnett

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

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

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

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

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

Issa Gathered V Dress £425

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

Valentino So Noir Leather Sandals £600

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

Pink Laser Clutch Bag £22

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

Long Gold Open Style Cuff Bracelet £14.95

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

Seraphine Navy Sleeveless Maxi Knot Dress £59

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

Olympia Le-Tan Madame Bovary Embroidered Clutch £1035

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

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

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

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

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

Pregnant paralympic gold medalist Dame Sarah Storey shops in Seraphine

Pregnant paralympic gold medalist Dame Sarah Storey visited our Kensington store recently for a little bit of maternity shopping with Cecile. Wearing our ¾ sleeved maternity knot front dress, she had a browse of our SS13 collection, on the hunt for some more stylish maternity wear. Wearing Seraphine to the Sports Industry Awards, she looked absolutely beautiful in our multi-way blue silk gown which she matched with a stand out pair of heels.

An inspirational woman and athlete, Dame Sarah has balanced pregnancy and her training effortlessly, and is already planning her next challenge! Find out more in her interview with the Guardian

Follow Dame Sarah Storey’s twitter and keep up to date with her journey through pregnancy.

Baftas provide great fashion inspiration for new mums

Despite the wind buffeting this year’s Baftas last night (May 12^th) and the red carpet in London getting hit by sudden gusts that wreaked havoc with some of the dresses, it didn’t stop the event from providing us with some great fashion inspiration. Lots of our favourite telly stars looked fabulous for the occasion and unlike at last week’s Met Ball, there wasn’t a theme so the dress code was much more formal. That meant we got to see plenty of gorgeous gowns on the ladies and tuxes on the men.

There was a really star-studded guest list as usual, but it was the yummy mummies that stood out for us the most – Sienna Miller, Romola Garai and Holly Willoughby in particular looked really great.

Sienna only became a mum nine months ago to baby daughter Marlowe and she recently told the Metro she’s got “much less energy” for stardom since then. Nevertheless, she looked stunning in a 1950s-style prom dress with a botanical print and showed that having a baby around the house needn’t mean an end to glamour. To get the look for yourself, see our lace maternity cocktail dress. The Hour’s Romola gave birth just two months ago, but she already looked slim and composed in a lacy dress, without even visible circles under her eyes. She did make an eye-watering joke about childbirth though – but we won’t go there! Meanwhile, Holly evoked old Hollywood in a scarlet frock with one strap and gathering at the waist to emphasise those curves. OK, so her little ones are two and four now as opposed to being babies, but she was still a great poster girl for busy mums everywhere.

You can emulate them really easily too – all you need is a little forward planning and a fantastic maternity evening dress and you can shine just as much as the Baftas girls. Luckily, we can help you with the latter as we have plenty of party-ready maternity gowns in our Seraphine Luxe collection – why not take a look ready for your next big event?

One other thing we noticed was that lots of the dresses last night seemed to be modelled on those from decades gone by – it must be the combined effect of Downton Abbey and forthcoming film The Great Gatsby! Take Tess Daly, for example. She looked stunning in a really unusual black lace and chiffon creation that was exactly like something Lady Mary might wear (except for the hint of cleavage, of course). She even had a 1920s-style beaded bag that we just loved.

This year’s biggest trends had been paid attention to by many of the invitees, with several coral outfits on show (Catherine Tyldesley from Coronation Street provided our favourite) and a lot of lace. However, some chose to do their own thing and wear something totally different. Mel Giedroyc was perhaps the best example of this, as she looked lovely in a white blazer teamed with black treggings that had a white stripe up each leg. It was androgynous yet managed to appear very feminine at the same time, so this is definitely one you could copy if you’re not really a ballgown kind of girl.

That’s not to say we didn’t love the more traditional frocks – comedy favourite Olivia Colman flattered her figure in a dazzling off-the-shoulder aubergine style and Sheridan Smith was beautiful as ever in a black dress that had structured panels over her chest. It’s worth looking out for pictures of the fashion amid all the snaps of skirts being blown askew by the gusts – there are quite a lot of those today!

The one that made us giggle the most is that of Sir Bruce Forsyth’s wife Wilnelia – as she posed for photos in a bright yellow gown, one of the floaty chiffon pieces flew up and covered her face completely. Perhaps it might be best to go for a figure-hugging frock like Olivia and Sheridan if you’re attending a special party soon, just in case that mischievous wind keeps up!

Maternity Fashion Trends – A sneak peek at what’s to come this AW13

Our recent A13 styled photoshoot gives an edgy look to maternity fashion. A firm believer that you need not lose your personal style during pregnancy, we mixed and matched key pieces of our upcoming collection with accessories and jewellery to create chic maternity looks.

We don’t want to spoil what’s to come, but we couldn’t help but share a few behind the scenes images! Taking place in a studio in London, our beautiful model was styled by Cecile, who created looks ranging from Parisian chic to evening elegance.

With gorgeous accessories supplied by Alva London, the final images were some of our favourites yet!

Are you excited for the next collection? We are! Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Heels – How high is too high when you’re pregnant?

There are certain discussions about pregnancy fashion that seem to crop up time and again. One is whether it’s acceptable to carry on wearing figure-hugging dresses once your bump begins to show (of course it is) – and the other relates to heel height. Every time a pregnant celebrity is spotted wearing shoes of any kind, debate erupts over their suitability. If they’re stilettos the commentary is usually especially fierce, but flip-flops and even boots can result in newspapers dedicating column inches to analysing their pros and cons.

So, how high is too high when it comes to pregnant women and heels? Should we go straight to flats, or is it acceptable to put on heels sometimes? The answer seems to be that while the odd pair of heels may be acceptable for a special occasion, you shouldn’t be teetering around in them for the whole nine months. This is despite the fact that you probably saw Rachel Zoe, Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham wearing stilettos even into the late stages of their respective pregnancies. However, Posh may actually have acted as a good advert for stepping away from the Manolos – as she suffered with a slipped disc after sticking to her designer heels even when she had a really big bump.

Why can heels be dangerous when you’re pregnant? The main thing to consider with heels is that they throw your centre of gravity off-kilter even when you’re not expecting, so this effect is underlined when you’ve got extra weight in your tummy to contend with. You might feel more wobbly and unable to keep your balance – and the last thing you want to do with a baby on board is fall over.

High shoes can also cause you real pain in your back and joints. The hormone relaxin is produced during pregnancy in order to loosen the joints in preparation for labour, but it also has an effect on the legs as it passes through them. If you wear precarious shoes while your ankles are weaker than usual, you can increase your risk of a sprain and even do permanent damage to the ligaments, not to mention causing your spine even more stress by contorting it into unnatural positions.

Expert organisations such as The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists recommend switching to supportive footwear as soon as you can after your bump begins to show, as it’s best for your body and for the safety of the baby. If you think flats can’t be stylish and supportive, then check out our ShoeTherapy range and prepare to be proven wrong!

Founded by Cecile, the revolutionary shoe brand ShoeTherapy is a line of stylish shoes that are medically proven to alleviate back ache, and is the first patented shoe that’s recommended during pregnancy. In the shape of cute ballerinas and our new fashionable loafer styles, the footwear collection is the perfect match to our stylish maternity wear. Loved by Cathy Butterworth, Fashion & Booking Editor at Elle Magazine and Brigid Moss, Health Editor at Red Magazine, these pumps are a must have for your maternity wardrobe. You’ll love them so much you’ll be wearing them long after your pregnancy too.

If you can’t go without your heels for long, try to keep them only for special occasions. Don’t forget that even celebrities won’t be wearing their Louboutins all the time – you only see them when they’re really dressed up and they probably put their trainers on as soon as they get out of paparazzi range!

Wedges can be a happy medium as they’re easier to walk in … but why not follow the good example of Kristin Cavallari and others and go for pumps instead? Even dedicated heel-wearer Jessica Simpson eventually changed her mind and opted for less vertiginous footwear before she gave birth, so you can too and still look great.

Punk & pregnant: Celebrity fashion at the Met Ball

Photographs of red carpet events are always fun to look at, but you don’t get too many Lady Gaga moments – there are usually more pretty gowns and posh hairdos than meat dresses!

Much to our delight though, all that pomp and ceremony went out of the window at this year’s Met Ball – that’s because it was themed PUNK: Chaos to Couture (based on a special exhibition at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York). Even more fun was the fact that the celebrities went all out to stick to the theme, with studs and spiked tresses popping up everywhere.

However, it’s worth pointing out that while there was a lot of black and studs on accessories, the punk theme was really all about rebellion – taking what you think you should wear to a posh event and turning it on its head. With the pregnant attendees being no exception, proving maternity fashion can be fun too!

• Jaime King , who has very recently announced her first pregnancy rocked up in a tuxedo and crown. A masculine style with a feminine touch of lace and of course a punk twist with the head piece and spiked jewellery. You can rock a similar look with our luxe maternity blazer and matching trousers.

• Ivanka Trump sported a really cute black top and green skirt combo, a colour blocking look similar to our Colour Block Silk Cocktail Dress (ideal if you want to get her look for a fraction of the price!). The high waisted style is ideal for small bumps. Create her look with our maternity maxi skirt, punk accessories are optional!

• Kim Kardashian turned up looking like a Spanish senorita in a floral gown that was slit to the thigh with a huge train. It clung to her bump but flattered her figure perfectly, showing it’s a great idea to take the plunge and wear something completely different while you’re expecting a baby. We loved her confidence in trying this look out and it shows she’s really learning a lot about how to be fashionable and elegant at a time when her body’s totally changing from its usual shape.

But what about those of you who love all things rebellious but don’t get the opportunity to have a ball at themed parties like this? Well, you can still get the punk feel by toning it down a little – think rock chick as opposed to Sid Vicious.For instance, you could wear a pair of skinny jeans with Seraphine’s classic Silver Buttoned Charcoal Shift Dress, slick your hair back in a super-high ponytail and accessorise with chunky silver jewellery or a studded handbag. Check out pictures of Shakira during her pregnancy if you need some inspiration, as she was the epitome of rock chick. Nicole Richie and Malin Akerman were other good style muses you can easily emulate.

Give it a try and see if you can rebel against the establishment during your own pregnancy!

Products that help cheat sleep – as road-tested by Ellie Crompton

This baby is going to be an ‘Angel Baby’ and a great sleeper I smiled to myself as I lay on the sofa reading The Baby Whisperer and playing Mozart to my bump. I am fairly relaxed, I reasoned, some might even say happy go lucky. I LOVE sleeping, ergo, my baby will be just the same as me. Babies pick up on vibes you know, so if I am all chilled out and zen, the baby will be too non? NON. My first baby hated being put down, would happily fall asleep in my arms and then having been gently lowered into a pre-warmed (I tried all the tricks) cot would wake instantly on next to no impact. She hated naps in the day and woke at least twice a night until she was one. This meant that I was very, very tired for about a year. All I thought about was sleep. I became enraged when friends told me about their snoozy little bundles sleeping soundly through the night AND for two hours during the day and I began to look as demented and sleep starved as I felt.

Having returned to work at heat magazine after 7 month’s maternity leave I was extremely fortunate to have access to a whole arsenal of tiredness antidotes. As I hooked myself up to my breast pump in the fashion cupboard (seemed perfectly normal at the time) which doubled up as a beauty cupboard I would scan the shelves and grab any product that promised to soothe my puffy eyes and tighten and brighten my grey, sagging face. There are of course no miracle potions and lotions out there but there are some creams that really do perk you up and make you feel a whole lot better. Yes, you may have walked to the corner shop with your jumper on inside out and a pair of knickers tying your hair back, but with a few wise beauty buys you can at least feel reassured that your face isn’t falling off and at the very least your thighs feel invigorated.

Maybe the sheer act of rebelling against the tiredness and doing something, anything to take control is what helps the most? Here are the products that I discovered in the fashion cupboard and a few more that I found during the early months with my second daughter. No, she didn’t sleep much either.

• Guerlain Midnight secret late night recovery treatment 30ml £65
A lovely indulgent treat that smells gorgeous and really does make your skin look better in the morning. Best reached for at around 3am.

• Eve Lom Cleanser 100ml £55
If you have time to do this three times a week it really is worth it. This cleanser may smell like a pet shop but it always works wonders when I have tired, flakey, spotty skin and I kick myself for not using it all the time.

• Origins Plantscription Anti-aging cream £46
I am dedicated to this cream which really does feel like a drink for my skin. I do think it has improved overall lines and complexion too.

• Bliss Hot Salt Scrub £28.60
Uplifting and invigorating this is like a mini spa treatment in your own bathroom.

• This Works Deep Sleep Pillow spray £16, This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil £25
When sleep is limited you might as well make the sleep you do get the most restful and effective sleep you can get. These products are relaxing, soothing and make you feel wonderfully cosseted.

• This Works Energy bank Bath and shower oil £37
Need to wake up? The essential oils in this will give you a boost.

• La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, 20ml £212.00
Crazily expensive but definitely the best eye cream I have ever tried. I would consider buying it if I was flush otherwise I stick to Bobbi Brown’s excellent Hydrating Eye Cream £29

• Sarah Chapman Facialift Massager £25
This is a recent discovery and I am addicted. It gives you a mini lymphatic drainage massage and helps relax forehead wrinkles. I really notice a difference after a few minutes of rolling.

• Floradix – Floravital Herbal Iron and Vitamin Formula £9.99
A great tonic to help boost your energy levels and make sure you are getting enough vitamins especially good for when breastfeeding.

• Bobbi Brown creamy concealer £18
A thick concealer with a great texture that covers the darkest shadows.

• Daniel Sandler WATERCOLOUR CRÈME ROUGE BLUSHER In Soft Peach £15.50
This ultimate flushed cheeks shade will instantly freshen up a sleep drained face.

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Nude £33
This is my hero product. Never clinging to wrinkles, not too sheer and not too heavy it creates a luminous, dewy complexion that looks very natural.

• Rimmel Wake me up instant radiance shimmer touch in shimmering sand £4.99
An instant pick me up for the face. Dab on cheekbones, brow bones and apply a tiny dab on inner eye corners for a dewy, wide eyed look

Ellie Crompton is mother to Beatrix and Mathilde and a freelance Style Editor who has worked for Company, Elle and most notably heat magazine over the years. She recently started her blog The Mumday Times (themumdaytimes.tumblr.com) where you can catch up on all her shopping tips, mum musings and more.

When Cecile Met Heidi

Seraphine founder and creative director Cecile Reinaud met with Heidi Murkoff, author of the world’s best-selling pregnancy and parenting series, What to Expect, that began with the book What to Expect When You’re Expecting (written when she was pregnant with her first child!) to celebrate the launch of their new site What To Expect UK.

Not able to find the answers to all the questions she faced, Heidi Murkoff conceived the idea for What To Expect When You’re Expecting during her first pregnancy. With the aim to write a guide that would help other expectant parents sleep better at night, Heidi delivered the book proposal hours before delivering her daughter Emma! Emma is now a new mother herself and Seraphine’s number one fan. With a maternity wardrobe made up exclusively of Seraphine clothes, find out how here love for the brand begin here.

Over 20 years later, the What To Expect brand has grown tremendously and Heidi is now also the founder of the What To Expect Foundation, as well as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2011.

The book has also been turned into an incredibly entertaining film featuring the likes of Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez and Elizabeth Banks.

Have you read the book or watched the film? Let us know your thoughts.

Pregnancy captured in Time Lapse Videos

At Seraphine we believe pregnancy is a beautiful time – a truly amazing process where your body changes as your bump and baby grows.

Many mums-to-be want to capture these months, whether it’s in picture, video, or written form. One popular idea that expectant mums are using are time lapse videos.

A collection of images taken daily put together to encapsulate the pregnant journey, and have a little fun along way.

Here’s one we love:

Pregnancy Time Lapse of Lucy!

A little taste of what to expect when you’re expecting, you can see the beautiful transformation of her body over time, condensed into this delightful video journal.

Did you record the growth of your belly? Tell us how in the comments below.