Category: Guest Contributors

Yes you read that right. Pregnancy, a time when my body was blossoming, helped me find my fashion mojo. Don’t get me wrong I’ve always adored clothes, bags and shoes (like most women) but my love began at a early age. My Mum informed me that I actually selected my first shoes myself aged 1. 1! The shop assistants couldn’t quite believe how adament I was about wanting the shiny red T-Bars over the black, so young. This girl has always known what she likes but I do feel my first pregnancy and particularly post first baby, were real style turning points for me.

I conceived my first son Oliver in 2009 and desperately wanted to look pregnant as soon as the test showed up positive. A neat bump throughout, I didn’t properly appear ‘with baby on board’ until about 6 months gone which I found frustrating. I wanted the world to know I was growing a little person inside of me, that I was special and inpregnated and that that tube seat should be mine! Frantically, I searched maternity lines for clothes that would accentuate my bump and fondly remember rocking a wrap over ballet style maternity top from Jojo Maman Bebe with a standard Topshop skirt at 5 and a half months pregnant, proud my little bump was finally becoming visible. I soon discovered beautiful dresses from Seraphine and other online stores to flatter my growing bump and I enjoyed mixing looser designer fare with tall and maternity ranges from the high street, keeping my look ‘classic Parisian chic’ as I called it, with flattering, tight dresses and structured jackets, striped jumpers and long skirts.

Fast forward to after the birth and despite a healthy 2 and a half stone gain, I actually put on weight post emergency C-section. I think it was the trauma of the birth and feeling rather out of my depth with my first born but my concern was surviving day to day not dieting. I did naturally start losing weight when Oliver turned 6 months and once we moved back to our hometown when he was 11 months old, I rediscovered my love of running and within months went from a Uk size 14 to an athletic size 10, smaller than my pre pregnancy 12. My confidence returned as did my desire to shop again; my style choices became bolder, more vibrant filled with colour pops as I stopped hiding away in post baby black.

My second pregnancy was a different story as I showed quite quickly with Alexander and naturally lost weight faster post birth which was stress-free and joyful.  Pregnancy and babies have taught me to seek out clothes which truly flatter me, be it showing off the bump or skimming my post baby shape, then back again with a new body. It’s shown me how to find pieces which work my curves and suit my frame without losing my personality or style. Now my second baby is 6 months old, I’m back into some of my pre baby clothes and will soon will ready to hit the shops again…Becoming a Mum has evolved my style and made me appreciate just how amazing our bodies really are. They created life and for that they deserve a huge high five (and Mulberry bag)!

You?

Did pregnancy change your style?

 

Vicki is a former Magazine Editor and award winning screenwriter and director.  You can read more of her musings on motherhood at her popular blog: www.honestmum.com

She has recently launched a style blog www.mummysgotstyle.com

You can follow her on Twitter @Honestmummy

Photograph © Peter Broadbent

Finding out that you are un-expectantly pregnant a matter of months after launching a brand new business is scary to say the least. While everyone else was wishing away the next 9 months, I have to say, I had a mini panic attack wondering how on earth I was going to balance the playground, client meetings and social excursions through this pregnancy without resembling an ill dressed baby whale!

Unfortunately, this being my second child, the stretchy clothes requirement came quicker than I had anticipated, and after a horrific trail along the high street, moaning and sighing at the awful, bland maternity clothes on offer, I resigned myself to wearing bin liners for the next few months! Even Finn, my 5 year old, observed my trauma and helpfully informed his teacher that the reason we were running late for school was because “Mummy was having a strop because she said that she didn’t have anything to wear!”

Let’s face it, no one likes to look bigger than they are, and when you’re growing another human being inside you, your body seems to be changing out of your control, so it’s more important than ever to feel amazing about yourself and how you look. Thankfully, Seraphine has gorgeous, fashionable pieces that will see you right through your pregnancy and those first few months afterwards! I have been following these simple rules, and with a bit of help from the Seraphine fashionistas, am sailing stylishly through, (touch wood).

Avoid baggy clothing

Wearing baggy jumpers and shirts is going to do nothing for you when you’re sporting a huge bump. The best way to embrace your new shape during pregnancy is to show off your gorgeous curves, whether it’s your new womanly hips or feminine bust, with fitted clothes that make the most of your new shape and show off your bump to its best.

The Seraphine black shift maternity dress is fantastic for flattering your bump and is versatile enough to dress up or down.

Accentuate your bump

Belts might not fit your hips anymore, but you can accentuate your curves by placing it just above the bump/under your boobs (which are also probably huge at this point) to really show it off. It gives you a “waist” back and flatters your new/changing body shape. We want to show our bumps off because after all, they’re beautiful! So use a belt to accentuate your bump, whether it’s over a dress, vest top or blouse, it’ll look fab!

Seraphine have some gorgeous maternity belts, my favourite is the double wrap skinny belt, only £15!

Wear solid colours

Solid colours really help to flaunt your bump. Patterns have far too much going on and tend to make you look larger than you really are. Solid coloured maxi dresses, maxi skirts, or a brightly coloured pair of skinny jeans with a neutral top can be easily accessorized with bags, scarves, belts, and jewellery – your options are endless!

Check out the Seraphine Cobalt blue slim leg jeans, currently in the sale for only £19, I love these. They also have a range of gorgeous accessories to perfectly finish any outfit, one of my favourites is the Seraphine Tote Changing Bag, I can’t wait to put mine through it’s paces.

Invest in clothes that will grow with you

You want clothes that hug you in the right places, ruched maternity vest tops, body con style dresses, maxi dresses and skinny jeans with an elasticated bump band will all grow with your bump. Not only do these styles look great but they’re comfy as well. Whether it’s a casual or professional look that you are going for, well fitted, flattering styles will see you right through your pregnancy to the full 9 months.

I love the navy braided strap maxi dress that really shows off your waist and new pregnancy bust. The Seraphine basic vest tops with built in support are excellent wardrobe staples as well.

So with a packed new £1000 maternity wardrobe, thanks to the Seraphine Royal Baby competition, I seem to be set and now happily getting through “the change” (though my partner might have something to say about the “happily” part). Either way, it certainly looks like I’ll have to think of different reason to be running late for primary school in future!

 

Other Articles You May Like:

1. Meet Our Competition Winner Hannah Damary-Thompson

2. Our Top Tips for Transitional Maternity Style

3. Break the Rules for Great Maternity Style

Mariella has been the Executive Retail Editor at Tatler magazine for over 4 years so knows a thing or two about shopping. Previous to this she worked at Vogue and this year saw the launch of her vintage fashion website Wardrobe Connect.com.  She lives in Chelsea with her boyfriend and two dogs and is presently expecting her first child. She has taken the time to share a few of her pregnancy travel essentials with us!

 

I travel- a lot! Lots of my recent journeys have been while pregnant and so while I squeeze in my last few trips before the ‘No Fly’ rule kicks in, here are a few pregnancy travel bits I can’t fly without.

Bralicious by Spanx– the most comfortable bra you will ever own. It fastens at the front and its elasticated straps and back panel feel like a second skin, so you don’t get any strange plastic bits digging into you.  I love everything from Spanx. The Mama Spanx are great too for added support under jeans or dresses.

 

Pregnancy Pillow

As you get heavier throughout your pregnancy this pillow becomes a dream. Much longer than the usual snake pillows it is filled with bean bag filling and gives the best support of any one I have tried. It’s size makes it challenging to travel with for a shorter break but for a week or more it is totally worth it.

 

Wakaya Ginger Powder

Many women use ginger at the beginning of their pregnancy to ward off morning sickness. I have used it all the way through. Mixed with water, it boosts your immune system against the germs that may find their way through the plane’s air conditioning units.

 

Tata Harper Multivitamin Roll On Oil

If there is one product I can’t live without it is this. Tata Harper’s multivitamin oil is a wonder for dry plane environments. Because it is a roll on it won’t explode in your bag. I use it all over my face to keep skin hydrated.

 

Flight socks

I am not talking about the ones you buy from the airport, these are proper full on pharmacy grade ones. They go up to mid-thigh and come in different levels of pressure. If you don’t want swollen legs and feet these are a must.

 

Water

Hydrate hydrate hydrate. It is an obvious one but I always buy the largest water bottle after check in and get the cabin crew to refill it throughout the flight. You feel so much less tired at the end.

 

Ilia

I don’t like to wear much make up when travelling so rely on a bold lip to feel made up. The Ilia lip crayons are incredibly hydrating and provide long lasting colour.

 

Del Rio shoes

These shoes are just the most comfortable thing. Sort of like a hybrid between a flip flop and a shoe, they stay on and have tyres as the soles, so you won’t slip ever. I also love all of the different colour and leather options.

 

Longchamp

I always find you do lots of bending in airports or digging for your passport boarding card and phone. I like to use a smaller cross body bag that contains all of my essentials that gives me easy access to the things I need. Then I swear by the Longchamp Pliage bags for everything else. Super hard-wearing and light, they really are a pregnancy travel dream and if you don’t need them on one of your travel legs they are as light as a feather and can be squashed into even the smallest luggage.

 

Epsom salts

Nothing is better at the end of a long day than a bath. I always pack a little bag of Epsom salts to take the strain away from any pregnancy travel related aches and pains.

 

I use the Huile Tonic as a bump and body moisturiser, and a bath and shower oil. It’s scent is divine.

 

Seraphine skinny jeans

I never travel in anything other than jeans. The air conditioning can get so cold. I have tried MANY a pregnancy jean out there and these are the only ones that truly stay in place no matter what.

 

Cellagon

This stuff is incredible. It contains every different fruit,mineral vitamin that you could want during and after your pregnancy. You will never be undernourished or deprived of important vitamins when taking this. I decant some into a smaller bottle and take every morning.

 

Gowri Wrap

If back pain is really getting you down and all of those cars trains and planes are playing havoc with your back then this is great at giving extra support. Not only does it look far more pretty than some of the options out there, it comes with three different hook and eye settings so you can adjust it throughout your pregnancy.

 

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Phew – summer is well and truly here! But after having my second child in May, my pre-baby body is still hiding under excess padding courtesy of cakes and biscuits. Not forgetting that as I’m breastfeeding my boobs are still on the mahoosive side. So none of my usual summer clothes fit and I’ve been living in the same few tops that allow easy access to feed baby Logan. Good job Seraphine do some great maxi dresses!

 

All in all, nursing clothes are a tricky business. You hope to get your old body back quickly so don’t want to buy new things. Funny how when pregnant you buy new clothes even though you know it’s only for 9 months and actually only the last few that really merit decent maternity wear. But afterwards you don’t want to spend money, even though your post baby body could stick around for longer than 9 months… Which is why I’m back at the gym despite no one having invented a nursing sports bra. I’m lucky enough to have found some classes (run by Jane Wake who you might have seen on ITV’s Lorraine programme) where you can bring your little one along and if needs be you can stop and feed them, hence my desire for a nursing sports bra!

 

Choosing a capsule post-baby wardrobe is even harder in the UK where the weather switches from jumpers to bikinis (Ha!) and back again. I like tops and dresses that let me feed Logan discreetly; having had one hungry boy already I know their talent for making mummy get her baps out at inappropriate moments – weddings, christenings and other family gatherings a favourite. Not on TV thankfully, though I did make sure my firstborn Ethan was filled to the gunnels with milk before we went on Daybreak when he was 4 weeks old!

 

Talking of TV, this week I found myself presenting the weather on Channel 5, despite telling myself I would take at least 6 months off work to make the most of maternity leave. But such is the life of a freelance weather presenter that when a job comes up you don’t want to say no in case they don’t ask you again! Plus it’s not often you get to say hot and sunny on the UK forecast… So my toddler Ethan has enjoyed some extra nursery sessions while my husband Renato gets extra time to bond with baby Logan. And I keep busy expressing extra milk! Choosing what to wear for work this week has been pretty challenging. On the plus side I could wear a proper underwired bra and not a nursing one for a few hours. On the other hand, I can’t yet fit into a lot of my pre-baby work clothes and I didn’t want to wear maternity ones. Thankfully some of my dresses did fit, with the aid of decent Lycra undies of course.

 

Ethan been quite amusing watching me feed his little brother. At first he was incredulous that Mummy made milk and even looked down his own top. Now it’s commonplace and he will borrow my breastfeeding pillow (I got an amazing one at thrupennybits.co.uk) and pretend to feed Pingu, his cuddly toy penguin. So far he doesn’t seem too jealous of Logan, instead he almost smothers him with love and cuddles and is forever talking to him (thus waking him up mid nap!). Because Logan doesn’t talk back, Ethan tries to talk even louder until he ends up shouting at him. But if Logan cries Ethan is first to comfort him, even offering some of his favourite toys. I can’t wait until Logan is older and the two can start playing together properly and having little chats.

 

In the meantime the logistics of looking after two wee ones is something I’m still getting to grips with. Second babies have a reputation for being better sleepers but I think it’s more they get less attention than number one, who as I type is trying to climb the shelves of the freezer (having now got the strength to open the freezer door) to reach the ice cream even though mummy said no. Hmm, maybe I’ll join him and not worry too much about getting back into my smaller clothes just yet.

 

I’m pregnant with my second child and despite working in the fashion industry in one way or another since graduating from university, I still found it challenging dressing a bump the first time around.  You get to a point where you think you know your body then, bam! you’ve got a whole new shape to dress.  But somehow I found my way through my first pregnancy without losing my style and started a blog; cocomamastyle.com to inspire others and remind us all that you don’t lose who you are the minute that little plastic stick says ‘pregnant’.

Throughout my pregnancy I’ll bring you style tips I’ve picked up through the past few years as a mum-to-be, new mum and second-timer that will take you through those bump months and beyond as well as giving you a sneak peek into my own wardrobe to help you get the most out of your maternity style.

 

5 top tips for maternity style

1. Remember who you are and what you love. If you usually (pre-baby!) wear fitted dresses, then carry on doing so now you’re pregnant. Love a floaty frock?  Keep rocking those flowing, feminine dresses. Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to lose your identity. Look for the colours and shapes you know and you’ll feel right at home and remember to mix and match with your existing wardrobe. Here I styled the navy knot front dress with my trusty old leather jacket (with rolled up sleeves for a summer twist), a couple of layered necklaces and classic black heels.

2. That said it is a great opportunity to experiment if you felt stuck in a style rut before. Always wanted to wear figure-hugging dresses but felt too self-conscious?  Now’s your chance! Embrace those curves with body-con styles.

3. Accessories are your best friend. Wear your capsule wardrobe endless ways with a variety of scarves, belts and necklaces to dress your look up or down for any occasion. We live in the age of the statement necklace/bag/ring so make the most of it to accessorize your basics to the max. I’ve been rocking Seraphine’s leopard print scarf since long before I was pregnant!

4. As a high heel addict I’m not one to say ‘ditch the heels’ straight away but let your body lead the way and keep the flats to hand. You’ll know when you need them! In the meantime ease yourself down with wedges and this season’s must-have midi heel.

5. As you’ll know, your body doesn’t go from zero to big bump in an instant – nor, sadly does it go back to flat tummy again that quickly!  Our bodies are changing daily and not just our waistline but our hips and bust too!  Don’t go mad in your first trimester buying up your perfect jeans in every colour thinking that’s you sorted for the next 9 months as your fit may change as you expand. This also means don’t rule out one style of jean or dress the first time you try it on as it may turn out to be the perfect comfort fit come week 30 and beyond!  Be flexible and try different styles at different stages.

But most of all enjoy it! It may feel like you’ve been pregnant forever but it will be over before you know it!

Camilla Tominey is royal editor and columnist of the Sunday Express and a regular contributor to national and international news outlets including NBC, BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Sky. She is married with two children, aged 4 and nearly 3 with a third baby on the way in August.

 

DRESSING for an occasion can be a headache at the best of times but when your belly is the size of a small planet and your calves have merged into your ankles to form cankles, how best to do it?
While the temptation to swamp oneself in a Seventies-style smock can seem overwhelming in comparison to the prospect of wearing anything remotely tight, it is possible to be comfortable in something slightly more tailored than a tent when pregnant. The right dress at the right price can make you feel a million dollars, especially when you probably haven’t felt sexy since the night you conceived.  Pregnant with my third baby, I faced the dilemma of a summer season packed with “dressy” events but nothing to wear to the ball.

 

Reluctant to splurge on what is definitely my FINAL pregnancy (take note, darling husband), I went on eBay looking for second hand frocks but found the best ones were going for close to their original retail price.
As the royal editor of the Sunday Express, I tried to take inspiration from the Duchess of Cambridge, but soon realised it is impossible for any pregnant women to look THAT good without a full-time hairdresser and dressmaker (being chauffeur driven to and from work is also preferable to staring into a stranger’s armpit on the Tube while seated passengers pretend not to notice your bump). Having made do with non-maternity dresses with a bit of “give” in them, it fast became apparent as I approached my third trimester that I was running out of wardrobe options. So imagine my delight when the lovely ladies from Seraphine  contacted me to offer me the loan of a couple of their dresses?

 

I chose two frocks from the LUXE Collection – one to wear at Trooping the Colour and another to Royal Ascot, both of which I have to cover every year for work. I opted for the Front Drape Silk Shift Dress (£135) and the Dark Navy Luxe Dress (£169), both in size 10, and without sounding like a show-off, I had many compliments on both (they may have been out of pity, since I was also wobbling around in high heels). I don’t know about you but I have a couple of bug bears when it comes to maternity wear. I can’t abide anything that cuts me across the middle, or skirts that ride up as you are walking along.

 

The great thing about these particular dresses is that the skirt part starts above the bump, which actually has the effect of making you look smaller than you are.
The lace dress was so nice that I would love a non-maternity one for after I’ve had the baby in August!

 

My only request to Seraphine – bring these dresses out in a few more colours. In my experience, women tend to experiment with colour a lot more when they’re pregnant, daring to wear something different safe in the knowledge that only a very brave partygoer would question their choices.

 

So after three pregnancies, what’s the best style advice I can offer? Definitely go for comfort over catwalk but remember: although you might feel like a member of the Roly Polies, pregnant women do naturally bloom and boast better skin and hair than non-pregnant ones. So rather than feeling like the Sugar Plum Fairy, find a frock that flatters your newfound curves and party in pregnant style. Good luck!

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

 

• Slap on after sun straight after being in the sun. It’ll hydrate and keep you cool so keep it in the fridge for extra cooling relief.  If you do burn, look for an Aloe Vera based lotion. I love Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun Gel with Aloe Vera.

 

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

 

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

www.annabelkerman.com

Find me on twitter @akermanstylist

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

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

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

 

Stylish Muslins

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

Celebrity fans:  Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts

 

Sexy Nursing Undies

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

Celebrity fans: The Kardashians, Denise Van Outen

 

 

 

Ren Moroccan Rose Products

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

Celebrity fans:  Victoria Beckham 

 

Cover All Wrap

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

Celebrity fans:  Jessica Alba, Lily Allen

 

Extra Special Baby Bottles

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

Celebrity fans: Leah Wood, Matthew McConaughey 

 

 

Chic Baby Bouncer

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

Celebrity fans:  Tess Daly, Miranda Kerr

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

So my top tips are

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Issa Gathered V Dress £425

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

 

Valentino So Noir Leather Sandals £600

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

 

Pink Laser Clutch Bag £22

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

 

Long Gold Open Style Cuff Bracelet £14.95

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

 

Seraphine Navy Sleeveless Maxi Knot Dress £59

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

 

Olympia Le-Tan Madame Bovary Embroidered Clutch £1035

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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