Kimberly Lavey is a freelance Online Fashion Editor and Celebrity Stylist working on Strictly Come Dancing. She spends her days dressing stars such as Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman, and Dame Kelly Holmes, styling commercial shoots for the likes of L’Oreal, and writing/ editing for online publications such as InStyle, LOOK, and Marie Claire amongst others… Follow her on Twitter @Stylistatlarge
It’s hard to believe that I have just reached the 16 week mark of my first pregnancy. It feels like an eternity ago that my husband and I first found out our exciting news and now hitting my second trimester, the reality that a baby will arrive in less than 6 months is finally starting to set in! However, with all the nervousness there is of course excitement, coupled with worry, raging hormones, fatigue, headaches, mood swings and nausea; just a few of the early symptoms which, so I’ve been told, are perfectly normal.
Due to my miniature size (I’m 5’ 1”) I showed super early and now have quite a rotund tummy when other expectant mothers’ belly’s still appear to be flat. But there is of course a silver lining: With my insider fashion knowledge I am aware of what will work for my body shape and others’, so here are my top tips for surviving early pregnancy with a telling bump…
1) Picking the Perfect Underwear
Just as my body is expanding, so too is my wardrobe; gone is the sexy underwear and in are the super comfy pants! Just remember that throughout pregnancy it is imperative to make sure you get measured regularly as your bust and derriere will (sorry to say) widen during this period of time, and having correct underwear will be key to feeling snug in any outfit.
2) Maternity Jeans
You will also need a pair of perfect go-to maternity jeans or leggings that help keep you comfortable all day when shopping or spending time friends: this also includes casual Friday’s at work and especially on long drives during a mid-summer break.
3) Managing your Shape and Bump
I love maxi dresses, which are lightweight and show off your expanding tum perfectly and are flattering on all shapes and sizes. You can also try swing style tops in A-line shapes and elasticated dresses which nip you in at the empire waist. But of course don’t be afraid to show your bump off by wearing form fitting dresses, tunics and work wear.
4) Cover Up in a Kimono This season the style du jour that all the celebs are adorning is the kimono – therefore choose a colourful print to wear with a skinny belt, jeans and heels if dressing up at night or throw on over a dress or shorts for hot summer days.
5) Dressing for an Occasion
Just as pregnant model Ashleigh Good hit the runway for couture week in July (you can thank Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel) you too can emulate the perfect maternity look with a range of luxe dresses for less. Let your pièce de résistance be a jewel coloured gown (ruby red is set to be on-trend for AW14) which will help get you noticed in a sea of LBD’s this coming winter.
6) Look After the Skin You’re in
Last but definitely not least is to treat yourself to a nourishing body butter or oil such as Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil (Victoria Beckham swears by it; £29.50 for 100ml), Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil (£39 for 100ml) and of course Bio Oil (from £5.99 for 60ml); they may be pricey but are 100% natural and will help firm and tone the elasticity of your skin and prevent stretch marks from appearing.
My final piece of advice for any worrying mums-to-be (just like me) is to purchase Heidi Murkoff’s best selling book “What to expect when you’re expecting”. Jam packed with helpful hints and tips, plus week by week analysis of baby growth, an A-Z index which covers every scenario plus parent-to-be tips, how to cope post-pregnancy and a section for dads – it really has been my baby bible and worth a read at any stage of pregnancy.
Other Articles You May Like:
What to read when you’re expecting: summer pregnancy reads
Pregnancy goes couture: Power to the pregnant lady
Maternity style and pregnancy yoga – by Pollyanna Woodward