pre-pregnancy

ALL TIED UP

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One thing nobody tells you about when you’re pregnant is that your feet get bigger, not in length (that really would be weird) but width; and especially if its hot. They’re a bit like post-flight feet, a bit swollen,a bit uncomfortable, basically not ideal. I had Florence in July last year, it was pretty hot and it’s fair to say I was even wedging on my trusty Havaianas by that stage. Not a good look.

However if you’re pregnant now, lucky for you the sandal trend of the summer is pretty preggo friendly. Remember the lace up Gladiator sandal from last year? Well its had one hell of an makeover, it’s pretty much carnival ready. OK yes, so you may need a little help to tie them up for you as you’re bump gets bigger but it’ll be so worth it as they so look pretty! And the best bit? As you’re feet get bigger you can just do them up looser, no more wedging in power required! Boom!

Here’s a selection to get you started…click or hover over the image for details.

£22.99 New Look
£129 Etsy
£26 Glamorous

 

 

You Da Bomb

Gucci

Gucci

What is going on with this crazy weather? Spring and sunny one minute, cold and wintery the next; I feel like I’m coat on, coat off the whole time. The answer? A bomber jacket. Not only is it the coat of the season, it’s the solution to this can’t-make-up-its-mind weather situation.

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Miss Selfridge

Whether you’re expecting now or already a new mum, the bomber is great for those “Do I need a coat?” days. As your bump gets bigger you can wear it unzipped over a dress or tie it round your waist when feel yourself heating up (basically the whole time when you’re pregnant!) They’re also great if you’re feeding, worn over a strappy top, its just a quick zip undone and plug baby in!

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Asos White

They’re great for all occasions too, with sequinned styles for nights out or khaki floral printed for day, with literally the whole high street covering this trend, you’re bound to find a style you like. Marks and Spencer has some great styles I noticed when I went in store this week, you can see some here.

79.99 zara

Word of warning, there are quite a few shiny versions around, so to avoid the Ryan Gosling in Drive look and keep it feminine by wearing over a dress or skirt. Add a red lip like the above and job done! Go get yours now….

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Zara

THE LEATHER FORECAST

Brr! Don’t let this lovely bright sunshine fool you, it’s still winter after all and it’s still cold (even with your pregnant almost tropical inner thermostat). So what do you wear, without adding bulk to your bump with loads of layers or chunky knits? Yep, you got it; leather. It’s stylish, it’s timeless and it’s an excellent chill beater! Stop buying babygrows, and treat yourself to a really good biker jacket, I lived in my Whistles Roxy one throughout pregnancy (and beyond), it was the one item in my wardrobe that made my style still feel like my own.

Leather is great for flattering those areas aside from your bump, so if your legs are your best asset, go for a pair of leather (or leather look) trousers, H&M have a great pair that look like leather for just under twenty quid; perfect if you don’t want to invest in the real thing. Alternatively, Seraphine‘s faux leather leggings worn by the likes of Gwen Stefani and Anne Hathaway during their pregnancies.

£19.99, H & M

£19.99 H & M

And if you’re feeling flush, head to Nine in the Mirror for some seriously discounted designer pieces from the likes of By Malene Birger and Iro. (Click on the images for prices)

£146 By Malene Birger at Nine In The Mirror
Iro at Nine In The Mirror was £980 now £294

Oh and we can’t not mention this great sleeveless jacket from Asos, which although isn’t maternity, it would see you through the first trimester and can be worn over a plain roll-neck and without the belt as your bump gets bigger.

£60 ASOS

£60 ASOS

So, whilst you’re saving your pennies by not boozing for nine months, think of it as a new way to get leathered…

Nosey Parkas

 

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Pic Credit: Elleuk.com

If there’s one thing you can rely on in this country, it’s the unpredictable weather. And for that reason, the trusty Parka is here to stay. Roberto Cavalli and Phillip Lim kept the coveted cover-up going strong for AW15.

Pic Credits: Pintrest

And now thanks to the clever peeps at JoJo Maman Bébé, you can now own the Parka of all Parkas. With maximum value for money, the coat can be worn before, during and after pregnancy. It has a cleverly designed middle panel that is removable depending on the stage of your pregnancy and a drawstring detail fits the coat to the size of your bump. What’s more, with the panel zipped in place, the coat fits snuggly over your baby when its blissfully snoozing away in a sling on your front (…here’s hoping!)

JoJo Maman Bébé- 2-in-1 parka coat

Coat £79 JoJo Maman Bébé

The Inbetweener

 

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Thanks to the likes of Kenzo, Giles and Orla Kiely, whether you’re expecting or post-baby, the cape will be your new best friend. They were seen on the AW15 catwalks in pretty much every form; silk, waterproof, hooded…the list goes on; perfect for right now with the hot / cold / can’t make its mind up weather. Is it Autumn? Is it winter? Should I crack open the full on winter coat yet? The answer is no, invest in a cape which will see you through this inbetweeny stage.

 

Blanket cape £50 Hallhuber

If you’re very pregnant, avoid structured styles and go for a loose blanket style cape like the above from Hallhuber which will fall over your bump. These are also brilliant for post pregnancy and double up as a cosy feeding cover or emergency baby blanket!

The below style from Hobbs is ideal for working into your current wardrobe. It’d work for either the early stages of pregnancy when you’re still trying to conceal your tummy from prying work colleagues or post pregnancy, until you’ve lost that baby weight – and lets face it, it never happens as quickly as you’d hope; especially with all the coffee and sweet treats consumed, so you may as well invest in a decent cake concealer!

PONCHO FINAL 3

Hat £22 Asos. Watch £67 Seconda. Bronzer £27.50 Nars. Boot £79.99 Mango. Scarf £30 Woolovers. Bag £45 Monsoon. Jeans £40 Topshop. Poncho £149 Hobbs. Nail Varnish in Red Wine £2.99 Barry M.