pregnancy

Feeding Time

If you thought styling a bump was limiting, wait til you get to breast feeding…Tops suddenly need to be easy access (ahem..) Of course there’s actual maternity feeding tops, but after nine months of wearing maternity clothes you’re gagging to get back to some of your faithful old favourites.

So from zips to wraps, buttons to pussybows, here’s THE MOTHERSHOP’s edit of the top 10 feeding tops on the high street. Enjoy.

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[Picture credits Asos, Cos]

Back to Basics

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It’s official, Isabella Oliver just upped its cool factor to a whole new level. Yes, the collection has its strong statement pieces, such as the ‘Rowsley’ leather leggings or ‘Rosliston’ jumpsuit, but what gives the range its wardrobe welly is the variety of basics available; which is what I found hardest to get my mitts on when I was expecting. Yes, it’s easy enough finding a nice dress, or a good coat within the (not so) vast maternity market, but try finding a well-cut white shirt, or a layer worthy polo neck, or boyfriend jeans that won’t make your bottom half look as wide as your waist and the challenge began…until now.

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The clever clogs at Isabella Oliver have thought of everything. There’s the black turtleneck to layer under a collared dress or their grey ‘Lexi’ top. There’s the ‘Relaxed Maternity Jeans’ which are just the right side of boyfriend, and the wear-anywhere ‘Grayson’ and ‘Marlow’ dresses should be top of any wardrobe wish list for defs. Complete the look with the carefully edited accessories; cool sneaks, textured clutch bags and delicate jewellery. Job done.

£45 The Maternity Turtleneck

£75 Veja Arcade Trainer

£135 Stowe Maternity Tunic Dress

£42 By Boe Infinity Necklace

£79 Lexi Maternity Top

£138 Sol Sana Frost Mule

£109 Baukjen Clutch Bag

£99 Grayson Maternity Dress

£65 Extra Long Skinny Belt

View the complete collection here.

BOOT CAMP

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Pic credit: Pintrest

Being pregnant or having had a baby can often make buying clothes less enjoyable. The solution? Shoe shopping! Why not give your (probably swollen) feet a treat with a pair of swanky new ankle boots. If you’ve already had your baby, you’ll know by now that much of your time will be taken up walking, walking and walking some more. A Professional Pram Pusher will soon become your new found occupation; as you find yourself walking everywhere in the hope of getting (or keeping) your little one asleep. So whilst you’re racking up those miles pounding the pavements, keeping your footwear on trend as well as comfortable is key.

Pic credit: Pintrest

Many brands do a wide fit option now which will help whilst your ankles do their best to compete with your calves for width. Look for flat styles or a low block heel if you still want a bit of height.

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I personally, have an unhealthy amount of black ankle boots (as I do grey t-shirts but we won’t go into that now). With no explanation; there’s studded, buckle detail, patent, faux fur (yes really), suede, chelsea, snakeskin, the list goes on. But, one thing I can say is I do wear them all. I’m not suggesting you go out and buy twenty versions of a black ankle boot like me, but my point being they are very versatile and stand the test of time. Believe me, the trusty ankle boot is going nowhere fast. Wear with skinny jeans during the day or a little dress, leather jacket and black tights if you’ve got the babysitter booked in!

Here’s a round up of the best from the high street to boot (sorry)…

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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!

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.