Natalie writes…
So I’m over four months pregnant with ‘baby 2’ and clothing wise, it’s totally different because I’m not working in central London like I was the first time round with ‘the bambino’; instead I work from home. It would be all too easy to live in my PJ’s…but that would send me into a frump slump!
I’m definitely someone who does both high street and designer and my maternity wardrobe will be made up of both maternity and regular clothing. High street wise, it will probably be Gap, TopShop, and a little New Look. Last time round I managed to squeeze in a bit of Bershka, Miss Selfridge, and Mango as well. I am going to ‘invest’ in some Isabella Oliver (haven’t made up my mind on what yet) and I’m eyeing up Haute Mama and Mama-la-Mode too.
Whilst I don’t need anywhere near as much clothing as last time, my style definitely adjusts to accomodate the extra person on board. I’m 5ft 3″ and size 8 and a bust so my look tends to be tied around skinny jeans/skinny trousers/leggings, or dresses. Today I’ve highlighted jeans, leggings, and knitwear.
Jeans – Skinny ones of course. These are a staple of my wardrobe pregnant or not. I have a wider leg pair of maternity jeans from TopShop but I feel best in my skinnies. I’ll probably manage to live in my usual low rise Diesel Lowky’s for another couple of months and then I’ll have to buy one of those belt things to take them through the last few months. I have a pair of skinny jeans from Gap that I brought in a US 4 the last time round which will last a few more months, and then it’s likely that I’ll invest in pair of 7 for All Mankind maternity jeans (Kat mentioned these on Mama To Be Goodies) which are (breathe in) £195 at Blossom Mother & Child. Admittedly mine will be coming from the US…
Leggings – I have a fabulous pair of light, cable knit leggings from BCBG Max Azria. I’ve tried various cheap and cheerful pairs and whilst they certainly don’t need to be expensive, I found that very cheap don’t last long (they wash badly) but going up a notch in quality enhances your outfit. I had a couple of palpitations when I saw that American Apparel have almost identical pairs for £26 but there are mixed reviews on quality (mine are as perfect as the day I brought them and not a bobble in sight). TopShop has loads of leggings and a grey marl pair for £20.
Knitwear – I am a cardigan lover, especially chunky knits, and Gap are great for these almost every season. I’m a layers girl – often short sleeve over long sleeve, and a staple will be my short sleeved long off white cardigan from Barneys. You can get a similar one in black from TopShop for £35 or ShopStyle have a selection including a fab cashmere one from Whistles.
Hot spots for knitwear are Isabella Oliver, TopShop, and Primark can be great for cheap and cheerful although choose wisely. I’m thinking about leading myself into temptation for the hooded sweater dress worn by Billie Piper from Isabella Oliver £110, as I know I would wear it long beyond the pregnancy (I’ve had a long chunky knit cardigan with a hood from Gap for EIGHT years). Yeah, yeah, I have a lot of clothes and I’m a hoarder!
Back tomorrow on Friday with Part 2 where I cover off basics, shoes, and some tip offs on dresses, plus a bit on underwear.
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