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When you find out that you are pregnant for the first time, it is just the most exciting
and daunting feeling all rolled into one. There's the excitement of what the future will
bring and the fear of the unknown - and, on top of that, you need to buy a new wardrobe,
because suddenly nothing fits any more.
It is such a time of change and you still have to look smart for work, but what becomes a
priority is to be comfortable. However, for me, it almost became more of a priority to look
smart, to prove that even though I was pregnant, I could still be taken seriously at work
and look the part.
I really tried hard not to change my style, but it is peculiar suddenly entering a world
that is totally alien to you. Suddenly, you become obsessed with prams - I have even heard
of pram envy! And, with all the conflicting advice on what to wear, what to buy and what to
eat, soon your head is spinning!
Reluctantly taking my first foray into a whole new fashion world, I found that, being time
shy, I just wanted a quick fix that was easy and practical. Good basics are essential, as I
didn't want to spend a fortune. Items that wash well are imperative - sad but true, as my
clothes earned their keep in those nine months.
What I found was that you need to look at your everyday clothes, be very honest with yourself,
and then translate that into a capsule wardrobe. I found that I didn't have to compromise my
style; there are great chic pieces out there to suit everyone and all at the touch of a button!
I became an internet junkie. It is so easy and, as maternity wear grows with you, you don't
have to worry so much about getting the size right - just choose the size you were pre-bump
and, bingo, how to have an immediate stress-free new wardrobe. The other advantage to internet
shopping is that you can try things on in the comfort of your own home. Stripping off in a
changing room makes me uncomfortable at the best of times, so the thought of being surrounded
by full-length mirrors when I had a bump was positively scary!
This season, the fashion is sleek and a little more structured, so wrap jersey dresses are
invaluable in black and chocolate for both day and evening - simple but chic, and most
importantly, very comfortable. In fact, dresses of any shapes are just so key for summer again
you can't go wrong; pop them over a pair of leggings with ballet flats (never out of fashion!)
and you look super cool.
Jeans are such a staple in everyone's wardrobe that I, for one, couldn't survive without at least
two pairs, so it is so great to see that you can now even choose your fit of choice - and they
are so low-maintenance. And, what with utility being a key trend for summer, you can even wear
cargo shorts with ever faithful flip-flops. Then, just add summer's key piece - the parka
- which will see you into next autumn. So, even with dribble on it, you can still feel like you
look good and on trend without trying at all - I'm always one for an effortless
fashion-forward trick!
If you feel like treating yourself, my fail-safe piece was a printed top - quite floaty
and great for any do. However, I found that in those first weeks after I had given birth -
when you are inundated with guests and feel like death warmed up and have the most spectacular
'muffin top' - it was a lifesaver. Just whip it on over a pair of jeans and you'll impress
even your mother-in-law!
It was great to find all these key pieces in one place at Blooming Marvellous. I have a permanent
wardrobe crisis in my non-pregnant life, so you can imagine how tough it was when I really
didn't have anything to wear.
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