The Duchess of Cambridge is leading the way in chic maternity dressing, looking unbelievably flawless and elegant in her choices of clothing and accessories. Finding fashionable yet practical maternity wear nowadays is not as simple as it sounds so if you want to follow in the footsteps of Kate then stick to complimenting shapes and simple designs.
Luxury boutique Babes with Babies was launched by Sophie Devonshire. The wife of a diplomat and mum of two, she wanted to provide stylish and practical maternity fashion for formal occasions as well as day to day feminine style. Becoming a mother is an incredible and life changing experience but sometimes not so glamorous. This perception can be changed though as Babes with Babies believes that pregnant women and new mothers deserve a touch of luxury in this new phase of their life.
The beautiful selection of clothing will help you feel fabulous when your body is changing letting you feel comfortable without having to worry that you’re loosing your stylish ways. Designs have been created to flatter your growing bump such as draping effects and belt detailing whilst keeping in-tone with current trends.
A sweet silver and white zigzag stripe pattern on the Portobello Belle top is complimented by a bold pink shoulder strap which can be delicately tied into a bow for understated glamour. It has also been tailored to create a streamline silhouette over your bump. Subtle, almost muted pinks, are a great choice too as Sophie Devonshire explains:
“Soft pink colours are great in maternity wear – flattering on a tired complexion. As well as being great for summer weddings, they’re also great for helping give a good pregnancy ‘glow’ as they reflect softly onto your face.”
If you’re attending a special event this summer such as a wedding, don’t fret about what you might wear. Feel ultra glamorous in one of Babes with Babies’ occasion dresses like the Amandine silk party creation. The bright watercolour print gives the piece a really distinctive look plus the fabric will skim over your bump for relaxed femininity. The sash belt can be used to give the dress shape and definition too.
Portobello Belle Top, £180.00
Dorothy Drape Top, £40.00
Hopes and Dreams Silk Dress, £119.00
Cara Dress, £95.00
Amandine Dress, £325.00
www.BabesWithBabies.com
Say goodbye to cold windy days ladies as it is officially time to embrace the new season ahead! It makes an exciting change to wake up to beautiful sunshine as it means the warm weather is fast approaching – we might as well whip out the wedges and suncream now! If you’re getting bored of complimenting looks with the usual accessories though, why not restyle your wardrobe with a handful of must-have items to welcome in the spring!
High street and designer stores are now packed full of delectable items that are perfecto for the seasons ahead. From beautiful bags to statement jewellery and everything else in-between, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just by updating your accessories you can create a whole different outfit. Restyling your image has never been simpler - now it’s just a matter of deciding on what trends you want to rock this spring/summer!
Hats have suddenly shot into stardom thanks to style savvy celebrities such as Cara Delevingne, Rihanna and Rita Ora. From beanies to caps, they are the ideal accessory for evoking the grunge trend for spring plus they will be able to hide a bad hair day no problem! Normally hats would be phased out by now but they’ve taken a U turn and can be seen everywhere we look. So why not join in the hat brigade and top off ensembles with a twist of urban cool with the Tattoo Pendant Trucker Hat from River Island. You’ll regret it if you don’t!
Tattoo Pendant Trucker Hat, £25.00 from River Island
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With the new season nearly upon us maybe it’s time to finally sort out your wardrobe and give it a good tidy up! It doesn’t take much for your clothes, shoes and accessories to become totally disarrayed making it slightly impossible to keep track of where certain items have been stored. An exceptionally good way to keep yourself organised is with Vault Couture – an innovative, luxury membership service designed for those seeking the ultimate wardrobe-management solutions. So what are you waiting for ladies – now is the perfect time to give your wardrobe a spring clean before the warmer months set in!
Vault Couture was created to provide its members with a complete range of services, recently launching the ‘Spring Clean’ Package from only £6 per item. The idea for this company came about when Founder business woman Mounissa Chodieva realised that there was no service to date which would provide her with the very best assistance in managing her wardrobe needs. Her lack of cupboard space for her ever increasing wardrobe was becoming a problem and finding an outfit to wear every day was more of a challenge than a joy. Mounissa noticed there was a gap in the market for a service which could manage her wardrobe as well as assist her with styling what she already owned and get rid of garments which she found she never wore any more – because lets face it ladies; we all have a handful of clothing lurking in the depths of our cupboards which we haven’t worn in years or still actually have the tags on! Including myself…
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If you’re on a budget this season and have banned yourself from purchasing the latest clothing in the hope of trying to save your bank balance from plummeting down to zero, then there are still ways to give your wardrobe a stylish update!
With the clever use of some of Autumn/Winter 2012’s must-have accessories, your day and night outfits will be revamped to perfection at an affordable price. Ever since the first collar popped up on my fashion radar I just can’t seem to get enough of these beauties! Styles and colours have become bolder over the seasons and for AW12 why not evoke gothic luxe and go for an edgy design. Accessorize has a gorgeous selection to choose from including faux fur and black gem styles. Collars are perfect for enhancing a plain top or dress making them ideal for budgeting fashionistas.
Jet Victoriana Collar, £12.00
Image courtesy of Accessorize
Faux Fur Collar, £20.00
Image courtesy of Accessorize
A trusty belt is always handy to have around too as by simply cinching in your waist you can create a whole new look in a matter of seconds! Either go for a subtle style like Dune’s Nadette leopard print belt or go a little more daring with the help of the Panther Belt from Next. Team your favourite design with oversized knitwear or vibrant shade dresses for ultimate styling power!
Panther Belt, £12.00
Image courtesy of Next
Nadette, £25.00
Image courtesy of Dune
Who said a brooch can only be pinned to a piece of clothing? Stay on trend with this versatile accessory and get creative this season. Give a plain belt, clutch or pair of heels a sparkly update by adding a brooch to them. Women will envy your inventive style! I adore the Swarovski Owl design from What’s About Town? which will give items a quirky twist. For a beautiful vintage edge, the Pearly Vine Brooch from Accessorize is the ideal choice. Revamping your wardrobe has never been so easy!
Large Black Swarovski Crystal Owl Brooch, £48.95
Image courtesy of What’s About Town?
Pearly Vine Brooch, £12.00
Image courtesy of Accessorize
It’s extremely frustrating for fashionistas across the country to have a wardrobe packed full of newly bought gorgeous summer pieces which they can’t wear thanks to Britain’s continuous downpours!
Hanging solemnly alongside all your other pieces is that must-have dress you recently purchased but haven’t yet had the chance to wear, wondering what to team it with to protect you from the wind, rain and chill. But as high street and designer stores are now introducing their Autumn/Winter 2012 products fashion lovers can breathe a sigh of relief as this is a great opportunity to put your styling skills to the test ladies. Release your creativity as there are plenty of accessories which can be worn with summer dresses. You’ll remain comfortable but will look super stylish when you step outside to face this horrible British weather!
Tights are ideal in this fashion dilemma as you still get the freedom of wearing a dress but your legs won’t get cold. Go for thick sheer styles to wear with smarter dresses for work and evening occasions and coloured opaque tights to team with day dresses. Mint Velvet has a gorgeous selection of knitwear, jackets and coats too which are all ideal for transitioning between seasons. Slouchy cardigans are great for a laid back weekend style whilst a trench coat oozes sophistication.
A great pair of ankle boots will keep your feet dry whether you opt for a flat or heeled style. They are really versatile and make a lovely change from the usual choice of shoes. A sexy wedge design will help spruce up day and evening looks! To keep your neck warm from the cold wind, invest in a beautiful scarf. It’s a great accessory that will add a luxurious feel to looks plus they are easy to wear and style with summer dresses. Your wardrobe will thank you for it!
LOOK ONE
Lotte Dress, £92.00 from INGENUE LONDON
Black Zip Peplum Jacket, £99.00 from Mint Velvet
Aiteann Scarf, £35.00 from Beta Fashion
Nicole Sunglasses, £132.00 from House of Harlow 1960
Black Suede Wedge Ankle Boot, £139.00 from Mint Velvet
LOOK TWO
Lotte Dress, £92.00 from INGENUE LONDON
Ink Compact Cotton Tipped Trench Coat, £149.00 from Mint Velvet
Chelsea Sunglasses, £132.00 from House of Harlow 1960
Callan Heels, £190.00 from House of Harlow 1960
Stockists:
www.ingenuelondon.com
www.mintvelvet.co.uk
www.betafashion.com
www.amazon.co.uk
