Maxing out the maternity leave

Well, we have a maxi four-day weekend nearly upon us, and I have an even maxi-er holiday coming up, as today is my last official day at work before I go off on maternity leave! I say holiday, obviously I mean time-off-work-to-prepare-for-the-biggest-journey-of-my-life. And what better way to celebrate these exciting times than by debuting a new maxi dress? It's in a gorgeous deep purple with a bottom-of-the-ocean meets paisley-esque print, giving it a cool 70s vibe. It even features stars, for a little touch of magic. And on that word magic is where I sign off for the time being, as I get set for something truly magical, and look forward to meeting my little boy in a few weeks. Obviously he'll arrive into the world in style, and maybe he'll even pop up on the blog at some point (looking fabulous, natch). But for now, aside from the odd post here and there, it's time for me to go. Yummy Mummyville, here I come...

Dress, Boohoo.com

Pretty cover-up

It's set to be another scorcher in the City today, so once again I need to think cool, light layers. I've gone for a long camel vest over black leggings and metallic gladiator sandals, with gold and juicy lemon jewellery and a fuchsia nail for a colour pop. The long vest is pretty shapeless on its own, despite the bump creating its own shape underneath, so I need to stop it looking tent-like on my rotund middle. I've popped a blossom-print chiffon kimono-style jacket on, tied at the front at an empire length, to give me the illusion of a waist(!) and cover my arms for the office. The pretty print also adds a bit of interest to the plain camel. Mind you, from the side I still look ginormous, but what can you do? The baby bump is this year's hottest accessory, so I'm just going to work it.

Kimono jacket, Primark; vest, See by Chloe; gladiators, New Look

Navy and white striped light cotton blazer for the journey to work, Zara Woman

Layering up (and down)

Today is looking very promising, weather-wise, and the south east could even get up to the heady heights of 25C (lunchtime ice-cream alert!). This, of course, throws a bit of a dilemma into the mix when you've got to dress for work. You don't want to under-dress, show off too much flesh in the office and generally look uncomfortable and inappropriate as you tap away at your keyboard, pulling up your strapless bra and edging down the hemline of your shorts as you check your emails. On the other hand, you don't want to be so covered up that you're melting away by the printer, either. Oh, and Hubby has just helpfully pointed out - while reading over my shoulder - that women need to be careful when summer-dressing for work, as their male colleagues aren't always sure where to look when all the cleavage and thigh exposure comes out to play. He also mentioned some 'statistic' about women wearing on average 30% less clothing when the sun comes out, and that men don't just wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun, if you get where I'm going (the sly pervs)...

So, taking all this into consideration, I'm utilising layers today. I shall be making my way to work in cargo pants, a Breton top with a red vest peeping out underneath, strappy flat sandals and a smart but light black blazer. In the office, I should be nice and cool in my stripy top and lightweight trousers. Then, when I head out by the river for lunch, I can whip off the top and bask in the sunshine in my vest, maybe even going crazy and rolling up the bottom of my trousers. Clever old layering - keeps you warm, keeps you cool, gives you a couple of outfit alternatives during the day. Nice.

Blazer, Principles

Top, River Island

Vest, See by Chloe; cargo pants, H&M Mama; sandals, Clarks

Details

There's a glimmer of sunshine out there today so I'm wearing a few pops of colour in readiness. A simple white longline granddad top against my slouchy leopard harem pants makes a good background for an orange silk scarf clashing with a red lip. And I've gone accessories-tastic with an oversized turquoise cocktail ring, teamed with a tangerine enamel cuff and gold chunky chain bracelet. Gold, turquoise, tangerine, red - juicy, ready-for-summer colours. Time for those clouds to clear now.

Top, H&M; trousers, Zara; scarf, Oliver Bonas; pumps, Primark

Colour clash: red lip, orange scarf

Ring and chain bracelet, both Primark; enamel cuff, gift

Friday print

I wanted to be comfy today, as I had a morning antenatal class and wasn't sure whether I would be sat on birthing balls or swaying my pelvis or anything (did both, actually!). But also I wanted to look nice, as it's Friday and my last day at More! mag before maternity leave, so I thought a stretch jean and a nice print would do the job a treat. My berry-gold-pink DVF wrap top looks great with denim (and with bump), and I wanted to wear ballet pumps but wasn't sure if it was going to rain, hence opting for a sturdier plimsoll-type affair. Just in case you were interested. Have a fab weekend!

Top, DVF; jeans, Dorothy Perkins; turquoise cocktail ring and plimsolls, both Primark

Little Black Day Dress

Ladies, we all know what a key item the LBD is, especially when it comes to speedy dressing for a night out. But I love how flexible a Little Black Dress is for daytime wear, too. As easy as it is to dress up a slinky black number with statement jewellery, to-die-for heels, a spritz of expensive scent and a slick of lippy, I actually enjoy working out all the different ways you can dress it down for work/weekends. Today I'm wearing a bang-on-season midi length 3/4 sleeve stretch cotton LBD to the office, with black tights and flat tan loafers (and yes, the ubiquitous leopard-print scarf), further adding to the  casual vibe with a denim jacket. Swapping the scarf for a bit of bling, the flats for heels and the denim for a smarter jacket would take it into evening mode in a jiffy. Had I some swanky do to attend after work, other than a night in with Sky+ and the birthing ball, that is.

Denim jacket, New Look; dress and loafers, both Primark; scarf, Oasis

Easy monochrome

As much as I love an accessory – cocktail ring, chain necklace, hoop earrings, leopard scarf – there's something quite calming about a simple, pared down outfit. And you don't get more pared down than monochrome. I was tempted to jazz this up a little with some red lippy or fuchsia nails or a printed scarf, but then I thought, no, keep it clean. It kind of gives you a bit of a relaxed mind when you wear a minimal outfit – like the Zen you get when you've tidied your house and all the surfaces are clutter-free. OK, so colour brightens up neutrals and accessories add personality and interest, but sometimes you just need that easy, fuss-free Outfit Zen. So today I'm keeping a calm head with a simple billowy white shirt and my standard black leggings, with a tan loafer and a classic trench. Done. 

Trench, H&M; shirt, Primark; leggings, Topshop; loafers, Primark

 

Slouchy Tuesday

Due to being woken up by a wriggly baby last night, I'm pretty tired today and in need of comfort clothes. And my go-to items of choice in these times of need are, more often than not, leggings, jersey/brushed cotton tops, soft hoodies, slouchy sweaters. So today's outfit is leggings, a long tunic vest knotted at the side to hug my bump, and a longline, light and soft cardi, as well as my Converse, so I'm huggably comfy from head to toe. I added a hit of colour with my floaty floral scarf, just to pick up the neutral tones.

And actually, it's just as well I've gone for comfort today, as I've got my first antenatal class tonight, and have been told to wear 'loose, comfotable clothing'. I have no idea why, and am slightly concerned this might indicate that we're going to be on all fours, circling our pelvises and mooing like cows (you may laugh, but a pregnant friend of mine has regaled me with tales of her own antenatal class, and there was definite mooing coming from the teacher, apparently, as she explained 'natural' birthing noises). So I'm outfit-ready, should I be called upon for any bovine-related activities this evening. Dear God...

Cardi, New Look; vest, H&M; leggings, Topshop; scarf, Primark; trainers, Converse

Borrowing from Coco

My go-to Easy Outfit of stripy top, skinnies and pumps is also giving me a bit of a Chanel vibe today (if we were to imagine Coco Chanel with a watermelon shoved underneath her top). The weather's not as glorious as it has been recently, but it's still bright and I don't want to lose that fresh, spring-like vibe, so I turned up the jeans and went for cheerful red stripes rather than navy. And I wore a black blazer, sleeves rolled up, instead of a coat, for a classic look and so that the outfit wasn't weighed down with anything too heavy-looking. Now if only Chanel did maternity wear...

Top, H&M; jeans, Dorothy Perkins; pumps, Primark

Double leopard

Doubling up on the leopard print today. It's so nice to be able to break out these trousers - I bought them back in the winter and have found them quite tricky to wear, as they're very light, so I wanted to wear tights underneath them to keep warm. Trouble is, the gathered ankle means they get caught on the tights all the time and I end up with half-mast legs all the time, or pulling them down whenever I stand up, so the only thing for it was to wait until it was warm enough to wear them with bare legs!

I've knotted my long tunic-style vest at the side so that it gathers nicely around my bump and looks less tent-like, and draped the scarf on loosely to finish off. Gold chunky jewellery and fuchsia-pink nails mean I'm sunshine-ready. Let's kick off the weekend, people!

Vest, H&M; trousers, Zara; scarf, Oasis; gladiator sandals, New Look

Coat-free Thursday

Today is the first day I've left the flat this year sans coat. Fab. Obviously the control freak in me started panicking immediately in case of a sudden downpour/chilly breeze, but sometimes you have to let loose and think positively, rather than preparing for the worst all the time Just. In. Case (blame being in Brownies). And I'm not wearing a single maternity item today, instead choosing my boyfriend-style cropped jeans (held up with the sneaky hair bobble trick), a loose-fitting silk frill-detail vest (well, it used to be loose, now it just fits) and my gold pumps. Luckily, sunnies will distract from the undesirable accessory I'm sporting this morning - eyebags from last night's birthday drinks for Hubby…

Vest, Topshop Boutique; jeans and pumps, both Primark

 

The toes are out!

Woohoo! Check out that sunshine in the capital! I'm so excited I've even decided to crack out the sandals and get my tangerine-painted toes on display. It's also Hubby's birthday, so I've brought out the DVF wrap top ready for drinks tonight after work, and am contrasting the reddy-pinky-goldy print against my khaki maternity cargo pants. The best bit about the wrap top is its extra-long ties, which wrap flatteringly around the bump. And the best bit about the whole look is that every element of it is uber-comfy (I know! Comfy sandals! Surely they take a month to break in again at the start of the warm weather?). As I've said before, I love it when an outfit comes together...

Enjoy the weather everyone!

Top, DVF; cargo pants, H&M; gladiator sandals, New Look

Cosy Tuesday

Woke up both insanely tired and miserable from the rain hammering away at the window and making the morning look decidedly grey. Booooo! There was only one thing for it – cosy clothes. Despite the weather being milder, the only thing that keeps my feet dry in wet weather is boots (must think of a mild-weather alternative, as boots can get too warm, and my only other options are ballet pumps, plimsolls and peep-toe wedges, all of which let the rain in. Not good). So I decided to work up from my feet. I opted for a cute cotton dress and 120-denier tights, cosied up with a snuggly woolly cardi.

Sometimes grey days need to be brightened up with a killer outfit. Other times, we just need to go with it and make getting through the day as comfortable as possible...

Cardi, Zara; dress, Miss Selfridge; tights, Topshop; boots, Dune

Don't shoot me...

... but yes, I'm wearing a stripe again (kind of, as it's stripey but also the stripes form a square effect in the centre, so it's totes different really. Ahem). Mind you, I normally wear a stripey top with jeans, leggings, shorts and cargo pants so I've slightly broken the mould by slinging it over a Tshirt minidress today (they seriously are the most versatile tops ever, and I'm already looking forward to wearing them over maxi dresses of a summer's evening). And I got a little bit excited by the sunshine streaming through the window first thing, hence styling it out in the Ray-Bans before I've even left the flat...

Top, Primark; dress, H&M; tights, Topshop Maternity; pumps, Primark

Rocking a leather pant

It's Friday, so I thought, what the heck, perhaps it's time to break out the leather trousers. Ok, so they're maternity leather trousers, and I'm wearing them with comfy flat pumps rather that some killer platform ankle boots with studs, but I'm still rocking out. Kind of. And I love these trousers, so I'm getting the wear out of them while I still can, before the weather gets too warm. Plus, there's always the chance my body could decide to expand rapidly in the last two months of pregnancy and reduce me to wearing tents, so I'm darn well wearing them while I can still squeeze my hormonal butt into them...

Top, H&M; leggings, Jojo Maman Bebe; scarf, Oasis; pumps, Primark

Easy Thursday

This morning I woke up and felt as if I needed another seven hours' sleep, so with my fuzzy head, I needed a quick and simple outfit that required minimal brain power. And so, the oversized white shirt and leggings combo. A crisp white shirt with brown leather riding boots is a classic look and so simple. I opted for mink leggings over black, as I was feeling the neutral vibe today (amid multiple yawns), and the green and gold silk scarf and tweed trilby manage to up the ante a notch and add a hint of country/heritage to my shirt-and-leggings basics (while making me feel as if I've managed to make a bit of an effort rather than just slinging on the nearest shirt and leggings to hand). I popped my camel cape over the top of it for my journey to work, and actually started feeling pretty good about myself in an 'I'm off to the country for a minibreak' kind of way. Except that I was actually just off to work and heading to the Tube with a bunch of other Norther Liners, as usual. Hey ho, nearly Friday!

Men's white shirt, Next; leggings, Dorothy Perkins; hat, New Look; scarf, Tie Rack; chain, Accessorize; boots, Dune

Scarf love

We had a lot of fun playing with scarves in the More! office yesterday, thanks to coming across the latest guide from luxury scarf experts Hermes. I've always had friends and styling clients asking me how to tie a scarf, and there are so many different ways, whether you go classic, retro or fashion-forward, so it's great that Hermes has given us both inspiration and a how-to. You know how much I love my scarves, so I was in my element. Today I decided to use a version of one of Hermes' suggestions myself (the Cow Boy Anneau). And in the nicest possible way, I recommend that you yourselves go and get knotted (or, indeed, try some styles out by clicking on the link to the guide above). It's the easiest way to add interest to a plain top or dress.

Scarf, Tie Rack

Style steal

I know, I know, all I ever seem to do is wear stripes at the moment. But they're just so eeeeeasy and go with everything. And anyway, it was even easier than normal today, as I totally stole my look from a girl I saw on the way to work yesterday (have you ever done that?). She was rocking her Breton top with skinnies, tan boots and a tan satchel bag, and it looked fab, so today it is my look also. Thanks anonymous stylista! You know what they say about imitation and flattery.

Top, River Island; jeans, Dorothy Perkins; trench, H&M; bag, from Florence; boots, Dune

Colour therapy

Yesterday's glorious sunshine made me plan a nice burst of spring colour for today's outfit in readiness for more joy-enducing weather. And what happened? Greeting me this morning was a dismal, grey, cloudy, typically Monday-esque dullness which threw all spring-related excitement out the window. But we have an extra hour of daylight now! Surely this guarantees an end to gloom? Clearly not. Oh well, I've gone with a coral-pink tunic T and my orangey nail colour regardless, as it not only enhances a sunny day, but can also cheer up a gloomy one. Fingers crossed the colour therapy will keep the Monday blues away (and actually, there's some sunny rays peeping through the clouds as I write this).

I've kept it simple and made the colour stand out against a minimal black background of leggings, blazer and lace-up plimsolls. Now I'll just hang on for that sunshine I ordered...

Top, Primark; leggings, Topshop; blazer, Principles; plimsolls, Primark

Creative Nail Design polish in 'Burn' #424

Colour-pop scarf

I have a midwife appointment today, and as my bump will be measured, prodded and listened to, I needed to wear something loose, comfy and easy-access (as it were). Hence, flowing white linen-cotton-mix shirt over maternity leggings. And I've gone for a mink shade today, rather than my standard black, as the sun is streaming through the window and I'm still feeling spring-like and wanted to move away from dark colours. I've also lifted these two neautral tones with a floral scarf filled with aquas, reds and pinks. Flat cream pearlised ballet pumps with frill detail to finish off (I'm going to be hot-footing it from work to my appointment as fast as I can, so walk-friendly footwear is a must today) and I'm done. Happy Friday, everyone!

Shirt, Primark; leggings, Dorothy Perkins; scarf and pumps, both Primark

Spots and specs

Spots and stripes; more stripes; spots and specs - bit of a theme this week, no? Well I do tend to stick with what I know when I haven't got a lot of time to work out what I'm wearing. And this morning I really wanted an easy, no-fuss outfit, so a clean, off-white tunic Tshirt and skinny jeans was in order. And I put my signature stamp on it with my leopard scarf, knotted loose-handkerchief-style, which always seems more considered and stylish than just slinging it round my neck.

I also felt like wearing my specs today, and dark-rimmed glasses seem to team brilliantly with a top-knot, for a bit of a studious/studenty vibe. This does, however, mean I won't be able to sport the Wayfarers, but hey, you can't have everything. Maybe I can turn squinting into a style statement.

Top, Primark; maternity skinnies, Dorothy Perkins; glasses, Specsavers; scarf, Avon; black lace-up plimsolls, Primark

More stripes!

As you know, I'm almost as obsessed with stripes as I am with my leopard scarves. In fact, maybe even more so. Stripey tops seem to go with everything - denim, floral prints, smart trousers, over maxis. And I now have a new addition to my portfolio of stripes, as I bought another top from H&M before I went to Cyprus. It's nice and loose and a little longer than my other tops, so it accommodates the bump but will be perfect when I'm back into non-maternity too. More importantly, the stripes are red! Makes a change from my standard uniform of navy on white or white on navy:

Today I'm going for a spring-fresh look and wearing my top with khaki cargo pants (a brilliant maternity find, also from H&M - they actually stay up without a belt!) and red patent pumps, finishing off the look with a gold double-rope necklace.

Top and cargo pants, H&M; necklace, Accessorize; pumps, Barratts

Spots and stripes

My apologies for slackness of posts over the last week. I've been on a minibreak babymoon with Hubby! We booked a last-minute trip to Cyprus to get some sunshine and R&R together while it's still ok for me to fly, and I was faffing with doctor's notes, insurance, capsule packing, etc, beforehand, so the poor blog got a little neglected. But now I'm back to work and still attempting to dress the bump stylishly for the office.

Today's offering is a combo of animal prints, and I'm clashing a zebra-print cotton top with one of my (many) leopard-print scarves. This scarf is a thinner, looser weave than my standard leopard affair, which makes it perfect for the new spring weather that seems to have arrived (yippee!). I've combined the print clash with plain black leggings and a patent jazz shoe, and will be teaming the tweed trilby with my trench and possibly a pair of Ray-Bans, should the sun appear on my walk from the train station. Can't believe it's almost the end of March!

Top, H&M; leggings, Topshop; hat, New Look; scarf, Oasis; shoes, Primark

Hurly Burly Girlies!

Last night I went to London's Garrick Theatre with my BFF and our hubbies, to see burlesque goddess Polly Rae starring in The Hurly Burly Show, directed by William Baker, who has worked with Kylie, dontcha know. And wow, it was all feathers, sequins, spangles, Chanel-branded nipple tassels and a whole lotta T&A (that'll be Tits and Ass, said Vegas-style, for the uninformed). We had a fab time, the dancers were amazing and we were just two rows from the front, which meant we saw everything in EXTREME close-up and detail (thank God for waxing).

Regular readers will remember that BFF and myself had a course of Burlesque classes with Polly at the beginning of the year, so we were excited to see Teach up there shaking her thang, teasing the crowd and making sure tongues were firmly in cheeks. There was a moment when we were convinced she'd spotted us and given us a wink, and then, to prove she had indeed seen and recognised us grinning away in the audience, she singled us out and made us shimmy in our seats! But she didn't leave it there, as we were then instructed to stand up and bump 'n' grind in front of the entire theatre audience. Well, we did as we were told, and I just hope we did Polly proud. Needless to say, as thrilled as we were that she'd spotted us, we were red-faced and giggly for the rest of the second half. Two seven-month pregnant burlesque students thrusting away - sober - in front of God knows how many people! The hubbies were mightily amused.

Anyway, I heartily recommend you get yourselves down there for a night of fun, spangles and debauchery. Check it out and book tickets at www.hurlyburlyuk.com, and for more on Polly, visit www.misspollyrae.com. You might just find you're also shimmying away in your seat.

Photo by William Baker

Camping it up in burlesque class

Sassy shoppers

I haven't forgotten that I said I'd look for some more stylish Overspill Bags than my battered yellow Selfridges cardboard number/Carluccio's placcie bag/freebie tote from a magazine. I've been checking out other ladies' OBs all week to see how they carry their extras, and there are some chic little options about. I'm also quite partial to that Manhattan favourite, the Little Brown Bag from Bloomingdale's, which I actually bought as a gift for a friend last time I was in NYC and, dammit, didn't get for myself. Next time.

Anyhoo, here's a selection of my favourite shoppers. Time to ditch my years-old canvas tote that came free with Marie Claire, me thinks. Luxe Overspill Alert!

Canvas flower print, £6.99, New Look

Pastel Union Jack and flower print, £22, Monsoon

Bird and flower print, £6, George at Asda

Canvas Twinkle tote, £80, Simeon Farrar at Liberty

Mini Shooting Star PVC-coated canvaa shopper with own pouch, £28, Cath Kidston

Oil cloth shopper, £20, Rob Ryan at John Lewis

Leopard print tote, £12, A|Wear

Bloomingdale's classic

Sales alert!

I'm in a narky mood today, not that this is any of your concern, and I'm sure writers and columnists are meant to put their mood to one side when composing a feature, but I am not a columnist, and this is my blog, so there. But to cheer me up, I'm thinking about the minibreak I'm going on next week and the prospect of a potential retail-therapy trip in readiness for said minibreak. As luck would have it, the high street is awash with sales at the moment, so I thought I'd share with my lovely readers - in case you're also having a narky day and equally are in need of a bargain shopping boost (honestly, it should be on prescription). So here goes:

New Look 

Up to 50% off

With boots starting from £7!

 New Look's mid-season sale is not to be missed. If you're London-bound, might I recommend the flagship Marble Arch store for more choice.

www.newlook.com

River Island

Up to 50% off online 

Accessories from £2!  

www.riverisland.com

Karen Millen

Up to 50% off online  
Includes clothing, bags, coats, shirts and more.
www.karenmillen.com


Peacocks
Up to 70% off online 
Includes dresses, knitwear, swimwear, maternity wear and jeans.
www.peacocks.co.uk


Urban Outfitters
Up to 70% off online
Includes menswear, womenswear, accessories, gifts and home.
www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Oasis
Up to 50% off online and instore
Best bet is online, as the stores are looking pretty ravaged now.
Includes skinny jeans from £15.

www.oasis-stores.com 

French Connection 

Up to 60% off online and instore 

Again, online is better, as stock is low instore now. 

www.frenchconnection.com

Office
Up to 75% off online and instore 
Includes men's and women's shoes.
Gold slingback sandals from £10!!
www.office.co.uk

Happy shopping! Promise I'll be in a better mood tomorrow...

Shady lady

I've been ridiculously overexcited by waking up to bright sunshine for three mornings this week - THREE! Count em! Not only is this exciting because it means spring really is coming, and because dragging yourself up for work in the dark is never joyful, but it also means it's time to wear SUNNIES!!

After a sad, sad day last summer when I left my Diors in a pub in Soho (sob), I invested in a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers and have been in love with them ever since. They just seem to make every outfit look cool and retro, while remaining discreet and classic at the same time. I have the standard black version, but would love a lipstick-red pair. Here are my current fave Wayfarers, and a few celebs who also like to rock a Ray-Ban. Keep shining!

All shades available from Ray-Ban

Kylie in tortoiseshell

Mossy in classic black

Natalie Portman in large-lens black

Sienna Miller in cherry red

Pictures: Rex Features, Ray-Ban website