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

More bag love

Ok, so shoot me, but I'm loving my birthday bag so much that I'm dedicating two posts to it this week. Today is its debut, as I'm bringing it out for its first wear in Covent Garden. Yes, so I've also been forced to carry a massive overspill bag, as my beautiful, compact new satchel is juuuust a little too compact for the amount of STUFF I need to carry on a daily basis. And by overspill bag, ladies, I think you know what I mean - that extra bag we carry alongside our normal handbag, which contains all manner of things, from lunch in a Tupperware to snacks, a water bottle, magazine, extra cardi in case we get cold at work. Men, of course, would never have the need for an overspill bag, as the majority of them would never think to take a packed lunch in to work, buying it every day instead (and thus reducing the need to wash things up, the clever, less frugal, things). Men also dress appropriately for the weather, rather than just wearing something that looks nice, and therefore would not have the need for an extra cardi. Nor do they think in the same 'What If' way that we do, so it wouldn't occur to them to take extra food/clothing/accessories to work in case of afternoon hunger/coldness/spontaneous drinks after work.

I feel there is more to discuss about the ubiquitous Overspill Bag, so I will revisit this at a later date. Also, I think it's about time I sorted myself out with a more stylish version, which I will look into. At the moment, the choice is either a cheapy lightweight cotton reusable number or a 'posh plastic bag' (you know - Harrods bag, mini boxy Selfridges bag, Carluccios bag or anything from a nice clothes shop that has rope handles).

For today, though, I will ignore the inconvenience of my OB and concentrate on the gorgeousness of my mini satchel, while also enjoying its similarities with this-season's designer versions. BAG LOVE!!

White top, H&M; stripy top, River Island; skinny combats and boots, Primark; scarf, gift from India; bag, Warehouse

Prada, £850

Versus, £930

Bag pics: Elleuk.com

Birthday bag!

It's my birthday!!!!! Not that I'm one to make a big deal of my birthday or anything... er, much. And it's lovely and sunny too, which is always a good thing. One of my presents is a gorgeous 70s-style striped mini canvas satchel, which is bang on trend for SS11 and generally just lovely. It's the excuse I need to downsize my current suitcase-sized handbag and start sporting something infinitely more stylish and lighter (and thus way more preggo-friendly). Thanks Laur! x

Striped canvas mini satchel, Warehouse

Flat mates: day 5

Today was quite exciting, as I took part in a photo shoot for Mother & Baby magazine. I'm writing a feature called Great Expectations, which is basically a pregnancy diary, and as part of the feature I have a photo taken while I'm 'Baby On Board', and then another en famille once my Plus One arrives! So I've obviously spent the entire week marinating myself in St Tropez Gradual Tanner in order that the camera lens didn't crack with shock at my Night Of The Living Dead complexion, and have been going through potential arriving-at-the-shoot outfits, despite the fact I knew I'd be asked to change into something the stylist had picked for the shot.

The reason I spent so much time thinking about my arrival outfit was so that they got an impression of my 'style' and saw that I'm a skinny-jeans-top-and-blazer kinda gal who wears leopard-print scarves (a lot) and cocktail rings. This was in a vain hope that they didn't decide to plonk me in some shapeless polka-dot maternity tent to be captured on film for prosperity and ruin my reputation as a bump-sporting style goddess. Ahem. But obviously they've moved on from empire lines and bow-decorated blouson mamma-frocks these days, and they even let me keep on the trousers I arrived in!

Anyhoo, so the final installment of Flat Mates Week has me in leather-look Jojo Maman Bebe trousers, a plain V-neck sweater and an off-white blazer. I have to admit I cheated and wore my multi-buckle wedges rather than flats, for the first day this week. Oops. They just looked so much better with the leather trousers, soz. And for the shoot these were teamed with a John Rocha tunic-style pale green top with an embellished neckline (as well as uber-glam tonged hair and fabulous make-up, obvz). I'm afraid you won't get to see the shoot until it comes out in the mag, but in the meantime, I've included a photo the editor Jemma took of me being snapped in the dazzling sunshine. Happy Friday everyone!

What I wore to the shoot: blazer, Zara; sweater, Banana Republic; trousers, Jojo Maman Bebe; wedges, Primark

Perched on the steps mid-pose, trying to push my tummy out so I looked more pregnant!

Flat mates: day 4

I'm off out for pre-birthday drinks after work tonight, so I'm sporting leather shorts, which sexes up this week's outfit selection somewhat in relation to my trusted batch of leggings and slouchy sweaters. I've toned it down with a more muted, casual top half and flat patent ballet pumps for daywear, then I'll be changing into heels, a thinner black top and a blazer ready for the razzle dazzle later. I might pop my pm shot on tomorrow's post, so you can witness my day-to-night 'transformation'. I'll probably just end up looking like a weeble on legs, but the aim is more 'maternity chic eveningwear with a dash of fun'.

Navy sweater, Zara. Leather shorts, Next. Maternity tights, Topshop. Black patent pumps, Primark. Below: my evening change (in the office loos - how very glam) - black blazer, Principles; black long-sleeved Tshirt, Cos; boots, Office

Flat mates: day 3

Today I'm wearing the ultimate in comfort - leggings and an oversized sweater. I couldn't be more comfortable if I'd rocked up to work in jogging bottoms, a hoodie and slippers, but that really wouldn't have done. Have I fallen into the lazy pregnant-woman's style trap? I'm hoping the bright hue of my sweater and the leopard print scarf are preventing my look from becoming sloppy and uninspired, but you can make your own opinions. And I'm sticking to this week's theme with flat leather riding boots - practical, but smart and classic. Ironically, I have just managed to use the words 'comfort', 'practical' and 'sloppy' in a blog post that's supposed to be about style. So shoot me. You try growing a human being while trying to work out what to wear to work every morning. Tomorrow I'll just throw a coat on over my pyjamas. Not really.

Sweater, Primark; leggings, Topshop; scarf, Avon; boots, Dune

Flat mates: day 1 and 2

Apologies for yesterday's non-post. I'm making up for it today with a double-whammy of outfit pics, you lucky, lucky things. The theme of this week's posts is flats. And before you start thinking I've turned into a property blog, I am of course talking about flats of the footwear variety. After realising last week that a whole day in heels is now starting to result in lower backache, due to my centre of gravity being pulled forward by a growing bump, I thought I'd give my body a break this week by going flat all week. Yesterday I opted for my thigh-high flat suede boots (perhaps in some sort of attempt to avoid frumpiness despite the lack of a heel), and today's outfit is pulled together with those ever-favourite man-repellant fashion items: Uggs. Could I be more comfortable? No. Job done.

Top, Primark; maternity skinnies, Dorothy Perkins; boots, Asos.com

Hoodie, New Look; Tshirt dress, H&M; maternity tights, Topshop; boots, Ugg