Pregnancy Style: Outfits Recently

Today I am 29 weeks pregnant! Yipee only 11 weeks to go if the baby sticks to its schedule! I'm still feeling blurgh and have resigned myself to the fact that I'm just not going to get that 'pregnancy glow' that other more fortunate pregnant ladies speak of.

 The bump is growing at quite a rapid rate now which is good for the baby but bad for the wardrobe. I'm just about squeezing into some of my pre-pregnancy tops, but dresses that were once oversized are now tight on the hips or too short (cellulite on my thighs is another joyful side effect of my pregnancy made worse by the fact I'm not supposed to exercise as I've been so ill) and if trousers and skirts don't have elasticated waist bands then they just don't work. My various Topshop maternity jeans, which I've been wearing since about 4 months are worn almost daily and I'm pleased to report they recently started selling a boyfriend style which make me happy as they remind me of pre-pregnancy me. 

I'm also discovering the joys of wearing lycra as anything restrictive just increases my daily discomfort. However seeing clothes that are tight fitting on my changing/growing form is something I'm not entirely comfortable with. I was prepared for a growing belly, but hips and butt expanding is taking some getting used to!

Here is a little round up of what I've been wearing recently.

Shirt Zara, Jeans Topshop BUY HERE, Sandals Stella McCartney, Sunglasses Miu Miu

Here I am marvelling at the size of my bump and the valley that my belly button has become (it's yet to pop out). This linen blend shirt is an oldie from Zara that still fits (hooray!) It's super comfy and light, perfect for the warmer weather. I'm also wearing the aforementioned Topshop boyfriend jeans. They have expandable pockets and a real zipper fly, unlike all my other Topshop jeans which have a pull up elasticated waistband. I was a bit worried that the button fastening would press on my belly, but they are wonderfully comfortable. If you're pregnant go and buy these jeans, I cannot recommend them enough!

Dress Topshop, Jacket Gap BUY SIMILAR HERE, Bag Miu Miu, Sandals Next BUY HERE

This full length maxi dress is a pre pregnancy buy that I've had for years and keep in my holiday clothes box as it is backless. I wouldn't dream of venturing out without a bra now and so I layered the dress with a black vest for decency purposes and my pre-pregnancy denim jacket which is a little tight, but still wearable. I did feel a tad exposed in this dress as it's quite tight on the bump and bum; form fitting clothes just aren't my thing. To be honest I felt a bit like a Kardashian, but I think that's me just being slightly mental and weird about my growing body. A full length maxi dress is super comfortable and I've recently ordered a few from Zara so will let you know if they become part of my pregnancy wardrobe.

Jacket Topshop BUY SIMILAR HERE, Jeans Topshop BUY HERE, Top Finery London BUY HERE, Sandals Birkenstock BUY HERE

This khaki jacket has proved invaluable to my pregnancy wardrobe. It skims my hips and covers just enough of my rump, it's light enough so that I don't overheat on the tube, plus it works with jeans and dresses. I've paired it here with my boyfriend jeans (I told you I was in love with them!) and a relatively new purchase from Finery London. I purchased this cotton sleeveless top adorned with white ruffles at around 3 months pregnant thinking it would spice up my summer pregnancy wardrobe. I was a little concerned the ruffles would bulk up my belly, but weirdly they kind of conceal it. It's a super flattering top and was a great price point to boot.

Life Lately: A Little Announcement

My blog posts have been few and far between this year and the outfit posts have been pretty non-existent, but dear reader I have a valid reason...I am 6 months pregnant and counting! It's very scary but very exciting.

This pregnancy hasn't been the most pleasant experience and I pretty much spend most days wearing my boyfriend's PJ bottoms with my head down the toilet, but when I do have to get up and dressed I have found my Zara jumpsuit super comfy and perfect for work. I purchased the jumpsuit quite a few months ago and it is still accommodating my rapidly growing bump, unlike most of the other things in my wardrobe. I've been pairing it with stripe tops or plain tees (like the J. Crew one I'm wearing above) and my Stan Smiths or Birkenstocks (it's all about the comfort these days!)

I love the little front pocket detail and the drop crotch makes it feel distinctly non-maternity wear. Annoyingly I have found the vast majority of maternity wear sooooo dull and uninspiring, but I am constantly on the look out for 'normal' clothes that I can dress the bump with and I will be sharing my finds and outfits.

So it's all change in our household...13 weeks to go. And if anyone reading this has any helpful advice and top tips I'm all ears!!!

Sx

In My Bag

For a plethora of reasons I haven't been buying many clothes recently but have made up for it with new footwear.

Here's a little round up of what's made it into my bag.

Black lace up sandals £24 from Next BUY HERE

After trying on the Mango gladiator sandals that every blogger and their mother seem to have purchased recently, and being quite disappointed at the fit and quality, I found these brilliant bargains from Next. Yes Next of all places. I often pass Next by, regarding it as the place where people camp outside overnight just to bag a branded t-shirt in the Christmas sales, but it is filled with treasures all reasonably priced and of excellent quality. In the last month I've purchased 3 items, all of which I am incredibly happy with. So back to these sandals...They tick the shoe of the summer gladiator style box, they come in black and chocolate brown, they are real leather and super comfy due in part to the rubber sole. And the best bit, they are a bargain £24! That's not a typing error, they really are £24. If the boyfriend wasn't monitoring my shopping habit I would go back and get the brown ones too. I've already worn mine with a maxi dress (back when we had 2 days of warm weather) and will be wearing them with denim dresses and summer shorts when summer arrives.

Pom pom tunic £45 from Next BUY HERE

Another find in Next is this cotton, tassel trimmed tunic. A-line in shape (so it disguises the fact I've eaten too much ice-cream recently) it works perfect with khaki trousers, shorts and denim. Pair it with skinny jeans rather than boyfriend ones though to balance the volume. It also comes in indigo which is rather tempting...

Nike Air Huarache £80 from Size? BUY HERE

I've been wearing my beloved Stan Smiths non-stop and even recently purchased another pair in a different colour as I love them so much (the frugal/voice of reason boyfriend made me take them back though!) Thinking I'd never find a replacement for my Stans I then saw a super chic lady wandering around Shoreditch, pushing a buggy, wearing the above Nikes with skinny black trousers and a duster coat, and she just looked so cool that I knew I had to have these trainers. They are incredibly comfy, making them perfect for a day at work, and the pop of teal adds a welcome pop of colour to my grey/black/navy wardrobe. Word of advice, go up a size when buying as they are a very snug fit.

Wide leg trousers from Topshop BUY HERE

Trousers in black with a navy stripe! It was love at first sight. These trousers are actually 4 inches longer, but I took them up as I wanted them to be culottes rather than trousers.

Caged sandals £49.99 from Zara BUY HERE

While prepping for a job last week I spotted these in Zara and instantly knew they had to be mine. These statement flats will work with a daytime jean and just as well with an evening ensemble. I love the combination of leather and patent straps and gold and silver studs. I also like the way you can see a little bit of toe through the straps so I'll be wearing these with a brightly coloured polish on my nails.

What's made it into your shopping bag recently?