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.

Terrific TK Maxx

A little part of me didn't want to write this blog post, but I feel I would be doing a diservice to my fellow bargain lovers if I didn't share this. So here goes...think of it as my Christmas present to you!

I used to visit TK Maxx about a decade ago, visiting the out of town branches, to pick up good designer jeans at a fraction of the price. But in recent years I've been disappointed by the fashion on offer and headed straight to the home wears to rummage for pots and pans.

When prepping for a job at Westfield Stratford recently I thought I'd take a look in TK Maxx. I headed straight to their Gold Label section which showcases designer past season clothes. Wowseroo! What a selection! I grabbed handfuls of Stella McCartney, Helmut Lang, J Brand and Balanciaga.

Sadly this stripe JW Anderson shirt above didn't fit so that stayed instore. 

As did this cream Stella McCartney jacket. At £249 it isn't as cheap as the bargains to be had at the McCartney sample sale, but it's still an incredible price for a beautiful jacket you would love for years.

And it pained me no end that these stunning wool black trousers with tiny button detail by Balenciaga for £149 were too big. I was tempted to buy them and eat more cake but reason prevailed.

I did however score this classic black blazer by Helmut Lang for £149.99. The sharp shoulder creates such a strong silhouette and I know I'll wear it loads.

I also picked up this See by Chloe navy pea coat for £129.99 and have already got lots of wear out of it. It's the perfect weekend coat, working perfectly with a cosy cream knit and jeans.

They also had a large selection of classic skinny J Brand jeans for £49.99 so I thought it only sensible to get some!

Then I went back to TK Maxx a few days later, just for a little look, not expecting to find much. But they get new deliveries 6 days a week and I walked away with possibly my biggest bargain buy ever, I was literally hopping with excitement in the queue to pay!

And here she is. A black silk evening dress with crystal embellished neckline from the summer 2013 Lanvin collection. Yes Lanvin! For the bargain price of £149.99! I couldn't believe my luck and can't wait to wear her over the festive season.

If you manage to bag any bargains at TK Maxx please let me know. 

Happy shopping!

Sx

Life Lately

Argh! It's December already! How the frick did that come about so quickly? Time is just whizzing by and before I know it it will be 2015. Here's a little of my life lately.

Prepping For A Job

Spending many hours on Pinterest putting together mood boards for the many jobs I have coming up before Christmas. Pinterest is genius and you can follow my boards here.

The Divine Dessert List At Balthazar

Meeting up with friends for dinner at Balthazar. I've wanted to visit this restaurant ever since Carrie Bradshaw tried to get in during an episode of Sex & The City. I ate about a week's worth of calories, sipped too much prosecco and had a fantastic evening.

Stella McCartney Phone Case BUY HERE

This has been my best purchase recently, a phone case in the shape of a shark with fins and eyes and teeth! Anyone who knows me knows how fascinated I am with sharks, I am terrified by them, but I respect that they are incredible creatures. This phone case brightens my day and is quite the talking point.

Homemade Pizza

Now that we are in winter I am craving lots of yummy carb-ey food and tried making homemade pizza recently. The base is stupidly easy to make and I've been experimenting with lots of different toppings, my favourite being spinach, goats cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.

Grenson Sample Sale Bargains

We went to the Grenson sample sale this weekend and it was filled with flat shoe wonderfulness. Sadly I didn't find anything in my size, but the boyfriend lucked out with all of these for a bargain-ous £100.

Care Bear Stare!

I recently collected my old toys from my parents home and while lots of them have since been donated or were too damaged to keep I've managed to salvage some, including my beloved Roald Dahl books and some Care Bears.

Wreath of Dreams at Albion

When getting my weekend hot chocolate at Albion I came across the most beautiful Christmas wreath greeting you as you enter the establishment. I really need to start thinking about getting a tree soon.  

Hope you have a wonderful week and happy December!

Sx

New Season Lust List

Now that the summer sales are over all the stores are filling up with new season goodies enticing you to part with your money. It's the perfect time to invest in a winter coat, new boots or cosy knitwear. While I will be hitting the high street for my new season buys here is a list of what I would purchase if I had a money tree.

I'll start with the accessories. These Isabel Marant boots are perfection. I adore the gommet detail, the wrapped leather and side tie. They'd work perfectly with both jeans and a skirt.

Aubrey Boots £845 Isabel Marant from www.mytheresa.com

Jil Sander Navy has put a dotty spin on these lace up shoes. I live in flat shoes and these would be a fun edition to my shoe cupboard.

Shoes £285 Jil Sander Navy from www.matchesfashion.com

I'm on the search for a cross-body bag and this offering from Saint Laurent would make me so happy.

Cross-Body Bag £1,110 Saint Laurent from www.matchesfashion.com

Fur is massive for A/W. I will be buying into the trend with a faux fur coat or scarf. I am in LOVE with the coats from Shrimps, plus they have the cutest website. They also sell gorgeous scarves in fantastic colour combinations. I love the pink and red combo but am also lusting after the blue and orange.

Ivana scarf £175 Shrimps

Navy and black is a favourite colour combination of mine and this wool fedora will add interest to my winter outfits.

Fedora £118 Hat Attack from www.mytheresa.com

Now for the clothes. A coat is an item of clothing you should invest in and this cape version (capes are a must buy for Autumn) in two-tone grey would be a welcome addition to my wardrobe.

Cape coat £1000 Richard Nicoll from www.matchesfashion.com

Tailored wide leg trousers are another strong trend for Autumn and one I will definitely be buying into. This version by JW Anderson have a flattering high waist and I adore the quirky oversized ankle detail. I'd wear these with some trainers during the day and with a strappy sandal for evening.

Wide leg trousers £430 JW Anderson from www.net-a-porter.com

I love mixing textures and fabrics and colder weather lends itself to this. I'd wear this leather midi-skirt in merlot (a major colour trend for the new season) with a navy chunky knit and those Isabel Marant boots.

Skirt £1650 Pedro del Hierro Madrid from www.net-a-porter.com

The love of logo tops continues into autumn and I am coveting this oversized version by Acne Studios.

Sweater £220 Acne Studios www.mytheresa.com

You can never have too many LBD's in your wardrobe and this duchess satin dress with a fringe hem is perfect. I love the high collar, short sleeves and loose cut. I'm crossing my fingers a similar version will turn up in a sample sale somewhere!

Dress £1795 by Stella McCartney from www.matchesfashion.com

What's on your shopping list for the new season?

Images: www.matchesfashion.com, www.net-a-porter.com, www.mytheresa.com

Weekend Scenes

The weekend started a day early for me as I enjoyed a freelance Friday afternoon (which turned into an evening) catching up with university friends at Shoreditch House. Cocktails were consumed and some very competitive games of ping pong were played, but my phone died so there's no photographic evidence of the revelry sadly.

I love Park Run!

On Saturday morning I ran a PB (personal best) at Mile End Park Run which helps towards the training for the London Triathlon I am taking part in with Simply Swim.

Brownie recipe from Peyton & Bryne

I figured I could indulge in a little chocolate action after my successful run so made these deliciously stodgy walnut brownies from Peyton & Bryne. I'm about half way through this massive batch, I'm such a chocolate fiend!

Charity shop here I come!

I finally got around to clearing out my wardrobe (making way for new purchases!) and this massive pile is off to my local charity shop to find a new home.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray

My hair can't decide if it's curly or straight and is usually a fuzzy mess if I don't straighten it, which I do every day. However I've decided to give it a rest as my split ends are getting split ends, so I started using Bumble & Bumble's infamous Surf Spray this weekend to help define the frizz. So far so good, let's see how my hair behaves when the rain returns.

Dress Topshop (similar here), Sandals Stella McCartney, Bag Prada

It was so nice to have warmer weather this weekend and I couldn't resist getting my legs out and slipping on some sandals.

Let's hope the sunshine continues and have a lovely week!

Jump To It

I thought my days of wearing jumpsuits were over until I spied this little beauty in Topshop. I tried it on, still felt a little unsure but bought it anyway, then took the plunge and wore it the next day to a shoot. To my surprise I received more compliments and "where is it from?" comments than I have had in a very long time. The thick slinky fabric ensures flattering coverage over the derrière, it's navy so I automatically love it, the cuffed ankle and wrist are a great detail and it's super comfortable (allow a few extra minutes when going to the loo though). 

Jumpsuit Topshop, Bag Prada, Sandals Topshop

I wore mine with simple flat sandals, but I intend to wear it with a strappy high heel and a bright clutch bag for evening or a leather biker jacket and some slip on trainers in cooler weather. It's a versatile wardrobe essential that I will be wearing again and again in the coming months. Here is a round up of some other jumpsuits to entice you to add this versatile item to your wardrobe.

The perfect weekend jumpsuit, wear with trainers or tan sandals.

Zara £59.99

The perfect holiday jumpsuit (with boning for added support), just add a tan and long gold necklaces.

Topshop £60

The perfect wedding jumpsuit, pair with a blazer and metallic accessories.

 

Reiss £245

The perfect workwear jumpsuit, add brogues and simple graphic jewellery.

COS £135

The dream evening jumpsuit, wear with a metallic high heel and gold cuffs.

Stella McCartney at Net-A-Porter £1,435

Images: Topshop, Reiss, Zara, COS, Net-A-Porter,