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Fabulous Maternity Fashion 09 Dress your bump in style with maternity wear tips from pregnant Nicky Hambleton-JonesBy Lisa Haynes Maternity fashion is no longer about tent-like smock dresses and stretch waistband jeans. Just because you're expecting a baby, doesn't mean your style has to take a back seat. This was undoubtedly the year that maternity wear found its way onto the fashion map, publicised by a host of gorgeous pregnant celebrities. Holly Willoughby put the yummy into mummy when she released her maternity range for Littlewoods and Nicole Richie launched a line of maternity wear in her signature boho style for A Pea in the Pod. Another pregnant celebrity who has recently had to adapt her red carpet wardrobe for a baby bump is stylist Nicky Hambleton-Jones, due to give birth at the end of December. Here Nicky lets mums-to-be into her stylish maternity secrets: Style sacrifices? Pregnant fashionistas may be relishing the prospect of motherhood but dreading waving goodbye to their pre-bump wardrobe for a while. But Nicky believes you don't have to sacrifice your style: "You can either embrace it and continue to look like a sexy pregnant mama or lose your sense of self in comfy, frumpy clothes."
Nicky has even discovered added benefits to her new baby-bearing figure: "I still wear lots of colour, high heels and sexy underwear," she says. "My chest has doubled in size so I've certainly made more of my new found cleavage by wearing low cut tops. I discovered Hot Milk who do some really sexy pieces (available at www.figleaves.com ) and Ruby Angel (www.rubyangel.co.uk) also do some gorgeous non-wired bras." But one of her wardrobe staples that have been made redundant until 2010 are her treasured belts: "I've always been a huge fan of the high-waisted belt," she explains, "but now my stomach has evolved into something resembling a football so they've been packed away." Maternity shopping - You don't have to go down the maternity route and buy a whole new wardrobe for your new shape but a few key investments will see you through your months of blooming tummy growth. "Maternity clothes are designed to stretch with your changing shape without losing your sexy silhouette," Nicky explains. "The choices available now are so much better than they were 5 to 10 years ago. With jersey fabrics being so in vogue, you may not even need to venture down the maternity clothing route." And whether you want to blow the budget and maternity overdose or buy a couple of key pieces to accommodate your bump, there's a retailer to suit your style. Nicky says: "I've got my maternity wardrobe from Mamas and Papas who have some gorgeous fitted cashmere knits (www.mamasandpapas.com). For affordable basics, try Blooming Marvellous (www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk). Blossom Mother and Child (www.blossommotherandchild.com) also has a fabulous selection of own brand and interesting one-off pieces which they've scoured the UK high street for." You may not have Nicky's red carpet appearances in your diary, but you can still sparkle in maternity wear throughout the party season. "I've had so many personal appearances to attend whilst being pregnant and still need to look good - I've found Isabella Oliver (www.isabellaoliver.com) to be a breath of fresh air," she says. "If you want something with a cool fashion twist then ASOS (www.asos.com) have a really youthful, fun collection." Seasonal essentials Looking longingly at this season's catwalk trends? Hey, a baby bump didn't stop Jourdan Dunn working designer looks... Jean Paul Gaultier sent the heavily pregnant supermodel down the runway at his show during Paris Fashion Week accentuating her bump with a padded dome. But if you're looking for something a little more 'everyday' Nicky has these top investment buys if you want to include a nod to this season's trends: Cape - "The extra volume makes it an ideal choice for pregnancy. Choose one in a bright colour to add a splash of colour to your wardrobe," Nicky suggests. Scarlet dress - "Red is the colour of the season," Nicky says. "Isabella Oliver (www.isabellaoliver.com) do a fabulous red wrap dress (£159)." Thigh-high boots - "If you've got the legs for them there's no reason why you shouldn't wear them but flat might be more practical than stiletto heels," Nicky advises. 'Coatigan' - "A mix between a coat and cardigan, this is something which you can easily drape around a bump and wear afterwards too," Nicky recommends. Velvet - "Sumptuous velvet is a great eveningwear trend," Nicky says. "Invest in some black velvet preggie trousers (£40) from Mamas and Papas (www.mamasandpapas.com)." Maternity stage essentials Whether you're in charge of a pasta belly-style tummy in the first trimester or a gigantic bump towards the end, Nicky reveals her maternity tips for tailoring your wardrobe to fit a growing bump: Early stages "In the early stages I think you can pretty much get away with your usual clothes," Nicky says. "I didn't start wearing pregnancy clothes until around five and a half months, but it can depend on how you carry. "If your bump is small, it can be confused for a flabby tum so careful not to wear anything too clingy. Anything with a bold pattern is a great disguise or layer fitted tops under looser ones for added volume without killing your shape." Half way "This is when I'd advise you to invest in a great pair of maternity jeans," Nicky advises. "You can still wear your old faithful’s if you want to, but they do tend to dig in. I found under-the-bump maternity jeans to be the most comfortable. "Also think about investing in a maternity capsule collection at this stage - a few tops, one pair of jeans, and one or two dresses, which can also be layered over jeans." Nearly there... "By now, you've exhausted your maternity capsule and are desperate to get your body back - I know I am," Nicky says. "It's still important to maintain a level of femininity and sexiness at this stage - so show off your bump with pride and layer fitted tees under draped cardigans for added cover without concealing your shape. "Try not to invest in too much black - this is such an exciting stage as you're almost there and what better way to show off your glowing complexion than with a splash of colour." Fashion flash Principles return One of Britain's best loved brands will be making a reappearance on the high street. The Principles brand, which disappeared from 400 stores across the UK in March, is back resurrected by Debenhams. The Principles by Ben de Lisi collection will hit stores in February next year, including clothing, handbags and accessories as well as the popular petite range. Style showdown Pick up style tips while you sup at Disaronno's invite-only evenings at Karen Millen. Fashion and style experts, including hairdresser Andrew Barton, make-up artist Lisa Eldridge and stylist Nick Ede, are on hand to offer insights on what's hot for 2010. The evenings take place in November at Karen Millen stores in London, Manchester, Cardiff and Liverpool. For your chance to attend visit www.disaronno.co.uk/karenmillen. Stockist: George at Asda www.mothercare.com Photo: Nicky Hambleton Jones - courtesy Ian West/PA Photos |
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