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London Mothers Club is a new venture that my friend Kerrie-Anne (pictured), her sister Stephanie and friend Becky have recently launched. Kerrie-Anne gave birth to her first baby, Ivy (also pictured!), 5 months ago and being quite creative and desperate to meet other mums who share similar interests, she, along with Stephanie and Becky, came up with the idea of a club that gives mums the opportunity to get together (both offline and online) and enjoy the things that they might not get to do any more.
London Mothers (Events and Online) will offer lots of classes throughout London including: jewellery making, card making and flower arranging, as well as workshops on things like: going back to work, nutrition and personal style (that’s where I come in).
Card Making Classes
The beauty of each event is that mums can bring their babies and/or children along with them and there will be child minders on hand to offer support to mums by helping to look after the little ones whilst their busy getting creative. And being online also, new mothers will have direct access to a team of experts who can provide answers to various questions.
I’ll be offering regular personal style advice to the club by way of written blog posts and workshops… (look below to read my first!)
Visit London Mothers Club on Twitter (@LondonMother) if you’d like to know more about getting involved…
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Now I’ll start off by saying that I haven’t recently had a baby and I do not yet have any children, but I have been trained in Personal Styling and I do have friends who have recently given birth. I do also know that clothes, if chosen correctly, can boost your confidence greatly and result in you feeling like a new and improved you!
Your body will have changed, and your lifestyle too. Your wardrobe may have remained the same but it’s time to change this aspect to improve the other areas of your life. Once the confidence kicks in, you’ll bring back the sparkle and the radiance. And the smile.
Whether you’re pregnant or have recently had a baby, I don’t believe in trying to conceal the bump or tighten it in. There are ways to hide what you don’t like but natural curves like these are nature’s way of giving us a beautiful thing, a newborn baby.
There are several essential items, which you shouldn’t be without, and these will work to dress up and accessorize current wardrobe choices.
A wrap – this is perfect for hiding any troublesome areas. A lot of women don’t like the tops of their arms for example. It can also be used as a sling holder when feeding the baby and worn loosely, it will drape over your baby bump. Not on the High Street do some beautiful cashmere ones in a variety of colours…
Not on the High Street £130
Sunglasses will inject a bit of style in an instant. I wouldn’t follow a particular trend here. Go with what suits you. I have a trusty pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers, which I take everywhere, but the oversized 50’s ones add a splash of glamour, as do the more shapely ones like these vintage Gucci glasses from Net-a-Porter…
Vintage Gucci £150 Net-a-Porter
No woman should be without a classic watch. It will add class and style to any outfit combination. My personal favourite is this Michael Kors one from Selfridges.
Michael Kors £219 Selfridges
Take a little trip to MAC and treat yourself to a bright lipstick. This Ruby Woo red one will do just the trick to awaken your face and bring colour to an outfit. It’s amazing what confidence a little red lippy can do. Make sure lips are in good moisturised condition before application by using MAC Lip Conditioner SPF15.
Statement necklaces like this one from Maxmara (Matches) are fantastic to draw attention to the upper neck and face area. Keep the focus on the upper area if you want to avoid drawing attention to the baby bump. Ensure that you don’t add bulk to outfits by keeping lines clean – no frills, heavy fabrics or pleats. Without detailing on the clothing, statement necklaces add a style statement.
Maxmara £198 Matches
An investment handbag will not only double as a practical carry bag for your baby essentials but also when worn over the arm, will distract any attention away from the tummy area. Personally I love Mulberry and Balenciaga.
Balenciaga £825 Matches
A blouse is a classic wardrobe staple, and can be buttoned accordingly. When not with the baby, opt for a beautiful silk number, like this one from Oxygen Boutique. It’s extremely flattering and will fall well over the lines of the body. Wear a length below the hip – do not purchase one that is only waist length, this can be unflattering.
Equipment £210 Oxygen Boutique
Don’t buy into high neck clothing, opt for a v-neck instead – this elongates the neck and face area, showing off a flash of skin at your most flattering point. If you feel over exposed, team with a pretty silk scarf or team it with your statement necklace. A printed scarf, like this beauty from Liberty, will hide any stains that may occur during your busy day.
Liberty £135
Leggings are perfect under tunic style tops. An elasticised waistline and in black soft cotton – remember dark tones are the ones which give the most slimming effects. Tunic style tops are loose, breathable and skim over the body finishing beneath the hip.
If you feel that you’re ready to get back in those denim staples, select a pair of jeans that balance out the body. The current 70’s trend of bootleg/flared jeans is perfect, bringing the lower part of your body in line with the upper. These ones from Citizens of Humanity at Shopbop, are perfect for those with a baby bump.
Citizens of Humanity £115 Shopbop.com
Heels. Not the most practical of things to be worn when looking after a small child. However, a slight sturdy heel will inject a whole lot of confidence. Dune and Zara do some lovely examples. Team said bootleg/flared jeans with a low sandal wedge and you’ll be channelling stylish 70’s boho chic. Layer over a long length grey marl jersey tee, along with a metallic chunky statement necklace.
Dune £75
Lastly a good blazer, like the one below from Reiss, will add style and structure to the fluid lines of your new wardrobe. Don’t do up – this will be too constricting and boxy, but instead wear it undone for a relaxed yet smart look.
£195 Reiss
Don’t forget to keep hold of classics like those pair of converse (Office) and flat Chelsea boots (Topshop). A good pair of shoes is the cherry on the cake and will leave you feeling confident, relaxed and stylish.
Converse £41.99 Office
Topshop £70
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If you follow these simple rules, you’ll be dressed both fashionably and functional, and you’ll definitely add the yummy to mummy.
xx
