"Mum-friendly" clothes: What I've Worn

Who said us mamas can't get dressed up?

Who said we need to ditch the heels?

Who said we should live in baggy clothes, all day, every day?!

Well, let's be realistic... Any new mama will know how hard it is to feel sexy, let alone look it. When you're dealing with sleep deprivation, changing diapers all day, cleaning vomit off your clothes, stuffing nursing pads into your bra, staring at your wobbly stomach (why didn't those Recovery Shorts work?!), it's hard to get excited about looking good. However, why shouldn't we? While I do spend most of the week in casual, breast-feeding-friendly clothes, I will never say no to an opportunity to get dressed up. 

The past six months have been pretty wonderful getting back into some old clothes. I was told I'd never see another pair of heels again. Or, that some of my clothes were not 'mum-friendly'. One thing I've learned in the past six months as a new mum is that we are made to feel guilty about everything. Well, one thing I'm definitely not going to feel bad about is my desire to retain a sense of my old self. 

Now,  where are those heels?

Outfit Edit: Top by Carla Zampatti, Skirt by Cotton On & Shoes by Urban Soul.

Off-the-shoulder: fail proof, my go-to when I have nothing else to go to. This one is particularly luxurious and a loved item in my wardrobe. 

Outfit Edit: Top by Bardot & Skirt by Nicola Waite

This top has probably been the most worn item in my wardrobe. I've had it for years and I hope to still be rocking it in when I'm 50. It is breastfeeding friendly and always makes me feel like I'm on some tropical island. 

Now, where's that cocktail?   

Oh, here it is! Most of my outfits are determined by my mood. Here I am on date night with hubby. We visited Matt Moran's Chiswick in Woollahra and had such a lovely time. We promised each other not to spend most of the night talking about our son- a promise I found myself breaking often through out the night. Nonetheless, it felt really nice to be out baby-free, talking to hubby about life and what not. Dare I say it, but it actually felt like we were on our first date (haha!).

Outfit Edit: Vintage top, Premonition Skirt, Bag by A.Wang and Shoes by Lipstick

Outfit Edit: Pants by Cameo The Label & Shoes by Nine West

My love for leopard print extends all the way to my feet. I've been living in these since becoming a mummy. There's a heel, but still comfortable enough to get around with a pram, baby, shopping bags, baby bag, baby carrier...you get my drift.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Manning Cartell

Outfit Edit: Jumper by Dotti, Bag & Boots by Witchery.

Layering is not my thing. Never has been, never will be. I truly believe it is an art form, one in which many Sydneyians are not very good at. We have a lot to learn from Melbournians when it comes to layering. It just doesn't get cold enough here in Sydney for us to perfect this skill. Our winters are kind to us, allowing only slight variations from Autumn dressing. Every winter I tell myself I will layer better than the last...and every winter no improvement is ever made.

Outfit Edit: Jumpsuit by Zimmermann & Cardigan by Nicola Finetti 

Jumpsuit. Leopard print. Breastfeeding friendly. This outfit just made sense. My husband questioned why I was so overdressed when we were only having dinner locally on a week night. I told him he was lucky I wasn't wearing a gown. When you spend most of your days wearing sports gear (it's easier to get around in with bub) any opportunity to get dressed is an opportunity I don't like to miss.

Outfit Edit: Clutch by Cue, Top by Shieke & Skirt by Willow

While I was pregnant, hubby came home one evening and kindly filled me in on some fashion news. When you live in your pjs, watch TV and eat crackers all day, any news is good news. Even when it's from your style shy husband. 

"What?" I asked. 

The crop top. This really wasn't news to me. When this trend first surfaced, I had a real love-hate relationship with it. I had to kindly remind myself that this trend would have been taken up by my fifteen year old self, not so much as a twenty seven year old, and definitely not in my mummy-to-be state. As my tummy grew bigger, and those beautiful red lines surfaced (over night, I might add), I had a sudden urge to go crop. Stranger things have happened in my pregnancy, I promise! 

I purchased this crop top around three months post-partum from Shieke. I liked the thick fabric and how there was some structure. To balance the look and make sure I didn't look like I was about to break out in dance at a festival, I wore a long skirt. 

Outfit Edit: Dress by Zimmermann

I am a sucker for pieces that have kick ass structure. This dress is no exception.

Outfit Edit: Top by Fleur Wood & Shorts by Camilla & Marc

This picture was taken on the weekend 5 months after giving birth. It felt good to finally be able to get back into these (muffin top and all).  

Outfit Edit: Kookai Dress

It's always fun to add some colour to your wardrobe. I believe everyone should wear one colour they normally wouldn't (at least once in their life time). After you do it, you might surprise yourself by making more out-of-the-norm fashion choices.  

Outfit Edit: Dress by Ben Sherman

Outfit Edit: Dress by illionaire, bag by Saint Laurent & Heels by Lipstick

I promise this is a dress and not a top!

Top by Sass & Bide, Cardigan by Mossman, Pants by Camilla & Marc and Shoes by Tony Bianco.

What are you wearing? 

Are you trying to look like M.C Hammer?!

I love these pants...even though no one else does. As much as I love structure, some days it feels pretty awesome to just dress like I don't care. 

Outfit Edit: Dress by Jayson Brunsdon, Shoes by Tony Bianco and Coffee from Top Paddock

If I've got a bold print like leopard on, I usually prefer to calm the look down by wearing it in a loose-fitting way (particularly for day-time wear). This shapeless dress (which I grabbed at Myer's Mid-season sale in Chadstone, Melbourne) is probably one of my favourite purchases this year. 

The coffee was also pretty amazing. 

Jumpsuit by Staple the Label, Cardigan by Nicola Finetti, Bag by Witchery & Coffee by a wonderful barista  in Bondi Westfields

More leopard print. More coffee. 
Life is looking up.  

Outfit Edit: Sunnies from House of Harlow

Outfit Edit: Dress by Arthur Galan, Boots by Zoe Wittner & Bag by A.Wang

All leather for a mid-week dinner with the girls.

These peep-toe boots are my absolute fav. Admittedly, I am not really much of a shoe person (even though my husband is). I find it hard to invest good money on a pair of shoes (the way I would for bags or clothes)- only because I can't justify spending a lot on something that befriends the ground. However, I am very much aware that shoes can make or break an outfit.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Shakuhachi

It was 40 degrees one Sunday and I thought it fitting to wear a black frilly dress. 

Obviously I was crazy. 

Outfit Edit: Top by White Suede, Shorts by Camilla & Marc, Shoes by Robert Robert and Bag by Mulberry

As soon as I gave birth I used these shorts as a guide to my weight loss. The goal was to get back into them- and fast (why do we set such unrealistic expectations on ourselves??!) At first, they wouldn't zip (what did I expect, seriously???) It took me a few months to wear them comfortably, however I'm not sure if that's because I actually lost any weight or if they've stretched from all the squeezing I've done!?!

Outfit Edit: Top by Shakuhachi

More frills. 

More to come. 

I promise. 

What I Wore: The Weekend Edit

I walked into my walk-in-wardrobe after 40 weeks and felt the dust that had gathered beneath my feet. I'm sure if I looked hard enough, mysterious and exotic findings would have been made. Post-pregnancy, I walked in with a spring to my step. It felt so good to be reunited with all my clothes again.

Reality check- not ALL- it will take some  time to fit back into everything... 

I spent the first few weeks post-partum wearing my SRC Recovery Shorts and gym gear (in and out of the house) and, after four weeks, decided it was time to bust back into some clothes from before the bump. 

It felt like reuniting with an old friend.

JUNE- THE WEEKEND EDIT  

Outfit Edit: Blazer from Zimmermann and Drop Pants from Cameo the Label

You can never go wrong with a blazer. In any colour. Be it white, black, pink...It just has to fit well. 

I purchased these drop pants mid-way through my pregnancy and loved how comfortable they were. Unfortunately, I only wore them once. Here, at three weeks post-partum & a leftover bump it just made sense to get some wear out of them before they literally dropped.

Boots from Zoe Wittner

Living in flats for almost 40 weeks drove me crazy.  

My colleagues at work knew I was pregnant almost straight away when I rocked up to work wearing flats.  There was no need for an announcement. My foot-wear was enough. 

I almost danced my way back into these boots.

I felt on top of the world.

 

Outfit Edit: Top by Cameo the Label, Skirt by Socialite & Boots by Zoe Wittner.

Mid-week dinner with the girls in winter and what do I decide to wear? A mini skirt, of course.  

If you're going to bare your legs the general rule is to be a tad bit more modest at the top. This top is sheer so I might be breaking my own rule. 

This feature wall is interesting. It reminds me of  something. 

I think breast feeding is driving me crazy.

 

Gatsby themed hens party called for some sparkly gold action. 

And a selfie. 

Outfit Edit: Headband by Mimco, Clutch by Events & Dress by Manning Cartell.

Gold. Sequins. Red lips. High heels.

It's Saturday night and I'm ready to party.

Actually, who am I kidding? 

I'm a new mummy to a baby boy (exactly one month as of 14.06.14 and when this photo was taken) and, like Cinderella, the party ends at 12am. There was no prince, no shiny shoe or magical carriage. Just a new mama who was still a tad bit awkward in high heels trying to sparkle and have some fun...

Underneath it all, I had the B (his name is Bradley) on my mind. I couldn't stop looking at my phone and my heart did a few cart wheels when my mother in law called. 

Just to tell me he was fine, feeding well and not missing me. 

I said I would be home at 12 am. 

I got home at 11.15pm.

It's Sunday morning and I need a coffee. In fact, as a new mama, I need a coffee every day, all day. Unfortunately, I have recently discovered that my coffee parties don't go down so well with my son. After he breast feeds, instead of sleeping, the B wants to party with hubby and I. 

So I have decided to tone down my caffeine intake to once a week. This one, unfortunately, was wasted on mediocre and watered-down coffee at Excelsior Jones in Ashfield. 

Not happy. 

Outfit Edit: Knit from Lolitta, pants from Cameo the Label & Boots from Zoe Wittner

My outfit, on the other hand, made me very happy. 

It was terribly cold today in Sydney(18 degrees, slightly wet and very grey) and wearing this knit felt like walking around in an oven.

Ring: House of Harlow

 

Baby Bump Fashion

BABY BUMP FASHION

Just some pictures of my pregnant self (some without the bump) and some very obvious bumpy ones... No particular weekly order, just whatever I could find on my phone.

The Early Days... 

Outfit Edit: Top by Manning Cartell, Skirt by Cameo The Label, Shoes by Tony Bianco and Bag by Alexander Wang.

This picture was taken at a hotel in Canberra for my cousins birthday (during Floriade). I was deathly sick but still managed a mirror shot. I realised the hard way that I was slightly overdressed for Canberra...so when the sun set and we ventured off to Floriade at night, I swapped the heels for thongs, the skirt for a pair of sexy pink trackies and the flimsy top for a nice over-size hooded jumper. Totally rocked the look.

Fell in love with this white skirt from Zara (purchased in Canberra). Almost cried when I saw the price tag (only $50!) This was the first (and last) time I wore it. It might be one of the first items I get back into once the baby weight comes off (if it ever does).

 

Outfit Edit: Prada bag, Shoes by Zara and Dress by Dion Lee.

Decided to wear this number out to dinner at Soyko (The Star) when I was roughly 21/22 weeks pregnant. Was fun salivating over all the delicious Japanese food...that I could not eat. I have already requested that hubby goes on a sushi run to my favourite Japanese restaurant (Fat Panda in Canley Heights) while I am hospital and bring back some sushi for me. Mmmmmm... Can I have a glass of wine with that???

Outfit Edit: Dress by Scanlan & Theodore

Here, at around 21/22 weeks pregnant. Baby bump starting to protrude. This dress was super comfortable and accommodated the growing bump wonderfully.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Sass & Bide

Got this dress made in Thailand roughly 2.5 years ago and was stoked to find it was bump-friendly for a wedding that I attended around 23 weeks pregnant. I'm not sure why I chose the colour yellow. Definitely not a colour I would usually buy, let alone request to get made in.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Staple the Label

Here's something more true to my style- a black dress. Love the plunging back. Love LOVE the price tag even more- a mere $30.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Uscari

Here, at around 27 weeks pregnant. I was craving the famous snapper pie from The Boathouse and thought I'd conveniently inform husband that I'd like to take him out for his 31st birthday. Of course, he saw right through it, but agreed to take me anyway! 

The great thing about gaining weight in pregnancy (yes, there's an upside!)is that you get to fit all the clothes you buy slightly too big and tell yourself you'll alter. Well, this dress falls into that category. I'm not sure I'll ever want to get back into this dress again though. While it looks super dreamy and comfortable, the reality is it was far from practical. I had to hold on to the bottom for dear life every time I got up to go the toilet (plenty of that). I'm pretty sure there were some onlookers inside the restaurant thinking "Stupid pregnant girl..."

Lesson learned. 

While I absolutely LOVE leggings, I am afraid I might never want to look at another one for a very, very long time after I give birth. I am currently living in a pair every second day or so. Not as fancy as these, but leggings nonetheless. SO OVER THEM.

Outfit Edit: Dress by Alice McCall

Off to dinner with my sisters around 29 weeks pregnant wearing this patterned Alice McCall dress.I have definitely found figure-hugging  dresses way more comfortable (obviously ones that stretch to your stomach and not ones you force yourself into). Mum is constantly on my back though, giving me an earful about how I should dress for comfort, that my dresses are too tight, who am I trying to impress...

She could go on forever (love her to bits though!)

Outfit Edit: Dress by Shakuhachi & Vintage clutch

Here, at the Intercontinental in the city on a relaxing weekend with my cousin Linda. She spoiled my pregnant self to two nights at the lavish hotel. Of course I couldn't go without a shot in the lift (when no one's there!) 

Outfit Edit: Dress by Alice McCall, Sunnies by D&G and Bag by A Wang

I had brunch in Bronte with my cousin and sister before we went on a hair trial for my sisters wedding. As we walked around I found this beautiful door and requested a photo. I really am a sucker for all things wrought iron. LOVE. 

This dress was one of my first purchases from Alice McCall. I fell in love with the print, which is funny as I don't consider myself much of a print person at all. I spent a frantic morning running around in my wardrobe trying to find a dress that could accommodate my 30/31 week belly. A massive sigh of relief when I put it on and it fit. YAY! Then I toyed with the idea of wearing kitten heels but decided to destroy this dress with a good ole pair of thongs.

Outfit Edit: Sass & Bide Jacket, Target leggings & Cotton On tank

It's nice to disappear in all black every now and again. Especially when you feel super pregnant. Here, at 33/34 weeks.

I know I look a bit like a sand stoned building here, but I don't mind. Another dress I rejoiced over whilst pregnant. It was always a tad bit awkward on me when I was bump-free (to belt or not to was a dilemma I had- third world problems, I know). 

Dress by Willow & Choker by Nicholas

   

Outfit Edit: Dress by Sass & Bide

If you haven't already noticed, I am a massive fan of Sass & Bide. I made a first purchase a few years back and I haven't looked back. It's definitely been a love affair (and an expensive one as well). I love original and crazy pieces, and this dress is no exception. The shoulder detail is to die for, though wearing it is somewhat tiring because everyone has something to say about it ("Whoah, what's that??" "You look dangerous!" "Does it hurt???") and of course, everyone wants to touch you.

Here it is, my  echidna-like shoulder detail. 

My baby bump at 39 weeks and 3 days. I gave birth four days later!

Outfit Edit: Dress by Nicola Finetti

Here, at around 38 weeks looking super glam (not). I was trying on dresses for my sisters wedding. This one was the winner. Please ignore the clutter. 

P.S. Cocoa Butter did not work on me. My battle scars (stretch marks) appeared overnight (happy days!) 

Up close of my dress. 

So there it is. The more glamorous side of my pregnancy. Believe me when I say those days were VERY rare. I lived in leggings on most days and wore the same outfit for days in a row. If I could drape myself in a blanket and walk out of the door I would have. Unfortunately I never found a blanket that was stylish enough.

Ha ha!

Unless, money grew on trees and I could afford this bad boy... 

Please watch this space. Now that I'm home with bub and no longer wrestling morning sickness and crazy weird cravings, I will find time once a week to blog. Promise! 

whoYen
xox