Minx and Her Mind

After the initial celebration of finding out I was pregnant and the excitement of watching my waist line expand I was hit with a slight snag. Non of my clothes would fit me anymore.

So off I went to the high street to shop and see what I could find off the peg. I needed clothes suitable for work and weekends. But couldn’t find much in the way of stylish or fashionable clothing.

Being put off by large t-shirts with motifs such as baby on board and don’t touch the bump. I came home with an essential few bits feeling beaten. Only two shops in my town stock of the peg maternity wear. One of them the bits I have bought have already started to fall to pieces from continual wear. I needed to look elsewhere.

I really needed a swimming costume and a dress suitable for a special occasion. So many of the high street clothes had looked frumpy or were suitable for much younger woman who wanted to bare their bump. Although I am pregnant I still want to feel sexy and look good. I need clothes that will last the duration. It shouldn’t be this difficult.

I started looking online and through pinterest I found www.seraphine.com

This was where I found my beautiful swim suit. A 50′s style Red and white polka dot tankini.

I had been looking in the high street and the maternity swim wear was not hugely flattering. Either sporty, unflattering and built to get the job done or fashionable but flimsy with thin fabrics or no support for the larger breasted lady. The Seraphine tankini has thicker fabric built to stretch as your bump grows but with a quality of fabric not to go see through when you are beautifully big and blooming.

Me at 15 weeks pregnant

I needed it not just to look good but to withstand my exercise routine at the gym. I put it through its paces at two aqua size classes. Both times it held my new blooming cleavage in with its supportive halter neck double lined cups. So no worry about spilling out. It also washed well and has not faded. I am so happy with my find.

I am a 12/14 bottom and have G cup breasts. I bought the extra-large and found this fits fine and I have lots of material left at the front for growth with out it looking baggie or having a gap between my bikini style briefs and the bottom of the tankini.

I then started looking for a dress i could dress up so it would be suitable for a wedding but also wear with boots or on a day-to-day basis. As the tankini had been so good i went back to Seraphine.com and found this pretty floral print dress.

I had been wearing maternity jeans or trousers all day everyday I found the comfortable freedom of the dress a revelation. My bump was free of restriction. A welcome break from elasticated trousers i find myself forever pulling up or adjusting. It was also delivered swiftly giving me time to accessorize before I needed to wear it.

The fabric is so soft which I know isn’t what you look for first in a dress,but with the quality stitching and elegant cut it makes for a very comfortable all day wear dress. Comfortable and stylish you say? Not possible. It really is and so important now I am pregnant.

I am blessed with an ample bust that has become more apparent during my pregnancy. I found the knot detail wonderful as it accentuated my bust but without giving me a huge cleavage I would be adjusting all day incase I was showing too much. Ensuring you continue to look elegant.

The knot also ensures a gathered fabric effect which allows the fabric cascade over your bump. It looks lovely and ensures your bump looks good from all angles. So even if you feel you are the size of a bus the stitching and pattern allow for a slimming effect. So you don’t need to look the size of a bus.

The dress has post pregnancy uses too so it’s not a pricey one-off buy you would never wear again. The knot front makes it suitable for breast-feeding and the cut is so that with bump or with fading bump it will look great.

Coming up to autumn and winter with the weather drawing in it was important for me to find a dress that would keep me warm enough without having to wear an extra cardigan over the top. With the knot dresses longer sleeves I didn’t have to worry about finding a suitable cardigan to go with it that would show off my bump and match the outfit.

I am very happy with both my purchases and the service from www.seraphine.com and have decided to buy the bulk of my maternity wear from them. I love the celebrity style page and was shocked to find they even did wedding and brides maids dresses on their website too.

During my last pregnancy 16 years ago I had relied on large shirts and leggings. I was determined this time I could look and feel like a yummy mummy without a legging in sight. It’s really nice to know I don’t have to look far for quality fashionable maternity wear without having to brave the high street.