We love MotherShoppers! MotherShoppers are helping mums and mums to be dress in a practi-cool way. Here at Finlay Fox we are firm believers that becoming a mum does not mean losing your style conscious ways. It's about finding key pieces that work in your wardrobe for everyday wear and not having to think about what you need to put on in the morning (you have enough on your plate)! Set up by two TV and editorial stylists and friends, Gemma (mum of one) and Bertie (mum of one with another on the way), they have a passion for clothes and take the stress out of daily dressing.
I met them at an event last year and was instantly taken with not only how lovely and stylish they both were but how they manage to dress and inspire on a real level - real women with realistic clothes. They have finally launched their project as a blog to solve your style issues from bump, baby and beyond.
We love that not only are they massive fans of the great British high street and online stores but also acknowledge a range of price points, key trends, show you how to wear them and understand different body shapes and sizes. On their blog they are great at highlighting pieces that you can invest in to update your wardrobe and be worn at all stages of motherhood - pre, during and post baby. Recent posts have covered culottes, cold shoulder tops and bomber jackets.
Using themselves as models, Bertie styles it up with her baby bump whilst Gemma shows how to do it without one. I like that it shows how versatile certain styles can be, for example wearing a long denim dress as a coat when pregnant. They also use Pinterest to show some inspiration and alternatives from other shops that are also available. Looking good ladies!
They have a blog, pinterest page and instagram feed which I highly recommend you follow for weekly inspiration and top finds! They are really good at finding bargains and the latest must have styles that will update your wardrobe.
We asked them few questions for the blog....
Whats the best thing about being a mum?
B: Feeling utterly in love with someone. My life feels forever changing and uncertain but that love is a constant force. The kisses, the cuddles and the pride she makes me feel. Also, having someone laugh at your crap jokes (although I am sure this won't last forever!)
G: I don't think anything can prepare you for how much love you feel. It's amazing to see this little person that you've grown inside you develop into a walking/talking person that surprises you every day. And the snuggles!
Why did you start MotherShoppers?
B: We first came up with the idea when Alma was born (nearly 3 years ago!) and we have been researching and planning this project ever since. I felt lost when I was last pregnant- utterly uninspired with maternity wear. We wanted to use our skills as stylists who've dressed every body shape you can imagine along with our experiences as mothers, to create a hub of ideas and advice for dressing during and post baby. We source clothes that work for both so you don't waste money or lose your sense of identity during what can be a very changing/challenging time!
What are the best items of clothing a new mum can invest in as her new life as a mother begins?
B: I'm planning on wearing lots of loungewear for the first couple of months! Although last time I was so desperate to wear 'normal' clothes again- I couldn't wait to shop! If you're breastfeeding you'll need to take that into consideration but we'll have loads of ideas on the blog if you're stuck.
G: I'd say don't spend lots on post birth as your shape will change. Instead buy some cool trainers (you do a lot of walking!) & a great bag. We love Tiba + Marl as they're practical but cool.
What are your top tips for keeping your style identity as a new mum?
B: Don't be pressured into feeling like you must get back into your pre pregnancy clothes. Your priorities have changed and your style may also have altered. I wanted to wear looser shapes & more practical clothing after I had Alma. I buy less often but quality pieces now. Jumpsuits are great - speedy and practical - an outfit in one! I did treat myself to a lovely pair of shoes from Whistles when I went back to work.
G: Keep it simple. Getting dressed is hard enough without having to spend ages planning outfits. We'll have lots of ideas on good basic outfits on the blog
Top tips for dressing as a breast feeding mum?
B: I lived in nursing vests (no bra - my boobs were too sore!) for the first 6 months - its actually Gemma that told me about that trick! I just threw on a loose top and skinny jeans and slip on trainers - very simple but I felt good in that. I also had a gorgeous burgundy coat which always made me feel more pulled together. This time I'll prob make more of an effort. I'm loving jersey jumpsuits (stretchy fabric can be pulled down under boob for access) and pyjama shirts. Actually anything that buttons or laces up.
G: I often wore a scarf draped around me so I felt less exposed when feeding, and lots of shirts!
What are the top relevant trends for this summer to keep us mummies looking hip and stylish?
B: Dont feel you have to follow trends! Wear what makes you feel good and suits you. Currently we like off the shoulder tops, pyjama styles, sports lux (bombers, smart joggers). We love the fact that flat shoes and trainers are 'on trend' - but we would be wearing them anyway!
What practical items are good to have as wardrobe staples?
B: Good underwear! It's the foundation of every outfit. Jumpsuits, a waterproof jacket, simple white trainers, a white shirt.
G: Leather jacket, grey sweatshirt/t-shirt, good pair of jeans & a stripe top!
What are your favourite high street brands /websites to find the best buys at the moment?
B & G: We love ASOS (for searching for something specific across lots of brands) Zara, H&M, Warehouse recently, Mango, Monki, M&S. Whistles (but only during the sales!)
And what other brands are good for mums to invest in?
Just Polly, Isabella Oliver/Baukjen (slightly pricier but good quality fabrics designed to last forever) Tiba + Marl for bags, Addidas for trainers,
If you could only have 3 items in your wardrobe what would they be?
B: Really good coat, trainers and a jumpsuit !
G: Jeans, grey tee, good coat
B: Yes a good coat makes you feel great even of you're wearing your sweats underneath! We both have far too many coats...
Have you got any exciting future plans for MotherShoppers?
At the moment we are focusing on the blog which is still in its infancy. We are growing MotherShoppers organically, hoping to work with brands we genuinely love. In the future, the plan is to run styling workshops, translating what we do as stylists for real women, offering style solutions for day to day dressing.
"get dressed, not stressed!"