It's really nice to see some new maternity brands emerging onto the market. With so many high street retailers either dropping their maternity ranges or moving them to online only it can be a struggle to shop for this important time in your life. I only wish these new brands had been around when I had been pregnant, it's almost reason enough to get pregnant again ha ha ha (only joking!). But jokes aside the good thing is most of these brands have the best philosophy of all - they are designed to last pre, during and post pregnancy, investment pieces that you will be living in for a long time. I know when I was pregnant I was always hesitant to spend money on clothes I would only wear for a short period or throw away, but when you can buy clothes that will be in your wardrobe much longer then you really can justify it that bit more! So here are my top cool maternity fashion brands around at the moment that I wanted to share. Also the best thing is they are all run by mums, working around their kids and its really nice to support mum businesses. Apparently they do a small dance every time they get an order :)
Based on 1980's jumpsuits her mum wore throughout her own pregnancies, Naomi created a new brand, Beyond Nine, which sells jumpsuits designed to be worn regardless of whether you are pregnant. You can wear without a bump, with a bump and also post baby with easy access for breastfeeding if needed. They have tie straps which allow you to adjust the length really easily. Roomy, comfortable and stylish, I love that these work on so many levels and can be layered up or down dependent on weather. Everything is made to order and designed and handmade in London. No bump needed...I think I need to get myself a pair!
Above: All Jumpsuits £80 from Beyond Nine. Images: Emily Gray Photogrphy
I recently got to meet Alex, stylist, designer and owner of Little Yellow London, a contemporary British clothing brand for the modern mother. She was wearing her Annie jumpsuit and looked amazing and no she isn't pregnant, again the great thing is this works on all sizes throughout your motherhood. Once again a brand where no bump is needed, but if you do have a bump she has all the hidden details to grown with you - from hidden panels, adjustable buttons to expandable and retractable waistbands and breastfeeding panels. Everything is machine washable and crease free and made locally and ethically in London. I love the (exclusive) prints and I think the Annabelle Dress (red leopard print dress below) is perfect for a special occasion, it even has breastfeeding panels, so nice to see a move away from the classic wrap shape for breastfeeding.
Top: Audrey Reversible Bomber Mono Leopard £115
Annabelle Dress, £89, Lindsey Dungarees Geo Blue, £79, Annie Jumpsuit Coral Floral, £99 and Lindsey Dungarees in Black, £79
Six are making steps to redefine modern maternity underwear. I don't now about you but when I was preganant I certainly lost my normal style and wearing nice undies was not a priority! However with hind site I think that wearing nice undies actually would have made me feel better about myself and I would have bought some of these Six sets straight away! How stunning are these designs? So chic and elegant made with beautiful French lace and Italian Jersey. These are the nicest nursing bras I've seen, combining silk and jersey for comfort and looks. I think this is such a great luxury gift for a mum to be or new mum.
Top: Iris Blue Florence Crop Top £72, Iris Blue Florence Knicker £35
Black Florence Crop Top £72, Black Florence Knicker £35. Powder Pink Josephine Bra £65, Powder Pink Josephine Knicker £32. Viola Tank Dress £70. Navy Josephine Bra £65, Navy Josephine Knicker £32
Clary & Peg make vintage inspired maternity friendly clothing. Their bestsellers include their pink loose fitting dungarees (above) which they are updating for autumn/winter in fuchsia needlecord, hickory stripe denim and black. Apparently there will also be a long 70's floral dress, red silk party dress and an overall dress in needlecord and denim. The new collection launches beginning October - watch this space! All clothes are ethically manufactured in London and I love their unique ranges, perfect for any vintage lover like me!
Top: Pink Dungarees (currently sold out)
Chambray Dress £85, Black Dungarees (coming soon)
www.claryandpeg.co.uk