Despite the fact that spring has been super slow in arriving this year, the seasons are finally on the change and it’s made me want to add some fresh pieces to my wardrobe. So - today I have a little haul of new items I’ve been buying over the past couple of months. It’s a mix of maternity clothes and regular ones, so take a look for some new-season inspo whether you’re expecting or not!
When I first became a mother, I had a mini identity crisis when it came to clothes. Although I loved my new role in life, mentally I struggled a bit to get past some ideas I had about how a mother ‘should’ dress.
Over time, I’ve realised that how a mother should dress is however she wants! Fashion is a really valuable form of self-expression, whether you have kids or not, and it all comes down to what you feel most like yourself in. It’s such a simple and obvious thing, but it is one I had difficulty accepting at first.
This time around, I’m still continuing to ‘do me’ style-wise, but with some options added in to accommodate my expanding bump!
Mamalicious ‘Dive’ black shirt dress
After one success, I went back for more!I hadn’t really heard of Mamalicious before, but they have a great collection of stuff that you can source via ASOS or John Lewis. I recently bought a striped dress from them (see how I styled it in a maternity OOTD here) and it’s been one of my favourite pregnancy purchases, so I wanted to see what else the brand had to offer. A shirt dress is a staple of my wardrobe, whether or not I’m pregnant. They’re such versatile pieces - easy to dress up or down, easy to layer and great for most occasions. Black and navy are also go-to colours for me at the moment as I try to cope with my ever-expanding body! I’m also thinking ahead to when the baby arrives. I’m hoping to breastfeed again, and that brings with it a whole new set of wardrobe challenges! Anything button-up is good, so this will be great to wear then as well.
Topshop ‘Killer’ blush stud ankle boots
How UH-MAY-ZING are these beauties? They’re one of those things you see and can’t get out of your head for days afterwards. I actually tried to be sensible and resisted buying them for a month to check if I really wanted them or if I’d been blinded by lust, especially since they don’t fit my usual style MO. I’ve never really been into pink or pastels (cut me open and monochrome is running through my core…). I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately- call it a longing for the spring that was slow in coming, but the beautiful, blush pink suede and tiny gold studs on these literally called my name. They definitely nod to the new season while still keeping those toes covered as the temperature takes a while to catch up. I’ve been wearing them non stop since I finally caved and bought them. The ultimate wear-now piece to add some spring to your style.
Topshop neon jewelled necklace
I love me a statement necklace! My theory is that they distract from the awful eye bags I have at the moment. Throw them on over any old t shirt and they also let you look like you’ve actually pulled together an outfit - they’re the ultimate style hack for the naturally unstylish, like me. My collection is always growing, and Toppers and Zara are generally where I find the best ones. This collar style is simple and bold, ideal for throwing on over a round neckline. The little faceted ceramic stones swoop from white to black to neon yellow, which I love too. There’s something quite 80s about it all.
Next Maternity embroidered boyfriend jeans
Next isn’t really a place I ever shop, but when I saw these jeans they were exactly what I was looking for. I have a beloved pair of embellished boyfriend jeans from Topshop (see how I styled them for a pre-baby date night here) and I’ve been missing them, so these are a maternity substitute. Often, I troll along to the park with my son looking like a complete bag lady, and on one recent visit I spotted a couple of other mummies I know and I just felt ashamed because they both looked really stylish and great. One of them was wearing some embroidered boyfriend jeans and looked brilliant, so I was on the hunt for a pair I could wear now to up my playground game a bit. I like the fit of these, which are a sort of slim boyfriend cut, and the bold blooms stitched on the side. These will be a great addition to my mummy wardrobe!
ASOS nude leather and clear vinyl ankle boots
I may have a slight problem with statement boots. My collection seems to be rising each month, but I love the look of ankle boots with a dress or skirt. We have Kim K to thank for the rising popularity of perspex footwear - but the truth is, I’ve always had a low-key obsession with see-through accessories, be it bags, necklaces or shoes. So when clear boots became a ‘thing’ it was pretty inevitable I’d have to get some eventually! I find the use of this material especially intriguing in a boot, as it reveals where it should conceal. The pretty nude leather detailing on this pair appealed to me to - because there’s a toe cap, so even though they’re see-through you still don’t have to worry about a pedicure (#lifehack or what?!). It’s not as if I go out very much at the moment, but these are going to be my go-to night out choice.
Miss Selfridge powder blue collarless coat
Another sudden burst of colour. I recently discovered a YouTuber called Lara Jarvis and her style has directly inspired a couple of purchases you see here. I love it when you find ‘real life style icons’ - not models or celebs but other working mums, real girls on the street or people you know that just have a great look. It's inspiring but also really relatable. On a recent shopping vlog, Lara had paired trainers, boyfriend jeans and a simple breton stripe tee with a baby blue teddy bear coat and I just fell in love with the look. Since then, I’ve been searching for a blue coat of my own, and this was the best I’d found. I love the structured cut and collarless style, and then the fact that the soft blue is spiked with the neon coral of the zip. It’s not maternity wear of course, but I can wear it unzipped now and then afterwards, too.
Lacoste grey canvas trainers
It’s quite lucky that being pregnant has coincided with a massive shift in the status of trainers. They are huge news now and there are so many smart styles out there now. I have a pair of leopard print and metallic Dune trainers that I’ve been wearing a lot lately, so I decided to add another pair to my collection. I liked the blue-grey colour of these and they are so easy to wear but still quite smart. Paired with a summer dress or a pair of jeans, they will be an easy option for chasing my little boy around the park now or with a baby strapped to me later!
Stella and Dot ‘Natalie’ reversible geometric necklace
So I’ve been low-key obsessed with this beauty for a while now. Stella and Dot have some gorgeous pieces and they’re really well made too. If you’re looking for a statement necklace, what could be better than this? With mixed gold and silver metals, geometric detailing, a hint of sparkle with some pave set plaques, and bold leather details, this is a next level bit of neck candy. You can elevate the most vanilla of basics with this bxzAad boy instantly. And the best part? It’s reversible! The second side has a more summery vibe with inset blue stones. It’s an absolute beauty and I’m so happy I’ve finally got my hands on it.
Zara Oversized Blue Stipes and Spots Shirt
I do love the ‘Megan look’ of well-cut jeans, smart flats and an oversized ‘husband shirt’ so I treated myself to this lightweight design from Zara. My idea is to wear it loose over vest tops and dresses for now, and I also had half an eye on it as something that it would be ideal to wear in the breastfeeding days afterwards. This kind of casual tailoring is really nice because it’s relaxed but still smart.
Stella and Dot ‘Shift’ laser cut tote bag
For a self-confessed ‘bag lady’ it’s sort of odd that I didn’t own a black tote, which is the basic cornerstone of any bag wardrobe. Recently, I’ve been focusing on building my collection of designer bags - paying more for better quality, but obviously that means I haven’t really been buying many! The pleasure I get from a well made bag never seems to dull. Stella and Dot aren’t designer of course, but the bags do have a quality feel and great detailing, so I’ve also added a couple to my collection over the past two years. There’s so much to love about this, and it’s been proving the ideal bag for work. The black laser cut leather reveals a nude underlay that gives this super pretty lace effect, and the inside has a cute polka dot lining that is wipe-clean- invaluable when you have a toddler with sticky hands or are just clumsy with your morning coffee (both me!). There are pockets galore and this bag swallows everything I need for work and more - it could comfortably handle an overnight trip, too. The front section zips off and can be used as a clutch, making it even more versatile, and I love that the straps are long enough to sit comfortably on my shoulder over even the chunkiest winter coat.
Firefly Jewellery Lariat chain necklace with blue silk tassels
Finally, this cute little necklace is a find that’s adding a splash of colour to my outfits. It’s a slim gold chain lariat style with bright blue silk tassels, and I just love the simplicity of it. It will be absolutely ideal for summer and popping over little floaty dresses and things. You can wear it straight or hung to one side, and it’s so pretty. It also comes in red, cream, and black and I’m considering adding another couple of colours to my collection, especially as it was only a fiver - total bargain!
What fashion discoveries have you made for the new season? Let me know by leaving a link below!
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