#BFF Mama Style | A Tale Of Two Dresses

Being confident with style is a rare thing.

We all have Pinterest boards full of pictures of those individuals that seem to have it nailed, but the thing about style is that it's constantly evolving and presenting you with new challenges.

So even if you think you have it down to a fine art, there’s usually a curveball waiting in the wings.

Becoming a mother has definitely been that curveball for me.


It's not that you have to abandon everything that makes your style yours in favour of Boden tea dresses (unless, of course, that’s the style that makes your heart sing).

It's more that you need to make a few practical adjustments to accommodate your new lifestyle - and none more so than breastfeeding.  That's why I've started a new series of posts on BFF (breast feeding friendly) mama style.

Basically you need to be able to discreetly whack a boob out whenever your tiny CEO demands it, which mean zip-fronts, button-downs and wrap styles are in.

It can be really hard to navigate this with the added complexity of your changing body.

I've tried to be honest about the fact I'm really struggling to like my body at the moment. The postpartum pounds are still there, and my frame has changed. The things that used to look good when I was slimmer and less top heavy just don't work anymore, and that can be very upsetting.

So this is a tale of two dresses. It was the christening of my twin nieces a couple of weeks ago, one of the first proper occasions since having my daughter and something that leggings just wouldn't cut it for.

I needed to find an outfit I could breastfeed in church in, so I ended up ordering a pale floral wrap dress. I thought it was okay but I ended up having a last minute panic because I just didn't feel comfortable.

Suddenly all my lumps and bumps seemed to be on display and honestly? It really knocked my confidence.

I want to be kind to my body after what it's just given me, but I just don't love it right now and what I see in the mirror just doesn't feel like me. It would be a lie to pretend otherwise.

In the end I did a last minute switch, pulling out something in a darker colour from the back of my wardrobe that made me feel a little bit better about my saggy tum and larger chest and thankfully it worked sort of okay to feed the baby in.

Navy cowl drape dress | Silkfred

'Lily' in medium taupe | Mulberry

Hot pink suede heels | Oasis

Empress Rings necklace | Mestige

Nail bracelet | YesStyle

Nude leather cuff | Paul Smith

This navy cowl neck dress was something I purchased when I first became pregnant knowing that I wouldn't get to wear it for quite a while, but the design was so me that I couldn't pass it up.

It's not the best style for feeding in, but the material is quite stretchy so I was able to manage okay.  I even had to feed Romilly mid-service (babies are no respecters of ancient tradition, that’s for sure!).

The dark colour and draped fit made me feel a little more confident.

Because the dress is a muted shade, I had to add a bright pop of colour, and these hot pink pointed suede courts are ideal. The heel is quite low and suitable for chasing after a toddler or carrying a baby in while still looking polished enough.

I paired them with my taupe medium Lily bag- ideal because it can hold quite a bit while still looking chic- a simple, delicate necklace and diamond stud earrings, a gold twisted nail bracelet (sadly not from Cartier, just an homage!) and a nude leather bracelet that I wear a lot.

And, because the kids were too cute, here's what they wore too:

Theodore

Navy blue polo shirt with spotty collar | Next

Navy blue shawl neck cardigan | Ted Baker

Beige corduroy trousers | JoJo Maman Bebe

Navy and yellow socks | Baby Boden 

Romilly

Pink floral dress with sash | Ted Baker

Grey knit cropped cardigan | Marks & Spencer 

Learning to accept myself again is going to be quite a challenge, but I think I just need to be patient.

I'm trying to remind myself that imperfections are part of the human experience and that trying to deny any flaws is a damaging myth, but it's definitely a work in progress.

Have you ever struggled with negative self- image? What did you do to be kinder to yourself? Let me know.