OK, I’ll admit it. I may have cankles and my thighs are far from perfect at the moment, but I’m starting to love my body a little bit. If that makes me sound like a frivolous, egotistical woman then so be it. I can’t help it. I blame the big old bump and the pregnancy hormones. I’m sure it won’t last for long.
Anyway, one of the reasons I’m feeling pretty OK about the way I look right now is very much down to what I’m putting on my body. Aside from all the creams, my maternity wardrobe is doing me some definite favours.
I know some people aren’t down with spending cash on clothes you won’t wear for longer than nine months, but as far as I’m concerned it’s money well spent. If it wasn’t for my new threads then I’m sure I’d spend much of the time at the moment mourning the loss of my waist and feeling generally bleurgh. For me, what I wear can have a huge impact on how I feel about myself. Clothes are powerful like that.
And that’s why I agreed with probably a little too much enthusiasm to review a couple of Isabella Oliver pieces. The capped sleeve tee can be seen in my latest #BlogBumpClub post, but I’ve saved the maternity tunic dress for a post all on its own.
Before last week I didn’t own anything by Isabella Oliver, so this was a new discovery for me. Although I don’t mind spending cash on maternity clothes, I’ve always worried they were a bit pricey and not worth the extra money. After trying two pieces from the range I no longer think this. The t’shirt fits beautifully, with ruching on the front AND back, meaning it offers full on flattering comfort. I know I’ll wear it long after the baby is born. And the dress, well. It’s just so blooming versatile…
You can tie it at the back, for a relaxed beach look. It’s long enough to cover my bump without being indecent and the jersey fabric is cool in the heat too. I like it with my trusty Birkenstock sliders and loose white shirt worn open.
On cooler days I’ve worn it with my maternity ripped skinny jeans from H&M, teamed with a pair of battered Converse hi-tops and some beads thrown on at the last minute.
Or, for something a bit more fancy, there’s the option to wear it with a low heel, statement necklace and tie it at the front for a cleaner silhouette.
I know this is another dress that will stay a firm favourite long after I should no longer be in maternity clothes. In the winter I’ll team it with some opaque black tights or wear it over jeans. And then next summer it’ll make another appearance in the beach wardrobe.
Isabella Oliver maternity wear, I heart you.
Anything that can make you feel even a tiny bit better when you’re pregnant is fine by me! Isabella Oliver clothes are lovely, aren’t they? I bought a dress and some tops last time but they are very wintery so not great in this weather (randomly I’ve got this dress on the way at the moment; love how you’ve styled it).
They are very lovely – and such a great fit too. Can’t wait to see you in your dress too – it’s great for summer!
Love the dress – really like the third way with the statement necklace. I’ve got one Isabelle Oliver dress too, along with the gear I’ve been donated by friends and my many pairs of stretch-waist trousers. It comes out for every celebratory occasion!
I totally agree, it’s great to feel like you look good sometimes.
It really is, and important too I reckon. Isabella Oliver is a great brand – although pricey I think the odd splurge on a piece is a worthwhile investment. Plus, loads of the clothes would work far beyond pregnancy anyway. x
You know what, looking good and feeling good in pregnancy is hard and anyway you can is a bonus. I only have one pic of me pregnant with either of the boys
I think you’re right Jen. It’s not always easy and I’ve had periods in this pregnancy where I’ve felt RUBBISH. I’m hoping my current feeling lasts through the summer! x