5 BEAUTY LOOKS TO TRY THIS WEEKEND

Ok, so Spring is officially here and the fashion stores and websites are brimming with new collections and inspiring campaigns.  This time of year is always huge in the beauty industry as it's when a host of exciting new products are launching and have us lusting over illuminating palettes and new lipstick shades.  Accessorising is currently a big part of my style as it's a simple way to add a fashion edge to an otherwise simple 35-week-pregnant look.  I've pulled together a few inspiring images that can easily and inexpensively be recreated and incorporated into your look for Spring.  Why not try a few of them this weekend?  Let me know how you get on and which are your favourites.

- HAIR BLING -

Above

Hair accessories have been gaining attention for some seasons now and I cannot think of an easier way to add a little twist to a simple jeans/tee/blazer look.  Whether you go for a simple circular clip in a ponytail or a hit of bling as seen at Ashley Williams over fashion week, hair accessories feel fresh and modern.

- 90s LIPS -

Above

Brown!  I am completely addicted to this 90s lip shade.  It's like nude just got a cool, grown up upgrade.  If feels more 'done' than its neutral rival.  The Estee Edit have an awesome new collection of highly moisturising brown based lippies called 'The Barest Lip Color' which are well worth checking out here.  I am going to pick up a few shades over the weekend and their matching lip liners!

 - BABY BLUE EYES -

Above

I swear I have never had any interest in blue make-up until I watched the AW17 Versus show the other week.  I remember as a child my Mother wearing turquoise eyeliner and mascara and my Grandmother having a selection of eye shadows in various shades.  This was completely different.  Large flicks of rock-and-roll metallic navy eyeliner were worn on an otherwise natural look.  Give up your back kohl on Saturday night and go for a flick of this instead.

- DROP ME -

Above

Earrings aren't going anywhere and the Naeem Khan show placed big, bold, beautiful styles right on my lust list.  Keep make up minimal, grab your leather biker and add a pair of completely over the top ear gems.  Zara, Amber Sceats and Topshop have some amazing styles.  I've added a few of my favourites for you to shop below.

Boss Drop Earrings - £8 Topshop

Red Petal Hoops - £65 J Crew

Cross Drops - £6 Asos

- DROP ME -

Above

I have been living in a half-up messy bun and Preen's recent side version is a perfect update.  Go for a side parting and create a twisted knot to the side of the head.  Perfect for those days when a little dry shampoo is in order.  This may be my new-baby look!

THE TUBE DRESS

You cannot beat a good stripe and monochrome versions have been my go-to for most of my pregnancy.  When your wardrobe is shrinking by the week you need pieces that inject interest whilst still working with your basics.  Being my first pregnancy I definitely underestimated the importance of comfort in the wardrobe to save you from wearing your sweatpants 24/7.  Now well into my third trimester I don't want to loose my style but I do want softer, easy to wear pieces.  

Tube dresses have become my best friend and a recent discovery of Mothercare's new Spring range had me lusting over quite a few.  I know, I couldn't believe it was Mothercare either!  This soft jersey, black breton stripe version comes in four colours ways and its 3/4 sleeves mean it is ideal for this weather.  The range also includes a fab breton top, frayed denim jeans and black jersey dungarees.  If you are on the look out for some super affordable maternity fashion pop in and take a look!

- SHOP THE POST - 

Striped Tube Dress - £18 Mothercare

Trainers - Now £35.20 Converse

Silk Duster Coat - old, & other stories

Basket - Ines De La Fressange @ Uniqlo

Gold Hoop Earrings - £19 Francesca Rossi

TRIED & TESTED

Recently the ingredients of my beauty products have become more important to me.  If I'm going to smother myself daily from head to toe I want to ensure that I'm doing the best for my bump.  More importantly however I want them to work well and feel luxurious. 

Love Boo is a recent discovery that I wanted to pass on to you.  Made in the UK with the help of experienced chemists and natural yet powerful ingredients, Love Boo has a fantastic range of products for mothers-to-be, mothers, bumps and babies.  For me, like many pregnant women, stretch marks are something I am desperate to avoid.  I have been enjoying a couple of little miracles from the range and they are fabulous!

Firstly the Love Boo Soft & Creamy Body Smoother is rich, non-greasy and soaks in beautifully.  It's jam packed with Sheer Butter (high in vitamins A & E), Hibiscus (improves elasticity & moisture levels) and Centella (reduces stretch marks, wrinkles & visible lines). I keep it in the bathroom and cover myself after a bath or shower as it smells incredible.  Using on damp skin also causes the butter to absorb quickly and hydrate skin all day.  I even use it on dryer areas such as heels and knees.

The other go-to from Love Boo is their 100% natural Super Stretchy Miracle Oil.  This luxurious oil firms, moisturises and nourishes skin whilst leaving it soft and smelling divine.  The oil is a blend of argan, almond, passionflower and mandarin oils which may be why it smells good enough to eat!  The oil helps to fade any scars and uneven skin tone as well as preventing further stretch marks.  

Check out Love Boo's beautiful website for their full range of products as well as tips and reviews and shop my favourites below.  

- SHOP THE POST -

loveboo.com

Soft & Creamy Body Smoother £14.99

Super Stretchy Miracle Oil £15.99

SIMPLE

Depressingly about 90% of my wardrobe currently doesn't fit.  At 33 weeks pregnant getting dressed in the morning has gone from being a joy to being rather tricky.  Over the past seven months I have mastered a few easy outfits and styling tips that combine normal and maternity items  - meaning you don't have to spend a fortune on a wardrobe that won't fit after the baby arrives.  Here I thought I would share my discoveries with you.  If you have any advise I would love to hear it too!

- TIP ONE -

Firstly, don't feel that you have to change your style.  Just because you're going to be a Mum it doesn't mean you have to dress like one.  You are still you!  Pull out those pieces in your wardrobe that are still going to work and move items that don't out of the way.  Longer top half items are a godsend for keeping an elegant shape.  I have lived in duster coats and sleeveless blazers which look elegant over everything.  Shorter jackets can still work too and don't feel you need to be able to do these up (or even get them to meet in the middle).  

I'm a huge shirt fan and most of my oversized styles worked well until around seven months.  A simple silk oversized style will work as well afterwards as it will when you have a bump so these are always a good purchase.

Above photo - Blazer by Debenhams/Shirt vintage Jaeger/Bra by & other stories

- TIP TWO -

Most of my fashion purchases over the past few months have been accessories.  A few New Season pieces can update your look in a minute.  Sock boots are super sexy and give a simple look a little twist.  These Celine style kitten heel ones are just £29.99 from Zara and are perfect as they are not too high.  Get them quickly as they are flying.  A pair of statement earrings also shouts Spring 2017 and you don't have to worry that they won't fit!  Check out some of my favourites below.

Above photo - boots by Zara/earrings by H&M

- TIP THREE -

Some items will need updating and its worth investing in a few great basics to see you through.  You will get a years worth of wear at least from these so go for something that will last.  Isabella Oliver's denim is awesome and their boyfit jeans are the comfiest ever.  Go for your pre-pregnancy size and if you think you're in between go for the size down as they come up a little larger.  

Top photo - Grey skirt by Isabella Oliver

Below photo - Boyfit jeans by Isabella Oliver

- TIP FOUR -

A print will keep basics looking interesting and I can't get enough of a breton top.  Petit Bateau tees have been my go-to with their long style in soft, thick, comfy cotton.  I know I will wear these forever.

Above photo - Breton top by Petit Bateau/Loafers by Gucci/Denim by Isabella Oliver/Basket by Ines De La Fressange at Uniqlo

- TIP FIVE -

I cannot believe how much a bump throws your balance and the last thing you want to do if trip over.  Although I have been wearing my mid-block heels a lot you cannot beat a great pair of flats for everyday comfort.  Loafers are chic and easy and work for the office or the weekend.  I love them styled with a pair of fishnet socks for Spring.  I have added a few of my favourites below for you to take a look at.

- TIP SIX -

A boyfit jean has basically been my uniform.  Style with a skinny black polo neck sweater and blazer for a smart look or an a sweatshirt and Converse for the ultimate comfort weekend outfit.  You get to the point where comfort becomes so important and a good dark denim jean is a win win.

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS

When you're exhausted from lugging a growing bump from meeting to meeting nothing beats a little t.l.c.  I was excited to arrive home one evening to a few very Instagramable products from natural beauty brand Bloom and Blossom and have been using them now for a week or so.  Launched by sisters in law, mothers and beauty addicts Christina Moss and Julia Yule the brand knows exactly what is needed to soothe tired limbs and keep you looking your best.  The products are made from 99% natural ingredients and will have you smelling like you spent the day at a luxurious spa.  

The products are fantastic and I adore their gift box that is the perfect present for a friend or family member.  My must haves for tired mums-to-be include the Anti Stretch Mark Cream which glides on beautifully and sinks in like a luxury body butter whilst preventing dreaded stretch marks.  It leaves skin hydrated and soothed.

My other absolute favourite that I now use the minute I get in the house is the Revitalising Leg & Foot Spray.  It is completely divine and cools tired legs in seconds.  It alleviates water retention and swollen ankles but even if you haven't had obvious issues it makes you feel less heavy and exhausted in a few sprays.  The aloe vera and tangerine leaf extract improve skin tone to keep you looking and feeling yourself.  If you are pregnant and have just made it through January (yay! Congrats) treat yourself to a little at home beauty love.  Visit the beautiful Bloom and Blossom website here or shop the products below or in SpaceNK stores.  

- SHOP THE POST -