Best Places to Shop for Maternity Clothes

In case you missed it earlier on this week, amazing personal stylist Agnes from Paper Doll Personal Styling shared with us her top 10 tips on maternity dressing. You can catch up on that post here.

Now that we know exactly what styles, shapes and colours to wear during pregnancy, we now need to know where to get them! Today Agnes shares the best places to shop for the perfect maternity pieces or outfits.

 

Brands and stores to try:

 

1. ASOS Maternity at www.asos.com has a wide range of maternity basics and jeans to mix and match. This UK based store offers free shipping to Australia and returns are only $7.85 per parcel.

 

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2. Queen Bee at www.queenbee.com.au - probably the biggest Australian online maternity stores with a vast range of maternity and nursing wear from basics to special occasion pieces. They have a large collection of jeans and lingerie and shape wear too. 

 

3. Mavi’s Maternity Jeans are legendary; if you are a fan of skinny jeans, you don’t want to miss them: http://www.mavi.net.au/maternity-jeans/ 

 

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4. On Birdnest.com.au you can browse and shop outfits put together for pregnant bodies: http://www.birdsnest.com.au/womens/shop-by/bodyshape/pregnant/outfits 

 

5. Lola Australia is not a maternity label, but their lightweight, silk and cotton dresses and kaftans in beautiful coloursare perfect for the summer even with a growing belly: http://www.lolaaustralia.com.au 

 

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 6. Hatch Collection: for that special outfit you want to splurge on. Their gorgeous collection is designed in a way that you can wear the pieces before, during and after the pregnancy: http://hatchcollection.com 

 

7. Isabella Oliver: This UK brand is “dressing women
in quality designs with effortless styles
for pregnancy and beyond”. You can get lots of inspirations from their Style Diary on their website. They have essential pieces for your work, after hours and off duty wardrobe too: http://www.isabellaoliver.com

 

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 8. The Bag Department: is a Melbourne based company, whose handbags are stylish, practical, easy to use, timeless and yet modern at the same time. They are made of gorgeous soft leather in beautiful colours and they are simple, understated chic styles that go with absolutely everything. They are roomy to use them everyday without compromising on the aesthetics.They actually give you the choice to create your own on the TBD website (by choosing the leather, the handle and the hardware), which I find so much fun. It makes the bags become absolutely yours. And the best of all is that you can actually use them as a non-traditional nappy bag after the baby arrives:

www.thebagdepartment.com.au

 

 

Thanks again Agnes for all of the amazing advice on pregnancy dressing - trust me I need it at the minute. I have been trawling ASOS and this is my pick for some great maternity pieces at some really affordable prices.

 

Pregnant or not, Agnes has one very amazing giveaway coming right up on the blog this week.  If you have always wanted your own personal stylist to take you on a shopping trip or analyse your wardrobe, then you are in for a treat!! For those not in Melbourne, don't despair as you have the option of a fabulous online consultation instead. Stay tuned.... 

The Stylish Mum To Be – 10 TOP TIPS on maternity dressing with a growing belly

With only 8 short weeks until bub arrives, I am definitely now well in to maternity clothing. I have been pretty lucky up to date, as I lost a lot of weight early on in this pregnancy with being so sick, so the belly was slow off the mark to develop. But in the last few weeks, I am finding myself struggling in my 'normal' clothes and searching for maternity or stretchy styles, especially as we approach the festive season with so many little events and soirees on the cards where my stretchy gym pants just won't do!

I am so pleased to have the lovely Agnes from Paper Doll Styling here on the blog this week as a very special guest writer. Agnes is a Melbourne based personal stylist and shopper who offers not only personal shopping and styling for women and children of Melbourne, but she offers a fabulous online service for those anywhere in the country. You can find out more about her services here.

 

I have asked Agnes to share her shopping and styling wisdom this week when it comes to dressing with a baby bump. Thank you for your tips Agnes....

 

Expecting a baby is such an exciting time in a woman’s life but it also has its challenges, and dressing your baby bump can be one of the first.

 

However nothing should stop you being stylish and confident in your skin and clothes so I am here to help with 10 top tips  I learnt when I was expecting my daughter –on how to dress when your belly and emotions grow.

 

Tip #1: Shop your own wardrobe

 

Learn what’s in your wardrobe (and even in your partners) and find out what you can use from it throughout your pregnancy. Your stretchy tops and dresses will still be good for the first trimester. Button up shirts (even your husband’s or boyfriend’s) with leggings or worn over a tank or a T-shirt tied in front will be your best friends.

Wear your smart jacket with anything and roll up your sleeves for an effortlessly chic look.

 

Nothing should stop you being comfortable and chic during pregnancy

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Tip #2: Be comfortable

Being stylish and comfortable at the same time? Yes, it is possible. From your underwear to your shoes, you want to feel comfortable throughout all the months with your growing belly and the hormones changing your mood and body temperature. Choose natural fabrics (cotton, silk, cashmere, wool, etc.) and well-fitting bras and underwear. Your shoe size easily can go up to 1 to 2 sizes during pregnancy (and for some it stays like that after birth too), so make sure you are wearing the most comfortable footwear possible. Ballerina flats go with everything, lace up brogues will accentuate a relaxed, understated look, while jeweled flat sandals dress up and add charm to any summer outfit. Wedges are great alternatives to high heels. 

 

An oversized button up shirt worn with skinny jeans or leggings will be your best friend

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Tip#3: Mix and match 

The basics in your maternity wardrobe are just as important as in your pre and post pregnancy one. Buy good quality basics that will not disappoint you and that you can mix and match for endless number of looks. Dress them up or down with accessories that you already have in your wardrobe. 

 

Tip #4: Up-size

You don't have to limit yourself to wear only maternity clothes to look stylish. Opt for standard pieces in one or a couple of sizes larger than your normal size. Drawstring pants and shorts, cotton tops, button up shirts, maxi dresses are all comfortable and stylish choices.  

 

Tip #5: Wear colours 

Your best colours are still your best colours during pregnancy, so don't be afraid of wearing them, especially close to your face to bring out that special glow even more! Dressing in monochrome is not only super trendy at the moment but also creates the illusion of an elongated body. You can add a splash of colour to a one-colour outfit by adding a scarf, a handbag or a statement necklace. 

 

Wear your best colours to flatter your face

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Tip #6: Accessorize

A cosy scarf, a pair of big sunglasses, a stunning necklace will all look stylish and can give polish to your look. Their other advantage is that you can wear them throughout the whole pregnancy and you already have them in your wardrobe. Use them to sharpen your look and bring a sense of individual style. The trick is: to choose a one statement piece and keep the rest understated. 

 

Tip #7: Layer

Cardigans, wraps, shawls keep you warm, comfortable and you will not outgrow them.

Use the ones you already have in your wardrobe, or buy some new ones in flattering colours. They will come handy when your body-temperature changes in a second and after the birth too while breastfeeding. 

 

Jeans, stripes and a trench coat - always a stylish choice

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Tip #8: Show off your belly 

Form-fitting pieces that are not too tight are much more flattering than really loose, baggy clothes. Make sure they are stretchy and comfortable to wear. 

 

Tip #9: Show off your best features 

Do you have great legs? Wear skirts to show them off. Are you proud of your cleavage? Show some skin (but not too much) with a low-cut top to flatter your face.

The rule is always the same: show off your best features and hide those that you are not happy with. It’s all about balance.

 

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Tip#10: Splurge

Even if you don’t spend too much on your maternity wardrobe I recommend investing in at least one stunning outfit, that you feel gorgeous and confident in. You will get great use out of it; put it on every time when you want to feel glamorous and change the look with accessories.  

Have fun and look amazing before, during and after baby! 

Agnes xx

 

Thank you so much for the amazing advice Agnes. Stay tuned because Agnes will be back later on this week with her advice on exactly where to shop to pick up some great maternity buys and there is a giveaway in the mix too!

Nursery Inspiration for Baby #2

Well yet again hubby and I cannot agree on finding out the gender of this bub to be (he doesn't want to know and I am not allowed to find out!). This little predicament is a teeny bit hard for an organised person like myself - okay I will admit, it is sheer hell!! I want to order everything and have this room done and dusted by the time this baby arrives in a few short months, but am instead attempting to be very patient. If you missed out on my gender neutral nursery planning (and frustrations) posts from Mr B, you can catch up on them here.

 

So what am I going to do? Well once again I am going to try and go with a neutral coloured room and inject touches of colour once the bub arrives. Last time I was in hospital literally hours after the birth ordering bits and pieces from Etsy - that is no joke!

 

Here are some rooms that I am loving - from Pinterest of course.

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So it would seem that I am drawn to;

- A white room with touches of pale grey - adding in elements of colour later - maybe aqua or mint and red for a boy and coral or ice pink for a girl. This is what I elected to do when I was pregnant last time and it was a colour scheme that I still adore - win!
 

- White furniture which is pretty handy considering I have this part already sorted. I am contemplating painting my Ikea Poang chair (which has a birch wood frame) that I used in Mr B's nursery - anyone done this?
 

- Polka Dots!!! I have decided to do a single Polka Dot feature wall and have ordered some pale grey dots from Etsy so I can get started on this as soon as they arrive in my hot little hands

- I love the idea of accessorising with clouds or with stars (cushions, mobiles, buntings etc). But I have decided to wait and order these in colours

I must admit with a nursery, big boy room and a playroom/family room conversion all to plan and design by January - I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. But hubby was on holidays last week so we have now shifted everything out of the room, touched up the white walls and are hoping to move the nursery furniture in, order Mr B's new bed and accouterments and get ready to 'polka dot' the wall next week.

 

Gee it would be so much easier if we knew the gender....

 

Did you find out the sex of your baby to be? Or did you opt for a surprise?

A Children's Play Table - on a Budget!

The reality of a baby being here in just under 12 weeks is making me panic about just how much I need to do and organise in a relatively short time (plus Christmas in the mix!). One of the many projects that I am working on at the moment is converting our third bedroom in to a nursery for #2. This means that the bigger project to deal with first, is dealing with all of the mess, toys and my clothes being stored in this room - tell me that we all have a junk area, don't we?!!

Previously this room was set up and used as a playroom, which was great. I loved having all matter of toys stored in here and being able to close the door of a night if it was just too hard to pack everything up. But sadly, with only having a 3 bedroom home, the luxury of having a dedicated playroom has come to an end.

I am fortunate that a few years ago, we added a family room on to our home, which means that we can have a space for adults (our lounge) and now a space that we can share as a family - our family room. So I am currently converting the family room in to a space which will also serve as a play area too - watch this space!!

 

One of the must have items for this area, has been the inclusion of a little table that can be used for play as well as for snacks throughout the day.

 

I shopped around for a suitable play table, but to be honest I just didn't want to pay upwards of $60 just for a small table alone. So I decided to head to my favourite store - Ikea - for a cheap and easy solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

• 1 x Ikea Lack side table in white which retails for $9.99
• 2 x Ikea Mammut Seats which retail for $14.99
• 1 x Ikea Mannut Stool which retail for $7.99
• 1 x Small square of oil cloth to protect the table for $4.00

 

For a grand total of $52.00 (less than a single table!), I am pretty happy with the results and so is Mr B...

  

 

What do you all think?

 

Next up to sort out and move all of the toys in to the family room... wish me luck!

Giveaway: Win a Hickory Hill Home Gift Voucher!

Gorgeous, classic, durable and affordable - that about sums up the amazing online store of Hickory Hill Home. If you missed my post yesterday with more information on this divine online store and me sharing a few of my favourite buys, then you can check it out here.

Once again a BIG thank you for Hickory Hill Home for providing one lucky reader the chance to win a very, very generous $150.00 gift voucher to spend at their fabulous online store.

 

This voucher is just in time for Chrissie shopping - yes it really is that time of year again! I must admit that I am quite a shade of green with envy of the prize-winner - there is no shortage of goodies that I want and need from the collection let me tell you!

The conditions of entry and the entry via Rafflecopter is below - best of luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

- The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
- The announcement of the lucky winner will be made right here on the Utterly Organised blog
- The lucky winner will have 5 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize
- Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
- Entrants must like the Utterly Organised and Hickory Hill Home Facebook Page
- Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com

Good luck everyone, I look forward to announcing the lucky winner!

Welcome to Hickory Hill Home

Oh how I love hearing about a good Aussie business success story!! For Country Gals Edwina and Gendy, they turned their frustrations at not being able to source great bed linen and accessories in to a successful online store (and a gorgeous one at that) called Hickory Hill Home.

 

Hickory Hill Home was recently launched in May of this year, but has already enjoyed great success since inception and to be honest - I am not suprised!

 

The online store has the most divine and fantastic quality, collection of cashmere, pajamas and bedlinen that have been designed by these two very clever ladies. The collection is very beautifully classic - think gingham, seersuckers, soft cottons and stunning colours - right up my alley!

 

I absolutely love the fact that this store offers free shipping and a no questions asked return policy - it is perfect for avid online shoppers like myself - or for those in rural areas.

 

For those with littlies, you are going to fall in love with the classic range of pajamas and bed linen available for your little one (or big one!).

 

Here is just a few of the items that I am lusting after:

 

                                Blue Gingham Doona Set - love everything about this room!

                               100% Cashmere Baby Blankets - perfect for my 'one on the way'!

                            Dusty Blue Boys Gingham PJ's - adorable stocking stuffer for Mr B!

Thanks to the lovely (and very generous) ladies at Hickory Hill, I have a $150.00 gift voucher to give away to one super, super lucky reader of the blog. Stay tuned because this giveaway will be kicking off tomorrow and I am sure you don't want to miss this one!!

 

Until then, please check out the Hickory Hill website and remember to sign up to receive a special discount off your very 1st order.

 

See you all tomorrow!

Product Review: Philips PerfectCare Aqua Pressurised Steam Generator Iron

I am the first to admit that when it comes to ironing, I can be a little bit OCD. I don't go as far as iron tea towels and underwear, but I do put my hand up to admit that sheets, pillow cases and hankies are included in my ironing pile each week... a little bit sad I know!

Now it is not that I have too much time on my hands, but rather just like my home, I like my linen and clothes to be neat and orderly (well most of the time!). So when I was contacted to try out the newest steam station ironing revolution from Phillips - the PerfectCare Aqua Pressurised Steam Generator Iron (try saying that after a few drinks!) - I was more than a little bit excited to say the least!!

The ironing pile - on a 'good' day!!

This little wonder boasts a whole heap of product benefits - but the promise to make my ironing life a simple and speedy experience - sounded just too good to be true!!

 

 

For me, of the major benefits of this steam station iron, is that unlike the regular run of the mill irons, you don't need to fiddle around with the controls to alter the settings to suit each individual garment. Ever been guilty of singeing hubbys work pants because you were still on the ultra hot cotton setting?! Yup I have been there more than a few times and created pants that are a little bit crunchy and shiny to wear...

Well this is an issue of the past with this little wonder, because thanks to its super clever OptimalTemp technology, you'll no longer have to worry about fiddling with settings again (and getting it wrong time and time again). It was a very strange experience using this unit for the first time and not having to flick a dial going from my cottons to my woollens and on to my silk dresses.

 

Thanks to the continual steam pressure, you really do experience a quicker and easier ironing experience. I definitely found myself shaving at least 10-15 minutes off my usual ironing time - a PB!

 

The unit has a massive - and I mean massive 2.2Lt water tank - so no more having to fill up the iron a good 1000 times just to get through a small pile of ironing.

 



 

The ironing unit itself is quite large if you are used to just a good old fashioned iron - but it is comprable in size to other pressurised steam generating irons out there on the market. However if you don't have a lot of room to store in your laundry cupboard, then this style of iron may not be for you.

The RRP on this unit is $399 which may seem a little much for some consumers when comparing to a traditional iron. But trust me, this is not a traditional iron and you need to see it in action and you'll want to get your hands on it at any price! I have it on good authority that this unit does go on sale regularly, so keep your eyes peeled and pop it in on your Chrissie or Boxing Day sale wish list.
 

Overall I absolutely loved the iron. It is definitely worth clearing a spot for this in your laundry - because it is a time (and sanity) saver and I have never seen hubbys shirts look so crisp - winner!!

Want to check it out for yourself? This unit is available to purchase at all major electrical retailers for an RRP of $399.00. You can also check it out in action here on YouTube.

A big thank you to Phillips for letting me try this out.

Do you have a steam station iron too? Love it? Hate it? Love to hear your thoughts.

Please note, I was provided this unit to try but was not paid for the review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Product Review & Giveaway: Fruities Cordial

I am always looking for ways to get hubby to drink more water. The only way that I can get this grown man to drink it, is with the aid of a little 'sweetner' - cordial. Cordial and Gatorade are his guilty pleasures.

Yes of course I worry about the sugar and the artificial colours that he consumes each day, but how do you argue with a grown man?!! Seriously if you have an answer for this, please do tell..

I must say when I was offered up the chance to try Fruities - a radical new cordial concept on the market - I was super keen to introduce it in to our home.

 

 

Fruities boasts about being the only cordial on the market to contain zero preservatives and absolutely nothing artificial - including colours, flavours and sweetners. Each bottle contains 50% real fruit juice and instead of the regular nasty white sugar, it uses the natural sugar substitute - Stevia.

If you, like most Mum's (or wives!!) are wanting to avoid all the colours, numbers and confusion out there, then Fruities could be the answer - for little and big kids alike.

Hubby initially turned up his nose at the product, saying it is not that Diet Cordial is it? But was surprised that it tasted better than the regular brand that he consumes - winner! Fruities is stocked nationally at Coles, so be sure to check it out on your next shop!

 

Keen to give it a go too? Well lucky for you thanks to the lovely folk at Fruities, I have 3 Spring/Summer fun packs pictured above to give away - perfect for a family BBQ or picnic in the park! Entry and the t&c's are below...

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

- The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
- The announcement of the lucky winner will be made right here on the Utterly Organised blog
- The lucky winner will have 5 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize
- Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
- Entrants must like the Utterly Organised Facebook Page
- Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com

Good luck everyone!!