It's funny how many changes you go through when you're pregnant, and how much I'd forgotten it does! Especially when it seems so different this time round. I know with Felix I was lucky enough to scrape through the first 12 weeks with little sickness and my only real cravings were for meat (which is weird as I don't eat that much meat at all), and so the slow weight gain and strong stomach muscles meant I sported a tidy bump. In fact from behind you couldn't really tell I was pregnant even up to my due date.
This time round has been a whole other story! Whether it's old wives tales or just the fact that this baby seems to have a sweet tooth, pregnancy second time round has really challenged me when it comes to embracing my body and pregnancy style. At week eight my normal C cup bra size had exploded into a DD/E cup, making me feel all sorts of self conscious and generally uncomfortable when it came to sleep. My tummy started showing very early on and as the sugar/sweet craving kicked in just as the nausea stopped at week 17, I started to pile on the baby weight.... everywhere.
I totally get that this is normal and all that matters is the health of this little girl, but I didn't quite feel like me and it was showing. I was shying away from pictures being taken, every time someone mentioned how big I was I could feel myself start to worry that I was too big. I was even put off buying clothes as nothing seemed to fit quite right, so I stopped making the effort.
So I'm trying to embrace my body, to appreciate the miracle it's growing and not be so self critical. With this in mind I decided to grab a few new pieces for Christmas to make me feel a bit nicer about my changing shape.
I found this beauty of a dress for the bargain of £20! Made with black lace and embroided rose detail, this floaty number hides all my chocolate cravings and I only had to go up one size. It doesn't come with a slip so I just wore an old stretchy dress underneath with some maternity tights and boots. It feels super comfortable and is perfect for the festive season!
I teamed it up with my new Jem + Bea luxury changing bag, which has been doubling up as a work bag as it looks too good to be just sitting at home. I love the sleek design and gold details, plus it has ALL the pockets! I'll be doing a review once the little one has made an appearance!
So that's where I'm at right now, slowly coming out of my maternity fashion faux pas of hiding under giant jumpers and sweats. I'm attempting to feel a bit more like my old self by embracing my new body and pregnancy style, going up a few sizes, wearing things I like rather than things that hide everything. In fact I'm starting to get excited about dressing up a little for Christmas parties!
Did you struggle with your body changing during pregnancy? Or have any tips for the best places to pick up some stylish threads?
Dress: Primark / Coat: Zara (old season) / Boots: Zara / Bag: Jem & Bea *gifted*
I loved being pregnant but like you the second one popped much sooner! These are gorgeous photos Lori. It’s funny how just as you get comfortable with the situation, your body changes again! Rest up darling x
ReplyDeletei love your bump!!!!! you look sooooo pretty!!!
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Ahh Lori - love your vulnerability in this post darling. You look gorgeous! I really mean that. Love your dress and I adore Jem + Bea bags too - I definitely want one when (if) we have another. Also, so interesting to read how different this pregnancy has been for you - you just kind of expect it’ll be the same don’t you?! Lots of love beauty xxx
ReplyDeleteI think you look exactly as you should right now: blooming gorgeous and wonderfully pregnant! xxx
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous, Lori. And I love your dress! I hope you're having a great week! x
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