Tuesday, December 08, 2015
bohemian traders | summer breastfeeding style
But now? We're spoilt for choice. Thankfully a number of Australian designers have recognised the significant gap in the market and they have filled it (and they generously refresh it, every season).
But buttons down the front isn't my only requirement when I'm shopping for postpartum clothes. I like comfortable clothing that creates a flattering silhouette. Loose, flowing tops and dresses are my go-to at this time of year. Thick straps, cool cotton and pockets are preferable, too.
These two outfits from Bohemian Traders will take me right through summer and well into autumn.
The Embroidered Moonflower Top (I wear a S) is made from the softest cotton muslin and features delicate floral embroidery. When I find a style that I like I tend to wear it for years and I know this top will be one of my essentials from here on in. The deep-v neck makes feeding a breeze and the loose fit is just, well, easy. Granted, this isn't a top I'll wear on humid, sticky days but it's perfect for cool evenings and I'm planning on wearing it with jeans, a big scarf and boots when autumn comes around.
It's been a while since my legs have seen the sun but a pair of shorts is a summer essential, as far as I'm concerned. The Denim Utility Short (I wear a S) cuts at just the right length and gives the impression that my legs are longer than they actually are. In my opinion, this makes for a very successful pair of shorts.
And the Gingham Folk Smock (I wear a M) has all the right features for me at this stage of motherhood - thick straps to cover breastfeeding bras, buttons for easy feeding access and big pockets for keys, dummies and other paraphernalia. As a bonus the classic print and A-line cut will see me through seasons and sizes (pop on a cardi and boots in autumn and you're good to go).
I'll be returning with this series in March with a few options for your autumn breastfeeding wardrobe.
See also: embroidered linen dress, diamond + goa dress
This is a sponsored post. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that support PS.
Labels: breastfeeding friendly , simple style
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
bohemian traders | summer breastfeeding style
I'm wearing the Embroidered Linen Diamond Dress by Bohemian Traders
When we moved last year we left behind some pretty great neighbours. Em and I went to school together and ended up living in the same street just as we became mothers. We borrowed from each other's pantries a few times a week (she always wanted tinned tomatoes or Spanish onion, I was always after parsley or celery) and, at times, each other's wardrobes. We would often catch up for a lengthy cup of tea and share our motherhood woes. Sometimes we'd just chat about the best colour cushions to put on the lounge.
And then she launched Bohemian Traders and I watch as her business idea quickly grew into a fashion label with a dedicated following. Last week when I sighed yet again at my postpartum body I called her up and she offered me some pretty profound advice:
"You still see yourself at the nineteen-year-old waif, don't you."
"Yes!"
"I do the same thing. But we're not nineteen anymore. We've birthed three babies and we've got the soft belly and bum to prove it. That doesn't make us any less beautiful."
Emily has always told it like it is - she's good like that. She's also amazing at designing clothes for women of all ages and sizes. Go look at her instagram account and she's dressing everyone from teens to grandmothers. And they all look stunning; proud, statuesque, elegant.
I'm incredibly fussy when it comes to clothes. Not everything by Bohemian Traders is my cup of tea. But the classic, boho-inspired pieces are and whenever I try on a new design I'm always happy with how it looks and how it makes me feel. Indeed, the designs I choose are incredibly flattering; they enhance my figure and suit my lifestyle.
Take the Embroidered Linen Diamond Dress for instance. This classic, shift style is literally a throw-on-and-walk-out-the-door design and the weight of the pure linen is luxurious. The sleeves cut at just the right angle and the embroidery ensures it's a statement dress. And because Em knows how hard it is to find stylish breastfeeding-friendly clothes, she's designed a low neck that fastens with tassel-ended ties.
Bohemian Traders just launched its new collection Moroccan Summer - fresh, light designs in a sea-inspired palette. Free shipping is available till Friday midnight with the code: simpleshipping.
This is a sponsored post. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that support me. Photos by Samantha Heather Photography for PS.
Labels: breastfeeding friendly , simple style
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
fabrik | summer breastfeeding style
Many of my favourite clothes can't be worn at the moment - they aren't breastfeeding-friendly and well, they don't fit quite right (the baby weight is well and truly stuck). So over these past few weeks I've sought out a summer wardrobe that won't require any forethought. I want to be able to throw on a dress and walk out the door without thinking about matching this or that. I want to be able to breastfeed Percy without pulling and tugging or ruining a neckline. And I want to be cool; natural breathable fabrics are a necessity.
Over the next three weeks I'll be featuring five outfits that, along with a few skirts and cotton tops, will see me through summer.
Thankfully, there are an increasing number of Australian designers who are creating clothes with breastfeeding women in mind. Not surprisingly, they are mothers themselves, hence they wholeheartedly understand the importance of dressing and flattering the postpartum body.
Sarah from Fabrik is one of them. Her latest collection features a range of breastfeeding-friendly options that are simple and beautiful. Renowned for making clothing with a conscience, Fabrik's designs are bohemian-inspired and, well, easy - perfect for everyday wear.
I'm wearing:
The Diamond Dress : made from handprinted cotton (also available in a skirt), this dress is a sheath style with flattering sleeves and a button down top. It's incredibly soft and sheer - nude underwear or a slip is required. However, it's one of those dresses that you can easily throw over swimmers at the beach or dress up for a Christmas party or dinner date. Personally, I never restrict clothes to "special occasions" - if I love something I'll wear it regardless. I'm wearing a size 2.
The Goa Dress : from French label, Blue, this dress is a smock-style with long sleeves that I tend to roll up. While not ideal for scorching hot days, this is my choice when I'm feeling a little on the hippy side. The jewel tones are very flattering and the patterns will disguise all manner of avocado smooshed stains. I'll wear it with tan sandals and, on occasion, beaded earrings. The only qualm I have about this dress is the beads on the end of the neckties...not great for little ones who like to chew but a beautiful detail that I love (and can easily tuck away when Percy is in the sling). I'm wearing a S/M and there's plenty of room to move.
If you fancy treating yourself to something summery, Fabrik is offering 20% off till Friday midday (AEST) with the code 20PS. If you have any questions about fit, fabric or cut, feel free to ask me in the comments section.
This is a sponsored post. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that support Practising Simplicity. Photos by Lamb And Fox for PS.
Labels: breastfeeding , breastfeeding friendly , simple style
