Eh? No, that is not me looking all smiley and sun-dappled, when we shot these pictures I was 39 weeks pregnant and let’s face it, regular fashion wasn’t going to look anything like “normal” on me.

I got to the stage however where I was entirely fed up with being unable to purchase new pieces for spring, and although I’m not banking on returning to my normal shape within weeks (or um…months) I didn’t want to deprive myself of the opportunity to shop any longer.

To allow for my interim body shape I’ve gone for looser fitting tops and knits and “hold you in” super-flattering leggings and skirts without forfeiting my usual style choices. Luckily Alice is a similar size to me pre-pregnancy (although I don’t pretend to have her pins, even though I would VERY much like them) and kindly agreed to be my dress-up dolly for the day.

Cute Florals

I wear floral dresses all year round, paired with a pair of matt black tights and a cardigan or jumper on top in spring so I don’t catch my death. This pretty number with pockets and a waist-cinching belt was a £12.79 bargain from Forever 21.

The boots are All Saints from last year.

The Investment Skirt

I have wanted a leather skirt for as long as I can remember, I’ve just never found the right one. That was until a trip to Cardiff with friends saw us in All Saints and this little number appeared. I like that it is kind of battered and worn-looking with various zips and quilted detail.

It’s high waisted so holds you in (rather like a built-in corset) and my lovely Mum treated me to it for my birthday. It’s no longer available unfortunately but the Alva design is similar.

The fine-knit jumper was a birthday gift from my sister. It has a pretty metallic sheen and was from Warehouse at John Lewis (now in the sale!)

Denim Shorts Forever

I wear denim shorts all year round. It’s like my “thing”, they are just so comfortable and easy to throw on with a T-shirt and tights/leggings underneath, with a pair of cowboy boots. I have several pairs – these are my most recent purchase from H&M as they are that bit more “roomy” around the backside and thigh area.

The pineapple T-shirt was another Forever 21 bargain. I do love a fruity print.

Palm trees and Coral

As much as I love a pineapple I am also partial to a palm tree. This H&M sweater is lovely and comes in all kinds of different colours and patterns for the grand total of £5.99.

The Zara trousers (I say trousers, they are kind of legging-ish) are AMAZE and another gift from my sister, they literally pull you right in and make legs look slimmer, especially when worn with heels, this coral pair are £17.99 from New Look

Peachy Keen

Yet another Forever 21 purchase (I actually rarely venture in but this season found quite a few stylish pieces) this little skirt has an elasticated waist and can be worn higher up quite comfortably (that’ll be the stretch element) or hipster-ish depending on what length you prefer.

The Pointelle seam jumper is from Warehouse at John Lewis and is also now in the sale, grab one whilst you can!