Mom-to-be

I previously wrote my thoughts on maternity style for the Duchess of Cambridge {here} and I have to admit that her choices have not surprised me. Kate is one of the most elegant and pretty Mom's-to-be and it's worth a look at her glowing style.

Simple, elegant, and great colour choices.

Mommy-to-be Kate has well toned legs and looks great in heels.

There was a lot of media buzz about the price tag for the new buggy-wheels for the baby in waiting. 

I suggested the  Silver Cross Surf Pram - Aston Martin edition {retails for $3,000}.

It is reported that the Duchess has chosen the  Bugaboo Cameleon convertible stroller {retails for $1,200}, more modest in price and a great stroller. Our own little Princess {my Granddaughter} enjoys the smooth ride of a Bugaboo.

 But maybe William has a different set of wheels in mind...............

There is no doubt about it, pregnancy is agreeing with Kate. She is beautiful and glowing.

Lullaby and Goodnight

 

The littlest British Royal bundle of joy will make his or her debut at the beginning of the summer. Like every expectant couple, William and Kate are redecorating the house in anticipation of the arrival of their first baby; the difference is that the nursery will be in their new apartment in Kensington Palace. Kate and William have a young and easy style, but the nursery will have the help of a decorator who created the sanctuaries for other royal babies and there will likely be some regal standard to the design.

There will be a bevy of suggestions for the nursery suite of the future Prince or Princess, so let's get the cradle rocking with some worthy suggestions..........

A small bassinet is usually the baby's first bed. This antique iron bassinet in a warm shade of gold brings a soft mix of old and new together.

 This change table by Savio Firmino ensures everything is at your fingertips - drawers underneath for storage and pull-out shelves wing at each side to provide a helping hand for the diaper brigade essentials.

Shelves over the change table offers much more than just additional storage. It's important to have a teddy or toy at arms reach to occupy a fussy baby.

savio firmino

Savio Firmino creates some of the most elegant bed ensembles and they have paid special attention to the nursery. Soft neutral tones of creamy white and beige linen are sure to lull anyone to sleep.  

savio firmino

The French Provincial style upholstered headboard of the crib could double as a headboard for a single bed - perfect for your own little princess. 

Albeit that the new little prince or princess will have a more spacious nursery than this one above, the teddy bear tones of soft neutrals and white will bring a softness to any size nursery.

Continue with tranquil neutral shades by injecting soft grey and white to the nursery.

Add soft elements in pink or blue to a neutral nursery with linen. The beautiful linen collection below is from Belle Notte Linen.

Restoration Hardware has a full line of furnishings for the littlest member of your family.

Jennifer Lopez' designer created an opulent nursery for the twin's. Comfortable chairs and ottoman allow mommy or daddy to put their feet up at feeding time, a side table provides a space for everything needed in arms reach and a lamp on a dimmer switch is perfect for those late night cuddle times with baby. The ultimate nursery would have an ensuite bath.

Kensington Rocking Horses

A vintage rocking horse, teddy bears and various memorabilia add a whimsical finish to a nursery.

nicespace.me

Kya's nursery - image: my own

I think it's unlikely that Kate and William will have a miniature castle built in the nursery, but if that is part of your dream nursery it is available.

Savio Firmino - for the princess in your life.

And would better way to take the royal bundle out for a walk than in a Silver Cross Surf Pram - Aston Martin edition, which is described as 'the ultimate in comfort for your baby and style for the owner'.

The options on designing a gender neutral nursery are endless. But if you are left wondering will the blankets be pink or blue, you may want to try the Chinese gender chart - here .

Adding personal touches to a nursery like Mommy & Daddy's baby pictures, a family heirloom Christening gown hung in a frame, or a favourite quote on the wall make the space special. One thing is certain, it is always amazing how such a little person needs so many things.

'Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow,

For babies grow up as we've learned to our sorrow.

So settle down cob webs, and dust go to sleep,

I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.'

** if you tried the Chinese gender chart for your own pregnancy drop a note and let me know how accurate it was.

Royal Maternity Style

 "Each and every day my heart is filled with the joy of being GRAND".

{these are words on a photo frame I own}

Michael and Carole Middleton are about to discover that there is nothing more special than becoming Grandparents. The Middleton's had the inside scoop on the upcoming delivery date of the royal baby who will be born to their Daughter and Son-in-law this July. Although Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their first child this July, an expected date of delivery was not announced. I'm going to place my bet on July 7th {my Son's birthday), although I think that most everyone can admit it would be special if the newest little royal was born July 1st on Diana's birthday. 

It was 31 years ago this past July that the world watched as Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. I watched the televised wedding ceremony in the very early hours of the morning when I was up to feed my Son, who was only three weeks old at the time. Carole Middleton would have been three months pregnant with Kate at the time of the royal wedding, I'm sure she never imagined the life for the baby she carried then.

And life is about to get even more grand .............

Princess Elizabeth - 1933

Headlines around the globe are filled with speculation on Kate and William's official due date, Kate's impending baby bump and the royal maternity style she will wear.
With the first trimester completed the Duchess has not needed to change her fashion style. The second trimester will bring Kate into the weeks of late winter and early spring when jackets will still be needed and will conceal much of her blossoming body. But it is the third trimester when warm weather begins that Kate's full maternity style will be revealed.

I was pregnant with my first child just before Lady Diana was expecting William, and thankfully so much has changed in maternity wear since then. Like Diana, I wore smocked styled dresses. The trends at the time included peter pan collars and puff sleeves - yesh.

Remember these famous images of Diana......... those smock style dresses in polka dots. In the early eighties is was all about comfortable clothes that flowed over your baby bump..... until the wind blew against the fabric and it clung to you like a wet tissue. How many women felt like they were wearing a tent?

Maternity wear now offers styles that celebrate the impending arrival by showing off the baby bump with clingy fabrics that reveal a Mom's growing curves. My prediction is that Kate will be modest in her choices for maternity wear and conservative at times to meet the needs of the royal duties. Expect to see a fun and playful side of this Mom-to-be as well.

Here are a few pics of maternity fashions for Kate..........

Like Beyonce, Kate could step out in style during the second trimester with maternity jeans, top and full blazer........ the scarf gives a level of comfort concealing the bump.

Stylish jeans with a belly band for support are a fashion MUST for Moms-to-be. These are from Queen Mum Maternity Wear.

Belted cape from Ingrid and Isabel is great for layering in the spring.

Sleeveless sheath dress from Isabel and Ingrid - belted in the second trimester and un-belted in the last trimester.

Olian Maternity offers colourful and stylish dresses fit for a Duchess.

This black jersey dress worn by Reese Witherspoon would look great on Kate.

A draped front dress from Isabel and Ingrid brings added comfort to the front.

Dress by Queen Mum maternity is in a stylish pattern and colour.

Tiffany Rose Maternity - soft taupe dress is simple and elegant.

This taupe dress is accented with soft lace and a satin ribbon {Tiffany Rose}.

Princess Marie of Denmark stepped out in stylish maternity fashions that I think are reflective of Kate's royal duties style. {source: lilly lemontree blogspot}

The casual everyday styles that Kate does well, can be easily achieved in maternity wear from a few select design labels. 

Queen Mum {how appropriate} has a select line that is stylish and youthful.

Jeans, jersey striped top and blazer from Queen Mum.

Colourful and fun maternity fashions by Queen Mum.

It is reported that Kate is easy practicing Pilates during her pregnancy. Motherhood Maternity offers stylish exercise wear for Moms-to-be.

When the heat of the early summer arrives Kate will appreciate the flow of a maxi dress {by Ingrid and Isabel}.

This easy styling that Reese Witherspoon wore in the third trimester is a good look for the Duchess.

Princess ? or Prince ? - How much fun would it be to see Kate step out in this top by Queen Mum.