Missy INSIDER

Hey Mamma! Missy's tips for being the hippest Summa Mumma.

It appears that Spring is a time when everywhere we look, there is a glowing girl proudly cradling her baby bump. But with those hot summer months looming, expectant mums can face a few challenges. The first is how to keep your cool each morning as you rummage through your wardrobe and wail "I have nothing to wear!"!

Getting through the next 9 months in style really is easy now. Great Aussie designers create up to the minute looks cleverly adapted to maternity wear. So you can thank your earth mother that the smock is out, and shapely and figure flattering fabrics are in. Here's some tips on keeping cool, staying in style, and looking blooming great.

"I don't look pregnant, I just look fat!"

In the first trimester, the most frustrating fashion matter you will face is that your clothes still fit, but don't look nearly as good as they used to. Your belly may be blooming just enough to make your regular clothes uncomfortable, but maternity clothes are simply huge.

At this time, patience will be your virtue - there is going to be ample time (and tummy!) for you to fit into maternity clothes…and then outgrow them. For the time being, make elastic waistbands, swimming dresses, long tunic tops and caftans your best friends. Dresses and tops which are tailored, but have ruching from under the bust, or a little extra fabric round the belly are perfect for early days.

If you are really in need of transitional gear, you'll find beautiful "non-maternity" pieces that can be worn now - and then again post-baby as your body is getting back into shape. Check out the floaty creations produced at Tree of Life define your shape by cinching these tops with a gorgeous plaited belt. For fabulous cross-over dresses, and amazing soft stretch pants, you can't beat Andiamo. Cropped cardis and jackets will look cute-as-pie over a bonds singlet or tee. DeCjuba have a very smart cropped jacket this summer. Or pick up the Soon Lucetta Braid Jacket at Perfectly Pregnant (as pictured) online.

"But maternity gear is so boring, isn't it?"

In the second trimester, style and pregnancy become two words that become a little harder to mention in the same sentence. Assess your wardrobe - avoid frustration in the mornings as you try on every single thing you own to find that they don't fit. Spend the time to weed out the pieces that are unflattering, uncomfortable and too tight- this will leave you with several items that you know will fit (for now!) which you can build on.

Start adding a few maternity pieces to your wardrobe - There are some great maternity ranges that are fitted and tailored to let you show off your new pregnancy shape. We love the Seraphine Jeans and divine dresses available at QueenBee, and the entire Ripe Maternity range for great summer dresses and separates, perfect for dinner or a day at the beach. Check out the wonderful range of seperates, and the Soon Jeans and more too at Mamma Bella.

What size am I?

When shopping, be sure to select your pre-pregnancy size. Maternity clothes are designed this way. After all, your arms and legs don't get longer, and your basic body structure will remain the same. Well made maternity clothes give you the extra room only where you need it - belly, bust, hips, and arm holes - while maintaining the pre-pregnancy proportions of each size range. Also earlier on, expect a little extra material in dresses and jackets to allow for expansion - jacket clips or built in ties are used to gather it back until you need it (and you will!).

This is also a time when your man style Bonds singlets will come in very handy for lazy days around the house or out and about running errands. Team them with Seraphine maternity jeans or a pair of low slung shorts, then add a cropped cardi or jacket.

From the mamma expert - 5 essentials

Helen Katselis from Mamma Bella in Oakleigh, Victoria works with some of the best maternity labels in Australia. When asked what pieces have proven popular with her clients, Helen recommended 5 must haves:

1. Underbelly Jeans (like the YIM Jeans and Soon Jeans) have adjustable waists and can be worn well after the baby is born. The great thing is they look like normal jeans
2. Roomy Tops to accommodate a growing belly, like the Soon Basics and Szabo workwear.
3. Comfort Band Pants: Szabo's Comfort Band Pant come in 7/8 or full length, perfect work or weekend
4. A flared skirt: A favourite is by Pea in a Pod, with or without a belly this skirt looks gorgeous.
5. A pretty dress: show off your bump in a special dress from Szabo or Bliss Maternity.

Flat out style

Your poor feet will likely change over the months. So a few pairs of pretty thongs in different colours are indispensable. But equally practical and more stylish are some comfortable sandals (avoid ankle straps as your ankles will likely swell a little). You might get away with some low wedges initially, but you won't beat stylish flats in the third trimester. Check out the Keds range of sweet soles for cool casual wear.

Accessorise, accessorise

Really, where would a gal be without great accessories, pregnant or not? Layer on the funky stuff, huge beads, colour bangles, pin on a flower. This will help you get more fun out of the same outfit three days in a row. We love the range at Diva for an instant splash of colour for a great price, or sexy Sportsgirl pieces for their touch of glamour and elegance, also for unbeatable prices. Online - Philipa create bold gorgeous pieces to really make a statement. And Fun accessories have a gorgeous and afforable range.

"Where did my feet go??"

In the third trimester, you can beat a pair of ultra comfortable pyjamas to roll in and out of bed in. Check out the range by Peter Alexander, who makes pj's you could almost walk down the red carpet in. Look to Sussan for slinky silk pieces, or peruse the selection by Expecting Nights Maternity Sleepwear. This online store stocks pj's especially for expectant mammas. Stand out pieces include the 'Hollywood' nightie, a classic A line silk nightie to make add a little glamour to the last stages of your pregnancy, and the 'Trans-seasonal Robe,' a must have for your hospital stay and post pregnancy.

"Where can I find all this great gear?"

The internet can be a hot mamma's best friend- comfort and style at the click of a mouse. Many of the items we have listed above can be found online. For the ultimate in pregnancy fashion, find Expectant Nights Maternity Sleep wear at Expecting Nights Maternity Sleepwear.

Ripe Maternity's star style can be found at www.ripe.com.au

Queen Bee at queenbee.com.au for some glamour mamma styles.

A wonderful range of labels and styles online at www.perfectlypregnant.com.au

Find kaftans and floaty dress at Shop at Tree of Life online at www.treeoflife.com.au

The essential maternity jeans can be found at EGG maternity (02) 93632930, and our favourite, the Seraphine jean, is just a click away at Queen Bee. Mamma Bella is in Oakleigh, Vic - either visit or call to order over the phone at Mamma Bella. (03) 9569 8993.

Clever tricks and bits

Find all sorts of cute and quirky things at www.urbanbaby.com.au. Extend the life of your jeans and pants with the Belly Belt - and extend the life or your bra with the bra extender. Both available at Urban Baby. Plus Baby's Got Style has many useful goodies such as the Organic Mum Belly Stretch Oil, great for optimizing the health and elasticity of your skin. Tree of Life, Sportsgirl, Keds, Bonds and Diva can all be found in a shopping centre near you.

Got some hot shopping news? Contact Missy's editor by email: editor(at)missyconfidential(dot)com.au or click here.