style: maternity wear

As I enter the final stages of my second pregnancy, I thought I'd reflect on my favourite pieces of maternity wear. Unfortunately I managed to be heavily pregnant during a completely different season for my second pregnancy to my first. First time round it was the height of summer and I lived in flip flops and maxi dresses. This time round, it's winter - and a cold one to boot. So I've had to be a bit more imaginative. Dresses are still a godsend when you reach the third trimester and you're huge and uncomfortable. This Next dress has been my absolute favourite this time round.

It's loose and flowy and not too far off my usually style. The buttons mean that it will be useful in the early weeks after the baby arrives too, as I'll be able to breastfeed in it. That said, I have just bought it in the non-maternity version - on sale for just £9! (You can find it here - search "drop waist dress" in womenswear - as well as another print in non-maternity.)

If you're pregnant too and fancy trying this dress, it's currently only £14 in the sale at Next - you can find it here (search "printed long sleeve dress in maternity).

style: the ankle boot edit

With all of the walking I have done since having the baby boy last summer, I've found myself lusting after sensible shoes - after years of filling my shoe rack with beautiful high heels. Now with winter truly here and the cold weather really biting, I've been living in my ankle boots.

These Clarks black ankle boots (above) were my sole pair. If in doubt, I will always choose black in clothes or shoes - they go with everything! These are a great height as they sit just where my skinny jeans finish.

Realising that I was wearing these boots all the time, I decided I needed a second pair. Obviously I wanted something slightly different but still sturdy enough to cope with all of the walking that I plan on doing. I decided that a pair of tan Chelsea style boots would fit the bill perfectly. On maternity leave pay, the Clarks version was not going to be an option. Instead, I found these excellent tan leather Chelsea boots from George at Asda for just £30!

If you are after a pair of ankle boots, I've found pairs to suit any budget:

Shop the post: Splurge tan Chelsea boots vs save tan Chelsea boots
Splurge black ankle boots vs save black ankle boots

style: mum coat

The cold and wet has arrived: it is now most definitely coat weather. This winter, I'm on maternity leave and so far, my maternity leave has been dominated by walks with the baby in his pram. I was lucky that he was born in the summer and that this particular summer has been lovely and dry but as we march on into winter, wetter days will be more frequent. With this in mind, I started my hunt for a mum coat. My mum coat had to tick a few boxes: 1. be warm, 2. be waterproof, and 3. be stylish. Not too much to ask?

I'd actually spotted this coat in Joules last winter and loved it but as I was pregnant, I didn't really feel like buying clothes that I'd soon be too big for. And am I glad I waited as I got it with 25% off a few weeks ago! It proved perfect for our recent weekend away in west Wales where walks in the countryside and along the beach were the order of the day.

If you're on the hunt for a mum coat this winter, look no further as I've found five of my favourites for you here:

Shop the post: 1. Luxe Black And Blue Parka Coat at Dorothy Perkins; 2. Uniqlo Light Weight Down Hooded Coat; 3. Hush Eskimo Parka; 4. Fat Face Cheshire Jacket; and 5. Stormaway Waterproof Coat at Joules.

shopping: alternative changing bags

Earlier this week, I posted about what I carry in my changing bag. I wrote that I wasn't keen on carrying a traditional changing bag, so I bought the Munchkin nappy change kit and used a bag I already had.

Clockwise from top left:

• The Storksak Ashley satchel is a stylish alternative to a traditional changing bag, as well as being a good option for mums or dads.
• Tiba and Marl are the go to brand for cool mamas for their brilliant change bags that don't look like change bags. The Elwood Backpack is a fabulous option - I love the metallic silver version.
• Another backpack, this time from Cath Kidston. This button spot changing rucksack offers mums a hands-free option with lots of pockets to stow all those things you need.
• The Fleet Street changing bag by Radley is the luxury option - this is definitely an investment purchase.
• If you want to use a bag you already own (as I have), you will need a mat. This change mat to go by Munchkin is a great option - in fact, you don't even necessarily need anything else!
• Another option to use with your own bag, or alone, is the Melobaby All-In-One Nappy Wallet and Change Mat.
• Finally, no one will know you're carrying a changing bag if you choose this leather look satchel by JoJo Maman Bébé.