Fashion Fairground answers some questions for Professionelle.co.nz

I was given the opportunity by New Zealand organisation, Professionelle to answer some questions on how to dress while pregnant in the corporate environment.   Professionelle aims to provide professional development for working women at all stages of their careers and is a great source of information and inspiration.

Fashion Fairground styling services in Auckland

Fashion Fairground is a fashion styling service offering a unique and fresh perspective to clients. We cater to everyone, including pregnant and post-baby body shapes, delivering honest advice and direction.  Our approach means you can work with us for as much or as little as you need.

• Understand your body shape and how to best complement it.
• Learn how to dress your pregnancy bump and post baby body.
• Guided shopping (including online and recycled options).
• Find the perfect outfit for that special occasion.
• Create a new style/image.
• Advice on career dressing.

Our simple step-by-step process allows you to work with us for as much or as little as you need:

1. Consultation - An initial meeting enables us to get a sense of your lifestyle, body shape, what you want to achieve, your pain points and budget for your new image/wardrobe.  A written brief forms the basis for further discussion.  (Free, max 1.5hrs)
2. Wardrobe Edit - A full wardrobe edit (including accessories and footwear) to assess what works for your body shape and colour, where you have gaps, and what needs updating. ($80p/h, min 1 hr)
3. Recommendation - Based on the information gained from the initial consultation and from the assessment of your wardrobe edit, a concept board is created which recommends an appropriate style and some key pieces to achieve your look. ($80)
4. Guided Shopping - A guided shopping session taking direction from your concept board and budget. This can include online shopping. ($80p/hr, min 2 hrs)
5. Mix and Match (optional) - In this final step we provide guidance on how to wear new pieces with your existing wardrobe to create even more outfit options for you. Photographs are taken to capture your new looks. ($80p/hr, min 1 hr)

To check out a selection of past styling projects check out our Pinterest board here.

Please contact Stacey on Auckland, 0210 297 9065 or fashionfairground@gmail.com for further information or to make an appointment.

Dressing a pregnant body

Pregnancy shouldn't mean covering yourself in oversized clothing, and I was sure that I wouldn't be wasting my money on some of the maternity options that are out there in NZ, which, at over rated prices are downright ugly.  As I have slowly grown over the past 7 months I have gained an understanding about which parts of my body (mainly my stomach), are growing the most and how to adapt my wardrobe to this.  To give you an example, most of my underwear is no longer suitable.  Bras - I was refitted with a new supportive, clean line Freya t-shirt bra - it is fantastic.  Briefs - I have moved on from the smaller bikini and hipster style to the fuller brief (dear I say it) because these sit on or over your bump lessening the chances of ugly lines and muffin affect that a skimpier pair would do.  Full control/shape underwer is also one of my go to's, ensuring that any dresses or skirts I wear just skim over my bump and hips.  Great options are Jockey, Bendon and Fine Lines.

In terms of fabric, I have moved towards cotton/jersey fabrics that has plenty of stretch.  Many of my new pieces are from Kookai, where styles are on trend but the fabrics are comfortable.  

Here are some of my recent purchases to work with my bump - and they are not maternity wear so you use post pregnancy.

Bassike T-shirt dress

Bendon Thigh Shaper

Kookai Body Con Midi Skirt