We're on the Cover of Practical Pregnancy 2012

Expectant Beauty - Queen Bee in Sydney Observer Magazine April 2012

1.) For the upcoming autumn/winter season what is fashionable for pregnant women to wear? 

This autumn/winter we are seeing a trend in maternity treggings – which are leggings styled to look like smart trousers.  They are extremely flattering to wear and as comfortable as leggings, but the extra detailing makes them ideal to wear to work or for a night out.  Maxi skirts in solid colours are in and the maternity wrap design can comfortably accommodate all shapes and sizes – worn with a fitted top and styled with a scarf and boots for a cosy weekend look.  We are seeing beautiful rich caramel colours and this season classic herringbone makes a comeback in our beautiful range of maternity dresses. 

2.) What is the most comfortable and must have garment for women to wear when they are reaching the end of their pregnancy?

Definitely our soft stretchy yoga pants by Trimester.  I personally wore mine constantly during the last few weeks and also packed them for my hospital stay.  They are made from a beautiful thick soft cotton blend fabric, with a flattering straight leg style, so they look great with tunics or a simple top.  They are so popular because of the specially designed waistband which can be worn over the belly for added support or folded underbelly to sit on the hips.  Some women in the last few weeks don’t like any pressure on their belly so wearing the waistband underbelly is more comfortable.  Other women crave the extra support at this stage so prefer to wear the band over their belly.  The versatility makes these pants so popular.  And of course, they can be worn post pregnancy – so I would highly recommend packing them for your hospital stay as they are ideal to wear just after birth when your tummy is still quite large – the stretchy waistband helps to retain your shape in the early days post pregnancy.

3.) What is your best-selling item and why do you think this is?

Our best-selling item is the miracle maternity tank available in 7 colours.  It has a flattering scoop neckline, longer length and side ruching to accommodate a pregnant belly from 1-9 months.  It’s a fabulous layering piece for any season and made in a super soft cotton blend – it’s so popular as its a beautiful breathable fabric which is important for pregnant women as they feel the heat more.  I always recommend buying basic pieces if you are on a limited budget – tanks, leggings and a little wrap dress are great essentials that will see you through those long 9 months in style.  Some clever accessorising with a scarf, long line cardigan and statement jewellery can update your look instantly!

4.) Are there any garments you would suggest women not to wear for health reasons?

Some ladies may feel that they don’t want to buy maternity clothes as they will only wear them for a short period, so try and make do with oversized items or still try and squeeze into their old jeans and pants.  This may be ok for the first 5-6 months but once your belly has really popped out then I feel it would be far too uncomfortable and may even cause back pain if you are dressing too uncomfortably.  A simple investment in a pair of maternity jeans - which nowadays are all especially designed to fit your growing belly - are a great buy as you definitely do get the mileage out of them.  Turkish brand Mavi now produce maternity jeans and we stock the entire range – they are very fashionable and can even be worn post pregnancy.  They don’t even look like maternity jeans, so are well worth the investment in a decent, good quality, stylish jean – that will have you looking and feeling great!

5.) What colours and shapes are most flattering for pregnant women to wear?

Nautical stripes are our best-selling pieces at Queen Bee maternity.  The norm proposes that pregnant women don’t look flattering in stripes but this is not the case!  Our range includes fine stripes in primary colours and also thick stripes with the navy/grey combination the most popular colour way.  Pregnant women love to wear bright colours and fresh white is extremely popular along with red, various shades of pink, navy and of course classic black for essentials like leggings.  Ditsy floral prints look very flattering and feminine on pregnant women and polka dot designs big and small always sell out immediately.  Pregnancy is a time for celebration so QueenBee.com.au ensures women look stylish throughout their pregnancy with the widest selection of maternity clothes in Australia.  

$15 OFF the Sofia Lace Trim Chemise - limited time only!