Reviews by Alice Ellerby, Saffia Farr, Jo Haycock, Rosalind Kingston-Jones, Rosemary Merino Bernal and Grace Simpson
Dubs Flex Lightweight Machine Washable Children’s Trainers
These trainers are a big hit with my 6-yearold. First off, she was thrilled with the Marshmallow colour, a lovely shade of coral, and secondly with the comfort. Incredibly light, they are also spacious around the toes, which I love too, knowing that her growing feet aren’t been squished. We both enjoy how easy they are to slip on without help, perfect for children who don’t have the patience for laces (or even Velcro!), but the secure collar means they don’t slip off. The soles, crafted from sugarcane, have deep groves for grip and the shoes are very flexible, great for climbing and generally being active. The flyknit upper is made from recycled plastic bottles. Sustainability has been carefully considered and Dubs also works in partnership with Sals Shoes to end global shoe poverty. AE
£45 dubsuniverse.com
Lulu Scoop Neck Jumpsuit
This is more than just a jumpsuit! Unfolded clothes come with a committed community and ethos behind them, with the aim of reducing the huge amount of waste the fashion industry is responsible for. It starts with the designers who make clothes that Unfolded shoppers request and help to design, so there aren’t lots of products that no one wants. Then the clothes are only made once ordered, again reducing waste. Huge care is taken in the making of the clothes, with the fabric left to rest once unrolled to ensure a correct cut. Garment workers are paid fair wages and each item of clothing purchased funds a child in education for two months. In terms of the jumpsuit, the Unfolded community wanted a comfy, lightweight jumpsuit, and the Lulu (named after a customer) certainly meets the brief, with its flattering scooped neck and elasticated tiefront waist. It is very versatile: it can be worn on its own, with a top underneath or with layers over it, and you can dress it up or down. The cotton, viscose and linen blend is soft and it is wonderful to wear, sitting so comfortably on the body, with the elasticated waist giving it shape. I love the two big pockets, which are an essential for me. I also think this is a fantastic price for the thought and work that has gone into the item. SF
Children’s Shore Crab T-shirt
We already own a t-shirt from Lifeforms Art with a butterfly design and, I have to say, it is an absolute favourite with my daughter, so she was delighted to receive this Shore Crab T-shirt. The illustrations are really special, and they are so unlike other children’s designs. The fine pen and ink drawings capture the animals in great detail and the t-shirts really do help children forge a love of and an interest in these creatures. Each garment comes with information about the animal it features too. The t-shirts are hand-printed to order by the company in west Wales using water-based inks. The GOTScertified organic cotton is beautifully soft and I love the muted blue tone of this t-shirt. All clothing from Lifeforms Art is Fair Wear certified and vegan. AE
Okinami Kaio Shawl
Fashion has always interested me. When I became a mother, I enjoyed using my wraps not just as a functional tool for bonding with my son, but also to make myself feel beautiful. When he grew older and babywearing became less frequent, I discovered the practicality of an Oscha shawl. Not only does it help me to carry him when his little legs get tired, but I can wear the lovely fabric for a variety of situations – a walk, a night out, a wedding. A shawl is the ideal justification to continue enjoying the beautiful fabrics while remaining hands-free. And it’s super convenient as it packs so small and light. If you’re looking for a way to carry your child and to continue wearing your special fabrics, an Oscha shawl is the answer! RMB
£94 oschaslings.com
The Picot Lace Bralette
I had been looking for quite some time for a comfortable yet pretty bra that didn’t feel like a ‘just for home’ piece. Then I discovered Lemonade Dolls, started around five years ago by Lemon, who was unhappy with the lack of confidence friends had in themselves. Lemonade Dolls designs underwear for all body shapes and sizes, and has donated over 15,000 pairs of undies to refugees. I have the Picot Lace Bralette and was impressed by how the website’s sizing works. You put in your bra cup and back measurement then order their suggested size. It arrived beautifully wrapped in biodegradable packaging, with a note reminding me how incredible I am. I was genuinely surprised at how well it fitted and it’s so much more supportive than I expected. No gaps or unwanted spills and the lovely lace detail on the straps gives an extra zing under a summer top. JH
Organic Vegetable Garden Print Dungaree Shorts
These versatile organic dungaree shorts have been a real summer staple for my 1-year-old. Made from super soft organic cotton, they’re great for keeping cool in the sunshine, with adjustable shoulder straps and leg poppers for easy nappy changing. The gorgeous vegetable garden print is so vibrant and we’ve had a lot of compliments on them. They are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, with environmentally friendly azofree dyes. I have been impressed by the quality too – they’ve been worn and washed a lot and they still look great. RKJ
£27.99 tobytiger.co.uk
Beth Black Midi Breastfeeding Dress
This midi dress is really simple and can be dressed up or down. It is fitted at the top with a flattering floaty skirt and mid sleeves, suitable for most seasons. It also has lovely big pockets, which are always a win. It’s very soft and comfortable. The zips down the sides are discreet and easy to use for quick breastfeeding access. It is lovely to wear a dress again. I’ve not found many dresses that are compatible with nursing, so it is nice to feel a bit more stylish and ‘put together’! RKJ
£39.99 stylishmum.co.uk
Ada Nursing & Maternity Jumpsuit
I bought the Ada Jumpsuit while pregnant and wore it up until I gave birth. It fitted my growing bump perfectly. I’ve continued to wear it a lot postpartum. It works well with my changing shape and has consistently been one of the only things I feel comfortable but stylish in, and it’s really easy for breastfeeding too. It’s still super flattering, and given it doesn’t look like a maternity or breastfeeding outfit, I will continue to wear it long after I’ve finished nursing. It’s easy to adapt for different seasons. As I gave birth at the end of January, I wore it with a polo neck in the winter, but it’s a lovely linen material so is also perfect for hotter weather. The fact it’s from a small, sustainable, independent brand is a huge bonus. It’s definitely one of the most hard-working pieces in my wardrobe! GS
£155 breastdressed.co.uk
Long-sleeved Rash Top
This is a really good quality rash top that is easy to slip on, super soft and looks great. I love the blue contrast stitching. The fabric is UPF50+ rated, the highest possible rating, which gives absolute peace of mind on days at the beach. With long sleeves and a round collar, it covers up all the danger areas beautifully and is great in the water for added protection against the cold and the salt of the sea. Noma is working hard to address sustainability issues around swimwear and has some interesting information on its website about the work it does. The fabric is 78% Econyl regenerated polyamide yarn from ghost fishing nets and 22% Lycra Xtra Life. All Noma swimwear is gender-neutral and you can mix and max tops, bottoms and hats across the collection. AE
£38 nomaswimwear.com
Sausage Dog Sleepsuit
This long-sleeve sleepsuit with enclosed feet is made from especially soft 100% organic cotton. Gentle and kind on my baby’s skin, it’s comfortable and cosy, perfect for a good night’s sleep. It has been lovingly hand-decorated with a gorgeous sausage dog Liberty fabric appliqué and a matching satin bow. The high-quality feel makes it perfect for gifting to new and not-so-new parents, but it is also comfy and relaxed enough to be an everyday staple of my baby’s wardrobe. It’s practical too with nickelfree poppers along the front allowing for easy changing. RKJ
High Neck Top
I absolutely love this top! It is designed to be worn both as a base layer and as a main item of clothing, and I have been doing both. In the spring, I found it incredibly useful as a light jumper. It’s smart enough for work occasions or you can wear it casually as well. It is made from 100% natural and certified merino wool and it sits so well that it is really flattering. It hangs with a shape rather than feeling shapeless, which some jumpers can. It washes and dries well, though it doesn’t need washing often. I found this top to be comfortable and useful, and it looks great – I am delighted to have it as part of my wardrobe. It can also be worn for sport as the breathable fabric is cooling and absorbs sweat when you are hot, wicking away moisture. SF
€41 green-rose.eu
Mabel Green Gingham Linen Trousers
I’ve had loads of compliments on these linen trousers, in very on-trend green gingham. They are so flattering, featuring handy side pockets and with a comfy loose-fitting elasticated waist. I was introduced to Beyond Nine when looking for stylish maternity wear, and I love founder Naomi’s ethos for her brand. These are clothes for all women, not just those who are pregnant or mothers, and they’re for life. I am not currently in need of maternity wear, but true to Naomi’s intention, I keep coming back to Beyond Nine for clothing that will last through all my body’s changes. RKJ
£115 beyondnine.co.uk
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Published in issue 91. Accurate at the time this issue went to print.
