Touching base

Dearest WIT followers,

in the last few weeks I've received so many wonderful messages via Twitter and Instagram asking when will I be back (as well as bumping into some of you on the street), that I thought I would touch base to let you know that WIT will definitely return after the summer.

The last few months have been life changing in every possible way and I wanted to take time off to give my little GeeZee 100% of her mummy's attention. I sure miss you all and I'm planning a big come back sooner than you know it, as well as a few surprise updates in the next few months..

 

For all of you who kindly asked, Greta and I are doing really well, she is almost eight months old and is a wonderful, smiley baby girl who loves her food and is very curious. I am exhausted, sleep deprived and, on most days, ever so un-stylish - yet she is somehow and nevertheless the cherry on my cake... those of you that have children, will know what I mean!

I'm having a world of fun baby shopping (who knew!) and matching a bow to Greta's outfits every morning. I've cut my hair short, gone a tad blond and mastered an art at doing my nails during her afternoon naps. I've learnt a whole new sea of knowledge when it comes to practical/stylish dressing and I can't wait to share all of it with you. 

For those of you who might not know and and miss their daily "WIT fix", I am still around on Twitter and Instagram so follow me @WITblog and get in touch- I would love to hear from you!

And now a quick WIT of a few things, buys and treats I couldn't have lived without in the past few months...

1- SHIRTS

I breast fed for seven months and found them incredibly practical never mind flattering from when I left the hospital to this very day.

 

Étoile Isabel Marant Layne cotton-gauze shirt £110

2- LEGGINGS

Just because they are comfortable, easy to wear, stretchy and look great with a flat boot. I'm still wearing my TOP SHOP wet look leggings today.

3- FLAT BOOTS

Biker, Chelsea or knee high, flat shoes are the way forward when pushing a pram. I bought these Zara leather boots on my first shopping trip after having Greta and have worn them almost every day since.

 

Russell and Bromley have a similar pair in stock at the moment

 

4- ETOILE ISABEL MARANT

Easy, breezy, blending relaxed tailoring with bohemian, I love this brand now more than ever.

My latest purchase Etoile Isabel Marant jacket


Etoile Isabel Marant jacket £255

5- CONVERSE

My go-to trainer, they get better with age and always looks cool.

Converse Chuck Taylor canvas high-top sneakers £45

6- PARKA

I remember searching the Internet for a warm practical jackets at 3am in the morning whilst feeding Greta who was only a few weeks old. My first outing with her was a small disaster and since realised that I needed a proper winter coat.I have literally worn it all winter.

Pockets, rain/wind (and spit) proof, goes with everything. In my opinion, the ultimate baby friendly jacket.

Parkas from Netaporter 

7- MY ALPHABET JEWELLERY

I designed these rings with the jeweller that made my engagement rings in Florence. Since then, I've started a small made to order business of alphabet jewellery for mothers like me who love to carry  their loved ones names on them all the time.

Rose and white gold  initial rings

Email wearingittoday@gmail.com for more information

8- GREY J.CREW TEES

Only the best tees in the world. I have about 10 and wear them all the time. They have the perfect fit and look great with anything from a pair of red jeans to a floral skirt. On a recent trip to Italy it's all I packed with 3 pairs of bottoms.

J.Crew Vintage Tee

9- MY HAIRCUT

When Greta was roughly 8 weeks old I was exhausted and had never looked more tired in my life. I hadn't been out to do something for myself in ages and was in desperate need of a treat. I had contemplated cutting my hair shorter for years. There was not going to be a better tome than then. I went to GOOP recommended Josh Wood salon and went for the chop. It's shed 10 years off my face and made me feel like a woman again. Ask for brother and sister duo George (cut) and Sally (colour) Northwood, be prepared to $£$£$ out yet never look back!

Josh Wood Atelier Liberty

+44 (0)20 7734 1234

10- A FEW GOOD BUYS

To be completely honest I haven't shopped much in the past few months, little time and pretty much an everyday "baby boot camp uniform" of grey t-shirt, jeans and trainers. I did however buy a few things that I absolutely love. Here are a few of them..

Miu Miu red lace shift dress from a trip to the outlets

The Jimmy Choo reasonable heel. Let's be honest, I haven't exactly worn heels on a daily basis yet when I do, it needs to be reasonable especially if I'm holding Greta. I love my Jimmy Choo black patent pumps, they have been a real investment buy.

Jimmy Choo Amelia patent-leather pumps £360 

Stella Mc.Cartney neon jaquard skirt I fell in LOVE with and saving to wear for a special occasion.

Stella McCartney Neon floral jacquard pencil skirt £575 

11- GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT
Last summer I was heavily pregnant but that didn't stop me from shopping for the future ;-) When switching over to my spring/summer wardrobe I found a stash of clothes I bought "from me to me" to wear this summer. Here are some of my favourite bits I cannot wait to wear!

Christian Louboutin heels

Marni for HM cotton swimsuit

Cobalt blue sequin Zara skirt

Lace neon green skirt from Top Shop

Gap and Marni for HM statement trousers

Prada top from the outlets

 

12- STRIPES
A stripy top with a twist because.. well, It wouldn't be WIT if there weren't stripes mentioned! Love my Chinti tee sold exclusively at Netaporter

 

Chinti and Parker Heart-print striped organic cotton top £90

  

That's all for now but I will be back soon with a few updates, don't forget to come and see me on Twitter and Instagram

Love

Laura x

The cherry on my cake

 

Greta Zita

14.09.2012

WIT's Baby Fridays: Pregnancy pampering

 

Throughout my pregnancy I've been paying extra attention to the products I used in my body an skincare regime, avoiding GM ingredients, synthetic colours, fragrances and parabens. In the last couple of months I've been trying ad testing a few selected pregnancy body treatments from the makers of my favourite beauty products. I hope you will enjoy this honest account of my experience and that you or a pregnant friend of yours gets to enjoy one of these amazing treatments.

What? 

Pre Natal Treatment

 

Where? 

ESPA life at Corinthia Hotel

For who? 

For your friend that deserves a little more than just a massage

How much? 

90 mins £165

Tell me more...

This treatment is a pampering and nourishing full body treatment designed to target areas prone to stress and tension during pregnancy, so don't expect "just" a massage. It all kicks off with an in depth consultation with your therapist(which I found really useful as I get a bit nervous about pregnancy treatments and want to know that the right moves and products are applied). This is your chance to tell your therapist if you've had any aches and pains and if there are any areas of your body you want her to concentrate on. Throughout there is a real sense that this treatment is being tweaked to your needs. Then you sit up on a large bed, propped up with as many pillows as you need (which I found really comfy as I haven't been able to lie on my back late in pregnancy because I get dizzy)and a gentle body exfoliation is followed by a nourishing full body massage using a fabulous combination of oil and a moisture-rich body mask which leaves your skin feeling completely soft and rejuvenated. Finally, my favourite: a truly relaxing mind and body scalp massage using their famous Scalp Mud.

Products I loved:

I'm a huge ESPA products lover and have been using the Nourishing Body Oil throughout my pregnancy. Other products used in the treatment that I loved are the Pink Hair and Scalp Mud, Exfoliating Body Polish and Replenishing Face Moisturiser.

That little bit extra...

I loved the changing rooms: you get your own private corner with mirrored dressing table, locker and shower + access to a full range of ESPA products. It's a bit like being in a  1950's Hollywood movie set with marbled floors, sumptuous chandeliers and just about the biggest shower heads I have ever seen. When booked in you also get access to the "chill out" room decked out with your own private couch cubicle, fire place, duvet and blankets where you can snuggle up and.. fall asleep!

Nit picking...

A huge spa facility spread over four floors (most underground), so not for you if you are looking for a cosy day lit experience. Some of the floor decor is a bit masculine for my taste. Treatments are expensive so make a really good gift if you are a group and wanting to treat a friend.

Verdict:

You just won't want it to finish so soon

9/10

Contact 

 www.espalifeatcorithia.com

What? 

Ultimate Rose Pregnancy Massage

 

Where? 

Aromatherapy Associates treatment rooms

For who? 

For you! To kick started your first week on maternity leave

How much? 

60 mins £90

Tell me more...

I love AA product philosophy and that's what drew me to trying out a treatment herein the first place.

In their BATH, BODY AND SKINCARE they do not use:

• Mineral or sulphonated oils which can block the performance of the essential oils
• GM ingredients
• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
• Petrolatum
• Propylene Glycol
• Synthetic colours or fragrance
• Parabens
• Ingredients that have been tested on animals – and we don’t test our finished products on animals
• Animal derivatives, except for silk and beeswax, which are animal by-products.

I opted for a classic pregnancy body massage and it was a gorgeously relaxing experience, like a big calming hug. This massage is designed to "relieve stress and tension, ease the heavy feeling that can come with pregnancy, and help ease an aching back. Finally, a relaxing and rejuvenating full scalp and facial massage will complement this top to toe treatment". In the initial consultation the therapist tailor-makes the treatment targeted to your own individual needs starting by letting you choose the body oil used for your massage. She'll let you smell three different scents (without telling you what they are, but all completely safe to use during pregnancy), this because you are supposedly drawn to the essential oil your body actually needs. I went for rose oil, nourishing and regenerating. The therapy rooms are small and cosy, you get propped up with pillows and covered with luxe duvet.. and then get ready to fall asleep. I did!

Therapist: 

Christina

Products I loved:

I loved the nourishing smell of the Renew Rose Massage and Body Oil used in my treatment which also left my skin feeling very soft. During my final scalp massage Christina also used a dash of De-Stress Frankincense Pure Essential Oil which was really fresh and regenerating. I ended up buying it because I thought it would have an uplifting effect during labour and added to my hospital bag.

That little bit extra...

After my massage I was invited to chill out in the relaxation area, while I was served complimentary black rose tea and savoured rose and cream macaroons, raisins and roasted almonds... Felt totally spoiled! Also I love it when you leave a treatment with a few samples to try at home. I was given a cute little box with products recommended by my therapist. 

My lovely post-massage pick me up

Samples to try at home

Nit picking...

A little on the expensive side, wish it was £20 cheaper so you wouldn't think of it twice before booking.

Verdict:

8/10

Contact 

www.aromtherapyassociates.com

What? 

Calming float for mother-to-be massage combined with float

 

Where? 

Elemis Day-Spa

For who? 

The pregnant lady that loves body treatments

How much? 

1hrs 45mins £150

Tell me more...

The first thing I want to say about this treatment is that pregnancy/position wise it was the most comfortable one. Getting a massage when you are heavily pregnant is a completely different experience than when you don't have a huge bump. For once you can't really lie flat on your back because your baby will press on your lungs and make you feel dizzy , so getting comfy can be really trick as you have to keep on moving from side to side and prop up with pillows. At Elemis they had a huge bean bag on the floor (so no trying to get up and down a high bed) which shapes up around you, divine! So I was really at my most comfortable. The treatment entails a "Nurturing full body massage followed by the deeply relaxing Frangipani Body Nourish Dry Float where you sink down into the warm dry floatation bed that allows you to experience the almost weightless state known as passive immersion, inducing complete relaxation of the joints and muscles without getting wet".

Therapist: 

Jenny

Products I loved:

I loved the subtle smell of the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Body Oil used for my treatment.

That little bit extra...

You don't really get any extras per se but you are truly taken care of from the moment you walk in and you get a real sense that the therapist are experts at what they do. I loved Jenny's ways and her knowledge about the treatment and the products she used on me. Getting massaged later on in your pregnancy can be a little uncomfortable but I felt totally at ease and in experts hands.

Nit picking...

I must admit I didn't love the floating experience, mainly because I couldn't get comfortable lying on my back. I would love to try it again as non pregnant as it must be amazing, but during pregnancy I would recommend just the massage which was probably my favorite of all. Also the overall decor of the SPA is in need of a modernsasition as it looks a bit dated.

Verdict:

Must have been conceived by a  pregnant woman it's so perfectly comfy

8/10

Contact 

 www.elemis.com/dayspa

What? 

Great Expectations

 

Where? 

Bliss Spa

For who? 

The indulgent pregnant lady that loves chocolate (me!)

How much? 

75 mins £122.60

Tell me more...

This treatment does exactly what is says on the box. Described as a "bump-friendly version of the beloved Blissage75 that uses massage techniques and Mama Mio products to help maxed out mommies-to-be relax while relieving 40-week woes like tired miscles, tension, swelling, overstretched and itchy skin, and sluggish circulation." 

Therapist: 

Elodie

Products I loved:

I didn't love the Mama Mio massage oil they used on me but as you probably know by now I'm a huge Bliss Spa products lover, so if you happen to be in store here are some of my fav buys (which I actually picked up for a friend on the day).

 

bliss triple oxygen instant energizing eye mask

 

diamancel #10 the classic big buffer

and bliss fatgirlslim

That little bit extra...

Oh where do I start! First of all it's worth getting to Bliss Spa a little early to use their changing room facilities. There are huge showers and you can use a wide range of their body and skincare products. Then as you wait in the "blue room" for your thereapist  you are presented with cheese and bisquits platter and offered the best bite size chocolate brownies you will ever eat. I just LOVE the concept of choc brownies at a SPA. True bliss! I also love the music selection in the treatment rooms, a mix of Nora Jones, Etta James, Jack Johnosn... there's no new age nonsense at Bliss it's just all so tongue and cheek at Bliss you just can't resist it!

Nit picking...

The beds are high, short and narrow, not great for getting comfy with a bump.

Verdict:

9/10

Contact 

 www.www.blissworld.co.uk