StyleNest chats to mother, businesswoman and founder of Babes with Babies, Sophie Devonshire.
After becoming a mum herself, Sophie Devonshire launched Babes with Babies – an e-boutique dedicated to bringing stylish women maternity wear, breastfeeding clothes and gorgeous new baby gifts. We caught up with the mum-of-two to talk fashion, food and to find out what makes her tick.
Tell us about Babes with Babies, how did the idea come about?
I had a baby and suddenly saw the incredible value of being able to buy online. But I wanted to buy from a brand with friendly, human, helpful customer service, and I wanted to find beautiful things to wear when breastfeeding and pregnant. Becoming a mother is incredible and life-changing. It made me feel grown-up and full of joy. But it was a shock – as my body and life changed so much. I wanted to buy things for myself quickly and easily online and to send special, thoughtful gifts to friends who became mothers. It seemed like a lovely opportunity to set up a business where we could provide exceptional customer service, high-quality clothes and gifts and make mothers feel good. So I set it up in 2006 and we’ve been growing every since.
As a mother yourself, did you find your style changed during and after pregnancy?
Lord, yes. My body changed and my life changed with pregnancy. I wanted to find chic and comfortable clothes that made me feel good but still worked with life-with-a-buggy. I definitely learnt more about what suited me during this time. I have to say though, pregnancy number two was far easier as by then I ran Babes with Babies so just raided our stock. There’s nothing like testing it yourself.
Any top tips for mums who may be experiencing these changes for the first time?
Number one would be, think before you buy. Buying a few, good quality investment pieces is the savvier approach. Build a nice capsule wardrobe that you can dress up and down.
Number two – Find ‘magic’ investment pieces that will last beyond 9 months. At Babes with Babies we love to make our clothes from ‘magic’ material. Material which hangs well and doesn’t show every lump and bump, but stretches with you and also reverts to shape after you’ve had the baby.
Buy early. Honestly, trust me on this. We hear so many stories from customers who try and get away with not buying and then find themselves feeling uncomfy and whale-like later on and with a tremendously limited ‘panic-bought’ choice.
Finally, flaunt your best new assets. If you’re used to having a flat chest and a small waist, pregnancy can shock you. But work out what looks good with your changing shape and highlight it with your choice of clothes.
At Babes with Babies we offer free, friendly style tips and advice for pregnancy and postnatal-wear online and through Twitter and Facebook – so please do get in touch as we’d love to help with any of your maternity or postnatal style-dilemmas.
Did you skin or hair change during pregnancy?
It was my nails that changed the most, developing an almost supernatural super strength. I’ve always had terribly weedy nails and suddenly they were worth of nail polish so I had some fabulously manicured nails in cool colours throughout my pregnancy. Sadly, it didn’t last and I’m looking down now at naked, short squovals again.
You’ve got some fabulous beauty brands on Babes With Babies, what are your three favourite beauty products that you could not live without?
Our beauty brands are targeted specifically at mums-to-be and new mums but interestingly we’re getting a lot of people repeat-buying them as they enjoy using them so much. I love our personalised candles which smell amazing and make a great gift. Outside of Babes with Babies, I’m an ardent fan of Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oils. They are just the best smelling things around. Guaranteed happiness in a bath. And my fave mascara is the one that’s number one in Japan – d v volumelast… from Cult Beauty. Very, very good stuff.
What’s your failsafe look when you have just a moment to get ready?
Give me a dress every time. The best are simple, feminine, comfy and can look cute with boots and a leather jacket, or smarter with more formal accessories. I can add a pop of colour or pattern with a scarf or a brighter overcoat. As long as it’s well-cut so it doesn’t look tarty or too tight then I can feel fantastic whatever I’m doing.
Are there any mums out there who really inspire you?
Oh yes, plenty. Lots in my life as well as the media. My team are utterly amazing at the ‘work/life juggle’ and keep a sense of style as well as a sense of humour. Frankly, anyone who can manage to balance the modern working mum’s busy life – relationship, friendships, work and still brush their hair nicely deserves respect. I love mums who are honest about what it takes: Karren Brady is amazing. From a style point of view, I think Cate Blanchett is beautiful and has incredible personal style. She used one of our babychanging bags when pregnant which we thought was fantastic.
How would describe your personal style?
I love finding things that are cut well, simple shapes with clean lines and then accessorising the hell out of them. There are few things that make me happier than shopping. It’s one of my favourite things ever. But I actually don’t buy that much. I’d rather buy a few ‘wardrobe heroes’ which really work with my shape, height and colouring and make me feel great. They are then nicely versatile and always make me feel good when I put them on. I try not to buy anything that I don’t love.
What are your favourite designer and high street brands?
Malene Birger, Anya Hindmarch, Reiss and Jigsaw make me very happy. For feet I swear by LK Bennett & Kurt Geiger.
Are you off on holiday soon? Is there one particular family friendly hotel you would go back to time and time again?
I’ve spent a lot of time overseas so I love a British break. Calcot Manor in the Cotswolds is incredible and the Tresanton in St Mawes is relaxed but beautiful. We’ve recently started following littleluxlifestyles.com which has lots of other ideas.
What’s your home style? How to you manage with kids’ toys everywhere?
Our house is a mix of old and contemporary – inherited art and furniture sits alongside more modern pieces and I love that. It’s also a mix of organised and chaotic. Like me. Storage solutions are my not-so-secret obsession. I yearn for order and am in love with clear surfaces. A perfectly tidy house is such a dream. Life and family do get in the way though don’t they?. You can’t be a control freak with kids (or at least not without a seriously big staff).
We are always looking for new recipes on StyleNest; do you have a failsafe family dish you swear by?
This Saturday we made something ridiculously lazy but everyone loved it. Cover the table with bowls of good stuff and get everyone to make their own wraps. Roast a chicken with lemon and basil (or buy a ready-roasted one), carve it and pop that in a bowl. Put out bowls of olives, sweetcorn, salad leaves, basil leaves, tomatoes, spring onions, cucumber with some pesto and mayonnaise with some tortilla wraps or baguettes and then everyone can make their own personalised wrap. Does that count as a recipe? Almost an ‘assembly of ingredients’ but I liked it. A super-easy, sociable supper.
When you’re not at work what do you enjoy doing with the kids?
We love going to Cornwall and my husband is a sailor so takes the girls on our boat, but I’m a real London-phile and want to ensure my girls get the most out of living here. The Science Museum makes them, and me very happy as it’s fun, funny, free and educational. We’re members of Kew despite me not having a clue about plants and things. I just love exploring it. And they do an awesome carrot cake.
Do you have a particular restaurant that you love going to but that is also family friendly?
Lola and Simon in Hammersmith is a very cute café and tolerant of toddler fun and games.
Who is your style icon?
Coco Chanel: She was feisty, funny and very smart. ‘Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.’
What book are you reading at the moment?
I’m a bookworm and have a couple on the go right now. On the iPhone: is Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – very sweet and a good read. It’s a good contrast to Headhunters by Jo Nesbo which was a surprisingly funny thriller and I’m sure will make a good film.
What can we look forward to at Babes with Babies this season?
Oh, we have some lovely new things about to arrive. Navy is super on-trend at the moment and a perfect colour for pregnant and new mums because it’s dark enough to be flattering but less draining on the complexion than black. We’ve brought out a couple of stunning navy maternity dresses and some great new breastfeeding-wear tops in navy. These look so good with jeans. We’re also getting ready for the weddings and christening season with our range of party-wear for breastfeeding.
Visit BabesWithBabies.com for more information or to shop online.
For more inspirational interviews with fabulous mums visit Five Minites With here.