AW 2012 trends: The Polo neck - we pick the best styles for your bump

Christopher Kane AW 2012

Roll necks made a huge statement on the AW 2012 catwalks with the likes of Pringle, Christopher Kane and Erdem giving a huge nod to this trend.

Appearing in chunky knits, dresses and moulded into thin jersey fabrics, this classic trend was transformed into the styling tip du jour.

And the trend has filtered into the maternity style world this season, with a range of cute roll necks available for your bump. Choose from a playful striped number, teamed up with a maternity skirt or jeans for a casual look, layer a jersey number under a maternity shirt for a smart work look or opt for a block colour, to really make a statement.

See our faves from the (virtual) highstreet, below..

Black Turtle Neck Isabella Oliver £55

Stripe chunky knit, Jojo Maman Bebe, £29

Loose jersey grey polo neck nursing top, Mothercare

Grey polo neck £18, Next

Autumn/Winter 2012 trends: Lace - we pick the best dresses for your bump

Lace is a hot trend this season.

Appearing on the Autumn/Winter 2012 catwalks of Jason Wu and Erdem, to name a few, this trend has been given a dramatic darker and moodier make over from the soft pastel forms of last season, with blacks, deep blues and berry colours forming the main colour palate.

The best thing about this season's look is that it can be worn subtlety thanks to the number of designers choosing a delicate lace applique on blouses, dresses and trousers,  or very obviously as an all over fabric for dresses and add on sleeve- a style that's fast becoming a trademark look for Kate Middleton.

And the trend hasn't forgotten the maternity world with a range of designs filtering down into cute dresses and tops.

Today we're focusing on the statement black dress, which is perfect for an upcoming special event or Christmas party season. Choose from a slinky sleeved number that will show off your bump, or go for a 50s style tunic frock, which can be worn with a pair of ballet pumps for a more casual look.

Below is our pick of the top lace black dresses available online and on the highstreet.

Lace Katie dress, £40,  New Look

Black Lulu lace dress, £139, Isabella Oliver

Slinky lace dress, £40, Asos 

Mid-length belted dress, £169, Tiffany Rose

Tunic dress, £40, Topshop

Sites we love: Isabella Oliver World maternity fashion

We all know that maternity fashion can be hard to get right.


You've gone from having your pick of the highstreet rails, to having to find that look that suits you and your growing bump.

Not only is this why we've launched, but also something fashion brand Isabella Oliver has been working on. 

The maternity arm of the company, which is a fave for pregnant celebs,  earlier this year launched Isabella Oliver World, an online ‘destination’ where women can live and breathe style during pregnancy.

Coming from a designer point of view the site gives pregnant women all over the world a chance to learn about the Art of Pregnancy style.

Baukjen de Swaan Arons, Founder and Creative Director at Isabella Oliver said earlier this year: “After eight years of dressing pregnant women, we wanted to share everything that we have learnt and provide support to women in one of the most beautiful times in their lives.

"Isabella Oliver World was conceived as an idea over a year ago and I am so excited to see it become available for women to enjoy.”

With Isabella Oliver World and Does My Bump Look Good in This, you're sure to be the belle of any bump ball.

Yes, we know, we do spoil you.

Top five highstreet maternity jumpers for winter

A winter jumper is essential. Not only will it keep you and your growing bump warm, but chosen properly, will form a staple part to your maternity wardrobe and ensure you don't spend hundreds on a collection you won't be wearing for too long.

Thankfully the highstreet has a range of maternity jumpers available to suit every need and trend.

Go for a Breton stripe number, like this one from Asos, which is perfect for wearing under a blazer for work or with a pair of jeans for a casual weekend look, while Topshop's stud grunge jumper is great for ladies who want to stay on-trend and perfect teamed up with a pair of maternity skinnies and heels for a night out.

If you're looking for a jumper for the office then this lace knit navy blue one from Next is great teamed up with trousers or a skirt, while Mothercare's simple black knitwear is perfect for any occasion.

See the gallery below for our top five highstreet picks.

Mothercare

Asos

Topshop

Dorothy Perkins

Next

Get the look: Fearne Cotton's maternity tunic dress

We were super excited when we found out Fearne Cotton was pregnant as we knew she'd be channelling her eclectic and unique style into her maternity wear.

And we weren't wrong.

Last month the TV and radio presenter was spotted in a simple black tunic, which she made her own by adding patterned tights and ankle boots.

Sunglasses and a simple bag added to the look.

If you want to channel Fearne's look then buy the tunic dress now from IsabellaOliver.com for £125.

Keep it simple like the TV starlet by sticking with black accessories or make it your own and be a little bit more daring with a pair of coloured tights or bold accessories.

Teaming this versatile frock with a pair of on-trend red heels for a night out is also guaranteed to make you feel the belle of the bump ball.

Brands we love: Keungzai maternity fashion

If you're looking for that glam outfit suitable for the office and after work dinner then Keungzai has some great styles.

The relatively new maternity fashion boutique has come up trumps with its range that uses soft fabrics such as jersey, flowing gracefully over beautiful bumps in styles that match those seen on the highstreet mainstream fashion rails.

We love the printed rouched dresses and printed blouses that will show off your bump whilst enhancing your curves.

Now where did we put that credit card?

Blossom Mother and Child launches catwalk video tool

Dressing your baby bump can be hard work, especially if you want to work the latest styles into your wardrobe.

That's why we heart the new tool on Blossom Mother & Child’s website, which lets you see what its AW 2012 collection looks like on the catwalk, and more importantly, your bump.

Although this isn't a new thing- highstreet stores have been offering this online for a while now-  this video service is one of the first for maternity.

Simply click on the ‘view catwalk’ icon on the bottom right corner of a selection of  the company's maternity jeans, dresses, tops and jackets and you’ll see your garment of choice modelled on the runway and how they work with a bump.

Shopping for that perfect maternity outfit has never been so much fun.