Friday Fantasy Fashion item: Charlotte smart maternity dress from Madderson London

We've gone full circle today with our maternity fashion advice, but it's Friday, and it's also a woman's perogative to change her mind, right?

Today's  Friday fantasy fashion item flies in from luxury maternity brand Madderson London.

Set up by Sara who missed the range and glamour of her pre-pregnancy clothes when she was expecting, the maternity range focuses on gorge dresses and tops for smarter occasions such as parties and office meetings.

The Charlotte dress, £275, is just one example of the brand's fab frocks and channels this seasons sixties trend perfectly.

We think it'll also look great teamed with flats for a more casual style.

Smart maternity dresses for summer weddings and parties

The wedding and party season is in full swing and no doubt you will have been invited to an event or two.

If you're in the middle or later stages of your pregnancy then you'll know that picking that smart maternity dress for your friend's wedding or summer party isn't as easy as stepping into a store and picking the first dress that takes your fancy.

Instead you have to consider how big your bump will be and if the frock you pick will be suitable for other events, because lets face it we all like a bit of recycling in our lives. 

Opting for a maxi dress is a great way to channel the smart look, while a floral number is great for mums-to-be who want to show off their fashion sense.

A chiffon number will keep you and your bump cool, while opting for a non-maternity frock with an empire waist and abundance of fabric will also let your bump grow.

Opt for the next size up and take it in after the baby arrives.

Below are some of our favourites from the virtual highstreet.

Pollyanna, One Shoulder Sunray Pleated Maternity Dress with contrast hem band, available soon, £120, Rock-a-Bye Rosie.

Jasmine Silk Gown Short (Peach Blossom), £199, Tiffany Rose

The Ruched Maternity Wrap Dress, £119, Isabella Oliver

Non-maternity option: Ophelia Lace Dress, Monsoon, £99

Asymetric Embellished Maxi Dress, £150, Crave

Natalie Dress, £180, Madderson London

Top five summer wedding maternity dresses to suit any budget

The days are getting longer and the sun is peaking its head out, which can only mean one thing, the summer is on its way.

And with the summer comes at least one wedding  that you and your bump will have to attend. If the impending event falls on a point in your later stages of pregnancy then finding that perfect frock may be a bit of a mare, especially if you don't want to splash out too much or simply can't find a frock to flatter that bump.

However, there's a range of ways to make picking that frock easier.
If you're on a bargain budget then opting for a normal maxi dress, a size bigger may be the perfect solution.

If you're set on a maternity style then there are some great choices out there. Pick a simple floral frock, which won't cost the earth and can be dressed up with a pair of heels - pack a pair of flip flops for the evening do- or go for a flimsy frock.

And if money's no option or you have a few events coming up then there's a fantastic range from some of our fave maternity designers.

If Kate Middleton can recycle so can we....

See below for our top five picks to suit any budget.

Give a nod to one of summer's top trends with this monochrome maternity Seraphine Dahlia Dress, £55, John Lewis

Wedding guests on a budget will love this gorge floral maternity number, which lands in at a fab £19.99, H&M

Blow the budget with this beautiful blue maxi from Isabella Oliver, £129

Polka dot flimsy dress, £38, Topshop

Maternity Slash Neck Flared Hem Dress, £36, Marks and Spencer

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