Ashley started out working in fashion for Debenhams before quitting the office job to be a hands-on mum. She tells us about life as a fashion blogger – and why she began documenting her post-birth outfits on her blog A Mother’s Edit…
Ashley, 32, lives in Twickenham, south west London, with her husband and their daughter, Vivienne. She spent 11 years working in the fashion industry before quitting to be a mum and part time fashion blogger. She started documenting her outfits on A Mother’s Edit to encourage her to make more effort after giving birth to Vivienne…
“After leaving University at Warwick, I joined a graduate program in Birmingham but I really missed home (London) so shortly after, headed back and started working for Debenhams in their head office. It was so much fun working for a big high street retailer and I learnt a lot.
It led to some amazing opportunities working with brands such as Tiffany, French Sole, Pringle of Scotland, Milly and M&S. These days I freelance which gives me the freedom I want to look after Vivienne and work.
I found after a year’s maternity leave and not returning to my office job – I had no one to make an effort for anymore
My go-to outfit, while pregnant, was always jeans – J brand were the best. For other pregnant mums, my advice would be: moisturise. Not just for benefits for your skin, but it helps you get to love all your curves. Nobody is perfect and those wobbly bits I have since Vivienne I have grown to love. It’s taken quite some time though.
I found after a year’s maternity leave and not returning to my office job – I had no one to make an effort for anymore. I didn’t realise the person I needed to make an effort for was actually me. It got me down, and when I forced myself to make an effort again by documenting my outfits, I felt good. I think it’s just about making time for yourself. Your new baby is, of course, the most precious thing to you but you’ve got to put your own gas mask on first. If you’re happy, your baby is happy.
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My style has definitely changed since becoming a mum. Gone are the heels, in are the trainers. I spend a lot of time on the floor these days, playing, cleaning, and picking up toys, so my clothes have to be comfortable. But I still want to look good. So well fitting basics are key, and then you can add trend pieces as and when you want.
I’m not sure if Vivienne a fashionista in the making – she much prefers being in her birthday suit at the moment!
Quick and easy ways for new mums to spruce up their wardrobe…?Accessories, and I always say don’t separate day and evening clothes. Experiment. Wear a dress you save for the odd night out during the day over a tshirt, paired with trainers. Just balance everything so you’re comfortable.
I’m not sure if Vivienne a fashionista in the making – she much prefers being in her birthday suit at the moment! The fashion tip I’d pass on to her are to be aware of the power clothes can have when meeting people, working, and on your own mood.”