Cherry lip balm, £15 cashmere and not clearing out your wardrobe after a baby
MUMISH meets Frances Costelloe
When I was coming up with the idea for MUMISH, I knew I wanted to include other mothers who have great style. Although there are universal themes when dressing after having kids (big bags, comfy shoes, white at your own peril etc), mums don’t all dress the same.
It’s important to showcase this because often the assumption is that we do. But personal style is a big deal. Especially when you’ve had a baby and everything else feels different – and maybe a bit weird. A sense of your own style can bring you back to you.
Also, I am nosy when it comes to clothes, and this gives me a good excuse to ask the women whose wardrobes I like where they get stuff from.
I first came across artist Frances Costelloe about six years ago. I saw her beautiful drawings in Liberty, then became an avid follower of hers on Instagram. A few years later we met for coffee (it was actually on my due date with Alfie) and she brought her daughter Edie with her. She had a big striped tote bag and had wrapped the handle of her pram with pink and yellow bike tape because the foamy bit had come off. I loved everything about it. She also gave me this moon and star print to hang in Alf’s room which was incredibly touching. I’ve since added these little fruits, too.
Frances’ aesthetic really speaks to me. Her use of line and colour is so liberated and joyful – there’s a sense of fun and effortlessness to her work and it extends into what she wears. But there’s an element of functionality to her outfits, too. Plus, she’s really nice and cool.
So here we go: MUMISH meets… Frances Costelloe.
FG: How many kids do you have?
FC: I have two: Gene who is six and Edie May who is nearly four.
FG: How has your style changed since having them?
FC: My style basics haven’t changed. I’ve always worn crew-neck jumpers in cashmere or merino – I used to work as Brand Manager for my aunt Bella Freud, so I have a lot. I wear less dry clean-only clothes and more dark colours. I wore more skirts before I had kids, but now I prefer trousers. I have to think about what I can run in and go through puddles and mud in.
FG: This is intertwined with the above so there might be cross over but, how has your relationship/emotional connection to clothes been affected by having your kids?
FC: I did a big clear out the first time I had a baby which I regret as I got rid of lots: most of my vintage Levi’s and car-boot jeans, mini skirts and white things as they showed breastmilk stains too clearly. I didn’t feel particularly good about what I kept which was mainly T-shirts and jumpers. I kind of forgot who I was style wise after pregnancy and I had no idea how to dress as a mum. I should have remembered that I would feel different when I got used to motherhood. I also, maybe stupidly, got rid of anything I wore during my pregnancies that wasn’t maternity wear – too many morning sickness reminders.
FG: What didn't you wear before having kids that you do now?
FC: Puffer jackets. I have two: a beige Uniqlo Premium one and a long style from Arket which I bought in the Pandemic to keep my whole body warm in the arctic winters at the park.
FG: Is there anything you've stopped wearing?
FC: I used to love a 60’s look and wore mini skirts a lot but they don’t feel like me anymore. Instead I’ll wear cycling and denim shorts. I don’t want people accidentally seeing my bum at the park.
FG: How did you find getting dressed during your postpartum period?
FC: I felt alright straight afterwards. I got really into nursing bra tops; I don’t love structured bras so this felt like a win. I used to wear them with thin cotton shirts and cycling shorts. I had C-sections with both kids and my normal jeans didn’t fit for a while. I wore my maternity jeans for about three months, then chinos which I bought in a bigger size. I also wore long vests and Birkenstock Arizonas, which have become my favourite slip-on parenting shoe. I bought them in gold last summer.
FG:What do you wear day-to-day?
FC: Crew-neck cashmere jumpers, wide-leg jeans or cords, trainers and a good jacket. I love my vintage trench – I found it in the charity shop next to the church on Calvert Avenue. I also have multiple bags on the go at all time: Ace & Prince, Anya Hindmarch for Asda and lots of basket bags – Jane Birkin for life.
FG: Favourite brands?
FC: Arket, M&S on Vinted, Bella Freud, H&M and Regina Pyo (not that I have anything!). I’m on a one-year no-buy mission for myself. I got a bit too addicted to Vinted last year – I’ve bought a lot of great cashmere for about £15 a pop in mint condition. I still use it for the kids though.
FG: Which piece makes you feel like you?
FC: My vintage trench. It looks great belted or open and, worn with a cross-body bag, it’s the one for meetings in town.
FG: What are your go-to beauty products that make getting ready quicker/easier in the mornings?
FC: Chantecaille tinted moisturiser, MAC pressed powder, Eyeko mascara and Nivea cherry lip balm.
FG: What could you not parent without?
FC: The Uniqlo cross-body bag. I always have it – either worn across me or in a larger bag. When I used to have a pram (RIP) I knew all my valuables were on me and I could abandon the pram to run after a kid. Also, flat shoes. Always flat shoes.
FG: What advice/insight would you like to share with other mums?
FC: Invest in good quality cashmere and a coat that makes you feel good as you will be outside a lot. I am wedded to my balaclava which I bought from a hand-knit seller on eBay. I know they aren’t for everyone, but they stop the wind whistling in your ears and are great for cycling. Another recommendation is to dress your kids in red. I know neutrals are cool, but it’s so much easier to see them in the park. I get a monthly facial as a treat rather than buying clothes. I occasionally still get ID’d which makes my day.
The Edit
One more thing…
It’s spring! And you’ve still got time to use your exclusive discount code at Astrid & Miyu. Use MUMISH20 for 20% off, valid until the end of the month.
This green signet ring will look so great with your other gold jewellery.
Silver hoops are feeling very right at the moment and these twisties look super luxe.
The snake chain to give your T-shirts and tanks a 90s vibe.
That’s all for now. You’re doing great, Frankie x