Party pieces to make you feel like a smoke show
Less baby, more babe 🔥
Back in spring, I wrote a post about my urgent need to feel sexy again after having a baby. To have my body feel desirable and special - not just a thing that gets climbed on and hung off and pawed at. To switch a maternity bra for something lacey. To put on perfume (and deodorant!). To not feel invisible and tired. To look in the mirror and think ‘HOT’.
The thing is, there aren't many available moments to feel sexy. Motherhood is, after all, outrageously unglamorous; this week I had to wrestle a dog poo out of my daughter's hand on the way to nursery. Fortunately it was an old poo and therefore very solid.
However, party season is a good opportunity to shake off the indignities of mumming, put on something gorgeous and remind yourself you're a stone cold fox.
I won't pretend I have a calendar full of dazzling events to go to over the next few weeks - my festive social plans are more bag of crisps at the pub than black tie. But I don't think you need to have cocktails at The Ritz to get a glamour fix. Nice underwear (this from Dora Larsen) under a jumper and jeans can make you feel a million miles away from the daily drudge.
So whatever you're up to in the Christmas run-up, a few suggestions below of pieces that will make you feel like a ten out of ten.
The party top
I’m giving you a few picks here because I think a good evening top is probably the most useful party piece to have. Throw it on with jeans! Or black trousers! Or a slip skirt! Options, options…
This teensy bow-front top (£29.50) is one heck of a budget find and the cutest little number for dinner and drinks. M&S party wear is actually worth looking at this season - check out this spangly bag!
Ding dong Mrs Claus! Red satin perfection from Aligne (£115).
Sheer sequin sexiness (£99) that would work equally well with a slinky camisole or just a bra (hubba hubba!) underneath. OR as a little jackety thing over a slip dress.
Ganni velvet (£195). Classic from the front but minxy from the back and you could still wear a bra with it if you got one of those racer-back clips.
The disco jeans
Because I wear jeans all the time, I'm partial to a razzed-up version for a night out. And they're a very easy but effective look when you haven't really had time to think about it. Throw these diamanté-studded beauties (£149) on with one of the above. Or wear them with a jumper/ little cardi.
The mini
Minis are the dress style to know about this season. I don't usually wear short dresses but I think there's something very flirty and fun about them in winter. Especially when worn with sheer denier black tights and flats. Arket’s velvet mimi (£97) would also work if you're preggers - just size up so you don't flash your crotch. Or wear a pair of black cycling shorts underneath.
The slip
I find lovely fabrics are such a key part of feeling sexy - and satin is so slinky and luxe. And it's nice to wear a high-maintenance fabric when you have the chance - just make sure the kids are in bed before you get dressed. I adore the neckline of this from & Other Stories (£97). The burgundy for understated glamour, the red for a more statement look. I’ll be pinching the below styling idea of wearing a fuzzy cardigan over the top, too.
The wow dress
If you are going somewhere fancy, this from Kitri (£195) is pure Studio 54 decadence. It's made from lurex knit so will stretch over a bump, too.
The accessories
Glorious silly things that couldn't be further away from the practical bits normally needed…
A tiny bag that absolutely won't fit nappies and wet wipes in. Hurray! (£65)
The most beautiful moiré Mary Janes currently on sale (£129)
Sandralexandra is a recent jewellery discovery for me and I love its use of coloured glass. Something different from your usual gold hoops. (£88)
One more thing…
The Astrid & Miyu Black Friday sale starts tomorrow BUT get early access with the code EARLY25 and get a head start on Christmas presents. This for your sister/friend/mum! This for you from the kids (be cute and add a charm engraved with their initials). This for the dog/cat!
That’s all for now. You’re doing great, Frankie x