Bloom is the colourful maternity range from organic childrenswear brand Frugi. Lucy Clark and her two-year-old daughter, Ivy, try out Bloom’s new Spring collection, featuring playful coordinating prints so mums-to-be can twin with their little ones.
When it comes to stocking your little one’s wardrobe, if being ethical and organic is as important to you as being comfortable and eye-catching, then the chances are you’ve already made your first Frugi purchase. Their distinctive style – bright, quality fabrics, colourful characters and clever designs – has seen Frugi (Latin for fruits of the earth) become one of Britain’s fastest growing companies, scooping up prizes, growing worldwide and expanding their range to include clothing for children up to ten years old, toys, bedding, fabric and more. Their maternity range, Bloom, is typically both playful and practical, with vibrant, well considered designs that will take a mum-to-be right through to breastfeeding. Even better, several of the items in this range are made from the same prints as items in the children’s selection – so you can twin with your toddler while growing the latest addition to the family.
Made from a 95% organic cotton jersey, the dress is printed with characterful puffins in yellow wellies, frolicking on a sky blue background. Gathers at the front of the dress allow for a growing bump, while the mock panel with hidden side openings at the top promises to take you comfortably through to breast feeding.
While I absolutely loved this print, I was a bit concerned that it might be too childish for me to pull off. When I tried the dress on, however, my worries instantly disappeared. While the pattern is comical and fun, the cut is unquestionably adult. The high waist flattered my pregnant shape and, although I’ve not yet had the chance to test it, I can see how easy the mock panel will make feeding. The fabric is soft, yet strong enough to withstand the washing machine without stretching out of shape – which is good because I have a feeling I’ll be wearing this a lot this summer! The only downside for me is that the dress is a little loose on my top half. I think this is more to do with my body shape than the design, however. Although I’m naturally small, especially up top, I do seem to grow impressively large baby bumps; it’s not unusual for me to find maternity clothes that are loose on the bust fit perfectly everywhere else.
Made from organic cotton slub muslin with an organic cotton voile lining, this lightweight top features a clever drawstring belt under the bust, which you can let out as you grow. The fabric covered buttons can be undone for feeding once baby arrives. While one of Frugi’s more subtle prints, the design is still quirky. A white background features various house plants in a mixture of containers – including a sweet watering can and a pot shaped like a pink duck.
I’m already looking forward to the compliments I’m going to receive when wearing this come summer! The weather hasn’t been quite hot enough yet, but that hasn’t stopped me from repeatedly trying it on in front of the mirror. For an expectant mum (due in June), this hits the nail on the head. It is stylish, comfortable and, crucially for me, cool. The drawstring waist is excellent, allowing for lots of growth without being obviously maternity wear. Personally, I can’t see myself feeding in it, however. I had lots of tops with buttons for my first baby, but soon found I couldn’t be bothered with undoing them for every feed. That said, you don’t need a baby or a bump to wear this, and I can see myself in it for many summers to come.
While the print is identical to that of the Summer Tie Dress (above), these are made from organic cotton brushback, which is a thicker, sweatshirt-like material. They feature an elasticated waist with a drawstring and reinforced knees for crawling. For babies and children in cloth nappies, they have been cut to ensure a comfy fit.
As I took these out of the (beautiful, plastic free, tissue wrapped etc) box, Ivy stood at my feet exclaiming in her broken two-year old speech, “Oooo! Wow! Yes please!” She then promptly threw herself onto her back with her legs in the air, the implication being that I should hurry up and put them on her. I understand where she was coming from. The crawlers just cry out with comfort, quality and style. Although Ivy is well past crawling now, she is incredibly active, always climbing, jumping, running…falling over. The thick fabric promises to withstand a lot of the strain she puts on her clothes and the knee pads, while marketed at younger babies, are ideal for little ones like mine, with oodles of energy and no sense of danger! As far as twinning goes, it’s a shame that the fabric is so much heavier on Ivy’s trousers than my dress, as it might be difficult to find a day when we can both comfortably wear our puffins together. However, the trousers come in other prints too, and I get a feeling Ivy’s puffins are going to be the first of a growing collection for us.
Designed to twin with the Smock Top above, this is made from the same fabric in the same whimsical print. The dress features short puff sleeves and fastenings at the back, and comes with a matching (and super cute) pair of bloomers, which, of course, will fit over cloth bottoms easily.
I actually gasped when I took this outfit out of the box. Its classic cut and modern print is an incredibly sweet combination, and although I can’t wait to get Ivy in it, for me, this is one to save for best. Unlike the crawlers, this set isn’t play clothes, at least not for a spirited two year old who is at her most happy when she is also at her most filthy. It’s also for hotter weather and would be perfect for keeping small babies cool (with the added bonus that pre-weaned babies don’t make anywhere so much mess, so would probably get a lot more wear out if it!). This set twins brilliantly with the grown up smock top, as it is the exact same fabric and a similar style. Perfect for summer garden parties, these mother-daughter outfits are going to look gorgeous in photos. I might even order a Dolly Set for the new baby too!
All Frugi clothing is made from organic cotton.
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