Goooooodbye, my friend

“IT’S NOT A REINVENTION, BUT RATHER AN INTERVENTION”

HIYA.

It’s been a long time coming. I’ve gone to change my username on here a dozen times or more, and “chickened out”. You see, @instagram was the only remaining social channel that I used JUDY PINK as my username. So many people knew me IRL as such, it always felt tricky to change it! While I’m sad to say goodbye to Judy Pink, this isn’t a reinvention but rather an intervention. Today I am, just me.

I thought I better introduce myself – my *actual* name is Claire👋🏻

(Cue: “her name’s Claire” 🎶)

I’m thirty something and 5 foot nothing. I’m from the North East and (somewhat proudly) reside in the North West🐝  Mama to two and a half-wife of 16 years to another. I’ve recently taken to sewing – I have no idea either – but it’s keeping me sane during this weird time 🤷‍♀️

So there we have it. Judy Pink is officially no more. And I’m, just me.

C
✖️✖️✖️

PALOMA FAITH x COSATTO // HEAR US ROAR

 

Let me start by mentioning that Paloma Faith is one of the nicest human beings I had the pleasure of working with, whilst at Bestival, back in the day when I was the (Global) Social Media Exec at AllSaints.  Paloma was friendly, welcoming, full of humour, laughter and was genuinely just a total joy to be around. Since then, I have indeed followed Paloma’s musical career and admired her for speaking out about her parenting methods.

So when I saw that Paloma had joined forces with Cosatto for a creative collaboration, I was ready to be hooked. I knew that Paloma would create something unique, fun and eye-catching; but the collection itself is just stunning. Using my favourite print of all, Leopard, Paloma and Cosatto have created a range of items from newborn that have bags of style, personality and of course, functionality.

For the low-down on the collaboration, including some behind the scenes photos, scroll on below.

 

Paloma Faith for Cosatto

 

“THESE DESIGNS MAKE ME FEEL HAPPY TO BE DIFFERENT – MY CHILD LOVES THEM TOO.”

– Paloma Faith

 

Paloma tearing up the rulebook. Cosatto’s Creative Director Vicky loving it.

Cosatto believes in celebrating parenthood by creating baby products that make a statement and stand out from the crowd. The new collaborative range, therefore, is irreverent, opulent and confident, bringing a new dimension to the parenting experience.

 

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Outrageously opulent. Outrageously rare. Crafted with over a million stitches.

Hear Us Roar

Hear Us Roar reflects the huge leap in popularity of animal print across all design categories. The leopard print design features on Cosatto’s bestselling model, Giggle 3, the classic pram and pushchair.

Channelling Faith’s signature retro Hollywood glamour, the design is also available on an oversized hat box changing bag. This is alongside a coordinating leopard print footmuff.

Anarchy in the Nursery

Taking its luxury travel system, Wow, Cosatto has also crafted a short run of prams taking reference from the ancient orient and 19th century Russian decorative arts.

This limited-edition design features state of the art printing techniques, traditional style embroidery as well as enamelled gold trims. Other highlights include a leatherette handle in teal, air filled tyres together with an extra-large carry cot. The travel system also has a coordinating luxury footmuff.

 

Extremely exclusive, extremely embroidered. Crafted with over a million stitches, Paloma’s Anarchy in the Nursery design pram is the rarest beast with only 50 available worldwide.

The world in your sights . It started with a sketch then took flight. Start where you are and the possibilities are endless. Paloma said so.

 

Finally, there is the Paloma Faith for Cosatto original coordinating Utility Bum Bag. This statement accessory can hold an iPad, nappies and bottles.

Commenting on the range, Faith says: “When I was a new mother, I felt like none of the designs out there really suited my personality. They all made me feel like I had to become someone else to be a good mother.

“I wanted to design something that allowed me to celebrate who I am while also stimulating my child and showing them that it’s ok to stand out from the crowd and have joie de vivre about all things. These designs make me feel happy to be different and my child loves them too.”

 

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Faithful to her vision. Paloma admires her handiwork with Vicky, Cosatto’s Creative Director.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vicky Morley, creative director at Cosatto, adds: “We are chuffed to bits to be working with Paloma. She is a creative force with a natural flair for spotting trends. Paloma has an uncanny sense for what is at once extraordinary, outspoken and outlandish, while at the same time irresistibly appealing.

“She is a true talent with a unique view of the world. Paloma is not afraid to be herself and stand up for what she believes in. This is also a Cosatto sentiment. We are kindred spirits – this is what drew us to her.”

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5 Reasons to Buy Giggle 3

Meet the Cosatto Giggle 3 pram and pushchair. Taking gold-winning Giggle 2’s famous features and smooth handling even further, Giggle 3 is your nippy three wheel from-birth pram, reversible pushchair and Cosatto car seat carrier. Discover even more premium detailing, from the stitched leather handle to the deluxe amped-up wheels. Choose your statement around-town wonder. Relax with all you need from birth and beyond.

Classic 3 in 1. No need to buy separate carrycot, pram or duo-directional pushchair – Cosatto Giggle 3 pram and pushchair’s got the lot from day dot. The from-birth carrycot, (suitable for occasional overnight sleeping), converts to pram mode. Swap it to the reversible pushchair seat unit when they’re ready to sit up – facing you first, then the world.

Ultra-Portable. Compact Giggle 3 is your go-anywhere, stow-anywhere hero with flat-folding lightweight chassis. Great for smaller cars.

User-Friendly. With height-adjustable premium leather handle for walking tall, easy-release buttons for mode-changes they can sleep through, pop-off swivel wheels to whizz under the tap and snoozy multi-recline seat – Giggle 3 makes life a breeze.

Comfy All-Round. The luxury carrycot has maximised space to accommodate growing babies and the luxury zip-in liner is tailored for extra comfort. Add the matching Cosatto 0+ car seat to make Giggle 3 a travel system.

Patterns Babies Love. Designed in their studio in the North of England, Giggle 3 unites Cosatto’s passion for design and baby science. It’s crafted with engaging, baby-pleasing patterns in the hood. Put your baby at the heart of the story and the heart of Great British design.

Cosatto. Clever stuff for happy babies.

—–

Giggle 3 Pram & Pushchair // CLICK TO BUY
£559.95

 

 

Hat Box Changing Bag // CLICK TO BUY
£79.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Car Seat – Group 0+ // CLICK TO BUY
£184.95
Footmuff // CLICK TO BUY
£79.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM MOTHERCARE

*Port adaptors required for use with the Giggle chassis.

 

I’m seriously keeping my fingers crossed that James lets me buy into it ahead of this baba’s arrival (note from narrator, I bet he won’t).

 

Paloma Faith for Cosatto

 

 


MORE ABOUT // PALOMA FAITH

Paloma Faith. Artist, style icon, actress, activist, mother. This inspirational Brit-award-winning artist with three double platinum selling albums and a career spanning over a decade appears regularly on our TV screens, has over a million followers on social and is a force for empowerment of young women.

 


Some words covered in this blog post and story of behind the collaboration, taken from the dedicated website: HEAR US ROAR

I just absolutely love this collaboration, but please also note, for clarity, this is not a sponsored post or a post or #AD, though there are some Affiliate links embedded.

THE EDIT | The Black Shoulder Bag.

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APC Half Moon Bag | Image: Pinterest.

—-

I recently came to the conclusion that I have a new wardrobe void. I’m “missing” a small-medium sized,  smart/casual black shoulder bag (with gold hardware). Having lost my phone, not once, but twice (and miraculously TWICE it was handed in by kind folk!) from my Chanel 2.55, I have decided I need a bag that will effectively contain my wares.

I’ve trawled through my favourites and here is my Edit of The Black Shoulder Bag – perfect for shopping to dinner to dancing, and back round the shops again.

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A.P.C – Half Moon Bag –  £280. Available at selected stockists.

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SAINT LAURENT Monogram université – £1,500.

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Chloé – Drew Bag – £1, 140.

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Céline- Trio Bag – Around £650. Available at selected stockists.

 

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Valentino – Rock Stud Bag – £1, 240.

 

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Maje – Sharon Bag – £420.

 

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GUCCI – Soho Bag – £650.

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Mansur Gavriel – £395. Available at selected stockists.

 

I definitely have my eyes firmly fixed on the classic Céline Trio and the A.P.C Half Moon bag; with the A.P.C delight hitting the top of my #MoMWishlist! Which are your favourite(s)?

MM.

Love. Want. NEED: Bella Freud | The 1970 Jumper.

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London jewellery designer, Sheherazade Goldsmith, wearing Bella Freud at home: Credit The Telegraph.


I first saw this jumper around 2 years ago. It was being adorned by the likes of Kate and Alexa; and like my favourite fashion-people I’d also lusted after the monochrome version of the now infamous 1970 slogan jumper. Much to my family and mates’ disgust confusion dislike, we’re big fans of the 1970’s. Fans of the fashion, music and most predominantly, the design and (Mid Century) interiors of the era. So this jumper struck more than *just* sartorial chord with me. But then I saw a Telegraph article on (aptly named) jewellery designer Sheherazade Goldsmith, and she was wearing a red version of my favourite woollen piece. Be still my beating heart…

So from then, I lusted for the red colourway. The super-soft Merino Wool. The cut and design. The design itself takes its signature motif from a book clipping that Freud used to wear pinned onto a plain jumper.

I do have splashes of colour in my mostly-black wardrobe and I would tend to go for red or green, unless its a vintage or leopard print (or red or green variations of leopard print!) of course.

So the red 1970 Jumper by the lovely Bella Freud is firmly on my NEED list. More or less at the top.

If you so desire, you can own this seemingly cult classic by clicking the link here: Bella Freud at Selfridges.com

Which colourway would you go for?

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#MoMWishList

MM.

 

About Bella Freud:

Freud was born in London, England. She is the daughter of Bernardine Coverley and artist Lucian Freud and great granddaughter of the inventor of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud.

She is renowned for her signature jumpers Je t’aime Jane, Ginsberg is God and 1970. Fans of Bella Freud include Alexa Chung, Laura Bailey, Kate Moss and Alison Mosshart.

Bella launched her eponymous label in 1990. Her first collection featured sexy knitted dresses in bookish colours, mini tailored suits and a small selection of shoes and bags. Bella went on to win Most Innovative Designer at the London Fashion Awards in 1991 and produced a Super 8 short film ‘Day at the Races’ as an alternative to a fashion show. Bella’s second film ‘More Clothes’ directed by Kate Garner was shot on 35mm film and showcased the SS 1992 collection.

Seasonal catwalk shows followed, then in 1999 Bella began her fashion film collaboration with John Malkovich, co writing and producing three short films: Strap Hanging, Lady Behave, and Hideous Man. In 2001 Bella also collaborated with rock icon Anita Pallenberg on Memo, a limited edition magazine featuring the AW2000 collection, inspired by the film Performance.

From March 2000 to 2003 Bella consulted for British heritage brand Jaeger, rejuvenating their image and bringing British dressing to a younger audience.

Bella’s love of film continued and in 2013 she art directed the short film Je T’Ecoute, produced by Laura Bailey starring Lara Stone, which screened at White Cube Bermondsey. Bella’s directorial debut ‘Girl Boils Egg’ is a two minute film featuring Punk, commissioned by Nick Knight for SHOWstudio.com.

2013 also saw the development of the RTW collections and expansion into the beauty market. The Bella Freud Eau de Parfum collection was launched in 2014 and has gained a cult following.

Mr Eli’s Quarters | Lion Print by Ingela P Arrhenius.

INGELA P ARRHENIUS - LION PRINT, £20.00. Archie's Boutique.
INGELA P ARRHENIUS – LION PRINT, £20.00; Archie’s Boutique.

We’re still yet to properly decorate and sort out Mr Eli’s stomping ground, otherwise known as his quarters bedroom. But that doesn’t stop me trawling the internet for neat finds like this one!

I just LOVE this 50’s inspired print by Ingela P Arrhenius. Mr Eli is a Leo the Lion himself, so I thought this would be quite fitting for his bedroom. (Not that we’re a family of the zodiac I might add!).

I found this print on Archie’s Boutique and here is what they say about it:

This lovely chap has so much character and personality!

Ingela P Arrhenius’ Lion poster is full of vibrant colours that are guaranteed to brighten up any room, whether it be a child’s or adults.

Stockholm based artist Ingela Arrhenius designs the most wonderful cartoon-like illustrations that are inspired by work from the 50s and 60s.

50 x 70 cm

There are several other prints available online too – such as a Tiger print and Alphabet print. Just so cool.

MM.

 

Pregnancy and the Flu Jab.

I received a letter last week from my doctors; offering a Free Flu vaccination. I was quite surprised I had been called for so early – but decided that receiving the jab was essential. This Winter’s Flu jab protects against the same three strains of Flu as last year’s vaccines. These include the H1N1 strain of the Flu virus. H1N1 is the same strain of Flu that caused the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic.

I had the injection on the morning of Saturday 10th December. By the afternoon my left arm was absolutely aching like hell! Then when I woke up on Sunday morning I just felt exhausted; with a really achy arm! By Sunday lunchtime, I was really flagging. I struggled to keep my eyes open – and could not make our usual Sunday roast! DP took care of the roast dinner, but I really had to force myself to eat it – for the sake of the baby growing inside me. I seriously had zero appetite. After lunch I slept all afternoon. I woke up at 10pm feeling even worse. I ached from head to toe. I felt weak and frail. I also noticed a huge red circle on my arm, where the injection had been performed.

I woke up on Monday morning at 6:45am, ready for work. Except I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow. I felt so so ill. My entire back was aching so much – especially the back of my lungs. I couldn’t even clench my fists. I had to call in sick. Only the second time in 3 years – so I think my boss understood ;o

I went back to work on Tuesday – still not feeling great. Infact, today is Wednesday and I still don’t feel 100%!

But hey ho – the side-effects from having the injection clearly out-weigh the effects of actually catching Flu in pregnancy!

For details on why you should get the Flu vaccination, see the dedicated NHS page, here: NHS.uk

MM.

Pre-Conception visit to GP.

This week I went to my GP for a number of things, one of the main reasons was to discuss pre-conception and to make my GP aware that I was embarking on the journey to conception.

My GP wasn’t great and made me feel like I was massively wasting her time… I asked if I should be referred for pre-conception immunisations. She replied with a stark “You’re in your late 20’s, you won’t need any”. THANKS.

I then asked if there was anything else I should be doing or taking. She just shrugged! Couldn’t believe it! I said I was already taking Folic Acid and Vitamin D, as per advice from my previous GP. She then said I shouldn’t be taking Vitamin D just yet… Is this true? It’s not like we’ve had much in the way of sunshine recently.

What was your experience pre-conception like? Did you take anything additional to Vitamin D or Folic Acid? Keen to hear your insights.

MM.

…Silence is golden.

After setting up my new MoM blog, life took over a little bit. I don’t mean this as an excuse, but in fact, I literally did not have access to the internetz for the past 2 weeks! Which has been frustrating and tiresome to say the very least!

But we’re back now, so expect more personal insights and thoughts on current affairs.

MM.

First time musing… WELCOME!

Welcome to Memoirs of Maternity. I’m just getting started with my new blog – I hope you can join me on, what shall certainly be, an incredible journey!

Career-wise, I come from a writing background. In my everyday life I get to write little on things I’m truly passionate about. So here, I’ll be discussing everything (well, maybe not everything) that occurs when TTC, to fashion for baby and you, to pregnancy, recipes, celebrity maternity fashion, the essential gadgets, toys and must-haves – oh and all that comes inbetween of course!

I will be keeping all of my social channels updated regularly with personal insights into this brand new world. I would also appreciate your insights too!

Make sure you follow me on Twitter: @MaternalMusings

And make sure you join me on Facebook: Facebook.com

Join the conversation!

MM.