Dolce Vita Polka Dots (And We Found Out We’re Having a Girl)

Anyone lost their minds in this heatwave? Just me? Nope, I didn’t think so! I hate to moan about the glorious weather but when you’re twenty weeks pregnant with a raised base-body temp, 30-degree London heat is really not ideal! We’ve been tackling the intensity of it all by taking early morning walks (the earlier, the better for the cool breeze), camping out in shady spots in local parks and splashing about in the paddling pool. In fact, I think I’ve spent more time dipping my toes into it than Hector has!

So today has been a big day in my pregnancy journey – we just found out that we’re having a girl! I literally can’t believe it and I’m so chuffed. I don’t think you ever really quite let yourself believe it’s going to be one way or the other when you’re pregnant, it just doesn’t seem right getting all excited and mentally preparing for either gender until you know for sure.

I always wanted a boy and then a girl, in that order, but at the twenty week scan today I managed to convince myself it was 100% a boy and I was happy at the thought that Hector would have a little brother to play with. They’d be best buds. Secretly I was cheering on a little girl and so couldn’t be more happy at the news. Obviously I’m more than a bit keen to indulge in a little girl’s wardrobe too, there’s so much cute stuff out there for the little ladies. Bring on the broderie and pom poms!

Back to this heat and keeping the little one’s calm. Is it even possible? Like I said, an early morning walk is really doing us wonders so at the weekend we took Hector to our local lavender farm, Mayfield Lavender, for a stroll through the miles of violet flora. If you haven’t made it to a lavender farm yet this season, it’s one for the hit list. They’re perfect for letting little toddlers run free (the straight lines means there’s pretty much no chance of them escaping anywhere and apart from the bees and odd stingy nettle, you don’t have to have eyes in the back of your head at every move!)

polkadot dress

Plus, the smell. It’s amazing. I also was totally taken aback when I crouched down to Hector’s eye level. All he could see was wave after wave of lavender heads and honestly, it must be such a mind-blowing experience for them!

polkadot dress

At Mayfield in Surrey it gets busy, but if you go early or mid-week you can often get the place to yourself bar a few locals and tourists. There’s also a cute shop stocked with all of your lavender needs – bath products, plants for the patio and even lavender head crowns – plus a cafe serving high tea, fresh cream scones and homemade sandwiches. It’s open for a few months over the summer, definitely worth a visit.

polkadot dress

Shall we talk polka dots then? I was so happy to discover this Phase Eight wrap dress, the duo of different sized spots bring all the Italian summer charm I wanted. Plus, it’s not a dress from the maternity collections which is a bonus for me because I’ll be able to wear if after pregnancy. You really can’t underestimate the power of traditional dots, I can’t think of a season when they haven’t worked and with a few styling tricks thrown in here and there, you can make a dress like this look totally unique time and time again.

polkadot dress

I’m getting my Dolce Vita fix by adding Riviera straw and Dolce-inspired touches of red lippie and hair add-on’s. Actually, my nail polish is a Dolce and Gabbana hue, Fire, should you like the look of it. The lipstick is Old Hollywood by Bobbi Brown and you can find a similar shade in Bobbi’s Regal Crushed Lip Colour. By reaching for a high street straw sun visor (find yours at J Crew complete with cute ribbon tie) and adding a silky scarf into my plaited up do (this New Look floral one is pretty), the polished yet bohemian summer polka dot fix is sorted.

polkadot dress

For any other pregnant ladies out there, be sure to go and try this dress on for any upcoming summer weddings, special occasions or a trip to Wimbledon. (Spots are perfect for the tennis!) The wrap front sits just nicely under the bust, so to neaten up the silhouette, pulling in to reveal the smallest part of bump while falling perfectly (read: loosly) over the rest. There’s a small inside button to keep things in place so you get a bit of sass from the front split yet safety of knowing it won’t just all come loose and open in the breeze! The button can easily be moved as bump grows too. Pregnancy wardrobes don’t come much prettier!

Polka Dots: What To Buy

polkadot dress

My round up of polka dot heroes is a great place to start if you’re lacking some dotty pieces in your wardrobe. Keep in classic – red, black, navy and nude with white spots, or black spots on white – if it’s your first foray into spots. While plucking out some of the more directional styles, like Ganni’s green spot dress provides a statement look perfect for holiday or parties.

This dramatic ruffle hemline provides a little slice of Dolce Vita drama in London. It looks easy with casual summer slip-on’s yet extra special with sandals. I’m going to be reaching for some canvas espadrilles to bring the beachy feels too.

Packing for your holiday? Dip into the linen trend this vacay season with breathable dresses and separates – right this way for my low-down on linen.