I’m a terrible shopper, FACT. In fact, I hate it so much that I wear my clothes until they’re thread bare, will happily wear the same dress to parties on consecutive nights, and have been known to miss out on special occasions altogether as I have nothing to wear. My lack of love for shopping has earned me a few dubious looks from girlfriends and boyfriends over the years, but it’s just the way I am. It doesn’t mean I don’t look nice, it just means I’ll often look nice in one outfit over and over again. The makeover woman on This Morning would have a field day with me!

I’ve always found online shopping a hit and miss experience. I love the convenience of it, and the fact I don’t have to physically walk into a shop, but I’m forever buying the wrong size or things that make me look truly awful. I’ll forget my arms aren’t toned or the fact I have bigger boobs than Jordan and buy things that are tragically inappropriate or unflattering. Worse still, I don’t think I’ve ever taken any of these purchases back as this would involve walking into the store, or fiddling around with online return forms. I’m pretty sure I could start an eBay store with the amount of tagged clothes languishing at the back of my wardrobe.

 

So when I was given the opportunity to review for Tiffany Rose Maternity I was overjoyed. It saved me from having to pull off a very questionable Elizabeth Hurley impression and attending this season’s parties in something done up with a safety-pin. Given I’ve had Craig’s birthday party already, and have two Christmas parties, New Year’s, and my own birthday party in early January (with a pregnancy belly that would rival a mum carrying octuplets) I need all the help I can get.

I chose the most gorgeous dress from the new season’s collection. It’s a chocolate brown shift style dress with a lace bodice that will cover my arms and my thighs. I crossed my fingers that it would fit and anxiously waited for it to arrive. Here’s how Tiffany Rose describe the Isabelle Lace Dress:

Fun glamour for those less formal festive get-togethers, Isabelle lace maternity dress in wickedly rich Cocoa hues simply oozes vintage starlet appeal that’s perfect for the party season. We’ve teamed our new signature stretch soft floral lace for the bodice with a fitted skirt in premium soft jersey creating a simply glamorous shift dress you’ll not just wear but adore throughout pregnancy and beyond. Sheer lace sleeves are a flattering three-quarter length and accentuate Isabelle’s demure sweetheart neckline.

When it arrived a few days later it was beautifully packaged. It felt amazing to receive clothes in a pretty boutique box rather than bundled up in cellophane like most online retailers. Unwrapping my dress and trying it on for the first time became an exciting experience in itself.

It fits like a glove too. It’s incredibly flattering and shows off my bump beautifully without clinging to my ugly bits. I thought I was being optimistic when I picked a size 14-16 (you pick your pre-pregnancy size) but I was pleased to discover I’m not actually as big as I seem to think I am! It made me feel classy and elegant and perfectly hugged my curves (no easy feat when you feel as though you’re wearing a rucksack the wrong way around!).

I already know this dress will last well beyond pregnancy as it shows no signs of having been stretched when it’s back on the hanger. This is thanks to the fabulous mix of viscose and elastane that allows it to grow with you throughout each stage of your pregnancy and nursing journey.

This dress works fabulously with heels for an evening out or party, but would equally look great in the office with a suit jacket and pair of court shoes. I love the versatility and how the colour complements my complexion and hair colour. It’s the first time I’ve been truly proud of showing off my bump and I haven’t had to worry whether people are playing ‘fat or pregnant’ behind cupped hands.

The dress is priced at £139 which isn’t cheap but I’ve written before about the how maternity wear should be an investment The materials used are strong and durable to support your changing shape, and will therefore last you for many pregnancies to come. I’ve also learned through this review that it’s important to feel confident and glamorous during pregnancy - it’ll be 9 months you’ll hopefully look back on with some affection (it’s hard to believe at the time though, I must admit!). Designer maternity dresses also have a great resale value on eBay so you will make some money back if you are determined not to have anymore little ones.

Just three of my favourites from the new arrivals (left to right): Jewel Block Dress (Coffee Bean) £89 / Eden Gown Short (Caspian Blue) £149 / Amelia Dress Short (Moulin Rouge) £169

In conclusion I’m delighted with my beautiful dress and am already picking out another outfit from the collection for a ‘leaving hospital outfit’. I’m so pleased I’ve found a maternity boutique that makes dresses for real women, with real curves and body anxieties. If you are looking for a great piece that will last all through pregnancy and flatter the fuller figured woman, then it is HAS to be Tiffany Rose.

You can follow Tiffany Rose on Facebook and Twitter, or check out their Pinterest page for inspiration.

DISCLAIMER: I was sent the above dress for the purposes of this review. All thoughts and opinion are my own.