❙ great expectations ❙
Birth of a
NEW ERA From family relations to maternity styles! How Kate’s baby journey is already shaping up to be very different to past royal pregnancies
By Alison James
he may now be Royal but Kate’s pregnancy is definitely being conducted the ‘Middleton’ rather than the ‘Windsor’ way. As Kate enters the fourth month of her already eventful pregnancy, the differences are becoming ever more apparent. While her late mother-in-law Diana, first-time pregnant with William, carried on with Royal engagements even though she was often clearly unwell, Kate has resumed some Royal duties only now she seems to have recovered from morning sickness. Just two weeks before giving birth to William, Diana was photographed watching her husband play polo, but it’s hard to imagine protective ✢ Kate, pictured right, leaving William will allow Kate to hospital shortly after her pregnancy be in the glare of publicity was announced. Even though she’d so near to the baby’s arrival. just endured a serious bout of morning On the in-laws front there sickness she looked effortlessly stylish. As her pregnancy progresses her styles are also telling differences. are sure to be under scrutiny but style Kate’s parents, Carole and pundits say we’re unlikely to see her Michael, were told of her in the latest maternity couture from pregnancy significantly the likes of Stella McCartney. She’s earlier than Prince Charles or the Queen who were only more likely to go for less expensive, comfy and casual High Street items. informed hours before she Stretch jeans from GAP are rumoured was admitted to hospital with acute morning sickness to be a definite favourite.
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PICS: ALAMY; REX FEATURES; GETTY
in early December. And in a significant break with tradition, Kate and William spent Christmas Day chez Middleton so that the mum-to-be could rest and relax. If Princess Diana had been allowed to do the same when pregnant with Prince William in late 1981, maybe her pregnancy wouldn’t have been so traumatic. It has been reported that Kate is turning to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, her step mother-inlaw, for help and support, but in reality she’s leaning on her own mum Carole rather than any Royal. A wise decision, perhaps. ✢ The Royal Baby Book – A Heir-Raising History Of All Things Royal Baby, by Alison James, is due this Spring!
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✢ When the Queen was photographed in maternity wear in the Sixties she’d often choose cleverly designed two piece suits and coats.
✢ The normally intensely private Princess Anne was ironically the first major UK royal in the modern era to show off her bulge with no holds barred. Expecting first baby Peter in 1977 the ever practical Princess was regularly photographed in long jumpers (pictured above). ✢ Sarah, Duchess of York (right), came under fire in the style stakes when pregnant with Princess Beatrice in 1988. ‘She looks like a tank!’ one fashion critic declared (rather unfairly). ✢ Princess Grace of Monaco, right, attempted to hide her swelling bump with her Hermés handbag when first pregnant with Princess Caroline in 1956. The pregnancy was announced after a paparazzi shot of Grace – and the bag – made it onto the front of ‘Life’ magazine. The bag was christened ‘the Kelly bag.’
✢ Diana was the Queen of Smocks when she was pregnant with William in 1982 and took smock wearing to a whole new level. Polka-dot smocks, designer smocks, coat smocks, frilly smocks, plain smocks. But, pictured above, by the time she was expecting Harry in 1984, she’d become a little more sophisticated and her maternity choices reflected this.
Did you know? Princess Diana craved bacon sandwiches during both her pregnancies The famous Kelly bag was a great cover-up YOURS
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GORGEOUS SKIRT We’ve scoured the high street to find this
PHOTOS: RUTH JENKINSON; STILL LIFE; PETER DURKES; STYLIST; JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP: ROISIN DONAGHY
TAME YOUR TUM
ADD CURVES
Bias cut
Trim your thighs The cleverly designed panelling on this skirt is so on trend and will help minimise your thighs. Susan wears: top, £28, 10-20, Next; skirt, £35, 8-22, M&S; shoes, £49.50, 3-8, M&S; necklace, £12, bracelet, £6, M&Co
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Yours says: Team prints correctly and they can be flattering. A loose-fitting top worn over a pencil skirt is ideal for hiding a tummy. Extra detailing, such as the frill on this blouse, will draw attention upwards, too! ✢ Top, £28, 8-22, Next, skirt, £45, 8-18, Jonathan Saunders at Debenhams; shoe, £25, 3-8, M&S; necklace, £12, Mood at Debenhams
Yours says: A draped style top and a skirt cut on the bias will help add curves to a slim frame. Want to cover tops of arms? Add a tailored cream jacket. ✢ Bias cut skirt, £35, 10-18, M&S; top, £18, 8-18, Gok at Tu at Sainsbury’s; shoe, £32, 3-9, Collection at Debenhams
STOCKISTS: Bonmarché 01924 700100; Debenhams 0844 561 6161; Evans 0844 984 0262; F&F at Tesco 0800 505555; M&Co 0800 031 7200; M&S 0845 609 0200; Marisota www. marisota.co.uk Monsoon 0844 811 0068; Next 0844 844 8939; Phase Eight 0207 471 4422; Tu at Sainsbury’s 0800 636262; Wallis 0845 121 4520 Details correct at time of going to press
se
Style
TS to suit every shape
his
season’s most flattering separates By Acting Fashion Editor Jo Winch
notes
Jo’s style secrets Our pick of the shops for the best skirts in town
SLIM YOUR SHAPE TALL TREND
PERFECT PETITES BEST FOR FLATTERING FIT
On trend
Monsoon is really generous with its fit and has some great styles that are always so flattering. There are some lovely prints, too. Prices can be steep, but you can always guarantee good quality.
BEST FOR TRENDS Next’s range follows catwalk trends closely and always makes clothes that are affordable and wearable for real women.
BEST FOR A BARGAIN
Yours says: If you want to avoid showing your legs, opt for navy opaque tights and same colour shoes. Don’t tuck a top in, as this could look a little ‘sack like’. Instead, choose a loose top that skims your shape and a floaty-style skirt. Add eye-catching accessories, such as a scarf, to draw eyes up! ✢ Full skirt, £45, 8-22, John Rocha at Debenhams; top, £20, 16-28, Evans; Lace scarf, £20, Next; pump, £32, 3-7, Monsoon
››
Yours says: Always wear flat shoes with a maxi skirt to get the right look. Maxi skirts are really popular for spring/ summer and perfect if you’re tall. Team with a vertical stripe top to help give the illusion of a not-so-tall frame. ✢ Maxi skirt, £35, 10-22, stripe top, £20, 6-26, both Next; pump, £19.50, 3-8, M&S; necklace, £15, Wallis
Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more up-to-date fashion news
››
Yours says: Look out for bird prints, they’re such a ‘now’ look! You can afford to wear print styles, which will enhance a petite frame. Choose skirt lengths that finish at the knee, above the knee will have a shortening effect. Longer styles will swamp you. ✢ Stripe skirt, £20, 8-20, twin set, £28, 8-20, both Next; sandal, £89, 3-8, Phase eight
Bonmarché has great value styles for daytime, evening and holiday looks. It also offers a variety of lengths, including to the knee, calf-length and full-length. Prices start from under £15!
BEST FOR CLASSICS If you’ve a favourite style, such as a bias cut or pencil skirt, Marks & Spencer has a great selection in its classics range.
BEST MAIL ORDER Marisota has a fabulous range in a variety of styles, colours, shapes and lengths. It offers plus-size too, as its ranges are from size 12-32.
Next issue: The latest catwalk trends you can wear (honest!) YOURS
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Is housework causing your
BaCK PaIN? Follow our simple tips to looking after your back and banish pain for good By acting health editor, Martine Gallie
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healTh &
vitality
Meet our expert
Janet Wakley’s 28 years as a registered nurse included being a back care advisor to other medical staff. She now gives back care training
illions of us suffer with back pain at some point in our lives. Sometimes it’s caused by an accident or a disease, such as arthritis. But often it’s simply brought on by a lifetime of bad habits, says leading back care expert Janet Wakley. “Back pain is often caused simply by the way we stand or the way we sit,” she says. “Over the years we fall into patterns of behaviour that our bodies simply can’t cope with.” Janet’s new book, Smart Guide to Back Care, is packed with practical suggestions to help make everyday activities such as doing the dishes and cooking kinder on your back. Her tips will also help to keep you comfortable and promote healing if you are currently suffering with back pain.
M
Ironing
Vacuuming
Ironing boards that can’t be raised to a comfortable height are also a cause of severe back strain. Not only do you have to lean forward, but the weight of the water-filled iron in one hand while manipulating clothes with the other, helps to place even more stress on the back muscles. Janet says: B When buying an ironing board, ensure that it extends to between hip and waist height so that your back can be straight. B Consider the weight of the iron you buy and bear in mind that it will be even heavier when it is full of water. Most manufacturers state the weight on the box. B An ironing board can actually help your back in other ways – use it at the correct height when wrapping presents, for example.
Upright cleaners reduce the need to twist as they can be manoeuvred around the floor by pushing, but there always comes a time when a pipe and nozzle are needed to negotiate awkward spaces beneath or behind furniture which, in turn, means stooping and stretching. Also, how many times is a chair or similar object moved with one hand while wielding the vacuum cleaner with the other? Janet says: B Prepare the room first by exposing areas behind furniture so that cleaning these areas is easier. Then replace the items to their original position before doing the central floor area. B When buying a vacuum cleaner, pay particular attention to its weight. There is a tremendous difference according to the type and style available and they can range in weight from about 4kg (9lb) to more than 10kg (22lb). It goes without saying that the lighter the better!
Consider the weight of the iron you buy and bear in mind that it will be even heavier when it is full of water Your
”I always bend story at the knees”
Cooking
Gardening
Cooking may seem unlikely to cause back pain, but lowlevel ovens particularly can be extremely hazardous. Great care needs to be taken when inserting and withdrawing fully laden roasting tins, glass casseroles or other cookware, especially if they contain liquid or piping hot food. Janet says: B Always use a good quality, heat-resistant oven glove so that your movements don’t need to be rushed. B Approach the opened oven with one foot in front of the other and bend at the knees. B Use your thigh muscles to push yourself up into a standing position before turning away.
It’s hardly surprising that one of our favourite hobbies is a cause of back pain in many of us. Once the weather improves, we’re out there digging over the soil and doing a lot of stooping and twisting, none of which is good for our backs. However, with a few simple precautions we can save ourselves an aching back, or worse. Janet says: B Don’t bend from the waist to pull up weeds; sit, crouch or kneel. B keep your lower back covered to stop muscles getting cold. B Create a raised bed for seedlings to avoid bending. B Use a narrow and lightweight spade or fork.
Ten years ago Elaine Stevens from High Wycombe had surgery for a ruptured disc. “Afterwards the hospital taught me to look after my back,” says Elaine, 59. “These days I always bend at the knees if I need to pick something up, and I have a little set of steps for when I need to reach something high. The ironing board is set higher, and when I’m washing up I make sure I’m balanced and upright and that both my feet are flat on the ground. Whenever I go shopping I always take two bags, even if I’m only getting a few items, so that I can be balanced. And I’m forever telling the grandchildren, ‘Don’t do that, you’ll hurt your back!’” YOURS
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1
BEDROOM
This compact storage solution means all your jewellery is accessible and visible at a glance. From Who’s it For? (01546 602445, www.whositfor.co.uk)
£24
Bedding and out-of-season clothes can take up an enormous amount of precious space. Pack-Mate® storage bags protect from moths, dust and moisture and take up 75 per cent less space. Get a pack of two extra large Vacusac bags from Lakeland (01539 488100, www. lakeland.co.uk)
If your remote controls are always disappearing, try this lounge sofa organiser from House of Bath (0871 230 0867, www.houseofbath.co.uk)
Before
£12.99
7 ways to .
After
2
£19 .95
clear
KITCHEN If space in the kitchen is limited, this clever dish drainer will fold neatly away. House of Bath (0871 230 0867, www. houseofbath.co.uk)
ROOM B ...and make your home br
£25
3
BATHROOM
[TOP TIP] Be space efficient and
fix towel rails to the inside of unit doors to hold your saucepan lids.
COMPILED BY: JILL ROBINSON
Keep all your cleaning products to hand with this vintage storage carrier from Dot Com Giftshop (0208 746 2473 www.dotcom giftshop.com)
£29.9 5
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Invest in an over the door organiser to display some of your favourite bathroom items, and keep things tidy. This one is from Lakeland (01539 488100, www.lakeland. co.uk)
£24.99
4
5
LIVING ROOM
This neat little table has three shelves (great for books and magazines) and a swivel top for an extra layer of storage space. Available from Yours Shopping (0845 555 4447, www. yours.co.uk/shopping) quote code YM113.
£69.95
HOME OFFICE
£7.99
Drawer organisers keep pins, paperclips, and staples tidy and easy to access. This eight-piece interlocking set can be used in various combinations. Lakeland (01539 488100, www.lakeland.co.uk) Boox store storage boxes from Mocha are fun as well as useful and come in a set of two (www.mocha.uk.com)
£8.99
o ...
6
r clutter
BY ROOM
[TOP TIP] Clear clutter from
your desktop by sticking any small gadgets to the underside of the table with heavy-duty stick-on Velcro (available from DIY and hardware stores).
HALLWAY
Instead of piling shoes at the door, remove the clutter and the risk of tripping up by installing a wall-mounted shoe rack. All Tidied Up (01462 349060, www.alltidie dup.co.uk)
ome breathe more easily
£65
7
£28 This willow basket is ideal for storing umbrellas or walking sticks. Marquis & Dawe (01925 767611, www.marquis anddawe.co.uk)
SHED
[TOP TIP] Use an
address index box to sort and catalogue your seed packets alphabetically.
£48.70 If you have a large enough bathroom this sturdy hamper is an ideal way to store towels as well as providing an extra seat. Bathroom hamper seat from House of Bath (0871 230 0867, www. houseofbath.co.uk)
Ensuring everything has a place makes it easier to keep things tidy. This sturdy metal box will house bulbs, seeds and small tools and the handy string dispenser will make
£5
sure garden string never gets tangled again. Sainsbury’s (0800 636 262, www.sainsburys.co.uk)
£15
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5 special St Valentine’s
dishes for two Love is in the air, but whatever meal you are sharing you’ll find these dishes really are the way to a man’s heart!
Garlic and Chilli Potatoes with Prawns A lighter lunch or simple starter in no time at all Serves:
2
Per serving: 265 cals Fat: 1.9g Sat fat: 0.5g
Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes ✢ 2 medium smooth potatoes, cut into small chunks ✢ Salt and pepper ✢ 1 tbsp oil ✢ 2 cloves garlic, sliced ✢ 225g (8oz) raw tiger prawns, peeled ✢ Juice of 1 lime, and leftover rind ✢ 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped ✢ 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce ✢ Knob of butter ✢ Handful fresh coriander, to serve (optional) 86
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TOP TIP No microwave? Simply boil potatoes until soft then add to the pan with the prawn mix
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1. Rinse the potato chunks, then place into a large, microwavable bowl. They will cook more quickly the less densely they are packed – a bigger bowl with a thinner layer works best. 2. Cover with a plastic plate or cling film and cook for 5 minutes in an 800W oven (adjust time to the appropriate wattage). Stand for 1 minute, then drain and season with salt and pepper. 3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Sauté potatoes and garlic for 3-4 minutes until starting to brown, then add the prawns and cook until they turn pink. Add lime juice and rind, chilli and chilli sauce and warm through. 4. Stir in butter, scatter with coriander and serve. © www.manyfacesofpotatoes.co.uk