Styling The Bump: Kai Qing

The Styling The Bump series encourages new moms-to-be to embrace their bump with styles that flatter the bump, without spending on maternity wear that they end up stashing away after pregnancy. By renting, we want to promote a more sustainable lifestyle that’s also financially sustainable! To kick start this series, we met with a cheerful educator who is currently expecting, and chose to rent maternity wear for practicality and style!

Meet first-time mom, Kai Qing:

Congratulations Kai Qing! How has your pregnancy experience been so far? 

It’s definitely a whirlpool of emotions. The first trimester was the most trying, despite being overjoyed after trying to get pregnant for quite some time. I was hounded by the crazy bouts of nausea and vomiting. I’m very thankful that the little one has spared me during my second and third trimester. I’m also enjoying the cute little kungfu kicks in my tummy!

How has your daily routine changed since becoming pregnant?

My friends and family have been very accommodating and helpful, especially when it comes to food choices. The places we now go to are very preggy-friendly. My baby’s daddy has also been my biggest pillar of support. He’s been handling the housework ensuring that I don’t have to exert myself or bend down too much and that includes ironing chores, yes!

At work, my students are more observant and careful around me too. Most of them will remind me to take a seat when they realise I’ve been standing too long or walking too much. They’re truly godsent!

What’s a piece of advice you received that’s really helping you with your pregnancy?

Happy mummy = happy baby! Always stay positive and remember that every pregnancy is different. It’s not a competition and if you’re comparing yourself to others, you shouldn’t. #embracethebump

What are you most excited about motherhood?

Getting to know my baby girl and of course, bringing her out to travel and experience the world together.

What are some of the challenges you face when dressing the bump?

When the bump grew larger, so did my waistline. I realised that I could no longer fit into most of my bottoms anymore! I had to wear dresses to feel comfortable at work. Even for many of my dresses, the top may fit but then they get stuck at the bump! It was a real bummer.

At which point of your pregnancy did you start flaunting the bump with Style Theory’s Infinite Wardrobe? 

I started embracing the bump with Style Theory at the start of my third trimester when my bump grew bigger, and most of my clothes won’t fit anymore. I also realised that I’ve been spending a tad too much on new dresses, which may not even fit after I give birth–it wasn’t a sustainable idea. 

What is important for you when it comes to renting? 

Hygiene, efficiency and style!

Do you rent more for work, weekend, events or travel?

I rent for work and for the weekends. I usually rent more casual styles.

What are your top 3 hits about Style Theory service?

1. The delivery and return service. It’s swift and fuss-free.
2. The designer clothes I get to try! Many of my friends were curious to know where I got them from.
3. The wide selection!

It’d be great to see more sizes for the dresses, especially for those in-between sizes before and after pregnancy! 

Last but not least, do you have any tips for other moms-to-be?

Don’t be afraid to say what you feel, share your burdens with your loved ones, and take a break when you are tired. Don’t feel bad about it, you totally deserve it.

Rent bump-friendly styles from the Infinite Wardrobe and spend less on clothes that you’ll only wear a few times!

With the Style Theory Apparel Rental Membership, you get to rent from a collection of 40,000+ apparel pieces, with plans starting from S$79/mth. Download the app and create a free account to explore the Infinite Wardrobe here.