Julia Stridh

Profession: Stylist and creative consultant. Blogs at The Way We Play.
Lives: Södermalm in Stockholm
Family: Fiancé Dan and our daughter Benedetta, 2 years old. Another baby is due at the end of March.
Instagram: @jstridh

Hi Julia! When we are doing this interview, you are heavily pregnant and due in just a few weeks. How are you feeling?

I've actually been feeling quite energetic lately. I've had a tough start during both of my pregnancies with extreme nausea and, as a result, constant sadness and worry. It's nice to have energy now towards the end so that I can also have good memories from this time. Just today, as I write this, I am entering week 39. I woke up feeling heavy and swollen. So now I think it's just rest on the schedule. I'm going to start recharging and gathering energy for the birth. I just need to pack the hospital bag and wash some baby clothes, then I'll be 100% ready and extremely excited.

And who are you?

I am a very intense person who gets tired of my own voice every day. I work daily to find peace within myself in everyday life, and since I became a mother, I have learned to enjoy the moment more and to slow down. My job gives me energy and constantly new ideas. Since I met my person and fiancé, life has become very clear, and I have a clear picture of how I want to live my life with my family. Even though much is chaotic during these early childhood years, for me, it is more balanced than ever before.

What are your best styling tips for pregnant or new mothers?

Not to change your style just because your body changes. It may sound strange, but there are many chains that make a certain type of maternity clothes that feel, I don't know, thoughtless? Jeggings? It's not a garment I would wear otherwise, so why start wearing it because there are no other options when pregnant.

I have focused on basic garments that I mix with pieces from my wardrobe that have been there before. For example, black maternity leggings and a white shirt. Wide pants, striped sweaters, and basic t-shirts. Large knitted tops. Tight maternity dresses to highlight the beautiful shape of the body. Skirts in stretchy fabric that I extend the elastic on, etc. I want to preserve myself and not change style.
I keep all the bottoms for after delivery since it will take a while before I want to wear anything too tight over my belly. Good nursing bras are essential.

You are soon to be a mother of two, has your view on fashion and clothing changed since you had children?

Interesting question! I don't think so. I know that in recent years I've tried to change my buying behavior to purchase fewer but better items. Material and how the garment is produced is important, and I'd rather pay a bit more, shop second-hand, and clean out my wardrobe often. For the environment and because a well-crafted designer piece in a material I love means more to me than having a large selection of fast fashion items to choose from.
When it comes to maternity clothes and nursing clothes, it's important that they can be worn both during pregnancy and nursing, and I've chosen high-quality items so that I could wear them during both pregnancies.

What do you not want to be without in your wardrobe?

Large crisp shirts, blazers, stripes, pops of color like a bright pink dress for summer. My jewelry means a lot, and I always have 2-3 pairs of sneakers that I alternate between.