Tell us about your family...
I live in London with my husband and our 3 year old daughter & am about to have a new baby. (Interview was November 2024, Monikh has since given birth to her second child).
How did you find pregnancy second time around?
This pregnancy has been completely different to the first! The sickness this time hasn’t stopped, and I’m constantly feeling exhausted. People say it’s because I have a toddler to run around this time & I’m already tired. Apart from that, I’ve felt the same. I have two sisters who had babies first so any questions or worries I had, I was lucky enough to have their wisdom. On my first time round, we were all having babies around the same time (I was the last), and it was incredible to be on that journey together, and to now watch the ’triplets’ grow up together.
You are a busy freelance stylist & contributor to Who What Wear. What inspires your style?
My lifestyle & people & places I love all inspire me. I’m a huge believer in dressing for comfort, what I wear is realistic in that it fits with my life. As I’ve grown up and my life has evolved, certain needs have changed. But at my core I’ve always been a simple dresser, someone who would prefer to be underdressed rather than over dressed. I also dress myself and my surrounding the same; my house is a reflection of my style, and I try to keep that a calm and relaxing space for all my family.
You have been doing some house renovations which we can’t wait to see! Have you always had a love for interiors?
My parents were always changing the colour of the house in a day, adding walls/knocking them down, letting us move our furniture around. I remember a lot of weekends spent in DIY stores or the garden centre. I think this, and their refreshing take on fashion - wearing what they wanted instead of trying to fit in, has always inspired me. This home works for us, we feel safe and calm - and I’m very aware of how lucky we are. While I will forever change the soft furnishings around the house to keep it feeling fresh, all the bigger projects are now done.
"I’ve learnt to go with my gut, and not let the noise of other peoples opinions on my home get in the way."
What advice would you give someone trying to find their personal style?
Your personal style needs to work for your lifestyle. Theres so many trends out there that I love, but I know they wouldn’t work for me and what I have going on in my day to day life. Understanding that firstly will save you money, and additionally give you confidence with the clothes you invest in, knowing that they then feel like you.
We’ve all loved seeing you style your bump! What are your wardrobe go-to’s whilst pregnant?
I’ve surprisingly loved dressing the bump in the colder months, it’s given me room to dress more like me than when I was heavily pregnant in the Summer with my first. I’ve always been someone who prefers to be covered up, and navigating your new pregnancy proportions can be a little tricky, especially when you’re petite.
Often it’s more flattering to show off the bump with stretchy tops and dresses, but I’m not crazy on having my whole body exposed, so this season has allowed me to play with layers. Adding shirts and cardigans, worn open or wrapped around the waist. Trouser options also have been less tricky than I thought, leaning towards cotton or knitted styles with tie waists.
The only piece I have bought which probably isn’t for after are the H&M maternity jeans, they fit under the bump, and have that relaxed straight leg cut I love. Everything else should work PP, either because of the stretch or possibility of alterations.
Has anything about motherhood surprised you
I actually found it really hard to let people hold my first baby as a newborn, I just knew she was safest with me. The amount of love is really overwhelming, and it completely changed the way I now look at the World.
“I never knew how much of a fierce protector it would release."
What is your top tired mama tip?
Be kind to yourself. Being a mum is hard, and if you can leave something to the next day, do. The washing can wait, the toys can stay, your hair can be washed in the morning. Taking time to just be you and in the moment is really important.
Beauty product you swear by?
I’m a huge fan of Augustinus Bader and Victoria Beckham Beauty, and their combined products. I see instant results when using products like the AB Rich Eye Cream or VBB Lactic Acid Gel Cleanser. Usually day to day I don't wear any make up, but if I’m in need of a little glow, the new VBB Concealer Pen is magic, as well as the Golden Priming Moisturiser.
Is there anything you wish you had known before becoming a parent?
People always said it, but no one can prepare you for how quickly it goes. Second time round I am definitely going to soak in those small but humble moments, and let the harder ones go a little quicker.
Are there any traits you would love to inspire in your Binibabes?
“To be who they are, and be proud of it. My husbands humour and kindness."
And finally please share with us your top BINI picks...
I’ve bought so many BINI gifts for friends because there really is nothing better. I’ve had some bits for years now, like the Snuggler. I used it in my girls Moses basket, bouncer, pram. We then moved onto the Puffmuff and it was just the warmest little cocoon for her in the colder months. We also have the Buggy Mittens which are now clipped onto the newborn's pram ready. My toddler has the Binibooties which I love because they stay on her, even when she’s running around. I’ve got a baby pair ready for our new baby too.
Follow Monikh on Instagram @monikh
Read her work www.Monikh.com