Tell us about your family...

I live in South London with my husband and 9 month old baby boy. 

How did you find becoming a mama for the first time?

I’m 9 and a half months in and loving it. Everyday I see more of his personality coming out and he’s such a joy to be around. Navigating the newborn months and the post-partum hormones was quite wild, especially the first time round when everything is brand new but the overwhelming joy and love that comes with having a baby is like nothing else in the world. 

You've built an incredible & engaged following as an influencer across social media channels. What drives your love of fashion and all things creative/what inspires you?

I’m constantly inspired by different things. People, places, art, music, films, conversations! I’ve always loved fashion and style, I love how you can express yourself through the way you dress.

What are your wardrobe staples at the moment?

Autumn is my favourite season so I'm absolutely loving the crisp sunny days, my wardrobe staples for this time of year are a good cashmere or wool oversized knit, a plaid shirt to layer with a t-shirt and a barn jacket or tench coat. They’re the perfect items to throw on over your outfit as the weather gets colder. 

Would you say your style has changed?

No, I wouldn't say it's changed. I’ve always dressed for comfort and I'd say my style is quite casual so I haven't needed to adapt it to having a baby. 

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Since having Caspian, I definitely buy less now and make my wardrobe work a bit harder.

As a sustainable brand we love that making sustainable choices is important to you! How have you applied that thinking to shopping for him?

I love shopping preloved for Cas, whether it be Vinted or pre-loved kids fashion on Instagram. He's already grown out of so many of his newborn clothes which I've either packed away for (hopefully) a second or gifted to friends who are about to have a baby. 

What are the top 3 traits you’d love to encourage in Caspian?

Kindness, compassion and a good sense of humour. 

What is your favourite part of being a mama?

Watching him explore, play with new toys and learn new skills, I love hearing him laugh and seeing him smile, nothing makes me happier.

What is your favourite part of being a mama?

Watching him explore, play with new toys and learn new skills, I love hearing him laugh and seeing him smile, nothing makes me happier.

... and the most challenging?

I think becoming a Mum for the first time is incredibly challenging, I didn't feel like myself at all in the early days. You’re becoming a whole new person whilst at the same time learning how to look after a newborn baby and recovering from birth all whilst navigating crazy hormones and exhaustion. 

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You sort of have to just surrender to it all and know that it will get easier. 

What is your top tired mama tip? 

Be kind to yourself. It’s the hardest and most important job you’ll ever do, give yourself time and grace. And really try to enjoy the early days. I did love the newborn stage but I found it exhausting and I was quite anxious. But it goes SO fast and I look back now and wish I'd just surrendered to it more and not worried about the small stuff.

Beauty product you swear by? 

Banana lowlights by Rodial - perfect for brightening tired eyes, St Tropez Express fake tan - gives you lovely natural tan in 4 hours, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 - the best night time moisturiser for repairing and hydrating your skin and Skinceuticals P-tiox serum - like botox in a bottle!

Francesca's top BINI picks

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We’ve used our Biniblanket for Cas’ pushchair naps since he was a newborn and its so soft and beautiful, I always get so many compliments on it too

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We love our Snuggler, we’ve used it in his pushchair and Charlie Crane rocker, he has the best naps on it and i love knowing it keeps him comfy but also regulates his temperature.

 

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Cas was born in December so these were an absolute lifesaver for keeping your hands warm during the newborn walks, they also look very chic

 

 

Follow Francesca on Instagram @francescasaffari