NICO at Home with Ailie Smith
You're a mama and currently pregnant - congratulations! How are you feeling, and how has this pregnancy experience been different (or similar) to your first?
Well! My first and this baby's due dates were exact! Crazy, I know. The two pregnancies have felt identical physically, but mentally, I am stronger this time around.
What have been the biggest joys or lessons in motherhood so far?
Motherhood will test you. It will also bring an abundance of self-growth. I'm healing my inner child while giving my babies what I hope is truly a beautiful childhood.
Motherhood will test you. It will also bring an abundance of self-growth. I'm healing my inner child while giving my babies what I hope is truly a beautiful childhood.
How do you find moments of calm or self-connection in the rhythm of everyday family life?
Gratitude, a hot drink, and a long shower.
Your photos are so dreamy - soft, real, and intentional. What inspires your creative lens?
Thank you! Honestly, when I capture these moments, I'm thinking about when the kids are looking at them in the future - a picture book brought out every few Christmases, an 18th birthday, my children's children flicking through the pages, pointing and saying things like "Nan look at your hair!" or "Mum you are so small here" (oop feeling teary now).
Your style feels so effortlessly grounded and feminine. How would you describe your
approach to dressing, especially during pregnancy?
Comfort comes first, I prioritise natural fibres and quality clothing. I'm usually wearing an oversized silhouette anyway, which came in handy when pregnant. I was very intentional about my pregnancy wardrobe. I also wanted pieces that I could wear postpartum, as well as beyond: elastic waistbands, flowy linen and timeless design. I love a simple outfit because it's so versatile - I focus a lot on my accessories/coats library because with a range of styling pieces, you can turn one 'simple' outfit into many.
In this season of life, what does self-care mean to you?
It is everything. It's also so hard to obtain right now, I am needed in every which direction, which means self-care is more essential now than ever. I'm exercising the muscle of taking more time for myself.
What drew you to NICO, and what do you look for in underwear or everyday essentials?
The NICO ethos is very aligned. It definitely doesn't hurt that the products are so gorgeous, aesthetically and are so comfortable. I get so excited when the washing is done and I can reach for my pieces again. I also feel that cute underwear is such an underrated way to feel confident and elevated in your everyday.
Quickfire Favourites:
Tea or coffee?
Coffee
A book on your bedside table?
The Women
Your go-to wind-down ritual?
The babies are in bed, the house has had a once-over, having a baked treat or some dessert I've been looking forward to all day, and pressing play on a show I'm loving.
Comfort comes first, I prioritise natural fibres and quality clothing. I'm usually wearing an oversized silhouette anyway, which came in handy when pregnant. I was very intentional about my pregnancy wardrobe. I also wanted pieces that I could wear postpartum, as well as beyond: elastic waistbands, flowy linen and timeless design. I love a simple outfit because it's so versatile - I focus a lot on my accessories/coats library because with a range of styling pieces, you can turn one 'simple' outfit into many.
In this season of life, what does self-care mean to you?
It is everything. It's also so hard to obtain right now, I am needed in every which direction, which means self-care is more essential now than ever. I'm exercising the muscle of taking more time for myself.
What drew you to NICO, and what do you look for in underwear or everyday essentials?
The NICO ethos is very aligned. It definitely doesn't hurt that the products are so gorgeous, aesthetically and are so comfortable. I get so excited when the washing is done and I can reach for my pieces again. I also feel that cute underwear is such an underrated way to feel confident and elevated in your everyday.
Quickfire Favourites:
Tea or coffee?
Coffee
A book on your bedside table?
The Women
Your go-to wind-down ritual?
The babies are in bed, the house has had a once-over, having a baked treat or some dessert I've been looking forward to all day, and pressing play on a show I'm loving.
You can follow Ailie at @ailieway on Instagram.
