Kat wears the Winnie Dress
Hello! I’m Kat, I’m 31 and I live in Oxfordshire with my husband John, two children, Kai and Evie, aged 3 and 1, and Millie our 9 year old golden retriever. I’m a vet and work in small animal practice which I love. It has been so nice to be back at work after having my second child, talking to different clients every day and seeing all the different patients from tiny Roborovski hamsters to giant Great Danes.
As much I enjoy being a vet it can sometimes be mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting so in my free time I love being outdoors. During lockdown I developed a love for gardening, in particular growing flowers for cutting and arranging. It’s so exciting waiting to see those first shoots coming through the soil and nurturing plants during the growing season, the garden is constantly changing and evolving. I’ve always enjoyed being creative and there’s nothing more satisfying than cutting flowers from my own garden to make floral arrangements.
Kat wears the Charcoal Mimi
WHAT, HISTORICALLY HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CLOTHES SHOPPING BEEN LIkE?
I’ve always loved fashion and clothing, it definitely runs in my family! My dad used to design clothing and stage outfits for famous singers in the 80s and back in the day my parents owned a clothing store stocking Japanese and other Asian designers.
In my teens and early 20s I was a Topshop girl through and through, at that time I was very much following trends and sacrificed comfort for the what was popular, think bandage/bodycon dresses and low rise jeans which makes me cringe so much now! As much as I still enjoy the high street it can be quite overwhelming sometimes with the huge amount that is on offer and the ever changing styles.
WHERE DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT BEYOND NINE?
I first came across Beyond Nine through Zoe de Pass' (dresslikeamum) Instagram page. A few years ago she posted this incredible bright pink boiler suit she had designed in collaboration with Beyond Nine. I decided to go for it (along with the black Laura and Milly) and the rest is history, the collection has grown from there and I have worn a Beyond Nine piece almost every day for the last few years!
Kat wears the Lilac Linen Laura
WHAT DOES THE BRAND MEAN TO YOU?
Before discovering Beyond Nine I’d tried different jumpsuits and overalls in the past but they were never quite right, especially whilst pregnant. They were all an awkward fit, uncomfortable or just a bit plain and boring. Beyond Nine has hit the nail on the head in terms of style, comfort, longevity and everything is so well made, I love all the little details, you can tell a lot of thought and love has gone into it. I love that all my Beyond Nine pieces are still very much a part of my wardrobe post pregnancy, they have been perfect for breastfeeding and fit just as well 9 months pregnant as they do one year post baby.
Kat wears the Neutral Mabel
HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WEAR BEYOND NINE?
Beyond Nine has allowed me to finally pin down a style that is truly me. I love that laid back jumpsuit look and also love being comfortable, once you wear something with no waistline there really is no going back! You don’t realise just how comfortable they are until you wear a pair of jeans and immediately want to put a Beyond Nine jumpsuit back on!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE?
The denim Lolas are my current favourites but I really don’t think I could pick just one! I love a bit of gingham so the linen Savannah and Winnie are great. The Laura is a classic and looks good with everything, you can mix and match it in so many ways, the linen ones are perfect on their own in summer and I wear secret leggings under them so I can still wear them in winter. The Poppy is so adaptable, I often wear them for weight training at home, they are totally squat proof! And Millie is my go to for evenings out and dressier occasions.
Kat wears the Washed Black Lola
WHAT DOES FEELING GOOD IN YOUR CLOTHES MEAN TO YOU?
It means confidence, being care-free, feeling comfortable and content in myself and how I look and having the ability to express myself through clothing. It means being able to get on with the everyday busy life of a mum with two young kids without having to compromise comfort for style.
ANY STAND OUT MOMENTS WEARING BEYOND NINE?
Coming home from hospital with our little girl. I never had to think hard about packing my hospital bag, I wore the grey Poppy into hospital and wore the black Poppy out. I knew that was all I would need to be comfortable post-birth, be able to breastfeed easily and still look like me. I really wish I had found Beyond Nine sooner when I was pregnant with my first child!
Kat wears the Poppy
