For the first few months of pregnancy, mums-to-be will often manage to make do with what’s in their wardrobes to cover their newly blossomed bump. But for every pregnant woman the time arrives when maternity clothing can no longer be avoided, and if you still think maternity wear means baggy dungarees and tent-like dresses, then think again!

Thanks to Dorothy Perkins, mums-to-be can shop for stylish yet comfortable fashions both online and in store. As well as offering maternity wear which is in keeping with the latest fashion trends, Dorothy Perkins offers some essential styling tips to keep you and your pregnancy glowing for the next nine months...

Now that you’re pregnant it doesn’t mean you have to start reaching for the larger sizes on the clothing rails. Dorothy Perkins scales all maternity clothing to fit your pre-pregnancy size, and makes adjustments to accommodate your growing belly and bust, so there is no need to reach for that unsightly tent dress.

Get yourself suited up with some pregnancy basics. A good staple wardrobe will consist of a pair of black trousers, a black skirt, a pair of denim maternity jeans and a good pair of leggings. Investing in these basics makes it easy to mix and match new styles so you can stay cool, calm and catwalk-ready throughout your pregnancy. Dorothy Perkins also offers a range of colourful, trendy and comfortable maternity tops, shirts and coats for all the seasons so that you can keep your look fresh while accommodating your belly.

And there is no need to skimp on style – Dorothy Perkins offers a range of stylish maternity dresses which not only fit your changing body, but also the latest trends. Maternity fashions are moving towards body hugging, slimming lines as more and more women are opting to show off their blossoming bellies. Narrow fitting dresses and maternity styled skinny jeans can now be found on the maternity rails across the UK to allow you to show off your bump at every opportunity.

There’s no reason not to keep your pregnancy wardrobe fresh and on trend for the full nine months - with a little bit of help from women’s fashion retailer, Dorothy Perkins.

Four wheel drive vehicle or ‘Chelsea Tractor’ drivers are the most unpopular (21%), followed by van drivers (16%) and taxi drivers (13%). One-in-five (19%) motorists would ‘do a runner’ if they damaged a car they don’t like, revealed today in research by Direct Line Car Insurance.

Research revealed today by Direct Line Car Insurance, Britain’s largest motor insurer, has found that motorists can be a prejudiced lot, with many claiming that the car someone drives affects their own driving behaviour.*

While ‘Chelsea tractor’ drivers have been the subject of derision for years, commercial drivers make up four of the top five most disliked motorists on British roads. It seems that time pressures and long spells behind the wheel can lead van, truck and taxi drivers to drive in a way which annoys other road users.

The top three annoying attitudes that people associate with drivers of particular vehicles are:

• thinking they own the road (66%)
• arrogance (51%)
• aggressive driving (48%)

Alarmingly, motorist’s attitudes to the type of car someone drives are affecting their own behaviour. More than one-in-seven (15%) claim they are less courteous to someone driving a car they do not like, while 60% of drivers allow extra distance between themselves and those who they perceive to be ‘one of the worst types of driver’ as judged by the car they drive.

One-in-five (19%) motorists would be ‘less likely’ to leave their details if they damaged a car they don’t like in a car-park, with men 50% more likely to ‘do a runner’ than women.

Head of Car Insurance for Direct Line, Maggie Game comments:
“This research shows how attitudes to other motorists can have a significant impact on driver behaviour. Motorists should consider both their own safety and that of other road users before changing their driving behaviour simply because of the car someone drives.

With time literally being money for many commercial drivers, it is not surprising that they have some of the worst habits on the roads. It is important that commercial drivers remind themselves that the cost of an accident can far outweigh the savings associated with arriving a few minutes earlier.

Motorists should remember that no matter how minor an accident is, drivers are required by law to exchange details with third parties. Just because someone drives a particular type of car does not mean they deserve an expensive crash repair bill.”

Britain’s most disliked motorists:

'Chelsea tractor’ drivers - 21%
Van drivers - 16%
Taxi drivers - 13%
Lorry drivers - 7%
Buses - 6%

One-in-twenty (5%) respondents said they dislike drivers of particular cars because they are wealthy, demonstrating that envy may be a reason for disliking particular motorists. Surprisingly, 7% of van drivers said that van drivers are the worst motorists.

Whatever car you drive, get a car insurance from Direct Line today and see how much you could save.



Notes to Editors:

• Opinium Research carried out an online poll of 2,006 British adults from Friday 20th to Monday 23rd March 2009.

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting http://www.directline.com.

Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk.

Along with the winter months comes the hotly anticipated party season – from  glam office party to glitzy New Years Eve out on the town – you’ll have plenty of chances to show off in our range of fantastic party dresses.  Whether it’s a dressy black tie gala dinner, an elegant cocktail party or a relaxed night out with the girls, Dorothy Perkins has the dress to suit the occasion. So what’s new for winter dresses 2009/10?

Purple is the new black: While the LBD is every girl’s best friend, update your look this winter by trading in your classic black going out dress for a pretty purple number. And this winter the hue comes in all shades, from deep plum to bright sequined violet so you are sure to find a shade to suit your colouring

Attention grabber: Shine in sequins, sparkles, and all things glittery this party season. Browse Dorothy Perkin’s dresses online or in store to help you stand out from the crowd with this season’s sequined stunners. And if you’re feeling extra glamorous, why not try adding extra rhinestones and pearls from Dorothy Perkins’ exclusive range of jewellery.

Get booted: Ankle boots are a winter wardrobe must have. Ultra versatile, you can team your favourite pair with leggings, jeans or your favourite dress to instantly update your look. And in true party spirit, don’t think you’ll need to limited to just brown and black … This season’s ankle boots come in all fabrics and colours, from bright yellow suedette platforms to purple peep toed shoe boots – a great excuse to stock up on an eye catching pair for every occasion.

Visit Dorothy Perkins for more party outfit inspiration and style advice to help keep you up to date with the latest trends this winter season