All Posts By

The London Mummy

Family Life Spotlight

Up Close with Marina Fogle

When I was first pregnant, one of my first missions was to decide which pre natal course to do. As it wasn’t obvious which to go for, I went on 3. Yes 3… hospital, private and NCT. I was certainly keen that’s for sure, but it was purely as I hadn’t been given a good recommendation so took it upon myself to investigate. Had Marina Fogle’s antenatal ante natal classes been around back in 2010, it would have been a no brainer to go with The Bump Class.

Marina Fogle

Their Eight Week Antenatal Course are tailored to meet the needs of mothers to be who want to learn about the practical elements of pregnancy, child-birth, breastfeeding, parenting from a supportive, pragmatic and unbiased point of view. They also have a fathers evening so you don’t have to drag unwilling participants to every class – just the part that involves them.

With classes all over South & West London, you will meet other mothers who are expecting at the same time, whilst also learning about everything from labour to weaning from experts.

The Parent Hood

If you aren’t able, or the moments passed and you have had your little one, Marina and her sister (Dr) Chiara Hunt have a new podcast covering topics that will suit parents of all age children. I particularly liked the podcast when & how to discuss sex with your children.

So, let’s get Up Close with Marina and hear her recommendations.

What’s your secret to working whilst raising a family?
Being mega organised. I buy as much as possible online so I’ve got more free time to hang out with the people who really matter.

What advice to you for people who have a business idea?
Be prepared to sacrifice things to get it off the ground.

What do you work wise?
I run The Bump Class that prepares women for the birth of their children.

We’ve written a book; The Bump Class; An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond and we’ve just launched The Parent Hood, a podcast that gives expert advice on all aspects of parenting delivered by professionals.

The Bump Class

What’s your favourite aspect of your business at the moment?
The Parent Hood! I’m having such fun getting together with experts and chatting about everything from whether dummies are good or evil to who to talk to your child about terrorist attacks.

What’s your fashion style?
I try to be smart in my working life but it’s got to be practical.

3 favourite small clothing brands
Wiggy Kit for beautifully cut summer clothes that I end up wearing all year round

PB 0110 for exquisite bags that get better and better with age

Natural Gold Shoulder Bag

North Sea Clothing for knitwear that’s made for men but looks great with skinny jeans.

North Sea Clothing

3 favourite high street shops
– Zara always seems to nail it
– MiH for jeans
– I love Me+Em’s trousers which are cut beautifully

ME + EM

Top 3 go to items in your wardrobe when you are in a rush
– a wool midi skirt from JCrew
– simple cashmere crew neck
– a statement necklace and some boots

3 items that make you feel a million dollars
– an ancient pair of gold Louboutins that add another 3 inches to my already quite substantial height
– a traditional Austrian hat (my mother is Austrian)
– an onyx and diamond ring I inherited from my grandmother.

1 item that everyone asks where you got it from
A simple white Wiggy Kit shirt that always looks amazing

Wiggy Kit Shirt

Biggest purchase mistake ever
A second hand Chloe coat – it was a bit small. Never buy clothes that you have to lose weight to fit into.

Best return of investment
A pair of JCrew loafers that smarten up any trousers.

Boots or trainers?
Boots – trainers are for working out

3 Instagram accounts you enjoy
Dee Caffari – she’s skippering a boat in the Volvo Ocean Race, around the world. I love this little window on to her challenge.
Bert & May I love their reclaimed interiors

Bert + May

– My husband Ben Fogle. He used to be a picture editor and his eye for interesting photos from around the world I love.

Interior style
Quirky!

Interior tip
Good lighting is essential

Bare faced or full face?
Full face that looks like bare faced beauty!

Best beauty buy on the market
Rosehip oil – great for eczema

Rosehip Oil

3 items in your make up bag
– Shisedo foundation
– No7 eyebrow pencil
Shu Umera eyelash curlers

Shu Uemera

Hair tip
It’s easier than you think to create a bed head wave using a cheap hair tong!

Life saving hair product
Batiste Dry Shampoo

Batiste

Silver or gold jewellery?
Gold

Keep fit activity
Sweat with Kayla This app has changed my body thanks for 30 minute work outs three times a week.

Kayla

Best exercise that works for least amount effort
Plank

Best hotel with kids
Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. Not cheap but amazing…

Soneva Fushi

Last supper
Ramen from Bone Daddies Japanese Soul Food

Default kids supper
Every week I poach a whole chicken which gives me tender meat and delicious broth. My kids love chicken soup which I pack with whatever veg I have in the fridge and add some noodles

Hangover cure
Extra strong mints – trust me, they’re amazingly effective

Beach or pool?
Beach, every time!

Swimsuit or bikini?
Bikini

What you do to relax?
Take my dog for a walk

All time favourite film
The Thomas Crown Affair

Thomas Crown Affair

Last book you read
Homo Deus

Homo Deus

Favourite box set
The Night Manager

The Night Manager

The song you pelt out on your own in the car
If my daughter’s with me, anything by Ed Sheeran

Most evocative smell
Proper homegrown garden roses

Homegrown Roses

Most bonding family game
Consequences

3 favourite apps
Bubble which makes booking my favourite babysitters easy
Ocado
my podcast app

3 favourite websites for passing time
I don’t really spend much time online – I prefer to listen.

Can I give you my three favourite podcasts instead? (Of course!)
The Parent Hood (obviously)
Desert Island Discs
No Such Thing As A Fish

Best tip for building Instagram following
You tell me!

A quote you try and live by
Add life to your days rather than days to your life.

What tests your patience?
Learner drivers

3 words to describe yourself
Busy, creative and happy

thebumpclass.com

Gift Guides

14 Valentine’s Gift Ideas to Forward on To Your Other Half (or Buy Yourself)

Since starting The London Mummy (summer 2016), I have never written a Valentine’s post. Weird huh. No, it’s not that I am getting more romantic in my old age, it’s because I finally have time to breathe a bit more and can do some advance planning for once. So, what was the first event to schedule in – a Valentine’s Gift Guide!!!

By the way, if you are only doing a card (and yes, you do have to) Etsy have some really funny ones (and very cheeky) This one made me chuckle!

Date Nights

 

We don’t really exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day… actually what I mean is – I never buy Mr R a present (he has a January birthday, so with that and Christmas it can gets a bit OTT) and I have never really cared about being on the receiving end of Chocolates or Roses. However, with the media and internet and do many small businesses – there is no escaping the pretty and unusual gifts that are geared towards Valentine’s Day.

Heart Trainers £55 Aldo

On my last shopping trip, I walked past Aldo and they had a gorgeous display for Valentine’s Day. Incredible high heels with hearts all over them, but these really caught my eye.

Heart Trainers

Two Sided Red and Black Bucket Bag with Leopard Print Detachable Handle £40

Wearing red, use the black side of the bucket bag, wearing black, add a splash of red to your outfit. A fun versatile bag with a detachable strap – so you can chop and change your look.

Red Bucket Bag

 

You’re My Lobster Biscuit Box £18.50 Biscuiteers

Lobsters mate forever so what better way than displaying your love in an uncheesy way with this biscuit from Biscuiteers. The only problem is that it is too good to eat!

Biscuit Box

Black, White & Red Trimmed Heart Back T Shirt £40 TLM Edit

Luckily I did a stock take before Valentine’s Day as bought these before Christmas and forgot about them. How could I? Not only a fun nod to Valentine’s Day, they are a gorgeous update on the classic Breton T Shirt that will still be here this summer!

Heart Backed T Shirt

Love Story Scented Candle £32 Tussie Mussie

This is one of my favourite candle, handmade by Natasha in her kitchen.  Beautifully packaged and smells even lovelier.

Tussie Mussie

Gold Dipped Heart Necklace £18

ou can’t go wrong with a gold necklace with delicate hearts on it, can you?

Heart Necklace

Colour Pop Messenger Bag £55

Only the brave will be able to pull off this bright colour pop messenger bag, but there is no doubt that it would make your outfit. Lovely Spring colours too.

Colour Pop Messenger Bag

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream £70

If I was bought this, i would be very happy. Over my usual budget but I know it is luscious from the testers they generously hand out with a purchase.

Magic Cream

Velvet Cat Slippers £35 Tooka Ltd

Started by a lovely mother who wanted to run a little business from home, these cat slippers are so cute and certainly a bit different.

Cat Slippers

Charlie Quilted Backpack £135 Fact + Fiction

I can vouch for this backpack being an absolute God send. Not only is it lightweight and spacious, the sections have been well thought out – the peerage area for your shoes underneath being my favourite.

Charli Back Pack

Premier Cru Eye Cream £49 Caudalie

Since using this, I look about 20. Ok, not really but it is my preferred eye cream as light enough not to drag but nourishing enough to brighten and moisturise.

Eye Cream

Red Chiffon Kimono £45

Over a vest and jeans or over a bikini – chiffon Kimono’s are coming so why not get ahead with this gorgeous red floral chiffon one.

Chiffon Kimono

Tory Burch Signature Perfume £48

Everything Tory touches turns to gold and this smell is no exception.

Tory Burch

Grace Chemise Slip £130 Parasol Rose

This London based business has nailed the art of undressing solutions. I love this slip as it could also be worn as a dress alone, nightie or under a dress as a slip.

Chemise Slip

Hope this has given you a few ideas to push in the direction of the person who may be buying! If not, treat yourself – you deserve it!

Oh, and…

Valentine's Day

xx

Services Spotlight

London Property Match : Your London Property Finder

Don’t they say death, divorce and moving house are the three most stressful events in your life (hopefully you won’t experience all!) So when it comes to avoiding unnecessary stress, it makes emotional sense to bring in some assistance. The experts in the ‘moving house’ category are the girls at London Property Match.

What Is London Property Match? 

London Property Match is a property finding service that assists buyers secure houses and flats in South West, West, and North-West London.

They often have properties before they have gone online so they are a great company to get in with if you are looking for that elusive property!

Areas They Cover

 

Areas Covered

 

When It Started 

The company was created in 1999 through the deep experience gathered by founding members, Suzanne Emson and Sarah Snow, in their personally buying and renovating property in London over several decades.

Who Runs It Now? 

They were joined by Sarah Dixon and Tamara Colton and have since retired although continue to support when needed.

Sarah & Tamara 

Sarah and Tamara

Who Is It Perfect For? 

They work with all types of buyers from young people who just left university for people looking to buy an investment property.

 

We very much enjoy working with all age groups (from the early 20s to the late 80s) and with all nationalities. Whether it is a buy-to-let investment clients are after or a “home” we are happy to help and guide you through the process from start to finish, always working for you and not the seller and never taking on two specs that at the same time that might clash.

 

Guide

 

So if you are looking for a property in London, who you going to call? (Ghostbusters!)

Sarah’s Favourites

Website : Pinterest – it gives me arts and craft ideas to do with the children on the weekends, educational games to support my daughters’ learning, birthday cake ideas and provides inspiration for home improvement.

Hotel : Easy question this, Anassa in Cyprus. I tingle just thinking about the times we have spent there as a couple and with the girls. The service is out of this world, the food unbelievable, the cocktails (!) better, the weather warm when it isn’t in the UK, an outstanding kids club and a fabulous spa…

Shop : Difficult this as I hardly get the time to shop! I do love a bargain and this answer probably isn’t going to portray me in the best light but…H&M!

Restaurant : Chez Bruce in Wandsworth. It is very close to where I live and in all the years I have been there it has never disappointed. Simply amazing food, reasonably priced in a relaxed but appropriately smart atmosphere.

Holiday Destination : Cape Town, South Africa. With the Christmas period usually being a very quiet time for the property market we try and escape to South Africa for at least 2 weeks then. An overnight flight, yes, but only a 2 hour time difference so ideal for young children.

Parenting Tip :

I have found parenting at times, impossible. What helped me navigate the very early years was a routine. Not only did I know what I was meant to be doing and when, the girls did too.  A few years on my tip would have to be “you can only do your best” and that “you know your child best” so trust your instincts and go with what you feel is right.

londonpropertymatch.com

Contact Sarah Dixon on +44 (0)7884 433 059 or email enquiries@londonpropertymatch.com

Big Fashion

11 Dresses For Date Night

I know it’s a cliche, but when else in the year are you supposed to wear red, other than Valentine’s Day.  Despite not knowing anyone who actually goes out for supper on this date in February, I am using it as inspiration for todays post. There are so many striking dresses out there with flecks of red and pink in, it’s a great excuse to share them with you.

With Spring around the corner, there is also no point buying another black dress (although I am a big fan of black dresses in the summer, tanned shoulders, bare legs – it’s good look) but why not buy something you can wear now with tights and a jacket that will also work when the weather gets a little balmier?

 

Ganni Wrap Dress £150

A huge fan of this new label (well, it’s new to me). The prints are bold and the cuts are great.

wowwdrj80006_blk_1

Bardot Shift Dress with Cut Out Sides £115

I love the shoulders on this neat little dress – the width will make your waist look smaller than it actually is and the cut out sides are subtly sexy.

i_284013443_00_20180110

Isabel Marant Vicky Lace Shirt Dress £395

I am not entirely sure about the stitching across the chest, but as it is Isabel, I am trusting that it looks as good on as it does on the peg. Perhaps for those with smaller chests…

wowwdrj80053_ras_1

 

 

& Other Stories Summer Fiesta Print Dress £89

& Other Stories has some beautiful dresses this season and this one has caught my eye. The pattern and colours are so different and concur up lovely thoughts of rose in the sun.

0493476001_1_100011

& Other Stories Ruffle Tie Wrap Dress £79

Pretty ruffles and the mid length that goes up n the middle makes it understatedly sexy.

0615905001_1_100011

 

Warehouse Leopard Print Shirt Dress £46

Va va voom! There won’t be any more messing around in this punchy red leopard print dress.

Shirt Dress

Masscob Indian Cotton Dress £300

So feminine and ethereal – I want to float about in this on the beach this summer, but I think an advance purchase would work well now, toughened up with a chunky scarf and biker boots.

Masscob

Mint Velvet Julia Print Kimono Wrap Dress £119

There is a lot of print this season and I am embracing it. The general rule of thumb –   the size of the print should reflect the size of you – small ditsy print on petites and larger prints on stronger frames. Same goes with size of sunglasses, handbags although o add drama, size up one thing!

Julia Print

French Connection Drapey Dress £180

It’s the Vera Wang esque black tie that drew me in to this maxi dress. If it wasn’t quite so expensive, I would be all over this.

i_0889042590348_00_20171120

Mango Striped Midi Dress £29.99

No round up is complete without a dress from the high street boss – Mango. This dress wouldn’t suit everyone, but if the lines and colours work on your body shape and colouring, it’s a total knockout.

Striped Midi Dress

 

Marks and Spencer Ruched Waist Tunic Dress £65

The triple band on this floaty ruched waist tunic dress is  great disguise for Christmas bellies if you still haven’t shed it and the long arms are great for those that haven’t quite had that much needed  kiss of colour.

Midi Dress

 

So, do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day? I think it will be Silent Witness and a takeaway for us, as we are having our first night away in about 2 years the following weekend.

Do I sound excited?

Have a lovely week and don’t forget – keep it pink or red!

xx

Beauty Services

The British Blow-Dry

There are two camps in life – manageable and unmanageable hair.  Even hair that looks manageable due to its silky smooth finish can be unmanageable for the ‘proprietor’ as they can’t do anything with their hair, like keep a curl in for longer than crossing the road outside the salon.  On the other hand some ladies with thick curly hair may find their hair manageable as they don’t have to wash it as much as those with finer hair.

My point is, we mustn’t judge a book by its cover and never judge someone’s hair before you know the full story!! My hair looks manageable – on a good day – as I have conditioned it, blow dried it, straightened it but little do you know that it has taken AGES and my smooth mop will disappear in a moments drizzle.

Most of the time I let my hair dry naturally. Unless you are 18 on a Bondai beach, this is not a very good idea. See below…

Au Natural

So as a consequence to letting it dry naturally – I always wear my hair up!

Credit : Rebecca Challis Photography

Credit : Rebecca Challis Photography

What a waste! Long hair and always up? Yes, I know!! But who has the time to moisturise, blow and straighten every time you wash your hair? I know I don’t!

So, when I was contacted by Edward James London to review a BRITISH blow-dry, I jumped at the chance. Wouldn’t you? (Despite not knowing what it was exactly, but I am a patriot through and through!)

‘I have heard of a Brazilian blow-dry, what is a British Blow Dry’ I hear you ask? 

 

If you’ve considered having a Brazilian blow dry but have been frightened by the price, potential damage and time required in the salon, this innovative technique is far gentler on hair and suits the finer hair that most British women have, without stripping it from its important natural moisture.

 

The formula takes 15 minutes to apply, about an hour to set under a gentle revolving heater, lasts for 6 weeks and contains no formaldehyde and promises specifically to preserve volume.

 

img_2776

Edward and his team can tailor the treatment specifically for your hair.

For example, my hair is quite wirey so he used a slightly higher strength on than if you had fly away hair. I was pretty impressed even if I do say so myself! Here is the finished look!

LR

He also says that it should last up to 3 months and judging how ny hair has looked after I have let it dry naturally the last two hair wash times – I reckon he is going to be right.

It feels in excellent condition, still has its natural body and not a frizzy strand in sight.

img_2783

I am a complete convert and will be booking myself in for this treatment again. The whole experience was very pleasant, the ambience the salon, the attentiveness of the staff, the dreamy head massage and hand massage!

Aveda Salon

In the first few moment of meeting Edward and his team, I could see they really cared and were genuinely interested in my hair life and I felt he really got it – even the fact that I have killed the front of my hair with straightening it so much but that due to my little quiff, this was one area I wanted him to concentrate on.

Now I have found a salon that I trust, I may even try a colour. Edward suggested a subtle balayarge as he understood I wanted to keep my natural highlights.

Watch this space!!

Edward James Salon

Edward James London 

Putney
77 Putney High Street
London
SW15 1SR

0208 789 9639

putney@edwardjameslondon.com

Clapham

18 Northcote Road
Clapham
London
SW11 1NX

0207 223 6225

northcote@edwardjameslondon.com

Have a great day and go and book yourself an appointment, it always makes everything feel so much better!

 

Big Fashion

7 Ways To Achieve Meghan’s Look

After the huge excitement of Meghan’s foray into the British establishment – Marks and Spencer’s that is, not Royal Family – when she wore THAT jumper, I thought I would write a post on what else Meghan would, could and should buy from Marks and Spencer’s current range.

Meghan Bell Sleeve Jumper

For those you who thought they had missed out on the black bell sleeve jumper – it is still in stock however only in size 16’s. If that’s your size, buy a piece of history before it sells out!

 

Bell sleeve

WHAT’S HER STYLE?

Ms Markle pretty much sticks to a simple colour palette of black, white, beige (camel, winter white you het the picture) and reds and burgundy’s.

She cleverly reflects her own colouring in her clothes choices and favours dark, bright and tonal clothing.

She likes to accentuate her waist and upsize one accessory per outfit whether handbag, glasses or scarf.

One thing she always wears in front of the camera is a dazzling smile!

COATS

Since the engagement, it is evident that she loves a smart coat, nipped in at the waist and big lapels.

MM

This Wool Rich Single Breasted Coat is only £79 and comes in dark green, burgundy and navy.  I wonder if the resemblance of the model to MM is a coincidence or cleverly thought through?

Jacket

 

 

THE CLASSIC SHIRT 

Meghan looks fabulous in a classic white shirt. Well doesn’t everyone. If you wash it separately, you will get more than one wear out of it, as long as you avoid kids tea time.

MM White Shirt

The Pure Cotton Long Sleeve White Cotton Shirt from M and S is a classic shirt with no embroidery or exaggerated detail. At £35 a pop you could stock up.

White shirt

Whilst we are on the white shirt, blue jeans look – I can see Meghan in these Sculpt and Lift (not that she needs it!) Roma Rise Skinny Leg Jeans!  The cropped tight leg is a classic that will never go out of fashion.

Roma Rise

SCARVES

Meghan loves a chunky scarf and she usually keeps it the same colour as her coat. This is a great tactic for giving the illusion of length as the eye is drawn up and down and never horizontally by a change in colour.

MM

This brushed scarf is two tone is similar to the one Meghan wore in Wales and would go with both light and dark coats.

Scarf

HANDBAGS

Like the Queen, Meghan is a Tote girl through and through.  She isn’t scared of a bit of colour either.

Tote

I can see being drawn to this Green Faux Leather Tote Bag with Removable Clutch in the Spring, can’t you?

Green Tote

SHOES 

Meghan loves an understated tonal heel with a few subtle details like these ones she wore for official engagement photos.

Engagement shoes

I think she would LOVE these Ginger Slingbacks (appropriately named) from Marks and Spencer new season. The bow is super cute and girly and the colour will suit her no doubt tanned legs when it gets warmer.

Ginger slingbacks

She also clearly likes the colour as per this cute hat she wore to church on Christmas day!

Ginger hat

Whilst we are onto hats, as she will be having to wear quite a few here on in, this hat below would be a versatile addition to her Royal wardrobe.

Dress up, dress down and even pull forward if you want to be a bit anonymous.

Winter hat

I love seeing Meghan mix Hollywood glamour with more regal traditional attire. One thing is for sure, she will always keep us guessing.

Next up will be THE DRESS. Who will design it, what style and shape, colours, flowers, bridesmaids oh I could on – and will in my next Meghan post!!

Have a happy Monday xx

Fashion Interiors Spotlight

Up Close with Georgie Coleridge Cole

If there is one lady in London who has her finger on the pulse, it is Georgie Coleridge Cole, Founder and Editor of SheerLuxe. For those of you who aren’t familiar with SheerLuxe (and I don’t imagine there are many of you) it is an online lifestyle magazine with an informative and fun podcastonline boutique, calendar of readers events (including a digital conference for budding entrepreneurs and a fashion day after LFW – can’t wait!), The Daily Brief (a daily email with an outline of things you need to know that are going on in the UK and the world), fashion updates and interior inspiration. Wow, I”m exhausted even writing that all and there is so much more that they cover too! (read here) Today though, I want to get to the brains behind this fantastic brand and get ‘up close’ with Georgie.

GCC

Let’s start with the one burning question we want to know – how DOES she do it…

What’s your secret to working whilst raising a family?

Help that’s consistent day to day or week to week. Whether that’s a really great nanny or a really good granny – you need regular committed help that is consistently there or you and your children don’t know whether you’re coming or going. Without it, you’re just making life even more chaotic and then everyone is left feeling crap.

What’s your advice for women with a business idea?

Do some research to ensure it’s a good product and a viable idea; then get on and do it.

What are you most excited about for SL at the moment?

The potential of different medias like video, podcasts and articles on a page and how they all work together to enhance your brand and engage with the reader. This autumn we relaunched our fly on the wall / behind the scenes youtube series and it has been really well received. It’s full on because we film all day every day but it’s also really different to what the competition are doing and adds another dimension in terms of how people connect with SheerLuxe. And also our podcast which we launched in April and has been really well received.

SL Podcast

What’s your fashion style?

Simple, timeless and functional. I tend to wear jeans most days or cigarette pants with flats (white trainers, ankle boots, pumps) and then a blouse of some sort and a jacket or knitwear. I drop my eldest two children at the school, go straight to work, often have to pop back to school for something and then back to the office so it has to be relatively easy. My wardrobe is almost entirely black, white, grey and blush. With a bit of navy and a touch of coral.

3 items that make you feel a million dollars

A pink Raey shearling coat. My new Jacquemus top and an Isabel Marant dress (black and gold with an off the shoulder ruffle) my husband gave me for my birthday. I wore it two nights in a row.

Raey Coat

1 item that everyone asks where you got it from

My Gesutz leather biker.

Biker

Biggest purchase mistake ever
Too many to mention.

Best return of investment
Always coats.

Boots or trainers?
Probably Golden Goose trainers.

Golden Goose

Favourite fashion bloggers

Hannah Strafford Taylor (below) and Laura Wills.

Hannah Stafford Taylor

Interior style

Grey with a touch of pink.

Interior tip

Paint your woodwork and ceiling the same colour as your walls.

Where do you get your interior inspo from?

I adore Porter – they make the best bathroom vanity units and I love their aesthetic. I’m a big Turner Pocock fan too.

Porter

Bare faced or full face

As my mother once said to me ‘we need makeup darling’.

Best beauty buy on the market

Right now it’s an Origins tinted moisturiser. It’s one colour that adapts your skin tone and it gives you the best glow.

Origins

3 items in your make up bag

Ombre Sticks

Hair tip

Go to George Northwood and spend money on a good haircut. Think how much you spend on a top and we wear our hair ALL the time.

Life-saving hair product

Oribe texturizing spray. It’s horribly expensive but nothing beats it to liven up your hair before a night out.

Oribe

Silver or gold jewellery?

Gold

Favourite Jewellery brand

Annoushka

annoushka

Keep fit activity

Cardio. 5 times a week

Most romantic restaurant in the world?

The restaurant at the top of the hill, Sense on The Edge, at Zighy Bay in Oman.

Sense on the Edge

Best hotel with kids?

Anassa in Cyprus.

Anassa

Last supper meal?

My mum’s spag bol and a chocolate fondant. I’m not huge on puddings but a chocolate fondant…

Your default kids supper

A prawn stirfry. I’m determined my children won’t be fussy about fish.

Hangover cure

A bloody mary.

Beach or pool?

Pool, sand irritates me.

Swimsuit or bikini?

Bikini. But you need to know when to call it a day.

 


Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.


 

What you do to relax

Strictly with my daughter.

All time favourite film?

Working Girl.

Last book you read?

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Unlike everyone else, I didn’t love it. Not a lot happens.

Eleanor

Favourite box set

Is Narcos a box set?

Narcos

The song you pelt out on your own in the car

Anything by The Chainsmokers

chainsmokers

Most evocative smell

Estee Lauder’s Knowing. My mother used to spray it on my teddy before I went back to boarding school.

Most bonding family game

For us right now: UNO or Children’s Monopoly. Silly Sausage is fun too.

Silly Sausage

A quote you try and live by

You make your own luck and if you work hard enough good will prevail.

What tests your patience?

Sickies.

3 words to describe yourself

Fun, impatient, loyal.

I have loved watching SheerLuxe grow exponentially over the years and I will follow with continued interest. Next up, I would love to see her hosting a program on TV – have you thought about that Georgie?

sheerluxe.com


Looking for more fashion? You might also like:

10 New-In Hush Pieces I Couldn’t Resist

13 Activewear Pieces That’ll Motivate You To Actually Get Active

10 Fashion Picks To Brighten Up Your Autumn

And of course, don’t forget to visit my online shop: TLM Edit 🙂

Big Fashion

School Run Sport Luxe

Wonders never cease. There was a time when I wore leggings and trainers 3 times a week as I raced between pilates, going for wog (walk/jog – basically pavement scuffing) and cycling (5 minutes back and from Nursery drop.) Despite not wearing it *much now, I know what I like – head to toe black! However, the main focus of this post is to highlight a few statement pieces that you can buy at the moment – to make proud to do the school run in whilst also comfortable! Call it School Run Sport Luxe…

 

 

Whistles Colour Block Sweat £79

Grey always looks chic and as we have Spring in the not so distant future – this apple green will lift up your outfit (and your mood).

Whistles Colour Block

 

Oasis Hello Sweat £29

This stretch sweatshirt is a fun and comfortable sweater to throw on in the morning. You can get your little one practicing their letters too…

Oasis Hello

Ted Baker Cruise Panel Jacket £125

I love the funnel neck of this snazzy jacket when it is zipped up and the diagonal stripes makes it very flattering.

Ted Baker Panel Jacket

Samsoe & Samsoe Nostalgia Sweater £95

Understated whilst also keeping your toe in the ever-present trend of slogan sweats. They aren’t going away any time soon – they will just get wilder and wilder. (Have you seen Mango’s #feminist sweater?)

Samsoe

Whistles C’est la Vie Sweater £79

I love a red jumper and I think I can squeeze this into sportswear. It certainly bridges the gap.

C'est La Vie

Whistles Side Stripe £119

Side stripes are everywhere and for good reason, they are elongating and add a bit of detail to otherwise plain trousers.

Side Stripe

Whistles Relaxed Slub Jogger £79

Whistles is on fire this season and have jumped on the athleisure trend with gusto. Hats off to them. Love these tapered joggers.

Whistles Joggers

Ted Baker Logo Jogger £85

More tapered joggers but this time with my favourite detail of 2018. The striped edge. I need more of it. I need it in metallics, wide stripes, think stripes, on collars, on cuffs… Please let me know if you find any – it deserves a post of its own.

Tommy

Label Lab Contrast Panel Jogger £35

A more traditional side stripe which makes these joggers more versatile.

Contrast Penel Joggers

Biba Jungle Gym Legging £32

High waist, wide band, patterned front panel, mega print – tick tick tick tick. LOVE

Jungle Leggings

 

Reebok High Rise Tights £64.95

Again, these aren’t a major breakthrough this season but the high waist is. There won’t be any muffin top with these ‘tights’.

High Rise Tight

 

New Balance 247 Trainers £64.99

They are called 247 for a reason – wear them all day – to the gym, supermarket and out int he evening. Classic & cool. Black and white. Yes.

247 Trainers

Seafolly Silver Basket Weave Tote  £65

These silver weave Tote’s are massive and will carry everything from book bags (the kids), towel, water bottles and your laptop.

Seafolly tote

Hope this has inspired you top hop foot over to the athleisure trend that is rapidly expanding into the mainstream. No one will bat an eyelid or ask what class you are heading to as it’s become the new mums uniform!

Have a great day,

Lots of love

Lucinda x

*never