The London Mummy

Each season, a few key pieces from the high street become major Instagram hits.  This happens by a few key bloggers waxing lyrical about them (and looking pretty lush too).  I have just been given the heads up that Marks and Spencer have quietly launched their new Autumn collection online and there are some absolute gems I have to tell you about before anyone else does (and they fly off the rails in your size!)

I have a sneaky suspicion that these dresses below will be part of the action.  Watch this space!

Printed Tie Dyed Flared Sleeve Mini Dress £35 

If this doesn’t get you excited about a new Autumn wardrobe – I am not sure what will! The blue is striking and the pattern is very Rixo dahhhling (if you don’t know Rixo, trust me it’s a good thing to have a dress that looks like one of theirs!)

Mesh Flared Sleeve Midi Dress £49.50

Imagine finding a dress for the ‘silly season’ before you actually had to. Imagine nailing it in August. Just imagine. And you could with this one! Do it!

Floral Lace Gathered Hem Slip Dress £79 

Dress up, dress down, this slip dress that comes in 3 other colours (emerald green, plum and deep red) would look just as good with tights, bikers and a denim/leather jacket as it would with a kimono and heels in the evening. LOVE. But which colour… red is the colour of next season but I have a feeling the black will go first!

Tea Dress £19.50 

I want sure whether to add this as it doesn’t look great in this pic but if you are a fan of the tea dress, but want something slightly more covered up for Autumn this is a great next step and the model looks fab in it! Love it with her trainers.

So, what do you think? Agree or think I am way off the mark? I think bravo Marks and Spencer and cant wait to investigate what other goodies you have in store. Here is a little taster…

Star Cashmere Jumper £109 

Shall we squeal now or later? In the words of our favourite cheesy movie star ‘i’ll be back!’

xx

As the start of school is on the horizon, it turns our thoughts away from flamingos and espadrilles towards something a little more finished.  However, I do think one of the healthiest looking times of the year is in September so lets show it off! The hair has been highlighted, the skin sun kissed and hopefully the probability of getting into a swimsuit for two months has been over shadowing what you put in your trap hole.

So, let’s look at a few pieces that will enhance this carefree look, whilst also making you feel put together. I am thinking pale. Thinking T Shirts.  Then over the coming months you can throw on a jacket, cardigan or a kimono.  Maison De Nimes, a new brand at House of Fraser is the perfect brand to kick off School Run Style with!

Wanderlust T Shirt £25 

Speaks for it self.

Star Embroidery Blouse £45

Pretty and feminine and the stars make it quite Christmassy too!

Sunday T £25 

We can dream and although not reality, this will give you a cool Sunday feeling.

Blush T with Rib Trim £39 

Great with blue jeans and silver arm candy.

Birch Stripe Curve Hem Top £25 

I love the curve hem of this T shirt. No builders bum here…

Vintage Trim T £35 

I love the fitted structure of this top and the perforated lines draw the eye down but stop before you tummy.

I am so excited about delving into school run style, so keep posted! xx

Ok, it seems appropriate that I delve into the excitement of next season with a little look at what is number one on my buy list – the leopard print boot. I must admit that when I spied them on  a few people last year, they didn’t incite that much envy – just admiration that they had the guts do it. Now, as my feet are covered in pop socks and trainers for the first time in 6 weeks – I can turn my head to what will be covering my trotters over the next few months and I think a pair of leopard prints is going to be my part of my repertoire!

If you aren’t sure either, check out the inspo I took from Pinterest.

My default would be black jeans, but this shows that you really can dress them down with blue jeans.

Block heel and black jeans. Voila.

More dressy and even more gorgeous.

I am on the hunt for some dark grey jeans similar to the below – as think they bridge the gap between day and evening perfectly. And look how well they go with the leopard boots!

So, if you are inspired and want to take the plunge, I urge you to hop not he bandwagon quickly as I guarantee some of the more popular/reasonably proved brands wont have your size!

Boden Marlow Ankle Boots £120 

Marks and Spencer Pointy Heel Ankle Boots £75

JD Williams Flat Boots £25 

Hush Sloane Boot £220 

Dune Packham Low Block Ankle Boots £69 

Do these turn you on or turn you off?

Right, now I am off to grab my mac and have one last look around the fab shops in Burnham Market. I bought little beach shoes from Joules for £3 and there is an Isabel Marant skirt in Anna’s! xx

I don’t imagine you are as chaotic as me when it comes to packing. After tying up loose ends on here (The London Mummy), ‘training’ my lovely mother how to send out parcels from TLM Edit orders (thank you Mum!), co-hosting hubby’s 40th birthday camping party, moving house,  visiting my poorly father, saying au revoir to my Brazilian bound brother and starting a new partnership with the wonderful House of Fraser (which I am very excited about!) this last month has been rather hectic.

Anyway, with all that going on, you may see why I have come on a summer holiday and packed far too may sweatshirts and jeans, forgot my swimming costume, totally ignored the fact I may like to wear some different jewellery (all left in a brown box) and generally feel unprepared.

(If you are wondering why I am still doing TLM whilst all this is going on – it’s because I find it relaxing and helps me switch off…ok?)

So, back to the point – what to pack for a summer holiday…

Swimming Costume. Black is always a good option. I love this Kenneth Cole Crochet Swimsuit £85 as it covers you up but isn’t too mumsy.

Sunglasses. It has to be pink this summer. These Ray Ban Pink Gold £161 are high on my wishlist!

So foot wear. These, below, are the ‘new’ espadrilles. Espadrille Trainers innit.

And, if you really want to be in there – get ones with a ‘flatform’.

I cannot believe these puppies are on sale for £25 and have every size available. I am going to beat you to it! The colour and added height will take your legs up to the sky!

Dune Flatforms £25

I think flip flops are a bit like marmite. But, I love them as they are practical etc. This slim style from Havianas are a bit more feminine and with the bright orange on tanned feet (!) they would look rather lovely!

Havainas Slim Flip Flop £26

You definitely need some relaxed clothes for the morning before you think about what you are going to wear.

You want to get passed breakfast and not have to change, My default are beach trousers to spare fellow diners my white pins and a t shirt. This sounds rather frumpy but let me introduce you to these…

Maison De Nîmes Beach Trousers £26

Versatile and flattering. Get a pair!

Sugarhill Boutique Star Collar T Shirt £26

I really believe you cant have enough T Shirts on holiday. If only I had known! ha.

Here is another goody and perhaps a bit more kid friendly.

Mint Velvet Metallic T £39

Ok, so now it is time to hit the beach. Perhaps you are meeting pals and want to up the ante a bit and feel like a glam mum? These kaftan and beach cover ups are all very pwetttty.

Accessorize Mina Kaftan NOW £16

Sunseaker Pleated Jumpsuit £77 (could also look knockout in the evening – imagine them with some tassel earrings!)

Seafolly Beach Kaftan £60

These could work into sundowners and even further into the evening. If you can last that long!

Free People Bardot Dress £130

Biba Elasticated Waist Dress £79

Ok, so evening shoes and don’t go together, Every event I put on high heels I feel like a tranny, however I have found something that works. They look better on I promise!

Head Over Heels Jessica Peeptoe Now £33

Or if you want to keep the bohemian vibe throughout, I am very partial to a bit of Steve Madden and these sandals fit the bill!

Don’t forget a beach bag!!! I love Label Lab Woven Beach Bag (£45)

and there is a Clutch version for the evening!

Throw in some Kate Spade Tassel Statement Earrings and voila – there you have it!

So, from me to you – don’t do what I have done. Happy holidays! xx

This post was written in collaboration with House of Fraser however all picks are my own choice. This post also contains affiliate links so if you buy something after clicking on one of the above links, I receive a tiny percentage! x