Big

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

There has been quite a lot of chat at the school gates, that some of our trusty high street shops have become a bit ‘young’. Either that or we are getting old! However I imagine you all agree that there are a few eye catching numbers out there but when you go closely you see there is an unnecessary twist to it – i.e. it’s cropped, the shoulders are cut out, it is far too short or there is a ruffle on it so huge you would be mistaken for a sail. So I have done some perusing through the sales and the pre fall collections, as I am in the market for some wearable, decent, well cut and well priced summer dresses. Here is my short list!

Yumi Flamingo Tea Dress £35

I love this eye catching blue and with flamingos all over it makes it even better!

Yumi Pale Pink Dress £25

This is so pretty. I like how the waist band falls on your slimmest part!

Zara Embroidered Sleeves £25.99 

Only available in large but pretty nonetheless.

Zara Floral Long Dress £39

Not for the faint hearted but if you are tall this is striking.

Zara Shirt Dress with Frill £25.99

I love how loose this is. Nothing worse than tight under the arms = sweat patches!

Zara Embroidered Striped Dress £29.99

Got to throw some boho in somewhere don’t I!

Mango Printed Shirt Dress £35.99

Very drawn to red at the moment although I can’t get away with sleeveless sadly, bit if you can – this is gorgeous.

Mango Knot Striped Dress £35.99

How fresh and neat does this dress look. So chic and riviera.

Mango Ruffled Poplin Dress £35.99 

I can’t entirely see the detail very well but I know it looks pretty on this model. Especially with these earrings! (Buy similar here)

Marks and Spencer Yellow Maxi Dress £55

I am wearing my yellow dress from Marks and Sparks and it seems to have gone done well, other than people wondering why I am wearing a dress ‘You must be off somewhere?’ No, it is nice and cool! This one is even looser. Pretty. Love a bit of canary yellow! 

Marks and Spencer Cotton Sleeve Tunic £35

As long as your boobs arent too big this would skim over all the lumps and bumps and keep you cool at the same time whilst also making a statement.

Marks and Spencer Tie Back Navy Midi Dress £45

Makes me feel a bit hot looking at this, however as it usually cools down in August (why is that??)  this is a good transitional piece to invest in for early Autumn.

Zalando Spot Dress £44.99

This dress oozes femininity with the subtle black polka dots on the white fabric.

Pampelone Embroidered Mini Dress £140

I love a mix of pink and red and it looks fab on this bardot style dress.

Topshop Tall Ditsy Tea Dress £29.99

Topshop is doing well at Tea Dresses this season – the only problem is arm the normal sizes are already sold out. However, head off the beaten track and check out their ‘tall ‘ section and you will be pleasantly surprised and will also mean the dresses aren’t too short! That’s my plan anyway…

Seraphina Asha Shoulder Dress £135

This dress is absolutely dreamy and I have been eyeing it up for a while.

Maria & Lola Coral & White Embroidered Dress £75

This dress looks even better in real life. Trust me (and if you don’t check out this Instagram post of me loving it!)

Ridley London Lauren Liberty Sir Maxi Dress £369

Not an impulse purchase but if you wanted to invest in a timeless piece that would last a lifetime, Ridley London is all you need.

I have ventured into stores ‘pre fall collection’ and picked out the goodies. I think I am being swayed by the Yumi dresses at the top, purely for the price point! What about you? Don’t forget, if you need some summer accessories – TLM Edit is bursting with bright and wonderful jewellery. Have a lovely day xx

So the default summer shoe for most people is the espadrille. And oh, how much funked they have got this year than the bog standard ones that you would find on a beach stall of a couple of years ago. Here are 20 fab espadrilles that I have my eye on. Heels for those that can mum on the run and flat ones for those that can’t (me!)

La Redoute Tassel Trim Espadrilles £12.50 

Let’s start with an absolute bargain, as we all love a bargain. Well done La Redoute, these are really cute!

Miss KG Dizzy Espadrilles £65

These do make me dizzy – neon pink and orange. Where is the banister!

ShopBop Pink Pom Pom Espadrille £87

It would be rude not to include a pom pom pair being TLM and all – no worries if you can only just handle them on a bag – pom poms on feet aren’t for everyone but if they are for you – these are great.

ASOS Lucinda Espadrilles £30 

The title is enough 🙂

Penelope Chilvers White & Cobolt Espadrilles £129

I love these and they also do plain neon orange and pink ones so check them out.

Soludos Braided Espadrilles £77

These are so different and very versatile!

Paloma Barcelo Perla Suede Espadrilles £91

I love the detail on the sole and these would allow you to funk up the rest of your outfit.

Iris & Ink Lace Up Suede Espadrilles £80

With the hope that you wouldnt feel like frodo feet, these are striking.

Nicholas Kirkwood Printed Satin Espadrilles £112

Not sure I could do satin with all the things I droopy my feet, but these are pretty and very euro.

Kurt Geiger Pierre Espadrilles £99

Again, not the easiest to keep clean but they would go in the washing machine if you splashed a bit of rose on them in the South of France. And if you needed directions, you could just point at your feet to start the conversation.

Marks and Spencer Wide Fit Espadrille £19.50

Simple, versatile and wildly comfortable. Good old M and S.

Anya Hindmarch Neon Yellow Smiley Face Espadrilles £206

Tanned feet would be set off to perfection with ease leather smiley face espadrilles from Anya Hindmarch.

Marks and Spencer Nude Sling Backs £29.50

Whether channeling Kate Middleton is your thing or not (I personally think she always looks gracious and elegant) these are super versatile and elongating.

Air & Grace Shimmie £119 

These are on my hit list. No point waiting for the sale as I reckon these wouldn’t make it.

Manebi Suede and Canvas Espadrilles £36

Gorgeous summery colour and an excellent price point.

TLM Edit Flamingo Espadrilles £44

It would be weird if I didn’t include my own yeah? If Flamingo’s are your thing, snap up the last few pairs (small sizes only) I really haven’t seen any other flamingos on my travels (other than Oasis but they are all sold out!)

TLM Edit Black Motif Espadrilles £44  and  Cream Motif Espadrilles £44 are excellent value and those Red Platform Espadrilles £55  have been a particular hit!  Aren’t these fabulous – I kept a pair back – obviously!

Air & Grave Hula Snake Metallic £89 

I love the contrast of the silver and the brights. What a clever designer Air & Grace have.

Casa De Vera Green Woven Espadrilles £85

If you keep up to date with your pedicure, these will allow you to show them. They come in a range of wonderful colours too.

If you like the vibe of this post (bright & original with a fab twist) head over to The London Mummy Shop for fashion & accessories galore!

Thanks for reading and have a lovely week xx

First things first. I am not complaining. I love this heat wave as much as the next person but I don’t love dressing for it. As soon as I hit ‘publish’ I am sure there will be a freak hail storm, but for now the weather is looking pretty nice, here on in – so how do you look AND feel cool in this weather.

Have done my monthly trawl through Marks and Spencer and have found some pieces that will see you through till Autumn. If you don’t like baring the flesh, there are lots of ideas in here to avoid the ‘flusteringness’ of drop off (sorry not a word but you know what I mean? You have to hand in x form to z, remember the swimming hat the you always forget, give the Match Attax back to little Timmy that were left at you house etc etc all whilst staying cool!)

White Lace Top £22.50 

Fresh top. Just remember the strapless bra!

Tassel Coin Detail Cami £25

I love the length of this top and the detailing is a bit different.

Laser Cut Kimono Cardi £25 

This will be the most useful item in your wardrobe this summer! I can bet on it. (I have it and have already used it ALOT!)

Frill Blouse £29.50

This look has been around for a LONG time but it ain’t going anywhere before Autumn Winter ’17 so you are safe to press buy!

Flared Cuff White Blouse £29.50

If you ever feel sim when wearing a top with slightly puffed shoulders, it is because of puffed shoulders make your waist and hips look slimmer. I tried on the 12 and it was tight – maybe that’s too much cake already but I am not usually a 14, especially in the usually generously sized M and S)

Embroidered Gypsy Top £25

Sorry if you don’t have the gap year traveller yearning to get out again (like myself!) but if you do, this top is lush.

Sequin Detail Vest Top £27.50 

Sleeveless (if you can) will def keep you cool!

Poplin Blouse £39.50

I wish I suited pink. If you do, this is very pretty.

Yellow Cotton T Shirt £25

Again, another loose fitting colour pop top that would get you notice at the gates.

Bright Blue Bardot Top £19.50 

I love these bardot tops and i love this bright blue one.

Parrot Print Woven Dress £15 

Perhaps more a dress for those who attend pilates every other morning, but throw on the little kimono below to hide the bingo wings.

Embroidered Maxi Dress £29.50

This makes me feel a bit hot looking at it, but if you go a size up it would drape loosely over your bod.

Blue Floral Midi Dress £49.50

Perhaps more races or summer soiree outfit but if you wear with flats, you will pull off school run mum with style.

Shirred Midi Dress £25 

Not for me but I know a few who would love this.

Spotted Wide Leg Cropped Trousers £29.50

These loose trousers look very light and comfortable. Perfect for the mums race!

Harem Print Trousers £29.50

I always find there is a shortage of trousers around but these are what I have been looking for.

Embroidered A Line Mini Skirt £25

This is a super cute little cotton skirt with an elasticated waist. Dress up, dress down – super versatile.

Hope that has given you some ideas. I am writing this dressed in pink cotton pinapple pjs which is totally the way forward to keep you cool at night. Long may it last! xxx

This post is written in collaboration with Marks and Spencer but I chose all the items myself. The post also contains affiliate links, so if you buy something having been directed from here, I get a teensy percent commission! Hope that’s ok xx