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School Run Style : The Perfect Spring Bags For Mums On The Run

The only type of bag I have used since I waved goodbye to my last nappy (my kids nappies!) is a cross body bag. When you are carrying scooters and book bags, the last thing you need to be carrying is a bulky handbag. The perfect cross body bag has to go over the shoulder, sit nicely on the hip, have enough room for keys, phone, wallet and maybe a packet of baby wipes (that I still seem to need) and look effortlessly cool but not like you are trying too hard. Get it right and it will update your look and be the perfect addition to your wardrobe to carry you into Spring.

This week I popped into House of Fraser to see all the new handbags that had landed. It was not only vast, but neatly laid out with plenty of shoulder candy to feast the eyes on.

House of Fraser

Here are my top 6 cross body bags, that will take you from Winter to Spring, effortlessly and stylishly.

Nica Finn Cross Body Bag £49

This bag is a classic shape that evades any current trend, allowing you to use it year in year out. It also comes in Pale Pink and Grey – perfect for summer.

nica

Pieces Finne Navy Flapover Tassle Bodybag £50

I love this boho style bodybag. The tassle is also super cute and the soft fabric makes it a very comfortable wear.

pieces

Modal Lily Cross Body Bag £89

Metallic is a strong trend this year but if it is too much to put on your body, a little nod to the trend with this silver chrome cross body bag will keep you on point.

modalu

Jane Normal Snake Skin Tassle Bag £25

I am a sucker for animal print. Whilst I think leopard print is better in winter months, this lighter colour (mock) snake-skin is perfect for sunnier days.

jane-norman

Dune Ejay Suede Chain Handle Bag £65

I love this moss-green suede bag. Another popular colour this year. It is super smart and will hide the dirt too.

dune

Biba Gretel Cross Body Bag £99

This is my top pick. It has 4 spacious compartments inside so no rummaging for your bus pass. It is a good length and great quality which could withstand some stern pulling from a toddler. Brown goes better with neutrals and blues which I am envisaging will play a large part in my summer wardrobe – well, blues anyway! biba2

It is so comfortable, I even absent-mindedly wore it whilst I was writing this post!!

Instagram Post

House of Fraser

This post was written in collaboration with House of Fraser although all opinions are my own.

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Big Fashion

School Run Style : With Marks & Spencer

We all know that the food is pretty unbeatable, the kids clothes are amazing and you will always get a well fitting bra at Marks and Spencer, but what about the women’s clothes? I have always found a few gems when I was walking through the womenswear section to get to the food hall but never actually set out to shop in ‘Marks and Sparks’. After my latest little project, that has all changed and I will be heading back each season to see what they have pulled out the bag for that style season.

I was so excited to be given the challenge to pull a few of my favourites from the current season together and found it surprisingly easy. This Spring is set to be about frills, bows, fluted arms, embroidery and blush pink and apple green. (Ok, you may want to know how I know about these trends? I follow a lot of brilliant rule makers (and rule breakers – you always need them) over on Instagram who work in the industry and even set the trends over at WGSN. I am just giving you a summary!)

My New Picks

These Embroidered Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jeans £35 are fab. I have not worn them out yet as I am drawn to mud at the best of times but can’t wait to pair them with some metallic trainers and a T-shirt and hit the ground running.

Check out the stunning detail on my pins.

This Pure Cotton Half Sleeve Sweatshirt £25 is lovely and if I can keep it clean will be a firm throw on fave for the next few months.

This is what it looks like on. It is a good length and the sleeves are really flattering. I love it. What do you think?

Black jeans are my friend right up until August and with these zips drawing the eye in, it doesn’t matter if your ankles are a bit translucent, no one will be looking!

Zipped Pocket Skinny Leg Jeans £39.50

They are so elongating and hold their shape! I am wearing them with a cotton stretch ivory bomber jacket I bought from M and S last year!

These Bow Trainers with Insolia Flex £25 fit perfectly and are so comfortable (size 6) and I was pleased to get the thumbs up from my au pair who was just watching a you tube video of Spring trends and it was all about shoes with bows on them. Get in!

They even have a lovely inside so perfect for when you have to take your shoes off at the soft plat!

My hero piece from all the collections, is this Long Sleeve Black Tassle Top £29.50

It is really flattering, slightly fitted but not clingy. The 3/4 length sleeves are cute and make it a bit more girly and around the neckline softens what can be quite harsh – black close to the face. I wore it to a press launch and out for dinner a couple of days later. (I did was it! It washed really well by the way and didn’t lose its shape.)

My Other Picks

The Per Una collection personifies Spring, with the floral touches and pastel colours.

I love the splash of hot pink on this Embroidered Denim Shirt £39.50

If you are a working mum who needs to drop and dash, check out Autograph – slightly more classic, with cleaner lines and more simple pieces. I love this Jumper With Detachable Belt.

The Indigo Collection is renowned for its off duty look and comfortable clothes – perfect for chasing a scooter down the road like a mad woman.

As a huge fan of detail, embroidery and embellishment, there were loads of gems to help you navigate from winter to spring.

The navy Embroidered Long Sleeve Kimono Top £39.50 is a great throw on to keep the chill out and with 4 different colour stitching, it would work with a with turquoise, red, yellow or beige came underneath.

I love this Peasant Blouse £35 Perfect for throwing on with blue skinnies and pumps or trainers. Whack on some coral lipstick and brown shimmer eye shadow and voila.

I eat T shirts for breakfast. That’s if the moths don’t first! I love this Metallic Frill T Shirt £22.50 and the extra frill not the shoulder will make your waist look smaller! Just don’t forget to fake tan first, grey can drain!

These White Lace Up Trainers £45 from the M and S Collection are so comfortable. Unfortunately the 7’s were too big and the 6’s a little small for me, but worth trying on as if they fit, they will be so practical from here on in.

It also worth mentioning the Rosie for Autograph workout gear. I love her zip up sports jackets. If only I needed one!

Go and have a gander in your local store or online – I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

This post was written in collaboration with Marks and Spencer however all opinions are my own.

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Big Fashion Products Spotlight

Daisy Hambro : Tobias Clothing

Thank goodness for Tobias Clothing. Mens small boutique clothing brands are so few and far between and most of those that are around miss the mark completely. Not Tobias. Tobias Clothing is an ethical fashion brand designing mens conformable and stylish mens casual cotton and linen shirts. Even my husband likes them, now that’s something!

Daisy Hambro started Tobias in 2012, when she was living in India. It was all thanks to her husband – hence the name Tobias.

He had a shirt which he had bought when he was 17 and wore so often it was threadbare.

It got to the point where he couldn’t go on wearing it, so I asked a local tailor to copy it and put different prints and colours on the collars and cuffs.

When people started admiring it the idea of the business came about. Daisy now has a collection of 16 different cotton and linen shirts each with their individual splash of colour on the collar and cuffs.

10% of all the proceeds go directly to the Akanksha Foundation, who educated under privileged children in Mumbai.

Now that’s incentive to buy a shirt!

Daisy’s Favourites

Hotel : Samode Haveli, amazing hotel in Jaipur

Restaurant : Kricket, I love the one in Brixton and there is a new one opening up in Soho, which is really exciting.

Website : Gather and See

Shop : The Keep Boutique

Holiday destination : For the beach – Ashwem in Goa and for more of the city life, Jaipur in Rajasthan.

Parenting Tip : ‘None that we can put into action just yet but come February, when our baby is due, hopefully I will be inundated with them!’

tobiasclothing.com

Tobias is featured in Gift Ideas For Dad.

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Big Fashion

24 Bargain Fashion Buys on Black Friday

Yay, it’s Friday! I must admit with the Gift Guides and various other things going on, I have really missed sitting down at the computer and doing my usual Fashion Edit of what’s around. You lovely busy ladies really seem to appreciate these posts, so I am delighted to do this today. And what better excuse than Black Friday to do a discounted fashion post – even better.

As ever, an eclectic mix of classics and trends but I am sure you will find something you like. These are what I like! (hint hint)

Missoma 18C Gold Vermeil ‘A’ Disc was £99 now £69

Also come with other initials. I think I saw an L too…

Monica Vinader Fine Corded Friendship Bracelet was £95 now £66

Just. Love.

Superga White Silver Heritage was £60 now £48 USE BLACKFRIDAY16

No post would be complete without a few pairs of trainers for us active mums. These are a new style at Superego and are pretty cute. The silver looks like an angel wing!

Toyshop Pom Pom Trainers were £28 now £21

Would you? I am not sure I actually would but if someone else was wearing them, I would look with admiration and envy!

Diadora Camaro Trainers were £65 now £48

I have these in pink and they are so comfortable and cross the sport/fashion divide. Eyeing up this colour which is slightly more practical. (Didn’t think about practicality at the time!)

Kurt Geiger Snorkel Flat Ankle Boots were £165 now £132

If you love a buckle and missed out on the original Chloe ones (or they were a bit pricey) these are a good alternative and they are not a direct copy so you won’t look like a wannabe too much like some of the Chloe copies out there.

Pier One Winter Boots was £74 now £56

Ok, now for a bit of practicality. These boots would be great to wear for rambling walks and pub stops with roaring fires. They also come in black.

Boden Suede Ankle Boots were £119 now £83 (If my maths is correct! Use F6P8 for 30% off)

A couple of weeks ago, I was on the hunt for some flat black ankle boots like the Isabel Marant ones and came across these ones from Boden and the ones I actually bought – Kiomi. Head over to Instagram to see me donning my new purchase. Quite nice aren’t they?

Proenza Schouler Espadrilles were £300 now £147

Ok, slightly random but at less than half the price why not get these for the next time you head to sunnier chimes (and perfect for winter sun if you are lucky enough tone going away!)

Mango Faux Leopard Coat was £80 now £64 (Enter BLACK at checkout for this 20% reduction)

These coats are all the rage, so join the party and get this one from Mango.

Whistles Detachable Hooded Parka was £170 now £127

If you need a warm coat, Whistles have some reduced Parka’s.

Maje Leather Biker Jacket was £495 now £396

I am a massive fan of a biker jacket and this one is a pretty classic one with over £100 this weekend!!

Mint Velvet Marlow Grey Poncho was £59 now £47

Smart & warm – would also make a good present.

Isabel Marant Raquel Cotton Top was £300 now £150

Size 10 and 12 left!

Maje Inlaid Lace Top was £170 now £136

Pretty. As you can see by this post being quite weighted towards black evening tops – I am on the hunt for party tops.

Mint Velvet Pin Tuck Lace Top was £79 now £63

Similar to above. Love this look.

Biba Cream Blouse was £49 now £29

I love the rouched shoulders – this is quite flattering on larger arms.

Mango Contrast Hem Sweater was £30 now £24 (Use BLACK at Checkout for this 20% discount)

Great length and lovely double layer effect. No builders bum when you bend down to pick up Sophie The Giraffe at playgroup!

Mango Trim Flowey Trousers was £35 now £28 (Use BLACK at checkout for this 20% discount)

Stripes down the side are IT. I love these for lounging around in.

Fresh Connection Faux Leather Trousers were £85 now £42

French Connection Utility Blue Super Skinny Jeans were £75 now £52

Lots of other colours too including brights.

Self Portrait Dress was £300 now £180

A size 12 left as time of writing (9am!) If yo have a smart winter wedding, throw a fur on over the top and hey presto.

Topshop A Line Overlay Dress was £46 now £30

Great for the office.

Ivy Park Camo Mesh Leggings were £50 now £25

If I was someone who wore activewear – I would wear these. I have thrown these in for good measure!

Hope you have enjoyed this post. Please tell me what you have bought! Have a great weekend xx

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Big Fashion

Stars & Studs : Jeans

Last week at a friends second hand clothing sale, the magpie was out in force and I came away with a super duper pair of jeans with little gold studs on them. Why would someone sell these?! They are mega!

It has inspired me to do a little ‘cyber’ sweep, so if you are partial to a bit of bling on your bottom – this post is for you.

& Other Stories, £65

This whole outfit just works. Totally inspiring.

Sandro, Locodice Jeans, £239

Oooh snowflakes. Very a la mode come Crimbo!

J Brand, Alba Studded Jeans £200

Subtle and slimline.

Topshop, Studded Mom Jeans £50

Ok, I threw these in due to the reasonable price from our trusty Topshop. I can’t say they are my top pick. It would take a serious fashionista extraordinaire to pull off 3 trends in 1 (mum jeans, overt rips and bleach denim – not to mention the studs!)

Stella Mccartney, Skinny Boyfriend Jeans £365

These are my fave. Stella makes black and blue anything other than a big bruise – I love this outfit. Stars, tassles, dark…

Moschino, Star Studded Skinny Jeans £223

Like the skinny angle and that they are long enough to wear with boots. Dark for disguised mud splatter too.

Stella McCartney, Star Print Boyfriend Jeans £365

Fab Sunday slumming jeans.

R13 Kate Skinny Jeans £420

Ok, not stars or studs but you know I am partial to going off piste. I love these, haven’t seen anything like them before. #icandream

True Religion, Embelished Jeans £350

I love the cut of True Religion jeans, great on the butt. It is whether you would want to spend so much on a trend of just go classic? I am verging on the latter…

I know these are all on the expensive side, so if you want to wait, I am sure the high street will be pelting them out at the rate of knots before Christmas. I actually spied some in Gap yesterday but can’t find them online, however if you have a little person – they have loads of different styles for them! (2ys – 13ys)

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Big Fashion

School Run Style : 16 Winter Coats

This is my fourth attempt at this post on coats. Each time I start to compile it, I lose my mojo as I just think it looks like a car crash with so many different styles, colours & price ranges included.

Instead, I am not going to be a perfectionist (not hard, that’s something I’m not – you can probably tell with the occasional typos), I’m going to embrace the chaos. Bottom line, I hope it helps!

Sessun, 4azumi Short Coat £232

So elegant, love the length and the leather fastening detail.

Hush, Elsa Coat £220

If I was heading onto the office, rather than to a playgroup – this would be my choice.

Ted Baker, Classic Trench £249

Ted Baker is top quality and this classic trench looks well made and also flattering.

Topshop, Rain Mac £55

I do actually own this and I love it!! It isn’t going to keep you that warm, but go a sixe up so you can fit a jumper underneath. Also comes in navy and pink. If you want to see me in, head to Instagram)

Hush, Duffle Coat £170

The duffel is over taking by stealth… I associate them with school but I’m sure I will change my mind come December when i’m a bit nippy.

Sessun, Winter Cape £248

So chic, so French, so how I could… never be! Love it though.

Scotch & Soda, Star Leather Jacket £399

I stumbled across this and despite it not being particularly practical, warm or understated – I couldn’t resist including it!

Khuji, Winter Olive Coat £164

The Parka is firmly set to stay for another winter, so why not jazz it up with a bit of colour on the hood. I love this colour combination.

Maje, Gove Parka With Embroidered Detail £529

A Parka with detail. Yes! You will be the first with this twist…

Schott NYC, Down Jacket £199

If was heading to a Christmas market in Europe this year, this is what I would wear. Winter white and warm. Heaven. Alas, I’m not, so I won’t…

Scotch & Soda, Technical Rain Coat £249.95

The word ‘technical’ in this title speaks for itself. This is your coat if you are a soccer mum or dog walker. Won’t show the mud, will keep you toasty AND it is oozing with swag.

Mint Velvet, Blue Blend Biker Coat £299

I love a funnel neck and this navy one is gorgeous.

Reiss, Classic Black Coat £294

I love seeing a classic occasionally as they are often so hard to find amonsgt all the forward thinking fashion. Grab whilst you can before they add neon buttons (I have no idea if they are doing this but just in case!)

Tommy Hilfiger Isabel Coat £249

Elegant beyond belief. I couldn’t pull it off but I know alot of mums at the school gate could.

Sisley, Short Coat £134

When I did my ‘styling’ course 8 years ago, an interesting little tip I learnt was that the most flattering coat lengths stopped on a natural break on your body ie waist, hip, knee or ankle (mid thigh the worst unless you are a giraffe btw). With that in mind, this knee length is a goody.

Isabella Oliver, Maternity Jasmine Short Coat, £249

For those that are pregnant, this will see you through the whole of Autumn & Winter, dressed up, dressed down – you know the score.

Which is your favourite coat? If you are in the mood for persuing mood, why don’t you head to TLM Edit. I have just updated it!

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Big Fashion Products

School Run Style : Tops With a Twist

Blah. I am bored of my clothes. I want to go full on into winter gear as I am bored of my ‘Sautumn’ clothes. My check shirts have had it, my jumpers are a bit tired, my t shirts have mysterious holes in them (do you get them too? Not moths…) and I am on the hunt for some throw on tops that I don’t have to think too much about – like wash n’ go but for your torso (speaking of torso, that aren’t too tight either…) Bye bye embroidery and bye bye off the shoulder. Time to buy some investment pieces (for this season atleast!)

Grey & Grey, Silk Violet Top £135

Comes in black, grey and another favourite – stars.

Conquista, Sheer Jersey Top £50

Show off that tan, whilst you still have it.

Bomee. Alacasia Top £150

Pale pink mesh and blue silk. Viola.

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Yunion T, Deep Scoop T£45

They do 5 different styles of T shirts all designed meticulously not to stick, but skim and to wash really well. So flattering. Stock up!

Livotte London, Gabrielle Short Sleeve T Shirt £135 (also in black)

Fab selection of T Shirts with a difference. I particularly like this one with the tie waist.

Livlotte_June_26236628_small

Whistles, Shirt/Sweater £120

This style slightly reminds me of baby vests with a jumper attached – means you only have to choose once and you know they work well together. A definate time saver.

Indi & Cold, Heart Print Flowy Top 97 euros

Love this. Simple & a bit edgy (in a mum kind of way). I like it so much actually, I might buy it! (whoop!) Such a cool Spanish brand, could get carried away…

MARINO

Cos, Triangle Panel Knit Top £59

These are becoming a bit of a ‘school run mum’ uniform and I can see why. Simple with a bit of detail.

COS image 2 of Triangle panel knit top in Indigo

Scotch & Soda, Woven & Jersey Top £49.50

As above. Also comes in grey and black. (Trousers are pretty awesome too aren’t they? Will do trousers soon as they are also on the list!)

Woven & Jersey Top

Maison Scotch Colour Block Sweater £59

Love.

Happy Shopping! x

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Big Fashion

School Run Style : Trans Seasonal Dressing

If you need some new additions to freshen up last years Autumn wardrobe (um of course you do), Boden has it all this season. From biker boots to Parka’s, there is something for everyone to assist you in a bit of school run trans seasonal dressing before hats and scarves time. Preppy, Sophisticated or Cool – which one are you?

PREPPY MUM

Moleskin Duffle Coat £129

I wish I suited pale pink, but I don’t. (I had my colours done and they said this was my ‘worst’ colour – brings out dark circles under my eyes etc) but if it suited me – I would buy it as it is so pretty and feminine.

Elizabeth Shirt Dress £89

Love the navy stripe down the side. Throw on skinnies and a belt when it gets cooler.

Elizabeth Shirt Dress

Embroidered Spot Sweatshirt £49.50

This top makes me want to press it adn see what happens. One for you and the kids.

Velvet Lace Up Breton £33.58

A Breton with a twist – nice.

Velvet Lace Up Breton

Cambridge Ankle Skimmer £50

Perfect trans seasonal jeans as flash the ankle whilst it is still 18C plus and then cover with boots when it drops further.

Cambridge Ankle Skimmer Jeans

Slip On Trainer £49.50

I have these! (See Instagram) and I absolutely love them.

Slip On Trainer

Maxi Saddle Bag £169

It really does look like a sadle for a Shetland but not to worry – cross body bags are IT this season and if you still have to carry nappies etc this bag will fit them (and the rest…)

The Maxi Saddle Bag

SOPHISTICATED MUM

Kate Ponte Jacquard Blazer £84

A cosy classic.

Kate Ponte Jacquard Blazer

Kira Shirt Dress £139

100% so best not to feed the baby in but perfect to pair with trainers or dress up if you are heading to a meeting.

Ravello Top £49.50

I have this in black and white and they are so easy to wear. Yes they are slightly non-descript but not everything can be talk of the school gates (see red midi skirt below).

Maggie Ottoman Midi Skirt £59

This is striking – I love it. Needs no explanation.

Maggie Ottoman Midi Skirt

Wave Ballerina £42

Lovely colour for end of the summer tanned legs but avoid the puddles.

Drawstring Bag £126

Mary Poppins eat your heart out – I reckon you could fit a tall lamp in here and still look stylish.

Drawstring Bag

COOL MUM

Penzance Parka £169

The parka is acceptable trans seasonal wear this autumn so either breath new life into your old one (with a good dry clean Zipjet will collect and deliver) or buy this classic looking one. (Not sure about beyond that though. Can anyone tell me what the ‘coat of the AW16/17 will be?’ Please don’t say a knee-length bomber!)

Glitter Spot T £25

White – tick. Glitter – massive tick!

Glitter Spot Tee

Denim Dungarees £57.58

I personally wouldn’t but I would love to be able to and am green with envy when I see anyone pulling them off!

Denim Dungarees

Brighton Biker Skinny Jeans £59.50

Dress up, dress down, you know the score…

Suede Ankle Boot £119

Everyone needs a pair of ‘flat and black’ boots. Just don’t forget to spray them.

Pony Saddle Bag £109

Love a bit of leopard!

SPECIAL MENTION

Off Duty Slim Jogger £42

I don’t know about you, but I never spend money on ‘lazy day’ clothes, which is ridiculous as they are becoming more and more frequent (as the little ones realise, we are not going to amuse them ALL the time, we can stay home and you can play on your own – we are slightly late to the party on this one). These are going to be my new Sunday slouchies (made that word up) as they are just cool (not too like old school tracky bums basically).

Still not inspired? (Tell me what you would like to see more of!) Try the Boden outfit maker!

Boden.co.uk

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