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Fashion

My Top Picks from ME+EM for Sentebale

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of visiting the ME+EM store on Elizabeth Street. I was greeted with smiles and shown the SS17 collection. If you aren’t familiar with ME+EM, you should be! No seriously, they are a fantastic brand – the price point, the quality and the styles all make it a very desirable destination for a busy mum. They have very kindly agreed that with EVERY purchase made over £50 on 22nd March, they will give £5 to Sentebale for the Mothers Day Campaign that I am collaborating on.

ME+EM was founded by Clare Hornby in 2009 to be a fashion label offering designer quality at lower prices. Clare was frustrated by how hard it was for women to find good-looking, flattering and beautifully made clothes that are on trend and wearable every day of the week. Bringing together her extensive consumer insight from 15 years of advertising, a lifetime’s love for fashion and an obsession with fit, she launched ME+EM.

Obsessed with design and fit, we spend an average of 15 times longer than the High Street fitting our clothes so that they really flatter the customer.

Here are my top picks…

Longline Pocket Tee – Khaki £49

This colour is right on point this season, but if you prefer a more classic colour, it also comes in Black and White. I love that the back is slightly longer than the front so no builders bum when you are at playgroup and the longer length would be perfect over white skinnies or tight leather trousers.

Button Detail Breton with Button Detail – Soft White & Cobalt £49

For a savvy take on the classic Breton this season, notice the button detail on the shoulder. Also comes in Navy & Soft White.

Sleeveless Frill Layering Blouse £69

This is genius investment piece. It is designed for versatility – either to be worn on it’s own or under a jumper. I love the pretty collar peeping through – it instantly smartens up an outfit and you can also do up the bow or leave it loose. The other bonus is that it gives you a seamless look under a fitted jumper so no lumps and bumps. If only they could invest a bra to do the same on your back!

Frill Hem Dress – Blush £165

This is flattering dress that would work with flats for a more casual look but you could throw on a blazer and work it for the races too.

From their much coveted side stripe trouser, their ladies trouser collection covers all the shapes from the Cigarette trouser, high waisted trousers, cargo trousers and cropped trousers to a jogger pant to their iconic palazzo trouser, to the wide leg crop pant.

Easy Fit Double Stripe Joggers £59

These are fab! (I have a pair) As they go in at the ankle they are really flattering and can be worn with trainers or heels in the evening. The navy are my pick for Spring/Summer but they also come in black.

Luxe Crepe Slouch Pant £149

Personally, this style typifies ME+EM and that just makes me want them more. I love the slash at the ankle to go over trainers and the stripe is just oh so elongating!

Grosgrain Stripe Slimfit Crop Pant £119

If you need a pair of trousers for work, look no further than these cropped pants.

Girl Meets Boy Jean £119

Nothing says the weather has turned more than a pair of Ecru coloured jeans and cropped even better, finished to perfection with this seasons must have detail – the contrast panel at the ankle.

High Rise Half Leather Legging £399

Oh I can but dream… but if I could I would buy these!

Classic Swing Mac- Sand £299

I love this length and a mac is timeless so a great investment piece.

Statement Stripe Sweat £75

This winked at me as soon as I walked in. It looks as good on as it does on the rail.

There isn’t a code so please buy buy buy knowing every purchase over £50 is helping children in Lesotho!

ME+EM

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Big Fashion

School Run Style : 15 Bold & Bright Jumpers For Spring

At a kids party yesterday, a mum was wearing a gorgeous bright yellow jumper from Zara and it looked fantastic. Bored with my dark hues now the weather is on the up, I thought it was time to hit the high street and get a few jumpers that will give you a Spring look whilst keeping the breezy air at bay. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves thinking the off the shoulder, ruffled, backless, cropped cotton top is the right thing for now… (don’t worry, I am onto it – but not in March and not all these details at the same time!)

Today, I am talking jumpers that make a Spring statement that will also cover you up and keep you snug when the sun is hiding. There isn’t a midriff in sight!

YELLOWS

Zara Yellow Jumper £19.90

Banana Republic Yellow £54.99

REDS

Marks and Spencer V Neck Frill Red Jumper £29.99

Zara Red Maxi Sweater With Bows £29.99

PINKS

Zara Hot Pink Sweater With Side Slits £15.99

ASOS Pink Ruffle Jumper £30

Benetton Dark Fuchsia Jumper £29.99

More & More Powder Rose Jumper £41.99

BLUES

ASOS Blue Jumper With Raglan Detail £28

Jonathan Simkhai Slash Sleeve Indigo Jumper £330

French Connection Popcorn Round Neck Jumper £60

Dorothy Perkins Blue Jumper £24.99

New Nikola Sweatshirt £39.99

GREENS

COS Bottle Green Pleated Sleeve Jumper £59

Hush Summer Cashmere Jumper £125

ORANGE

Boss Orange Jumper £149

Although this post is on block colours, I have to give a special mention to Little Leggies and the jumper I have recently acquired. It is heaven to wear and like walking down the street with a little puppy, I can’t get far before someone stops me in the street!

Head over to Instagram to see it in action on me!

Have a great day xxx

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Big Fashion

School Run Style : 9 Pairs of Boots

On Saturday night, I threw on my blue jeans as I was wearing a cream top and wanted to go for the pale vibe. Then when I went to choose my footwear, I became unstuck! I have a great selection of trainers and pairs of black boots but when it comes to paler shoes or boots to go with blue or pale jeans, I am at a loss! Woe is me I hear you say. Yes perspective… But anyway, I am on the hunt for some boots that will see me through the day to the evening!

Here is my shortlist..

When I first caught sight of the Chloe buckle boots, I recoiled in horror. To me they looked slightly strange, even ugly.

Chloe Suzanna £850

However, as a lot of things (like Uggs!) they have grown on me. Whilst the original Chloe’s are well out of my budget, there are now lots of similar styles around. I have my eyes on these from Tophsop.

Montana Ankle Boots £55

I love the red too not sure how much use I would get out of them! Can’t get sidetracked from my ‘pale’ mission…

Office also do them at £85. Check out the blush pink ones!

I also love the Isabel Marant Dicker Ankle Boots £315

However the Isabel ones are ALSO out of my budget so Hush Thornton Ankle Boots £150 are a great alternative.

If you are more a grey kinda girl- these boots from Seven Boot Lane – Grey Suede Ankle Boots £155 will see you from the school run to the evening easily.

If you are looking for something slightly more glamorous one these from Ted Baker Lorca Ankle Boots in Mink £160 are gorgeous. Anything with Mink in the title has to be pretty!

Ok I am not sure if I actually would, but on my cyber travelsI found these Penelope Chilvers Safari Patchwork Boot £229 and thought they have to be given some air time!

What are your favourites? Hope this has been helpful. Let me know what you are looking for and I am happy to help you.

Have a lovely day! xx

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Big Fashion

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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Fashion Travel

A Night at The Dorsett, Shepherds Bush

Having toyed with idea of a whistle-stop trip to the Westfield this morning or to head home after our getaway last night, I have chosen the latter. Not only will I save £££ (as there is always something that catches your eye there!) but I wanted to get this post out as soon as possible whilst it is still fresh in my mind!

An easy 10 minute bus journey from my house yesterday afternoon took me straight to the Dorsett, opposite Shepherds Bush Green. By the discreet entrance you would never guess it is an 8-storey hotel with over 300 rooms, 2 restaurants, a bar a gym, a spa and plenty of conference rooms!

I was swiftly shown to my room on the 6th floor. Actually, correction, it was one of their suites. It was quite breathtaking (not to be gushy, but it was really impressive). Decorated to a high spec with an Asian influence, its piece de resistance were the panoramic views over Chez Bush.

There was no confusion over which light switches turned on which lights at this hotel. The tech had clearly been thought out carefully. I managed to set the AC on my first attempt and also worked out how to turn the TV on straight away. Ah you might laugh, but I am sure some of you will empathise that occasionally you need a phd to work it out! There was also an iPhone docking station and an iPad for your own use too!

It really felt like we were in another country – even the fruit the was cut with an oriental twist. I was half expecting my towel to be shaped as swan in a sea of rose petals!

After settling in and using every gadget possible, ee headed downstairs to the golden atrium and Jin Bar to meet Lucy Choi and admire her heavenly footwear collection Lucy Choi London.

Lucy (on the right) is as lovely as her shoes. She is so down earth and as a mother to two little boys she knows the importance of comfortable yet stylish shoes.

I had my eye on these beauties. They were super comfy and I justified the contemplation that they could be worn with bare legs and black tights… alas they were a tiny bit too big.

Lucy will be at the Dorsett on Friday 12-6pm so do pop by and have a look at her collection and say hi!

After a few ‘Lucy Choi cocktails’, we headed to Pictures, the in-house Mediterranean restaurant that has recently acquired a new chef.

We both had the Norwegian Crab & Prawn Cocktail (as we are so stuck in the 80’s). It had a brilliant kick and we found out it was due to a little brandy in the marie rose sauce. Yum!

We then had Ox Tail (him) and Salmon Fillets (moi) which were equally good. The only slight disappointment was the pudding – we thought we had ordered a full on chocolate bomb but it was actually filled with mint ice cream… #firstworldproblem

The other restaurant Shikumen is Asian inspired that gives the feeling of ‘dining out’ when you are actually in the hotel. It has a separate entrance. Apparently the Beijing Peking Duck carved at your table served with handmade pancakes is unbeatable!

This is a very slick hotel in the heart of West London with excellent transport links into the city and the West End and a stone’s throw from the more village feel of Notting Hill & Westbourne Grove. Due to its enormity and relaxed feel, it would be a convenient & easy hotel to stay with the kids too. They would also love the breakfast!

Dorsett have a Kidzania package which would be such a treat to do in the holidays. You could go shopping whilst they ‘play adults’ and then you can use the best service ever – your bags get dropped to your room! How about that.

Thank you for reading and have a lovely day xx

Dorsett Hotels

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Fashion

Quick, The Sales Are Ending!

I have put together 26 classic sale items that are significantly discounted and will see you well into this year and beyond. Some sales are over but there are still a few gems out there. If you have a wedding or event at the beginning of this year, now is the time to buy a dress as there are lots of lovely dresses that weren’t sold before Christmas. There are also an array of tempting cute Spring trainers too so if you can think beyond puddles, get ahead now. (I don’t need encouraging)

My fashion bible Who, What, Wear has put together 5 trends that ‘will always be cool in London’ which is a perfect read if you don’t want to be a slave to seasonal fashion!

Mango Sequined Blouse Was £69 Now £19

Such a bargain. I am overlooking that it may have designed with Christmas in mind. I could pull this off at a parents evening!

Boden Zeta Long Sleeved Top – Was £59 Now£35

I actually hd this in my Boden checkout so when I went to check out the Boden sale, i was delighted to see this laser cut out long sleeved top is actually now in the sales.

Miri Makati Love Me Sweatshirt Was £250 Now £150

Tongue in cheek logo’s are around stronger than ever this year, so if you are going to do logo’s – go strong.

Vanessa Bruni Cream Jumper Was £560 Now £224

If you are slim enough to pull this off and not look like a curtain, it oozes chic.

Isabel Marant Etoile Tie Waist Dress Was £265 Now £159

Chuck over a leather jacket, black tights and a chunky scarf and in the spring, take them all off and hey presto – it has taken you from winter to summer and very stylishly.

Hush Josie Jumpsuit Was £75 Now £50

This is one of my sale buys – yet to wear it but cannot wait to get it on. Just need somewhere tower it too!

Hush Laura Dress Was £49 Now £25

I bought this before the sale but it is slightly too big so isn’t as flattering as I had hoped. My recommendation with Hush is always to go a size lower as they are very generous with their sizing. (A size 12 drowns me and that’s saying something!)

Make Long Baroque Print Dress Was £280 Now £168

Add a lick of Bobbi Brown’s Parisian Red lipstick and hey presto. The most stylish girl in the room.

Victoria Beckham Navy Ruffled Trim Dress £565 Now £226

Imagine actually wearing something by the incredibly elusive VB. Well you could d0 with this cute dress. It has only ‘normal sizes’ left too! (12 & 14!)

Zara Coat With Wraparound Collar Was £70 Now £30

I love funnel collar. Super flattering and great if like me, you always forget your scarf.

French Connection Felt Wool Coat Was £175 Now £122

I have just bought a red coat like this from Zara and I love it. (Check it out here) French Connection are also selling this in black and tan. With a contrasting neck, it is a subtle twist on a classic overcoat.

Maje Lace Top With See-Through Detailing Was £175 Now £140

I love the detail on the shoulders. Slightly puffed sleeves are for making your waist a bit slimmer!

French Connection Empire Dot Flared Hem Top Was £55 Now £22

Continuing on the flattering theme – if you are still defeated by Christmas this loose panel over the tummy is ace.

Scotch & SodaLong Sleeved Top Was £69 Now £35

I love this slouchy T.

Ida Skinny Jeans £185 to £55

If you are a Donna Ida fan (I am) check out her sale. The discounts are amazing!

Ida Paige Dungarees Were £320 Now £129

Whenever I see someone in dungarees, I get a twinge of envy as I don’t think I could pull them off, but these ones are really flattering on the bum so a good place to start?

Rectangle Bar Cuff Earring Set Was £16 Now £8

If you aren’t brave enough to get that second or third piercing that is very popular with trendy mums at the moment, go for an ear cuff instead that you cantata out at the end of the day when your mother in law comes for tea!

Maje Quilted Leather Bucket Bag Was £315 Now £157

Beautiful. Speaks for itself.

French Connection Cross Body Bag Was £75 Now £35

I use my Davina Mulford Cross Body Bag every day and this one comes a close second.

Hush Scarf Was £49 Now £30

No edit is complete without a bit of leopard print.

Maje Trainers With sequined Detail Were £209 Now £104

Sequins! Squeal.

Zara Patches Plimsolls Were £45 Now £19

Even the laces are sparkly!

Zara Tricolour Sneakers Were £39 Now £19

Only a size 5 left!! Go Get Them (because i’m a 6 – darn!)

Stella McCartney Quilted Jacket Was £220 Now £68

If you are joining the activewear bandwagon, this is super practical. (The lovely girls at Minis & More have put together an activewear edit that is definitely worth a look if you are in the market for workout gear.)

No Ka’Oi Sports Bra Was £105 Now £63

How cool is this? This top has a built in sports bra.

Hope this has given you a few ideas. I am trying to hold back at the moment but I love hearing about your sale bargains so let me know what you have found in sales.

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Have a lovely week and don’t forget your hats and scarves – it’s going to be nippy! xx

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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.