Fashion

If you noticed some of the hats & headwear at last months Royal Wedding, it could have been one of the Bundle MacLaren’s master pieces. Known as London’s ‘Hottest Young Milliner’, their mission is to create unusual and innovative designs.

From kissing flamingos to a Japanese blossom, Bundle MacLaren can help you stand out this summer, whatever event you have on the horizon.

Titania

A stunningly romantic birdcage headpiece combining autumn leaves, lilac birds and a beautifully ornate golden birdcage. An exquisitely feminine design.

Kylie

A loved up couple of pink wired flamingos sit atop this royal blue percher with tropical flowers at their feet. Quirky and fun, fab for those wanting something a little different for romantic occasions this summer.

Catherine

A black felt rolo pillbox adorned in black merry widow veiling and covered in an amazing array of hand sewn polka dots.

A fabulously confident, original and bold design and sure to command a lot of attention!

Daphne

Stunning handmade ivory and fuchsia feather flowers are suspended on a gold “branch” over a shimmer pink silk saucer. This highly original piece, inspired by Japanese blossom, is sure to catch the eye.

Ellie

Quirky and great fun, this two-tone silk covered pillbox is decorated with brightly coloured tropical birds.

Eliza

So unique and romantic, the Eliza sees three suspended crimson roses blowing their petals across the delicate navy veil mounted on a beautifully angled navy sinamay base.

Polly

Polly the parrot is perched on some emerald tropical leaves on a canary yellow button.

This witty design is sure to attract all eyes away from the racecourse!

POW

Yellow button adorned with retro comic strip style Pow! The message can say anything you like – if it isn’t too long!

Rosa

Two over-sized ivory roses are wired to stand at a wonderful angle for this striking floral showstopper. The flowers are on an ivory cookie base secured by an elastic.

Galactica

A fuchsia silk button adorned with a sculptural cluster of clashing pink and orange quills. A fabulously bold and eye-catching design.

Marion

Stunning sculptural headpiece made from ornate black quills with dipped gold ends.

Freya

Matt gold chain bow hairband – a super happy headpiece.

Natalia

A wonderfully romantic design. The word LOVE can be replaced with any name or word (providing not too long!)

Wired letters are adorned in twisted purple, pink and burgundy rose buds. Colours can vary.

Mia

A really feminine, soft, elegant headpiece which is incredibly easy to wear.  Two shell pink silk roses finished with two elegant navy quills.

Bundle MacLaren offer a truly bespoke service on all the creations you see and each hat can be made in any colour to complement your outfit for a 20% fee!

Bespoke hats take 2/3 weeks so you hop down and see them near Parsons Green, Fulham sharpish!

Prices start at £132

bundlemaclaren.co.uk

Or foxy and flattering… whichever way you look at it – this is a pretty hard item to get right. For a start, you are still parading 95% of your body and the bits that you usually disguise with clever dressing have nowhere to hide.

So what do you do if you still want to look sexy but need to look suitable? You create an illusion. So that from a distance, people aren’t noticing circumference of thigh, they are noticing how nice you look.

Good lines, never too tight (I always go up a size in swimwear) and a fun block of colour works a treat. House of Fraser has a fab collection of swimwear this season.

Let’s take a look….

Phase 8 Scarlet Swimsuit £47.20

With a detachable halter neck strap, this red swimsuit has a soft sweetheart neckline that is universally flattering.

Oasis Waterfront Stripe Swimsuit £35

The eye is cleverly drawn to the narrowest part of your body where the top and bottom half of this swimming costume meet.

Kate Spade New York  Bandeau Bow Swimsuit £150

Enhance a smaller bust with the banned bow across the chest. This will make your waist look slimmer. Not a great one for bigger boobs though…

Seaspray Hourglass Halter £75

Gathered sides help forgive a wobbly tummy.

Ted Baker Low V Tuck Swimsuit £75

I am not sure how flattering this swimsuit actually would be, but I absolutely love it and surely everyone would be admiring your swimsuit they wouldn’t look at anything else!

Jets Parallels Low Back Infinity One Piece £135

Clever cut and design of this swimsuit draws the eye into the waist.

Whistles Vacation Swimsuit £60

Such fun but not in a club 18-30 kind of way that most slogan swimsuits look like. It’s navy and white which is automatically chic and vacation is so much more chi chi than holiday!

Perhaps you are still in the bikini camp? Sit tight, it’s coming!!

Have a lovely day xx

Obviously, my highlight from THE wedding on Saturday was seeing Meghan arrive (I loved her dress, especially the simplicity – she wore it, it didn’t wear her and it enabled her natural beauty to shine through) and seeing Harry gaze at her and tenderly lift her veil (I was really impressed with how well he managed it, and that he also didn’t shut her dress in the Jag door on the way to the reception – I am sure most men wouldn’t have a clue – do you think she prepped him or is he is a natural?)

I thought her make up was spot on too. There is nothing worse than a ride not looking like herself on her big day, and she did only more beautiful.

However, a close second to watching THEM, was watching all the guests arrive. Oh wow, now to me that is simply a preferred hobby of mine. Whether it is people watching from a cafe or watching the stars arrive on the red carpet – I love seeing what everyone is wearing and getting a general feel of the day.

Every guest is allocated a time to arrive – it is not a coincidence that they all arrive evenly spaced throughout the morning. What I loved was that the mega guests aka The Beckhams and the Clooney’s were given a rather early time slot, so it gave us lots of time to watch them in a way that we never really see them. Usually it’s a snap on the way somewhere or a planned interview – but on Saturday they couldn’t hide from the cameras. Oh, how I wish I could lip read and see what they were talking about.

IT’S ALL ABOUT COLOUR

Loved Amal’s Stella Macrtney outfit.  Ok, Ms. Clooney has a head start that she has him on her arm, but actually it is her you notice straight away anyway. I think one of the key’s to her always paling it is her well tailored unfussy clothes with wonderful details – in this instance waist detail and interesting shoulders.

Sofia Wellesley also looked radiant in Valentino.  I would have looked like I was wearing Granny’s curtains, but with her stature, beautiful low bun and stylish hat the whole outfit was knock out.

I loved the fabric and colour on Cressida Bonas dress.  I would have liked to see a larger hat rather than this slightly insignificant fascinator but it allowed her dress to do the talking.

High Street Alternatives?

Floral Print Jaquard Dress £79 

Ruffle Assymetirc Short Sleeve Body Con Dress £79

HATS WITH NETTING 

Kitty Spencer in a Philip Treacey hat had tongues wagging.

Sarah Rafferty also in another net number.

Duchess of York in Jess Collet hat and net.

High Street Alternative?

Mesh Fascinator £45 

ANY LENGTH GOES

Short (I saw one obscenely short red dress – just above knee at most please) midi and lots of long where scattered throughout.

10 years ago, you would have mainly seen knee length and now anything goes.

Delphina Blaquier looks absolutely striking in this Acheval Pampa hi lo dress.

Meghan’s best friend Jessica Mulroney wears a royal blue custom tea-length fit and flare dress with cap sleeve button detail by Montreal-based designer Di Carlo Couture

High Street Alternative?

Double Layer Half Sleeve Aqua Dress £25 

Have a lovely week! Not long till half term so if you have an event next month, do it this week!

Love Lucinda xx

There are a few wardrobe staples and for me, and one of the most important one is a white t-shirt. It will make you look polished even when you don’t feel like it, with little or no make up.

Some people spend hours outfit planning for an evening out or a special outing but most of my outfit planning energy goes into the 2 minutes after the shower when I think what I feel like wearing that day, starting with the school run.

If I have a clean white t-shirt, I will start with that and build around it – everything goes with white.

FROM SCHOOL RUN TO A COFFEE

If the sun is shining but you haven’t refreshed your pedicure, a mid length colourful skirt and these sparkly espadrilles will disguise chipped toes.

Marks and Spencer White T Shirt £7.50

Pink Floral Skirt ASOS £35

Silver Glitter Espadrille Palmairas de Menorca £45

FROM SCHOOL RUN TO THE BEAUTICIANS 

A classic denim skirt and flip flops is a good weekend look for pooling around the garden or popping to the supermarket.

Marks and Spencer White T Shirt £7.50

Marks and Spencer Knee Length Denim Skirt £29.50

Pink Havianas £18

FROM SCHOOL RUN TO A MEETING 

Give your look a professional edge with this outfit perfect for going from the school run to a meeting.

Zara Satin Lapel Blazer Buy similar here

Like a Queen Floral Skirt $49 

Kurt Geiger Out of Office Espadrilles £69

SCHOOL RUN TO CRICKET MATCH 

Maybe a bit slummy mummy for many, but for me I love a white top and blue jeans. If this look is too masculine for you – whack on some pink lipstick, statement earrings or a colourful bag.

Primark Ankle Grazers £12 Similar here

Adidas Stan Smiths £69

SCHOOL RUN TO EXERCISE 

If you are heading to pilates or yoga pair with some loose joggers and throw on a little cotton jacket over your tee to give you a more finished look.

TLM Edit Embroidered Cotton Jacket £45

Like a Queen Black Cotton Joggers $49 

Semerdijan Glitter Trainer £125 

What’s your favourite school run look? I must say, mine if ‘heading for a coffee’ After all it is my main food group – I have to be prepared!

Have a great day xx

There are a few womenswear brands that I have come across recently and I wanted to share them with you.  Usually there are only one or two items I add to cart when I am surfing a website, but on the following sites, there are quite a few pieces that I could add to cart and CHECKOUT!

Paddo To Palmy 

They are an Australian brand but shop worldwide (and they are using one of the first Hush models in their new campaign in case you recognise her but can’t place her!)

La Villette Dress is so pretty and feminine, I am keep on revisiting wondering if pale pink really looks that bad on me.

Continuing on the pale pink theme, I love this off the shoulder dress.

PK Berry 

If you aren’t familiar with PK Berry, let me introduce you.  If you want the perfect folk top, you will find it on PK Berry. Each item is intricately embroidered with interesting detail but not too over the top. Despite being flouncy they are brilliantly flattering.

I have acquired a Martha White recently and am planning it’s first outing…

I also like the look of this Chloe – I love the slightly oriental collar.

Pink City Prints

Pink City Prints are also one to watch, especially as the summer looms. I love the Nomad Prairie Long. 

These Palm Tree PJ’s are also on my wish list. Aren’t they awesome?

Keith Scarrott 

His shoes are ruddy cool. Check out these fuchsia espadrilles – slightly wedged too so will make your legs look slimmer!

I know it isn’t trainer buying season, but if your thing, like me, are trainers – it would do no harm buying these beauties now!

The Alex Edit 

Started by one half the stylish Wear & Where girls, Alex is a curation of her favourite clothes and accessories that she has seen on her proverbial travels.

Loving her selection of Tee’s, especially this Sunset & Palm Tree pinky.

Who says glitter is for Christmas? No way! This sequin pouch would look fab on your summer holiday!

Libelula

If you have a wedding coming up (might be a little too late to get yourself kitted out for M and H’s wedding but sure you can pull something from the back of your wardrobe 😉 you need to buy one of these dresses from Libelula. Well cut and great prints.

You couldn’t fault to be asked to dance by the father of the bride in this Jessie dress

This silk velvet Treakle top would work over a waisted dress or a high-rise skirt or trousers. So glamorous. I want to get dressed up for a wedding!! (We are passed that stage and now it’s fancy dress for milestone birthdays!)

I love discovering new brands!

There are so many wonderful small businesses out there. I know it is hard to remember them, but stay tuned as I am going to delve into many more over the next couple of months as pop up season is upon us!

I will also be including some menswear – we can’t leave them to their own devices too much this summer!!

If you want some more inspiration for the summer, have a read of recent fashion posts.

Have a lovely day

Love, Lucinda xx

There is nothing like a weekend of warm weather to make you realise how inadequate or outdated your wardrobe is and that you have nothing appropriate to wear. Where was my pretty light weight maxi dress to swan around the garden in? (Take ‘swanning’ lightly, I was batter most of the weekend and so probably better off in my ankle grazers!)

I don’t know what you are doing for the Royal Wedding (as in how you are watching it – I am doubtful many of my readers have been invited – although I do live in hope). One thing for sure is, it is a celebration. So whether you are watching it on the sofa whilst bribing your kids to play outside, you have a street party to attend or you have a little gathering at home, you need a frock for the occasion.

A maxi is perfect.

Demure. Respectable. On trend. Just like Meghan.

Stradivarius Striped Shirt Dress £35 

To the floor button up dresses are flying around a lot at the moment. When I first saw, I was meh however now I think I am going to try one myself. What do you think?

Silk Fred Rose Print Dress £55

Silk Fred has some brilliantly priced Maxi dresses that are spot on trend with huge flowers or ditsy florals. This colour with large flowers works well on darker more statuesque women as it would be too over powering on a small blonde framer example.

Hush Tabitha Maxi Dress £95 

I absolutely love this dress although my only worry is someone else at the party may be wearing it too.

Jagger maxi in Painted Dot £55

Another Silk Fred maxi. I really love the shape of their dresses and this polka dot dress is bang on trend.

Mela London Fluted Sleeve Maxi £35 

If pale and feminine is your style, this is very pretty and if you are lucky could be mistaken for an angel.

Very Printed Frill Maxi Dress £55 

I included this as it has been in lots of magazines this month and is BACK IN STOCK, so it must be popular which leads me to believe that is nice. I’m not sure many could carry it off though….

Hope & Ivy at Topshop Fluted Open Dress £80

If you added a ‘0’ to the price and told me it was top end designer, I would believe you. The cut and detail (and price!) makes this dress a strong contender.

Stories Floral Printed Wrap Dress £89

I LOVE this colour and pattern. I am all over the pink/red trend this season and this encompasses it to perfection.

Ganni Georgette Maxi Dress £200 

As my stylist pal Claire Mcnestry enlightened me last week, that Leopard print is a neutral – I am now more in love with it than before. Warm or cool skin, you can’t go wrong with a bit of animal.

Studio by Preen at Debenhams Floral Shirt Dress £200 

I first saw this dress on Cat from Does My Bum Look 40  when she went to the launch last winter of Preen at Debenhams. I liked it then and I like it now.

Rixo London Wrap Silk Dress £300 

Rixo epitomizes floral maxi’s and this one is a good example of the way they use print on different parts of the dress to make a statement.

Ridley London Lavinia Maxi £489 

Camilla Ridley creates beautiful bespoke dresses and maxi’s is one of her strongest arms. You can see why. The prints are lovely and they can be fitted exactly to you.

Seraphina Goa London Gina Maxi Dress £185 

I have been a fan of Seraphina since it started as the colours and style other dresses, kaftans and cover ups are just spot on. Buy now and wear a special occasion and holidays.

Hope you have enjoyed this post. I know I have been a little bit heavy on skirts and dresses of late.  Heading up top next week for Spring Tops!!

Enjoy the sun,

Love from

Lucinda xx

Every year, you need two new dresses.  First new dress is when the nights get darker and the invitations for the silly season clog up your letterbox (the clogging never actually happens to me – I actually think it’s a myth).

Then a summer dress. When the first sign of the sun makes you think of all those events you have on the horizon (again, said tongue in cheek).

The occasion where you have to look smarter than normal but not super smart like you do for a wedding.

Like What? 

Thinking Sports Day (not if you are intending to don your spikes and take the mums race seriously though), The Races, a Summer party or a glamorous girly lunch.

I’m also not thinking budget. Nor designer – that in-between price range that often gets overlooked.

Max Mara Assymetic Shirt Dress £300

Look at the belt on this gorgeous dress. It makes a pretty dress an absolute winner in the style stakes.

Biba Pom Pom Detail Maxi Dress £90

Also comes in black. Isn’t it fab – looks much more than the £90 price tag.

All Saints Adara Dress £148

Look better on than this product image – trust me. With some killer wedges and bling jewellery this is gorgeous. Just don’t have ketchup with your hotdog!

People Tree Short Sleeve Frill Dress £99

Sleeves! The wide sleeves are not only pretty they would make your bingo wings looks smaller. Now that’s a win!

Free People Ivory Maxi Dress £168

I wish I could pull off the ethereal floaty innocent look but I can’t. If you can – this dress is for you.

Label Lab Eyelet Broderie Dress £60

Don’t consign black to the Autumn and Winter. If it suits your colouring it is a winner in the summer – ensure that it is black cotton and not synthetic – imagine those sweat patches as you get to the finishing line…

Marella Nessos Tile Print Maxi Shirt Dress £300

Slightly higher end (always the way when a dress is well made and has interesting detail) but worth every penny. Dress t down with flats or up with heels.

Free People Plunge Neck Striped Midi Shirt Dress £90

I love the neckline of this dress and if you have warm skin, this would look incredible.

Great Plains Betsy Broidery Midi Dress £85

I have a penchant for white dresses (such a shame as I really can’t keep them white for longer than it takes me to get in the car) and this one is very elegant.

What do you normally wear to Sports Day? Last year I ditched the dress as I actually waed to be part of the a Space Hopper relay (yes, really) but our new school is apparently a proper race so stilettos hear I come!

Lots of love
Lucinda xx

PS. I am having a flash sale over on TLM Edit if you want to grab a summer bargain for £10! x