I caught up with the brilliant Georgie of the minis and MORE blog to interview her for my Up Close Series. Her blog is filled with fantastic ideas and inspiration to suit the modern parent. You’ll find everything from fashion advice to kids’ crafts with the latest makeup reviews and gift round-ups in between.
Georgie of minis and MORE
Visit MinisandMORE.co.uk
What’s the latest string to your bow?
Sadly I have not taken these lockdowns as an opportunity to master Mandarin or learn the piano. Instead, I found some joy in painting and getting back into sewing and making a few things for my daughter, Hettie. I would like to do more of it when time allows.
What’s your favourite aspect of your work?
Definitely the writing. I absolutely love escaping into the process of it…from writing posts for my own blog to the odd bit of copywriting.
Inside the wardrobe
Describe your fashion style
I have a touch of a magpie eye and am drawn to anything with a bit of sparkle… add a ruffle or bow and I’m sold!
2 brilliant small clothing brands
- Seraphina London design gorgeous clothing that you would want to drift around a French market in whilst carrying your straw tote and shopping for your baguette, cheese and wine.
- Air & Grace – the founder Claire is amazing at designing shoes and boots which are super comfy but look fabulous.
Top 3 go-to items in your wardrobe when you are in a rush
My disco Sweaty Betty leggings (sparkle overload!), my Hush cashmere rollneck (a loose cut with dipped hem to cover my Mum bum!) and my Air & Grace hi-top trainers.
I also adore the dreamy designs by Faune. I don’t own anything from them yet but am hoping that one day I’ll be walking along a beach in one of their beautiful dresses/nightdresses (the Tiger Lily dress is a particular favourite!).
3 items that make you feel a million dollars
Air & Grace made a truly amazing pair of boots…think Dorothy’s ruby slippers and cowboy boots having a baby with Rhinestone Cowboy singing in the background! They really lift my spirit when I wear them.
I have an & Other Stories maxi dress with a retro space print. The cut and design makes me feel really put together and grown-up.
My last item is not a clothing item but if I ever get time to use my Dyson Airwrap, I feel like an effort has been made. It makes styling hair so easy for someone like me who can only just about manage a ponytail.
1 item that everyone asks where you got it from
Last year, I purchased a cami top and tiered maxi skirt from Seraphina London in blue gingham. So many people asked where the pieces were from.
Biggest purchase mistake ever
I used to fall for extremely pretty, very high heeled shoes but pound per wear they are never a great investment…but they are very pretty!!
Best return on investment on an item
When I first started work, after a few pay packets I went to the Burberry store on Knightsbridge (is it still there?) and treated myself to a black raincoat. It was a more streamlined version of their trench coat. I was 22 at the time and 20 years on I am still wearing it.
Boots or trainers
Ooh, tricky. Boots because they come in all forms from snow to heeled to Chelsea!
Life-saving beauty buys
Barefaced or full face?
In-between. I have never liked full foundation and I wear Trinny London most days and I always wear an SPF.
Best beauty buy on the market
It has to be Trinny London BFF Cream. If I am in a rush it has an SPF plus a hint of colour and glows so I’m not so scary looking. In fact, my review of it is my most read post on my blog!
BFF Cream, Trinny London
£35
Top 3 items in your make up bag
The Trinny London BFF Cream, Hourglass Ambient Light Powder as it isn’t too cakey or “flat” and the Trinny London Sheer Shimmer in Jenita (it’s a gorgeous juicy raspberry jam red which perks my skin up a treat!).
Ambient Lighting Powder, Hourglass
£45
Sheer Shimmer – Jenita, Trinny London
£22
Hair tip
Slather on a hair treatment (I use the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer) when you are planning on doing a workout or just mooching about the house. Later, when you have a shower your hair feels so much better for it…plus it saves on time.
Elasticizer Intensive Treatment, Philip Kingsley
£34
Life-saving hair product
During lockdown, I used the Josh Wood Root Hair Smudger to hide those pesky greys which seem to be appearing in greater numbers.
Root Hair Smudger, Josh Wood
Silver or gold jewellery?
A mix!
Favourite Jewellery brand
I love Rachel Balfour Jewellery…I am lusting after her emerald heart-shaped ring.
Let’s talk about home design
Describe your interior style
I want to say scandi-chic but our house is cluttered with photos and mementoes of our family life and memories. I love a house with photos everywhere. It makes it feel like a real home.
Interior tip
Buy photo frames and fill them with memories to dot around the house!
What’s cooking?
Romantic restaurant
We have a lovely small restaurant near us called Henry & Joe’s which serve truly amazing food. It’s a hidden gem.
Last supper
Very traditional…a beef roast followed by a syrup sponge pudding and custard.
Default kids supper
This sounds odd but it is the one meal ALL three kids will eat up completely…pasta with a leek and potato soup sauce (!?) with ham and peas mixed in.
Hangover cure
Full-fat Coke
Time out
What do you do to relax?
I love to draw and paint but do not have enough time. I love to read every night and have a Kindle so I can read without disturbing the hubby who is usually fast asleep.
Beach or pool
Cornish beach
Swimsuit or bikini
I’m still on the hunt for a swimsuit to fit my long body (there are so few styles out there). There are so many pretty styles but they just don’t fit so I have to go for a bikini – not the prettiest sight but better than a swimsuit cutting up in the wrong places!!!
Keep fit activity
During lockdown, we caved in a bought a Peloton. I was a bit dismissive of the concept at first but it means I can fit in a 10/15/20 minute class into lockdown life. I love their Barre classes and Core classes. I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of exercise so these short classes are perfect for keeping me interested.
Last book you read
The Regency Revolution by Robert J H Morrison (I tend to read non fiction books and this one covers all the amazing characters during the short Regency period – 10 years…Byron, Jane Austen, Napoleon and more) and Caroline Hiron’s “Skincare” (a warning, it will make you want to overhaul your skincare regime!).
The Regency Revolution by Robert J H Morrison
From £5
Favourite series
The Undoing was AMAZING. The plot, the acting and Nicole Kidman’s wardrobe! I was so sad when that finished. However, I have just finished watching It’s A Sin – brilliantly acted, with moments of laughter but heart-wrenching what sufferers of AIDS went through at the time, 80’s nostalgia and a fab soundtrack… all this makes it a must-watch!
All-time favourite film
There are a few depending on my mood but Love Actually combines British humour and Christmas along with the emotion of Emma Thompson’s character listening to Joni Mitchell before putting on her Mum “game face” for the school nativity play… she’s amazing.
The song you pelt out in the car
Titanium by David Guetta featuring Sia (obviously my kids are thrilled at this).
Evocative smell
Aqua di Parma. My Dad wore it when I was young and I find it a really comforting scent.
Colonia Eau de Cologne Natural Spray, Acqua di Parma
£82
3 favourite websites for passing time
Zara – obviously I do love many of their pieces (not only for me but for Hettie their collections are great) but also for a random styling/poses that seem to be creeping in more and more…and which I often feel the need to share on my Stories on IG.
Mail Online – don’t judge, but it’s just an easy read with lots of photos for a weary homeschooling Mum right now!
The Maverick Guide – at the moment I’m dreaming of being back in Cornwall so this gives me ideas and glimpses into the beauty of the place.
3 Instagram accounts you seek out
- Caroline Hirons, @carolinehirons – because I love skincare more than fashion…it’s an obsession, plus Caroline’s no-nonsense approach is refreshing and honest.
- Jennie Maizels, @jenniemaizels – Jennie is an illustrator who’s account is pure joy.
- Clare AKA Invest In Style, @invest_in_style – Clare not only has a fab sense of style (I’d love to be able to channel her simple chic way of dressing) but she sells some wonderful pre-loved items. I purchased an Isabel Marant oversized blazer from her which I adore and cannot wait to wear out and about again.
3 favourite podcasts
- BBC Friday Night Comedy – I love The News Quiz… because we all need a laugh.
- My Wardrobe Malfunction with Susannah Constantine – fashion chat with some giggles and well as how we feel about our clothes.
- Grounded with Louis Theroux – I love Louis Theroux’s way of chatting to people and this is a series of “chats” with a variety of people.
What tests your patience?
Rudeness and entitlement
3 words to describe yourself
Loyal, homebody, creative.
Visit MinisandMORE.co.uk and don’t forget to follow Georgie on Instagram, @georgie_minisandmore
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