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Fashion

13 Activewear Pieces That’ll Motivate You To Actually Get Active

It’s so easy when the cooler months creep in to wind down the exercise regime, push it into a new year’s resolution or until further notice when the sunshine comes back. I know we’re all guilty of it. Picking up a new piece of activewear always puts my head back in the right place. It’s so true when you’re got something nice to pull on rather than old gym clothes! Activewear has been strong for years but the offerings really do keep getting better and animal prints are everywhere right now. These thirteen pieces are making me get back to class and down on the mat each morning (or at least every other morning!).

Add some sparkle with these gold star leggings.

Ultra Silk Knockout Leggings, Ultracore

£174

Pull on this slouchy sweater, jump in the car and hit the gym.

Cream Slouchy Weekend Sweater, TLM Edit

£49

I like that this isn’t too revealing but it just enough to keep you cool throughout your workout.

Peek-A-Boo Vest, Sports Philosophy

£19 (was £52)

You might also like: 10 Fashion Picks To Brighten Up Your Autumn

For the gym, for the school run or part of your everyday outfit, these joggers are so comfy that I would wear them everywhere.

Leopard Print Joggers, TLM Edit

£34

I like to layer up for yoga and then strip down when I’m warmed up and my muscles are really working.

Tranquil Yoga Long Sleeve Top, Sweaty Betty

£55

Black leggings are essential to any activewear wardrobe. Maybe it’s because they’re always super-flattering? The mix of matte and gloss on this pick from Lucas Hugh is irresistibly chic.

Axis Leggings, Lucas Hugh

£170

I love wrapping up in this pre and post-workout. It’s slouchy, cosy and comfortable.

Cream Animal Print Hoody, TLM Edit

£59

Tuck this one into joggers ready for a workout or team with a skirt for a casual, activewear outfit.

Cerise Cap Sleeve T-Shirt, TLM Edit

£30

Read also: 10 New-In Hush Pieces I Couldn’t Resist

This tank is a good example of how transitional activewear can be. The shape and loose fit are ideal for getting active but can also be a basic addition to your everyday outfit.

Charlie Tank, Active In Style

£20 (was £34)

This thermal sports bra is ideal for hitting the slopes but will also keep your body the right temperature for any sporting activities in the cooler months.

H. Holderness Creux Sports Bra In Blue, Henrietta Holderness

£29

How can a sports top be so stylish yet so practical? Goldbergh has managed it and I’m tempted by the whole collection.

Goldbergh Rosalinda Sports Top, Goldbergh

£79

The boldest and most environmentally-friendly leggings I could find and I absolutely love them.

‘Wye’ High Waisted Tencel Leggings, Lucy & Yak

£40

It’s good to mix and match prints and patterns with simple, stylish pieces like these joggers.

Black Joggers With Neon Pink Tie, TLM Edit

£45

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Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.

Fashion

10 New-In Hush Pieces I Couldn’t Resist

My autumn-winter wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a delivery from Hush. This season isn’t any different and I’ve trawled the whole website to pick out my favourite pieces. It was tough to narrow it down to ten but sometimes you do have to put a limit on your shopping basket! Here are my ultimate items in this year’s Hush haul.

Becky Corduroy Shirt Dress, £75

This corduroy dress says it all: darker shades are now on-trend. This smart shirt dress is just the right length and I can’t wait to rock it with some chunky boots.

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Rib Panel Sweatshirt, £55

Fuchsia is just one of those colours I can’t resist — it’s everywhere on the website! Brighten up a grey, autumn day with this relaxed sweatshirt.

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Ambre Faux Fur Bomber Jacket, £165

A bomber jacket always amps up an outfit and I find this faux-fur one incredibly chic. It’s an all-rounder too that I’ll be popping on over many autumn outfits.

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You might also like: It’s Raining, It’s Pouring… 16 Kids’ Essentials To Keep Them Dry This Season

Roll Neck Cashmere Jumper, £195

A classic, black cashmere jumper is a timeless wardrobe piece. It will last you for years and never go out of style — a worthwhile investment, trust me!

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Strappy Sports Bra, £35

I picked this specifically to pair with the lilac animal print leggings in TLM Edit. A simple activewear outfit!

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Astrid Flannel Pyjamas, £55

Since we’ve all spent so much time lounging about the house this year, a new pair of PJs is certainly in order. These starry print ones are on order!

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Abby Frilled Jumper, £79

Ruffles are a good way to spruce up a simple jeans and jumper look. Hush jumpers are always super-soft against skin too.

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You might also like: 10 Fashion Picks To Brighten Up Your Autumn

Scarlett Biker Jumper, £69

This one is a good all-rounder: pair with skirts, jeans or joggers.

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Cashmere Boyfriend Jumper, £185

A relaxed, boyfriend-fit jumper is great for throwing on top of any outfit on those chilly autumn mornings.

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Travelling Rainbow Jumper, £99

Make a colourful statement with this stylish rainbow jumper. A great everyday piece.

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Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.

Fashion

10 Fashion Picks To Brighten Up Your Autumn

If there’s one thing to look forward to about the cooler months, it’s dressing up and wrapping up. Let’s say ‘hello’ to leopard prints, sparkles, metallics and statement-making accessories. This season is all about mix-and-matching, having fun with different prints and ensuring every outfit has a splash of colour here and there.

Jackets

Make this jacket your statement piece of the season. I would keep it simple with jeans but can also picture it with a black evening dress.

Gold Sequin Bomber Jacket, £40

It isn’t quite winter yet, so this versatile half-jacket, half-jumper is exactly what’s called for. A good one to wrap up in while waiting at the school gates.

Charcoal Grey Asymmetrical Coatigan, £45

Footwear

There’s so much going on with these trainers — faux snake, fur and spots — and I love it. Grab them before they’re gone!

Dalmatian Silver Trainers, £74

autumn trends

Accessories

A waist belt can really elevate an outfit. Black and gold is a timeless choice. I know I’m introducing it in my autumn trends but I would honestly wear this piece all-year-round.

Gold Knot Black Stretch Waist Belt, £15

autumn trends

A headband is always a good finishing touch to an outfit, day or night. Plus, don’t let this windy weather get the better of you!

Black Leather Headband, £24

autumn trends

I’ve picked out a few more statement hair accessories here.

You might also like: It’s Raining, It’s Pouring… 16 Kids’ Essentials To Keep Them Dry This Season

You know I love anything that adds a pop of colour to an outfit, so these pink chilli earrings are irresistible accessories to any autumnal outfit.

Neon Pink Chili Earrings, £25

autumn trends

Bags

Rock this messenger bag on your shoulder during the day or carry as a clutch on an evening out. It’s made from soft, Italian leather too.

Lulu Navy Blue Rockstud Messenger Bag, £54

autumn trends

Loungewear

I know this is such a basic t-shirt but I love the shape of it — especially the capped sleeves. A good one to team with skinny or slim jeans, or pop on with your loungewear.

Blue Cap Sleeve T-Shirt, £30

autumn trends

I can’t get enough of animal prints at the moment and they’re such a quirky way to bring some energy to your activewear. Slip on these joggers for your trip to the gym or lounge about in them around the house.

Lilac Animal Print Joggers, £45

autumn trends

You might also like: New Business Spotlight: Shop Stylish & Unique Interiors With Turnbull & Hooch


Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.

Family Life Fashion Little

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring… 16 Kids’ Essentials To Keep Them Dry This Season

It looks like we’re in for a rainy few weeks! Summer quickly turned in autumn, didn’t it? Keep your kids dry this season with some of these rainy day essentials. If they’ve outgrown their wellies since the last downpour, now’s the time to click express delivery on some of these brilliant boots. I’ve picked out some reliable macs, umbrellas and waterproof trousers too, so the kids can splash about as much as they like without getting soaked through!

Jump to…

Raincoats

I like Hatley raincoats because they’re well-lined, so they keep your kids cosy as well as dry.

Pretty Alpacas Raincoat, Hatley

£36

Yellow is the classic rain coat colour, so I had to include this one from Hatley too!

Yellow Splash Jacket, Hatley

£45

For something simple — waterproof and windproof — H&M can always be relied upon. This one comes with a practical detachable hood too.

Lined Hooded Rain Jacket, H&M

£18

Frugi always has the most fun and vibrant designs! Plus, their raincoats are made from recycled plastic bottles, ideal for us being more environment conscious.

Puddle Buster Coat, Frugi

From £39

Knights & Dragons is just one of the gorgeous rain coat designs from Powell Craft. I also love the unicorn and robot prints.

Knights & Dragons Raincoat, Powell Craft

£39

I wanted to include a coat with a thicker lining too and I think this White Stuff one is perfect for keeping them toasty and dry.

Rainy Day Mac, White Stuff

£33

You might also like: New Business Spotlight: Don’t Plan A Birthday Bash Without My Little Party

Umbrellas

3D umbrellas with wings, eyes, ears, (whatever they think of next!) are always lots of fun. Brollies Galore has a huge selection of characters to choose from.

Kids Umbrella, Sunnylife

£13

3D Monster Umbrella, Brollies Galore

£14

rain day essentials

I must admit I wouldn’t mind this Hunter one for myself! It’s nice to know that simple, monochrome umbrellas for kids exist. This is a good one for occasions too.

Kids Moustache Bubble Umbrella, Hunter

£28

rain day essentials

We all know it’s never going to look as neat as the one in the product shot but letting the kids decorate their own umbrellas is a nice way to add a personal touch to their rainy day outfits.

Paint Your Own Umbrella, KidMaker

£15

rain day essentials

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Wellies

You can guarantee that Muck Boot Company boots will be super comfortable as well as practical.

Kids Half Pull-On Wellington Boots, Muck Boot Company

£55

These wellies look pretty easy to slip-on and ankle height might be more comfortable for your little one to walk in.

Kids Ankle Wellies, JoJo Maman

£17

I love that these are fleece-lined and elasticated at the top — perfect for keeping toes cosy.

Red Slip-On Waterproof Boots, StartRite

£29

rain day essentials

These stylish wellies from Polarn O Pyret look super-durable.

Stripe Kids Wellies, Polarn O Pyret

£28

Other Essentials

A rain mac by itself doesn’t cut it on those autumn country walks. Pack some Puddle Buster trousers to keep them dry and your car seats mud-free  when you whip them off post walk!

Puddle Buster Trousers, Frugi

From £28

rain day essentials

Don’t give them chance to complain about cold (or wet!) fingers with these rain-proof mittens.

Fleece Lined Rain Mittens, H&M

£9

rain day essentials

Something for you too…

Navy Poncho 3.0, thepeoples.co

Reversible leopard print jacket, TLM Edit

£60


Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.

Spotlight

New Business Spotlight: Dinkydeaks Handmade Jewellery

My friend Georgie has set up a fantastic handmade jewellery business called Dinkydeaks. If you’re looking to effortlessly spruce up any everyday outfit, I can’t recommend enough picking up some of the beautiful mix-and-match earrings and charms from her Etsy shop.

What is your business and what makes it unique?

I have set up a handmade jewellery business which specialises in affordable fun pieces most of which can be interchangeable to hang off huggies or charms. I have also evolved into making larger statement pieces using feathers and tassels and coordinating bracelets and necklaces. I would like to expand my products as the mood takes me – when I spot something that inspires me – I don’t seem to be able to resist combining colours and making original pieces that I would like to wear.

 

How did it all begin?

On hitting the big 40, I took the plunge and headed to London with friends to get the — seemingly obligatory — additional piercings in the ear. Being on the fence, I ended up getting two additional ones in my left ear much to my friends’ surprise. From there I spent some time seeking the perfect look to dress my ears. I wanted to track dainty elegant drops up the ear lobe but couldn’t find any anywhere… so I began to tinker.

What inspired you?

So much has inspired me! I teach part-time in learning support which I adore and have two busy boys to run around after. I have found that tucking myself away listening to ultra-chilled tunes while tinkering away, gave me some headspace and it allowed me to explore my interest in colour, style and femininity in an otherwise male-dominant household, bar Tiggy the dog!

1. Handmade power pop tassel and bead earrings, £20
2. Handmade tassel and bead earrings, £18

What is the meaning behind the business name?

Ha, Dinkydeaks was my nickname from when I was at school: a combination of my maiden name and the fact that I was vertically challenged for the whole of my education! I took it as an endearment but perhaps it wasn’t…?

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Who is your ideal customer?

My ideal customer would be someone who likes to mix and match their look: someone who enjoys popping a bit of colour, either an elegant dainty drop or smashing it with a fistful of a statement with my beaded tassels. My products are affordable and so my clients are gently encouraged to start with a set of huggies and hoops then they can pick and mix a selection of charms and drops to compliment any number of piercings.

1. Sterling silver huggies sold individually for hanging my charms off, from £6
2. Handmade tassel and bead earrings, £20

What are your hero products?

My hero products are the charms that hang off huggies and hoops. These are great and can be interchangeable to match any outfit or occasion. I can custom make these charms to be put on hoops or posts. My favourite is to wear a huggie and charm in the first piercing, followed by two drops on posts up the ear in the second two piercings; this makes them track up the ear which I just love!

You might also like: Don’t Plan A Birthday Bash Without My Little Party

What is your top parenting tip?

Pick your battles and stick by your guns. Also, try and allow them to follow their own paths even if it’s not yours — I’m working on this one.

jewellery

Handmade earrings with optional complementing drop for additional piercing, £6

Georgie’s favourites

Shop: My high-street favourites are Zara and H&M but I would say my best kind of shop would be the ones that aren’t ‘out there’. I love to find an item that no one else has got their hands on yet. I was recently in London in the bucketing-down rain, walking through Covent Garden and came across an epic vintage, second-hand shop, Pop Boutique, where I found the most beautiful Indian dress. We were a match made in heaven!

Website: A tricky one but I would say Etsy is a good contender as not only have I managed to navigate it to use as a platform to sell my jewellery but it’s also full of unique creations that have been made with love by small sellers like me. I so often find an original gift for friends that fits the bill perfectly.

Holiday destination: My all-time favourite would be the south-west of Portugal, waking up and pondering on which piece of perfect beach to lie on between Zavial and Ingrina. My dream holiday destination, however, would be Mauritius. My friends laugh as I cherry-pick beautiful items for my capsule wardrobe – not to be worn until that obviously inevitable dream trip.

Restaurant: Anything Asian in particular Pho. Oh, I’m missing that from living in London!

Hotel: Anywhere with wall-to-wall sunshine, heat and access to a picture-perfect swimming pool. Actually I’d take a pool with slight imperfections at this rate as we had to cancel our plans this year, like most of the world. I’d go back here to this AirBnB in Ouarzazate, Morocco, any day though.

jewellery

Handmade earrings with optional complementing drop for additional piercing, from £6

Visit Dinkydeaks on Etsy.com


Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.

Fashion

12 Fun Men’s Holiday Shirts That He Will Actually Wear

Add a splash of colour to your man’s wardrobe with a colourful summer shirt. Bright shirts don’t have to be reserved for holidays: I can picture these making a stylish appearance on evenings out, relaxing in beer gardens, and at family parties, taking charge of the BBQ. Wear buttoned up or tone things down with an unbuttoned, plain white tee underneath look. Pair with denim or light and neutral shorts or trousers.

Indigo Island

I love the light and relaxed feel of Indigo Island shirts. They’re fun without being over-the-top and wacky.

Curacao, Indigo Island

£75

Sicily, Indigo Island

£75

Pink House Mustique

This banana tree print has me dreaming of hot summer days on faraway beaches… preferably somewhere in the Caribbean with a rum cocktail in-hand.

Linen Shirt Banana Tree Pink, Pink House Mustique

£129

Linen Shirt Guava Dazzling Blue, Pink House Mustique

£129

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Frangipani

I can’t resist the contrasting colours on this Frangipani shirt. If your man isn’t into pink shirts, aqua with pink details could convince him otherwise. The Wham Bam Boo shirt is bold but brilliant! 

Aqua Caribou shirt, Frangipani

£75

Wham Bam Boo shirt, Frangipani

£75

Hoboko

Soft colours are just made for summer. The shades of pink on this Hoboko shirt are effortlessly stylish. The cornflower pattern on my second choice is subtle but fun.

Pink flower shirt, Hoboko

£35

Cornflower shirt, Hoboko

Beaufort & Blake

For something more mellow, Beaufort & Blake has some uber-cool classic linen shirts. How do they make a casual shirt look so smart and chic?!

Chillerton Classic Pink Linen Shirt, Beaufort & Blake

£79

Chillerton Classic Navy Linen Shirt, Beaufort & Blake

£79

Joseph Turner

Start building your man’s linen shirt collection from Joseph Turner. Linen is the most lightweight and breathable material you’ll find for summer.

Long-Sleeved Linen Shirt, Joseph Turner

£45

Long-Sleeved Linen Shirt, Joseph Turner

£45

Sandfish Clothing

I love the attention to detail on the cuffs and collar of this shirt. It comes in blue or lime: which one will you choose?!

Olly Shirt, Sandfish Clothing

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Fashion

12 Breastfeeding-Friendly Summer Dresses

I love a light and flowy number in summer. These dresses perfect the July heat and especially practical if you’re breastfeeding. Someone asked recently what brands and styles I could recommend for post-pregnancy, so I’ve picked out a couple from TLM Edit and some I’ve spotted across the internet. As always, the shops are teeming with gorgeous summer outfits but not all are made equal. If you’re breastfeeding, you need something with shoulders you can slip on and off or with buttons that can be easily undone. Here are my favourite no-hassle dresses to help you look fabulous this summer with baby in tow.

For the weekend

Electric blue and purple midi dress, TLM Edit

£54

I can’t resist a floral print in summer and this blue and purple midi is flattering in all the right places. The V-neck gives easy access for feeding your little one.

Electric blue and coral oriental dress, TLM Edit

£76

My collection of boho maxi dresses just gets bigger and bigger. This electric blue pick just does everything right: it nips in at the ribcage and gives the illusion of having long legs!

For your luxury staycation

Endless Nights Maxi Dress, Free People

£88.00

Free People has so many casual and chic maxi options. I picked this one for its V-neck and front-tie detail. It’s practical, very flattering and comes in three colours: black, tangerine and mint.

You might also like: Swimsuit Season: A Round-Up of Flattering Swimwear

Blue and white tie midi dress, TLM Edit

£64

For versatility, this dress gets first prize. Throw on over your swimsuit at the beach, slip on with some trainers during the day or don with some heels in the evening. The tassel and tie detail gets points for practicality too!

Green tunic midi dress, TLM Edit

£76

Tunic dresses are the best option if you’re after something light and loose-fitting. The floral blue and yellows make this my favourite choice to garden parties and summer soirees.

For the office

Kyla ruffled midi dress, Melissa Odabash

£238

I love the relaxed feel of this dress with its simple ruffle and button details. Pull on some espadrilles and pair this with a straw bag. Adjust the shoulder straps and unbutton the front to make things most comfortable for you.

Lyon broderie cotton dress, Hush

£95

Broderie anglaise is such a pretty and timeless pattern. I’d usually opt for this sort of pattern in white but this yellow shirt dress from Hush is just so eye-catching and summery.

For your summer soiree

Dress with bow details, ZARA

£18

Zara always gets it right when it comes to simple and effortless style. I love that this dress is made from 100% organic cotton and is super breathable.

Off-shoulder boho midi dress, TLM Edit

£76

Off-shoulder dresses are an easy go-to for post-pregnancy style. Show off your shoulders and collar bones with this eye-catching boho midi — and slip off easily when baby needs a feed.

Santorini tiered maxi dress, Free People

£258

This dress has me dreaming of holidays, sunsets and long summer nights. I like the puff sleeves and chest tie details.

For making a statement

Ivory print double v maxi dress, Topshop

£50

I know this one has a pretty low V so might not be for everyone but the green leaf print on ivory is just irresistible. Have you seen the sleeve detail? This is a summer statement dress!

Julie off-the-shoulder floral cotton dress, Dodo Bar Or

£213 (was £356)

This dress captures the essence of flower power. The reds, oranges and browns are straight out of a 70s vacation and I love it. Huge earrings and strappy sandals are a must.

Speaking of holidays… have you booked your summer staycation yet?

Fashion

Swimsuit Season – A Round Up of Flattering Swimwear

It’s swimsuit season, finally! While it’s still unclear whether exotic getaways will be an option this year, that’s no reason not to relax by the pool on a luscious staycation (hold tight, I’m working on a top holidays close to home post!). With the shops only recently opening up again, there are some amazing deals on, well, everything! But I can’t resist picking up a new bikini or swimming costume when the summer season hits.  These are my absolute favourite picks from across the internet.

Plunge shape enhancing swimsuit, Next

£35

I don’t think leopard print will ever go out of style and this Next swimsuit with its plunging neckline is super-flattering.

Floral zip front plunge swimsuit, Marks & Spencer

£13

It was so hard to pick from the M&S Swimwear collection because there are so many gorgeous choices (and they’re all selling out so quickly!). I like the soft blues and pinks along with the zip detail on this one.

Tummy control wrap bandeau swimsuit,  Marks & Spencer

£12 (was £28)

I prefer to wear white towards the end of the summer so this M&S number is just perfect, especially because of its reinforcement around the tummy area.

Edge colour block shaping swimsuit, Figleaves

£50

Figleaves specialise in flattering figures, so I have no doubt the lines of this swimsuit are cut to flatter! Plus, who doesn’t look chic in black and grey?!

Black Elasticated Scuba Sponge Swimsuit, River Island

£36

River Island isn’t one I usually think of for swimwear but the black and gold contrast on this one really caught my eye. We all know black is slimming, so why not have fun with it too?

Lumière colour-blocks metallic swimsuit, Oseree

£208

Oseree are a French swimwear brand I’ve got my eye on, as colour-blocks are so on-trend right now. It’s so cool that they have a mini-me collection for kids too. 

Martha maillot navy, Casa Raki

£180

Keep things close to home and sustainable with this one-piece from the London designers at Casa Raki. The colour is so classic and the frill around the middle is perfect for highlighting the slimmest part of your body.

Double strap textured swimsuit, Whistles

£65 (was £75)

Want to make a statement with your swimwear? Red is always the way to go. This Whistles costume has such a classic shape to it. I love it.

Blue printed halterneck swim dress, Sainsburys

£18

Finally, if you’re after something cute that’s magically flattering around the waist and upper thigh area, Sainsburys swim dresses fit the bill.