Forget the kids, are YOU ready to go back to school?

With schools returning next week, research is out that suggest mums will spend an average of £60 on an outfit to drop the kids off in the playground on their first day back. 1 in 5 will get a new haircut and 1 in 2 will make every effort to look their absolute best. While a suntan, fresh haircut and brand new outfit will make you feel fabulous on the first day what happens next week? Or the week after? When you have a million things to do before 8.30 am and looking amazing is something you don’t have the time for don’t be defeatist and crawl back into that tracksuit!

We all want to give the best impression of ourselves and the playground is notoriously judgmental. Whether you ooze glamour on the school run on your way to work or if you are more on the super tramp scale of things there is an easier way. If in doubt wear something ambiguous that gives no clue as to what your day will be spent doing (housework, playgroup...!).

Luxury loungewear will be your saviour - invest in some quality pieces and you will look effortlessly stylish with minimal effort, but be warned of the fine line between relaxed and scruffy. Rather than thin leggings try stretch skinny trousers. This pair from French connection even have a gentle body sculpting effect saving you time trying to squeeze into spanx!! Rather than a cheap saggy jersey top invest in a comfortable long sleeve top in a good fabric. GAP have a great range of basic vests and long sleeve tops in neutral colours (http://www.gap.eu/). For shoes try pumps- Pretty Ballerina have the most beautiful pumps that will make you feel lovely when you wear them. Try this champagne coloured pair for effortless style.

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While the research suggests that on the first day back women spend longer on their hair and make up than actually getting the kids ready it's not always like that. When you don’t have the time for full hair and make up choose a sleek hair style, Ponytails are on trend for Autumn and are effortless but chic.

Use a good hairbrush from Mason and Pearson (http://www.masonpearson.com/) to make hair extra shiny. Finally slick on a bit of lipgloss, our fav is Baume De Rose By Terry it’s a real treat but you’ve earnt it!http://tinyurl.com/3wley48

*Thanks to Sainsbury’s for their ‘mum’ research!!
H x

Back to School...Well Actually Back to Work

The days of me lounging around in my comfy scruffy cloths are over. It’s time to pull myself together because I am going back to work. Maternity time is up and it is with great joy I find myself picking out a new back to work wardrobe. Colourful denim is just the trend I need to energise myself. My favs are these burnt orange pair from River Island. Teamed with a black chiffon blouse from ASOS it’s an easy to wear on trend outfit for my first day.
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The on trend basics are all well and good but to really feel back in business I need at least one investment piece and what better gift to myself than a new handbag for work. I have fallen for this timeless leather bag by Miu Miu.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/167874
While at home I practically live in my Converse but I need something a bit smarter for work but I’m not ready to make the transition back to heels just yet so these beautiful ballerina flats from Kurt Geiger will help me until I can retrain my feet!

http://www.kurtgeiger.com/online-shop/219157-carvela-lamp
So outfit ready, nails painted and lunch box packed.....here I go!
H

A Little Swarovski Sparkle

Yeah yeah yeah we know that bling is SO last year (or even the year before) but there's no denying that in spite of what the trend forecasters keep telling us , we love to love a little bit of sparkle!

It reminds me of the ongoing fashion articles slating UGGs and predicting their demise after only a season or two (or probably more accurately, once Katie Price was seen sporting them) but the truth is, if you love something then honestly who cares what those in the ivory fashion towers say about it? It seems as if we're not alone in our indulgence either as Swarovski are going from strength to strength (and yes they do still sell those crystal cut swans and teddy bears) but this year Harrods have announced that they'll be partnering with Swarovski for their 'Crystal Christmas' event in addition to Swarovski still remaining a fashion week favourite for designers.

So, we've just added a little customisation to these gorgeous Monster Beat headphones and I can see the reasoning- hours spent on the treadmill might seem more appealing if you can style it out whilst wearing these babies, which not only sound incredible but now look pretty good too.

Next for the sparkle treatment is a stage microphone, pics to follow.....

Ms M.