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