Browsing Tag

summer

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

You might also like: Luxury Staycations The Whole Family Will Absolutely Love

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

You might also like: Al Fresco Inspiration: 10 Things Your Family Picnic Is Missing

Days Out

Al Fresco Inspiration: 10 Things Your Family Picnic Is Missing

One of the best things you can do in this gorgeous weather is pack up a picnic and venture out into the countryside… or the beach or the local park! Picnics are a brilliant family activity because they don’t take lots of planning but sometimes I love to indulge in a few things to make the day out extra special.

I wrote a post two years ago which is more geared for picnics with younger children that you might also like to have a gander at!

My Picnic Checklist 

Rainbow picnic wine glasses, M&S 

£15

Plastic glasses (and wine) are essential. I love these M&S ones with a hint of rainbow. They’re really lightweight too so will not weigh down your picnic basket too much.

Wool picnic blanket – rainbow, Lala & Bee

£68 

Keeping with the rainbow theme, this gorgeous wool picnic blanket is big enough for the whole family to sit on. The wool is comfy to sit on, while the waterproof backing is super practical if the ground is a little damp. 

Oil cloth, Sarah K

£16.25 per half metre

Greasy fingers always make an appearance at picnics, so rather than having the little ones wipe them on your blanket, invest in an oil tablecloth. If you’re fortunate enough to find a spot with picnic benches, this definitely comes in handy. 

Acrylic tableware, The Summer House 

From £12

The Summer House tableware collection is just divine. The tumblers are my first pick but if I were going all out or throwing a garden party, I’m sure I’d be picking up the flutes, jugs and salad bowls too. 

Lidded picnic basket with check lining, Brambly Cottage

£31 (was £48)

Traditional picnic baskets can often be quite heavy but this wicker and cotton canvas one isn’t too bulky. It’s perfect for packing with delicious treats. 

Beach cooler bag, Sunny Life 

£25

There is nothing worse than warm sausage rolls… except for maybe a G&T without ice. Keep everything chilled with this Sunny Life cooler bag.

Marlo Wine

From £11.50

Marlo Wine is my new go-to for wine. I love that you can order just one bottle and there isn’t an overwhelming range to choose from: Marlo has selected the best of the best, ranging from £11.50 to £525.00. 

Smoked goods, Brown and Forest 

Brown and Forest wholesale to the likes of Hawksmoor and Fortnum and Mason and if it receives their stamp of approval, it’s bound to be top-notch. Choose from smoked meats, smoked fish, cheeses, hampers and much more. 

British made cheeses,Village Maid Cheese Ltd 

From £5

It wouldn’t be a proper picnic without a good selection of cheeses and Village Maid Cheese is my favourite for artisan cheeses. 

Mail order cakes, The Hobo

From £20

The Hobo are doing all sorts of exciting things with their pop-up coffee shop/cocktail and canape bar. If you need catering give them a call. I’m just delighted you can now order their delicious triple chocolate brownies online! 

Travel

Luxury Staycations The Whole Family Will Absolutely Love

I know we all deserve a change of scenery after being cooped up in the house for so long. I’ve picked out my favourite family getaways from around the UK and now all I can say is my next holiday can’t come around soon enough! From beachside retreats to the most glamorous of glamping trips, all of my picks have the Great British countryside in common.

Black​ Pig Retreats, Dorset

Tried and tested, Black Pig Retreats is perfect for those of us who like the idea of camping but really love a hot shower and comfy bed at the end of the day. The luxury Safari tents – complete with hot running water, a wood burning stoves, and king-sized beds – are the definition of glamping. I went along with the kids and have to say the whole family loved it. Check out my review here.

Find out more on BlackPigRetreats.com 

Home Farm Glamping, Hertfordshire

Another glamping option I recommend is Home Farm Glamping. It’s handy how close it is to London and you don’t even need a car to visit. That doesn’t mean you compromise on the great outdoors experience though, Home Farm is surrounded by 150 acres of countryside with nature trails, lakes and woodlands. I can almost smell the fresh air!

Find out more on HomeFarmGlamping.com

Wisteria House, Ticehurst

One worry about booking a week in the countryside is whether the kids will be entertained. Wisteria House makes my list because it gives you the best of both worlds; you’re out in the calm and beautiful Sussex countryside but Go Ape is three miles away and Hastings is just under twenty. A good mix of day trips and country walks will leave everyone feeling refreshed. Plus, the cottage has been newly (and fabulously) refurbished by Becky from Bricks & Stitches.

Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk

Sandways Beach House, Camber Sands

I love that this gorgeous house is minutes from the beach. As soon as you step through the door, you can crank down the gears into relax mode. The house sleeps ten, which is ideal for getting away with the whole extended family or teaming up with your friends with their children in tow. My favourite things about Sandways are the huge windows that let in so much light, the cosy fires from the log burner and the huge trampoline that should keep the kids entertained for hours (fingers crossed!!).

Find out more on CamberHolidayCottages.co.uk

Wittering Beach House, West Sussex

Walks, water sports and that wonderful West Sussex coastline: what more could we ask of a staycation? Wittering Beach House gives the whole family a chance to switch off from the outside world with its four bedrooms meaning there’s space for the grandparents too. I’m dreaming about wholesome family walks, splashing about in the sea and topping off each day relaxing in the garden with bbq’d food and a cool glass of wine.

Find out more on WitteringBeachHouse.co.uk

A Tree Tent at Pennard Hill Farm, Somerset 

Pennard Hill Farm literally takes glamping up a level with its Tree Tent. The glamorous pod, suspended between two trees, gives a unique twist to the camping experience. Step from the pod across a rope bridge and you’ll find a fire pit, kitchen, shower and loo. There’s no WiFi or electricity in the pod, so the only thing left to do is cosy up and relax in your treetop tent.

Find out more on PennardHillFarm.co.uk

Luxury Farm Cottage, Aberdeenshire 

The Scottish countryside is just beautiful and Torphins is a great place to blow away the cobwebs. This luxury farm cottage is located on a working farm, so you can truly switch off from the city and immerse yourself in country life. I’m also hopeful activities will be back to normal by the time the holidays come round as local things to do include whisky tasting, horse riding and castle tours. 

Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk

Luxury Highland Lodge, Aberdeenshire

Another Scottish gem, this lodge is ideal for getting away with all your family and friends (up to 20 people!). The scandi-chic interiors are just to die for, not to mention the sweeping vistas visible from each direction. I can just imagine going out on long hikes, cooking huge feasts and spending hours sitting by the fire.

Find out more on AirBnB.co.uk

The Boat Shed, Lymington 

I’m in love with the design of the boat shed, especially when it’s lit up at night with fairy lights… It has one bedroom and is just divine for a romantic escape or a tiny family break. Soak up the seaside with walks on the beach and wandering about this nautical village, before snuggling up in this lovely little hideaway. 

Find out more on NewForestEscapes.com

Coastguards Cottage, Isle of Wight  

For peace and quiet, a seaside cottage under a minute from the beach is exactly what’s needed and what Coastguards Cottage provides. This place sounds fantastic for families in summer with options to go kayaking, crabbing, birdwatching and paddleboarding.

Find out more on NewForestEscapes.com

The Farmhouse, Cotswolds

Fish & Pips are my favourite luxury escape experts, so I’ve picked out two of their places for my staycation list. First up is The Farmhouse, an absolutely sublime Cotswold-stone house. It has eight beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms, a drawing room with open fires, a huge state-of-the-art kitchen and its own boules court.

Find out more on FishandPips.co.uk

The Barn, Suffolk 

The Barn is just perfect for a family getaway and only a couple of hours from London. Pull on your wellies and explore the countryside or blow away the cobwebs with a family bicycle ride. There’s also tennis, clay pigeon shooting, archery and paddleboarding on the lakes. Something to keep everyone entertained!

Find out more on FishAndPips.co.uk

Big Fashion

Holiday Style : 9 Flattering Summer Tops

Before I show you my edit of flattering summer tops that are new in at Marks & Spencer, I just wanted to share a new piece of research. Of 3,000 Brits surveyed,  96% of us live life on autopilot. The result? We say yes four times each day when we want to say no.  I know by the time the kids have left to school, I have said yes too many times. The worst Yes was spoken by me today, when I said Yes to Elsa coming to my 3 year olds birthday party – ahhh it’s next week. Is that going to happen? I really hope she forgets!

 

 

Dr Mark Williamson, director of Action for Happiness says

 

Autopilot makes it harder for us to make good choices, so we feel we’re living someone else’s life.  We must reconnect with what really matters; prioritise to-do lists, stop comparing ourselves to others, try new things and learn to say no (kindly). If it doesn’t make you feel extraordinary, say no – we only get one life, so let’s spend it well.

 

We are all on autopilot and we need to slow down and think wisely before committing ourselves.  One of my favourite sayings that I *try* to live by is…

 

Let your yes be yes and your no be no.

 

Don’t say yes out of obligation or because you have space in your diary. Save your energy.

Anyway, here are 9 tops that I would say yes to (actually have already bought the first one and I LOVE it)

Embroidered Bardot Top Navy £25 

Hurry, this top is selling fast!!

bardot top

Luckily I got my clammy hands on one. It is my piece de resistance.

Dark – doesn’t show dirt/jam fingers

Off the shoulder – who has chubby shoulders?

Tummy skimming – enough said

Good length – no builders bum with this one unless you are really being over at Gymboree!

Bardot top

Earrings from TLM Edit 

 

 

Embroidered Bardot Top £25

This is the blue & white stripe version of the navy top I could wax lyrical about. It is so flattering  and even if you raise your arms like you just don’t care, it still works and doesn’t expose anything as your under arms stop it riding up. (If that doesn’t make sense, buy it and you will see what I mean)

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Embroidered Bardot Blouse £39.50 

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Stripe Bardot Top £29.50

Move over pastels, now we are talking!!

Stripe Bardot

 

 

Yellow Ruffle Sleeve Top £35

It’s all about yellow this summer, so grab this top with both hands – it is a perfect transitional top before the tan as it covers most of you.

Yellow Ruffle Top

3/4 Sleeve Blouse £35 

You can’t go wrong with a white top and this one with triple stitch detailing is sure to blow the lights out.

white stitch top

 

 

Navy Peasant Blouse £35

This is super useful school run top to throw on and still look stylish.

peasant blouse

 

 

Vintage Ruffle Blouse £29.50

The Victorian Blouse is here to stay and this is a good investment as you can dress it up and down and it will take you through into winter too.

ruffle blouse

Star Textured Half Sleeve Blouse £29.50 

Stars and ruffles – tick tick tick.

star textured

marksandspencer.com

This post is written in collaboration with Marks and Spencer, but all items are recommended by me. 

Big Fashion

Introducing My New Venture : The London Mummy Shop

So, I feel slightly guilty to my lovely little sideline, TLM Edit.  It has been thoroughly neglected since I started it just under a year ago. I have been so busy with The London Mummy that my little fashion & accessories website has played second fiddle. Until now! I have spent the last couple of weeks, tweaking, choosing, updating and CURATING a bright & fun section of fashion and accessories from all over the world to help get you ready for Summer.

How Does It Work?

You go on to my website and buy something and it gets sent out to you!

Whilst I am at it… If you think your brand would work well on TLM Edit (new, small, start up, accessories or apparel) please drop me an email hello@thelondonmummy.com – I would love to hear from you!

So here are a few my top picks!

Tassel Bracelets in Grey, Black or Burgundy £15

tassel bracelets

 

Mochila Cross Body Bag : Pink, Green & Orange  £95

If you prefer a smaller cross body bag, this is the one for you. I love the tassles!

Cross Body Bag

Evelyn Bellucci Studded Black Swimsuit £49

I am always on the hunt for a foxy but flattering swimsuit and I think this ticks both boxes!

Studded Swimsuit

Navy Blue T Shirt with Stone Details £45

It’s all about embellishment at the moment and this T Shirt has small encrusted flowers on it.

Navy Blue T Shirt

 

Naftul Embroidered Trim Dress : White £150

This was a great hit last summer, so I have bought it back again. So pretty and wearable at the office or the beach.

White Dress

Flamingo Metallic Wallet £35 

Too much excitement in one wallet!!

 

flamingo wallet

Large Open Star Earrings : Gold, Silver or Rosegold £61

Who doesn’t love a star. If you embracing on the statement earrings – these are good ones to start with.

Open Star Earrings

Triple Star Earrings in Silver, Gold or Rosegold  £86

If you are looking for the wow factor – these are for you!

Triple Gold

 

Quote Me Necklace £61

This is so original! Also comes in gold and rose gold.

Quote Me Necklace

 

Floral Skin Slip On Sneakers £385

Ok, this wouldn’t be a frivolous purchase but the slip on sneaker is here to stay and I haven’t seen any like this on the high street.

Slip On Sneakers

Artemis Persefone Orange Sandal £79

I ahem a great selection of sandals from Artemesia and these are my front runners. If you prefer more candy colours or a tassle – you may like these? 

 

Orange Sandal

 

 

So, what do you think? I usually hide behind other people so it is slightly scary putting myself on the line!

Please follow me over on Instagram  or sign up to hear about new lines, brands and products here 

Anyway, lovely peeps, have a very Happy Easter

Lucinda xx

tlmedit.com

 

Big Fashion

Best Of The Rest : The Sales

Who has time to trawl the high street to check out the sales? No, I thought not. Even if you were inclined to give it a go, the sight of rails with only size 6’s and 16’s left (lucky you if you are one of those!) is enough to make me walk back out the door as quickly as I went in. Over the last few months, I have been waiting in the wings to see if a few items on my wishlist have appeared in the summer sales. And a few have. Here they are!

Maje Sailor Style Bonded Leather Jacket WAS £479 NOW £335

Now is the perfect time to grab an authentic leather jacket. Buy it before you need it in the sale!

BALTIQUE

Isabel Marant Black Voile Top WAS £195 NOW £75

Oooh a little ruffle. The dress version is now sold out, but grab a bit of Marant with this cute top.

 

 

Toast Linen Short Sleeve Tee WAS £55 NOW £27

Hard to think this retails for £55. Phew, that’s alot for a white T Shirt. It is because they fit like a dream and YOU can get it at almost half price. Comes in lots of other jewel colours.

Linen Short Sleeve Tee

Anthropologie Maree Printed Trousers WERE £88 NOW £61

Printed trousers will see you through the summer and into Autumn. There is no hiding from them. You wouldn’t be able to hide in these anyway.

 

Mango Embroidered Panel Dress WAS £49.99 NOW £24.99

Even if this style is a la mode, at this price it doesn’t (really) matter if it only gets a couple of wears along the promenade. Holiday dresses here.  School run dress here.

Embroidered panel dress | MANGO

 

Ash Isha Black Boots From Katie & Jo WAS £203 now £53

Ok, only one size left (40 – my size) so if you are quick, you may beat me to it. (I am including you as want you to beat me to it as I already have some tassled black boots (not as nice as these though!)

Isha Boots, Black

 

 

Maje Stretch Lace Dress Was £290 NOW £145

Pretty as a picture and from one of my favourite labels Maje.

ROXO

Hush Florence Dress WAS £60 NOW £40

Perfect school holiday dress. dark enough to show the dirt and long enough not to flash!

Florence Dress

 

Puma Activewear Leggings WAS £55 NOW £41

I am yet to purchase any new activewear as I have no reason to (!) but if I was I would go electric blue with a bit of black panelling. Activewear sales have already overtaken denim in China. Will it happen here?

Soludos Smoking Slipper WAS £88 NOW £44

Tan colour & platform heel – great on the legs!

 

New Balance Red 620 Trainers WAS £70 NOW £45.50

Sporty and cool. I LOVE New Balance!

Image 1 of New Balance Red 620 Trainers

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Have you found any bargains? Tell me if I am missing any! xx

 

 

 

Activities Days Out Events

9 Summer Holiday Camps

One of the things I planned to do before the end of term was to sort out holiday camps. With only three weeks to go, I haven’t done so yet and have been spurred into doing so by the plethora of emails circulating from school and nursery friends about what to book the kiddios into. I have been collating a file of holiday camps over the last 3 months that I am interested in or have done before. Here they are!

Wild Learning

This summer club is a young intrepid explorer’s dream. Between fire making, shelter building, mud sculptures, making dams, whittling, making whistles and crowns, making mini towns, giving the trees faces, making Viking knitting machines or puppets, finding stick men, playing stealth games, learning how to make rope bridges, making and tackling assault courses, making bread or cakes on the fire, mini beast hunts, scent tracking, magic listening stones, ground pictures, story chains, drum and music games, being explorers and much much more no day is the same.

Various locations across the South East including Wimbedon Common and Putney Common in London.

Call Rachel or Julie 01483 424 400

http://www.wild-learning.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/drawhorse.jpg

 

 

Dance Grooves

Get your kids active and one step ahead of the curve with dance lessons from Dance Grooves.

All over London.

Book here

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Clarendon Inspires

If you are keen to get your child educated both culturally and academically, you must try Clarendon Tutors for their cultual itiniaries for kids around London. Not only will it include an hours tutoring, they will be exercised and invigorated at various interesting locations around London.

Contact Henry or Orlando to book here

IMG_0380

 

 

Danceworks International Ballet Academy

Open to all students 6 to 18 years of age July 18th – 29th 2016

DIBA welcomes you to our second International Ballet Summer School Intensive. This unique two-week programme held in Danceworks London studios for children and teenagers, is founded on the belief that the arts have a unique power to motivate and engage young dancers to achieve excellence. Classes are taught by internationally renowned dancers from leading ballet companies.

Mayfair, London

Apply here

 

Summer Music Camp in French

Perfect for tiger parents. Music and french in one. If you child is between 8-12, this fun interractive music camp finishes with a performance for parents at the end of the week.

Clapham, London

Book here

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Little House of Science

My 5 year old did one of their morning workshops on space and absolutely loved it. Small groups and fully interactive, this is great for a budding scientist.

Various locations in London.

Contact here

fun experiments

 

My Little Boarders

No, I am not suggesting you pack them off to boarding school for the summer (!) this holiday camp is perfect if you have a budding skate boarder in your midst.

Westway Sports Club & Westminster Academy.

Ages 6-13

Book here

 

Shooting Starz Holiday Camp

My ultimate favourite football camp (and we have done ALOT of football clubs and classes). The teachers are so kind, interested in the kids, know all the children by name and give specific feedback.  The days are super fun and the boys love it.

Ravenscourt, Acton, Fulham.

Book here

Or call Luke to discuss age and siblings (they welcome my 3 year old as he is footy mad!) 07549 982 243

 

Miss Sophie’s Holiday Club

A spin off from Sophie’s Taste For Knowledge website which supplies cooks and tutors, Sophie has deeveloped days out for children in London. See below!

Contact Sophie here

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For more indepth search of holiday camps, try Kidsorted who are up to speed on everything, everywhere! Also, if you want to go it alone in the smoke, sign up to London’s Little Thinkers newsletter with lots of information on what’s on, in and around the Capital.