Hush Little Baby...

Hush Little Baby...

 ...don't say a word, mama's gonna buy you a whole new spring wardrobe!  I think the sleepless nights with a baby may be going to my head.  However, whilst I am struggling with the broken sleep and general lack of sleep due to the night feeds, there is one bonus - I get to do some phone shopping to keep me awake whilst I feed.  As a psychologist, I can always find a positive re-frame for any scenario and so I bring you the wonderful world of Hush clothing.  

Hush is a brand I had seen online, all over Instagram etc, I had even gone so far as getting a catalogue in the post but I had never actually made a purchase.  I think as I hadn't seen the clothing in real life, I wasn't sure as to the quality and so had not wanted to commit.  More fool me, I should've ordered so as I could see for myself, as I have been seriously missing out.  As luck or fate might have it, one of my very lovely and super generous friends actually sent me a parcel at the beginning of this year, which contained my very own item of hush clothing - a star shirt - and I loved it, so much so, I have worn it loads already.  So when an email popped up in my inbox alerting me to the new spring collection, I didn't hesitate to click on the link and look what treasures I have found for you...

Starting off where it all began with the stars collection.  I love this classic white t-shirt with a metallic twist and I love how it's been styled with the khaki.   So not only do Hush offer fabulous clothing they also give you inspiration as to how you might wear it.  This is ideal, as who doesn't have a pair of khaki trousers in their wardrobe just waiting for spring to arrive. I would probably go for a khaki chino (I may have picked up a distressed pair for £5 in the H&M sale) rather than a harem though, but that's just my preference.

Star Slub V Tee £35 

They also have an olive green version of my gorgeous star print shirt here, but seeing as I already have the shirt I have been eyeing up the dress version.  This will be perfect for spring/summer and with it's button down front, also perfect for breastfeeding.  I love how they've styled it too, and I would also pair this with a pair of leather ankle boots.  If I was lucky enough to own a pair of Chloe Susanna boots, it would be them, but sadly at present I can only stretch to the Office Lucky boots (although I have to say they are a fab more affordable alternative).

Azalea Dress £65

A bit of a classic buy this one, and whilst I am so over jumpers (come on sunshine, where are you?, this thin knit would be perfect for spring and summer evenings.  It also comes in grey, but I much prefer the black version personally.

Star Jumper £85

I haven't just been drawn to clothing either, but they also have some fabulous accessories, like this crossbody/shoulder leather bag, which not only has a beautiful perforated star detail, but also a leather star charm attached.

Margaux Bag £89  

So moving on, I think that's enough of the stars and now onto dungarees.  I still haven't had the guts to wear dungarees yet and I wasn't sure if it was a bit of a fleeting trend, but no it appears the dungarees are still here to stay and these ones are extremely tempting.  I love that they are a little unique in their design.

Dungarees £95

They also have some fabulous jumpsuits.  If I wasn't such a munchkin, I love the Amalfi jumpsuit, but I fear that it might swap me, and so I think the Riviera is probably a better fit for me, but both gorgeous, don't you think?

                                           Amalfi Jumpsuit £85             Riviera Jumpsuit £85

Bored of stars, bored of stripes (no, let's be realistic, this is never going to happen, I will never tire of breton) then Hush bring you the lightening bolt.  They have a whole range of lightening inspired items (do have a look), but my personal favourite is another take on the classic white t-shirt.

Mini Lightening Bolt Tee £30

Just to prove that I am not bored of stripes, my final pick from the Hush Spring range is a beautiful striped skirt.  I am not normally a skirt person, I don't have a huge amount in my wardrobe and I tend to prefer trousers, but this might just change things. The fact that I share a name with it is surely a sign to purchase? No? I also love the pairing of this with a splash of yellow, perfect to get you in the mood for spring

Sofia Striped Skirt £55

This is just the tip of the iceberg, they have some seriously good stuff on their website, so do have a look.

 

Thank you for reading.
Sophie x  

Mango - End of Sale Finds

Mango - End of Sale Finds

A very quick blog post today, so you can grab the bargains whilst they are still to be had.  We're way way into February and dare I say it almost into March and so you would think that all the decent sale stock is gone, right? wrong!  My late night feeding sessions with the littlest little mean that I have to find some way to keep myself awake until he has finished feeding and what better way that online shopping!  So I may have made a late night/early morning purchase a few days ago, which arrived today.  In my defence (and in case hubby is reading, which I strongly doubt) I have recently sold a load of my maternity clothes on eBay and so had some spare paypal funds floating around, which were just waiting to be spent on some more goodies. Anyway enough of my waffling, here are the treasures I ordered and my thoughts on them all, they are sadly not all staying, but on a positive that means I get some money back to buy something else (ever the optimist!).

I absolutely love this gorgeous dress and it is such a good price I couldn't not buy it. I'm not usually a fan of florals, but this is a gentle monochrome version of florals and if my london fashion week Instagram feed is anything to go by, then florals are IN!  I think this is supposed to be a midi length, but on a munchkin like me comes up as more of a maxi, but it works all the same.  It is not ideal for my current breastfeeding requirements (no easy access), but I am not going to be breastfeeding for ever and there is the odd occasion when hubby and I get to go out sans bambino.  This dress is perfect for spring to hide my whiter than white legs (the joys of being an English rose), but will also work in the summer.  This is one of those items that could be dressed up for a special occasion, or equally worn for everyday casual events (a more likely occurrence in my world).  This is definitely a keeper and I think I'm going to wear this with some black ankle boots and possibly a biker jacket.  There are still a range of sizes available online (sizing seems pretty spot on for those of you who are interested) so grab it while you can.

Mango Floral Pattern Dress £15.99

Another keeper, but this one is only left in size small I'm afraid, so you are going to have to act fast (although I ordered two sizes and I am just about to send back a size medium which may well appear on the website in due course and Mango do have a handy alerting system for when sizes come back in stock).  I love a jumpsuit, and I have a fabulous Topshop bandeau one, which is a little small for my post baby body to squeeze into and also not breastfeeding friendly so I have been looking for a breastfeeding friendly one and I found one for less than twenty quid (does happy dance).  This did arrive a little crumpled (which does not necessarily bode well for wearing it, but we shall see).  This is a light fabric, perfect for spring/summer, with a very handy little popper which make breastfeeding a doddle (I tested it!).  I think this could equally be dressed up or down, but I think I am more likely to dress this up with some heels or leopard print flats, some gold jewellery and a bit of red lippy.

 Mango Wrap Neckline Jumpsuit £19.99

So I did rather well and those were my actual only keepers, but I did also order this metallic top, which I actually quite liked but didn't realise from the picture online it was cropped (must pay more attention, I blame the sleepless nights).  For a post baby body, cropped is not a good look, trust me.  However if you were planning to tuck this in (as they have styled it on the website - see pic below) I think it could work, but for me I would need to be constantly untucking to accommodate the breastfeeding and I cannot be bothered with that at the moment, particularly when you have a little one who wants his milk NOW!  However, aside from this hurdle, the fit was actually really nice and I loved the colour, so if you are not currently breastfeeding, this might work for you.

Mango Metallic T-shirt £9.99

And finally of course a little bit of leopard (but no stripes this time!).  I loved the fit of this, nice and loose at the bottom but fitting well around the shoulders, and it was pretty flattering (apologies my iPhone photos do not really do it justice), but i wasn't sold on the fabric.  I love a leopard print, but it has to be a certain quality for me and this really didn't make the grade in my books.  I'm a little gutted as I've subsequently realised this also comes in grey as well as brown, which I suspect may have looked a little better.  As I didn't love it, it is going back.

Mango Animal Print T-shirt £9.99

Thank you for reading.  I would love to hear your comments. 

Sophie x

Spot the Difference

Spot the Difference

Following on from my F Word post, I'm bringing you some more frills.  For those of you with a larger budget this beautiful Co Tiered Sleeve Sweater.   Co is a luxury womenswear brand based in Los Angeles and stocked by specialty stores.

This is currently sold out on the UK sites Farfetch, and Net a Porter but I've managed to track it down on one of the US sites.  It's not cheap at upwards of £300, but it is beautiful as demonstrated by my favourite girl crush witblog on Instagram.

 

But do not fear, for those of you like me who do not have a few hundred quid to spare (I love maternity leave but it is not good for my shopping addiction) I have found a couple of more affordable alternatives.  As I suspect frills are going to be a more of a fleeting trend, you also might not want to break the bank with this one, so here are some options that might be a little more within reach.

 

This one from Boohoo.  Granted the quality does not look that great online, but for a passing trend and twenty quid it might be worth a try.

Boohoo Ruffle Sleeve Jumper £20

This one which comes in both black and grey (which I prefer) from Bow's Boutiques.  Sadly the grey appears to be out of stock at the moment, but the black is still in stock.  This looks like a more wearable thinner knit version that would work really well for spring.

 Haisley Ruffle Sleeve Jumper £25.99

Finally this offering from Topshop, whilst not identical being a cardigan rather than a jumper.  I think styled with a black top could have a similar effect, and it may be a little more versatile than the jumper.  The quality also looks pretty good.  A nice chunky knit, which is unlikely to fit under a coat, but would be a great coatigan for when the weather warms up.

Topshop Ruffle Sleeve Cardigan £45

Thank you for reading.  I would love to hear your comments.

Sophie x

 

The F Word

The F Word

Whilst those of you who know me, will be aware I do have a bit of a potty mouth, I'm actually talking frills here, they seem to be everywhere and whilst I am not a girly girl I am finding myself rather drawn to them, so I thought I'd share a round up of my favourites with you...

For those of you a little frightened of the frill, let me ease you in gently with a very subtle frilled vest from Topshop.  These are a bargain at £6 so not going to break the bank and no big dramas if these go out of fashion or you fall out of love with them.  They also come in a range of colours and I think would be great for layering until the warmer temperatures arrive and perfect for topping up your tan (just be careful of those straps) when the sunshine finally decides to make an appearance.  I am currently breastfeeding and so living in a uniform of vests and t-shirts/tops/jumpers and these would make a lovely change to the boring vests I am currently sporting.

Topshop Frill Vest £6

  

Also from Topshop, a fresh take on the classic white t-shirt for less than a tenner.  These also come in a lovely range of spring colours. Now if they just did this in a stripe, I would be one happy lady.

Topshop Frill Sleeve T-shirt £9

H&M also have some brilliant bargain pieces, including this blouse which comes in a lovely blue stripe or simple white. Not ideal for me breastfeeding at the moment as no easy access in this one, but I am tempted so that I can either pack it away for summer or bring it out on the rare occasion that I have a night out sans enfant.

H&M Frilled Cotton Blouse £12

This one however with it's button down front, I could definitely get away with for breastfeeding, whilst it may be a bit of a faff with all those buttons, what's a few buttons in the name of fashion.  If we can get a babysitter for our biggest little, then hubby and I do occasionally manage to get out with our littlest little (as he is much more transportable and well behaved) and this would be perfect for dinner or drinks out.  I love how they have styled this too with smart black trousers (all black, super slimming post bambino), and a stunning red lip.  I'd like to think I look as glamourous as this, but sadly this is not the case (I do however continue to try!).

H&M Frilled Cotton Blouse £24.99

This wouldn't really be my blog if I didn't include a stripe (or two!), and having narrowly missed out on the Chinti and Parker Ruffled Stripe top in the sales (I ordered it, did a high five, and then got an email a week later to say they had messed up and didn't have any stock G-UUUUU-TTED) I am still searching for a stripe top with a ruffle.  J Crew have this offering in the sale for £24, but only in limited sizes. I do have a fair bit of J Crew Breton, and the quality is very good.

J Crew Ruffle Sleeve T-Shirt £24

 

Having had a baby a few months ago, I still have a bit of a mum tum, which is not going anywhere fast until I get my backside into gear and do some exercise, but once I do, I would definitely be wearing something like these gorgeous Topshop Ruffle Waist Cropped Trousers.  I love how they've styled these with a simple t-shirt and trainers, perfect mum uniform, that could easily be transformed for going out with a statement necklace and a gorgeous pair of heels.

Topshop Ruffle Waist Trousers £39

Going all out there with the ruffles and the pattern is this beauty, which has been all over Instagram. I am not sure I am brave enough to rock this, but I have seen some gorgeous ladies who have and look a-maz-ing.  The styling on the website is pretty pants and makes this look a little bit granny I think, but they have the right idea, just the wrong shoes.  I think this could look pretty amazing with the right heeled ankle or shoe boots.  If you can't quite bring yourself to wear such an explosion of pattern and colour all over, then they do also have this blouse but for five pounds more you get a whole dress, and I think you either go all out or not at all to be honest.

H&M Patterned Dress £39.99

Finally a little something for the littles.  I don't have girls, I have been cursed blessed with boys, but if I did have a girl, this is what she would be dressed in.  Stripes and frills, what is not to love.

H&M Top with Frills £7.99

Thank you for reading.  I would love to hear your comments.

Sophie x

 

Post Maternity Beauty Essentials

Post Maternity Beauty Essentials

When I'm pregnant aside from a little skin break out in the first and sometimes second trimester, I really do seem to experience a little of that pregnancy glow.  My hair is really thick, shiny and soft and very little if any falls out, and my finger nails are so strong and grow really fast - it's great.  However as soon as that baby arrives this is where it stops, and my free natural beauty treatments disappear and it completely goes the other way.  My hands are so dry, I look like I've aged one hundred years, my finger nails break just by looking at them and my hair well I just seem to lose clumps of it in the shower and every time I brush it. This combined with very little sleep and a small person demanding most of your time leaves you with very little time to rectify this.  Having been pregnant a few times now, I have learnt a few sneaky tricks and mastered my list of products so I thought I would share this with you.  So here is my list of post maternity beauty essentials...

1. For those tired eyes nothing beats YSL Touche Eclat £25

aside from maybe some Rayban Wayfarers £135.

 
2. For dull skin I used to favour Clarins Beauy Flash Balm, but having since tried a magazine freebie of Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm £37 I am now hooked.  This stuff is amazing and smells absolutely gorgeous.  It's a little more expensive than the Clarins, but I think it's worth it.  I love this stuff and quite frankly could bathe in it!

3. For dry hands, when hand cream just isn't doing the job or I keep forgetting to put it on I actually resort to using a face mask.  Sounds odd but I'm sure I read about it somewhere, I just can't remember where (surely I can blame the baby brain?).  I've been using Clarins Hydra Quench Cream Mask £34 and it really does do an amazing job.  I also recently made use of a gift voucher for my local beauty salon and treated myself to a deluxe manicure with those heated gloves a-maz-ing, loved it and felt like a million dollars afterwards.

 4. For cracked or sore nipples (oh the joys of breastfeeding) I would strongly recommend Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream aka "The Purple Cream".  This stuff is an actual lifesaver in those early weeks, trust me if you are planning to breastfeed you need to purchase this before the baby arrives and use the stuff religiously unless you want to unleash a whole new world of pain to add to the many other pains that may or may not have been inflicted on you during and after childbirth.

5. A good lip balm, this is a bit of a personal preference so I would suggest you go with what you know and like.  I always have many on the go, stashed away in various places so they are always to hand.  I have recently discovered the French brands and would recommend the offerings from Caudalie, La Roche-Posay and Avene. 

6. For frizz free hair I have recently discovered (thanks Santa) the Living Proof range.  The Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield £12 is an absolute lifesaver in a world where there is little time to wash your hair let alone dry and straighten a frizzy barnet like mine (those of you who have seen the "It's the humidity" Monica moment on Friends will know what I mean - this is me on a good day).  This stuff is absolutely brilliant, love it.  You still need to wash and dry your hair (I have never been a fan of dry shampoo), but a quick spray of this keeps it smooth and shiny for days.

7. Finally for quick on the go make up, I have two new favourite products which are so easy to use and can make a world of difference.  

Firstly the Nars Velvet Shadow Stick £21.  This is so so easy and quick to apply.  I previously shied away from cream eyeshadow as it tended to crease and look a mess in a very short space of time (and I have never been someone who has the time or inclination to reapply make up all day long), but this is a revelation.  It lasts all day and without creasing, love this stuff.  I started off with this in Oaxaca (although I was also tempted by Hollywoodland), both of which are fail safe colours for most people.  But I am pleased to say I have extended my collection and Santa may have also brought me this set, which I also love (Santa was very good to me this year it appears - I must have been good!). 

 
Secondly the Nars Velvet Matt Lip Pencil £20 in Red Square, this is such a classic and my go to red lip, again so easy to apply (as long as those lips are mositurised - see above), it goes on like a dream and looks fabulous.

So that's it my round up of post maternity beauty essentials, after all it is extremely important to look gorgeous for the (little) man in your life!

 

Thank you for reading, I would love to hear your comments x