Author: THE MOTHERSHOP

Every cloud…

This Modern Life

I’m not one to get down about the weather, after all we live in the UK; we’re professionals at bad weather. But I have to say, this lack of sun is now starting to wear thin even on me. Firstly Florence has an entire summer wardrobe yet to make use of, secondly I’m bored of packing sunglasses, umbrella, rain coat, sun cream, rain cover, sun hat; just make your mind up weather!!!

Looking on the bright side though, the grey clouds did inspire me for this blog post, there is soooo much cool stuff for kids whatever the weather, be it cloudy, sunshine or showers.

Here’s my edit of the best…Click on the image for details.

Light £10 A lovely little company

Trousers £16 Tobias and the Bear

Sleepsuit £20 Rockinbaby.com

Beaker £5.50 the-kids.co.uk

Teethers £9.99 foxsfelts.co.uk

Cushion £14 Andshine.co.uk

Mobile £15 Etsy.co.uk

Hoody £15 fredandnoah.com

Jumper £19 laredoute.co.uk

Blanket £21 thismodernlife.co.uk

Cushion £42 bobbyrabbit.co.uk

Light £65 whiterabbitengland.com

Bedding £48 tobiasandthebear.com

Made By Riley

MADE BY RILEY-553.4000x3000@72ppi

British Loungewear brand Made By Riley have teamed up with the NSPCC and Maggie’s Cancer Trust to collaborate with their SS16 collection. The cool range of tees and sweatshirts have slogans such as ‘CHOOSE TO SHINE’ and ‘NO RAIN NO RAINBOW’ helping to give sleep deprived Mum’s a pick up each morning. The ‘RILEY’ sweatshirt is the perfect throw-on-and-go with a pair of skinnies and still be able to pull off that cool Mum look. The ‘R’ sweatshirt from the main line collection has been seen on mega mum Fearne Cotton.

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Both charities partnership will last a lifetime, not just this season and for each one sold, 10% will be donated to the relevant charity.

£90

£40

£90

£90

Prices range from £40 – £110. For more information go to www.madebyriley.co.uk

CLUTCH CONTROL

Jem + Bea BABA pouch, £18

Ooh yeah! Exciting Bag News Alert! Uber cool changing bag brand JEM + BEA have just released their latest offering in the form of these nifty clutches. The black MAMA bag is available in luxurious calf leather embossed with gold letters (lets face it, anything embossed or monogrammed is the fashion dream). But the clever bit is, they’ve kept their signature water resistant, wipe clean lining so no need to panic when little yoghurty fingers do a speed grab inside for your keys.

The navy BABA pouch is made from practical nylon and has a pop of colour with its bright yellow lettering. Pull that bad-boy out your changing bag at Gymboree and watch the Mumvy unfold (that’s Mum envy if you didn’t know).

MAMA - black - open - £45

Use them as a compact changing kit, a posh snack bag, an evening clutch or a Mum’s Emergency Kit bag (a miniature gin would fit just snug in there right?). Whatever you do, just make sure you get in there quick when they become available as at £45 (Mama) and £16 (Baba), they’re bound to sell out fast.

Launching on the 4th July the bags are available at JEM + BEA

ALL TIED UP

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One thing nobody tells you about when you’re pregnant is that your feet get bigger, not in length (that really would be weird) but width; and especially if its hot. They’re a bit like post-flight feet, a bit swollen,a bit uncomfortable, basically not ideal. I had Florence in July last year, it was pretty hot and it’s fair to say I was even wedging on my trusty Havaianas by that stage. Not a good look.

However if you’re pregnant now, lucky for you the sandal trend of the summer is pretty preggo friendly. Remember the lace up Gladiator sandal from last year? Well its had one hell of an makeover, it’s pretty much carnival ready. OK yes, so you may need a little help to tie them up for you as you’re bump gets bigger but it’ll be so worth it as they so look pretty! And the best bit? As you’re feet get bigger you can just do them up looser, no more wedging in power required! Boom!

Here’s a selection to get you started…click or hover over the image for details.

£22.99 New Look

£129 Etsy

£26 Glamorous

You Da Bomb

Gucci

What is going on with this crazy weather? Spring and sunny one minute, cold and wintery the next; I feel like I’m coat on, coat off the whole time. The answer? A bomber jacket. Not only is it the coat of the season, it’s the solution to this can’t-make-up-its-mind weather situation.

Miss Selfridge

Whether you’re expecting now or already a new mum, the bomber is great for those “Do I need a coat?” days. As your bump gets bigger you can wear it unzipped over a dress or tie it round your waist when feel yourself heating up (basically the whole time when you’re pregnant!) They’re also great if you’re feeding, worn over a strappy top, its just a quick zip undone and plug baby in!

Asos White

They’re great for all occasions too, with sequinned styles for nights out or khaki floral printed for day, with literally the whole high street covering this trend, you’re bound to find a style you like. Marks and Spencer has some great styles I noticed when I went in store this week, you can see some here.

79.99 zara

Word of warning, there are quite a few shiny versions around, so to avoid the Ryan Gosling in Drive look and keep it feminine by wearing over a dress or skirt. Add a red lip like the above and job done! Go get yours now….

Zara

WE LOVE MAE

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Aussies do Interiors well. It’s a fact. Luckily, we don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to get a piece of it either as uber-nice lifestyle brand Love Mae is now available here thanks to S-c Brands. Add some character to your child’s nursery with some of their easy to use wall decals, like their wigwam theme or flying birds.

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flying_twitters_girly_mae_fabric_reusable_stickers

The best thing about these is they instantly change the feel to a room without the need of a major paint job. The decals stick to any surface and can be easily removed, so ideal for ever-changing children’s tastes.

Love Mae also has a great range of children’s dining sets. The beautiful designs include safari, woodland and fruit themed as well as many more, they’re perfect for meal times at home or picnics in the park.

5PC Sets_Bamboo Dinnerware_birds eye

What’s more, the sets are made from bamboo as opposed to melamine, making them 100% bio-degradable. So you can do your bit for the planet at the same time. Dinner winner!

Forest Feast

On Safari

Eat Your Greens

Bamboo Dinnerware_birds eye

For more information head to S-c Brands.

Stick your neck out

It’s the easiest (and cheapest) Spring wardrobe sprucer around. The neck scarf has been around since the AW15 shows from the likes of Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton and on into Spring Summer at Emporio Armani. And they’re going nowhere fast by the look of it as the high street has followed suit. I have to say I was sceptical at first, thinking it could look more flight steward than stylish, but with all the prints to choose from, you’re bound to find one that’ll work with your existing wardrobe. I went for a paisley print from Asos to wear over a plain round neck knit or with breton stripes.

Paisley Scarf £8 Asos.com

[Hover over or click on the below images for details]

£29 & Other Stories

£8 Topshop

£70 Liberty

£15.99 Mango

If you’re looking for more spring saviours like the neck scarf, then keep reading… Key accessories for SS16 such as the square boot, the white bag, the tribal necklace and the mule shoe can all be worn with your maternity wardrobe now and then post-pregnancy. What’s more, a few key pieces like these will instantly update your look without the need of a big expensive shop.

Check out the selection below for the best bits to buy now…

[Hover or click the images for details]

SS16 ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

The Printed Scarf £7.99 Zara

The Metallic boot £75 Office

The Fedora £19 & Other Stories

The White Bag £22 M&Co

The Neck Tie £7 Asos

The Transparent sunglasses £26 Spitfire at Asos

The Mule £48 Office

The Backpack £29.50 Marks and Spencer

The Long Earrings £9.99 Mango

The Tie Up Sandal £22.99 New Look

The Tribal necklace £22 Oliver Bonas

The Choker £3.99 New Look

H&Mmmmmm

There’s no denying it, H&M are having a moment. All you need to do is watch their new City Diaries Spring fashion commercial and you’ll be putting items in your online basket faster than a new parent can eat their dinner.

If you’ve just had a baby, this is the perfect chance to spoil yourself with a few new pieces to make you look and feel great, which is so important as a new Mum. With the Fashion Editor’s favourite cold shoulder top at just £7.99 (yes really!) you wont feel guilty for spending from the nappy fund either.

There’s a strong Boho influence across many styles in store at the moment meaning cuts are loose and flowing and styles are floaty and flattering – ideal for a post-baby body. You can wear them straight away rather than keeping them hung neatly in your wardrobe for when you’re ‘back to your original size’ (which lets face it, could be next season.) I particularly love the red shoulder-showing tassel dress at just £14.99 which would hide any post-baby pouch a treat!

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Many of the tops and blouses are either off the shoulder, lace up or tassel-tied meaning they’re feeding friendly too.

Button Up Smock Top £29.99

I know time is precious as a new mum (and most of said time is spent googling stuff like ‘how long can a baby cry for?’ and ‘what should newborn poo look like?’) so I’ve compiled a Top 10 to save you valuable shopping seconds. You’re welcome…

[Click on each image for details]

Embellished Long Sleeve Dress £59.99

Belted Long Sleeve Dress £39.99

Wide Leg Elasticated Waist Trousers £14.99

Cold Shoulder Top £7.99

Striped Dress £24.99

Lace Up Blouse £19.99

Belted Cardigan £39.99

Kick Flare MAMA Jeans £29.99

Beaded Jacket £79.99

Trench Coat £39.99

So next time you’re up feeding on the night shift, check out hm.com – what can be better than a 3am shop from the comfort of your bed eh?!

Easter made Easy

For most (and by most, I mean me) Easter is about eating as much chocolate as humanly possible. However if you want to buy someone a more thoughtful present that’ll last longer than 30 seconds then check out our eggsellent (sorry) gift ideas; they’re the perfect excuse to spoil that special little person this Easter…

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1. Sleepsuit £15.50 Little Dandies. 2. Shoes £9.95 Baby Gap. 3. Lamb £19.78 Jellycat at Smallable. 4. Building Blocks £12 Myla & Oscar. 5. Comforter £19.95 Moulin Roty at Cuckooland.com. 6. Hat £40 Oeuf at Nine In The Mirror. 7. Knitted Body £58 Stella McCartney Kids at AlexandAlexa. 8. Stacker £24 Little Baby Company at Notonthehighstreet. 9. Sleepsuit £17 (part of a set of three) Next. 10. Book £10.51 The Book Depository. 11. Rattle £17 Anne-Claire Petit at Amara. 12. Slippers £14.95 Cuckooland.com. 13. Beatrix Potter outfit £16 Mothercare. 14. Musical Eggs £22.99 Babipur.

THE SS16 TREND REPORT

It’s official. The sun has been out at least twice which in my mind means spring is finally here. The January sales are over, the February transitional pieces are well gone and the new spring/summer styles that get us wanting to rip up our current wardrobe and start all over again are now dropping in store. If you’re anything like me, by the end of winter I am so over all my clothes, out with all the layers and chunky knits and I look forward to days where it doesn’t take twenty minutes of coat, hat, scarf, gloves, sunglasses, umbrella rigmarole just to get out the door.

There’s no reason why being pregnant should affect your style, yes you may have to adapt certain looks but why not treat the nine months as a good time to experiment with new cuts like flared jeans or a maxi dress. With an ever increasing choice on offer in the world of maternity wear, THE MOTHERSHOP has created a handy little a round up of the top trends for SS16 and a sneak peak of what’s on offer in maternity wear for the coming season. All that’s needed now is a little bit of sunshine…

HOPELESS ROMANTIC

Blush tones, pretty florals and textured white make up this feminine trend; throw in a touch of dreamy Chloe-style boho and you’re on the right lines. Look out for pleats for bonus style points too.

Romantic

[Clockwise from left] Floral maxi dress £48 Asos. Frill bib £15 Asos. White crochet dress £99 Seraphine. Blush pleated skirt £49 Seraphine. White top £16 Next.

SUPER STRIPES

Big stripes, small stripes, coloured stripes, graphic stripes, vertical stripes; you get the picture; you can’t go wrong in bump boosting stripes this season. Look out for shoulder-showing styles if you want to be oh-so-ss16.

STRIPES

[Clockwise from left] Striped t-shirt £16 Asos. Dress with pink pockets £175 Madderson London. Off shoulder dress £28 Asos. Cold shoulder dress £28 Next. Micro stripe dress £30 Marks and Spencer. Under the bump pencil skirt £20 Next.

FRILL SEEKERS

Go big or go small, either way ruffles were out in force across the catwalks. From Roberto Cavalli to Miu Miu, frills were at the forefront of the designers minds this season.

FRILLS

[Clockwise from left] Sleeveless dress £153 Marni at Nine In The Mirror. Peach dress £42 Asos. Pink sleeveless dress £POA Madderson London. Shortsleeve printed dress £335 Paul & Joe at Nine In The Mirror. Yellow top £58 Peakes of London.

DENIM DAYS

Max out on the denim as it’s going no-where fast. Look for details such as patchwork, two-tone or embroidered for the most up to date look. And cuts such as flared, cropped or A-line will see you through the season in style.

Denim

[Clockwise from left] Denim shirt £40 Topshop. Colour block dress £160 Hatch. Dungareees £45 Topshop. Grandad collar shirt dress £30 Marks and Spencer. Flared jeans £65 Mama Jeanius.

PICNIC TIME

Re-inventing the classic check in new cuts, from midi dresses to loose trousers. Look out for giant gingham in flowing fabrics.

PICNIC

[Clockwise from left] Green shirt £30 Mamalicious. Red checked dress £16 Matalan. Cream and Black checked shirtdress £39 Topshop. Red and black shirt dress £26 Dorothy Perkins. Black and white drape gathered front top £34 Topshop