Winter Wishlist

My Winter wishlist actually includes a few things I couldn't just wish for, I had to have asap. Such as the amazing parka from the Kooples, the crystal Zara necklace, black stilettos and foxy Joules jumper. The rest will be mine in the very near future!! 

Clockwise from top left Ash boots, Kooples parka, silver Converse from Office, matt faux leather leggings from Topshop, grey cashmere from John Lewis, black Topshop courts, black Longchamp Le Pliage shopper, black leather Zara skirt, black/grey Topshop Leigh jeans, floral Ted Baker jumper, crystal statement Zara necklace, foxy Joules jumper.

Staple Florals

I have numerous floral dresses, I don't know why (the patterns generally hide a multitude of sins and baby snot) but I love them and they've become one of my go-to outfits for most occasions. I have winter, summer, smart, casual and maternity versions. I just thought I'd share the love for my newest edition to the floral collection, a Whistles number I got as a bargain in the Summer sales. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Anyway, we went for supper at The Rib Room at The Carlton Towers where I was very pleased to match said dress to a heavenly strawberry meringue dessert. What a sign.

Winter Warmers for Girls

After doing a post on Winter warmers for little baby dude here, I couldn't resist sharing some of Honey's cutest Winter accessories, (with all this talk of Winter can you guess it's my favourite season? Good riddance hot, sticky, frizzy hair Summer).

I can't resist a bit of Cath Kidston for little girls and have bought her a super warm navy duffle coat to stop the floral girlies looking too twee. And as for the glittery Miu-Miu-esq hight-tops, I only wish they did them in my size.

Winter Wish List

be still my beating heart

As the cold dark days draw nearer and Winter starts knocking on the door I can't help but think about my Winter wardrobe. There's something about the changing seasons which sends me running for the shops and choosing a selection of goodies to add to my wardrobe and Christmas list and the above is mine for 2012.

Clockwise from top left - French connection Teddy jumper, Moore and Moore hat, Topshop jumper, black high gloss Hunters, French Connection gilet, Ray-Ban aviators, black Ash Jalouse boots, Mulberry Dorset tote, Topshop jumper, UGG mini boots, Acne nude Marlow dress, J Brand corduroy skinny jeans, Blackberry and Bay Jo Malone candle, Whistles mosaic scarf.

Baby Winter Warmers

I absolutely adore this time of year, in fact give me a crisp Autumn morning over a hot Summer's day any time of the year. The cold crisp mornings, dew glistening on the ever present spider webs, the walk to nursery leaves crunching under foot, splashing in puddles and of course wrapping up in cosy knits and whisper soft scarves.
This year is baby Dude's first Winter and I couldn't resist getting him some of the cutest knits imaginable. The Uggs above were Honey's, perfect for keeping little toes toasty in the cold, his little cow hat and cream booties are from Baby Gap and bib is from Cath Kidston. Who knew dressing a little boy was as fun as dressing a little girl!

Baby Shop of the week - Little Bird for Mothercare

Little Bird floral skirt

Little Bird turn ups

I am a massive fan of Jools Oliver, in fact her baby book "Minus Nine to One" is my favourite pregnancy book of all time. I love her honest and normal approach to parenting, despite being one half of the most wealthy couple in England. She also has great style. Laid back yet effortlessly stylish, she rocks a pair of jeans like none other. Dressing in my favourite designer Isabel Marant for the launch of her new range of children's clothing range was a sure sign Little Bird for Mothercare was going to be just my cup of tea.

Born in the 70s, Jools is the youngest of three daughters and is an inspirational, hands-on Mum. As a mother of four, Jools embraces strong family values and plays a crucial role as the supportive, strong woman beside her husband, Jamie. The Little Bird journey began with a visit by the Mothercare project team to Jools' home to gain an understanding of what she loves; and to see first-hand the things that have inspired her personal style to help her design an eclectic range that reflects her unique, modern approach to motherhood. Little Bird is a distinctive and fresh expression of this collaboration.

The Little Bird range includes gorgeous newborn clothing to fun and eclectic boys and girls clothing that can be easily mixed and matched. I had to stop myself from buying the entire range, but did come away with a pair of jeans, Little Bird top, floral skirt and dress. Both the jeans and top can be worn by the Dude when he grows up too which is a huge bonus.

You can buy Little Bird for Mothercare online here.

DIY Isabel Marant

The divine Isabel Marant shirt and Acca skirt from Matches

Mango at ASOS dupe

I LOVE Isabel Marant, if I ever win the lottery I am dressing in Isabel Marant from head to toe and nothing else. Lately I am desperate for the leather Acca skirt from Matches online but cannot justify £620. However the one good thing about Isabel Marant is that everyone else seems to love her cool French style too, so pretty much everything from high tops to embellished jackets are replicated on the high street.
Anyway I was over the moon when I spotted a near perfect dupe for the Acca skirt by Mango on ASOS  for a steal at £60. I am going to be rocking it with my Topshop faux Isabel Marant Dicker boots and a super soft check shirt.
(Will update with an outfit shot soon.)

Also loving this Isabel Marant ensemble from Matches

Sophie Dahl for Aubin & Wills

As a big fan of both Aubin & Wills and Sophie Dahl, I was mega excited when their almanac popped through my letterbox only to see Sophie modelling for their Autumn WInter 2012 collection. The photography is beautifully whimsical, and the new season clothes are gorgeous.

Aubin & Wills (Jack Wills' sexier better quality older sister) do great quality basics as well as brilliant knits, cosy coats, cute dresses and super sweet kids t's. Their underwear is also simple and elegant.
I went a bit mad in there a few years ago when it first launched and all the items I bought I still wear today and are going strong after numerous washes and clashes with toddlers and babies. Aubin & Wills also have a great outlet store at Bicester Village, always worth a visit for great bargains.

You can buy Aubun & Wills online here.

Alex Monroe Bumblebee Necklace

The famous Bumblebee necklace, which has hung on the necks of the most discerning fashionistas and made by the celebrated British jewellery designer Alex Monroe, was very kindly given to Honey for her christening last year by her gorgeous and generous godmother. As Honey is way too little to wear it I thought I'd be the custodian of the necklace until she's eighteen and have been very kindly wearing it in for her. It is actually have the sterling silver Baby Bee necklace which is slightly smaller than the original. It is super delicate and beautiful and I'm sure Honey is going to love it as much as I do when she is old enough to wear it.

If you haven't seen or heard of Alex Monroe's gorgeous whimsical, nature inspired jewellery, which has graced all the major glossies, you must check out the website. I have spotted a few gorgeous pieces myself, great for *ahem* push presents etc. 

Mr & Mrs Bird Necklace

Twisted String Bangle

Petite Tea Spoon

The Baby Bee and original Bumblebee necklace also come in gold plate, or solid gold and can be bought from Alex Monroe here.

Baby Shop of the Week - Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston Hampton Rose T-shirt

I love Cath Kidston, subtly though, as it can become a bit twee. The children's section is great, the clothes are always classic, well cut and beautiful (apart form a lot of them being hand wash only, for a baby? Come on!) and the good thing is you don't see as many babies or kids dressed in it as say JoJo Maman Bebe.
Anyway they have an amazing sale so I popped down to our nearest store and bought Honey some leggings and a t-shirt this week which are super cute rose print and gorgeously girlie. They are 100% cotton and unbelievably soft. I thought the rose print would be great at hiding spillages and splashes too, which Honey seems to always be covered in at the moment. I could have bought the whole collection, but with the weather being so unpredictable did not want to buy too much summer stuff in case I was tempting fate and we don't end up getting any sun. Below is my current wish list.

Gorgeous cotton sun dress, great layered, also comes in blue

Super cute plimsolls

Gorgeous wellies, in fact we need these!

High on the wish list for the new baby, especially as I don't have a conventional changing bag

You can buy it online from Cath Kidston here.

The Whistles Peggy Twist Neck Linen Tee

I just had to write a post on this top as I'm uber excited about my new find - a non maternity top which fits me at 35 weeks preggo and from one of my fav stores no less.
So, you know when you discover a great wardrobe classic that you know will be in your wardrobe for ever and makes you feel fabulous in a casual, not trying too hard, this old thing way? Well this is it. Let me introduce you to the Whistles Peggy Twist Neck Linen tee. This little basic may look like any old t-shirt on the hanger and at £65 is not cheap, but believe me is so beautifully cut and drapes over you in all the right places, has three quarter length sleeves and is made from a gorgeous linen. The cut falls elegantly over a baby bump, and will hide all sorts of tummy issues post birth too, perfect. My mother even said it looked as if my bump had shrunk, result! This tee is also machine washable, a must when babies and toddlers are thrown in the mix, and comes in navy, white, black or neutral. Looks fab teamed with skinnies and heels.
LOVE.
You can buy them and lots of similar style tops from Whistles here.

I heart Lily and Lionel

I heart Lily and Lionel for their b.e.a.uuuuuutiful scarves. I wear scarves all the time and have a huge array of sizes and colours, but my current fav is without doubt a huge wrap with gorgeous mix of pinks and purples in a blossom print from the amazing luxury British accessories brand Lily and Lionel, founded by London College of Fashion graduate Alice Stone. My scarf is 55% wool 45% silk so über soft and warm yet light as a whisper. I use it all year round and it is particularly great in this transitional weather, it folds to nothing and fits snuggly away in my Mulberry. Mine will certainly get used a lot at the end of the Summer when trying to covertly feed the new baby in public!


Lily and Lionel scarves come in a huge range of different prints, styles and colours. I love, love, love the Violet London and French Scene print scarves, and this cashmere and silk mix Ryder scarf below from Donna Ida, defo next on my wish list.


You can find Lily & Lionel scarves in Whistles, Matches and the Liberty of London scarf hall (any excuse for a visit!)

www.lilyandlionel.com