Summer Fashion For You And Your Mini Me: 5 Key Pieces For Both Of You

The years when your little ones are happy to wear whatever you pick out for them from the wardrobe that morning are all too quickly over. Soon, they’re as opinionated about their outfits as they are about what they will and won’t eat and which toys they’re happy to share with their brother or sister. But, there are some trends this summer which should keep both mum and even the most ardent little fashionista happy. Here are some of the best pieces this season:

The colourful loafer

Ballet pumps have been the flat of choice for seasons, but the tide seems to be turning in favour of the loafer. Once the preserve of the sloany set, the loafer has had something of a fashion make-over. It’s

Saturday Caption

 

Unfortunately the Mr really does go out in public looking like this, but thankfully it's only when he walks the dog!

 

 

Have you got a funny or witty caption for this rather bright outfit?

I'd love to hear it!

 

Have a great weekend

 

 

 

Update your wardrobe with SS13’s key colour trends

SS13 brings a whole raft of new trends to play with, and this season’s catwalks showed something for everyone. Women’s jackets took centre stage with bomber styles heralded as the shape to be seen in; other key pieces included Chanel inspired boucle jackets in pretty pastel shades and masculine tuxedo silhouettes cut in pristine white fabrics. Other key pieces include cropped trousers, pencil skirts, statement trainers and low heels. Oriental inspirations were translated into kimonos, obi belts and origami shapes, whilst animal influences were seen in iridescent mermaid style dresses and snakeskin prints.

With an overwhelming choice of shapes, styles and cuts to choose from, often the simplest way to bring your wardrobe up to date is by investing in key pieces that nod to this season’s key colour trends.

Monochrome

One of the easiest trends to emulate, with many of us typically owning existing pieces in black and white to work with. Daring graphic prints were one of the strongest monochromatic looks seen this season, with bold stripes at Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger, and grid formations used at Emporio Armani and Louis Vuitton. Think ‘linear’ or be daring and go with a checkerboard print.

Alternatively - and this one’s not for fake tan fanatics - mimic the immaculate, fresh all white look seen at Roberto Cavalli and Missoni. Try teaming masculine tailored pieces with a bold red lip, and an oversized statement bag.

Pastel

Think spearmint green, fondant pink, baby blue, violet and lemon – these sweet and ‘frothy’ shades were seen at Christopher Kane, Mulberry and Valentino. Keep the colour to one element of your outfit: oversized slouch jumpers in pastels, paired with black jeans and simple pumps, are a great way to embrace the trend without feeling like a sugar plum fairy.

Neon

Hot pink, grass green, cobalt blue and orange shades were seen at Matthew Williamson and Missoni. Make an impact and colour block your outfit in neon bright shades, or incorporate one statement piece into an all white look. Alternatively add a colour pop to your outfit with accessories in neon – colourful, transparent bags and shoes will win you plenty of fashion points.

What trends do you look forward to wearing this summer?

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Soap making, Christmas Cards and Shopping - Our weekend that was

Another weekend seems to have flown by but we certainly managed to squeeze in quite a bit...

Saturday
After a nice lay in I whipped up some pancakes for brunch and then we got the soap making kit out. We made a lovely variety of coloured and scented products that the Mini Mes have decided to sell to family and friends to make themselves some money for their boxes. After lunch we had fun on the X-Box playing various sports and then we did some baking. We made a delicious warm dessert, sticky syrup sponge, which everyone enjoyed!

In the afternoon we chilled out with pizza and watched Dolphin Tale. Thankfully the lights were off so the Mini Mes couldn't see me welling up, soppy thing!

Sunday
We met up with my parents in the morning for breakfast at Wetherspoons and a bit of shopping in town. I was good and had a sausage roll instead of a large full English like the Mr but it looked unbelievably good. We had a browse around the shops and I fell in love with this beautiful charm for my bracelet. I behaved and didn't purchase it so I've popped it on my wishlist for Christmas instead... I've been a good girl all year Santa, promise!

In the afternoon we watched Mr Popper's Penguins and Jingle All The Way as requested by the Mini Mes cuddled up on the sofa and I then I made Toad in the Hole for everyone. I'm still doing Jenny Craig and really enjoying it. First weigh in tomorrow eek!

What did you get up to this weekend?

I'm linking this with...

Dizolve Review

When I received Dizolve non-bio washing sheets to review I was astonished by just how compact the packaging was making it easy to store and therefore kinder to the environment too. So many tubs of washing liquid and powder are huge and heavy making them hard to fit under the sink with everything else that's required for a tidy home. But Dizole use 80% less packaging which means there are less lorries on the roads and less pollution aswell!


The resealable packets contain 12 non bio sheets (there are bigger packs too) which are super concentrated and enough for 12 full loads or 24 half loads of washing. It's great that you don't have to measure them out and they are less messy too.... the kids can get domesticated (they love to help pressing the buttons and turning dials!) without worrying about spillages on the floor and work surfaces! You can use them with a warm or cold wash too.

We were sent both Fresh Linen and Lavender to test and despite not being keen on Lavender they were fragranced nicely and weren't overpowering. I even let the neighbours have some packs to try - they were impressed too with the scent and results!

The instructions are very easy to follow with a 'How many sheets to use' diagram on the reverse of the pack stating how many you need to use depending upon the soiling of the clothing you are washing and the water (medium or hard) that you are washing with.

The test
I had worried originally whether such a small sheet, around A5 size, would clean a full load of washing and whether it would leave a sticky residue on the items. However the clothes I washed came out smelling really fresh, just how I like them, and there weren't any bits left stuck on the clothing anywhere. I've used them several times since and I'm very pleased with how they clean dirt and food from everything.

I would actually purchase these in the Linen Fresh scent and use them in the future, they barely take up any room in the cupboard, they make my clothes smell lovely and they are easy to use. Anything that makes housework easier is good in my book!

For more information on Dizolve you can head to their website.

Dizolve is available at selected Waitrose Branches and is on promotion with Tumble Tots.

Naturally Powered Review

Being a mum I seem to spend a lot of time cleaning, cleaning and erm cleaning so when we were offered the chance to try some new concentrated non-bio laundry powder I jumped at the chance. Anything that may help to get dirt and spilt dinner out of clothes is always helpful!





The box we received was 800g which is enough for 13 washes based on a normal load with little soiling in medium hard water. The laundry powder comes within a bag inside the box and there is a small card cup with a 30g fill line supplied to use as a scoop.

I first noticed how mild the blue and white powder was in scent, it was still pleasant but not very strong.  It is made from plant-derived cleaning ingredients and is dermatologically tested though so it's skin friendly which is great!

I followed the detailed instructions on the rear of the box and loaded my machine ready for action.

After a 40 degrees wash I checked the variety of clothing and although it was nice and clean (thumbs up) it did lack a 'fresh' scent which I've come to expect. This happened again on a 15 degrees wash - the product website states will still provide 'brilliant results'. This may be good for those that don't like an over-powering smell on their clothing but personally I like my clothes to smell fresh after a wash. I was pleased however that there wasn't any residue left on the clothes from the powder which I've found has happened with alternative brands in the past.



The product is independent performance tested and supports the production of certified sustainable palm oil. The packaging is card and therefore recyclable - bonus.

For more information on this product you can head over to Naturally Powered's website.

Available at £3.50 from Tesco


*I was sent Naturally Powered to review. My views are my own based on my experience of the product*