Bank Holiday Loveliness

We had a family break in Cornwall over the bank holiday weekend.  We stayed here at Boscundle Manor and it was perfect.  Gorgeous hotel, amazing service, two pools for the kids and a breakfast to die for. 

The weekend's activities ranged from the sublime (dips in the pool, large white wine spritzers, delicious fish suppers) to the ridiculous (suspect crab sandwiches, a half hour hike to the top of the cliff with 2 children and a buggy and traffic jams on the way home).

With it being England I'd packed for all eventualities and included everything from bikinis to Wellington boots.  However we were lucky with the weather (although I will admit to being just slightly disappointed not to be able to break out my new purple Hunter wellies) and didn't receive more than a light sprinkling of rain.

Unsurprisingly I was very casually attired with outfits all being variations on this:

Breton - Zara, skinnies - Primark, parka - Primark, flip flops - Haviaianas

The next holiday is Christmas and New Year which is a depressing thought.  It seems like summer's only just began when it's over - perhaps we'll get an Indian Summer and September will be glorious.  Fingers crossed.

For The O.C . Fans ...

Last post of the day - I've a pile of ironing to rival K2 - but I adore this.  I never watched it myself but apparently it was used in The O.C.  It's an amazing song and, if you disregard the questionable attire, Finley looks H.A.W.T. in the vid.  I've always been a sucker for a skinhead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QHtSNppaks

Bumpity-Bump

Wagon's are made for falling off of (or so I've been told) and in the last week I've been weak and succumbed to the temptations of the new A/W stock in store.  My Wish List is still growing but I've the age-old dilemma of not being able to find what I want at the moment.  Here's what I've bought in the last week (apologies for the really dreadful quality):

Flippy-flappy double layered calf length skirt for work - Zara.  Really flattering on but I don't have any shoes that "go" - need pointed heels ASAP.

Houlihan copies - Whistles.  A little loose after my impromptu "detox" but nothing that a few doughnuts won't sort.

White and red slouchy Breton tee - Zara.  Because a red and white Breton tee (of which I have none) is very different to a navy and white Breton tee (of which I had 30 at the last count).  Right? RIGHT?

Leopard print cardigan - Warehouse.  It's leopard print, it's 50s style, it's soft and snuggily.  Nuff said.

Veet (formerly known as Immac) Warm Wax Jar - currently on offer at Sainsbury's.  Because my Waxing Lady is on her jollies at the moment and I was a hairy bitch.

I also bought a perfect pair of black cigarette pants for work from Zara, although I couldn't even get a half decent picture on this camera so no point posting it.  They have a higher rise, don't gape at the back and keep their shape.  Shocked.

Plus one gratuitous shot of Pixie-face, having just demolished a dark chocolate Kit-Kat finger.

Love this ... Tensnake - Coma Cat

Man Down

What a week.  The past seven days have been challenging.  Really bloody challenging. 

The babes were pretty grumpy after their jabs, Pixie-face especially so, and therefore we had a fraught few days whilst we dealt with that.  Then just as things were getting back to normal we were struck down with a particularly nasty sickness bug.  The last 5 days have been an unappealing mix involving many trips to the toilet, the odd snatched hour of sleep, projectile vomiting and dry retching (in all honesty, I don't know which is worse), two very grumpy children (although, God love her, Peachy has been SO good - she has been rewarded with a new ballet outfit and shoes in preparation for her starting ballet class next week) and a lot of self pity.  Understandably, the grandparents were loathe to visit as they didn't want to catch the lurgy so we were left to fend for ourselves.  Which would have been bad but doable had Himself not also been floored by the bug and been reduced to spending 2 days in bed unable to help with the babes or, indeed, do anything but moan and groan.  The fact that I was equally ill was, it would appear, of no consequence and (because it's what women do) I had no choice but to rise to the challenge of the childcare becoming solely my responsibility.  It's been grim.

Anyway, outfits have been outstanding in their dullness.  Primarily pj's but also an assortment of skinny jeans, slouchy tee-shirts and plaid shirts (terribly 2009 I know, but who the hell cares when you're getting reacquainted with last night's dinner?)  So, no outfit posts.  Must try harder.

However, I did fall spectacularly off the Spending Ban wagon and so I'll post some pictures of what I've bought shortly.

Happy Thursday people x

Gold Stars All Round

Today I had the horrible job of taking my babes to get their booster jabs.  I was dreading it - I hadn't felt as nervous since I'd had to shoehorn a feral tomcat into a basket in preparation for being rehomed with Bath Cats Home.  Anyway, they were both brilliant and with the assistance of a ChupaChup lolly, a couple of cuddles and a dummy it was all forgotten pretty quickly.

For this thrilling trip I wore this which was boring but comfy:

skinnies - Primark, charcoal vest - M&S Limited Collection, charcoal cardigan - All Saints, flats - Bertie, watch - Sekonda

Ignoring The Palest Feet In The World (note to self: apply fake tan), I love these shoes - so comfortable

Apologies for the awful pictures.  A combination of rubbish camera and unskilled "photographer" (and I use the term very loosely) does not make for good blog pictures.  Thankfully he's eager to learn and I have a new camera purchase on the horizon. Watch out Rankin ...

Perfect Red

I love having freshly painted nails.  This afternoon in a (very) rare quiet half hour, I sat on the lawn and gave myself a quick pedicure.  Peachy (eldest babe) had taken herself off for a nap whilst Pixie (youngest babe) seemed quite happy slithering her way around the garden, sampling various patches of grass and exploring the contents of the sand pit as she went.

Barry M "Bright Red 292" is my perfect red.

Pixie however seemed more taken with OPI "Lincoln Park After Dark".  The child clearly has taste although personally I find it a little too dark for summertime.....

Autumn Wishlist

I'm currently on a self imposed spending ban.  Over indulgence whilst holidaying in the fabulous Hvar, too-cute-to-resist No Added Sugar dresses for my girls and a rather large nursery bill has necessitated in this.  And it couldn't have come at a worse time as I love A/W collections.  Thankfully, the ban doesn't stop me from planning and I'm looking forward to plenty of in-store trying-on sessions ready for when the ban expires at the end of September. 

Here's my current wishlist, mainly workwear and casual:

Cashmere fitted sweater from Reiss - to wear with slim fit Capri pants and full Betty Draper style skirts

Basic cashmere-wool mix layer sweaters from Uniqlo in camel ...

... purple ...

... and grey.  Perfect for wearing with a thin white tee underneath,  floor length maxi skirts and a biker or denim jacket

Midi skirt in camel from Warehouse - work staple, will also possibly try in black

Basic black jersey maxi from Warehouse

Grey bikers from Topshop

Khaki J Brand "Houlihan" copies from Oasis

After years of avoiding bootcuts, these super long "Modern Boot" trousers from Gap are a gorgeous fit.  These will be another work staple to be worn with pointed heels

Nude patent heels from Kurt Geiger - to feed my current obsession with all things '50s, these also come in black patent

The most beautiful of Balenciaga "Day" bags in Anthracite (a definite wish!)

or perhaps this elegant Mulberry "Daria Medium Hobo" in palest grey?

In addition, I'm also on the lookout for a camel '50s style coat or cape, some Vuitton-esque full skirts, a faux fur leopard print clutch and a vintage gold watch.  September 30 can't come soon enough!

The Beginning

Having loved fashion and shopping since I was a child - the recollection of accompanying my mother to buy my first pair of black patent party shoes from Clarks (with an ankle strap, natch) will always be cherished - the arrival of my own two baby girls has done little to dent my enthusiasm. 

Unfortunately, my precious bundles of joy have quite substantially dented my budget and whilst I still adore high end pieces and designer treats, these days its more usual for me to settle for high street steals and inspired-by copies.  With this in mind this blog will feature plenty of purchases from The Great British High Street.  We're very lucky that the UK's high street is so fantastic.  I'm a huge fan and love scouring my favourite shops, whether in person or from behind a computer screen, for that perfect piece. 

This blog will also show some of my outfits.  These will usually be comprised completely of high street finds.  Sometimes they'll be boring, sometimes I'll get it wrong, occasionally they'll be spot on.  Enjoy!