I’ve been lucky enough to go to New York twice in my life. Its an amazing city, there’s no place like it. It truly is the city that never sleeps, with something always happening, something new to see, and different people to meet and experience. We spent a lot of our time around Central Park, Time Square and Fifth Avenue, but we did drift downtown too, taking in the sights and sounds a long the way.

The SoHo area of New York is rife with artists, fashion and attitude. Its a trendy district to be in and be seen in. Swedish fashion designer Johan Lindeberg has captured this culture and style in his BLK DNM collection, available now from Avenue 32. He brings denim, leather and tailoring to create a look which is typically downtown New York.  The pieces are all black, grey and blue – save for one white t-shirt – and are beautifully tailored to create a statement which is perfectly BLK DNM.

“Always true to the hard-edged masculine/feminine look, the Lindeberg girl is insouciant and chic in her cropped leather bomber jacket on any occasion –even when it’s thrown over an evening dress.”

I really like a few of the pieces, especially the Dim Grey items. Whilst they are clearly not the everyday uniform of us Mummy’s, I think the Dim Grey jacket and trousers would make stylish business wear. Skinny jeans are still massively popular and the BLK DNM ones are ultra chic, and teamed with this cropped leather jacket would make a great statement outfit.

The BLK DNM look is a style choice, an appearance, and an attitude. Whilst a full outfit might be too much for a trip to Tesco’s, perhaps investing in a single statement piece like this jacket might be the way to go. 

I’m currently on holiday in Pembrokeshire – clearly not TOTALLY on holiday or I wouldn’t have packed my laptop – and despite a rather dubious forecast, today has been pretty gorgeous weather wise. Yes it did go from bright sunshine to epic downpour within minutes, but minutes later the sun was back out again. Its a little breezy yes – gale force at times – but its sunny, so what more can I ask for?

We’re spending as much time as we can outside, making the most of the weather and the sunshine whilst it lasts. Having checked the forecast before we packed and left home I threw a lot of jumpers in at the last minute, and brought only trousers. Not a summer dress in sight, and I’m beginning to regret that. I think a little shopping trip might be called for before the clouds roll out again and turn the week into a wet squib.

I’m thinking a nice sleeveless dress. I’m not a fan of plain dresses. I like a pattern – generally something cute like birds, which won’t come as a surprise to anyone that’s met me. I have lots of tops, skirts and dresses with a bird print on. A friend of mine suggested I looked at the range of dresses at New Look. They are cheap and cheerful, and luckily for me, plenty come with cute prints on. These are my three favourites from their website, each with a different print – flowers, birds and bees. I think a trip into town is called for to see which I like. Knowing me, I’ll end up buying all three. Then again, it is my birthday on Friday, so perhaps I can persuade Hubby to get them for me. A girl can dream!

Which is your favourite? I’m leaning towards the bee print myself. I like the zip pocket detailing. This dress is an online exclusive… now where did I put Hubby’s credit card…!

The brand new Spring Summer range is out now for Swedish retailer me&i. Here are my favourite pieces, including a couple of things for Mum as well. You’ll find all these pieces and more on their website now.

This medallion dress is perfect for summer. Brightly coloured and made from a quality jersey material its sure to provide a comfortable fit. The tie string at the back allows for a defined waist and despite being sleeveless the wide straps provide good coverage.

The military style jacket is great for mums on the go. Its very on trend and although military in styling has a feminine cut to it. It is double breasted and a nice fitted feel to it, but looks just as good open as fastened.

This A-line tunic is a cute one for any little girl. It has elasticated edging at the neck and sleeves to make getting dressed and undressed easy, and the contrasting piping detail on the pockets really makes them stand out. The adorable velour panda peeping out of one pocket is a lovely feature and one I’m sure children will love.

Little Man is definitely going through a dinosaur loving faze at the moment so he would adore this t shirt. Brightly coloured and comfortable to wear its a lovely unisex t shirt for the summer. I love the way the orange dinosaurs stand out against the turquiose background.

We own the long sleeved t shirt version of this cute bodysuit which was a hugely popular part of the Autumn Winter range last year. I’m sure this bodysuit will be just as popular. Multi-coloured vehicles facing in all directions make this a great bright item, and the green trim frames the whole thing nicely.

If your little one is a fan of “helping” with DIY tasks around the house – Little Man certainly is – then this is the t shirt for them. A solid black background with bright outlines of an array of tools makes this the ideal outfit for helping out in. Again a bright contrast trim on the collar and cuffs sets of the t shirt beautifully.

Fairtrade fortnight is just coming to an end but I have one brand great brand to share with you before it does. Boys & Girls create high quality bright and fun unisex clothing for toddlers and children. Designed to look and feel good their range certainly stands out from the crowd. They want children to be able to have fun in their clothes and for them to last, so quality and design is very important to them. Boys & Girls also has a line of fun Fairtrade Tshirts which will make your child look great and you feel great when they wear them.  Here’s my favourite design:

Made from 100% organic Fairtrade cotton this tshirt features the Fairtrade Certification Mark so you know its the genuine article. Its bright and colourful print makes is ideal for summer and its totally unisex.

The quality is great and it feels nice and soft so won’t irritate even the most sensitive of skins. My Little Man will look great out and about this summer in this tshirt, but it would look equally good on a little girl. A nice pair of shorts, some sandals and a hat and your little one is ready for anything.

All of Boys & Girls clothes are equally bright and stylish, so why not head over there now to grab your little one a quality Fairtrade tshirt and a few other bits for their summer wardrobe.

March is here and Mothers Day is fast approaching. I’m sure its very early this year, its usually closer to the end of the month and coincides with my own Mums birthday more often than not! There are gifts aplenty on the market at the moment, but here are my pick of the best for Mothers To Be, New Mums and Your Mum, whatever your budget.

If you’re pregnant this Mothers Day suggest to your other half that your bump buys you a gift set from Shea Mooti. I heartily recommend their Mama’s Moisturising Gift Set which includes a tub of Mama’s Everything Body Balm and some Soothing Foot & Leg Cream. The balm is fantastic. I’ve been using it on my eczema and on my chapped lips this winter. The tub is huge and the relief is instant. If you are pregnant rub it generously over your bump to keep your skin soft and supple. If you’ve recently given birth its ideal for cracked and sore nipples. The foot and leg cream is perfect for tired legs, whether you’re carrying around a large bump, or chasing after a chaotic toddler.

If you’re on a small budget, or perhaps your little one is insisting on buying Mummy something themselves, head down to your local supermarket. There are some great items on offer at great prices, including these iced gingerbread biscuits from Tesco. At just 90p each there are a great little token. They are nice and big and taste delicious, though you may have to prize them from your child’s hands if you want to eat it yourself. If gingerbread isn’t your thing go down to Asda and get hold of a new mug. All Mums need some form of caffeine to get them through the day, so a nice “Great Mum” mug is a certain winner. You can even get one for Grandma whilst you’re there. There’s also a lovely Alfie The Giraffe “Special Mum” soft toy available which any mother would treasure.

If your Mum needs a bit of pampering and you want to get her something that will last throughout the year, what about a subscription to Birchbox. Recently arrived from the USA, Birchbox is a monthly beauty box delivered straight to your door. Each box contains a selection of sample size beauty products for you to test out, and then there is a separate online store where you can buy full sized items which you love. I received the now sold old February box myself and I was very impressed. Beautifully packaged it contained, amongst other things, a pair of eyelash curlers, some Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump N’Thick Leave-In Thickening Mist, and Korres Guava Shower Gel. You are getting introduced to new and exciting brands and products you may not have heard of and used before, and all for just £10 per month delivered. A great treat for any mum.

If you can’t make it to see your Mum this Mothers Day and you want to send her something that little bit different to let her know you are thinking about her send her a decadent Cream Tea By Post. Distributed by Fanny’s Farm Shop these cream teas are delicious. With options of sending them for 1, 2 or 4 people, or even including mugs to drink the tea from, the sets make a lovely gift. We willingly tested out the cream tea for 2 and it was gorgeous. It arrived beautifully packaged and instead of being packed with bubble wrap or endless polystyrene it was protected with popcorn. A great eco-friendly packing which you can feed to your garden birds, so they get a little treat too. The scones were really nice and I loved the fact that the jam was homemade. Plenty of clotted cream is also supplied which made my day – I tend to go a little overboard so was fully satisfied. A truly unique and special treat.

This dainty bone china jam jar would make a great gift is you’re planning on creating your own Afternoon Tea this Mothers Day, or perhaps taking your Mum breakfast in bed. Beautifully made and decorated with a strawberry by Sophie Allport. The lid features a gap for your spoon, making this a very quaint addition to any table or tray. Part of the Strawberries and Cream range, a complete set would make a table look stunning, and last for many years to come.

Hotter are well known for their range of gorgeous and incredibly comfortable footwear, and they’ve featured on my website many times. What they are perhaps less known for is their range of handbags. The bags are of the same superior quality you’d expect from Hotter and one would make a great gift this Mothers Day. This is the Maui bag which is great for travelling. Its got a large zipped pocket, a small button fastened pocket and then a hidden pocket on the back. The hidden pocket is ideal for passports, tickets and other travel documents. It would also make a lovely day-to-day bag. It doesn’t have an enormous capacity so you couldn’t use it if you had your small children in tow, but for those child-free days or if you want your things separate to the changing bag, it would be perfect. You can also check out the new Hotter advert and shop from it at their website.

Mums are like superwoman. We do everything and take care of everybody. So, every once in a while, we need some time to ourselves, whether it’s a day without the kids, a couple of hours at the spa or a lazy day at home to do absolutely nothing. Sometimes though, a little retail therapy is the best way to re-energise and feel rejuvenated.

Add some pep to your style this New Year by updating your look. Before you know it, you’ll be the envy of all the mums. With your chic and trendy look and supernatural powers, mums will want to be like you, husbands will wish you could be their wife and kids will beg you to be their mum.

A mummy makeover doesn’t require much either. You don’t have to go under the knife or purchase all the age-defying creams or spend tons of money revamping your entire wardrobe. With the right fitting pieces and trendy accessories, you’ll look and feel amazing.

Every woman should invest in a trench coat. It’s functional, it can be worn casual or dressed up and it looks great no matter your size and shape. This ivory one by Mario Schwab is the perfect example. The sleek black leather belt cinches the waist and makes it stand out from more traditional, buttoned down coats. Its lightweight fabric makes the perfect transition piece from winter to spring, and it’s dressy enough to wear on a night out, but still casual enough to wear with jeans and flats.

For date night, slip into this turquoise Narciso Rodriguez bodycon dress. Its figure-flattering design and bold color makes it a wardrobe staple. As the spring months approach, pair it with a black blazer so you’ll stay warm on those cool nights.

While running errands and taking the kids to play dates, keep it casual and comfy in a chic tee, jeans and ballet flats. The playful smile on this Mother of Pearl tee, inspired by artist Gary Hume, will keep you bright and happy all day long, even when you’re tired.

Accessories go a long way in making an outfit look more put together. A simple necklace, scarf or ring can add just the right amount of pizzazz without going overboard. The intricately woven blue satin and rose gold chain of the Bex Rox friendship bracelet does just that. It is delicate enough, but still makes a statement.

With all the wear and tear your phone goes through, keeping a second skin on it might be best. This super luxe Nina Peter python leather case will protect your phone from scratches and damage.

Instead of trying to stuff everything, wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, iPad, snacks for the kids – basically your entire life – into your small, outdated handbag, invest in a well-structured and modern carryall. Satchels like beige one by Phillip Lim, is big enough to hold everything securely. Its light color and detailing make it glamorous and functional addition to any summer wardrobe.

Rumour has it that we’re about to have two weeks of arctic weather conditions. Now I generally don’t tend to believe weather forecasts like this, its normally hilariously wrong, but in case you think stocking up on warm weather gear is a good idea, take a look at Zaini.

Zaini Hats and Headbands are hand crocheted by creator Miranda Harper who wanted bright, warm and stylish headgear to wear whilst skiing in Switzerland, and wearing in cold winters in Scotland. She made her own, and now the brand has exploded. Celebrity fans now include JLS and One Direction, and I even got my Dad one for Christmas. What greater endorsement do you need?

The hats and headbands are made from 100% super soft acrylic yarn which means they don’t itch and irritate, they feel cashmere soft, and they are also able to withstand winter weather. I love the super bright colours and fun designs. Here’s the one I got my Dad for Christmas, as well as the headband I got myself for those cold mornings to come:

As well as a range for adults, Zaini has now got an online store for the kids too. With sizes ranging to suit children between the ages of 1-11, available in a range of colours there really is a Zaini hat for every child no matter what size or style! Here’s my favourite:

To view the full Zaini ranges for adults and children, head over to their online stores now. You can also find them on Twitter @ZainiHats and @ZainiKids.
 

Joe Browns was set up to provide something that little bit different from other clothing catalogues, and when you flick through their book or browse their online store that difference is clear. Their clothes are a lifestyle choice. You won’t find anything in the Joe Brown catalogue that you might find similar somewhere else. Joe Browns clothes are distinctive and add something a bit special and unique to your wardrobe.

This Easy Livin’ Dress is one of my favourites from the new Autumn/Winter range. A knitted pointelle top with two handy front pockets and a floral hem which gives the appearance of layers, this top is perfect for the cold season. On chillier days paired with dark jeans and boots, or on those rare warmer Autumn days worn with brown or black leggings. This top is ideal for casual day wear, or can be dressed up and accessorised for a night out at the local pub with friends.

The Joe Browns summer sale is currently on where you can snap up a few last minute bargains whilst the late summer just about lasts. I found these great Floral Espadrille Pumps.

They are SO comfortable and extremely versatile. Pottering around the house, hitting the high street shopping, lazy evenings in the pub or out for a date – these shoes will get you through most events and gathering, and you’ll wonder how you ever survived without them.

The NEW Autumn/Winter range is available now from the Joe Browns website, and there are still a few bargains to be had in the sale!

Disclaimer: I received the items mentioned above to review from Joe Browns, but all opinions are my own and were not affected by the company.

I love products that when you get them and use them you end up finding a million and one uses for them and you wonder how you ever survived without one. A Hammamas is such a product. What looks like a simple large cotton towel transforms into a multitude of uses, and all you need is a bit of imagination.

Hammamas are based on the traditional Turkish bath towel, and are available in a huge range of colours and patterns. Their generous size adds to their variety of uses.

First and foremost they make great towels. Absorbing water as fast as a traditional towel they dry super fast making them the perfect partner for bath time, visits to the swimming pool, or a dip in the sea. They are ideal for children as you can wrap them up in no time at all, making sure they don’t get too cold when they get out the water.

They are perfect for travelling. If you’re off on holiday take a Hammamas. They are compact enough to fit in your luggage, in the car, stored in a caravan, packed into the limited space of a boat or barge, they would even fit neatly into a tent. You could even use them if you’re off on your gap year and all you have is your rucksack.

A Hammamas makes  a great blanket. Whether you’re on the beach and want something to lie on, or your in the park or your own back garden having a picnic, a Hammamas is big enough to relax on. Perhaps you’re heading to a festival and want something to wrap around you in the cool evenings, or you might be planning a romantic evening on the beach watching the sunset. Get a Hammamas!

The perfect beachwear accessory. If you’re heading to warmer climes this summer – and to be fair who could blame you – travel light by using your Hammamas as beachwear. It makes an ideal sarong, and with a bit of creativity it can also be worn as a dress over your bikini – great when heading away from the beach for lunch.

Home decoration with a Hammamas. Whether you’re dining inside or out this summer you might want to put a tablecloth down. Use your Hammamas. Thrown over a table – especially a wooden table in the garden – the Hammamas looks amazing, and it protects your table and adds some colour to the occasion. And you don’t to worry about spillages as they can be thrown in the washing machine at 40 degrees and will be dry in no time.

You can view the extensive range online at the Hammamas store.

Hurrah!! Summer has FINALLY put in an appearance, and fingers crossed its going to stick around for a while yet. If you’re planning on relaxing in the garden or on the beach, or if you’re having evening barbecues or garden parties, or you might be boarding a long haul flight to somewhere where you can guarantee the good weather, an Alpaca Travel Shawl might well become your new best friend.

A silky soft mix of Alpaca and Bamboo makes this shawl super light and hypo-allergenic. It is perfect for wrapping around your shoulders as the evening gets cooler, or to use as a blanket whilst on board a flight. The shawl comes in a gorgeous matching cover which turns it into a cute bolster cushion, which is great for resting your head on in the garden or on the beach when you’re sunbathing, or as a small pillow if you’re travelling.

The shawl is a great size at 90x190cm and for me its ideal as it makes the shawl very versatile. I love that its made from Alpaca which is great against sensitive or delicate skin, meaning you could even use it as a blanket to lie your little one’s on, or to cover them if they are asleep in the car. Being Alpaca also makes it incredibly strong and long lasting, so you’ll be investing in a piece that will last you for years to come. The shawl comes in eight colours so you’re bound to find one to suit, whether it be for day to day use or for a special occasion like a wedding or christening.

Alpaca Travel Shawls are available now direct from the Samantha Holmes website where you’ll also find a range of beautifully made fashion and home accessories.