Bits and bobs this week - too hot to have a continual thought…
Like many schools across the country, my son’s has been shutting at 1pm this week (with a 7.50am start - ooof) which has raised the question: how do you entertain young children - and not lose your shit - when it's roasting? I spent so long standing in the local air conditioned M&S Foodhall with my daughter, that three separate members of staff asked if I was ok (I was not). I also took my son for a walk around the nearby shady cemetery (desperate times!) and on Friday afternoon took us all to the cinema to watch Toy Story 5 so I could sit in the dark. The film is great FYI and while it hasn't totally turned my kids off screens, I'm sure I'm not imagining that my telly-obsessed son hasn't asked to watch it nearly as much this weekend.
A few more ideas on how to keep your chill in my piece for The Standard, including my fave child-friendly lunch spot where you can get a chilled glass of rosé, and the mum bag I'm currently obsessed with.
I’ve recently been introduced to Bask Sunscreen and the mineral SPF 30 non-aerosol has been in my bag all week. It applies really easily and sinks in quickly without leaving white marks. Plus, how fun is the bottle?! The SPF 40 facial gel has a really lovely lightweight texture which almost melts into your skin.
I don't know when my face started getting so wet in the heat, but over the last few days I've walked around looking like I've just had a flannel wash. Anyway, it's been a good opportunity to try out Ilia’s Limitless Lash mascara which doesn’t budge, even when - quelle horror - I had to go on the Victoria line. I've got the rich brown ‘before dawn’ shade which gives a lovely natural look. Use the short edge of the brush to lift and define lashes, then the long edge to lengthen them. I particularly enjoy that it comes off in the shower - no make-up remover needed.
This week I was commissioned by The Times to write about M&S and all the lovely new in bits. A dream! So on Monday I did a (very hot) supermarket sweep and picked out the 10/10 showstoppers, including this beaded cocktail bag (could be Cult Gaia), this insane cotton/linen bandeau top and matching trousers, this swooshy printed maxi which would also be great for pregnant wedding guest dressing, and these excellent £30 jeans in indigo and soft white (I sized down by one).
I didn't have space to mention everything in the feature, so also worth a look are:
These mesh mules with demi wedge in black
This embroidered cotton cami for your next holiday
This shaped denim jacket for when it's less hot (I sized down by one to get a good nip at the waist)
Always the slash-neck vests!
Not clothes related, but I sat next to Alice Statterthwaite at dinner the other night, and she was raving about the crushed tomato topper, which apparently does wonders for a bit of toast or crusty bread. Add a mozzarella ball for a no-cook lunch.
If there's anything worse than being sweaty, it's being sweaty while trying to breastfeed. I can so clearly remember the overwhelming heat of a hot and livid baby lying across my chest, and not being sure if what I could feel trickling down my side was milk or under-boob perspiration.
The right outfit isn't going to solve the issue, but it will certainly help.
If Only If has just launched its first black nightdress collection which are opaque enough to wear during the day too. The button-down Vita (£139) is made from super breezy cotton and hardly touches your body. I wore it on the aforementioned Victoria line trip to attend a dinner hosted by the label at Nina (the burnt Bask cheesecake - OMFG!) and it was perfect. Light as air and didn't show up the sweat marks!
Beyond Nine’s linen jumpsuit (£149) has all the swoosh of a dress but with the ease of trousers for when you're doing a lot of bending over/sitting on a picnic rug. Plus poppers down the front. Remember you can use code FRANKIE15 for 15% off.
The Second Stories Elodie dress (£85) looks like it could have been found at a little french market. The ties offer easy side assess and make the size of the dress adjustable, so it's a useful summer maternity option too. Wear it over wide-leg linen trousers or a maxi skirt. Or over your swimmers at the beach.
Its also comes as a top and in black! (£79)
You've survived the week. Treat yourself to a holiday wardrobe top up.
I think I've discovered the perfect travel toy. My daughter won a set of mini Magnatiles (affiliate link) at her nursery tombola and both kids adore them. They're the perfect size to keep in your bag and whip out on a train/plane journey, at the pub or holiday restaurant. Plus they’re compatible with the original bigger size ones you have back home.
Fancy some more travel tips? I asked 7 chic mums for their very best:
That's all for now. You're doing great, Frankie x
Every product featured in MUMISH is a genuine recommendation from either me or a friend. If you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Ask the fashion mums: what's the best swimwear?
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