School Run Style By Joe Browns

My Outfit For The School Run Style Blogger Challenge

As a mum of five children aged between 3 and 24, I've already done almost 19 years worth of school runs with a further 15 years worth still ahead of me!  That is a lot of my life given over to the twice daily trip to and from the kids' various schools!

Generally speaking, I pull on my school run uniform of jeans, Uggs and a black hoodie before dashing around after my kids in a noble attempt to get them to the school gates on time.  My 'inner fashionista' has been put on hold as I have negotiated school bags, packed lunches, uniforms and early morning tantrums (some of which are mine!)

How I dream of encapsulating that effortless and understated style that I see adopted by women influenced by the growing trends worn by the Celebrity Mum.  These Yummy Mummy converts stand outside the school gates waving goodbye to their little darlings...while I do the drive by, stop and drop!

Joe Browns are encouraging Mummy Bloggers to take a look at their website for inspiration to come up with our own school run style.  I have always loved Joe Browns clothes.  The hippy chic floral prints, the quirky tees and the surfer style summer wear are all so funky and stylish.  When the brochure arrives I pore through every page and create a wish list that I'll never get to buy.  (I'm afraid Mummy's desires come last in a long list of things we need as a family of seven!)  However it does not stop me from dreaming.

Below is my perfect school run outfit.  Practical yet feminine, focusing on a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched with other items, I love this combination which would look great...and definitely not mumsy!  The styling is not a million miles away from my usual preferences, but everything is so much more girly, fresh and eyecatching.   Although I've chosen subtle colouring I'd stand out and not blend in, with the contrasting shades of blue working together with the touches of floral (without falling into the trap of becoming an overdressed older lady!!)

My School Run Style

Awesome Fit Jeans will go with anything and as they come in a 34" inside leg, even someone like me who is 6" tall, will not have to worry about having trouser legs that look like they have argued with their shoes.  The fact that these are 'awesome' fitting jeans suggests that they would be so much more flattering than my current pair of ill fitting jeans which always result in me looking like a builder within half an hour of wearing them.

I love the Ditsy Delight Vest which comes with a matching scarf to accessorize the outfit.  The subtle floral print is completely on trend and has a Bohemian feel that is perfect for the summer.  It is feminine but not fussy.  Its length hides a multitude of figure sins and would make me feel confident (comfortably covering the overstretched skin on my belly following five pregnancies!)  The scarf could be used with other outfits making it a really versatile accessory.

The gorgeous floral Espadrille Pumps are perfect summer shoes.  Easy to wear, cute, feminine, stylish and comfortable.  These 'girls' shoes' would make me feel so pretty!!  They are also sensible flats...essential when chasing after my three year old when he makes a break for freedom across the school playground!

The Remarkable Coat defies convention.  With asymmetrical hemlines and funky detail stitching, this coat is really unique.  The polka dot inner will add a splash of colour.  I love the belt-up style.  It's casual enough for everyday wear, but could be dressed up for a night out.  Gorgeous and funky!

The Essential Denim Bag has a 60s style retro look and an original mock padlock fastener.  It is a casual and relaxed bag that can be used for holding all your essential mummy bits and bobs.  A stylish way to keep everything to hand whilst on the school run!  (Bribery snacks, toddler toys, baby wipes and a packet of paracetamol are all essentials!) 

So this is my entry into the School Run Style contest...an outfit that is true to me and my needs but that would make me feel more feminine than frumpy and is pretty but still practical!  Love it!!

Check out www.joebrowns.co.uk to find your school run style.

Make Me Yummy Bloghop

Would Like to Be a Yummy Mummy hosts a lovely bloghop where we are invited to share our favourite beauty must haves.  She asks us to share our secrets to help make it easier for us all to become yummier!

I'm not a big user of beauty products.  I have a simple regime that hasn't changed in years but there are two products that I wouldn't do without.

One of my favourite shops is Lush and I absolutely adore their Coalface Soap.  It looks black and dirty but nothing makes my skin feel as clean as this soap.

It contains soothing sandalwood oil and liquorice root, said to help cells regenerate and minimize wrinkles, and also charcoal which is exfoliating and absorbs excess oil.  It is a must have in my house...but it leaves the sink looking a bit mucky if it splashes around!!

It costs £4.35 for 100g and that lasts for ages.

My second fave product is actually something I reviewed when I first started to blog.  My Salux Wash Cloth has become an absolute must have when I have a shower.  It is an exfoliating cloth that is really long so you can get to all those hard to reach places on your back really easily.  It turns any shower gel into an exfoliating experience, and makes tonnes of bubbles out of a little product.  I am currently using it with some Original Source Mint Shower Gel which is invigorating!  It makes it seem like a luxurious spa treatment rather than an everyday shower gel.

Here is a link to my full review for the Salux Wash Cloth.  It really is a way to get smooth skin with minimum effort.  It cots £4.99 on Amazon which I think is a bargain!!  Mine is still as good as new and I've used it for 8 months now.  It doesn't go mouldy or smelly and is machine washable.

What is your favourite beauty product?  Link up and then hop around to discover some other tried and tested products that will help you on your journey to becoming a yummy mummy!