When Littlewoods asked me to take part in their style challenge, to choose my perfect child-friendly holiday outfit from their women’s clothing range, I felt it only fair to warn them what they were letting themselves in for.
“I’d love to take part,” I said, “but I should probably make it clear upfront that I have no style.”
Sad, but true. I really have no sense of what looks good, and am renowned amongst friends and family for having always had a ‘unique’ dress sense.
“Interesting choice of outfit,” my sister said when I was staying with her recently.
“It’s my Easter outfit!” I replied, beaming. “See? It’s yellow like a chick.”
“It wasn’t really the yellow I was concerned about,” she replied, eyeing my leggings, bright yellow t-shirt and denim ra-ra skirt combination suspiciously.
If I’m going anywhere important I’ll always get Bee to check what I’m wearing. Sometimes it’s immediately clear I’ve gone horribly wrong. “No,” she’ll say, shaking her head pityingly, “just no.”
Other times it’s less certain. “Well… I wouldn’t go out in it, but it looks very you.” I don’t think that is meant as a compliment.
Littlewoods assured me that it would be fine to get help, but I thought perhaps it was time for me to go it alone, so I tried to pick something all by myself. I started in dresses. I like dresses.
Initially I found a rather colourful long pink and purple one that I liked, but I’m guessing it doesn’t really fit with the whole practical/casual beachwear thing.
So I looked a bit more, and found a natty stripy number, which is very me. I thought it might look nice perhaps with some cropped leggings underneath. Wonderfully practical for when I jet off on my child-friendly summer holidays.
Given the British weather though, I thought I should be prepared. So to go with it I’m taking this lovely hat in case it’s sunny and a nice rain coat to protect me from any sudden spring showers.
And that’s me done. I’ll be looking pretty hot don’t you think?
PS I am currently on the short list for the ‘Style’ award in the Brilliance in Blogging Awards. Please take half a minute to cast your vote and tick the Slummy single mummy box.
I am loving that first dress, and loving the jacket, not together or maybe that is how you should wear them. I don’t know I have no style either xx
You see I think this is my issue – individually the things I wear would probably be alright, it’s the putting things together bit that’s my downfall.
ERMMMM
I think as individual pieces these may work well
Maybe the hat might suit someone else better though. Perhaps a mysterious Graham Greene character, brandishing a cigar.
Exactly. I could be our man in Havana.
fashion and childcare… my two area’s of expertise! You’ve chosen some gooduns *checking littlewoods.com right now*
Thanks! I do really like the striped one – I think I might actually get that one. It is VERY me.
I sympathise, as I too have no style. Still, I personally think you’ve chose some nice pieces. The dress especially is divine. After all, what does one consider child friendly? Why not still look cool & trendy while your little one is burying you under the sand, throwing you into a pool or covering you head to toe with their latest meal.
Thanks! And personally I think it’s important not to compromise on style just because you’re a mum. It’s cocktail dresses all the way at my local soft play centre…