Oh MAN! It is hot!

I know… first we moan about not having a summer and then we moan because the sun decides to bless us with its presence. Granted I’ll be the first to admit though keeping the kids cool in this heat has been tough and if your little ones are anything like Hector then keeping them happy has been a challenge too! Hot and bothered springs to mind.

With this in mind we thought we’d do a quick summer accessories round-up just in case you’re in need of a hat or two or even some snazzy sunglasses.

Hats

I’m a sucker for tradition so I’m a big fan of the classic straw hat and the high street is awash with them this year so all the better. Whilst researching the post I found that quite a few stores had gone into sale so if you haven’t picked up a sunhat for your little just yet then now’s the time to buy or even invest ahead for next year.

For the straw hat aficionados amongst you then head over to John Lewis who have pulled out all the stops by making sure they have a sizeable selection to choose from. For the older girls this floppy brimmed number has a seaside inspired print trim and includes a wide brim to keep the sun rays at bay.

For smaller heads this adorable straw cloche hat includes a sweet floral print trim and bow for a pretty finish.

For the boys aged between 6-12 years, this straw trilby with a lovely contrasting blue band is perfect for keeping the sun at bay. Plus it’s currently only £6 in the sale! For teeny boys then I’m loving this chambray hat, crafted from cool and breathable 100% cotton, with nautical boat print print. It ties under the chin to help stop tiny hands from pulling it off their heads.

Sunglasses

I haven’t really had much luck in trying to persuade Hector to wear his mock pair of RayBans from John Lewis. He seems to prefer the authentic oversized versions of mummy and daddy instead.

Typical.

Perhaps I might have more luck by investing in this comedy pair complete with palm tree from H&M or even these animal print shades in all the colours. I also like M&S’s version on the colour block trend too.

If you like the orange cossies in the next section below then these coral sunglasses will be the perfect accompaniment.

Swimwear

When it comes to swimwear, I’m always super envious of those mamas who have girls because seriously the girls have all the fun on the bikini/cossie front. In fact some of them are so cool that I wish they did them in adult sizes.

Orange seems to be this year’s colour and this blood orange ruffled number by Mini Rodini is ticking all my boxes. The black ruffled detailing looks like little swan feathers. If your girlie is mad for unicorns and let’s face it who isn’t then Mini Rodini has also made the aforementioned one-piece with this AMAZING print. Be still my beating heart!

If you’re after something that isn’t full on coverage then this set of kiwi motif bikini briefs are BRILLIANT. Zara please make them in my size.

If kiwis aren’t your thing then how about lemons instead? Emile et Ida have made the perfect frilly pair with the fruit in yellow and burgundy. LOVE!

A bikini with fringing?? Sign me right up! Zara are killing it with their summer offerings this year. And this beauty with its pineapple print is making me wish I was eight years old again. I’d totally pair it with this cat inspired hat…which incidentally would be so perfectly paired with this onesie…or this one. I totally want them all.

We can’t leave the boys out now can we…In fact I’ve been hunting around for a spare pair of swimming trunks for Hector since he’s always out playing in the sprinkler in the garden or swimming with his Grampa and Dad. I’m more than a bit enamoured with this Toucan printed number but this aqua pineapple set are totally stealing my heart. Be quick though as sizes are running out…

Alternatively indulge your nautical streak with this super stripy set available at Smallable. Available in sizes up to 11 years.

Bags

Well you can’t not have a bag to cart around all your summer essentials can you. If there’s anyway to get them to share the load then I’m all for it!

For the dolphin lovers then it’s all about this rucksack complete with padded fin on the back and flippers to the side. The rucsack includes two cushioned shoulder straps that can be adjusted and one main compartment that can be fastened with a zipper.

For those looking to make a neon statement why not take a look at this ‘Ice-Cream Baby‘ number from Rose in April and available at Smallable. They offer a variety of different motifs so it’s worth taking a look at the range if you like this one.

For the more subtle touch opt for this basket bag from Carrement Beau. The straw bag is designed in a beige and pink hue and is contrasted by bold yellow detailing on the shoulder strap.

That’s the end of our super quick round-up. Did you see something you liked? Is there a summer accessory that your little hasn’t lived without this year? Why not tell us about it in the comments box below…we’re always up for a bit of dirty enabling!