I’m not going to dwell on this as the purpose of this post isn’t to make you jealous but I’m about to head off for a week’s sunshine in Gran Canaria. So excited. Right, I’ve said it so I’ll move on and instead tell you all about my nice purchases I’ve been making for me and the girls.

Last year I took far too much stuff. Alice was the only one who got through her entire wardrobe, mainly as she has a tendency to spill stuff down her. I have a feeling the food spillages may continue this year but I can probably wear the same things a few times. In the day I’ll mostly be in swimwear and evenings I don’t exactly get too messy as we just go for dinner, to the mini disco and then in bed by 9!

I have however made some purchases for myself this year. Mainly because I normally decide I’m ok and then mid way through the summer wish I’d bought some new clothes but then can’t justify it as it’s soon going to be freezing again. I don’t however like buying too many really summery things as they just won’t get worn, this is England after all. I may have purchased the girls a few too many things but if you can’t buy a couple of cute summer dresses for a holiday when can you? I could have filled this post with so many more coveted items but these are the actual purchases I have made and for all of you on the hunt for summer maternity wear Lorna will be here with her roundup very soon.

{For Me}

This year I seem to be copying the colour scheme of Alice’s room with hints of mint, pink, grey and mustard. I have actually purchased myself a new swimming costume. I decided to stop worrying about my mum tum and just opt for a full on tummy-holdy-in costume instead. It’s not like I will be bearing a tanned midriff in a crop top on my return is it so what does it matter if my tummy stays pasty white? I’ve had this M&S one in black for a while and it’s shaping properties are excellent but I fancied something a bit brighter so have just purchased this lovely coral number from Boden. Yes it is pricey but it will get worn lots afterwards with the weekly trips to the swimming pool. I liked the shape of it and the ruching is super flattering. I will take a bikini in case I feel brave enough and have a couple from H&M that are great for the price.

H&M has definitely been my friend for summer clothes this year. I’ve picked up numerous T-shirts and vest tops for pennies as well as the cutest little grey dress. It’s a soft jersey fabric and is so flattering. It will be great for an evening at the mini disco dancing to Agadoo! This pale pink floral dress from Next is ideal for popping on over my swimsuit and I can easily wear it back in this country if we have any sun.

I also bought my first ever jumpsuit. I feel rather trendy 😉 This one from H&M has a nice v neck which I find suits me and wide leg trousers which look excellent with my trusty Saltwaters. I am now tempted to purchase another and have my eye on this Fatface one but also fancy a nice short playsuit if anyone has seen any good ones around?

As a mum, shorts are my new best friend for running around after the girls and I am so happy to have come across this gorgeous grey spot pair from Zara. They look a bit like a skirt, are super comfy and I’m thinking I could dress them up or down. I am also feeling very fancy with my new Flamingo shorts.

I live in my Saltwaters and Birkenstocks in the summer months but my loyalty has been swayed by these gorgeous tassel sandals from M&S. They may well be coming in my suitcase.

{For Molly}

Molly loves pink and pretty so her packing will mainly consist of little sundresses and party skirts. I love dressing the girls up in the evenings on holiday as we don’t get much opportunity to otherwise.

I adore these gorgeous skirts from Next which have a subtle metallic skirt and look a lot fancier than the £10 price tag. I originally only bought Molly one but Alice was adamant she wanted to join in the twirling so they are now matchy matchy.

Swimsuit wise I really rate Boden as they last so well and have the cutest prints. Molly has the ruffle skirt swimsuit which she loves as well as one of their floral hotchpotch ones. I also got Alice a Hotchpotch one in a different pattern so they can sort of twin.

I bought quite a few bits for Molly from Zara as their shorts and t-shirts are excellent value. Molly has been sporting her pink fringed shorts and palm tree print ones at every opportunity. Even during the rain. I’m not even kidding.

I’m pretty lucky that both girls seem to love a hat so Molly is extremely taken with her new trilby. Bodes well for the sunshine. I would definitely recommend raiding M&S as their hat game is strong this year. A pink flamingo trilby is definitely going to be a winner with Molly.

My absolute favourite purchase though are Molly’s Teddy Bear Sandals. They are the best and she adores wearing them. Wish they came in big sizes.

{For Alice}

In theory Alice should have Molly’s hand me downs from last year but for some reason I never appear to have the right things and end up buying lots anyway. Is that just my excuse anyway?

One of my favourite buys for Alice so far is the cutest white embroidered dress from Next. It was an utter bargain at £13 and I was so pleased it had come back in stock. I don’t normally advocate white for small people but at that price I figure it is ok and nothing a spot of vanish won’t solve. I bought Molly a blouse in the same design. I fear I may have gone a bit matchy matchy this summer!

Alice still needs something quite sturdy for shoes as she tends to trip over her own feet on a regular basis. I have fallen in love with these beautiful Startrite closed toe sandals that might just make it in to my basket in time for holiday. I also bought both girls a pair of the Clarks beach sandals. They aren’t the most stylish but they are exactly what they need for heading to the pool or tromping to the beach. I also know they have been fitted properly and won’t rub their little toes.

I’m a sucker for a traditional little dress for Alice and am absolutely gutted she no longer fits in the Baby Boden range. We’ve had to progress to big girl dresses this summer but I’ve bought this cute collared dress in blue stripe for her and the floral version for Molly. It can also be her birthday dress for July although not entirely sure how it will fit with her Trolls/Pirate/Adventure hunt theme…..

One of the most useful purchases we made last year was a towelling hoody so this year I have bought a cosy towelling dress to keep them snug after they get out the pool. Would I look silly having one in my size?!

I’m sure I have raved about the £2.99 H&M sundresses on here before, they are excellent for by the pool, but I also adore this gorgeous ticking stripe seersucker dress with it’s soft cord straps. It’s great for day or evening with a little cardigan over.

Finally I just picked up a bargain £5 mint and coral trilby for Alice in Sainsburys yesterday as well as a pair of mustard broderie shorts. Nothing like a spot of clothes shopping with your groceries!
 
So there you have a few of my favourite purchases for sunnier days. Has anyone been making any nice purchases and most importantly hands up if you have a holiday booked?

{SHOP THE POST}