Baby swimwear

1. Blue gingham swimsuit

2. Floral frill swimsuit

3. White frill swimsuit

4. Blue stripe shorts

5. Pink shorts 

6. Chambray shorts

Baby swimwear is the cutest thing. I bought the twins some swimsuits in 3-6 months and we haven't even got to the pool yet! I've also bought some 6-9 month styles for our summer holiday, including a really cute all in one for Dillie, see here.

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Baby girl picks from M&S

1. Navy romper 

2. Pink embroidered outfit

3. Striped romper

4. 2 piece romper outfit

5. 2 piece vest and shorts

6. 2 piece cotton dress and knickers

Since having the twins, I have found myself shopping more and more at shops and brands I never set foot in before - M&S and Next being two of those. Both brands are great for baby girls clothes on a budget. 

Here is my edit of six of the best summer outfits for baby girls [I have bought all of these for Dillie!] I went up a size so that they still fit her in October when we go to Ibiza!

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A fresh start.

In 2011 I started this blog while on a year out in Paris. 

In 2015 I got married and started a PR company, so I put the blog to one side. 

In 2016, we moved out of London to start a family. 

In 2017 the twins were born and so I'm coming back to the blog with a new focus. 

Watch this space x

Travel: A few days in Prague

In mid-December I set off for a short trip to Prague, a city I visited many years ago. I remembered sights like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and Old Town Square but hoped to find some new gems this time. 

View over Charles Bridge of Prague Castle

Beautiful ceiling at Art Deco gallery Palac Rokoko

Rooftops at Old Town Square

I also came across an amazing spot for lunch in the Old Town. Sisters is a Czech-Scandi fusion restaurant on Dlouha serving open sandwiches - beetroot/goats cheese, ham and egg, chilli/feta. They also have a range of warming soups and cater to all allergies. 

Bridal Inspiration from Paris Fashion Week

Chloe

Valentino

Elie Saab

The Perfect Flower Girl Shoes

 

Bloch Pink Bunny Hop Ballet Shoes

 

Chloe Pink Leather Ballet Shoes

 

Bloch Glitter Ballet Shoes

 

Start Rite Gold Leather Mary Janes

 

All available at AlexandAlexa

 

 

Focus On: Stephen Webster

I first really sat up and took notice of Stephen Webster when I saw this editorial in the inaugural issue of ELLE Wedding, out this month. 

Not usually one for large statement pieces of jewellery, I love the intricate detail and power of Stephen Webster's designs. 

But my absolute favourites are these moons and stars earrings which lend a certain ethereal, magical quality. 

Follow Stephen Webster on Instagram.

T.A x 

The Dream Coat

Today, a slight diversion from weddings and all things bridal to swoon after this creamy nude coat from Zara.

T.A x

Wedding Dresses: Honor

Take inspiration from the New York catwalks for modern bridalwear. Honor is the label from opera singer turned medical student turned designer, Giovanna Randall and my new favourite NY label. 

T.A x

Q&A with: Beulah London

Choosing a beautiful outfit for a wedding can be a difficult task, we spoke to Natasha Rufus Isaacs, co-founder of beautiful British-born silk label Beulah London about what to wear to a wedding as a guest, bridesmaid and mother of the bride. 

Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs

In 2009 Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan spent time in Delhi volunteering for an organisation that helped women who had escaped the sex trade. Many of these women were from the suburbs or villages and had been promised work or a better life. Inspired by the charity's work, they decided to start a company that would provide such women with an income and skills as well as raise awareness of the issue. Despite no formal fashion training the girls decided to found an ethical fashion company, and in 2011 Beulah London was born. 

You can find out a bit more about the brand here.

What was the reason behind starting your gorgeous label, Beulah? 

To produce beautiful clothes that are effortlessly glamorous and made in the finest silks. Our motivation to set up the business is to help provide women who have been trafficked or are vulnerable with an alternative, sustainable livelihood.

Who tends to be your customer?

She's a young, ambitious professional who loves to look her best and has a conscience about how her clothes are made.

Beulah Seraphina

What has been the most exciting moment for Beulah to date?

It has to be being given a commendation by the UN as a business in dedication to combatting human trafficking in 2010 and 2013.

What kind of dress style do you think suits most bridesmaids? Have you noticed any trends recently? 

A-line, floaty and flattering style that suits all figures and shapes. Our Sarai style is the most popular, it is floor length and has sheer sleeves with small buttons down the middle. It's classical, elegant, in fact, my bridesmaids wore the same style to my own wedding!

Kate Middleton wearing the Beulah Sarai dress

What would suggest as a stylish and contemporary outfit for a mother of the bride?

Our Sabitri dress is beautiful for mother of the brides - as it is covered, but very flattering and cinches in at the waist. Otherwise I would suggest a light silk shift dress with a knee length jacket to go over the top. 

Beulah Sabitri

What are your ultimate dos and don'ts for guests when deciding what to wear to a wedding?

Don't wear white, never wear backless in the church (always wear a jacket with it) and do not opt for anything too short! 

For summer weddings I suggest our floaty silk dresses which are easy to wear and transition well from day to evening.

Beulah Porcelain

Thanks for speaking with us, Natasha. 

T.A x

Focus on: NEOM Organics

I have long been a fan of Harrogate-based NEOM organics and recently my sister and I bought our mum a hamper of NEOM treats to unwind for her birthday. 

My absolute favourite product to date has been the Sicilian Lemon and Fresh Basil Scented Travel Candle, £16. A great product to take away on holiday with you, the scent takes minutes to fill the room and make you feel at home, while stimulating a tired and busy mind. I find it very quickly reenergises me. 

NEOM organics have recently undergone a rebrand, with new packaging and a refresh of their website, focusing on the natural elements of the products. I love the new look products with wooden lids and thick cardboard boxes that feel indulgent to open. Inside they say 'Scent to make you feel good'.

In the midst of wedding planning, I was delighted to trial their new Time to Unwind Bath Foam, £22, which is a pure blend of 12 botanical extracts handpicked from around the world - recommended as a great product to de-stress and unwind, exactly what I was hoping to do. 

The second I opened the box I could smell the gorgeous infusion of Guaiacwood oil, which comes from a tree called palo santo originally used to help meditation, mixed with rose and bluebell which helps to make you focus and reminds me of walks through the woods. 

Containing absolutely no sodium lauryl sulphate, the Bath Foam doesn't dry you out and it is packed with soothing marshmallow, aloe leaf, coconut and sweet almond to nourish and protect the skin. The ingredients are good enough to eat!

Next on my list to try is their Great Day Body Scrub, £34, from the Make you Happy range, which recently featured in STYLIST. The scrub is infused with wild mint and mandarin for a rejuvenating post-summer pick me up designed to help you de-stress and give you a boost. I love body scrubs and this one looks nice and textured to slough away dry skin,

See more of the product range on NEOM Organic's Instagram page.

And head to NEOM Organics for 15% off your first shop.

T.A x

Dream Honeymoon: Provence

This week I'm dreaming of travelling to Provence on honeymoon and below are my top picks of what to wear when you're there…

What to wear

1. Essie, Find me an Oasis, Beauty Bay

2. Etoile Isabel Marant Cassidy Chiffon Dress, Net-a-Porter

3. Monica Vinader Rose Gold Quartz Necklace, Net-a-Porter

4. Philip Lim 3.1 Dress, Net-a-Porter

5. Mimi Holliday Banoffee Pie Lingerie Set, Damaris

6. Superga Blue Plimsolls, John Lewis

7. Miguelina Shorts, Shopbop.com

Where to stay 

Hotel Crillon le Brave

T.A x

An evening with Jenny Packham

In July we were invited to an exclusive preview of Jenny Packham's 2015 collection at the Elizabeth Street boutique, with a talk from Jenny herself followed by hair styling in the garden, champagne and macaroons.  

The flowers were by the wonderful Philippa Craddock. 

Dress heaven, I found one that we are going back to see.

Here is a selection of designs from the 2015 Jenny Packham bridal collection.

T.A. x

Wedding Beauty: Night Skincare

Night time skincare is something I have never really considered to date but I now realise it is the optimum time for skin to recover from the day. 

I tried Kiehl's Iconic Midnight Recovery Concentrate, £36, which sells one a minute globally (!) and contains over 9 botanical oils including Omega 3, 6 and 9, helping skin to repair and replenish overnight. 

While we sleep, it is the perfect time for skin to rejuvenate and recover given that there are less environmental aggressors, allowing your skin to rest. Night time is when skin is naturally programmed to best absorb active ingredients, this usually happens between midnight and 4am. 

The best thing for me about this midnight elixir is the heavenly lavender scent and its lightness. Only two drops are recommended to cover your face and the oil doesn't feel sticky or heavy on your skin. Instead it glides on and is instantly absorbed into the skin. The small bottle will last ages and is perfect for slipping into your hand luggage when travelling. 

T.A. x

Wedding Dresses: Paris Couture

If money were no object...

Here is a selection of the most dreamy fantasy wedding dresses from the recent couture shows in Paris...

Chanel

Elie Saab

Valentino

Ralph & Russo

T.A. x

Stylish Brides: Fearne Cotton

Fearne Cotton married in Richmond with a ceremony at The Orangery in Kew.

Follow Fearne Cotton on Twitter

T.A. x

Focus On: Arthus Bertrand

I stumbled across Arthus Bertrand via Vogue.fr. An iconic Parisian jeweller just a stone's throw from Les Deux Magots in St Germain, the Arthus Bertrand house has been making fine jewellery since 1803. 

A princess ring, this features a one carat solitaire encased by a white gold crown containing white diamonds. Arthus Bertrand specialises in engagement rings and draws on fairy tales and fantastical elements to create the jewellery of your dreams….

Follow Arthus Bertrand on Facebook