When I think of high street shopping, I immediately think of the big ones…TopShop, H&M, Miss Selfridge, & ASOS.  River Island had never really entered that equation… until recently that is.  I have been buying their jeans for a while and have been impressed with the fit, the styles and the quality.  However, my River Island denim chat is saved for a later blog post, as I recently hit the jackpot there on a hunt for a new dress that looks as good when worn with black tights on the tube as it does over a bikini at a beachfront restaurant.

Continue Reading

Starting your day by waking up to a cold, dark and uninspiring morning is always hard.  The monotonous daily routine of getting the kids up, dressed, fed and out the door on time – whilst remembering their bags, random equipment and completed homework – usually kicks off my morning with a sense of drudgery rather than enlightenment.

Continue Reading

When we are together, we love nothing more than kicking back in peace with a glass of wine, a boxset and a face mask.  Only since having children, has the regular routine of a face mask become both appealing and essential- a little time out from the children whilst hiding in the bathroom, and a bit of skin TLC, can work wonders for the soul and skin.

Continue Reading

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love the rock chick look.  Even nearing middle age, I still convince myself that I can pull it off.  I find it easy and classic.  I love nothing more than grabbing my leather biker jacket and rushing out the front door to do the school run/ nursery run/ castings /or most realistically, a trip to the local Sainsbury’s for a pint of milk and some nappies.  A leather jacket is almost as much of a wardrobe staple as socks for me, and is an essential part of what I consider to be part of my look.

Continue Reading

These cold Winter days are lovely when the sun shines, and I feel like that part in Bridget Jones where she is walking over Waterloo Bridge, cold and content.  (On a side note, how old is that film now?!)  Only, the reality is that I am not on a bridge in London, I am halfway up a slide trying to stop my boys from hurling themselves over the edge.  With all this exertion, my cheeks should be rosy and glowing, but no.  The cold seems to make my blood flow retreat to my insides, and this makes my cheeks resemble a Halloween ghoul. Continue Reading

I love interiors.  It is as simple as that…And I have found as I get older, that whilst cheap fashion interiors serve a purpose – there comes a time when it pays to invest in good quality interior accessories and homeware, which not only last – but also age well over time.  With this in mind, and always on the lookout for great quality interior pieces,  I have discovered my new favourite brand for amazing cashmere pieces.  The brand is called Oyuna and was set up by a fellow mother of two called Oyuna Tserendorj.  This incredibly talented lady originally travelled from Mongolia to London in 2001.  Having left her native country behind, and armed with a degree in textiles, she discovered a niche market in Mongolian cashmere and formed her company in the UK’s capital.

Continue Reading

The power and marketing appeal of fashion brands has enabled  them to diversify beyond their principle trade into other areas of the commercial arena.  In many cases, these fashion houses have branched out into the lucrative interiors industry – where over the years, the lines between fashion and interiors have become increasingly blurred.

Continue Reading

2017 has well and truly arrived.  The Christmas and New Year’s merriment is enough to sap any remaining energy from your skin – those late nights due to the double whammy of sleepless children and too much Stilton, can take its toll on both your mind and your skin… most notably those charming under eye bags, that are now looking more like under eye suitcases! Continue Reading

After enjoying a wonderful Christmas with all the trimmings, there is nothing that can make me feel even more wonderful than the post-Christmas sales… also with all the trimmings!

Here at NotSuchAModelMum, we have both trawled through the seasonal sales, and I have found a must-have winner that is currently on sale for a great price.

Continue Reading

It’s that festive time of year again, full of Christmas and New Year parties, office antics and a few drinks with the other mothers from school – occasions that often turn into a few bottles, and then a throbbing hangover in the morning.  Or maybe that’s just me…

But, whatever the festive function, adding a little sparkle to an outfit is a celebratory must – and, if there are only so many Christmas jumpers you can handle with your favourite tipple and mince pie – then look no further than this perfect festive piece.

Continue Reading