Mum on the Run - It's cold. Bring back the tights!

I don't know about you but recently I feel that I have been in limbo - rather like when Kate was dumped by Prince William - would she or wouldn't she be the next Queen of England?  Except my being in limbo didn't stem from whether Prince William wanted to marry me or not but rather, will it be warm today? 

There I was, merrily jigging along (probably a bit like Kate pre-dumping), the sun was shining, the winter clothes had been put away and I was certain that it was set to stay like that until October and then bam!  Here we are, cold again.  I was resolute in my refusal to dig out the tights but then I realised that I couldn't continue to wear trousers and thick socks until the sun came out again.  So, whilst Kate hit Mahiki with lots of young men to show Wills what he was missing, I have resorted to wearing tights as I refuse to be backed into a corner by the weather. I doubt my wearing tights again will have little impact on anything of any significance but the point is this - I have taken control again and you know what, I feel much better for it.

Mum on the Run - A dress for a night out

Last night we went to a friend's 40th birthday party. We were all hoping for warm weather so that we could go outside but it wasn't to be - not that it wasn't a brilliant night, it just meant that I had to resort to tights when I would rather not have done!  A bit of suffering for one's outfit is fine but being freezing - no thanks!

I wanted to give my navy French Connection dress an outing so plumped for that despite the cold.  I added a cream mock croc leather belt, gold shoes and a patent clutch (which goes with everything!) 

I have to say that I have no idea why it looks as though I have tan lines on my bare shoulder - I don't think that any part of me has seen the sun for at least five years.  Remember when Zara Phillips rocked that look at her brother's wedding a couple of years ago - if I had been the Queen I would most definitely have not been amused! She certainly let the side down with that fashion faux pas.

Dress -French Connection, Shoes Carvela, Bag and Belt both Reiss

Mum on the Run- Summer Dresses

Today was an odd day.  The BBC were in the house filiming for the "Doctors" series and so there was a murder in our kitchen - they always seem to film odd story lines in our house - affairs, STD's, murders - you name it, we've had it.

The fact that they were filming meant that we couldn't get back in until 6.30pm which would have been fine, other than the fact that my husband was knocked off his bike first thing this morning.  He was OK, a bit battered about, but it turned into a bit of a long and stressful day and at the end of it, I didn't feel like smiling for a photo.  So, instead here are some of the pretty dresses that I spotted whilst in the shops yesterday. 

The top one is from Ted Baker and is just really simple but pretty and great for those who are straight up and down and who don't have much of a bust.  The second dress is from Reiss - very Marilyn Monroe, in a lovely colour and it also comes in a bright green too - great for curvy figures.  The third dress is also from Reiss and must be their take on a Victoria Beckham dress.  The length is good and the colour is very this season.  The flared skirt is great for those pear shaped ladies who need a bit of assistance in disguising their hips.  So all in all, the shops aren't doing too badly for us ladies at the moment when it comes to occasion dresses.  Have a lovely weekend.

Mum on the Run - a throw back to the 80's!

Oh what a lovely day - I was shopping in preparation for the event that I am doing at Belbroughton on 26th May but I was also just having a general browse and picking up odd bits for clients.  There are some lovely pieces out there and I could have easily bought five really pretty going out dresses, which unfortunately wouldn't serve me that well on a daily basis - so 4 of them remained in the shops.  The 5th will no doubt make an appearance here soon! 

Because I was in out and about I needed to be a little bit smart(ish) but not too smart and it was important that I was comfortable for walking around the shops.  So, on went the navy M&S peg trousers, sequin T from Topshop, Gap denim shirt, Zara navy sandals and bright blue Topshop belt. I think that this denim shirt looks like a bit of a throw back to the 80's, but I kind of like that.  I saw a woman today with a haircut that would have matched beautifully but I think that might be a step too far!

Mum on the Run - bright shoes

It was a bit of a hectic start for us this morning, which I knew it would be, so I did some pre-planning for today's outfit.  I was seeing a client first thing and this was followed by a meeting with Laura Morris from mumtomumpreneur services (http://www.mumtomumpreneur.co.uk/)  I have to say, if you are thinking of setting up a business she is the lady to go to for all sorts of advice. 

After that it was time to pick up child number three, then home, then walk to pick up number two, then home then out again to pick up number one.  Then home and collapse (after dinner, bathtime, stories etc) though not for numbers 1 and 2 who are currently watching the apprentice and hopefully learning how not to be precocious, arrogant and cocky - or maybe that's exactly what they are learning.  Quick, switch the TV off.

Outfit: Trousers and top Cos, Leather jacket Oasis, shoes Jigsaw, bag Mulberry

Mum on the Run - Modern day smart

Sorry for the lack of picture yesterday.  I was at home with our son who had been up in the night with a bug, so neither of us were looking particularly pretty!

Today I had a meeting with some lovely people.  I am so lucky with the people that I meet in this job.  Some of the people in my last job were lovely too but many of them were in prison having done not very nice things to other people which made it a bit difficult to ring them up for a chat. 

I decided to go to today's meeting a little bit "suited and booted" but in a more modern and less corporate way.  So, I put some black slim leg trousers from Ted Baker with a black Gap jacket, Alexander McQueen top, grey Reiss shoes and Mulberry bag.

Mum on the Run - Tips for organising your wardrobe

Today not only was I a Mum on the Run but I was also a Mum on a Bike. Our son and I set off at 8.30am for our bike ride, returning later not only happy but also covered in mud.  Well, I suppose if I will go bike riding along canal tow paths after torrential rain the night before, what can I expect?  So that put paid to today's outfit - and I had only just got that particular pair of jeans comfortable again having washed them recently.  It's taking a bit longer to get them to that stage too at the moment - not sure why but just after Easter my jeans take on a life of their own and seem to shrink a bit. Well I assume that's what must happen as I can't think of any other reasonable explanation.

Anyway, so to the point of today's post.  Over the years I have arranged my wardrobe in varying ways.  I have grouped similar clothes together-all trousers, all skirts, all jumpers etc.  I have also done it by colour - from light to dark and then dark to light. Finally I think that I have cracked it! 

In addition to my wardrobe, I now have a separate hanging rail on which I hang all items which are printed, have colour in them, are new, are this season's "shape" or which I think I ought to wear more.  Each morning I go to that rail first and select the item around which I want to build my outfit.  This leaves the plainer pieces in the wardrobe because I figure I'm never going to forget to get my jeans out, or pick a plain navy cardi to keep out the chill. 

We are all creatures of habit and have a sort of "default" setting when it comes to clothes and this is a good way to challenge it.  Have a go and see what you think - and if at the moment you don't feel that you have anything that you would put into a bright/printed/ etc category don't despair.  When you are next out shopping, assuming that you have the rest of the basics in place, try looking for something which would jump out at you in the mornings and say "its my turn today, pick me!"

Mum on the Run - A Whistles Dress

In an ideal world, on a day like today, I would have been wearing something along the line of this dress from Whistles - or it could have been Reiss, or Marc Jacobs or Milly but you get the idea - it would have been pretty, floaty, carefree and ever so slightly impractical - because of course I would live in a world where impractical was OK.  No-one was going to chuck or wipe anything down me and I wasn't going to reveal any underwear when bending down to get a rigid three year old in to her car seat.

Except that it is an imperfect world and my less than perfect outfit (part of which I had ironed, I hasten to add) got soaked just before I was going to get my photo taken for this post and so yet again I resorted to the fluffy dressing gown, which I was modelling when the postman came the other day.  The soaking occurred as a result of a new piece of barbeque equipement/sparks/dry decking/the hurrid need for a watering can full of water.  Well, you can picture the rest. However in the manner of looking at life through a positive lens, once I have blown the ash off it will be fine - and I can wear it again without washing (or ironing) it.  Fab!

Mum on the Run - a simple outfit

Today was again a bit of a "wardrobe staples" kind of day - three items only - jeans, T-shirt and giraffe print converse.  It's not going to set the world on fire but even if I am wearing a T-shirt, which is a rarity, I like it to have a bit of sparkle or bling about it.

I was doing a bit of dashing here there and everywhere, still moving the children's bedrooms around and doing trips to ballet/tennis and so on. Remarkably at one point I was even a bit hot- but it didn't last for long.  Can't wait for some consistently warm weather again so that I can dig some dresses out.

Mum on the Run - Wardrobe Staples

Today was a day of wardrobe staples - Gap cargo trousers, Dune gold wedges and my Monsoon lace top. All feature fairly frequently but that's the point about having some basic items that work with lots of other things.  I find all of them comfortable and given that I was at a networking event - which was held in a soft play area - I had to strike that balance between being able to whizz down the slide (which I did!) and being able to hold my own in a professional sense - which I think, and hope, I did!

Mum on the Run - White flares

I knew that it would happen one day and today was the day - I was recognised - by the postman!  I was busy minding my own business working from home when there was a knock on the door.  It was the postman with a parcel for me. Having signed for the parcel the postman said to me "I heard you on the Radio the other day" - and there I was standing in the above outfit plus fluffy dressing gown and thick socks to keep warm - what an advert I was for my services!  That plus the squeak of "Oooh, well I never" and me scuttling back inside was most impressive.
So, to today's outfit - white flared jeans from H&M plus a collarless shirt silk shirt and gold wedges.  All a bit 1970's but in a non brown cheesecloth kind of way.  I never have liked brown clothes - I think it has something to do with the old brownie uniform, which I never could bring myself to wear - I just hated that brown and yellow combination.  I suppose the fact that my sister had been expelled for giving the "V" sign to brown owl meant that my brownie career was over before it even started. Ho hum.

A word about H&M jeans - they are a good price and they come in in-between sizes too - so a 27/29 etc.  Definitely worth a try.  The above style is called & Flary.

Mum on the Run - the pink Mulberry gets an outing

Oh what an evening!  Our disorganisation at getting the union jack bunting for the wedding tomorrow meant that we ended up with the stuff that no-one wanted - the England flag - and now our house looks like it is inhabited by football hooligans. 

Our eldest made red cupcakes for our street party but ran out of red food colouring so they are pink.  She wanted me to take her out to get more food colouring but as I had had some gin I wasn't going to drive - and come to think of it nor was it too bright a thing to do prior to going to a yoga class.  On returning from the yoga class I had to tidy the kitchen which I swear had every bowl, implement and utensil known to man all over the worksurfaces and the floor is somewhat sticky.  Her and that flippin' balloon whisk again!

Our son had a friend round whose Grandma happened to have won Wimbledon some years ago.  On asking him whether he was any good at tennis he responded to the effect that he would be if his Grandma could be bothered to get her finger out, stopped walking the dog and gardening and taught him how to play tennis.  Well it was a concise answer I suppose.

So to the clothes - it was suprisingly cold this morning so I layered a silk printed blouse with a bow under a bat wing jumper and added navy trousers and gold wedges.  I also wore a trench coat which kept the chill out until it warmed up. Having finally braved treating the pink Mulberry it too came out for an outing.  Its size and strap length are really good when shopping.

In answer to last night's "thought for the day" I decided that I am really lucky and that I don't need either more or less of anything - but if I could only look how the mirror in French Connection (Birmingham)makes me look then I would just be a tinier bit happier.  It just stretches me out a bit! Go take a look some time.  Have a great day tomorrow.

Mum on the Run - Running to stand still!

Oh golly, sorry no picture today - but a photo of today's outfit will appear tomorrow.  It all started out so well but when I got home I changed (into something not worth showing you) as I was swapping the children's bedrooms around.  It then all went down hill from there as I got distracted by a fire at a local school (I even watched the local news, having wrestled the remote from the three year old as Dora is normally on at that time).  So, until tomorrow, here is a thought for you to ponder instead:

Assuming that you had just a little bit more of a few things - time/money/legs/boobs, for example, and a little less of some other things, how would it change the way that you dress? The idea is not to go too far from where you are now but to think how, with a few little tweaks here and there, you would change your wardrobe. On that note I will go and do some pondering myself.

Mum on the Run - A casual look (at any age!)

It was colder today than it has been of late so I knew that layers would be the order of the day.  After years in the wilderness, my denim shirt has now become a favourite piece in my wardrobe.  Combined with khaki cargos, a pretty blouse from Zara, a leopard print belt and pink shoes, I was sorted for the day ahead.

On reaching my friend's house she observed what a pretty blouse I was wearing and then realised that her (12 year old) daughter had the same one - and similar coloured trousers.  Oh flip - so I am now dressing like a 12 year old. 

On reflection I have concluded that it is not that I am dressing too young for my age, or that she is dressing too old for her age - it's just that these days when you reach 40 you don't have to head for the block pleated skirts with twin set and pearls. However I am conscious that I should not tread on my own daughter's fashion toes, and one should never close one's mind to new fashion possibilities so - Eastex and crimplene here I come!

Trousers Gap, Denim shirt Next, Blouse Zara, Shoes Clarks

Mum on the Run - A weekend away

I have been away for a few days to sunny Brighton to see family and friends - hence the lack of pictures.  Having walked some not inconsiderable distances in heat, high heels and amongst the crowds, these are my top five style observations/tips when it comes to the summer wardrobe:

• Buy a box of plasters.  It's not true that our feet toughen up over the winter months.  All those snuggly socks and covering up turn our feet into wimps so that at the first sign of a strappy sandal they blister;
• Always, always always check your view from the rear because even if you don't, others will.  I shall say no more;
• Always check what you look like when on the move - bits that look firm and toned when standing still can take on jelly like qualities when on the move;
• Novelty anything just doesn't work on anyone over the age of about 12;
• Put aside your fears and wear white.  As long is the ice cream is vanilla and the alcohol is champagne/gin/vodka or white wine you'll be fine.  We all know that an ice cream and alcohol diet is good for the soul - well, for a short time anyway. Oh yes, and remember to leave the children elsewhere - they have a tendency to be a bit mucky.

PS - The bottom on display in the photograph - it's not mine!

Mum on the Run - It's all white!

Today saw me visiting my oldest school friend and then it was on to see my Mum.  I love going back to the village where I grew up - seeing the church, the local, the chippy and the Post Office where I longed to have the yellow microphone and flippers (how random?) that were on display when I was all of six - it all just reminded me of those long hot summers when I was younger.

Today I was road testing my new white dress from Mango, in preparation for our weekend away in Brighton.  I liked the fact that it was cotton, double layered and that it had an interesting detail on the hemline.  Also I love white for the summer as it is a blank canvas - my summer equivalent of navy really.  The good thing about it for me was that it had a good length to it (as do most of Mango's dresses and skirts) so little is revealed when scrambling around with our three year old.  

Not too long ago I was described by a friend of mine as scrawny (he knows who he is!) but the fact that the dress had a high neckline meant that my scrawny chest was not on display!  However my arms are OK so the fact that the dress was sleeveless was a positive. I styled it with a gold belt and gold sandals to go with the gold buttons on the dress.  However it is so versatile that I will put lots of different accessories with it.  In fact if the weather stays nice I fear that I might be wearing it quite a lot- well that is until either I, or one of the children, spills something revolting on it and ruins it.

Have a lovely Easter weekend.

Mum on the Run - Day 4 Spring work wear : Smart T and tailored trousers

This is more of a casual work look - smart T, peg trousers and bright shoes.  Provided that the T is on the smart side and you have a blazer or nice piece of knitwear to put over the top should the need arise, this can work fine in most office environments.  Remeber no bra straps showing please!

T- Oasis, Peg trousers M&S, Shoes Clarks, Cuff Hobbs

Mum on the Run - Day 3 Spring work wear: the LBD

A LBD, or a little blue dress, or little red dress is a really handy addition to your spring work wardrobe, provided that it is versatile enough.  For that, it needs to be fairly plain and it helps if the belt can be changed too.  If you feel that you do not suit, or do not like belts, that is less of a consideration. 

As to length, if it finishes just on or above your knee, you should be able to wear it with both flats and heels. Too short before you add heels and too much leg may be on display at work.  Too long without heels it can look frumpy.

This dress is a silk one from Whistles which has a cotton slip underneath. It is one of my favourite pieces as it is pretty yet simple.  Here I have gone for a simple day time look and  I have substituted the black belt that it came with and swapped it for a wide bright blue belt.  I have added blue/green sandals and kept to a black bag for simplicity.

Silk Dress Whistles, Belt Reiss, Shoes Pied a Terre, Bag Marc Jacobs.

Below I have styled the dress for a night out.  I have swapped the belt back to the silk one that came with the dress and added a statement necklace, high shoes and a burgandy patent evening bag - all of it fairly simple colour wise.  Of course there are lots of other alternatives that you could go for - bright shoes/bright bag/oversized clutch/statement earrings instead of statement necklace and so on - and therein lies the beauty of a good LBD, it acts as a blank canvas, enabling you to create many looks from one piece.

Dress Whistles, Shoes LK Bennett, Bag Reiss, Necklace Oasis

Mum on the Run - Day 2 Spring work wear: cropped trousers and a silk shirt

Today I have gone for a silk ruffled shirt, slim cotton cropped trousers and patent high heels.  Being natural fibres, silk and cotton work well when it is warmer. I have added the coral belt to break up the "black and greyness" of it all.  A black blazer would be a nice addition to make the outfit smarter.  Alternatively the trousers could be dressed down with ballet flats, a plain white shirt and a piece of knitwear.

If slim fitting trousers don't suit your shape, you could swap them for a pair of wide black leg trousers - it's probably best to avoid the classic court shoe with a wide trouser but rather go for a stacked heel or a wedge instead.

Trousers Ted Baker, Shirt and shoes LK Bennett, Belt Joules, Bag Mulberry

Mum on the Run - Day 1: Spring work wear - a striped skirt and wedges

The weather forecast is fairly good this week and so I am going to do five days of spring work wear. 

There are a lot of stripes around this season and so I have gone for a pink, cream and brown skirt with stripes of varying widths.  I have put it with a mink coloured silk cowl neck top and a pinky camisole layered underneath.  I am also using my pink bag and have worn some Jigsaw wedges.

The silhouette of this outfit is heading towards the 1950's - great for pear shaped ladies as the cowl neck adds volume to the bust, the fitted skirt and top define the waist and the volume in the skirt disguises wider hips. A belt would add further definition at the waist if desired. The wedges could be swapped for a peep toe shoe which would give it more of a 1950's feel.

Skirt and top both H&M, Bag Russell & Bromley, Shoes Jigsaw

Mum on the Run - Wide linen trousers

The good thing about white wide legged linen trousers is that they are comfortable and keep you cool.  The bad thing is that they crumple easily and unless expensive and lined (in which case they are likely to be dry clean only) you can often see the pockets through them, plus underwear etc.  The fact that they are white can make the hips look wider and the fact that they are linen which gives, means that they can  look less fitted than they should, quicker than they should. Not sounding too hopeful is it?

The trouble is that I love white linen in the summer.  The answer? To wear a long top over them.  This deals with pockets/underwear/wide hips/too loose issue fairly well (and if the top is dark it means that you can't see anything that you have sat in - bonus.) 

I am wearing probably one of the most popular French Connection tops that they have ever made - I don't necessarily say that in a good way more a "wherever you go you will see people wearing this top" kind of way.  However, it is a really versatile top.  For those with the legs it can be worn as a dress and dressed up for the evening, it can also be worn on the beach with flat sandals.  As someone who doesn't spend much time in short dresses or on the beach, I layer it over either wide or skinny legged trousers.  For those of you who are slightly wary of stripes, the fact that the stripes are against a dark background makes it easier to wear than the other way round.  Oh and the elbow length sleeves are handy too. 

Trousers Kew, Top French Connection, Converse Jones

Mum on the Run - White jeans

It was slightly warmer today so it was time to bring the white jeans back into action. Whilst I saw some women in strapless maxi dresses I didn't feel that it was quite warm enough for me to reveal any more.  Also, whilst the trends dictate that head to toe white is the way forward it would have to be a really hot day for me to embrace that one full on! I put the jeans with a navy Cos top which I love but which is a bit too thin for the colder months together with silver Carvela sandals and a statement necklace. 

It all worked fine for our picnic but later I substituted the sandals for converse when I again took two of our three "scootering".  Blimey the three year old can't half shift it on that scooter of hers.  The training that I did with the Royal Marines this morning wasn't a patch on what she threw my way!

Jeans Gap, Top Cos, Shoes Carvela, Necklace Next.

Mum on the Run - the casual shirt dress

Today saw us engaging in a variety of different activities, which included going to the Sea Life Centre (again), taking the youngest out on her scooter (hence the shoes I can run in and hands free bag) and doing some DIY (which involved very strong glue and wood). 

I also caught the three year old trying to let herself out of the front door, having got a stool to stand on.  She then asked me whether she was 17 yet as she wants to learn to drive.  The eldest baked cakes and dropped a balloon whisk on the floor - so that saw me mopping the floor and wiping down the kitchen cupboards, cooker and dishwasher.  Apparently I now have pink icing to clear up.

Yep, the clothes had to work hard today.  It was cold this morning and so I went for jeans with a shirt dress plus a coloured top underneath.  It was warm later on and given the state of the clothes I was in, (having also tidied out the conservatory) I really should have changed.  However I knew that I was about to embark on scootering, ice creams, possible tears and tantrums (with all the bodily fluids that that entails), playing in the garden and baking, so left my slightly shabby clothes on.  Sorry! We have had a fun day though.

Jeans Gap, Converse Jones, Long sleeved top French Connection, Dress Cos, Belt Joules

Mum on the Run - Dresses with sleeves

Today is my last day of dealing with issues which create problems for us during the summer. 

Before I do though, I wanted to share an anecdote (observation?) with you all that really is a sign of the times.  As I was walking up the street yesterday I saw two teenage girls coming towards me.  They were dressed in opaque tights, ballet pumps, denim shorts and checked shirts.  That wasn't what struck me though. Although side by side they weren't talking.  Instead they were walking along looking down at their phones and texting.  It took me back to days of walking along with my best friend when we were often laughing so much that we couldn't walk.  The thought of walking together but not being together would have been a totally alien concept to me.  I didn't think it wrong or bad - just different and vaguely sad.

So, leaving the philosophical thoughts behind.  Sleeves - or the lack of them in clothes in the summer can cause real problems.  There are lots of shirts and blouses (both silk and non-silk) around this season so tops don't tend to be too much of a problem.  There are always the tunic style tops and kaftans which often have sleeves in them too.

The main difficult I find is the lack of sleeves in every day dresses.  One obvious thing to do if you really can't find a dress that you like with sleeves is to find the perfect base layer to use underneath it so that every dress becomes wearable.  An alternative is to wear some type of cape, shrug or bolero over the top - available everywhere from Primark to Oasis, Monsoon and Hobbs.

Here are a couple of day dresses that might work for you - both from Monsoon and both figure flattering.  Whilst plain, they could easily be dressed up with accessories.

For a full length day time dress, this one from Fenn Wright Manson is hard to beat.  Whilst you may need to be feeling on the brave side, it certainly makes a statement.

LK Bennett has a great selection of dresses with sleeves and some are on sale making them much more reasonably priced. These are a couple of my favourites.  The second one also comes in bright pink and there are various other styles - wraps, animal prints and different coloured ones too.

Reiss has a lovely navy lace dress with sleeves and also a two tone blue dress which taps into the colour blocking trend.  So, hopefully that will give you a few ideas if you don't want your arms on show.

Mum on the Run - Shoes offering moderate coverage

Today I am dealing with my fourth and penultimate style challenge which causes problems in the summer - keeping feet covered - but not covered up.  It's not a "sexy" topic but stay with me and it will all make sense - I promise!

Lots of sandals, particularly flat ones reveal a lot of the foot.  There are a variety of reasons why this causes problems for women.  Some feel that as they have matured, their feet aren't what they once were, either due to blemishes, the start of bunions or the presence of unsightly veins. Whilst not wanting to wear closed in shoes, some women would like sandals that offer a reasonable amount of coverage.  Below are images of sandals ranging from flat, to wedges, through to mid height, stacked heels and clogs.  All of them offer some moderate coverage so that the entire foot is not on display.  Obviously whether the sandals featured below address the problem or not depends on where the problem lies-but at least they should give you some ideas of what is out there.  Unlike yesterday's shoes, most of which were bright or floral, these are more muted in tone.

• Starting with flat shoes - these Boden sandals have a criss cross pattern over the foot and will help disguise problem areas whilst not covering the foot entirely.  As you may imagine, they come in a variety of different colours.

• These flat shoes, also from Boden, have sufficient detailing in the tassel to provide some coverage towards the front of the foot. 

These wedges from New Look offer a lot of coverage up the front of the foot and despite being practical in the sense of being covered up, are still modern looking.

• These two pairs of shoes from Dune have a mid height heel so are practical not only in that sense but also because they provide coverage

• These stacked heels from Clarks Boutique range are a great find.  They are a good price and will go with lots of things from cargo trousers, to wide legged jeans through to printed dresses and anything white. They too offer lots of coverage. 

• And finally the clogs.  These could have come under yesterday's post (shoes for those who don't like their toes) but I thought that I would save them for today.  Out of all of the shoes on offer they cover the foot the most but if you are happy to have your toes on show, there are open versions out there too.

Mum on the Run - For those who don't like their toes!

Today is day three of taking a look at the areas which present us with difficulties during the summer months. 

So far I have taken a look at how to give your legs some colour without resorting to fake tan and the hazards that come with it. I have also taken a look at alternatives to jeans and leggings if you don't want your legs on show.  Today is the turn of shoes which are closed (or almost closed) at the front. 

I know that there are some ladies who don't like their toes on display and would rather keep them hidden from view.   I have not covered the classic court shoe, or Uggs or Crocs. Instead I have tried to give you some prettier summer alternatives involving prints, colour and floral options.  There are also other options with stripes, stars - you name it, it's out there! 

So, first off, jewelled flats or ballet pumps to be followed with flat slingbacks, espadrilles, converse style shoes and then a couple of dressier options.  Of course it is always worth bearing in mind the peep toe shoe.  Depending on the size of the "peep" some literally just show a flash of a painted nail rather than a toe - so they too may be worth considering.

• Jewelled flats or ballet pumps.  These are everywhere, in every colour and with different prints from hearts to spots to sequins.  If you don't want your toes on display and you want to wear flats, I can imagine that you will have lots of these in your wardrobe. These are from Boden - no denying that they are full on but if you are going to go for a bit of embellishment you may as well do it big time!

• Here is a more casual pair of flats, which you could wear on the beach instead of flip flops. These are by Cath Kidston and I can assure you, they can stand anything that the sea has to throw at them!

• A flat slingback is also an option for those who don't like their toes.  Next has some nice patent pointed ones with a kitten heel, as does Topshop.  The ones below, which are also from Boden, are completely flat and come in several different colours.

• Espadrilles - they always make me think of Wham and Club Tropicana - but they have come a long way since then! Cath Kidston has done these pretty floral ones which have a slight wedge to them. The heel is cut out and they have an ankle strap - tricky for some to wear but not others. 

• As an alternative if the floral business is a bit too much for you, you could try these Boden ones which have a slightly higher wedge.  They also come in several different colour ways.

• Now, on to the converse style shoes.  Converse are really popular - because they work. They come in lots of different colours, can be machine washed and are very comfortable.  I have shown you a similar idea from Cath Kidston, which are really reasonable priced at £18. Similar styles can be picked up at most high street stores. 

• This is Boden's version -slightly dressier as they are in satin and, as you might imagine, come in a variety of colours.

• Now on to a slightly more substantial pair of shoes from Dune.  More of a court shoe with a medium height heel.  Again they are floral but not too overpowering.  They are also fairly neutral albeit in a floral kind of way so they should be really versatile.

• And my favourites? These fantastic shoes are by Olivia Rubin for Dune.  They are a lovely print -definitely a statement shoe to be worn with pride and a smile on your face!

Mum on the Run - Keeping your legs under wraps.

Yesterday I wrote about how to deal with those oh so white legs that we tend to have at this time of the year.  Today I will give you ideas on what to wear if you don't want to show your legs at all - ever! Fortuntately, there are now plenty of options and you don't have to suffer the whole summer sweating in jeans or leggings. 

So, here are the options: Jumpsuits, maxi dresses, maxi skirts, midi skirts and palazzo pants.

Jumpsuits - these were on the periphery last year but have come into their own this season and are likely to hang around for a few more to come. This blue one is from Dorothy Perkins and I can see it being worn as an alternative to a sun dress during the day or being dressed up for the evening with some statement jewellery and wedges.  If they make you feel too much like a little girl try changing your accessories for something more contemporary or sophisticated. 

The second jumpsuit is smarter and could be worn with a blazer to work, or even over a white shirt.  Alternatively it could be styled with gold jewellery and flat jewelled sandals and worn at home. Again it is from Dorothy Perkins.

This third option is a slightly younger fun look from M&S which reflect the trend for all things floral this season.

The most obvious item of clothing to cover legs is the maxi dress.  These have been around for a few seasons now and are almost reaching their saturation point but there are some really good ones out there.  My advice is to watch the print and the volume of them.  Some are just to wide for their wearers!  The good thing about them is that many are cut with a v-neck and an empire line  both of which are flattering for those apple shaped ladies.  Ikat prints are huge this season and this dress, also from Dorothy Perkins, taps into that.  The print keeps the eye on the move, which makes it flattering.  Petite ladies may find that it is too busy for them but there are plenty of alternatives.

This next, also from Dorothy Perkins, is less busy so may suit a more petite frame. The attractive knot detail will disguise a less than flat tummy and the colour is flattering to lots of skin tones.

This Monsoon maxi is nice for those ladies who prefer to keep the tops of their arms covered.  Oasis, Wallis, Monsoon and Warehouse has a good selection of maxi dresses. 

Maxi skirts are a third option.  They allow more flexibility with what you wear on your top half and provide a solution if you have an aversion to maxi dresses!  This green one from Reiss is very pretty.

Next up for consideration is the midi skirt.  Whilst they don't offer complete coverage, they do offer some coverage.  To me, midi skirts are the hardest to get right as they can so easily look wrong if not styled well.  See them on a girl in her 20's worn with a leather or denim jacket and the right shoes and there is no doubt that she is right on trend.  Put one on a 40 plus with a slightly dodgy cardigan and the wrong type of shoes and they can just look, well, you get the picture! This one from TopShop has a very Miu Miu looking print.

The last item is the palazzo pant.  These are more difficult to come by on the High Street but if you look hard enough there are some out there.  The ones below are from Oasis - black so very understated but stylish too.  Topshop has some pleated ones and Butterfly by Matthew Williamson in Debenhams also does some navy ones.

So there you are ladies.  No excuses not to look good even if you do want your legs under wraps.  Tomorrow it is the turn of shoes that don't show your toes!