How Fashionable Are You?

I’ve just been looking at some pictures from Cannes of  lots of women looking elegant and cool in the Med sunshine. Now that the weather has finally got hot here it’s made me think about my own summer wardrobe, which is severely lacking in the style department. This year not being pregnant, or breastfeeding I am determined to get my summer clothes sorted once and for all and not fall back on things that were last in fashion in 2005 (before I first got pregnant) or things I wore when I was pregnant (pregnancy tops are great in the heat though obviously shapeless when not pregnant). So at the weekend I went shopping and was horrified to find I now fall between two fashion camps – teenage /young and frumpy/middle aged. Fashion wise this translates as mad prints and neon or floral and maxi. Seeing as neither suit me yesterday I asked a stylist friend of mine to make some suggestions for mums like me who need practical but stylish wear that won’t break the bank. Firstly she advised that I widen my tried and tested shops and then try the following for key summer pieces. Top places she advises for style and budgets are Dorothy Perkins, GAP, Matalan and Boden (all of which also happen to offer good money back at KidStart too). So here’s her pick of summer essentials. What do you think? And what shops do you rate for mum friendly buys? Let us know. Mason Crew T £9.06 from GAP Satin Plimsolls £39.00 from Boden Emerald Cut Offs £20.00 from Dorothy Perkins Scoop Neck beach Dress £49.00 from Boden. Loose Knit Kaftan in Nectarine £6.00 from Matalan