Today marks the start of the school year which means we are back to early wake-up calls and school run routines dominating our lives. All.The.Fun.
After the arrival of Sophie in January, I’ll admit that I found myself slipping into the all too easy routine of promising myself I’d shower after I’d dropped Zak at school, throwing on any old thing (usually accessorized with a bit of baby sick) and shoving my hair up into the ever present ‘Mum bun’ for the school run. So attractive I know.
Once upon a time, I actually took a lot of pride in my appearance (pre-baby naturellement) and I wouldn’t have been seen dead in public in anything less than a full face of makeup and a carefully put together outfit. Granted, I was always on my way to the office and it would have been somewhat frowned upon to turn up in my pyjama bottoms but I loved that freshly styled, ready for the day feeling.
Although admittedly with two kids in tow, I’m a lot more time poor these days, I have to admit that I have fallen into a really lazy pattern of not bothering on the school run. Maternity leave has been an excuse for it and it’s getting a bit old. So, here we are in September once again and I’m determined to get a bit of myself back and start making an effort for the school run and for myself.
Where to start? Aside from washing my hair obvs.
Well luckily for me, the lovely people at Hawes and Curtis have come to my rescue. I was offered the opportunity to collaborate with them and review one of their oh so stylish shirts and I pretty much bit their hands off! If you haven’t heard of them, Hawes and Curtis are heritage British brand that offer high-quality menswear and womenswear collections. Their pièce de résistance is in my opinion their collection of tailored shirts and blouses. My other half is a big fan and uses them for work so I had already heard of the brand previously but I was interested to see if I could find something in a more casual style for myself.
The Hawes and Curtis website is brilliant. I think I’ve mentioned before that one of my pet hates is visiting a badly run, hard to navigate website but this was quite the opposite. Bright, clear and clean looking, I found it so easy to navigate that it was a real pleasure to sit and choose from the fabulous Autumn/Winter collection. It did take me a little while to plump for this pretty white and light, blue floral, semi-fitted shirt because there were SO many lovely designs and styles to choose from but the size guide and ordering process were really helpful and efficient once I’d made my mind up.
My shirt arrived a few days later in a lovely blue and white striped box with the Hawes and Curtis logo on the front. I was pretty impressed with the packaging to be honest. The box, the careful wrapping and crisp folding of the shirt all gave the impression that this was a high-quality, expensive product. Except it was actually really reasonably priced at £29.50. What do you think? Pretty isn’t it!
I knew I was going to love it the minute I clocked that gorgeous blue floral pattern. The quality of this shirt is probably the best I’ve ever had and I’d class myself as a bit of a shirt/blouse expert. Weird I know but when you spend half your life in an office environment you do get to try out an awful lot of them! For me, comfort is everything (refer back to the Mum bun comment above) and I don’t want to be waddling off on the school run wearing a stiff, starched shirt. I needn’t have worried about this little beauty though. It’s made from 97% cotton making it light weight and breathable and 3% elastane, which provides the material with just enough give to make it super comfortable. The cut is brilliant too – close on the bust and out at the waist and hips. Maybe this sounds odd but it is extremely flattering when you are sporting this seasons latest mummy tummy, trust me.
As you can see, I am styling it out with my skinny, high-waist jeans, canvas pumps and shoulder bag today. Comfy, easy and I like to think that it looks like I’ve made a bit more of an effort than usual. I can also see myself doing the buttons all the way up to the top and pairing with a round neck jumper when Winter decides to rear its ugly head. However I choose to style it, the main plus point about this shirt is that I actually feel a million dollars in it and that is a really nice way to start the day. Until someone throws Weetabix at me of course, which happened straight after I took this picture. I can therefore vouch that it washes and reshapes like a dream. All the glamour but when you’re a busy Mama there aint’ nothing getting handwashed let me tell you.
This is my moody, pre-coffee, don’t mess with me Mama-face and is pretty indicative of how I am feeling at being dragged out of the house before 9am. It’s also a really nice close up of the beautiful floral print, which is more to the point.
I’m pretty excited to kick off the school run styling with this Hawes and Curtis number and I will definitely be going back to buy one or two more in some of the other prints. If you are joining me and intending to swap pyjama bottoms and mum buns for something a bit more stylish then I’d recommend heading over to the Hawes and Curtis website and having a little look at their lovely Autumn / Winter collection. It really is very nice.
I’d love to hear what you think of my new shirt (be nice) and whether you’re planning on making a bit more effort for the new school year too. Let me know in the comments box below!
Until next time lovelies – Happy school running!
xxx
That shirt is stunning and you look amazing in it. I need to invest in one of these. Perfect for the school run! :- )
Emma recently posted…A new era and a new office for me!
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Thank you so much! x
Fi recently posted…A Letter To My Bonus Baby
Stunning – I adore shirts and jeans – fab with a blazer thrown over the top and flats – and absolutely perfect for the school run and then coffee, then lunch, then afternoon tea – done! I know what you mean about liking to feel ready for the day. Great post with fab pictures – you have amazing skin by the way!
justsayingmum.com recently posted…A Lesson From My Daughter
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Ooh yes to the blazer – great idea! Thank you so much x
Fi recently posted…A Letter To My Bonus Baby
I love their shirts but only really looked at the mens ones. Although I’ve a small bust vs ribs and hips and struggle to find them to fit properly. I love that print though. Looks great
Emma T recently posted…Living Arrows 2016 week 36 – Jersey ice cream
You look great. I’m wondering what people make of my school run attire??? opps.
Lydia C. Lee recently posted…Run away to the circus
That’s a lovely shirt – surprised at the price too. You look like one of the mams I’d be looking at on the school run thinking ‘oh that woman has so got it all together’ #fortheloveofblog
You look gorge lovely. I am always rocking a mum bun when I take Leo to play school..and pretty much all the time actually! Definitely want to start making a bit more effort when it comes to my wardrobe..will have to wait until baby arrives and I can get out of these maternity clothes. I love the floral print on this shirt zx #fortheloveofBLOG
wendy recently posted…The terrible twos, were they really so bad?
Very pretty shirt! Makes me want one#fortheloveofBLOG
fancy recently posted…Tearaways
It is gorgeous! I am definitely a slummy mummy in what I wear – I need to get a few nicer bits and dress up a bit more as I know it will make me feel good. Since stopping work last year I see to have ditched all effort! #fortheloveofBLOG
OddHogg recently posted…The Hairy Hogg
The school run… something I am still to ‘enjoy’ (NG is only three and NC one) but you look amazing and I am getting some serious ideas about how I *need* a new shirt for work now 🙂 #fortheloveofBLOG
Right Royal Mother recently posted…6 Ways to Return to Work Like Royalty
The shirt looks amazing, as do you. My kids are a bit older so no school run for me any more, but I am trying to make a bit more effort with how I look.
#fortheloveofBLOG
Ali Duke recently posted…My Stupidity Led Me to A&E
You look lovely in it, it really suits you , go you glam mum! I have so far been dressed this week, which is a big deal for a PJ drop off mum like me, but I dont get out of the car so I dont need to look glam, thank goodness! well done you xx
Flying Solo recently posted…Nantwich Food Festival & Meeting Jean-Christophe Novelli
It’s really pretty and I’d not heard of them so I will check them out. I just bought a nice John Rocha fitted navy shirt with some birthday vouchers and I love how a new wardrobe item can make you feel – I’ll also be wearing with jeans and flats. It’s nice to make the extra effort every now and again!
#fortheloveofBLOG
That is a lovely shirt and you look great in it. I generally have trouble with button-up shirts due to the size of my boobs, but I’m tempted to try a higher quality one like that as perhaps the fit is better. #fortheloveofblog
The Mum Reviews recently posted…Walk-away Alfredo Chicken and Broccoli recipe
You look gorgeous! I never think of looking at shirts for something to wear casually. I know exactly what you mean about the lack of effort on maternity, since having Milo even brushing my hair is an absolute effort and I used to wash, dry & straighten it every single day! I feel like i have no clothes either, but i constantly buy Milo a ton of clothes he doesn’t need haha. Mum Life! #fortheloveofBLOG
Love the shirt, I had not heard of them before. I’m just starting out on this school run malarkey, though I’ll probably be a bit more throw on what I can find, though it was my birthday recently and I have some money to spend, time for some shopping I think! Xx #fortheloveofBLOG
Let your light shine Mummy recently posted…The Non Camping Trip
Gorgeous photos! The shirt really suits you. I do love a shirt and jeans. I’m so glad I don’t have to do the school run any more – it is relentless – but so important to look good 🙂
Alison (MadHouseMum) recently posted…Nothing to Prove
Sorry, not doing very well today with remembering to put #fortheloveofBLOG
Alison (MadHouseMum) recently posted…Nothing to Prove
Love the shirt- you are adorbs. This motivates me to at least ull myself together by noon on school days. I might not be a hottie at drop off…but I a, gonna ROCK pick up!
Lovely on you! Have to admit, I wouldn’t chose a floral pattern blouse from looking at it in the box but looks lovely on! #fortheloveofBLOG
Sonia recently posted…Entrance Exams- Who’s More Stressed, Parents or Kids?
You look lovely, definitely a yummy mummy! Nice shirt and the packaging is fab, good packaging goes a long way with me so this is a very good start! Not somewhere I’ve ever considered shopping before but this shirt looks great on you #fortheloveofBLOG
Ooh I love this shirt hun, it’s very fresh and looks gorgeous on you. I’m sure you are the envy of the other Mums at the school gates. I’m off to check out Hawes and Curtis. Claire x #fortheloveofBLOG.
I love the pattern on this shirt. It’s really pretty. Oh and must give a mention to the pumps- cool! xx
#forthelove of BLOG
Rachel Bustin recently posted…New Mum Stories: The Little Glitter box
What a beautiful shirt, and such a great idea for the school run. I seem to throw on the first jumper I can find and hope that it’s not too creased but I’m always then desperate to get home to get changed into something pretty! So this would be a great idea! #fortheloveofBLOG
Cherry Newby recently posted…Understanding EYFS Goals (or, what is my child learning in Reception?)
Hot Mama!! Looking gorgeous hun – and I love love love that shirt! Very chic! xxx #fortheloveofBLOG
That shirt is beautiful on you! Perfect with your colouring! I have fallen into the trap of throwing any old thing on. Need to get out of that rut #fortheloveofblog
Geraldine recently posted…Momma Bear is Feeling the Pressure
Wow you are totally rocking that shirt and look fab! It’s all too easy to go out in baby stained clothes so well done you! #sharingtheblogLOVE
You look really fab my lovely. I’m afraid me and shirts fell out about 15 years ago! Big boobs and hips don’t get on well with fitted shirts Maybe one day! #fortheloveofBLOG
Kirsty – Motherhoodery recently posted…My Decision List #1
I love the print, there’s nothing like a well cut shirt to make you feel good about yourself. It really suits you!
#fortheloveofBLOG
The Tale of Mummyhood recently posted…Who Needs Sleep Anyway?
I would never think of wearing shirts with jeans as they always remind me of work! But yours looks so lovely #KCACOLS
Sunita recently posted…Lucky Things Wellbeing: Tips for helping a friend who might be suffering from post natal depression (part 2)
I love that shirt – it looks so awesome on you! I want one now! I really need to re-think my school run attire and get out of my comfy, chunky look! Thanks for the push in the right directions! #fortheloveofblog
This is so pretty, really impressed with the price too! Looks fab on you! #fortheloveofBLOG
Mrs Lighty recently posted…Bilingual Baby Brain
I used to wear Hawes and Curtis shirts everyday to work, they have a really nice feel. I find it really hard now to find anything to ‘fit’ my new ”mummy” shape but you have made me think that I should revisit them. Love the shirt and jeans combo, looks lovely! #fortheloveofblog
Grounded Mummy recently posted…Watch out! We’ve got a crawler!
Pretty shirt – looks great! I’m the same – I used to always be made up, hair done and smartly dressed pre kids. Not so much now! #fortheloveofBLOG
You look gorgeous & the shirt is lovely too