If you're searching for a seasonal style update, then our wonderful London contributor, Amanda Woodward-Brown, has you covered.
With an impressive background at Net-A-Porter, NINE IN THE MIRROR and most recently, Rupert Sanderson, she is well versed in the world of style. Here’s what Amanda is coveting this month.
Matilda and Grace
This small British brand is where I buy all of the girls’ hair accessories. Featuring bows, clips and bobbles in linen or Liberty print cotton, each piece is handmade by the founder Elizabeth and is of beautiful quality. Violet has been wearing hair bows since she was little and it is the only brand that has stood up to the test of being constantly yanked out without falling apart. My favourites are the school girl bows but the new line of scrunchies are gorgeous too. Shop Matilda and Grace
Elle Porte
I discovered this super-cute little Australian label through Instagram and couldn’t resist snapping up two pairs of their white Daisy sunglasses for Violet and Isla on our recent holiday back home. Not at all an essential item, but hey if you can’t wear novelty flower shaped sunglasses when you are two, then when can you? Shop Elle Porte
Camomile London
We recently moved Violet into her own room which meant a new bed and new bed linen. Enter Camomile, a label specialising in beautiful bedding for children and babies. It is the details that set this British label’s designs apart. Made to be mixed and matched, the prints are understated yet intricate. Contrast trims and practical but elegant tie finishes also make each piece feel carefully considered. I could have bought every style in the range but settled on the Minako floral print. While it is considerably more expensive than what is available on the high street, the quality means it is an investment that will last for years to come. Shop Camomile London
Party Cake Hack
Kids birthday parties are expensive, not to mention exhausting, so when I heard about a genius birthday cake hack from my sister-in-law I resolved to try it for Violet’s recent party. Anything to not to have to spend hours baking a cake myself (which I would inevitably burn) or fork out a ridiculous amount of money, for what is essentially flour, eggs and sugar. The hack involves sandwiching together two Aldi madeira celebration cakes, securing them with a couple of kebab sticks (with the pointy ends cut off) and then icing over it to make it look like one layered cake. Genius. Violet had a Frozen party theme, so I frosted the cake with blue ombre icing and finished it with white sugar pearls that resembled snow, then added a glittery cake topper. It was a hit with both the parents and the children and cost under £10. The hack could be used for pretty much any other type of round cake. Just try to pick one that isn’t iced at the sides.
Posse
I have been obsessed with this Australian label since first coming across them almost three years ago. Their collections just keep getting better and better and this season’s line-up is particularly pretty. While I love the pink gingham bandeau top and short set, my days of wearing a midriff cut have passed, so I will instead be investing in the ultra-flattering Olivia or Adaline midi dresses. Shop Posse