The Fool Proof Baby Sling

Bomber Jacket: Zara
Long Sleeve Breton Top: Hush
Relaxed Fit Jeans: New Look
Trina Sandals: Sam Edelman via Daniel Footwear
Baby Sling: Lifft Sling*

I was going to start this post by talking about my unruly mane but you know what, I really don't care. Looking at these pictures make me beam like you wouldn't believe and while my hair isn't quite perfect and my jeans a touch too baggy I'm having the best time, hands free discovering the world with my baby. I've always fancied being a sling wearing momma but after trying one with all of the buckles when Sadie was a few months old I was really put off. It took me an age to get her in it and when she was finally secure and I'd started pegging the washing out she had a full on meltdown, cue me trying to unfasten a thousand clips as fast as I could with a sobbing Sadie - I ended up feeding her with parts of the sling still attached to me! At that very moment I decided slings were not for me.

Enter the Lifft Sling, a continuous piece of material manufactured in Yorkshire that can be folded in half and placed over your head and shoulder, add a baby and you're off - it's that simple and there's not a buckle or clasp in sight. I've been testing the Lifft Sling, suitable from birth to 35lbs for the past month and must say I'm impressed - I love how it folds down into a small square so it doesn't take up too much precious real estate in my baby bag and how easy it is to switch from the pushchair to the sling at the first sound of a cry, even as a one year old Sadie loves nothing better than being picked up, especially while she's teething. Another real benefit for me personally is that the Lifft Sling has undergone biometrical testing to show it keeps your spine straight, spreading baby's weight evenly across your shoulder and back, encouraging good posture. My posture has definitely got worse since I had Sadie, partly down to breastfeeding so it's good to know this wondrous piece of machine washable cotton helps your stance too.

The only confusion I found with the Lifft Sling is sizing. If I was ordering direct from the online shop I'd of chosen a size 2 (UK size 10-12) but meeting the lovely Alex (half of the husband and wife Lifft Sling duo) for my personal fit consultation I was surprised to discover I was actually a size 1 (UK size 8-10) so in my experience I'd size down. That said team Lifft Sling are more than happy to exchange their slings until you feel you have the correct size for you and your baby, you can't say fairer than that. 

I'm so pleased to finally feel confident using a baby sling and I can't thank Alex enough for introducing me to the brand. My Lift Sling is the perfect addition to our baby carrying line up (we have the Uppababy Vista and Maclaren Techno XT) especially at a reasonable £49.95 which is a fraction of the price of some baby carriers on the market so if you're newb to the baby sling game or just fancy adding a fool proof take anywhere sling to your collection then the Lifft Sling is one to check out.

*PR Sample, all baby carrying thoughts my own.

All Hail The Midi Dress

Louche Shanta Dress: JOY*
Frayed Crop Jacket: Hush
Willow Bag: Mulberry
Friendship Bracelet: Links of London
Ziggy Round Pendant Necklace: Monica Vinader
Trina Sandal: Sam Edelman via Daniel Footwear

Hold the phone, an outfit post without a stripe in sight - who am I? On a side note don't you think we should all say hold the phone more often? Thoughts in the comments please. With Bank Holiday weekend almost bidding it's final farewell (where is this year going?) I thought it was high time I brought you yesterdays rather glam outfit while sitting in a pair of joggers and a workout hoodie, I'm all about the juxtaposition don't you know. 

Yesterday Craig, Sadie and I headed off to my mum and dads for a family BBQ so I couldn't think of a better excuse to throw on my latest wardrobe addition. Say hello to my floral midi dress which is a dream for lazy occasion dressing and mums a like, double points if you're both. First let's talk about the beautiful flowery print, not only does it brighten your day but it's excellent for hiding food stains, have you ever eaten next to an eleven month baby before? Watch out for the hummus. Next is the length, a midi dress is the twenty something plus girls dream - it skims those areas you want to disguise, showcases your skinny ankles and there's no chance of any cheek being on show when you bend down to pick up your into-everything-baby. Finally the cami style top makes this dress appropriate for all of the occasions, dressed down with low sandals a la moi for a summer BBQ, sans shoes for a beach walk or add high heels and this dress is Summer wedding or races perfect. As Sheffield couldn't make its mind up weather wise I added my Chanel inspired frayed jacket to ward off the chill. Isn't she a beaut? A birthday gift well chosen, thank you mum and dad.

While tomorrow might be everyones Monday (yes I know it's actually Tuesday) I can't complain one jot as I'm off shopping with my mum because I'm craving more blue and white tops from Zara, this one is easily my most worn item in my wardrobe right now. My mission this week is to find a bunch of peonies, now before you call me a blogger cliche hear me out - they're not only the prettiest flower around but closed ivory ones featured in my wedding bouquet so I think I more than deserve an open posy. Right?

Do you have a penchant for peonies? What do you make of midis?

*I was kindly sent this dress by JOY, all midi love my own.

Sunday For One

Stripe Long Sleeve Tee: Hush
Rose Gold Necklace: & Other Stories
Black Ceramic Watch: Michael Kors
Maysa Skinny Jeans: Whistles
Rose Gold Sandals: Faith c/o Debenhams*
Alexa Bag: Mulberry
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Tom Ford

Solo Sundays are pretty rare around these parts but when the boys (Craig and the pooch) had plans in the diary with poppa Wild it was my time to shine aka run a few errands, generally potter around and visit the newly returned from holiday rents, how beaut is their new front door colour? With a new candle to add to my stash and a tin full of Swiss chocolates, thanks ma and pa, I returned home to find my washing soddened. Damn you unpredictable weather, where has that thing called Summer gone? Right now it seems like everyone and their dog are on holiday so instead of getting all envious I'm counting down the days to our vacay to Sardinia instead, just fourteen days to go and can you believe this time next Sunday I'll be at Leeds fest? Now that will be a change of scene from todays activities.

Stripy tops have recently found their way to the top of my love list so after deciding my Joules number was looking a bit tired (well I do wear it all the time) I decided to splurge on this Hush offering. You can never have too many stripes right? I can tell it was a wise move as I've already worn it two days in a row, oops. Another must mention is this kooky & Other Stories necklace which I found on my epic tidy up last weekend. What can I say? I buy things, leave them in the carriers and forget all about them. It's a problem. I'm a little bit into rose gold right now so was thrilled to remember this buy and sport it today. Last but never least is my nail polish, borrowed from my pal Claire who made the most epic cauliflower pizza last night FYI. The shade in question is Mind The Gap, Victoria (cutest name ever?) from Rimmel and boy is it a winner. That much so I may have already picked up my very own bottle on todays food shop.

Has your Sunday been a solo affair? What do you have planned for the bank holiday?