The Button Down Midi

Blue & White Stripe Knot Top: Zara
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Tom Ford
White Button Down Midi Skirt: Warehouse
Navy Track Top: Toyshop
Trina Sandals: Sam Edelman via Daniel Footwear*
Hibiscus Blossom Bag: Mulberry

Oh Summer, I wish you'd make your mind up. This time last week the sunshine was absolutely glorious, everything felt fresh and new which gave me the perfect excuse to throw on some seasonally appropriate garms but what a difference six days make - the sodding rain is back with vengeance and I for one have seen enough precipitation to last a lifetime. Who's with me? This week has been a real mixed bag I've enjoyed a long couldn't-get-enough lunch with a great friend and my soon to be God son, I've caught up with my bud Scarlett and enjoyed a trip to Manchester but in true life fashion we've also endured great sadness this week as we said a heartbreaking farewell to our beautiful dog Kez.

Now I've never been a Debbie downer and I'm not going to become one now so let's talk about something a little more frivolous in the shape of clothes and where do I begin? The goes with everything striped top with tie detail reminiscent of tops my friends would sport as teenagers, the incredibly easy to wear, button down midi or the navy track top that gives any ensemble a sports luxe vibe. Throw all three pieces together and you've got an outfit that epitomises smart casual, my kinda look although granted probably a touch too jazzy for a family stroll. Props to my Blossom bag for being the necessary pop of colour in a sea of blue and white, it's literally the most perfect bag for carrying my essentials - a real novelty when you're used to holding everything but the kitchen sink in your baby bag. Finally I've got to say I loved my make-up last Sunday and it's all down to a sample of the liquid Becca shimmering skin perfector in moonstone, if you love a luminous base that makes yourself swit swoo then you need this in your make-up bag stat. Speaking of make-up bags I had to add two products to mine this weekend 'cos it'd be rude not to when you're in spitting distance of a Charlotte Tilbury counter (promise I never spit, it's gross). Keep your eyes on my Instagram to see a mini haul pronto.

I hope you're week hasn't included any sadness but in case it has just remember, tomorrow is a new day.

What do you make of my English Summer appropriate ensemble?

*Sponsored link

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.

Pink To Make The Boys Wink

Coline Jacket: Claudie Pierlot via Selfridges
Oversized Wool Scarf: & Other Stories
Navy Striped Top: Topshop
Leopard Print Chain Clutch: Whistles
Popper Side A-Line Skirt: Whistles
Black Opaques: Marks & Spencer
Black Petty Boots: Sam Edelman

It feels like an age since I went on tour so I'm beyond thrilled to tell you I'm bringing you this post from my beyond comfortable bed in the seriously luxe Rudding Park in Harrogate. I'm feeling like a new woman after the most amazing Aromatherapy Associates facial and back massage which is just what I needed, the calm before the storm if you will as tomorrow is my penultimate wedding dress fitting and Friday, well Friday is the beginning of my hen weekend which means it'll be 15 days until I get married. 15 days until I become a Mrs instead of a Miss, I mean where has the time disappeared to? This past week has passed by in a blur of wedding preparations (oh the admin), personal training sessions (it's tough but feels so good afterwards) and Easter egg avoidance as I'm trying my very best to be good on the wedding countdown - so far so good although there is a cookie iced with Sadies name in our hotel room that's staring at me, maybe this will break me? Should I start a pray for Hannah hashtag?

These snaps were taken on Easter Monday where we found ourselves picking up our wedding bands and enjoying a family stroll with hot chocolates in hand, for the record I didn't have my usual addition of marshmallows. Healthy right? I picked up this blue leather jacket in the Selfridges sale when I went to choose my wedding shoes in London back in January (I know, I know how many times have I said wedding). While I wasn't in the market for a leather jacket at that very moment I couldn't resist this buttery soft baby with it's detachable faux fur collar - throw in a final reduction price and oodles of French girl chic and I just had to make this wardrobe staple mine. If my jacket wasn't in the picture my favourite wardrobe addition would have to be my pink a-line skirt, not only is the perfect shape for skimming my child bearing hips but it's also the colour of the moment. Shades of pink, rose and blush are all over the high street right now and I for one am in heaven - I'm not even a super girly girl but rosy tones are definitely something I can get on board with. Completing the look I added a reverse Breton striped tee from Topshop which is that perfect length for pairing with slightly higher waisted garms, my go to ankle boots which I'm keen to replace pronto as they're looking a little tired and one of the best bags I ever purchased from Whistles.

Now I'm off to grab an early and healthy dinner with a crawling (yes she's crawling) Sadie Florence and my mum. Fingers crossed that cookie doesn't wink at me in the meantime...

Did you have a delightful Easter weekend? Do you rate pink?

1970 Now

Leopard Print Coat: H&M
1970 Navy Jumper: Bella Freud via Avenue32
Denim Button Down Skirt: Topshop
Black Opaques: Wolford
Black Petty Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman
Camel & Grey Scarf: Zara

Well hello there, how you doing? I can't believe how long it's been since my last post (thirteen days if you're counting) so I'm incredibly happy to be writing this. Last night I spent an hour reading my favourite blogs which is something I haven't done in ages and it made me eager to post. It's crazy to look back and remember how naive I was to think I'd have tons of free time to blog while on maternity leave, sure I may no longer work a conventional 9-5 but my days are more jam packed than ever. If I'm not tending to Sadie then I'm thinking about our wedding, Sadies Christening, work emails and finally ze blog. I get tired just typing it all! While I wouldn't change it for the world I do worry a blog post about finger foods and nappy movements won't be interesting but then I remember Cagney and Lace is here to document all aspects of my life - whether it's groundbreaking or the everyday so here's to blogging more frequently.

Whether you're the romantic type or not I personally love to acknowledge Valentines Day, even if you're single it's lovely to have a day where you celebrate sharing the love and whilst I know we should do this everyday sometimes we forget (aren't we a naughty bunch?) Today the family and I took a long walk to Endcliffe Park and back stopping for a marshmallow filled hot chocolate enroute, sadly I managed to spill half of mine just moments after leaving the warmth of Costa - fingers crossed you can't see the remnants on my well loved Sam Edelmans in these snaps. Maybe that can be my excuse to justify these beauties? It's really not been my week with liquids as Friday night my car interior was given an unexpected bath with homemade oxtail soup, while no one got to try the fruits of Craigs labour my car smelt delightful.

Today I'm sporting two new wardrobe additions in true 1970s fashion - say hello to my denim button down skirt a piece I've coveted since Alexa brought out that AG collection and my Bella Freud jumper which I picked up in the Avenue32 sale not longer after I had Sadie - a gift from me to me if you will. Worn together with my faithful leopard print coat (such a good buy) and super snuggly camel scarf, not forgetting the hot chocolate soaked ankle boots I love the simple colour palette of my ensemble. The only thing I'd change? The disheveled, wind swept hair but hey you can't win them all. 

Now before I type too much I'm off to eat a Valentines day meal where pie is the main, my husband to be is the best.

What are you up to this Valentines day? Do you fuse past eras into your everyday style?

1970 Now

Leopard Print Coat: H&M
1970 Navy Jumper: Bella Freud via Avenue32
Denim Button Down Skirt: Topshop
Black Opaques: Wolford
Black Petty Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman
Camel & Grey Scarf: Zara

Well hello there, how you doing? I can't believe how long it's been since my last post (thirteen days if you're counting) so I'm incredibly happy to be writing this. Last night I spent an hour reading my favourite blogs which is something I haven't done in ages and it made me eager to post. It's crazy to look back and remember how naive I was to think I'd have tons of free time to blog while on maternity leave, sure I may no longer work a conventional 9-5 but my days are more jam packed than ever. If I'm not tending to Sadie then I'm thinking about our wedding, Sadies Christening, work emails and finally ze blog. I get tired just typing it all! While I wouldn't change it for the world I do worry a blog post about finger foods and nappy movements won't be interesting but then I remember Cagney and Lace is here to document all aspects of my life - whether it's groundbreaking or the everyday so here's to blogging more frequently.

Whether you're the romantic type or not I personally love to acknowledge Valentines Day, even if you're single it's lovely to have a day where you celebrate sharing the love and whilst I know we should do this everyday sometimes we forget (aren't we a naughty bunch?) Today the family and I took a long walk to Endcliffe Park and back stopping for a marshmallow filled hot chocolate enroute, sadly I managed to spill half of mine just moments after leaving the warmth of Costa - fingers crossed you can't see the remnants on my well loved Sam Edelmans in these snaps. Maybe that can be my excuse to justify these beauties? It's really not been my week with liquids as Friday night my car interior was given an unexpected bath with homemade oxtail soup, while no one got to try the fruits of Craigs labour my car smelt delightful.

Today I'm sporting two new wardrobe additions in true 1970s fashion - say hello to my denim button down skirt a piece I've coveted since Alexa brought out that AG collection and my Bella Freud jumper which I picked up in the Avenue32 sale not longer after I had Sadie - a gift from me to me if you will. Worn together with my faithful leopard print coat (such a good buy) and super snuggly camel scarf, not forgetting the hot chocolate soaked ankle boots I love the simple colour palette of my ensemble. The only thing I'd change? The disheveled, wind swept hair but hey you can't win them all. 

Now before I type too much I'm off to eat a Valentines day meal where pie is the main, my husband to be is the best.

What are you up to this Valentines day? Do you fuse past eras into your everyday style?

Wishing On A Christmas Star 2015

(L-R) Alex Monroe Rose Gold Charm Bracelet - Cashmere Cuffed Pyjama Bottoms - Sam Edelman Petty Boots - Olympus Pen Camera - Beige Knit Roll Neck - Odds & Ends Plate - Buona Notte Eye Mask - Simply Nigella Cookbook - Gold & Glass Multi Frame - Smith & Cult Dark Like Me - Jo Malone Christmas Cracker - Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle Eye Wand in fair two - Origins Cozy Comforts Set -  Tom Ford Lips & Boys - Cashmere Bed Socks - Light Up Candle

Oh the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful... Is it me or are things starting to feel seriously festive? Sadies little snowsuit is in rotation, I've eaten my first mince pie of the year, candles are constantly burning at Cagney and Lace HQ (shout out to Diptyques Insolite) and the advent calendars are ready to be opened. Christmas is definitely on its way and I couldn't be more excited - Sadies arrival means Christmas this year will be beyond special and I can't wait to honour old traditions and start our own family ones too. Talking of things we do every December say hello to my Christmas wish list, just a few (ahem) items I'd be thrilled to find under the tree this year.

I always find luxe versions of everyday items are an excellent place to start when it comes to festive gifting so I personally don't think you can go wrong with curl-up-in-me cashmere, beautifully soft knitwear or I-wouldn't-normally-buy beauty items (oh hi Jo Malone Christmas cracker and anything Charlotte rose gold Tilbury). Smith & Cult nail polishes have been all over the bloggersphere and I've wanted to be the proud owner of a Tom Ford lipstick for longer than I can remember. Right now my limbs are drier than the Sahara so the Origins ginger body set would go down a treat, are you listening Father Christmas? Aesthetically pleasing homewares are always a good shout for homebods and I'd be over the moon with anything from swoon worthy Kate Spade or the equally as awesome Oliver Bonas. 

Christmas is not only the time for getting together with loved ones and enjoying all of the food (pigs. in. blankets. Need I say anymore?) but it's the perfect opportunity to covet those if only items. Step forward the Olympus Pen, Alex Monroe rose gold charm bracelet and the worlds comfiest ankle boots by Sam Edelman.

What are you hoping to find in your stocking this Christmas?

The Burberry Cape

Berry Knit Bobble Hat: Warehouse
Wool & Cashmere Wrap: Burberry
Rust Belted Cardigan: Warehouse
Ca Va T-Shirt: Whistles
Faux Leather Trousers: River Island
Petty Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman via Net-A-Porter

Putting this post together made me realise how long it's been since I got chatty on Cagney and Lace, shameful right? There's been a whole lotta product chat lately and very little in terms of a life catch up so here we go - this weekend has been a real gem, not only have I caught up with friends I don't see enough of (shout out to Jen, Jo and Liza), eaten some delicious food and asked one of our favourite couples to be Sadies Godparents but I've been also enjoyed some quality family time as Craig had Sunday and Monday off. All the hands up emojis. For all you wedding fans I'm excited to say we've received our amazing save the dates which have been designed by one of my beautiful friends (she's a serious talent). These are speedily winging their way to our nearest and dearest. Less than five months to go!

So now shall we talk about the elephant in the room? Step forward my spectacular personalised Burberry cape which has been in my life a little longer than you'd expect even though it's making its first Cagney and Lace appearance today. Not long after my 27th birthday my mum turned up at our house with a cryptic parcel, a belated birthday/wedding gift she announced. Cue much confusion and why are you giving me this now as the weddings not until next year questions. I think things ended with something like, just open it Hannah so you can imagine my shock and sheer elation when I discovered a caramel and gold Burberry box filled with the most perfect cape featuring my soon-to-be initials embroidered onto it. There were definitely screams!

To keep the focus on superwoman's must have I kept the rest of my look tonal - a rust coloured belted cardigan, a grey French slogan tee peeping out, faux leather skinny trousers (these babies seriously keep their shape), a berry cable knit bobble hat to ward off the chill and finally the best ankle boots I've ever bought. Sam Edelman make the comfiest shoes around and these babies are no exception, I'm already eyeing up the taupe pair. Fingers crossed for a Black Friday ShopBop discount code.

Have you had an awesome weekend? What do you make of my new designer piece?

Under The 27th Birthday Bunting

How freaky that I wrote this very post on exactly the same date last year. Today I'm bringing you this post from our almost complete, promise-to-blog-soon nursery as we're currently sans sofa. On the sunny side our new sofa, chair and rug are being delivered Saturday, triple yay but right now the comfiest place to perch is on our nursing chair, my how things have changed.

Unless it's been a while since you stepped foot on ze blog you'll probably know that I celebrated my 27th birthday on Sunday so I thought it only fair to share with you a few of the beautiful gifts I was given in celebration of turning a year older.

Disclaimer - I'm incredibly grateful for all the gifts I was given and in no way is this me bragging, what I got for... are some of my favourite posts to read so I hope you'll enjoy this too.  

Statement necklaces don't get more impactful than this beaut and how amazing is this book of Vogue front covers? My friends know me well.

We might need to add another shelf to our bookcase after the arrival of these healthy cookbooks and inspirational notebook. So far the Madeline Shaw book looks like my new fave.

Homeware is my home boy (#shouldbeonatshirt) so I was thrilled to receive pretty tea lights and slate heart holders, an initialled milk bottle and this French speaking plate.

Kate Spade is one of those brands that I audibly swoon over (although why you so expensive in the UK?) My iPhone 6 is looking fly with the addition of this rose gold case and I adore this gold H necklace from two of my dearest friends. How beaut are my new Rosie HW pyjamas too, just look at that rose pattern. Rosie certainly knows how to do nightwear, am I right?

A birthday wouldn't be complete without Jo Malone and with two new additions to my fragrance wardrobe that can be worn separately or together I'm chuffed. My bro kindly bought me my beloved Nars Sheer Glow back from America which has been out of stock for ages, what a buy, what a boy.

Succulents aren't just for birthdays, they're for life.

A repurchase of my favourite Sam Edelman shoes and the hotly anticipated GHD Curve made me one happy girl, thanks ma & pa. Now to master the hair curling technique...

Birthday blooms from my favourite man and the most decadent homemade birthday cake you've ever seen (black cherry and cream with a dark chocolate ganache FYI). Craig, you did good. We'll also be continuing the birthday celebrations into September as Craig's taking baby and I to the New Forest. Hello wild ponies.

My only birthday regret? Eating my two homemade birthday cakes (my mum made me this one) already. I was quite enjoying a piece of cake a day...

PS - Recognise my striped tee from this birthday wish list post? High five mum!

Did you get up to anything memorable on the 26th of April?