What's In My Bag This Summer

I love these posts from other bloggers so I thought I would share what I carry around with me during the summer months. It does change somewhat for me, as the summer often sees us having a more active lifestyle and going out more for long days of play, so that makes my contents change to accommodate more things.
This summer, if you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that I have just been switching between one black bag and this bag. I have been simplifying, and even though I haven't quite managed to part with my other bags, I have enjoyed a much simpler affair with just these two.
This one is from Madewell via Shopbop which I got all the way back in January and have not stopped using it since. The other is a slightly smaller black bucket bag, which is pretty perfect for those days when you need a black bag.
I am obviously all about the crossbody bag, I'ma need-my-hands-free kinda gal and it suits my lifestyle.
Now my little boy and step kids aren't little babies anymore the stuff I carry has condensed, which is always good, but still a mother it means i do carry with me an array of stuff that covers most eventualities. Stuff I've learnt over the years will help me out and make life easier for the kids and me.

So here it is.. The contents of my bag minus the ton of crumpled receipts, the odd lego bits and the sweetie wrappers

'THE MUM KIT'
First up, its worth noting that I use a separate inner bag (its actually a small makeup bag) for what i call my 'Mum Kit'. Basically its things that I have found over the years have been needed and therefore I keep a stash of these things in my bag. that way if an evident arises I am usually prepared.
This includes
Lipbalm(neutral, non coloured for hubby and the kids mainly)
Hand sanitizer
NYX blotting sheets.. these are a god send on hot sweaty days for oily skin girls like myself
Ibuprofen
Small pack of handy wipes
Blister plasters and normal plasters for grown ups and children's baddies.
Savlon antiseptic wipes for cuts and bumps
Tissues.. always need a tissue
Aloe Vera Gel decanted in to a travel pot: This is great for stings, and bumps and grazes as it appeases the child.. we call it magic gel to make them feel better. Also sunburn.
Hair tie and usually lots more hairpins (but i'd used them the day before)
Safety pins for strap breakages, quick clothes alterations or just generally holding something together.
a red pen.. dunno why its a red, but always need a good pen.
And a travel mini Benefit's Hoola and a brush for a quick bronze update if needed, it brings me back to life instantly this stuff.

So that's the contents of my 'Mum Kit' and honestly I can't recommend it enough, its saved my bum a number of times and also the people around me. Plus being uber helpful always feels kinda nice. Well after my kids have grown and flown the nest I'm sure I'll still carry something like this around as it is just that useful, I really recommend it.

Purse next, and during summer I always switch to a smaller coin purse. It just feels more convenient.
This is my lovely Rebecca Minkoff Purse which says Hello Lover. I never realised how useful it would be when I first bought it, but yep. So much use.
Inside again, contents are condensed down from my big Ted baker purse, so I carry
Just my basic bank cards and club cards that I know I use really regularly.
A little bit of money
And a lottery ticket that I haven't checked yet.. I must.. I could be sat here not knowing I'm a millionaire (pah!)
Oh and my driving licence with my photo looking like I'm literally death warmed up.

Next up a few
Beauty items for me.
Actually the tangle teaser is for my Step daughter who has masses of hair reaching down her back, this is a must if we are out with her, mine i kinda just deal with it. now its short i find it really easy to not bother with through the day, but her massive mane needs re-brushing often.. teens eh.
Then a bright lipstick, a saviour on many many counts. If i look like tired or generally bedraggled a bright lip can be an instant improvement.
Or if I'm in need of some moisture, this tinted lipbalm from Carmex is lovely, so moisturising and love the red pink tint too.
Another lipstick now, you know me, love a lipstick. This one is a soft pink, a kind of your lips but better, for a more subtle natural look, its actually one of my most used.
And finally my Chanel Compact, which I actually use more for the mirror than the powder since getting the NYX blotting sheets (above). I hate piling powder on to my skin as it can block the pores, so yes, the mirror is used mostly for applying a bit of lippy now and again.

Practical stuff finally
My power pack, as my 2 year old phone has terrible battery life, by 3pm its on his last legs, so this pack is a lifesaver.
More hair stuff, a crocodile clip and a no-marks hair-band, apparently i like to have options.
My Iolla Sunglasses, are my absolute faves.. the shape and style are perfect for my life and the tint is just right. My step daughter tried them on recently and said the tint was like the perfect snapchat filter.. High praise indeed ;)
Truvia.. not all places stock natural sweetner, and since quitting aspartame and other sweetners I make sure I have these on me as a just in case, as alas, I still take a sugar in my soya coffee.. I shall quit one day.
Next we have a snack for me as being Gluten Free Plant based/Vegan means there's not a great deal of food often out there for me to eat. Preparation is key as I get hangry and a little light headed if i don't eat. These Perkier bars are amazing and really fill a hungry hole. Gluten free, Dairy free and packed with goodness, they taste awesome too.
Then some gum.. 'cos fresh breath is always nice
And one last pen.

Few.. That's way more than i realised I was carrying around.

So there we have it, the contents of mon sac. 
What do you carry around with you? If you've done a post like this, please do link below in the comments, as I'd love to have nosey  read, as sometimes we can all learn little useful things from each other.

My Summer Jacket of Choice: The Denim Jacket

I got to chatting the other day about what makes the perfect denim jacket, and as I was bigging it up I realised how much of a complete staple it is to my wardrobe every summer. Just like the black biker jacket is for autumn/winter, the denim jacket is its summer counterpart. I've had mine for a few years now, and happily pull it out to wear again and again.

Its the perfect light weight summer jacket that works perfectly with short dresses, maxi dresses and skirts as well as trousers and culottes. You can even brave the double denim if you're so inclined (which the closest i get to that is black denim jeans and light denim jacket).

I have a couple of stipulations when it comes to the perfect denim jacket,

It has to be:

Light coloured denim, it is summer after all. 

Form fitting and not baggy, size down if necessary as they just look all kinds of wrong when bigger..also never done up.. just no.

And cropped waist length; you don't want it coming any lower than you waistband.

As i mentioned, mine is a few years old, but I thought it would be nice to see what's on the market for you dear friends, as even though we are approaching the end of summer, you will find yourself reaching for it year upon year.. Plus summer sales may mean a bargain!

Starting with my favourite.

Classic Levis

This is quite possibly the perfect denim jacket, classic timeless and great price point. It's a kind of wear it forever type piece, and for that I greatly appreciate it. Also, do Levi's ever truly go out of fashion? I think no.

Paige Vivienne Jacket is probably the closest to the one i wear, light denim, cropped close fit, really great jacket.

From Asos now, we have Pepe Jeans Mika Jacket, a slightly darker wash but I know some find that more flattering.

And River Island Western Jacket bringing it with a bit of distressing on a light wash, I'm quite partial to a bit of distressing, so this is a thumbs up from me.

From classic to contemporary now
A little bit different

On trend at the moment with its badge embellishment, the New Look Raw edge Badge jacket. I kind of love it actually, granted its not as classic as the others and you may only wear it for a couple of seasons, but its fun and a great price point for if you want to dabble with the trend.

Couple more wildcards now, so not totally sticking to 'the rules' but rules schmules.

 And finally Free People adding some quirky edge to their denim jackets, again not classic, but a twist. Love the military style on the right, perfect with everything!


So there we have the best i can see around right now, most reduced too!

Do you have a Denim Jacket? Is it a staple in your summer wardrobe? And do any of the above catch your eye? 
My upgrade in future would be the Levi me thinks.

Well the Summer Sales are in full swing aren't they. Have you bagged yourself anything good? Being of the Capsule Wardrobe persuasion I haven't been hitting those sales too hard, but I have treated myself to this lovely new Summer Dress. I've made a point of allowing myself the odd piece as this isn't the #100daynospend like I've previously done. To add some valued pieces 

Knowing that my summer dresses get pulled out year upon year, I am always happy to add one each year to the collection. This is most definitely a good one that I will look forward to sunny days to wear it.

I also found these summer dresses on sale

 How gorgeous is that gingham number?

This slight bohemian, easy dress is super soft, has an elasticated waistband and is just the comfiest thing ever to wear.

The rest of the outfit is all from previous summers, The jacket must be 2 years old and the shoes 3+.. The bag is ancient, but it goes to show, buy good pieces and they will last you summer upon summer.

Photos this week by my Lovely Stepdaughter, Mia, taken on my phone (hence the soft focus shall we call it;) as The Husband has been working some pretty ridiculous hours this week.. Thank God its the weekend!

Outfit details:
Dress: Warehouse via House Of Fraser
Wedges: Old, Next
Bag: Super old..
Denim Jacket: Old, F&F
Have you bought any beautiful summer dresses in the sale?

An InLinkz Link-up

My Summer Go-to: The Peasant Top

 I mentioned in my Fringed Bag post last week, that the summer always sees my style err on the side of boho, it just lends itself so well to my practical lifestyle and laid back way. Therefore Summer to me is often about the Peasant Top.
A key piece in my capsule that's for sure, and they are the type of item that you can pull out summer upon summer. Two of mine are years old, and two were new this summer, but i can guarantee they will be worn again and again. They are the simple throw on with jeans and head out the door type outfit, which we all know is my absolute favourite.

These tops work so well through to early autumn, and my four will be on constant rotation.
So i thought we could see whats out there at the moment Peasant Top wise.

First up we have a new to me brand, but one i have instantly fallen for
Joie
Beautiful laid back pieces, lovely cuts and floaty fabrics..

I absolutely love the red and black, I actually used to have one just like this but spilled the dreaded foundation down it and it never washed out #sadtimes..
Shop Joie

A favourite brand of mine of which i have multiple pieces from them: Madewell

 Madewell Peasant Tops
Absolutely adore the idea of a black peasant /boho top, for now with light wash jeans, or come autumn wear with some coated /faux leather jeans for an edgier vibe.
Then we have the classic blue and white peasant top which is just summer personified to me. The gorgeous simple embroidery is reminiscent of a quaint Kefalonian town, making me wish I was sat beach side instead of looking out the window and only seeing rain..bah.. Least i could look the part, right?

River Island bringing some pretty options

The pink off the shoulder number is just the softest of pinks, I love the embroidered detailing, again could be worn with white, blue or black jeans, ooo or khaki.. How perfect with some khaki chinos.
The denim is sublime, if i were in the market to buy more, then i would have to have it, its also on sale too, making it a complete bargain. I love the idea of this now with white jeans, but come autumn layering it under a big cream cosy cardigan, with black jeans and boots.. another absolute winner.

Next up the epitome of boho cool Free People

 Free People Floral Blouses
I think I actually 'Ahhhhhed' at my screen when i saw these beauties. How special are they? Red just works so so well for now and for later, but the detailing and the print just absolutely won me over

Finishing with some from another favourite of mine Warehouse

Pretty embroidered tee, really easy to wear piece, or the really special sheer number. Both so so pretty.


Are you a fan of the Boho/Peasant blouse? 
Do you own any?