She's not like a regular mum – she's a cool mum

1. Byredo Loose Lips Candle £50 here
1. Orelia disc lariat pendant £18 here
3. Alex Monroe for Liberty pineapple pendant £150 here
4. Byredo Blanche EDP £90 here
5. Illesteva rose gold sunglasses £140 here
6. Meli Melo Aloe silk scarf £150 here
7. Malone Souliers rainbow sandals (LOVE this brand) £545 here
8. Kate Spade recipe journal £45 here
9. Fornasetti Flora candle (the cool way to do flowers) £115 here
10. Rogues brogues exclusive to Harvey Nichols £170 here
11. Luxe City Guides Europe gift box £35 here
12. Anya Hindmarch rainbow shoulder bag £695 here
13. Carven skirt £240 here
14. Delfina Delettrez multi-stone earring £450 here
15. Iosselliani gold-plated earrings £95 here

2

Mother's Day is just around the corner, but it's not too late to make your lovely mum's day as special as possible.

I don't doubt for one second that your mum is every bit as chic as you are – so make darn sure your gift matches up.

The golden rule for golden children? If you wouldn't want it yourself, it simply isn't good enough for mum.

If you've left it a touch too late to buy a present, you can get creative with experiences for Sunday. Why not arrange an at-home Champagne Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches, homemade scones and an assortment of scrumptious cakes and sweets? Or maybe you could spoil her silly with a beautiful bouquet and a spot of brekkie in bed?

Pop over to my Pinterest for lots of recipe ideas.

P.S.
Keep your eyes peeled over the coming days for Sugarfina at Harvey Nicks. Launching exclusively this month, you can expect Bento-style boxes choc-a-block with Champagne gummy bears, Kir Royale truffles and chocolate-dipped bacon toffees. Perhaps, you could write Mum and IOU? She's such a sweetie, after all.

Mother's Day: Spoil Her Rotten

Following yesterday's Mother's Day post full of lots of tasty treats and scents, today i'm going for something rather more luxurious. 

While it is certainly cutting it a tad fine, I just felt I needed to share these lovely picks with you. I also think that this post shall act as another gift for mum... A "things I would have bought you if I were rich" sort of thing.

You're welcome, mum. I've been rather generous, I know! 

I tweeted recently (@SWfashion_  love a shameless plug) about my overwhelming desire to spoil mum rotten this mother's day which clashes with my depleted bank balance. Someone was sweet enough to remind me in their response that it is not about money at all. 

Though these decadent treats are sure to put a smile on your mum's face, i'm sure she'd be every bit as grateful if you were to bring her breakfast in bed, run her a bubble bath and maybe even cook her a meal. 

Think of all she does for you, after all!

1. The new Mulberry Willow tote is a total godsend. While it is not exactly cheap at £1500 for this rose petal pink offering, you're basically getting two bags for the price of one as that natty little zip pouch at the front also doubles as a clutch. This is a deliciously decadent gift for mum, though it may be very difficult to part with something so very pretty.

2. I love Anya Hindmarch and this zip pouch in a lovely powdery green shade is a great way to say thanks to your mum for all she's put up with over the years! It's £135 from Selfridges. 

3. Mum's are the biggest stars around, so remind her of this little fact with these Anthropologie crystal studs. Anthropologie is a great place to look for mother's day presents- it's all so pretty and at a reasonable pricepoint. These studs are £18 here.

4. Ever since I was very little I have been telling my parents that I love them to the moon and back. This twinkling diamond ring from London-based boutique EC One would be a lovely way to remind my mum just how much she means to me. It is a bit of an investment at £368 but she's worth every last penny. You can buy the ring here. While on the EC One website, I also urge you to enter their I Love Mum competition. All you have to do to win a £200 voucher is send over a picture of you and your mum along with a few lines on why you love her so dearly. Enter here.

5. Another luscious candle. This Neom Organic Happiness candle, available at Selfridges, is natural and fresh. It has such an uplifting springtime scent with notes of mimosa, lemon and white neroli. It is £39.95 but will last for ages.

6. It kind of annoys me that I totally forgot about this Alex Monroe necklace when I was shopping for mother's day presents. The minute I saw it, I thought of my mum and I only wish that I had thought to buy it there and then. With a dinky little watering can adorned with a crystal blue water droplet, this charming pendant is perfect for any greenfingered mums! It is £138 in gold, here.

7. No card is truer, in all honesty, and I think these Door 77 cards (available on this site or on Not On The High Street) are some of the simplest but sweetest cards money can buy.

8. I have become all rather obsessed with Kate Spade since stumbling upon her store in Westfield a couple of months ago. I've since spent way too much time and money in there buying lots of cutesy little things that I certainly do not need, but certainly DO want. This blue bow bangle is a gorgeously unique gift for any lady, particularly a chic mum.

9. Smythson do the most wonderfully crafted leather stationary around and this Yummy Mummy notebook is the most lovely gift. I think it's really sweet to give something like this for mother's day, as it will always be remembered and cherished. You can buy it here for just £45.

10. Another one I wish i'd bought. Sadly I only spotted this Door 77 card after having bought both my card and present. This handmade card is truly special and will certainly put a smile on her face. Buy it from Door 77 or on NOTHS. For an extra £7 you can have it framed, which I think would make for a really special gift. I actually bought my dad the card at number 7 and framed it for him.

11. Most mum's love champagne. This is a fact. Most women do too. This is also a fact. If your mum has a taste for the pink fizz, you simply must indulge her with this extravagant Laurent Perrier gift set with four champagne flutes adorned with rosy pink decoration. It is £92 from Harvey Nichols, but is another gift that just keeps on giving! 

Yummy for Mummy : Sweet Everything !

This cute little card is available from Paperchase. Aaaw

What makes a good mum? Sugar, spice and all things nice, I think, and I know that my mum ticks all these boxes. 

She's the sweetest woman around. I know i'm biased, but I really think she is. It is beyond comprehension how much stress I have put my lovely mum through, and yet she STILL hasn't thrown me out on the cold streets of Edinburgh to fend for myself. Not even once. That, my friends, is a testament to the loving nature of my mum. She has a solution for my every problem and is the only person who can truly make me feel better when all else fails. My mum is sugary sweet in every sense of the word and I don't think a day is quite enough to celebrate this. 

That is not to say, though, that my mum doesn't have a little bit of spice in her. While i've not got some sort of feisty diva mother, she stands for NO nonsense. While I may have once thought I could get away with murder, mum made DAMN sure that that would not happen. She is the sweetest woman around, and would do anything for her three girls, but she's still the furthest thing from a pushover.

All things nice. I shant bore you all by listing all the lovely, beautiful qualities that my mum has. I could list a million and one reasons why she is my rock and why nobody in this entire universe could replace her. She means the world to me and is the biggest inspiration in my life and always shall be. Nice doesn't do my mother justice, to be honest, and it's important that she knows just how much she means to me this Mother's Day!

Unfortunately I am in London for Mothering Sunday, but I have sent a little treat up to Scotland for my mum to open alongside her Bucks Fizz on Sunday morning (Dad, you'll sort this, okay?).  It's something she won't be expecting and I hope she likes it.

Nevertheless, I simply HAD to do a couple of posts featuring all the other amazing potential gifts for gorgeous mummies everywhere, starting with this SWEET EVERYTHING edit. 

Sugar, spice and all things nice. That's my girl!

1. Though my mum isn't actually a fan of afternoon tea, but most aren't so difficult! If you are based in Edinburgh, i've got a little godsend for you. Eteaket is my favourite place for a spot of bespoke tea in my hometown. It is a quaint but modern little teahouse just off George Street who also sell their own divine blends (Blooming Marvellous is every bit as bloomin' marvellous as the name suggests- a green tea imbued with a marshmallow sweetness is always going to go down well.) For mother's day they are offering a voucher for Afternoon Tea for Two for just £29.99. What could be sweeter than bonding over some jammy scones, classic tea and dainty delights?

2. NOW we are speaking my mum's language! I am my mother's daughter, after all, and we both love a cheeky glass of vino. Or two... Or three... You catch my drift. I love this I HEART Rose which is a sweet snip at just £5.99.

3. If you aren't much of a baker, like yours truly, treat mummy dearest to this Lemon Tart scent from Jo Malone's aptly-titled Sugar and Spice collection. Read my review of the scents here.

4. Another mention of Bucks Fizz! Bucks Fizz (or Mimosa's if you're feeling exotic) are freshly squeezed orange juice topped up with chilled champagne. My mum loves a Bucks Fizz on a special occasion and these chocolates are a lovely little take on the classic flavour combination. Rich and velvety, Charbonnel & Walker chocolates are second to none. No matter how strictly I control my diet, I could easily wolf down a box of these in a sitting.

5. While foodie snobs may be heralding the demise of the macaroon, i'm still obsessed with Ladurée and would happily eat macaroons until the cows come home. Still, i'm welcoming the latest baking trend with Meringue Girls! Dainty, light and in the most luxurious flavours imaginable, I am dying to try these crisp meringues that have been a hit in fashion circles. They are available from Harvey Nichols in cute gift jars- perfect for mum!

6. To reiterate, I still love macaroons, so imagine my delight at coming across these Urban Apothecary candles inspired by Macaroons. Candles are foolproof for mums (and most ladies, to be honest) and these ones sounds truly scrumptious! My pick has to be the Frangipan scented offering. In pretty glass containers, these candles are a wonderfully unique gift.

7. I can't even express how delicious this Redcurrant and Cream scent by Jo Malone smells. Read my review here, or dive straight in and snap it up here.

8. On Sunday, across the land, mother's shall be heralding 7.00 PM "Gin O'Clock". Well, perhaps not, but they should be. Gin always seems to be a favourite with yum mum's and this raspberry infused bottle by Edinburgh Gin makes a lovely gift... And a pretty pink G&T!

 10. Last but not least, for the truly sweet of tooth, the Biscuiteers is the place to go. This indulgent tin box filled with artfully iced butterfly biscuits is a thoughtful gift that she is sure to love. What could be better with a cup of tea? Trust me... These biccys are delicious. 

Tomorrow I shall be posting a few more gifts- stay tuned!

Mother's Day Gift Guide: Little Luxuries

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Even if she doesn't admit it, every mum loves a little bit of luxury, and these treats are perfect for a glamourous mum in need of a little TLC.

Jewellery is always special, and is something you can keep forever. Whether you go for the traditional, classic pieces or kitsch costume jewellery, it will always make a lovely present. I am still waiting for someone to buy me something from Wear That There. The personalised necklaces and bracelets are timeless and beautiful, but with a personal touch. If you want to spend a little less, but still get something special, try a nice online boutique like 'Paris in a Bottle' for some pretty trinkety pieces like this delicate bracelet.

If you wanted to really treat your mum, why not splurge on a little bit of designer? Whether it's her dream shoes, a delightful handbag or just a cutesy purse, she will be very grateful!  

Mother's Day Gift Guides: Pamper and Preen

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Every lady loves a good old fashioned pampering. I love nothing more than going home, running a bath with some Laura Mercier Almond Coconut bath honey, slapping on a face mask, applying a Bumble & Bumble hair treatment and lighting a few scented candles. It is just bliss- and most women appreciate this luxury, particularly busy mums!

Pampering can stretch from little touches like flowers or a bottle of champagne, to some lovely cocktails or a personalised nail polish.

I love to put together a little "Pamper Hamper" as a present, and it really is a nice touch. Just get a few of mum's favourite things, put them in a hamper and you're done quicker than you can say "Fortnum and Mason"! A great mix is some bubble bath, some chocolates, bubbly, a candle, face mask and a magazine. That'll be her evening sorted and you can make it as special as you want!

If your mum appreciates the finer things in life, she will be more than a little bit pleased with a lovely fragrance like the new Jo Malone ones, or even a beautiful Laduree (buy them here) or Diptique candle.

If you want to pamper her, but do something a little bit quirky, why not head to Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge and create a bespoke Nails Inc nail polish (£16 for basic lids, £20 for glitzy lids). The couture service lets you you choose the lid, the colour, the box decorations and- the best part- the name label! Nails Inc Couture is also available online, so get your orders in now! Another lovely gift to treat her is by making her some glamourous cocktails- Nigella's salted caramel martini (recipe here) sounds just dreamy and i'm sure the  butterscotch schnapps concoction complete with a salt frosted rim will not disappoint!

Mother's Day Gift Guides: Yum Mum

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Nothing makes a woman feel better than chocolate. Fact. 

Okay, that's maybe not the case for everyone, but I personally have yet to be faced with something so stressful that a Nutella-smothered digestive wont fix. And a box of tangy or creamy or crunchy chocolates is all the more stress-relieving and uplifting. Thus, mother's day is the perfect excuse to buy a tonne of choccies for your mum, with every intention of pinching one yourself.

Or you could go down the cake route. Buy them at the Hummingbird or go all Nigella and make a delicious cake yourself (by, ahem, Nigella). A coffee and walnut number always goes down a storm!

As far as sweet treats goes, however, I would happily give birth if it meant my kiddies would buy me macaroons from Laduree- the rose ones are just heaven! Failing that, i'd happily take the "All About Mum" Sleekster from Hotel Chocolat... Presumably I can still eat them despite being a proud mother of none?

SHOPPERS TIP! If you're buying your mum some chocolate, always go to Artisan du Chocolat in Selfridges. They have the best selection of chocolates ever, and their salted caramels and golden chocolate pearls are delectable. The best part? The Selfridges concession often gives out freebies! The embarrassing part? I think the shop assistant recognises me as I visit so frequently...

(make Mother's Day extra sweet at Laduree, Hotel Chocolat, Artisan du Chocolat, Mrs. Kibbles, Nigella, Hummingbird Bakery and Notonthehighstreet.com)

Mother's Day Gift Guide

The 'Gift Guide' is back folks, and this time it's for something EVEN more important than Christmas! It's approaching March 18th, the sunny Sunday where the most important women in the world will be pampered within an inch of their lives. It is, of course, mothering Sunday!

I adore my mum beyond belief. Even though i'm a bit of a moody sort at times, and even though I can let this out on her, she is still the most amazing women and will always do the right thing. I often find myself in a situation where I have no other option but to call Mum (or Dad, but it ain't father's day so he can take a back seat) and tend to find myself thinking "what would mum do?" My Mother really does know best, and I love her so much that I wish I could treat her every single day, as she deserves.

Aaw, getting all soppy here, but since I moved to London I have only appreciated my mother more, and i'm sure many of my readers- perhaps at university too- will feel the same way (about their own mothers, hopefully, not mine!)

Most mums spend so much time looking after their children, or worrying about them, that they more than deserve this one special day. When I stupidly asked "what day is children's day?" my mum responded with "every day!", and it is very true.

I have thought long and hard about what to buy her for a present, and I am going to do a few posts to help you along too. Flowers never go amiss though, and i'm sure every mum would appreciate a photo frame or a candle, but I have put together some more creative ideas, split into categories, so you can get your mum the perfect gift!

... And mum, I know you'll be reading this, i've not included your present so don't get too excited... Yet!