Perfect weekend wardrobe for London with MandM Direct
Before I had children every trip, holiday and short break was an excuse for a new wardrobe. The excitement of shopping for fresh outfits was almost as intoxicating as the getaway itself. Roll forward nearly five years and our family-sized budget is a bit tighter. The girls are always in need of new clothes. So the thought of splashing out on a few pieces for myself seems indulgent.
That was until I was introduced to the online discount fashion store MandM Direct. This is where I discovered it was possible to bag the perfect weekend wardrobe without the need for mummy guilt. They invited me to pick a couple of outfits and I had the ideal opportunity to wear them: the Traverse travel blogging conference in London.
My smart and practical weekend wardrobe for London
This two-day event combine oodles of learning with a generous helping of socialising and sightseeing. It was a situation that called for a couple of smart and practical ensembles.
On day one we went straight from workshops at the pixelated marvel that is Ravensbourne House to a Thames boat trip with from The O2.
My floaty Jacqueline De Yong Shirt (£12.99) over Jacqueline De Yong Cool Jersey Pants (£9.99) was the perfect day to evening outfit. It was also really comfy. I accessorised with (£12.99) and a long chain necklace.
The views from our boat blew me away. We motored up through the Thames Barrier as the sun slipped below the horizon. Then turned back towards Westminster, passing under Tower Bridge. It was an amazing way to see the city, especially if you’re visiting with children whose legs get tired quickly. On this occasion the only thing I had to clutch as we sped down the river was my glass of bubbly.
Day two of the conference was just as packed. In between sessions on getting to grips with Facebook Live and meeting up with fellow family travel bloggers, I found myself trotting up and down several flights of stairs. Thank goodness for my comfy flat boots!
I also picked out this bargain 3/4 length sleeve dress by Onfire (£5.99), which I wore with black leggings and a chunky necklace. It was a comfortable and smart outfit that I know I’ll be rolling out again and again.
Great value designer brands
Overall my weekend wardrobe for London would have cost me £41.96 from MandM Direct. I think this is astonishingly cheap considering the designer brands and quality. I’ve been so excited to find this online retail gem that I’ve already bought another pair of Board Angels boots for next winter and two pairs of summer sandals from Blowfish and Fluid – all for less than £45.
Traverse 2017 was such a fun and informative event. I loved being in London, catching up with family travel blogger friends, old and new, and coming away with lots of tips for revamping Tin Box Traveller.
Thanks to Maria from One Tiny Leap, Sarah from Extraordinary Chaos, Lisa from Travel Loving Family and Cathy from Mummy Travels for being my pro-photographers for this post.
Disclosure: MandM Direct sent me two outfits for the purpose of a review. I bought the Board Angel boots and other shoes myself because I love a bargain!
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Mrs Daisy the bus says that this seems like very good value indeed. #MondayEscapes
Jonny (daisythebus) recently posted…Castle Coole: Culture and nature
I have lived in London for years now but you can’t beat a trip down the Thames no matter how many times you have done it before. Glad you had a great weekend and the outfits look perfect for crossing that day to evening divide and being comfortable. I love a bit of M&M Direct. #MondayEscapes
Oh wow, those outfits look gorgeous. I will have to check out the website as I am always in need of new clothes. I can’t justify spending loads so this looks perfect. #MondayEscapes
Thank you! 🙂
I love the stripy shirt, heading over for a browse #MondayEscapes
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays recently posted…PINK FLOYD: THEIR MORTAL REMAINS at the V&A
I think that’s my favourite too..oh, and then there’s the boots! 🙂
Travelling in style and feeling comfortable all at an affordable price whats not to love. #MondayEscapes
Absolutely 🙂
Looks like a great weekend. Great outfits too! #MondayEscapes
New clothes, a glass of bubbly and those views?! It doesn’t get much better than that!
Cerys {mascara & mud} recently posted…Life is…
Looks comfortable too! I generally don’t buy outfits for a trip but buy a bunch of new clothes while I’m traveling and out shopping. I always pack light in anticipation of a shopping spree (although this does happen less with the baby). 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Ah Claire you looks lovely all weekend and omg 42 pounds that is insane what bargains. The cruise was just incredible wasn’t it, those views and that sky were just perfect x
Sarah Christie recently posted…Monday Escapes 8/05/17
lovely outfits, i especially like the boots. i’ve never bought new clothes for holidays, i tend to buy clothes at my holiday destination so i get something slightly different than back at home
#mondayescapes
chickenruby recently posted…Bob and Pushkins go on holiday – Animal Tales
Excellent value and loving those boots! Will check out the website.
So pleased you all had a wonderful time at Traverse.
#mondayescapes
Trish @ Mum’s Gone To recently posted…Unlocking the secrets of Bletchley Park
It was fab Trish. I’m still buzzing a bit from the experience
This seems amazingly cheap and you looked fantastic. it is sometimes a challenge to look stylish while being a mum… you did wonderfully!
Thank you, that’s very kind 🙂
Cute outfits! I tend to travel with a simple t-shirt and jeans – I could definitely try harder and make more of an effort!
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels recently posted…Things to do in Osoyoos, Canada
I really like the styles you picked (and the colors too). You look great! Lately, I am into flowy tops and tights pants. I combine them with boots or flats. #MondayEscapes
Ruth | Tanama Tales recently posted…Best of Budapest: Sights, Itineraries and Day Trips
That’s exactly my style. It’s so comfy and practical, but you can still dress it up.
Looking good! And what a bargain the shirt was! #mondayescapes
Joanne Addison recently posted…Review: Clarion Hotel At Copenhagen Airport
Gorgeous photos. I’ve always wanted to go on a Thames Cruise. M&M clothes are great aren’t they? x
Yes, I’ve been so impressed!
Wow the ankle boots are a mega bargain at just £12.99!
Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog recently posted…Farne Island Boat Trips with Serenity | A review and what to expect with kids
Lovely clothes it’s always great to have new things for a trip away! Comfy shoes sound like a must! London by night is always a treat – it looks so much more glamorous when it gets dark and is all lit up! I haven’t heard of M and M direct so must have a look. #MondayEscapes
Jo recently posted…TAKING A FOOD TOUR IN THE CITY OF PORTO -WITH KIDS
I’ve just popped over to have a look as I’m in desperate need of a dress for a wedding and I don’t want to spend a fortune on something I’m unlikely to wear again. You should check out everything5pounds (dot) com too. It’s high street brands without the labels, very addictive site. #Mondayescapes
You look lovely and it certainly looks more than £41 worth of clothes! #mondayescapes
Megan – Truly Madly Kids recently posted…A half-term festival for all the family: Wychwood Festival
I keep hearing about that conference, I wish I didn’t live on the other side of the world!! :'(
Jane @ Raincity Librarian recently posted…MONDAY FUNDAY – May 8, 2017
Love the outfits and wow those are great prices too – will be checking them out straight away! I really wanted to go to Traverse looks like everyone had such a great time!
tracy collins recently posted…Visiting Victoria and Vancouver in Canada
I really love that first outfit. The white striped shirt would be great for layering, I think it would be lovely with a sweater on top!
You look gorgeous! And it was great to see you xx
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Setting up a blog linky: what you need to know
You look lovely in all of these #mondayescapes
Wandermust mummy recently posted…What to Wear in Doha – Essential Guide
Perfect wardrobe indeed.. Such a refreshing post. Cheers!! #MondayEscapes
I’ve just done a wardrobe overhaul for exactly this reason. I wanted to look smart without feeling overdressed or trussed up! So important to be comfortable as well as stylish.
Helen recently posted…Why every parent needs a solo spa break
Gorgeous photos from your visit and lovely to see you in front of the camera looking gorgeous and stylish. Very practical and comfy clothes too, great choices #MondayEscapes
That dress is so cute! I’m trying to wear more casual dresses and skirts to add more variety to my wardrobe instead of just sticking to my standard of jeans and a t-shirt. #MondayEscapes
Allison recently posted…Exploring the Outdoors at the River Trail Nature Center
It’s something I’m trying to do more as well. Wearing something a bit smart or pretty sets me up for the day
Looks like you had a great weekend and a fab wardrobe Claire. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! It was such a fun weekend and a loved having some new clothes to wear.
Love the outfits… and the prices! Will have to check it out – I’m always in need of new clothes and shoes! #mondayescapes
Heledd @ yummyblogger recently posted…REVIEW: Bristol airport parking – is parking on-site better than off-site?!
Oh, the shoes Heledd! I’m addicted!! 🙂
Such a great weekend. Fab to see you. I loved the burgundy dress you wore on the second day. Can’t believe how cheap it is and the boots too. Be interested to hear how well they wash and last. Great photos from the boat trip. Gutted I missed it. #mondayescapes
Such a shame you couldn’t make the boat Elizabeth 🙁 Good news on the clothes washing front though – I’m getting a lot of wear our of everything and it’s all looking really good when it comes out of the machine!
LOve both those outfits and I have to admit I’ve never ever looked on their site for anything for me. I’ll have to have a peek sometime!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A beautiful drive through Glencoe
Be warned! It’s addictive 🙂
Those boots look amazing; I can’t believe they are so cheap! I am going to have to buy a pair… #MondayEscapes
They are such good quality. I haven’t taken them off apart for bedtime 🙂
That is the perfect sort of in-between outfit (something I lack) – it’s casual and comfortable yet also smart. I seem to have only scruffy, hippy, casual or too dressy. I will have to check this out, Sarah #MondayEscapes
Sarah Stockley recently posted…#FreeSpiritedChildhood – Round-up #3
I know that ‘wardrobe feeling’. I think since becoming a mum I have two types of clothes: stuff I don’t mind getting mucky and nice clothes that rarely get warn. It’s been good to find something in the middle that’s such good value!
Like the dress – just my colour too, but the boots are fantastic. As are the river views!
The river cruise was just brilliant – such a buzz! And I do love my new boots!!
Not heard of this company before Claire. Off to check out the website. I love your boots;)
Lisa Jane recently posted…Review Tattershall Lakes – A fun family Easter break in Lincolnshire
They are fab, aren’t they. I love them 🙂
You look lovely! I’m forever shopping at M and M as my boys love their labels and thankfully they’re usually much more affordable on there.
Stevie x
Stevie recently posted…Photos of Cornwall with Lost Without A Name
M and M is totally new to me. I wish I’d known about it a long time ago!
Love your outfits, and can’t get over how cheap the clothes and boots are! Off to check them out now, I hardly ever buy myself anything these days, it’s always the children who get the new clothes! x
Exactly the same here. But when you can get such lovely things for such good prices it’ worth treating yourself 🙂
Loving that shirt on you it looks great and such a fab price. Mich x
Michelle Twin Mum recently posted…A Whole Year of Fun at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Thanks Michelle! I think I need a few more like this. I love it!
What lovely clothes, you look fantastic in them. I’m definitely in need of a new wardrobe so will be checking them out.
Thank you! Be warned, it’s an addictive site! 🙂
I love your outfits and we have quite a similar style – I am always in leggings or skinny jeans with long tops and dresses and boots! Off to take a look at their site x
Donna recently posted…Half a Year Spent Working from Home
It’s a good look and comfy. Happy shopping!
I’ve just been on their website for about half an hour, I love it! Going to order some gym stuff!
Addictive, isn’t it?! Gym kit all be my next purchase I think. My old stuff is barely hanging together!
I am still open mouthed at how cheap those boots were!
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…City Tripping #74
Me too 🙂 With the cool weather at the moment I’m getting a lot of wear out of them. I think they’ve already paid for themselves!