Oh hello Mother's Day.

If there is any excuse for a wish list, surely Mother's Day must be up there at number one, no?

Having said that, we don't really buy into the over the top Mother's Day presents (she says typing and thinking WHY THE CHUFF NOT??) but I know that some people are clearly more valued in the Mothering stakes than I am... (hint family hint hint.  Although I will say last year when the three of them made me breakfast, it was possibly The single best moment of being a mum.  Ever.  Beats any handbag hands down.  Except maybe an YSL cross body bag..... JOKE.... maybe).

However it is a marvellous excuse of day to just treat yourself.  Being a mother is singularly the most difficult thing I have ever done.  Hands down.  Do we not all agree?  The rewards are of course huge - breakfast in bed, being told I love you, being presented with a bunch of daisies that your boys have picked from the garden (the bunch of roses picked from next door's garden was a lovely gesture but perhaps not a high point in my mothering career).  But it's still a role that were you to see the job description you'd think - Sod. That.  (the no pay thing for start...).

So I've just seen an advert on tv for some, admittedly rather sweet looking, box of what appears to be like photograph blocks but are in fact marshmallows.  Yes, edible photos called Boomf.  Dear family - don't even think about it.  Do grown women really eat and enjoy marshmallows (apparently according to the ad they taste better than chocolate.  That I sincerely doubt.  They also look better than flowers.  Again... WRONG).  

I bet they're not cheap either (I refuse to google them) but they do seem to be all over the tv.  Just in case marshmallows aren't top of your wish list (!), I've got a suggestion that you could "mention" (ie drop mega hints like emailing this link...).  In fact I've got a number of suggestions this week but I'm starting with the cross body bag. 

We've done the big bag which I still maintain is a complete necessity in our wardrobe but at the same time, a small cross body is an absolute must have too. 

From one large extreme to the tiny other, small bags are also having a hay day.   I was lucky enough to get the Gucci Soho Disco from the husband for Christmas which I love and use super regularly.  But they don't have to be that expensive and a small treat of a new bag is the perfect way to say I ROCK.

Starting with some more classic colours.  This I have had on before Christmas but it's such a classic and the simply perfect shade for Spring, into Summer and back into A/W.

Mariel Grey Saffiano Cross Body bag £145 from LK Bennett  (if grey isn't your thing, then there is also orange, black and I think purple or fuchsia?)  Just the ideal cross body size.

A black classic at Jaeger Outlet.  Beautifully chic, pared back and elegant.  Would work for work, would look amazing with beat up jeans, a sweatshirt and sneakers. 

Leather Lock Crossbody Bag was £225 now £99 pre extra 20% discount




Tan now and I have wanted one of these for ages.  Gorgeous shade, classic shape and an achingly cool French brand (not that I'm swayed by that... much...).  Also comes in black but good luck if you can track down one of them in stock.  Like the proverbial rocking horse poo, these (amongst the eminently hip brigade who snap them up the minute they come into stock) are so hard to get hold of.

Half Moon snake effect leather bag from A.P.C £280 



I am normally all over the leather bags but every now and again, a gem of a pleather one comes along that is too good to miss.  Especially if you're looking for a small treat. 

ASOS Eyelet Shoulder Bag £22





And a tribute to a Chloe number from New Look (but it's the one above that gets my vote x a million).

New Look Whipstitch Saddle Bag £17.99




Brown is a definite option as a neutral if you're thinking of a colour palette of creams and khakis this S/S.  I also love brown with black (and even navy but I appreciate that's not for everyone although if you haven't tried it, give it a go...).  Will also see you right through to the Autumn (as all of these will, whilst I think about it..)

Brown Suede Saddle Bag from Urban Outfitters was £46 now £36







But if you're thinking about colour for Spring (and what a great idea - my red Gucci bag has been more useful than I would ever have have imagined) then there are two amazing options at DVF which you must look at.  In the sale at Matches. 

Gallery cross body bag in red from DVF was £228 now £114





Detachable strap in red/pink.



And in the pink colourway which was £228 and now only £91





More subtle now but still colour at Jaeger Outlet (so don't forget your extra 20% off).  It can ben perceived to be quite an Autumnal colour but I think with camel and creams or greys and pinks, this is the perfect colour to take you into Spring.

Mini Maddison Leather Bag was £175 now £65 (pre extra discount)



I've been so touched this year that so many companies have noted that it's my first Mother's Day without my mum and have sent me some lovely gifts.  Over the moon with the black Haworth which was a present from the lovely Jules and Eddie from Village England.  This arrived last week and I have used it non stop since.  Works perfectly as a cross body bag but I've also been using it as a clutch.  Detachable strap (which I haven't detached) but you could easily remove and replace with a strap of your own for a different look.  I'm thinking about getting a striped canvas strap to really change the vibe of the bag - maybe in a red... or a navy and stone even?  When I find one...

Black Haworth Cross Body Bag £175 from Village England




And here I am wearing it (again..).  This time, cross body.  Quick trip into London for a meeting and a dash to H&M to try and track down a dress I tried on on Saturday, thought I'd order online and oh yes, sod's law - it wasn't there.  You know when you can't find something and then have to have it... So back to another H&M where this time they did have it in my size.  Pics are on Instagram (@doesmybumlook40) but I will be showing you shortly as it's the perfect floral midi. 

In the meantime, outfit from today. 



White layering shirt - Me+Em
Black Maddy lurex cashmere sweatshirt - Wyse London
Black Lola joggers - Whistles
White cracked leather Stan Smiths - adidas
Onyx leather jacket - hush
Haworth cross body bag - Village England 

I for one was absolutely loving the weather today.  It really did feel like Spring - managed a dog walk to pick the children from school and there was minimal moaning at walking home.  This, my friends, is what we call progress.  The sun really does have miracle qualities.  Of course it's due to absolutely pee it down tomorrow.  Which is nice.