Look of the Day: The Rose Garden

Galina: Dress - Reiss / Shoes - Ted Baker / Bag - Aspinal of London (similar) 

Katerina: Dress - Eirene (similar) / Shoes - Age of Innocence 

EN: Today is the last day of summer holidays, Katerina is back to school tomorrow! Year 3! Where does the time go?

We've spent the last week in London, visiting museums and enjoying sunny days.

Although I've lost my job during the pandemic , I probably got the best possible outcome in this situation. I've spent all this time with my family which was some sort of a problem before. When Katerina turned 3 I thought I was ready for a full time job and when I got it I've realised how much I miss out on, like spending quality time with her after school, dropping her off on important days, all sorts of school plays and sports days. I got to the point when I was literally crying when my job couldn't approve my leave on day when she had her Christmas play. All these things are in the past now, I moved to part time position and made clear that family matters come first. 

This lockdown blessed me with all the time in the world to spend with Katerina and Gareth. And I think we had the best summer ever! It was a joy to round it up in London, visiting our favourite spots and new exhibitions. We had the sweetest moments in The Ivy Cafe Marylebone and Katerina calling it 'The Best place in town' :) Roses, outdoor seating, strawberry sundae and all things pretty.

September is a new Chapter  

TED BAKER KIDS

Katerina: Dress - TED BAKER

Galina: Dress - TED BAKER / Shoes - TED BAKER / Bag - TED BAKER 

EN: Slowly but surely we are coming out of the lockdown into the streets of London. The weather's been pure bliss so me and Katerina went out for a weekend stroll around our favourite colourful spots. The first stop was to get fresh flowers. It's hydrangea season so we got few stems to match our powder blue outfits.

Speaking of our outfits, it's Ted Baker's new season. Recently Katerina changed her preferences and now she is into Blue. So when we were looking through Ted's new collection she immediately fell in love with this dress. She also likes the geometric flower pattern on it, which reminds us of arty garden walls.

My dress is matching Katerina's blue pallet. It has a flattering V-neck with a tiered skirt and tie belt detail. For contrast I went for sumptuous accessories in blush pink. I think our looks are demure but clearly speak savoir-vivre.

Check out  << Ted Baker Kids new season >> here

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Family Look: Polka Dots

Katerina: Playsuit - Zara / Bag - Aspinal of London / Sandals - Childrensalon

Me: Dress - Ted Baker / Sandals - Ted Baker / Bag - Lulu Guinness 

EN: What a day we just had! After 3 months of home schooling I've dropped Katerina off at school for the first time. Her school took girls back for the last 2 weeks of the last term. Not everyone went back though, I think it's only 11 girls in her class. But I can't even describe how happy she was!

Me and Gareth set in the car and asked ourselves what are we going to do with our day. Everything changed since we dropped her off at school last time. No coffee shops are open this early, no restaurants serving breakfast, no cinema dates. So yeah ... it took us time to decide what to do with our time :)

Going back to actual photos you are looking at. How exciting it is to shoot outside again! As I said before, Katerina is taking a big interest in directing photoshoots. So after I get 'my shots' she takes a lead and explains her ideas of location and poses. I have to admit she has some good ideas!

I just couldn't resist getting Katerina a matching polka dot playsuit. I see her getting loads of good wear out of it. And it makes me extra excited when we can create looks like this one.

Family Look: No Ordinary Lockdown

EN: I've been reading some articles on how to use your home space wisely during the lockdown and it made me very happy that I've already been doing it intuitively. Our lovely three bedroom house and a small garden turned out to be plenty to keep us sane.

Today I would love to share something me and Katerina enjoyed doing the most whilst being at home in quarantine.

First of all we moved the furniture around in our living room, made it look a little bit different and changed up few accessories like cushions and candles. We also added a few more flowers and plants than usual.

Ever since we went for a 'Mummy and Daughter Spa' last year Katerina's been asking me to do it again. But, if you can't go to a spa, have a spa day at home!

Thanks to Ted Baker I've managed to create a little sanctuary. I put out a diffuser and candles to fill the room with a pleasant scent, got our creams and oils ready, then put on some relaxing tunes and invited Katerina to Mummy's Spa after she'd had a bath :)

It went so well that I'm doing it again on her Birthday! Which is literally around the corner! I think I'll also make a fresh face mask for her, do a full body massage and ask Gareth to make us a light lunch ... and do manicure and pedicure as well! 

Because I'm in charge of keeping Katerina's Spa day on point I opted for loungewear rather than a bath robe. I'm loving my new sweatshirt with geometric print of an elephant! And my joggers are just so light and comfy! I want to wear them everywhere, but for now I'm keeping them off the streets and only wear them at home. Ted's gorgeous loungewear saved me from staying in my PJs all day long :) 

I really hope you got inspired by our pamper day and bring this idea to your home xx

{ collaboration with Ted Baker }

My Shopping with JOHN LEWIS

EN: As many of you might know, I've been working at John Lewis for 2.5 years. Few weeks ago we had to close all our 50 stores due to Corona Virus situation. Loads of our partners were able to volunteer in Waitrose to help them out with an increased volume of food shoppers. Sadly because of my current health situation I am not one of them. Although I desperately want to help and at the moment this is the only way I know how.

It's my pleasure to share with you what I've recently bought from John Lewis myself. I honestly think it's one of the best online shopping platforms for many reasons. It covers everything from Beauty, to Fashion, from Home to Electrical. John Lewis also is proudly Price Matching all competitor's prices on the high street, meaning if a certain brand has a promotion on, John Lewis lows the price down straight away. So you don't need to worry that you miss out on something.

Delivery is something I'm proud about too. It's a free next delivery if you are happy to pick up your parcel from the nearest John Lewis or Waitrose (just Waitrose at the moment), or free home delivery on orders over £50

First section I'd love to cover is HOME. We've been locked down inside our houses but to be honest I love my house so it doesn't bother me being indoors most of the time. So here I'm sharing what I got to make me feel extra special when spending time at home. These items are not a necessity,  they are more like indulgence.

1. White Table Tray - Breakfast in bed? Yes, please! Especially now when we are not in a rush
2. White Cotton Bath Robe - Makes me feel like I'm enjoying a SPA day in a luxury hotel.
3. Silk Pillow Case - Silk is beneficial for your face and hair. Perfect component for a beauty sleep

Second section is my shopping. Guilty af! But everything is on Price Match in my defence.

1. Reiss Gold Cami Top - As you can see I got 2 different cami tops. They just work so well for my wardrobe.
2. Ted Baker White Trainers - Ted's trainers are the most comfortable smart trainers I ever had, so every other season I order a new pair.
3. Reiss Silver Knitted Top - Looks amazing with high waisted skirts, shorts, trousers.

This is what I got for Katerina for everyday use. Kids grow too fast, none of the shoes and clothes from last year fit her. So I've bought few essentials for her.
1. Joules T-shirt - As I said John Lewis has loads of amazing brands and joules is one of them. Very modestly priced but of high quality and natural fabrics.
2. Joules Pink Shorts - She wears them around the house, guess you saw them a lot on insta stories.
3. Boden stripy top with flamingos - Boden is another fantastic British brand which is great for everyday wear.
4. Blue and Silver Trainers - John Lewis also has it's own brand. Again, it combines quality and modest price. The colour of these trainers is amazing, your little one will love it!
5. White cotton Bath Robe for children - One for mummy, one for baby :) Normally I buy her bath robes from the White Company but her size is currently out of stock so I went with John Lewis own brand knowing that the quality is going to be great.
6. Slip on Rainbow Shoes - Slip ons are just so easy to put on! So I got a second pair of everyday shoes because John Lewis has a generous 30% off on loads of kids stuff. Everything I got for Katerina was on promotion.

And the last one is for Gareth
After nearly 10 years together I finally realised that if I want him to look how I want, I just need to buy clothes for him myself. He hates shopping for himself so for the last year I've been buying things for him, letting him to try it at home in his own comfort zone and if he likes it - we keep it, if not - I do the refund. So here's what I chose for him this season.
1. Ted Baker grey t-shirt with pink flamingos - For some reason we always thought that Ted is not cut for Gareth's body type but it actually fits him very well.
2. Ted Baker white leather trainers - I convinced Gareth that Ted is doing really comfy shoes. Few moths ago we had a small training session at John lewis learning what Ted does to make shoes comfy.
3. Ted Baker t-shirt with parrots - He just loves t-shirts. I love him wearing shirts and polos. So occasionally I give in and buy a t-shirt for him, but it has to be stylish. Just like this one :)

Family Look: Monday Blues

Katerina: Dress - CHILDREN SALON / Shoes - CHILDREN SALON {ad}

Me: Jacket & Trousers - Reiss from Bicester Village / Top & Shoes - Ted Baker / Bag - Launer London 

EN: First week of quarantine just came to an end. To be honest we kept ourselves very busy at home. It took us 2 days to clean the house and wash everything needed washing.

From Monday to Friday we tackled home schooling. Which wasn't easy but we came out of it alive! We are also trying to fill the rest of the day with some fun things to do. Today we were decorating Katerina's Easter Bag, and few days ago we created our first DressUpFriday video. If you missed it, please watch it on my Instagram page ( @galinathomas ).

The struggle comes when I look outside. The weather is absolutely perfect and the whole country is in bloom. It's really tempting to dress up in matching clothes with Katerina and go for a stroll but we have to substitute this idea to dressing up at home for now.

Hope you are doing well and staying safe home xxx

Valentine's Day with Ted Baker

EN: Valentine's Day is just around the corner but I'd love to remind you that we can treat our loved ones any day of the year!

I love receiving presents, I'm not an exception :) So I was over the moon happy when Ted Baker sent me a surprise Valentine's present. I knew that whatever was inside the box would be tasteful and high quality. I can't even describe the joy of opening the box when you know you won't be disappointed. Ted gifted me a jewellery case in soft pink colour and it's just perfect for when you go away! The second present was a manicure set. Ohhh myyyy God why I haven't seen it before?! As soon as you take it in her hands you don't want to let it go.

Treat your loved ones and treat yourself xxx

In Bed with Ted

 In Bed with Ted

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

EVERYTHING is 30% OFF at Ted Baker

It's such a wonderful feeling when you love Ted and he loves you back. I've received a beautiful early Christmas present - "Ted's Sleep" hamper accompanied by a bouquet of fresh flowers.

December is a mad month for everyone. We are trying to meet all the deadlines at work, go to every christmas play, christmas fair, tree lighting, work party ... But what a joy it is to slow down! Me and Gareth took a day off, unboxed my luxury hamper, changed the flowers, put on fresh bed linen and lit the candle to bring a delicate scent to the house.

It goes without saying that I am so pleased with my new bedroom addition and that I don't really want to get out of bed :) Maybe some extra sleep and rest is not a bad idea anyway.

I hope you found some inspiration for yourself or for your loved ones. If you've ever got anything from Ted before you know his attention to details. It's impeccable! Which makes anything from Ted - a playful and thoughtful present.

Saying this, I'm heading to www.tedbaker.co.uk to order something for Gareth whilst a generous promotion is on. Soon you'll discover what Gareth is going to get underneath our Christmas tree.

xxx

Click on the image to visit Ted Baker page

Look of the Day: Origami

Jumpsuit - CHICWISH / Shoes & Bag - Dolce & Gabbana / Earrings - Ted Baker 

EN: Things are not always the way you see them. Basically we got caught up in the storm, rain, wind and everything you can imagine. My hair is very messy, my makeup needs touching up, my shoes are full of water and we are waiting for a taxi by someone's front porch.

It doesn't necessary mean that I am not showing the full picture, I'm just showing my approach to the situation. We were embracing our time together no matter the weather or any other factors, having a good time in other words.

Shoutout to this amazing jumpsuit! This navy blue is a perfect base colour and it goes so well with so many other shades. This time I jazzed it up with hot pink accessorise, next time I might go with total blue ;)

But it's not the colour what makes this jumpsuit to stand out, it's the details! Does it remind you of an open fan? Beautiful origami detail attracts attention to your waist and open shoulders. I just see myself wearing it a lot, from a casual day out to a special event or fine dining.