Some great mum-related fashion content this week. Firstly, The Cut on Jennifer Lawrence’s ‘momboy’ postpartum style aesthetic is wonderful and full of good ideas for easy but fun dressing; chic elasticated waists, boxy knits, personality coats and colour pop accessories. I’ve also enjoyed Coolmonologue - aka Cassidy Crockett - reporting on what the NYC cool moms are wearing. Should I start layering my long sleeve tops under my short sleeve tops? And do I want Rothy’s clogs for Christmas? Both v ‘momboy’, actually.

Anyway, boots! They're one of those things you really want to get right. After all, they cost a fair whack and you’ll be wearing them all winter long. With that in mind, I've had a big try on and zoned in on the five pairs that look great, are comfortable and will last you this season and then some.

The Suede Zip-Front

Like everyone else, I want The Row’s suede platform boots but don't have a grand and a half to spend on anything that isn't nursery fees or incredibly dull and grown-up house stuff (currently, windows). So, hello to these from Arket which are considerably less expensive (£199) but pretty fantastic: very chic moley/chocolatey brown shade; chunky sole with comfortable squashiness and lightweight so won't make your legs feel heavy after a day of walking around; black detailing means they can be worn with a black or brown bag/coat; soft furry lining which feels delightful under foot. I've been nervous of wearing suede shoes when I'm with the kids (puddle splashes, vomit, chaotic bush wees, etc) however a friend uses this protector and swears by it.

How nuts is this cardigan? I love it. It's an oldie from Mother but this from Plümo is great.

Bag is the Free People Harlow tote I mentioned a few weeks ago. A very useful size and a luxe alternative to a canvas shopper.

The Chunky Chelsea

If there was one style of boot I'd say is essential in motherhood, it would be a chunky Chelsea in black. It goes with every jeans cut, can be pulled on quickly, is robust enough in the rain and works under a slip skirt when you liberated yourself to the pub. This is my second autumn/winter wearing Whistles’ Hatton boot (£195) and I can't recommend them enough. I have walked miles in them.

I recently found this Barbour Spey jacket in Bicester Village for £189 (full price £279) so snapped it up. I'm finding the shorter length very easy to wear with all of my trousers. This from M&S is a good lookalike and currently on offer.

The Black Heeled

I don't usually venture into heels, however there is certainly a case for having one perfect pair of smartish black heeled ankle boots that can be worn to work or when going out for drinks. These are the glove boot from Essen (£350) an Australian brand that's a favourite among fashion editors and all about beautifully made, comfortable shoes. They have a memory foam sole which means despite the heel and tapered toe, they don't hurt. I walked from Oxford Circus to Soho to Covent Garden in mine this week, then stood in the new GAP store for an hour or so for the opening party, then walked to find some dinner, THEN rushed home on the tube for the Traitors final and my feet felt totally fine. Each pair is made to order and take 6-8 weeks to arrive - so order now for 2026 you.

Use them to style up your track pants and a big jumper when you don't have time/energy to properly change for dinner.

I’m still renting my bags through Cocoon - this is the Loewe Luna shoulder bag which has a great shape and size. However, I wish the strap was a tiny bit longer so it could also be worn as a high cross-body.

The Waterproof

The Sorel x Barbour collaboration launched this week and the Daystorm Horizon lace-ups (£250) are a highlight. They're waterproof, have a cushioned sole, special grippy bottoms so you won't slip on wet pavements when legging it to pick-up and a fun tartan tongue. A properly robust pair of winter-weather boots that look chic enough to wear for Sunday lunch with friends.

‘Tis the season for Fair Isle. Mine is ancient and miraculously hasn't been eaten by moths. Shop this through the White Company app before midnight and get 15% off. A great under-£70 cardi and 100% cotton. This zip-through from Levi’s is also very good - and ideal for winter nursing.

Socks are the alpaca in bitter chocolate from Pairs and honestly, I never want to wear another sock again. What a lovely gifting idea for yourself.

The Hiker

Russell and Bromley got a new creative director last year and the offering has really gone up a notch. Case in point, the suede Henlow Apron boots (£325) which hit somewhere between highland and punk. Again I've road tested these by walking around London all day in them and the padded leather cuff around the ankle is such an asset to comfort levels.

I haven't wanted to wear a skirt in ages but instantly bought the sell-out COS x Le Kilt maxi when it dropped a couple of weeks ago. Call it the Claudia Winkleman effect. This from Jaeger has a few sizes left. Or this from Plümo looks great.

Two more things…

I went to a kid’s adventure playground birthday party the other week and on offer for the parents were Gails’ steaming hot boxes of coffee. A treat! They're £30 a box which does about 10 cups and includes a choice of milk. Delivery to most London postcodes is available. Note! You’ll need your own paper cups. I've ordered two for my son’s birthday party (which as I type is tomorrow, but as you read was yesterday) which I'm hoping takes the edge off pizza making with a bunch of five years olds in a community garden at 10am. Joy!

Speaking of my son, I’m going to get him one of these caps by Dally (£24) for Christmas. They can be embroidered with your kid’s handwriting, so I'll get one with his name on.

That's all for now. You're doing great, Frankie x

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