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Over the last month or so, I've seen the topic of us Mama's including ourselves in our family photos crop up here and there - on my favourite blogs and IG accounts, and it's certainly something that resonates with me.
As the photographer of the family, I'm even less likely to be the one in front of the camera, but more and more I'm making sure I take the time to pass the camera to someone else and ask them to take a picture of me too. We've even started to ask strangers and passers by to take our photo when we're out and about. I think the pictures of all four of us together will be the ones we cherish the most in years to come.
I know that sometimes it's easier to be the ones taking the photos; I certainly feel that sometimes the bags under my eyes are just too big and dark, my clothes aren't particularly nice or I'm generally feeling a bit chubby round the edges, but it really and honestly doesn't matter. When I'm old and grey I know I'm going to look back on those captures and wonder what on earth I was so worried about, and I don't want to regret not getting in on my of the family photo action.
And, you know what, maybe it will make me get out of those boring everyday clothes I routinely put on, and throw on that nice top I've been 'saving' (for what?!) instead. Sometimes (most of the time) I need to remind myself that taking 5 minutes longer for ME is just as important as getting the girls dressed and making sure the bag has everything we need in. This is just the excuse I need.
Last summer, I posted a picture of my beautiful little family on the beach in our favourite place in the world; St Ives. Coralie was two months old, I still carrying quite a bit of baby weight and my boobs were HUGE from feeding a tiny newborn. It took quite a bit of courage for me to post that picture, put it out there, but I'm so glad I did. I'm so glad to be part of the visual side of this journal; not just the voice behind the words and the person behind the camera. Josephine has that picture hanging on her wall and talks about it all the time. She doesn't see any of my insecurity or softness or post-pregnancy self-confidence issues; she sees her Mama happy and smiling, cuddling her, as I will always do whenever she lets me or wants me to (and even when she doesn't) and loving her, and being there on all our family adventures.
So this is my new mission. Every day trip, every family party, every afternoon spent in the garden, I need to hand over the camera and get in the shot. I know I won't regret it.
A few Mamas who are inspiring me in this quest right now?
Naomi at Love Taza
Courtney Adamo on IG
James at Bleubird
Keri-Anne at Gingerlilly Tea
Kellie at Dear Olive
My sweet friend Amy, half of the super cool Robin and Mould, gave the girls some of their awesome cushions when Coralie was born and they have become favourites in our household. Josephine takes her hedgehog cushion to bed every night, and Coralie's cat regularly takes part in tea parties, trips to the 'park' and boat journeys across the sea.
Just a little shout out for an awesome Mama (and Papa) doing such awesome things creatively. The beginning of a new series celebrating some of the brilliant designers, photographers and writers who are inspiring me right now.
Check out their shop here. Beautiful colours and prints and perfect presents for Christmas.
WHAT PHINEY WORE: Bosca Dress c/o la coqueta //
Vintage Cardigan / Ribbed Tights la coqueta //
Desert Boots clarks (similar - the leather version appear to have sold out)
For many months now, I've received a lot of lovely emails and comments from you guys about the clothes Josephine wears. I'm not going to lie, dressing this girl is so much fun and searching for beautiful vintage, secondhand and unusual pieces for her is one of my absolute favourite pastimes.
It isn't always easy though. I find the majority of the shops on the high street stock small versions of (unappealing) adult styles, made poorly for a price that, in all honesty, I can't justify spending. And little girls (especially) dressed as adults is something that just doesn't sit well with me. I want traditional and classic pieces, in beautiful fabrics, prints and colours that I know I'm not going to see every other little girl wearing in the playground.
So, with so many of you asking where I find these great pieces I thought I'd start a new regular series called What Phiney Wore, in which I'll reveal some of my favourite stores (which I may later regret!) as well as some of the tricks of shopping for kiddos that I've learnt along the way.
Today, Josephine is wearing one of the most beautiful dresses in her wardrobe; The Bosca Dress from La Coqueta. If you haven't heard of this store yet, I urge you to go check out their online shop, or if you're in Hampstead in London, to drop in the store. Launched by inspirational Mama of five Celia in 2012, the brand stocks the most beautiful clothes for babies, girls and boys all proudly made in Spain. All you need to know is I could happily dress Josephine in every piece the store has on offer, and I've bought her the most fantastic winter coat too, which I have no doubt will be popping up in a What Phiney Wore post soon.
The Bosca Dress is beautifully made from a Liberty floral fabric, and I adore the little detailing of the lace trim on the lining inside and and the corduroy buttons on the front.
While Josephine's boots are Clarks Originals, if her wide little feet could squeeze into them, I'd surely be buying a pair (or two) of the desert boots from La Coqueta. And maybe a pair of Mary Janes too.
But it's not just the dresses and coats, shirts and shorts that La Coqueta have on offer. Celia has sourced the best collection of ribbed tights and long and short socks I've found, and Phiney has several pairs in her drawer. In beautiful colours, and of the highest quality, they are perfect for boys and girls alike.
Of course, I can't finish an outfit without a piece of vintage, and this chunky knit I found in a charity shop just after Josephine was born is the perfect piece to keep her warm on a crisp autumnal day.
