Washed in happiness, with Fat Face

It’s important to me to feel comfortable in the clothes I’m in. I’ve never been overly tolerant of things that hurt my feet, things I can’t sit down in, or things that dig in and ride up. Now I’m a busy working Mum I am less prepared to put up with clothes that I feel I have to “carry off” than I ever was before. I just want to wear things that make me happy, and that I feel confident and not self conscious in. We have a pretty active life as a family, we are out with the horse and the dog every day, I go from stable yard, to meetings in London, to the school run on a regular basis. My work as a photographer involves an awful lot of kneeling down, bum in the air poses! The last thing I want whilst trying to pose a 10 day old baby is to be worrying that I’m going to split my jeans!

I have a few brands that I stick to, knowing they will fit me when I order online, that the quality is great and that I’ll feel good in them. Fatface is one of these, and when they contacted me and asked me if I’d like to wear some of their clothes on a family day out I jumped at the chance! We already had a trip to Norfolk booked, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I asked Fatface if I could photograph the clothes while we were away and they very kindly offered to dress the boys too!

Camping holidays by the sea form a large and happy part of my holiday memories. We haven’t been for a few years though – long walks to toilet and shower blocks, and dealing with bottles and baby food had been tricky with one baby and was a daunting thought with two small children in tow. For this weekend away we decided to go one step up from the tent and hired a camper van (called Blossom, how perfect!).

shorts | hoody | hoody

We’d been over to Norfolk for the first time ever between Christmas and New year, and I completely feel in love with the beach at Wells-next-the-sea. It’s our closest sandy beach (at 2 hours and 45 mins away it’s not on the doorstep but definitely doable for the weekend) and I knew it was going to be a must on the Summer to do list to go again. I absolutely love being near the sea, and the kids are never happier than on the beach. Who doesn’t love a giant sand pit and all that space and freedom to run and play! They are finally at an age where it is almost relaxing for the grown ups. Of course I can only close one eye at a time, but at least I’m not trying to dissuade them from eating sand or falling head first into the sea any more.

shorts | t-shirt

my dress | my shoes

Fatface is a brand whose clothes are designed with happiness in mind. It began in 1988 when two guys who were skiing in the French Alps dreamed of making enough money to carry on skiing and not have to return to the day jobs. They wanted to sell t-shirts and sweatshirts to those who loved adventure, and enjoyed a healthy, happy, outdoors lifestyle. Fatface was born. The clothes are still designed in England, are built to last and washed over and over again so that they have that soft, lived in feel before they even reach you. Fatface believe their clothes are washed in happiness, and I would have to say the evidence is here to support this!

The labels came off and the clothes went in the camper van, ready to be worn for the first time on the beach the next day. My choices were from the Down to Earth collection, which is inspired by Nature to combine cool Summer styles with rich Autumn shades. I honestly didn’t need anything else for the whole weekend. I felt completely at ease, stylish, cool and comfortable in everything I wore. Particular favourites for me were the gladiator sandals, which are in the softest leather and there would be no chance of any rubbed feet. It’s great to have a pair of sandals that feel smart enough to wear with anything and are still really comfortable. The cardigan, which is so cosy and perfect for cooler evenings. Also the shorts which I have absolutely lived in since I received them. They are such a flattering fit and so easy to wear. Not to mention each of the tops, with beautiful embroidered details, flattering fits and light, dreamy fabrics. Oh, I just love all of it!

My clothes – Sandals | Cardigan | Embroidered Cami Top | Denim Shorts | Embroidered Blouse | Jumpsuit | Dress | White Tank |

shorts

bear hoody | shark hoody

my dress

shorts | t-shirt

my shorts | my top

The boys absolutely loved their outfits, and they wore them all weekend long. In fact they still pull them out to put on every morning and their shorts have been washed again several times already! The hoodies are the cosiest, comfiest and softest cotton, which I love as both the boys feel so cuddly in them. They had the freedom to play all day long on the beach, at the campsite and in the fields, with no restrictions and were cool and comfortable as they did so. They were also as tired and grubby as little boys should be at the end of a long happy day.

The boys’ clothes – Shorts | Octovan T-shirt | Blueprint Van T-shirt | Wildlife Guide Hoody | Paddle Board Hoody

my top | my shorts

my top |  my cardigan

Honestly all these pieces have become firm favourites in my wardrobe and I’ve loved wearing them around town just as much as I did at the beach. You may have seen the kids popping up on Instagram in their shorts already! Although I tried to save them for this post I can’t prize them out of them!

my top | my shorts

hoody | hoody

We were truly washed in happiness for the whole weekend, in every sense. What more could you wish for than to have clothes that allow you the freedom to live and to feel comfortable with who you are. Even making you look nice at the same time.

This post was very kindly sponsored by Fatface, all thoughts and images are my own.

Thanks for reading x

No point in asking these two to smile for the camera!! Good effort boys! 🙂 Next time I’ll get the tickle fingers out.