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You are here: Home / STYLE / Holiday dresses and our first 24 hours in France

Holiday dresses and our first 24 hours in France

July 31, 2017 by Molly 18 Comments

BONJOUR! We’re in France. I haven’t just taken to shouting “Bonjour” for the sake of it (although, in the middle of a toddler tantrum, stranger things have happened). Anyway, I’m sharing the last in my series of holiday outfit posts here along with some photos from our first day in France because, well, you might also be off on your travels and looking for some new outfit inspiration. Or you might just be nosey. Whatever, I am here to serve.

So, we arrived in France at 3pm on Friday, fresh off the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry. I’m a long time fan of ferry travel with kids because a) you don’t need to worry about luggage allowance (we’ve brought everything but the kitchen sink with us – even our bikes), b) you don’t need to worry about your kids kicking off in a confined space (there was even a soft-play and cinema on board the Brittany Ferries ship we sailed here on) and c) you get to eat properly nice food that doesn’t taste like plane food. Oh and it’s CHEAP! Well, cheap compared to flying, anyway.

OK, now onto the outfits. This post is all about another brand I’d never even heard of until recently, but was really surprised by how many lovely clothes they have on their website. JD Williams has a whole range of recognisable names on the website. I’d discounted it as an option for me because I don’t consider myself “plus size” at a 12, but most of the designs start in a 12, which is the size of these dresses I’m wearing here.

I’ve lost around 20lbs since this time last year (no diets involved – watch what I did here) and wondered if my slight change in body shape would alter how comfortable I felt in my clothes this summer. The honest truth? Not really. I mean, I feel far more accepting of my body than I have in a long time, but I wouldn’t say the weight loss has transformed how happy I am generally with my shape when I’m actually wearing clothes! That said, these dresses are both REALLY comfy, super flattering and OH SO EASY to wear in the heat.

I chose the fit and flare Broderie dress by Lovedrobe (currently reduced from £65 to £50 – hurry!) and the denim double layer maxi dress which is a style I’d never have opted for before. Both are a lovely cut and a great style for the warmer weather. I wore the Broderie dress for a day in the city and then travelling down the French countryside and it proved to be really versatile. Comfortable but also smart. I wore it with sandals but I reckon it would go equally well with heels for a wedding or even as a summer office dress.

We headed straight from Roscoff south, about three hours’ drive to the beautiful city of Nantes. I’d booked an apartment in a hotel style complex on the outskirts of the city because I knew we wouldn’t arrive until fairly late and the first night was mainly about regrouping and getting some rest before the next leg of the journey.

With a few hours to kill the following morning and the weather not playing ball we went into the centre of Nantes to the amazing robot museum I’d read reviews of online. Les Machine de L’ile is a great way to spend a couple of hours and the girls were both transfixed with the creations – especially the giant walking robotic elephant.

I’ll write more about this in a separate post, as well as the place where we stayed but, for now, if you’re interested in the holiday outfits side of the post then I did a bit of a haul video a little while ago that you might like to watch (along with the behind-the-scenes of the photos – please tell me I’m not the only one with a partner who LOATHES being the designated outfits photographer?!).

You can watch it here:

 

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Thanks to JD Williams for working with me on this post. For more information about how I work with brands check out my Work With Me page. 

Filed Under: Fashion, STYLE Tagged With: fashion, holiday dresses, holiday outfits, mum style, outfit inspiration

« What clothes to pack for a family holiday to France – the Joules edit
The unexpected bonus of finding holiday clothes for him »

Comments

  1. Claire at Tin Box Traveller says

    August 2, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    Love the yellow dress. JD Williams have some beautiful clothes

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 2, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      They do – I’d never considered them before but really impressed!

      Reply
  2. Jen Walshaw says

    August 2, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    I LOVE the mustard one. The colour really suits you and you look gorgeous in it.

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 2, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      Thanks Jen! It’s so comfy too. x

      Reply
  3. Grace Hall says

    August 2, 2017 at 11:22 am

    Oh I LOVE the yellow dress, such a bright happy colour! Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday!

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 2, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      Thank you! Having a great time so far! x

      Reply
  4. Ami ThroughAmisEyes says

    August 2, 2017 at 8:31 am

    Both the dresses are stunning but I seriously love the double layer denim dress. I feel like that dress could hide a multitude of sins 🙂

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 2, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      It’s done very well at hiding all the cheese I’ve eaten so far this holiday! x

      Reply
  5. Mel says

    August 1, 2017 at 8:57 pm

    Beautiful dresses, and it sounds like you’re having a great time in France already. Love JD Williams. I have a couple of pretty dresses and sandals from them and they’ve been my go-to items so far this summer.

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 2, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      I’ve been so impressed by the quality of the dresses too! x

      Reply
  6. Chloë (Sorry About The Mess) says

    August 1, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    I love both of your choices. You look amazing, and that yellow really suits you! Have a fab holiday.

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 2, 2017 at 4:23 pm

      Ah thank you lovely x

      Reply
  7. Amber says

    August 1, 2017 at 6:09 pm

    The denim dress is lovely – but my goodness, the yellow! I absolutely must have that. Thank you for introducing me to JD Williams, I would never have thought to look there had I not read this post.

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 2, 2017 at 4:24 pm

      I’d never thought to look there either but there are SO many lovely things on there and I’ve been really impressed with the quality too! x

      Reply
  8. Becky | Spirited Puddle Jumper says

    August 1, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    Wow, you look lovely Molly and I love both those dresses! I’m the same colouring as you and have always been a bit dubious about yellow on me but this colour looks ace, might have to reconsider! Have a great rest of your holiday x

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 1, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      I’m a sucker for the mustard yellow – even if it does clash with my hair! xx

      Reply
  9. Kate Sutton says

    August 1, 2017 at 9:23 am

    I thought about buying that denim dress, it looks gorgeous on you! x

    Reply
    • Molly says

      August 1, 2017 at 12:57 pm

      It’s honestly SO comfy. Basically like wearing a massive nightie!

      Reply

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Hello and welcome! I'm Molly Forbes - podcaster, presenter and blogger with a passion for positivity, confidence and body image chat. Regularly writing and vlogging about empowering female issues from a motherhood angle, I also cover lifestyle and fashion topics for like-minded mums who want to rediscover themselves after having children. Thanks for stopping by! Read More…

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I am not “bossing” it. Or “slaying”. Or “hustling”. Or “smashing” it. I’m not even juggling or spinning plates or doing any of the other words we use as a glossy, marketable, Instagram friendly way to package up burnout culture, under the guise of “empowering” women (💪🤢). 
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What I have been doing, though, is working too hard. Call a spade a spade. I’ve been working too hard, neglecting my health, my relationships, my life away from my laptop. I can not be everything to everyone AND work at the level I’ve been working at BECAUSE I AM A HUMAN BEING. And you are too. We are not robots.
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I care deeply about all my work, and things aren’t always this intense, but I wanted to sprinkle some reality into the Gram because I am so over this lie that *any* type of success or achievement doesn’t come at a cost, or involve many failures in the background, or require many other people to help make things happen. 
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I guess what I’m saying is, let’s be real about all that, as well as showing the achievements. I’m bloody proud of my book. And I’m so excited to launch the social enterprise @bodyhappyorg properly next month. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy, and that there isn’t a price. 
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And with that, I’m taking the weekend off. See you on the other side 🥰🥰🥰
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[Image description: Molly sits in her office with her hands covering her mouth. On the back of one hand is written “Not bossing it”. She is wearing a pink boiler suit with a black and white top underneath. She has pink leopard print earrings on and her hair is tied back.]
This was taken at the start of half term, when the This was taken at the start of half term, when the kids were still enthusiastic about going for a walk. 1,705 walks around the same bit of countryside later... not so much 😬 
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If you’re struggling to get your kids motivated to move their body at the moment, go gentle. You’re not alone. Bad weather coupled with boredom coupled with the lure of screens is a heady recipe for lethargy - and that’s just me! 
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Seriously though, remember: all movement is valid. Even if it’s just a ten minute @cosmickids sesh or a little kitchen disco, it all counts. And if it comes from a place of enjoyment and fun, kids (and adults!) are going to be far more likely to want to get involved.
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What joyful movement activities are your kids enjoying right now (if any?!)?
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[Image description: Molly and her two daughters are standing in a field. They’re wearing colourful wellies, holding hands and smiling.]
I founded a social enterprise 😵 . Introducing: I founded a social enterprise 😵
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Introducing: @bodyhappyorg 🎉
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We are a Community Interest Company dedicated to promoting positive body image in children. We help adults help the kids in their care be friends with their bodies 🥰. 
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Through workshops and classes, digital and physical resources (both free and paid) we help parents, carers, teachers, youth leaders - and any adults who are ever around children - create body happy settings for kids to thrive in. 
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We launch officially next month with a beautiful new website and lots of resources which we’ll continually be adding to. In the meantime give us a follow at @bodyhappyorg - we start posting from today and our page has been designed as a free resource on its own! 
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I’m privileged to work alongside an incredible team of people on this. Shout-out to the original dream team @chelseacoxstrategist @amysnellingpt @effinitupfaye @lottie_storey @bodyconfidencecards_db @rachel_hobnobs & @aceandping 💕 LOVE YOU ALL! 💕
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[Image description: A blue square with yellow and white text which reads “the body happy org”. This is the logo for The Body Happy Organisation CIC]
Proof that I did wear clothes other than a tea-sta Proof that I did wear clothes other than a tea-stained hoodie and tracksuit bottoms at least once in the past month 😐
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[Image description: Molly is wearing pink dungarees with yellow buttons over a black rollneck long-sleeved top. She has a monochrome striped hairband on and her hair is pink. She is also wearing earrings with boobs on them. She looks very pleased, both with her earrings, the pink hair and the fact she’s not wearing sleepwear, for a change.]
A new report from the Education Policy Institute h A new report from the Education Policy Institute has concluded an obvious gender divide in the well-being of young adults. If you’d like to read more check out this article by Eleanor Peake in @newstatesman (I’ve linked to it in my Stories).
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Every week I get messages from parents and teachers concerned about the impact of social media on their kids’ body image. And of course, I couldn’t write a book about body image in kids and teens without covering social media - there’s a whole chapter in Body Happy Kids dedicated to the subject. 
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The thing is, social media isn’t going anywhere. And just like it can be a force for anxiety, shame and general angst it can be a force for good too. The trick is in knowing how to use it positively (and in holding the platforms to account for not moderating the spread of harmful viral trends and online abuse, and creating algorithms that deliberately create division and harm mental health... but that’s a story for another day). 
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But how can we expect our kids to have a handle on it when we, as adults, don’t ourselves? 
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I don’t believe the answer is to ban social media, but I don’t think kids should be given unfettered access to it either. 
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They need help navigating this stuff, learning about boundaries, developing media literacy skills so they can think critically about the content they’re consuming (just like many adults).
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And we also need to explore how we might be inadvertently contributing to the problem, perpetuating appearance ideals and creating a culture where kids learn it’s ok to body shame under the guise of health and to value each other based on the way they look.
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As ever, it’s complicated. I’d love to know what you think? What are some of the boundaries you have around social media in your house - both for yourself and your kids?
#BodyHappyKids 
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[Full text in Alt Text]
When I was pregnant with Effie I went to a pregnan When I was pregnant with Effie I went to a pregnancy yoga class every week. It was the highlight of my week. I left each session feeling like I was floating on a cloud, and I used the poses and breath work to guide me through labour too. But then I had my baby and found that, as a knackered new mum of two, I couldn’t find the time for yoga. I no longer had the excuse of doing it “for the bump” or “to prepare for labour”, so what was the point?
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It wasn’t until I started reinvesting in myself and unravelling the diet culture perspective on exercise that I found it again, along with running, which turned to hiking, and swimming. 
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It wasn’t about preparing my body for someone or something else. It was about the process itself, the time to unwind my mind and move my body for joy, just for me. I’ve lost a bit of that this past year with lockdowns, and I feel it.
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I recently signed up to @theunderbellyyoga with @mynameisjessamyn and feel like I’m finding it again. I love that my kids can see me taking time for myself, and enjoying movement, and that they sometimes want to join in too. Even if it is a bit annoying sometimes (swipe 👀). 
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#BodyHappyMum 
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[Image description: Molly and her 6 year old daughter Effie sit on yoga and gymnastics mats with their legs crossed and arms in the air. They have their backs to the camera. In the second image they are sitting crossed legged while twisting round to the side, and in the third image Molly is lying on the mat with her eyes closed while Effie leans over her, being a bit annoying.]
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