I’m not quite sure how it has come round so quickly but very soon we will be jetting off on our first foreign family holiday. Yippee!

After debating where to go we finally settled on The Canaries mainly as it will be warm at this time of year and isn’t a ridiculous plane journey. One thing I hadn’t factored in was quite how much stuff (of the clothing variety!) that I would need to purchase. And not just for the girls! Considering our last five plus years of holidays have been sat on the normally rather cold beach in Devon we have a serious lack of clothing suitable for sunnier climes. And so I did what I had to and hit the shops.

The girls now have a lovely little holiday wardrobe so I thought I would share some of my favourite purchases with you all. Plus many of the other items that I am still tempted to buy. I will caveat that there is a lot of girly clothing mainly as Molly point blank refuses to wear anything but pink at the moment. I hope it’s only a phase as I am seriously struggling. I can just about get away with another colour if she has a pink top or cardigan but not much else. If I put her in another colour she goes upstairs and gets herself changed. Who knew a four year old could be so strong willed!

I have tried to reign myself in with the spending and I have to keep telling myself that we are only there one week so have tried to pick things that they can wear here should we happen to have any sunshine (I’m ever hopeful). It’s so hard though as there is just too much cuteness!

Travelling

For the plane journeys the girls will be going for comfort with leggings and t-shirts with a little jumper or cardigan. This way we can quickly take a layer off when we land if it is warm.

The Little Bird leggings are some of my favourites and I buy them most seasons. They are a really nice style with a cuffed ankle and turn over waistband and last really well. The range of Little Bird T-shirts this season is great too. This fish print is a particular favourite. They are unisex so ideal for any little ones.

Alice lives in the Next loose trousers most of the year and at the moment we have bought some aptly named Traveller pants for her!

Then we can chuck on a cardigan or hoody for the plane and we are set.

Swimwear

Given that pretty much every day will be spent at the beach or in the pool the girls needed quite a few swimsuits between them.

Molly has got the most amazing bright pink mermaid swimsuit from M&S which she adores. Apparently it helps her swim better!

She will also be sporting a super cute pom pom number from Monsoon.

I am a big fan of the pretty designs from Boden especially their hotchpotch designs. Molly has a little floral and striped swimsuit and I couldn’t resist this sweet boat print for Alice.

As a last minute purchase we decided to go for some long sleeved rash vests and matching shorts from Boden just in case it happens to be boiling or to protect their little shoulders. I figure that they can just wear the top over their swimsuits if they don’t need the shorts on as well.

I also love the Next swimwear at the moment and am considering this little yellow tankini set for Alice. I like that the top is nice and long so feels like a one piece but figure it will be easier for toilet stops than a soggy swimsuit.

Beach Cover Ups

For the daytime I am opting for easy throw on items that can be used for lunchtime or walks to the beach.

I’ve picked up a couple of the three packs of shorts and vests from Next as they can mix and match and they are a nice comfy jersey. I obviously went for the pineapple and palm tree prints!

I love playsuits and although not practical for recently potty trained Alice I will be purchasing a couple of Molly. I adore this ice lolly one from M&S and I can’t resist the fun fish print towelling one from Little Bird. Towelling playsuits just remind me of my childhood holidays so she had to have one!

You can’t go far wrong with these little summer dresses from H&M. Only £2.99! Absolute bargain and ideal for slipping on over swimsuits. We have both the strawberry and candy striped versions.

I’ve also had my eye on a few pairs of the jersey bubble shorts from Gap. They do them in a range of colours and they are often on offer. I also figure that they could wear a cute little top with them in the evening if they prefer. I’m loving the striped version and matching animal t-shirt.

The Next 2 for £10 items have also been great. I really like the neon shorts and fun charcoal T-shirt. I also purchased a couple of the tunic dresses as they will be good for holiday but also go with leggings back in the UK. Molly has the strawberry print and Alice has the watermelon.

I also grabbed a couple of the Boden towelling zip up tops when they had some recent offers on as they will be good by the pool and they will definitely wear them on the beach in Devon if not!

And I’m pretty sure they need this Parrot poncho!

Evening

I love having an excuse to get a bit more glammed up in the evenings on holiday. I’m not talking all out sequins but it’s nice to have a change from the daytime beachwear. Molly especially loves dressing up and with an obligatory kids disco at the hotel (help me!!) it is a great excuse to get them a few nicer outfits.

This pink dress from Next is a firm favourite so far. It has a soft jersey striped top and pretty linen skirt. I’m very tempted to buy Alice the green palm tree version. You will probably notice that poor Alice get’s no pink clothing to try and balance out all the pink in the house at the moment!

I find the Boden T-shirt dresses super comfy and they wash and wear incredibly well. The girls have had them most years so far and pretty much live in them. I can chuck a pair of leggings underneath if it’s cooler too.

I also bought these sweet little seersucker dresses from H&M. They are adorable and only £6.99.

I love a cute shorts set and have this little shorts and camisole from Accessorize. I love the bug prints on it. I actually love a lot of the Monsoon and Accessorize clothes this summer. So many gorgeous prints and colours.

On the shorts front this safari romper from Gap is just ace!

Finally I adore these simple styled items from Zara. The cheesecloth dress would be ideal for day or evening and this knotted strappy dress is just the cutest. It will be great back in this country with a little t shirt underneath.

Lightweight Cover Ups

I’m not sure quite how warm it will be in the evenings so I’m thinking the girls may need a couple of cardigans or little jumpers just in case.

This boat appliqué cardigan from Next is really sweet and may already be in my virtual basket!

Zara always has a great range of knitwear and this star jumper looks lightweight enough to pop over a dress or shorts if it gets chilly. I also love this alphabet print cardigan. Oh and how good is this animal sweatshirt?

Accessories

I’m not going overboard on the accessories but I figure hats and sunglasses are an essential.

Loving the hit of neon on this John Lewis Trilby and I think some little fishermans hats will be needed for Alice. I’m going for a two pack as thinking she may well loose them!!

Ombre is a favourite of mine so these sunglasses may be a last minute purchase although H&M has some great sunglasses for a couple of pounds.

Oh and we can’t not mention these epic pineapple sunglasses from Accessorize that Miss Mabel has been sporting!

I think perhaps I better stop shopping now! Unless you all have anything great that I have missed? Oh and any top tips of good summer clothes for me? That is something I am really struggling on.