<![CDATA[Shelby’s Substack]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!kIu_!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff4380e11-b591-44d5-9f83-3089abf6731a_144x144.pngShelby’s Substackhttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.comSubstackWed, 02 Sep 2026 10:09:45 GMT<![CDATA[London Mum Autumn Outfit Trends]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/london-mum-autumn-outfit-trendshttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/london-mum-autumn-outfit-trendsTue, 18 Aug 2026 15:49:37 GMTFind links here!

Their husbands blazer or Barbour jacket - perfectly oversized, instantly chic, always effortless.

Loafers - with or without socks, suede or leather, so easy to throw on with any look.

Oversized denim shirts - casual, chic, cool and fun.

Suede jackets - a pop of suede is a must for autumn and a jacket is more practical than shoes, especially in wet London.

Oversized leather tote bags - no traditional nappy bags allowed. Baby & mum essentials tossed in a classic tote.

Layers - a button up shirt peeking out under a jumper, a scarf, a white tshirt, anything which adds interest.

A comfy pair of Chelsea boots - comfy for chasing the kids during the day and elevated for a dinner date night.

Shelby Taylor

]]><![CDATA[How an Outfit Can Change Your Entire Personality ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/how-an-outfit-can-change-your-entirehttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/how-an-outfit-can-change-your-entireMon, 03 Aug 2026 09:21:08 GMTI am very much someone whose style depends on the occasion and setting. Spending the weekend in the countryside? A white dress or linen trousers it is. Shopping on the King’s Road? You’ll find me in a dress and Chanel flats. Taking my baby to soft play at his club? Printed trousers and an oversized button up shirt.

We are spending the weekend at my in laws farm. A gorgeous 30 acre plot in the English countryside with cherry trees, lavender and roses. As always, I pack a few extra outfits because the English weather can be so predictable. Today is our last day here and I threw on whatever was in the bottom of my weekender bag - linen trousers, a white t-shirt, my husbands blue linen shirt for layering and Birkenstocks.

Suddenly, I felt like a character in one of my favourite Nancy Meyers films. Comfortable, classic, effortless but put together. We spent the morning harvesting fruit, vegetables and herbs…damsons, apples, rosemary and courgettes (unfortunately the choices this year are slim due to the heat and lack of rain). We strolled the property looking for treasures. We deposited our pickings into a wicker basket.

I poured my iced coffee in a crystal glass. I sat down at the scrubbed wooden table in the kitchen to write while my baby napped. The windows and doors are open letting in a gentle crisp breeze. A comfortable 75 degrees.

For lunch I was in search of something fresh, light and wholesome. Something reminiscent of the ingredients you’d pick up at the farm stand. Tomatoes marinated in olive oil and oregano on grilled sourdough…perfect!

A quick dip in the pool, reading under the shade of the umbrella, slowing down, relaxing.

An outfit can transform your entire personality, your mood, your way of life. Sometimes unintentionally. Sometimes unexpectedly.

Shelby Taylor

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[August Harvest ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/august-harvesthttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/august-harvestMon, 03 Aug 2026 09:08:52 GMTI love August as a transitional month from summer into autumn. There are so many wonderful foods that are ready for harvest in August. It’s such a wholesome, comforting month.

Unfortunately because of the heatwave and lack of rain in England, there are many fruits and vegetables that just aren’t ready this year. Too small, too bitter, too green.

This is what I’ve managed to harvest (at my in laws farm).

Damsons & figs - jam & a caramelised onion chutney

Courgette, courgette flowers & marrow - bolognese stuffed marrow, fried courgette flowers & courgette pasta

Rosemary - as a garnish on anything…chicken, salads and veg

Apples - for a fruit puree

Tomatoes - with olive oil and sea salt on sourdough for lunch

And here are the ingredients I’ll be purchasing at my local food shop:

  • Cherries

  • Peaches

  • Aubergine

  • Cavolo Nero

  • Based

  • Fennel

  • French beans

  • Artichoke

  • Peas

  • Sweetcorn

Two recipes on my list:

August harvest salad

Cavolo Nero (or kale), courgette, mint, peas, grilled corn & pine nuts

Farewell to summer salad

Grilled peaches, prosciutto, burrata, basil, arugula & balsamic glaze

Shelby Taylor

Subscribe now

]]><![CDATA[Embracing Whimsical Motherhood for a Magical Boyhood ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/embracing-whimsical-motherhood-for-199https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/embracing-whimsical-motherhood-for-199Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:30:33 GMTMotherhood is the most challenging, exhausting and stressful thing I’ve ever done but it’s also the most beautiful, rewarding and amazing thing I’ve ever done. How lucky am I that the hardest thing I’ve ever done is also the best thing I’ve ever done?

Often during pregnancy I was asked if I was sad that I wasn’t having a baby girl. No, of course not. But without fail…’what about the cute outfits?’ ‘The fun hairstyles?’ ‘The ballet lessons?’ How trivial, how superficial I thought! Is that their reasoning behind wanting a baby girl? Don’t they know that boy clothes are cute too?

I could have never imagined the love I’d have for my baby boy. As soon as he was born he was the most important thing in the world. He’s stubborn, mischievous and decisive but also sweet, cuddly and sensitive. I love that about him. How he can simultaneously be so independent and still want to be in my arms all the time. I constantly tell people how much I’d love having 2-3 boys. The chaos, the mess, the fun, the love!

Something nobody tells you when you become a mum is that you will be nostalgic for a time you’re currently living in. You’ll want to bottle up each moment and save them forever. For your baby to stay tiny for just a little longer. You’ll get emotional because, all of a sudden, your newborn is sitting, crawling, walking. One day you’ll hold him on your chest, a place where he, and you, have found so much comfort and peace, and you’ll realise just how much he’s grown. Just how heavy he feels on your chest. You’ll wish for time to slow down.

But then…

One day you’ll wake up excited to see the person your baby is becoming. You’ll be proud of his growth and achievements. Eager to see his personality develop. To get to know him all over again. To continue learning who he is, forever.

You’ll wonder who he’ll be. What hobbies or sports he will enjoy. You’ll wonder if he will be shy or bold or curious or empathetic or delicate or independent or cautious or everything all at once.

I hope my son grows up to be strong, bold, fearless and adventurous. I also hope he is kind, compassionate, empathetic and sweet. Because why can’t boys be both?

So here I am, finding ways to make motherhood magical. To embrace every little moment with my son. To, hopefully, be the creator of so many amazing memories that he’ll look back on one day. What a responsibility. What an honour. What a privilege.

As my baby grows into a boy here is what I promise him:

Blanket forts, treehouses, paper stars hanging from the ceiling and piles of books haphazardly stacked around the room.

Mud kitchens, magic potions, jumping in puddles and dancing in the rain.

Baking, tea parties, homemade birthday cakes, sprinkles and fun shaped food.

Costumes and capes and magic wands. Dressing up, pretending, imagining.

Embracing creativity, getting messy and spending hours outside. Climbing trees, playing in streams, picking wildflowers and having picnics.

The feeling of magic, nostalgia, coziness and whimsy. Finding ways to make every moment memorable.

This is my goal for motherhood. To create a magical childhood for my son. To curate memories. Because maybe, just one day, I’ll be sitting across from my baby, who is now a man, and he’ll say ‘hey mum remember when…?’ And no matter how much he’s grown a part of him will always look like that tiny baby who would only fall asleep if he was cuddled up on my chest.

Having a baby is your chance to be a kid again. They deserve someone who will be silly & playful. So do you. Slow down. Take your time. Live in the moment. Embrace the mess. The whimsy. The magic. The wonder. The challenges. The exhaustion (which never truly ends). There is truly nothing in the world like it.

Shelby Taylor

]]><![CDATA[DIY First Day of School Flags ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/diy-first-day-of-school-flagshttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/diy-first-day-of-school-flagsMon, 27 Jul 2026 20:10:36 GMTThis was such a fun and easy DIY. I designed the templates on Canva and got all of the supplies from Amazon. Subscribe to download my 7 ‘First Day of School’ flag options then print at home. I also included links to all the materials I used, including the cutest school themed ribbon!

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[What the Cool London Mums Are Wearing This Summer]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/what-the-cool-london-mums-are-wearinghttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/what-the-cool-london-mums-are-wearingSun, 26 Jul 2026 16:37:58 GMTStaying cool, comfortable and collected while beating the heat and chasing babies while still looking effortlessly cool, chic and luxurious.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[How to Make the Viral DIY Terracotta Pumpkins ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/how-to-make-the-viral-diy-terracottahttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/how-to-make-the-viral-diy-terracottaSat, 25 Jul 2026 10:09:22 GMTI love how these DIY painted pumpkins turned out. Everything to make them was so affordable and they’re a great dupe for the Pottery Barn Halloween pumpkins. It’s the perfect way to elevate this set of £10 pumpkins from Amazon. Here’s how I made them.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[How to Elevate Digitally Downloaded Art ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/how-to-elevate-digitally-downloadedhttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/how-to-elevate-digitally-downloadedSat, 25 Jul 2026 09:54:07 GMTI love the idea of filling my home with a curated selection of art that I love but I don’t love the price tag of most options. I often shop at antique stores for affordable and high-quality decor but recently discovered this hack for making prints more realistic and luxurious. Here’s how I did it.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[5 Daily Habits of Chic London Mums - Or so I’ve noticed…]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/5-daily-habits-of-chic-london-mumshttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/5-daily-habits-of-chic-london-mumsSun, 19 Jul 2026 21:44:48 GMTYes, yes, another massive generalisation, but these are the habits I’ve noticed (most) London mums stick to so they don’t lose their sanity, their children are stimulated and everyone is happy - win win.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me Before I Became A Mom ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/what-i-wish-someone-would-have-toldhttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/what-i-wish-someone-would-have-toldMon, 13 Jul 2026 14:26:03 GMT

Motherhood is the most challenging, exhausting and stressful thing I’ve ever done but it’s also the most beautiful, rewarding, amazing, loving thing I’ve ever done. How lucky am I that the hardest thing I’ve ever done is also the best thing I’ve ever done.

You will be nostalgic for a time that you’re currently living in. You’ll want to bottle up each moment and save them forever. You’ll wish for time to slow down. For your baby to stay tiny for just a little longer.

But…

One day you’ll wake up excited to see the person your baby is becoming. To see their personality shine through. You’ll wonder who they’ll be. What hobbies or sports they’ll enjoy. You’ll wonder if they’ll be shy or bold or curious or empathetic or delicate or independent or cautious or everything all at once.

Yes, it’s 4 am and you could put the baby back to sleep. After all, you’re probably exhausted and the baby has already woken twice in the night. But instead you could just hold on to him a little longer. Start at his precious, tiny face. Fast asleep and smiling in your arms. So content. So peaceful. The sweetest, most beautiful baby you’ve ever seen. Just the two of you awake. When you’re 50 you’ll wish you could relive little moments like this.

Parenting will have you doing the wildest things, anything, for your baby. Yes I will sing you the teddy bear picnic song twice, then ‘shh’ to the tune of jingle bells while rocking side to side for 3 minutes then I’ll put you down and pat your back until your breath slows and you fall asleep…anything for you.

It will take some time getting used to the idea that you don’t need to consult anyone to make decisions for your baby. Calpol for teething? It’s your choice. You give the permission. You’re the adult.

Women give their entire bodies to their babies during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Stretch marks, nausea, hip pain, stitches, needles, scars, injections, cramped knees from bathing them, a sore back from rocking, a painful neck from bent nursing, arms that fall asleep and wrists that ache from holding, hair that falls out…It doesn’t end once you give birth.

Similarly, the impact of your baby will exist far beyond the days where he’s too big to hold and doesn’t rely on you anymore. The weight of him on your chest, the back pain from the epidural, the scar from the cannula. All signs that he exists. That you made every inch of him with my own body. That he’s the only person in the world who knows what you heartbeat sounds like from the inside.

Nobody will ever know your baby like you do. Others will learn his favourite book and how he likes to be rocked to sleep but you’re the only person who knew he existed before anyone else. Who could sense that he was there. The only person who knows what it feels like when he’d move inside of you. The exact motion of rocking and shh-ing that will put him to sleep.

The 8th wonder of the world has got to be a baby’s smile. It is the most amazing, magical, beautiful thing in the world. When they look at you and smile like you’re their entire world it will make you want to explode.

Once in awhile, or as often as you can, put your baby down for a nap and do something for yourself. Read. Enjoy your coffee. Watch a movie. Whatever you want. You deserve time for yourself.

The cleaning can wait…hold your baby a little longer. Your baby doesn’t care if the house is clean.

Sometimes you’ll hold and rock your baby for them. And others, you’ll do it for you.

Slow down. Take your time. Learn the new you. You’ll never be the same again.

Having a baby is your chance to be a kid again. They deserve someone who will be silly & playful. So do you.

Embrace the messiness. The whimsy. The magic. The wonder. The challenges. The exhaustion (which never truly ends). There is nothing in the world like it.

Shelby Taylor

]]><![CDATA[Items & Accessories the London ‘It Mums’ Have ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/items-and-accessories-the-londonhttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/items-and-accessories-the-londonWed, 01 Jul 2026 12:57:57 GMTThese are all of the cult classic items that London mums own for themselves and their babies - myself included! They’re chic, functional, effortless and luxurious.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Habits of Chic London Mums ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/habits-of-chic-london-mumshttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/habits-of-chic-london-mumsMon, 29 Jun 2026 21:31:44 GMTYes, I know this is a massive generalisation but these are the habits of London mums I have noticed since becoming one myself. Okay, I’ll admit my observations are typically based on mums who take their babies to family clubs, sensory classes, soft play and swimming lessons. Who go to Whole Foods and Bayley & Sage and put their baby’s down for school places before they’re born. The luxurious and indulgent mother in London. Who leisurely strolls Parsons Green, the Kings Road or Battersea Park, pushing her Bugaboo or Nuna - fitted with a Binibamba sheepskin liner, Minicoton pram bag and Artipoppe Carrier.

This is what I’ve become aware of, admired and adopted since having my baby 8 months ago.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T - What I’m reading, eating, playing, ordering, recommending and treating]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/weekly-report-what-im-reading-eatinghttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/weekly-report-what-im-reading-eatingMon, 29 Jun 2026 09:05:07 GMTWe have had an unbearable heatwave in London this week so we’ve all been huddled around our single air conditioning unit, avoiding the oven and booking swimming slots wherever possible. Here’s this week’s REPORT.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[American Traditions I’ll Be Introducing to my British-American Son in London]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/american-traditions-ill-be-introducinghttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/american-traditions-ill-be-introducingTue, 23 Jun 2026 20:15:05 GMTThere are many things I miss about living in the states but one of them is most definitely how over-the-top everything is. Holiday decor, back to school and homemade everything, just to name a few.

I feel obligated to include a disclaimer…all of these aren’t inherently ‘American’ but they’re things I grew up with. Things I’ve noticed are specific to there. Things that are less common in the UK. Things I want my son to grow up with. Some of my best memories.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Weekly REPORT: What I’m reading, eating, playing, ordering, recommending & treating ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/the-weekly-report-what-im-readinghttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/the-weekly-report-what-im-readingTue, 23 Jun 2026 10:38:11 GMTI love the ritual of reflecting on the previous week…the highs, the lows, the memories and the moments. Becoming a mum has made me so much more sentimental, yearning for a wholesome, whimsical life that my son will remember. Here’s my weekly REPORT.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Extravagant Brunch Spread ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/the-extravagant-brunch-spreadhttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/the-extravagant-brunch-spreadThu, 18 Jun 2026 15:43:10 GMTIf I was hosting an extravagant brunch, I’m talking go all out with all the delicacies and indulging items, this is what I’d serve.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[A Gift Basket for Every Occasion - 16 Ideas! ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/a-gift-basket-for-every-occasionhttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/a-gift-basket-for-every-occasionThu, 18 Jun 2026 15:21:25 GMTI love a gift basket! It’s such a lovely way to present a gift, making it look full, indulgent and luxurious. Here are a few of my favourites!

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Catering to the Overnight Guest - A luxurious yet comfortable experience ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/catering-to-the-overnight-guest-ahttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/catering-to-the-overnight-guest-aThu, 18 Jun 2026 14:45:03 GMTThere is something so cozy and comforting about an overnight guest. Whether they’re just passing through or intentionally coming to see you. These are simple things I do from the time a guest arrives to the time they live to ensure a luxurious and welcoming experience.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[How to Curate a Cozy Home - For the Girls Who Love Rom Coms, Reading, Rain & Candlelight ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/how-to-curate-a-cozy-home-for-thehttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/how-to-curate-a-cozy-home-for-theThu, 18 Jun 2026 14:23:50 GMTIf I’m being honest, I hate the summer. Hot, sticky weather and humidity is not for me! I’d rather be cozy indoors on a rainy day or strolling through a museum than lying in the sun on the beach. Think sitting in an oversized chair with a great glass of wine, opening the pages of a new book, fluffy pillows, a warm blanket and a thunderstorm outside. Can you tell I’m a fall girl?

Here is how I achieve a cozy, curated home year round.

Subscribe now

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Healthy Dessert I Can’t Stop Thinking About - Berries & Figs with Honey Marscapone ]]>https://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/the-healthy-dessert-i-cant-stop-thinkinghttps://shelbytaylorrs.substack.com/p/the-healthy-dessert-i-cant-stop-thinkingTue, 26 May 2026 19:00:21 GMTThis recipe is so easy! My mother in law made it this past weekend and it was so delicious I couldn’t wait to have it again! Here’s how to make it.

Read more

]]>