Come Pack With Us for Summer

What are your favourite spots to take the kids in the Hamptons?

We spend most of our time at home, in the yard or by the pool. Of course we also go to Sagg Main beach, or take after dinner walks into town for Dole Whip from Sundaes on Main in Bridgehampton. Each summer includes multiple visits to The Flavin Institute, a free, local museum that kids love! On rainy days CMEE (The Children's Museum of the East End) is the perfect place to go.

Where do you like to eat together as a family?

Staying super local in Bridgehampton, we love The Candy Kitchen for breakfast or take-out from Round Swamp and Highway Restaurant is consistently delicious and very kid friendly. We also love to take a trip to Montauk for Duryea's lobster salad. Everything is family style, and my kids can't resist hitting up the ice cream chest. 

What do you always pack for a day at the beach?

A Neso tent, sunscreen, and lots of snacks. Once we get there and set up, I want to stay for as long as possible!

What swimwear will you be dressing your children in this summer?

I love the Molo photorealist swim trunk and rash guard sets. Each kid gets their own motif, so they're easy to tell apart when we do our mountains of laundry and simplify getting ready. I also adore Mini Rodini trunks!

What essential children’s footwear do you pack for a stay in the Hamptons?

My kids like to think they can just go barefoot, but when they do need to slip something on, a classic Birkenstock buckled sandal is my go-to shoe.

What are your favourite places to visit with the kids in London? 

The beauty of living in London is being spoilt for choice with days out. Top of our list is the South Bank, jumping off at London Bridge and walking through Borough Market, down narrow passageways and then along the river, passing the Globe Theatre and all the bustle and entertainment along the way to the Tate. We’ve been taking the kids there since they were babies, so it’s always great to see how they resonate with art they’ve seen before and new exhibitions. 

There are two we’ll be taking the kids to this summer. The first is DIVAS at the V&A, celebrating stagewear and costumes. I love any opportunity to introduce the children to my world of fashion. The second is Dear Earth: Art and Hope in the Time of Crisis at the Hayward Gallery. My kids are a generation growing up fully aware of the climate crisis, my daughter was even Eco-Champion last year at school, so this could be an inspiring and informative exhibition for us all. 

What essential items do the kids need for day trips?

Snacks and water, a book or notebook and pencils for the journey, sunnies, sunscreen and their own bags  - they like the autonomy.

What do you look for in sunglasses and hats?

I’m all about function first and style without a doubt. I want to know that they have good protection from the sun, but that whatever they wear represents their characters. My son has a skater aesthetic and loves slogan baseball caps, whereas my daughter is a bit more playful and extravagant so loves bright colours, motifs and giant hats.

What’s a favourite family dinner destination in London?

My daughter has serious allergies and we all have various food intolerances, so we have to really trust where we go to eat and feel like everyone will feel special and catered for. Our favourite place is Mamma Dough, a small south London chain of sourdough pizza restaurants. The menu is always changing, but two things always remain: incredible toppings and, most importantly, for Lolo, kids’ pizzas in the shape of a bunny.

What makes a great outfit for going sightseeing?

The kids need to have an outfit that is practical for the day. So, comfortable shoes and bottoms, layers and waterproof outerwear. Lolo loves wearing dresses, so we always pop on a pair of cycling shorts or leggings underneath. I also like to get them in bright colours and prints, so I can spot them easily, and it also adds to the fun and adventure of the day.

What are your favourite family day trips in and around Dubai?

Now I have been in Dubai for more than 15 years, I love escaping the city to explore the beautiful nature around it, like [the mountain enclave] Hatta and [beach resort] Ras Al-Khaimah. My kids love staying at different hotels at The Palm and exploring different beaches – we've already explored so many cool ones this year.

What kids’ swimwear will you be packing for the beach and pool this summer?

My daughter loves Stella McCartney Kids, Chloe and Kenzo swimwear. She prefers a one-piece cut so she can be at ease playing and swimming. The kids are growing fast, so every season they need new sets! I always make sure I pack coordinated dresses and/or shorts with each swimsuit. My son Jude is very specific about what he wants and prefers simple tones and fitted cuts. He loves Givenchy and Armani - he picks all his wardrobe. Vasily, the youngest, still gives me full trust. He loves wearing comfortable over-size swimsuits and T-shirts. I always get him Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss.

What is your favourite family friendly beachside restaurant in Dubai?

We love Piatti By the Beach, it’s a great Italian restaurant where kids can play around and feel at ease. We also love Tagomago which has great Spanish cuisine. It has just opened and the beach is very kid friendly.

What are your poolside essentials for little ones?

Sunscreen and sunnies of course, hats, long sleeve UV protective shirts and 2 sets of suimsuits!

What beach toys/inflatables accompany you on your trips to the beach?

Last year we spent summer in Puglia and we found it was best to shop for inflatables directly from the beach for plenty of cool choices.

What is your summer holiday destination this year? 

We would love to venture to the South of France where I have many fond memories of summer.

What are your essential packing items for Ava when you’re heading somewhere hot?

Lightweight dresses and shorties, many sun hats, fun swimwear, sunblock and Ava's favourite water bottle!

Are you planning on outfit twinning this holiday?

Definitely! One of the best things about having a daughter is being able to outfit twin and share my whole wardrobe with her.

What swimwear will Ava be wearing?

Ava loves playing in the water and my go-to is classic Burberry.

Does Ava have a special toy or food that has to go with her on trips?

Ava loves her Jellycat and Maileg soft toys, as well as things to munch on like fresh strawberries, mozzarella and biscuit snacks.