I’m Tanaka, a style blogger at whatmommywore.com. I started my blog to inspire mums not to lose themselves in the maze of motherhood! I’m a British born Zimbabwean and moved to beautiful Rhode Island in 2017 after my husband’s job moved him here. Together we have 3 little ones who keep me busy busy! Prior to moving I knew very little about this state which was to our advantage. I came with no preconceived notions and quickly learned that this whole area being called “New England” was very apt. The weather is like English weather - but on steroids! The winters are winters (not just a drizzle fest) and the summer is pure summer (not just brighter days with no heat! Well, with the exception of this last summer - what just happened?)!

The season we had never fully appreciated in the UK was Autumn. Apart from the excitement of apple bobbing and making toffee apples in October, and then the bonfires and fireworks on Guy Fawkes in November, there aren't a lot of family activities around Autumn. Our first year here was a true revelation in all the beauty and possibilities when the season is fully embraced. The many different activities around the season were what hit us first. We’d never been on hay rides nor been to a pumpkin patch. These traditions have crossed the pond in the time since we moved here (thanks to social media) but we never grew up with such activities.

Our first hay ride was at a birthday party held at The Farmer’s Daughter. We had so much fun and I can’t wait to take our baby for his first ride this year. We will pick our pumpkins whilst we’re there!

Apple picking is something we were familiar with but I can’t say I’d ever ventured out with the kids to a farm where we could do this. Last Autumn we went to Narrow Lane Orchard and picked enough apples to bake a couple of apple pies. Needless to say we’re going back!

An activity that gets a lot of buzz is the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park. We’re going for the first time this year with another family to enjoy the spectacle of it all.

Rhode Island is a treasure trove for a fashion obsessed foodie like me! Our favourite spots so far have been:

Kellie’s Cafe in Newport for an authentic British breakfast: they import the sausages and bacon and carry a variety of British snacks to purchase!

Matunuck Oyster Bar for delicious seafood! I’ve not had anything I didn't love there. And that chocolate bread pudding is to die for!

Kleos Greek restaurant just hits the spot whenever I’m done shopping downtown. So good!

Speaking of Downtown Providence, The Vault is a fantastic spot to pick up one off vintage pieces. Being a ‘marketplace’ of sorts with curations from multiple sellers you’re guaranteed to find a niche that resonates with you

And the Symposium bookstore across the street has an amazing array of cook books and literature. And one of the owners is Irish and imports British chocolates and treats. (Yum!)

Keeping with the sustainable fashion theme, Velvet Beret in East Greenwich is another favourite of mine for finding great pieces (some brand new) at a fraction of the cost. My favourite find to date are these Helmut Lang leather pants which I got brand new with tags for $150. The RRP was $1200!

I also recently discovered the boutique Groove in Newport. There’s a beautiful array of clothing for mums and teen girls & I picked up this new coat for the winter.

For mall shopping, I love Garden City. Anthropologie is a firm favourite and I enjoy their events / relaxing in their outdoor spaces in the summer months.

You can find me on instagram (@tanakasotinwa) and my blog whatmommywore.com for fashion tips and lifestyle inspiration