About

My name is Avril Keys and I set up School Gate Style in January 2012.

I’m a stay at home mum of 3 kids and the blog is a fashion diary of an ordinary mum who wears practical affordable clothes. I’m not a stylist or a fashion guru and I have a very limited budget – like a lot of busy mums out there – and I mostly use that budget wisely – buying a mix of less expensive items and the occasional investment piece.

If you would like to get in touch, please email me at [email protected]

I love getting suggestions for blog topics and I’ll always do my best to answer your style dilemmas.

I do sometimes carry out reviews of products for brands that approach me. My only criteria for accepting these products is whether I would have considered buying the item myself prior to being offered it. I always ensure that my views are unbiased and fair. If I don’t feel the item fits in my wardrobe or I’m not comfortable recommending it to my readers, I return it.

Thanks for visiting School Gate Style!

Avril x

A Note about Affiliate Links:

My blog contains some affiliate marketing links, which means I get paid a tiny commission on sales of some of the products or services I write about. My editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships. I use a 3rd Party to enable these affiliate partnerships. You can read their Privacy Policy and find more information on the cookies they use.

Testimonials from my lovely readers:

Just thought I’d drop you a line to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. You inspire me to look carefully at what I wear these days. I love a lot of the clothes you choose and have just bought the Mint Velvet grey jacket you wore a few weeks ago! Sarah (via email)

Keep up the fantastic work Avril, I look forward to reading your blog every day.

I just want to send you a big thank you. 3 babies in 4 years has not been kind to my body, and I was living in joggers with no idea where to start, piling on the weight. Looking like a big slob. My daughter was starting school and I wanted to look nice and feel good about myself. I started reading your blog and it gave me inspiration to go shopping, I’ve now started running and taking more care of my body to get into the nice clothes I have bought.I have bought clothes I would never have considered and think differently. I enjoy clothes shopping and enjoy dressing up. Sure I then get covered in poo, chocolate, and other disgustingness that only toddlers bring but I feel good when I stand at that school gate. And you planted the seed that started it. Thank you xxx C Underwood (via email)

I stumbled on your blog one day and really enjoy all the fresh and encouraging style advice.It is always so cheery and you have such a ‘can -do’ attitude. Lucy McC

…work is left undone, pots unwashed, house uncleaned…all because I can’t tear myself away from your brilliant blog. Love it – especially your down to earth approach – and you have great style! Sarah S

I love your blog. I look at it every day and think your eye for a (very stylish) bargain is superb. Laura B

One of the things I love about your blog is the more realistic budget you work to, I lust after designer but the high street is what I can afford so thanks for bringing lesser known brands and styles to my attention. Pippa M

I follow you everyday.  I am a stay at home mum with absolutely no style but you have

given me inspiration.  I actually bought my first pair of skinny jeans today!You have made me realise that even though I’m a mummy I’m still a person and need to look after me a bit. JH, Manchester

Love your blog, it’s given me lots of ideas and tips on finding affordable stylish clothes GP, Bangor NI

Just love your blog. It has given me increased confidence in changing what I wear instead of the same old things. I think you are a fantastic inspiration to other women. Lindsey D

Today I came across your blog and I am hooked! AP, Isle of Man

After reading about you in my local newspaper publication in Melbourne, Australia I have been following you from afar. It does wonders for my self esteem if I make an effort each morning. Thanks so much for the tips and for brightening my day.Bridget