Admitting defeat

I had been planning on doing a post about summer dresses.  Yeah.  Right.  I take full responsibility for the onslaught of crap weather as I had made the momentous decision (first world problems clearly) to get my legs out this summer.  Instead of casing them in fabric, I fully intended, for the first time since I lived in the US way back when I was a revoltingly young 20 something, to stop being a big whinging jessie and get my legs out.  Weather depending.  Obviously.  Goose bumps = a massive great big no.  

Which unfortunately means that we will be able to count on one hand the number of days that this new resolution will be applicable.  I apologise in advance.  I shall still be looking at summer dresses, in the hope that I'm much mistaken and I will be blogging about it (as I hate doing research and not using it!)

In the meantime, it's freezing.  I actually have the heating on.  And so looking at jackets really doesn't seem like such a bad idea.  Now I am devastated in having to acknowledge that I am not in need of a jacket.  I have tried every which way to justify a new one, but alas, even I have to face that I am suffering from an overdose of the blighters.

On the upside, I am getting to rekindle my love of all things jacket related in my wardrobe.  A lightweight summer jacket (or 20) is the perfect thing to wear right now over more summery trousers, jeans and hell, if your legs are summer worthy (mine have Everest proportions to climb but that's another story), then over a summer dress.  If the rain holds off (as there is nothing worse than a soggy bottom) then these work perfectly over a maxi dress or skirt as well (I would wear a close fitting tee on top of a maxi skirt to keep those proportions in check).  Get those summer clothes out - all those tees and vests and lighter weight bottoms and just bung on a jersey jacket. 

And it was a particular jersey biker jacket that made me think - I could do with one of these in my life (justification aside - the fact I have already this year bought two from Zara was clearly a slight fly in the ointment) 

This was the culprit - the jersey biker jacket from The White Company which everyone else obviously thought was also fantastic as it's sold out.

But the gods of all things biker have been at work and the jersey biker jacket is everywhere.  In all colours and for all price ranges.  I have my favourites.........

Navy jersey biker jacket with silver hardware Dorothy Perkins - £42   I personally get more use out of gold hardware but navy and silver are a classic combo at a great price.  Am itching to put a breton under this. 

Selected New Kara Biker Jacket in sweat fabric at ASOS £45  I love this one.  As good over a pair of coated skinnies for a night out, as to wear to the gym.  This one is definitely in my top three. 

ASOS jersey biker in textured marl £40  This one is slightly more laid back I think, but just perfect for every day, chucking on over a tee and jeans. 

ASOS biker jacket in Ponte £35  A slightly smarter fabric but I would easily wear this on a daily basis.  Would also look great with layers underneath for the A/W/

F&F Jersey Asymmetric Biker Jacket £12 100% cotton  Clearly the bargain of the day! 

Ribbon Tweed Biker from Warehouse £65  Biker meets Chanel stylee.  This is so up my street, I'm having to sit on my hands.  I did in fact have a Chanel style jacket in this exact fabric and colourway from Zara about 8 years ago that I gave to the charity shop 2 years or so ago.  Obviously I still have a whole other host of crap I've kept instead, that I haven't worn and will never wear again but this, which I would have loved, I chucked.  Fool. 

Grey Quilted Linen Biker jacket from Warehouse - £55  In a slightly different fabric if jersey isn't your thing.  I struggle with linen like this as I merely have to look at anything with a large linen content and it looks like I've slept in it (my Topshop cargo trousers are testament to this)  But normal people seem to manage fine.  I love the shade of grey, just my idea of perfect with whites and other shades of grey.  So sophisticated. 

South Biker Tweed Jacket from Very - £49  Now, I'm going to throw it out there and say I'm not the hugest fan of Very or Littlewoods (is the only difference that Littlewoods is more expensive?  Why would they do that?).  True, I do have my beloved South Parka (which I had to track down on ebay) but it's never really been on my radar.  There always seems to be somewhere I can find things that I prefer.  Not sure why?  Something about the models, the photography, the whole feel of it..... she says being a complete hypocrite as I'll happily shop from M&S and historically their online imagery has been woeful, verging on hysterical.  So I'm talking out of my behind.  But ignoring all of that, I think this jacket would actually be a great addition (to my wardrobe....!)  

Great for a casual day at work over black trousers/white or black shell top or a black shift dress, perfect for a night out but just as great over jeans and a plain tee. 

Label Lab Cowl drape Biker White from House Of Fraser  £85  These are very Rick Owens to me.  And I love all things Rick Owens.  Apart from the price.  Which is so far out of my budget normally, it only ever makes an appearance in my dreams.  The main fabric component here is Lyocell which has a fantastic soft feel and draping element to it that would make this as great for work as it would for play.  In either black or white.   I actually know that I have a black jacket hole in my wardrobe and so I am firmly placing the black one on my sales list.  It sneaks in as a biker jacket due to their description....

And in black 

Whistles Erin quilted jacket in dark grey  £110 Whistles, as you may have noticed, can do very little wrong in my book.  (oh I take that back.  Leather dungarees.  Wrong.  Mr Tumble does Porn springs to mind. Wrong, wrong and wrong again.  Verging on therapy inducing.)  This is a dark enough grey to warrant being black.  

Hush Natural Crop Biker Jacket  £60  And finally, my favourite, if I were to be in need of a cream jersey biker jacket.   Hole and head spring to mind so I will leave this out there and hope someone else buys it so I can live vicariously through them.  

And in dark navy 

And there we have an homage to jackets.  If the weather doesn't improve, I may be forced to look at summer blazers.  Of which I don't have nearly enough......

Moving swiftly on with what I've been wearing - here I am on Sunday.  So hugely hugely casual, verging on my pyjamas.  But I realise I never post my slob outfits.  Therefore, voila.  I did go the supermarket in this (and yes, my kids did ask me, was I not going to get dressed?) and then to a friend's house for a cup of tea and a scone.  And maybe a small glass of wine. 

Grey and coral vest - H&M

Charcoal harem trousers - Toast

Cream knitted sweatshirt - Zara

Gunmetal Virgin hitops - Ash

Gold bee necklace - Alex Monroe

Grey Cherelle cross body bag - Whistles

Monday wasn't that much better - trip to the gym, school runs and chores round the house. 

 

Blush vest - Miss Selfridge

Navy and white breton style jumper - Zara

Distressed straight leg jeans rolled up - Zara

Stone leather pumps - Gap

Navy pleather jacket - Primark

Grey Cherelle cross body bag - Whistles 

And today for a fabulous lunch at a very good friend's house and my very first Pampered Chef party.  I was unbelievably abstemious, coming away having ordered only a stoneware large roasting dish and the mini chopper.  Seeing as work is (fingers crossed) starting on the house soon, I'm sort of going in the wrong direction with decluttering (more about that soon - can you imagine how much work I'm going to have to do on the wardrobe?  I will be being brutal......)

In the meantime, due to (very very necessary) purchase of Burberry sandals, I have demoted these 4 year old Zara ones to day wear.  As they're *ancient*, they don't have the vertiginous heel height of sandals from more recent years and so are totally wearable during the day. 

White linen tee - Zara

Indigo real straight jeans rolled up - Gap

Tweed jacket with beading - Zara

Secret Garden necklace - Stella & Dot

Caged gladiator moc croc sandals - ZAra

Black Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Tomorrow I am off to watch RR1 play in Tag Rugby Tournament.  I'm thinking perhaps heels are not an option........

It's confession time.

I sunk to the depths of a shopaholics low this week.  The all consuming obsession for the perfect summer going out outfit took over all sane bodily functions.  Note - I am now saying "going out outfit" as opposed to "First Holy Communion outfit".  Nothing like a bit of personal PR to justify the most bonkers week. 

So.  This week I went to Bicester.  I love Bicester Village (the shopping outlet bit - not the actual village of Bicester - nothing against it but I've never been.  I never "quite" make it) 

On the shopping list was shoes.  In the eternal quest (seriously they spent less time in the search for Camelot) for the First Holy Communion outfit, I discovered in my wardrobe a long forgotten about brown silk, slightly dropped waist, cowl neck, sleeveless dress which hits just below the knee and is perfect!  I had also bought a navy organza one from Cos which I thought was great and worked with tan, snakeskin or black accessories.

So shoes were on the cards.  I didn't need a bag - I was going to make do with the clutch bags I have, namely the tan McQueen one, the snakeskin Michael Kors one and the black Tory Burch.  There was a plan. 

Which started off really well.  I had been given a pair of snakeskin sandals the night before by one of my best friends, some gorgeous LK Bennett ones which unfortunately didn't go with the snakeskin clutch, but looked great with the tan bag.   However I was foolish enough to go into LK Bennett and absolutely fell in love with these tan shoots.  Which are the perfect match for the McQueen bag (I had taken it with me obviously) 

With hindsight, I don't actually *need* these at all.  But I love them......And I'm sure I'll be able to make great use out of them.  And they were a bargain....(sort of.  After a large glass of wine they seemed like a bargain)

On to a far more practical purchase and this one really did make me skip. 

There is now a Rag & Bone at Bicester.  Be still my beating heart.  I think I may actually have broken into a run to see if they had any Newbury boots.  And they did, in both my size (my proper size with a half and everything) and in a gorgeous rich navy colour with a lighter heel - perfect for both now (in this tropical Summer weather we're having) and for the Autumn.  Navy boots are so so hard to get hold of so it was a complete no brainer to snap these up. 

And now on to Reiss.  To be honest, it was full of S/S12 stock.  Which is fine, except that it really wasn't any cheaper than the stock was in the sale last year.  Which strikes me as being odd.  Maybe I'm just a cheapo but if wanted to buy it last year, I would have bought it last year - now a whole year on, I want it at a much lower price! 

However I did find a couple of bargains on the super sale rail. 

Firstly an oversized navy (with a very slight metallic thread running through) top.  This looks great for the day worn the right way round, but also would work really well for the evening back to front, with the v at the back.  

 

Finishing with a great racer back vest top - longline with built in support.  Perfect for those of fried egg boobage like myself.  I really wish they'd had this in other colours as I would have bought them all.  They're great.  I've looked to see if they do them this year but can't find them at all.  They do have some other lovely looking racer back vests but they appear to be "tops" rather than a layering item with no need for a bra!

It was all going so well. 

Until.  

I went into Burberry.  Found the most stunning dress.  Well, it was a bargain of a dress - £99 down from nearly £600.  But it was very much out of my comfort zone.  Slightly on the more formal side of what I would normally wear.  I had been looking for something that you could wear for a smart occasion but something then I could then get use out of on a night out.  

This dress wasn't quite working but I thought if I teamed it with some edgier heels, it may perhaps work - I had my black cage croc gladiator heels in mind.  I grabbed a pair of Burberry's from the shelf just to see what they looked like.  

Mistake.  Big big mistake.  As they were gorgeous.  We were drooling over them, the shop assistants were drooling over them.  They weren't cheap.  So I ummed and ahhed about the dress - went for lunch, went for coffee - did I need it?  Would I wear it?  Well I'd just bought the LK Bennett tan shoots and I had the navy and brown dresses. I was sorted. I wasn't positive that the shoes that I had would be quite funky enough for it and so decided that I was only buying it as it was a bargain and Walked. Away. 

Got home, Rugrat 1 was sick as a dog bless her, threw up about 5 times in the space of an hour so whilst she lay dozing, I tried on my outfits.  That in my head had worked.  And were much much nicer than the black bargain Burberry dress. 

Except they weren't.  Obviously.  To say I was pissed off was a little bit of an understatement.  But I consoled myself with the fact that I didn't think the shoes I had would be really right. 

However at 3am I woke up having had a brainwave.  I should just buy the shoes AND the dress.  As an outfit it wasn't beyond the realms of affordable and the shoes were just the most gorgeous shoes on the planet. 

So.  Thursday morning.  Other kids are off to school.  Rugrat 1 stopped throwing up the night before, was right as rain but wasn't allowed to go to school so we went on a road trip.  To Bicester.  90 miles there and 90 miles back.  It should only take an hour and a half so the three hours it took getting there was a bit of a bummer, (darn M25 - though always grateful it's not us in the accident).  I'd rung on the way and asked them to keep the dress but they couldn't find the shoes.  Oops. 

It could so easily have been a recipe for disaster, but the Fashion Gods were smiling down on me and I found them - the last pair on the back of a shelf.  Result.  RR1 was beside herself with a day out shopping - thought that Burberry was "very fancy" but was much more at home with a swift visit to Cath Kidston where she was in her element.  One Ipod case later and we were on our way home with coffees and rice cakes from Pret for the journey.  

Bonkers.  Truly bonkers.  BUT, I am so SO pleased with the outfit.  I will be doing a full dress update including pics in the next couple of days (I have some corkers from my trying on sessions instores).  Here's a sneak peak of the Burberry babe. 

On the hangar - justice isn't done.  Of course. 

 

And the shoes which maketh the outfit.

The irony of it all is that I'm not sure I can even wear it to the First Holy Communion! (hence my sudden need for a night out outfit...)  RR1 is obsessed with it now, having been part of the whole charade and is insistent that I do wear it.  Maybe with a huge chunky pearl necklace and a cream/gold cropped jacket that I have for the Church, it may work.

But I have a host of other occasions to wear it and seeing how much effort has gone into securing it, wear it I will.  A lot.

Finishing with what I've been wearing at the end of the week. 

For second trip to Bicester when I was actually supposed to go to a friend's birthday lunch, but sick child put pay to that. 

Print Silk tunic - Zara

Paint splattered skinnies - Zara

Navy blazer - Zara

Grey Cherelle Cross body bag - Whistles

Navy Newbury boots - Rag & Bone

And here I am with NEW HAIR!   Well, semi new hair.  I haven't done any close ups as I am in dire need of a colour on it.  My hair had crawled to the place that crap hair goes to die and had taken taken up residence. 

But we have a new hairdresser locally, the lovely Daniel Jordan who looked after me on Friday and gave me a fantastic new cut.  I'm going back in on Thursday for a colour so I will report back in more detail.  My hair is really difficult to cut with ridiculous kinks and being very fine but with lots of it.  However Daniel has done an amazing job and suffice to say I am OVER the moon with it so far.  Local ladies, I can't recommend him highly enough.  The most beautiful, spacious salon, massaging chairs whilst you have your hair washed and a super experienced, understanding hairdresser.

Looking forward to being able to give you a full report on my colour after Thursday.

I was due to have a girl's night in on Friday night and sod's law, I was ill.  Clearly picked up the bug that RR1 had had, not as ill had her, but I felt awful - the thought of a glass of fizz was not happening, which is very very unlike me.   New hair and nowhere to go.  With a whole weekend on my own with the kids as The Husband is away on a cruise in Barcelona.  With work.  As you do. 

Making plans for this Thursday night though so I can show off my new hair in all its glory.  There will be loads of pics.

Breton top - H&M

Faded straight legs rolled up - Earl

Boucle cream jacket - Massimo Dutti

Horn necklace - Mango

Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry

Leather cuff with chain detail - Hultquist

Gold chain bracelet - Made from Whistles

Navy Newbury boots - Rag & Bone

So there we have it for this week.  The kids are on beans, probably till December.  But I am so chuffed with all my purchases.  So do you love an outlet village?  Or can you never find anything that you like?

Actually am fed up with wet feet. Forget the sandals.

What on earth is the point?!  When the foreseeable future, according to the weather forecasters, is essentially pants.  Unless you're a duck.  Or in the ark building business.  

For those of us who are longing to get our summer togs out, the news is depressingly awful.

However I have a solution.  Oh yes and the best thing about this cunning plan is that it can fall under the guise of an "investment purchase".  For those scant few days in the UK when we can legitimately wear sandals without getting frost bite or raisin toes from the rain, then yes, something fabulously summery is wonderful.  Ditto those precious days we have abroad  (oh and as an interjection - fear not all those who were "worrying" that they wouldn't get to partake in my massively shallow holiday wardrobe panic this year - there is a rather glamourous girl's weekend in the planning to somewhere hot and glorious.  Hoo.  Ray.)

But realistically, a shoe is a good idea in this country.  Something to keep your feet dry.

Now I know I was all about the brogue at the beginning of the season.  I still like a brogue - haven't found one to suit me enough yet to justify purchasing one (well two obviously.  But just one pair)  I have decided, however (and yes, we all know that this is for this week only) that I LOVE a loafer.  

In my head, thanks to my friends at Boden (who I don't actually think even do the sort of loafer that I'm considering.  They should.....), I am half way through sorting my A/W wardrobe.  At least one look of it anyway.  Which doesn't really seem that inappropriate given the fact I have the heating on and am still needing scarves, jackets and boots on a day to day basis. 

I'm thinking bistro crops (in the meantime, I want to team with straight leg dark indigo jeans turned up), 60's style jumpers, the boiled wool cocoon style big button coat and a pair of wonderful loafers.  It somehow makes this hideous weather slightly (ever so ever so slightly) easier to bear. 

I've chosen my favourites from the list below (they're not all for me).  Ooh and it has to be a tassel loafer.  And for me, I love a fringe.  In for a penny, in for a pound (but not a penny loafer - I'm all about the tassel) 

Miles Tassel Loafer from ASOS for £40. Leather.  These are fabulous in the oxblood.   Will go with every colour. 

Seth Tassel Loafer from Schuh Manmade.....£40  Have to say I like the patent aspect and the sturdiness to them. 

Gimlet Whistles Loafer - £125 from Atterley Road  Gorgeous.  Oversized tassels.  What's not to love?

Angelica Slice from Clarks £39.99  These are perfect for those who are looking for something a little less masculine.  A more delicate loafer.  I'm for full on chunk personally. 

A different version with a lighter sole - again £39.99

Limited Black Tassel Loafers from New Look £49.99  A great buy if you don't want a fringe - they look like beautiful leather. 

And in tan  £49.99

Lexie from Carvela in White patent leather  £95  Slightly higher heel, perfect for the summer, again without my beloved fringe which I'm sure most people won't like anyway! 

Chester Tassel Loafer from R&B £155   These are cream of the crop for me.  The texture of them, the patent, croc and suede all together make up such an interesting shoe.  I have developed a rather unhealthy obsession with all things navy and these are the most stunning shade.  I think they ooze class. 

And in nude £155  Again.  Yum.  Perfect for now.  And for Autumn.  

Keith Tassel Loafers in White from Topshop - £65 These are far more suited for the summer so a more than legitimate reason to purchase.  Will look great with pretty much most trousers and, as can be seen here, perfect with a skirt/dress as well. 

Odeon Women's Elpida £30  MARMITE warning.  The sturdy sole seems to be making a huge comeback for A/W this year.  Judging by the fashion glitterati at the Press Days that I've been seeing, it's all about the oversized sole, chunky shoe.  Team with tights, a cocoon coat and you're off (clearly something under the coat - please god don't let me start a rumour that fashion royalty are also flashers) 

Leopard Print Mocassins with tassels from Zara - £49  Whilst I love the R&B ones, I will say that it's these that have stolen my heart.

And lastly the bargain of the day from Office.  The Extravaganza Loafer in black  Now these should normally be £65.  But thanks to the lovely peeps at Grazia, this week there is 25% off.    Voucher in Grazia, valid from 14 to 20 May.  Can only be used in store unfortunately. 

I love the contrast of the tan sole with the black leather.  Actually makes it a lighter looking shoe, even more ideal for those slightly warmer days. 

Love them in the olive - really unusual and I think looks a lot more expensive than the £65 price tag (especially with the 25% off) 

Even more summery - in the off white. 

And here's what I've been wearing the last couple of days.  Sounds incredibly pathetic but this was one of my favourite outfits that I've worn in weeks.  

Camel vest - By Malene Birger

Cream knitted sweatshirt - Zara

Khaki linen cargo trousers - Topshop

Brown leather jacket - All Saints

Clay Thelma wedges - Ash

Gold bee necklace - Alex Monroe

Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch

For trip to Bicester yesterday where we got wet.  Very, very wet.

Nude vest - Primark

Cream devore front tee - Zara

Khaki zip skinnies - By Malene Birger

Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch

Black and beige quilted leather jacket - Massimo Dutti

Black suede Ohio boots - Pied a Terre

Leopard print scarf - Louis Vuitton

Black razor cuff - McQueen by Alexander McQueen

Gold chain bracelet - Made from Whistles

Brown chain cuff - Hultquist

Next time I will be reporting back from Bicester.  Just.  Too.  Exciting.