Archive for August 2012

Home Archive for August 2012

.......as this is something you don't hear me say very often at all.

I don't need any clothes.

Yup, you read that right. I don't need any clothes.

I should probably preface that by saying "at this moment in time" ie today. Not tomorrow clearly. And definitely not next week. But for today, I am satisfied with my wardrobe. Nay, I would go so far as to say, completely sated.

This random, out of character stance occurs only twice a year. At the same time at the beginning of the A/W and then the S/S seasons. I am surrounded by magazines full of delicious new season stock. I am bombarded by tantalising emails forwarding me to websites full of divine goodies that I simply can't live without.

Except I get to a day - and today is that very day - where I shut down. It's all too much. I can't have everything - I can't "do" every new fashion trend that's out there. The choice is too overwhelming. And so the shutters come down and I retreat into the comfort of my own familiar and much loved (this is for today only may I remind you - tomorrow I shall want to bin the lot) wardrobe. From chatting to friends yesterday, it seems that this is a common occurrence for women. But most don't just have "trend overload" for one day - they have it permanently.

It also appears that the older you get the more difficult it is. The magazines don't seem to age - but we do! So in the next couple of weeks, I'm going to be looking at some of the trends which are big in A/W12 and give my opinion on how I think they can be worn so we all nestle happily on that fence between mutton and frump.

If there are any trends which you would like me to have a look at, please do just email me or leave a comment.

Now of course, when I say that I'm completely satisfied with my wardrobe, yes I do mean sated but me being me, I can of course dream........ And whilst today only dreaming of new trends gives me the fear, I turn to dreaming about classics.

"If" I were to purchase anything for A/W (and right now I'm obviously saying I don't need anything.....) it would make sense to add a couple of good quality classics that I can wear year in year out and will happily fit in with what I already have in my wardrobe.

Firstly, on my classics wishlist is a trench. I have covered this topic before months ago during the spat of April showers I believe we had (ie the biblical rain season). And now it's time to seriously consider one. Much more research to be done - it's very difficult to get something quality that isn't obscenely expensive. Case in point, I do have a trench from Principles a number of years ago and frankly, it's pants. Thin, creases really badly, is about as functional in rain as a tea towel and doesn't keep you remotely warm. I like the detailing on it and it now owes me nothing. I have justified the purchase of a new one. Result.

I would, of course, love a new Burberry but there are nowhere near enough funds in the coffers to spend on such a luxury. (why oh why oh why oh why when I bought a Burberry 10 years ago did I buy one in the Burberry check. What an absolute eejit. I can try and vaguely dig myself out of this fashion black hole by mentioning it is the faded check and not the Daniella Westbrook full on in your face one? Hasn't really worked has it. I am waiting for it to come back into fashion. Yeah right.)

The first one I've got my eye on is this one from M&S! I think this is the same one I tried - I could have sworn it was part of the Limited Collection but there doesn't seem to be a trench there. It is pretty much exactly what I had in mind - mid calf (on me), thick water repellent fabric that won't crease and will hang well, lovely detailing (love the epaulettes on the shoulders) and a darn good price.

It does of course look hugely uninspiring in this pic, but honestly (if it is the same one) it looks a ton better in the flesh. I will in the next couple of weeks have a look instore and make sure it is the same one.

Like I said, I do have more perusing to do - although to be honest, it's the sort of thing where there really isn't that much to choose from if a) you want a classic shape without any modern twiddles and b) you don't want to ascend into Aquascutum/Burberry etc prices. Hobbs is another good bet as is Jaeger (we do need to go classic HS I think) but I doubt they're going to be able to beat the M&S one on quality and price.

My next item which will happily slot right into my wardrobe with no trend to tick off, is a classic Breton.

Now I did have the most stunning Breton top from Joseph which took me months to justify purchasing. I ended up caving, wore it once and a helpful 2 year old decided to turn the washing machine up to 90 degrees from handwash. I actually still well up thinking about it. RIP beautiful Breton (and all the other clearly expensive things as it was a handwash cycle. Sob)

I have a number of stripey tops, it does have to be said. But the classic slightly boxy, thick jersey, finishing just below the waist, which is what I consider to be the traditional Breton top, has alluded me.

Firstly is the classic Petit Bateau top. They seem to have made it slightly longer and slightly more fitted this season which isn't quite what I'm after but it's a classic choice.

Then there is another fast becoming a classic - the Breton from Boden. Every year I say I'm going to get one and every year I don't. Well this year I shall. (when there is a good enough discount code. I know I just missed one for 20% due to my "I don't need anything" mood. Fool. But a fool with £23 in my bank account still... or that should rightly read £23 less on my credit card. Obviously)

Two colour ways - I'd probably go for the navy and vanilla as opposed to the vanilla and navy - the second one (clear as mud?!) as I have an off white and navy jumper which is v similar.

Having said that, there is probably a higher chance of me getting this gorgeous one from Cos. The mecca of all things beautiful for me - this is guaranteed to be fantastic in real life. I will check it out tomorrow (although clearly I'm not buying anything.....)

Lastly, I will not even attempt to say this is a classic item as to some people (a lot of people) they are the most hideous things known to man. But there are a growing number of people who are coming round to seeing them as a staple in their wardrobe all year round, me being one of them. The beloved or dreaded wedge trainer.

Seeing as I have had so much wear out of the two pairs I have - mine both being Ash, my preferred wedge trainer - I could probably justify another pair. If I "were" to purchase another lot, top of my wishlist would be the Bowie in Camel. Now to me, this looks exactly the same as the Birdie in Camel from last year. Except they're about £40 more expensive. Hmmmmm. Irritating much? Yes. What's more galling is that I actually had a pair delivered last year and didn't keep them as I chose the Acne Cypress boots instead. (which I have to say I love and were such a bargain, I don't feel too bad about it)

So - brace yourself for those who loathe them - these are the Ash Bowie in Camel.

There are a whole host of other classics that I will be adding to my wishlist over the coming weeks. Does anyone else have anything they feel they must be buying this A/W to add to their staple collection?

Now a quick round up of what I've been wearing. Friday, had a lovely day at soft play with two of my sister in laws and my nephews.

Tobacco silk swing top - Taylor Stephens
Leopard print jeans - Primark
Rose gold Gigis - Sam Edelman
Gold renegade bracelet - Stella & Dot
Tan leather rivet cuff - Mulberry
Resin horn and enamel necklace - Mango
Sunglasses - Accessorize
Vanilla Roxeanne - Mulberry

Saturday - birthday party for my god-daughter and then lunch with her lovely family afterwards. Stunning weather for a stunning day.

Navy & white striped silk jersey dress - Isabella Oliver 365
Resin horn & enamel necklace - Mango
Tan clog sandals - NW3 by Hobbs

Gold renegade bracelet - Stella & Do

Tan leather rivet cuff - Mulberry

Sunday - day spent with the family swimming and chilling out with friends. And then a BBQ at friends which turned into a rather late night. I had intended to get changed from my slob day outfit but never quite got round to it. Am loving the summer holidays! As you can see my hair, not so much. It's becoming less like hair and more like weetabix.