A Billy Basic Bonus

Veering away today from A/W trends, I'd just like to let you know about a basic that I discovered that has been on my wishlist for ages - the longline ribbed vest (with proper straps if that makes sense? As opposed to spaghetti numbers).  I'm a huge fan of the By Malene Birger ones but 

a) I find them slightly thick to layer
b) they didn't have a great selection of colours last season and have none in stock seemingly for A/W
c) they were about £45 each
d) they're 100 % cotton and do lose their shape over time (which for the price, frankly I'd prefer them to last longer)

So I was over the moon to find the following vests at Miss Selfridge.  My one gripe is that they're 100% cotton and personally I find jersey holds its shape better if there is an element of elastane, lycra or viscose in it.  As I'm not sure how they'll last I've just bought the two following colours to begin with.



Am really hoping that they do keep their shape and wash well - if not I'll take them back.  Have no qualms about returning things regardless of how reasonable they are, nothing irritates me more than a garment that is a one wear wonder. 

I have high hopes though as if they're ok, then they're a great way to update your wardrobe by introducing some key seasonal colours.  Personally I've got my eye on either the wine or burgundy ones






 Am really looking forward to making use of my existing A/W wardrobe but injecting a new lease of life by adding in another colour.  I will admit, at the beginning of the season (so only a couple of weeks ago - I have never claimed to not be hideously fickle) to being a bit meh about wine/maroon/prune/burgundy - take your pick of dark red synonyms. 

But seeing as I have a base of black, beige, blush, grey, winter white and khaki (bit of navy in there as well), I think that wine will fit in perfectly.  I plan on getting some more of the long sleeve linen tops from Zara and layering these underneath.  A fabulously cheap way to drag last years wardrobe kicking and screaming into A/W 12.

Will report back on washing stamina....... (where it could all go tits up......)

Also have another sneaky purchase to report which I've already worn and expect to see again shortly!  Charcoal & lime swing top from Cos which just happens to be a perfect match for my lime & snakeskin Zara heels.  Will also be wearing it next week as well as I have one of my best friend's birthday night out.  So easy to wear and I think very flattering.  Perfect Autumn top! 



I'm actually dying of cold so apologies for a short (but hopefully sweet) blog today.  I'm currently researching my beloved wedge trainers - to Ash or not to Ash, that is the question.... Which I'm planning on answering tomorrow.  Watch this space. 

A quick round up of what I've been sporting this week 


Blush jersey tee - H&M
Black blazer with suede elbow patches - Taylor Stephens
Silk print scarf - Zara
Black Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs
Black velvet slipper shoes - Primark (seriously impressed with these) 
Black sunglasses - Dior



Blush ribbed longline vest - Miss Selfridge (see above!)
Neutral linen rectangle jumper - The White Company 
Cream straight legged jeans - Zara
Blush & fuchsia Camel scarf - Virginia Johnson
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry
Tan leather cuff - Mulberry
Leaf earrings with white beads - Etsy
Clay Thelma wedges - Ash



Charcoal and lime swing top - Cos
Distressed skinny jeans - Zara
Lime & snakeskin heels - Zara

Off to persuade myself that red wine is a medicinal drink and hunt down the perfect wedge trainer.  Hope you're all well.  Oh and thank you so so so much for all the comments that you make.  I absolutely love to read them and appreciate you taking the time.  All feedback is always very well received.  Thanks again and please do keep them coming. xxx

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41 comentarios:

  1. Love this! That Cos top... ugh *swoon* Good work lady :)

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  2. That top is so "me" if you saw my tummy, you'd know why ha ha!

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    1. oh shush! It does hide a multitude of sins though, it does have to be said. Beyond handy! xxx

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  3. Top tip with the Miss S vests - just ordered a navy one and charcoal (which isn't 100% cotton - some are some aren't). I'd never have thought to look there so love that you do all this cyber-shopping on my behalf. You've really opened by eyes to shops and brands that I'd otherwise have overlooked - Thank you!

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    1. Oh you're more than welcome! And randomly I'm sure one that I have isn't 100 cotton either. But then I think for £6 each if they last a season I'll be happy. Hope they're ok! xxx

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  4. Just live your style, have ordered so much from Zara in the last month!
    Can you please do a section on jackets for winter something to take me from school walks to evening drinks, nothing too fancy just warm and most important in ireland waterproof!!

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    1. ooh that's hard. I'll have a think but the only thing at the moment that I would think would fit the bill would be a trench - nothing else would be smart enough to wear out at night (well I guess that depends on your style but if you've bought from Zara, I'm thinking you probably aren't planning on wearing a barbour out for drinks?!) How about something leather?

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  5. The Cos top is great, love the colors. Looking forward to your review on the wedge sneakers as I'm still debating! Any thoughts on the brand Schutz? Just saw their wedges on eluxe. Thanks!

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    1. Wedge trainer thread done! Had a look at Schutz and they're a bit too clunky for my personal liking. They're also so so SO expensive!!!! I think there are a lot better for cheaper! (ie Ash!!)

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  6. Thanks for the tip on the vests - they look like winners! Also seems like another trip to Primark may be necessary - I like the look of the velvet slippers :-)

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    1. I have a big trip to Primark which I must do! Hope you liked the velvet slippers - I've been most impressed. they're not going to last forever but then I don't plan on wearing them that much x

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  7. Wow , cos top looks fantastic with those heels !! Must have a scoot online !

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    1. Thank you! I think it might be sold out now. If you can get to store, I'm sure they still have some. xx

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  8. Love the Cos top, a good buy! sara x

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    1. I think it will be a great wear next Spring/Summer as well. Perfect for during the day once it's done it's nighttime duty! Very comfy to wear.

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  9. I have just got those primark slippers, unbelievable price, and so comfy, will look at those vest tops, been getting mine from primark since reading your blog.

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    1. They're fab aren't they! not going to last forever but then I don't plan on wearing them loads and loads. So pleased you like the Primark vests!

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  10. I bought a couple of the long sleeved linen tops from Zara last week and I will no doubt end up buying them in every colour over the next couple of months just like I did with short sleeved ones !!
    Love the Cos top it looks great. x

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    1. Thanks darling! They're fab aren't they. Once A starts doing a full day I can't wait to be able to head back and do some proper shopping!! xxx

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  11. The clothes are always fab - but nobody has mentioned your house! Stunning!

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    1. oh you absolutely sweetheart! We're very happy with it but we do affectionately (or not so much..) call it The Money Pit. xx

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    2. Oh yes - we've got one of those too. More of a Money Trough. Old house = cashflow crisis.

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  12. Love the cos top - i am also toying with wedge trainers but rather than ash I spotted a pair in dune (called palmer) what do you think?

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    1. AHA! The Palmers are actually on my list to do for more mainstream wedge boots- I think they're a great alternative. Good spot. Dune have a lot of great ones actually. xx

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  13. love the cos top, it's sold out now on the website - booh! i just got some really cheapy wedge trainers via matalan 22pounds they do them in a stone or wine colour.

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    1. oh wahey!! Great minds!! Are they great in the flesh? Mine haven't arrived yet. Can't wait to see what they're like xx

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  14. Great blog post as always, looking forward to the post about to Ash or not to Ash!

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    1. Hope it helps you. I am completely undecided still. Duh.

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  15. Hi Kat, loving the Cos Top - great colours and it looks fab with your Zara heels!! Excited to hear you are researching the wedge trainer - I await this with great anticipation ... x

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    1. Tis up now - hope you like it! And thank you for your lovely comments xxxxx

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  16. Lovely outfits and suggestions as usual. I got some New Look Wedge trainers £24.99 and they are so comfortable I can see them being on permanently in autumn xxx

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    1. oh that's great news. They are super super comfy aren't they. I have lived in mine - both pairs. So easy to wear. xx

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  17. I've got those velvet slippers in black, leopard print and red. I have never felt more fashionable, sitting here in my jammies, than to know I've got the same shoes as you.

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    1. Absolutely PMSL!!! I didn't seen a leopard pair - I had a small whingey 4 yr old with me who's not a Primark fan funnily enough. Must make another trip x

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    2. I can't decide if the red pair are a bit smoking-jacket or not but the leopard pair have had lots of wear. I only bought them as a stop-gap because I was incapable about making a decision whether to get studded ones or not, but I really like them.

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  18. Have the Ash wedge black 'bis' (?) trainers - they are, I think quite hard to wear...they don't have the slim proportions of the thelmas, they are quite chunky. I am 5ft 2 and find them tricky, I suspect on your giraffe legs they would look fab though!

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  19. I'm sure they'll look great if you team them with slimmer proportions on the legs? Or how about with a maxi skirt? Fabulous bit of lift underneath? Get yer skinnies on though and you'll be grand!

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  20. In my hunt for long vests, I came across these today http://www.hush-uk.com/loungewear/basics/long-length-tank-black.html Not as cheap as Miss Selfridges BUT they are 5% elastane and have got some good reviews re maintaining their shape - praise be!!

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  21. Love your blog Kat, very inspiring for someone trying to rebuild a passably stylish wardrobe after too many years of maternity wear! I'm embarrassed to admit I don't own much from Zara and am therefore not familiar with the sizing but I've seen a few things on the site that I'm keen on. Size-wise do they usually come up big or small? I'm a UK 10 and 5' 8, what would you recommend?

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