It just takes one photo...

...for a flash of inspiration.  Which, I can't remotely take credit for - credit where it's due and it's thanks to Red Magazine, that I've had what I think is a great idea for a really wearable A/W look making use of a load of old favourites in the wardrobe.  (and obviously making way for some new ones....) 

But, the best thing is, these new ones will, I'll bet, also see you through to next season as I bet pastels will still be a big thing next year too.  And no, I have zero, in the know fashion knowledge on that - it's just that I am old enough to have worked out that things always last for at least two seasons and we've had one of pastels, so we'll still all be wearing them next year too.  Rocket science it ain't. 

Instead of me jabbering on though, let's see if anyone else agrees that this may be an idea that works.


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Now, I'm not suggesting we all rush out and get a guitar as a fashion accessory.  Nope, definitely not.  As much use as a chocolate teapot in my book.  Less so in fact, at least a chocolate teapot could serve as a mid morning snack (I don't have a musical bone in my body so a guitar really would be the hugest waste of time ever) 

I'm talking pale blue and black.  I am absolutely loving this look (I shall avoid discussing the Stan Smiths which I have become rather obsessed with but saving that topic of shoe purchasing for another day... oh the thorny trainer subject for women of a certain age.....) 

This would work for me on so many levels.  One - I have loads of black.  Two (and yes, I am already changing the parameters somewhat/totally with my next point) - I also think that pale blue and navy look just as amazing.  And I have lots of navy.  I also have lots of denim, which brings me onto point Three - this would also look fantastic with some denim thrown in as well. 

The fact that I don't have anything at all pale blue is a slight fly in the ointment.  But, my wish list is looking pretty barren at the moment.  (not massively surprising it being only August and considering I was wearing shorts last week).  I've got lots of ideas on the boil for A/W14 but nothing yet has made it onto the shortlist of the wishlist (yes it is at this point that The Husband would guffaw and roll his eyes... Well, it matters - the more planning you do, the less mistakes you make - said no woman ever...) 

Starting with the coat. 

Well. If ever there was an omen that I should buy a coat, then call off the dogs, this is it.  I have a very very personal connection with the name of this coat - it was meant to be I tell you....

NW3 Hetty Coat in Winter Blue Marl £269



A vintage looking similar style one from ASOS

A Line Coat with panel detail £89


Duster coats are definitely a coat to watch this season.  Although as I discovered with the M&S one I fell in love with at the beginning of the Summer which they did have on sale and I probably should have bought (KICKING myself for not buying....) there is a fine line between coat and dressing gown....

ASOS Duster Coat £60



This isn't as baby a blue but it's still a lovely shade - I think I'd prefer an ice blue but the shape and fabric of this looks amazing. 

ASOS Boyfriend Coat £80





John Lewis Collection Alice cardigan was £39 now £19

Or a boxier cardigan in pale blue from Me+Em half price at £44




Kin by John Lewis Tuck Stitch Jumper in pale blue £59 



Another chunkier looking number from Me+Em 

Chunky Knit Engineered Jumper in pale blue £128



A chunky knit cardigan this time from ASOS 

ASOS ultimate chunky cardigan £28


Back to jumpers and now a v neck one from Hobbs 

Blue Invitation Sophie Sweater £89


Gorgeous Loose neck 100% Cotton v neck jumper from ASOS £25



Ghost Skyla blouse in dusty blue £89



Love the ice blue shade of this blouse from Hobbs although I think you'd definitely need to wear a cami under it - rather sheer not to in my book. 

Blue Bloomsbury Blouse from Hobbs London £95


More formal shirt style at Mango  

Slit Hem Shirt from Mango £34.99


True Decadence Cuffed cape top in light blue was £24 now £15





So there we have a new idea I think will be fab at tying in all of my old blacks - along with greys, whites and navy - bringing them all up to date and a new look just by adding a new shade of blue.  I'm thinking first I might do a pale blue jumper - I feel that while last year was the year of the coat, this year has jumper written all over it. 


Pale blue and black - what do we think?  Have you decided which colours you're going to be basing your looks round this A/W?   It does seem to be honestly anything goes this year.  I haven't been to proper shops for about 3 weeks now (oh. my. lord.) and so I reckon it will be a big shock as to the sea of dark colours that I'm expecting to greet me when I have a day out with the 9yr old next week.  It's her birthday next month and she has a shopping list as long as her arm - even though most of it is baking equipment, bless her.  Her mission in life is to be the first coeliac on Great British Bake Off.  Next week we're attempting macarons so watch Instagram for the pics!

Last couple of pics from hols - the weather has definitely turned and I was more than grateful for the ray of sunshine in the form of the canary yellow scarf from Hush.  

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Blue and white shirt - Zara
Jacquard cream jacket - Zara
Patch jeans - Mango
White sliders - River Island
Canary yellow scarf - Hush

We're actually on our way home today - boooo although a trip to Ikea on the way.  As you do... this seems like a good idea this morning.  Friday afternoon, Bank Holiday weekend, me on my own with three kids.  This isn't a good idea at all, is it?

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21 comentarios:

  1. oh lovely! I think that ASOS chunky one is the one for me. I got a few of their 100% acrylic chunky knits last year and they washed SO easily and didnt bobble. I've completely switched from looking for cashmere and wool content. Thanks, I can't wait to get it.

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    1. Some of the acrylic now is so so good, isn't it? Hope it's as good as you hope xx

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  2. Do you think the black and blue need something (black & white scarf?) to link them? My pale blue shirt and black trousers seem to me rather incomplete together. Although perhaps the JLP tuck stitch jumper on top, now it is chilly, would satisfy my need for matchymatchiness?

    Ikea here too today - different branch - for student necessities.

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    1. Hmm you see I think it works above maybe because of the white shoes? I'm not sure if it would be as good with black - even tan might lift it. It also helps that there are two tonal pale blues there as opposed to just one shade of black and one of blue - clear as mud?

      Hope Ikea went well - I think it depends which one you go to. Lakeside is fine - Croydon is hideous beyond words.

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  3. Not sure about pale blue and black...makes me think of my black work tailoring with pale blue blouses.
    Best of luck with ikea. I did it with my two last week and lived to tell the tale. And if you have a car full of luggage you can't go too mad there, in for a browse, home with a car load seems my experience with the place.

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    1. This is very true about Ikea - we bought lunch and then ice creams. Am planning a return trip without them! x

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  4. Love love this look, have the trousers and stan smiths and adore that blue asos coat...am not sure whether to go camel or pale blue coat this year ...think I need both! Xxxx looks like you had a fab holiday safe journey back xxx

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    1. But you got the pale blue one - ooh so fabulous. I think I may definitely need both..... x

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  5. I love pale blue and black together, I have an oversized Gap striped shirt that I wear with black jeans all the time. Looking at the jumpers did make me think though, why do so many these days have drop shoulders? It drives me mad! I have swimmer's shoulders, and drop-shouldered tops make me look even wider. Grrrrrr!

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    1. Hmmm I know what you mean - have you tried a very fine knit. I"m also very broad and definitely a chunkier knit does give me Spongebob tendencies...

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  6. Love the Hobbs one! Stan Smiths on my NY shopping list!!

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    1. Are they cheaper over there? (plans trip to NY just in case.....) You lucky thing x

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  7. Yep, totally with you on this colour, and considering the autograph coat if it comes back into stock. Loving your new Hush things by the way!
    Abbi x

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    1. I'm going tomorrow to see what I can hunt down in M&S. Fingers crossed. Hush things are gorgeous, aren't they? Feel v lucky indeed!

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  8. Yes one of my favourite colours and good on pale skin too! Lovely ice blue cashmere in m&s and also a good value wool one in Cos at the moment...with elbow batch...I love an elbow patch. Both of those wash really well as had them last year in pink. I was in Hobbs earlier and didn't see any of what you have shown above....thanks Kat another great blog.

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    1. Haven't looked at Cos yet this season - I really think you do need to go instore as everything looks so ghastly and staid online! But in the flesh - oh my god how gorgeous. x

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  9. If your buying the Hobbs Hetty, does that mean I can have first shout on either your green wool coat or that checked Zara one???????

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  10. I love & want that scarf!! The ASOS boyf coat is amazing too! I'm was all about green this AW but it looks like I'm going to need some blue too! You devil!! Ax

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    1. The yellow in that scarf is just too gorgeous - perfect with black and white and navy. Just tooo gorgeous!

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