Are we getting any nearer to our perfect A/W wardrobes?
Well done you if you are, as I normally hit perfect about two days before Christmas which is precisely two days before the Big Sales begin. Queen of Hindsight, that's me.
This year however, I am determined it will be different. I am going to be organised. I start with thinking I'll be organised - there is always a vague plan on the go but I'm a tinker for getting distracted. I am a total magpie when it comes to new things.
No. More. You've got to start off optimistic, haven't you? The chances of me sticking to this, I am realistic enough to know, aren't high, but you've got to at least start out with high expectations.
I am planning on being focussed with a capital F this season when it comes to buying things. I am determined to stick to a plan this year.
And to stick to a plan, I need to actually have one. There is nothing I like better than starting a plan (the fact I may have a teensy tiny reputation as a starter not a finisher, I'm going to gloss quickly over...) and so I intend to take a good look at my A/W wardrobe and work out what holes there are. (if any... oh there must be some....)
Today I'm going to start with point number one of the plan.
Black. Ok not specifically just black but I think one of the best places to start with a plan for a seasonal wardrobe is with a colour scheme. It doesn't necessarily have to be one specific colour but if there is a common theme amongst your clothes, then it does make it much easier to put outfits together and get more wear out of your wardrobe.
I love black. I know, I know, the older you get, the more flattering navy is and don't get me wrong, I love navy too (this may be point 1b) and I'm giddy that now it has become acceptable, nay full on trendy, to wear it with black, but black on its own, I don't think I'll ever be able to give up.
To me, it is the epitome of easy style and elegance. It comes back for me, to years ago when I read an article (which I rehashed last year) on What makes the Parisians so gorgeous and the first point was they are always heard to ask "Does it come in black?".
So I have great plans for black clothes but starting with the most important part of a Winter Wardrobe - The Bag. (this maybe/obviously shares first place with The Boots but for the sake of today's blog, we are focussing on all things handbag.)
Finding a fabulous black bag is hard. There is a reason why I still regularly use my Marc By Marc Jacobs Faridah Hobo bag that I bought from Kurt Geiger on South Molton Street when my middle son was 4 days old. He's 8 on Monday. I had been looking for as long as I could remember for a black bag that I just adored and I had never really found one. (actually I did have an amazing Russell & Bromley rectangle/trapeze handbag about 15 years ago that was also a backpack - don't ask, it was fab honestly, with an amazing metal swipe clasp thing at the top that I LOST)
It was love at first sight with Marc Jacobs and I have loved it every season since. The only other black bag that I've truly loved is the black Diego by Alexander Wang which I still adore but I will confess, is the proverbial black hole in which to find things. And is there anything more irritating than not being able to find your keys in your bag in a hurry?
I say I like a leather bag and to be honest, it is the leather bags that for me, last the test of time, but if you're looking for a quick injection of something new into your wardrobe, then there are some fab pleather ones out there.
Starting with the new bag range from Atterley Road. Hugely annoyingly their 20% off stuff has just finished, but I'm sure there is always a percentage off voucher that pops up on their website for your first order. I'm not saying it's an idea to use a different account maybe if you're already ordered from there but......
Atterley Road Katie Zip bowling bag £30
Pieces Black Mabyn cross body bag £45 Also at Atterley Road
Cross body again at New Look - love this one. No it's not leather but for less than £20 it's a bargain.
New Look Double Zip X body bag £19.99
A tad (!) more expensive but just lovely from Tory Burch.
Thea Chain Cross body bag £325 - not sure how this works cross body but well, I'd love to try!
Obviously I have to include some Marc by Marc Jacobs as it has been my favourite over the years.
Love this tiny cross body bag.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Hoctor bag - £220
There is a leather variety similar to the Atterley Road bowling bag that I love and is a really good price for a leather bag (especially if you manage to get a discount)
Selected Femme Em leather tote £140
Now I wonder if something slightly larger and slouchier might be a good call. Shoppers are all the rage at the moment (dear god I sound like my mother) but suffice to say, they're popular.
I'm rather liking the ponyskin texture of this one.
ASOS leather and ponyskin handheld bag - £60
Aldo Sebok Shopper Bag £45 This again is an alternative to the totally plain ones out there.
Having done slouchy - there is definitely a more structured bag shape hole in my wardrobe. I'll be honest, I have been hankering after a Sophie Hulme bag for seasons now.
This is my favourite - the classic tote but in a mini size (still able to fit A4 in though.... not that I've checked or anything...and yes, this is what they call mini....)
Sophie Hulme Mini tote bag £649.99 (most of my car engine weighs less than the gold hardware on this bag by the way.....you would get a work out simply by carrying it around. Think of it as gym membership.)
But that is an eye watering price and there are other structured options out there.
This isn't leather but there is lots of detailing for the money.
Dune Darton Bag with padlock detail £69
And a combo of the best of both worlds I think - a bit structured with a bit of slouch.
Somerset by Temperley Ilton Shoulder bag £150
However saving my favourite for last and this is top of my Wish List.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Bentley tote £445
And yet again, I have only touched the tip of the iceberg with regards to the plethora of gorgeous black bags out there. I may have to do another blog on them - any in particular you'd like to see? What's your favourite black bag out there at the moment?
Finishing with photos from the last couple of days - Sunday - wow that was warm. I have to say, not struggling too much with the Rugby watching so far - I'm sure it will be a rather different story come mid October.....
This year however, I am determined it will be different. I am going to be organised. I start with thinking I'll be organised - there is always a vague plan on the go but I'm a tinker for getting distracted. I am a total magpie when it comes to new things.
No. More. You've got to start off optimistic, haven't you? The chances of me sticking to this, I am realistic enough to know, aren't high, but you've got to at least start out with high expectations.
I am planning on being focussed with a capital F this season when it comes to buying things. I am determined to stick to a plan this year.
And to stick to a plan, I need to actually have one. There is nothing I like better than starting a plan (the fact I may have a teensy tiny reputation as a starter not a finisher, I'm going to gloss quickly over...) and so I intend to take a good look at my A/W wardrobe and work out what holes there are. (if any... oh there must be some....)
Today I'm going to start with point number one of the plan.
Black. Ok not specifically just black but I think one of the best places to start with a plan for a seasonal wardrobe is with a colour scheme. It doesn't necessarily have to be one specific colour but if there is a common theme amongst your clothes, then it does make it much easier to put outfits together and get more wear out of your wardrobe.
I love black. I know, I know, the older you get, the more flattering navy is and don't get me wrong, I love navy too (this may be point 1b) and I'm giddy that now it has become acceptable, nay full on trendy, to wear it with black, but black on its own, I don't think I'll ever be able to give up.
To me, it is the epitome of easy style and elegance. It comes back for me, to years ago when I read an article (which I rehashed last year) on What makes the Parisians so gorgeous and the first point was they are always heard to ask "Does it come in black?".
So I have great plans for black clothes but starting with the most important part of a Winter Wardrobe - The Bag. (this maybe/obviously shares first place with The Boots but for the sake of today's blog, we are focussing on all things handbag.)
Finding a fabulous black bag is hard. There is a reason why I still regularly use my Marc By Marc Jacobs Faridah Hobo bag that I bought from Kurt Geiger on South Molton Street when my middle son was 4 days old. He's 8 on Monday. I had been looking for as long as I could remember for a black bag that I just adored and I had never really found one. (actually I did have an amazing Russell & Bromley rectangle/trapeze handbag about 15 years ago that was also a backpack - don't ask, it was fab honestly, with an amazing metal swipe clasp thing at the top that I LOST)
It was love at first sight with Marc Jacobs and I have loved it every season since. The only other black bag that I've truly loved is the black Diego by Alexander Wang which I still adore but I will confess, is the proverbial black hole in which to find things. And is there anything more irritating than not being able to find your keys in your bag in a hurry?
I say I like a leather bag and to be honest, it is the leather bags that for me, last the test of time, but if you're looking for a quick injection of something new into your wardrobe, then there are some fab pleather ones out there.
Starting with the new bag range from Atterley Road. Hugely annoyingly their 20% off stuff has just finished, but I'm sure there is always a percentage off voucher that pops up on their website for your first order. I'm not saying it's an idea to use a different account maybe if you're already ordered from there but......
Atterley Road Katie Zip bowling bag £30
Pieces Black Mabyn cross body bag £45 Also at Atterley Road
Cross body again at New Look - love this one. No it's not leather but for less than £20 it's a bargain.
New Look Double Zip X body bag £19.99
A tad (!) more expensive but just lovely from Tory Burch.
Thea Chain Cross body bag £325 - not sure how this works cross body but well, I'd love to try!
Obviously I have to include some Marc by Marc Jacobs as it has been my favourite over the years.
Love this tiny cross body bag.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Hoctor bag - £220
There is a leather variety similar to the Atterley Road bowling bag that I love and is a really good price for a leather bag (especially if you manage to get a discount)
Selected Femme Em leather tote £140
I'm rather liking the ponyskin texture of this one.
ASOS leather and ponyskin handheld bag - £60
Aldo Sebok Shopper Bag £45 This again is an alternative to the totally plain ones out there.
Having done slouchy - there is definitely a more structured bag shape hole in my wardrobe. I'll be honest, I have been hankering after a Sophie Hulme bag for seasons now.
This is my favourite - the classic tote but in a mini size (still able to fit A4 in though.... not that I've checked or anything...and yes, this is what they call mini....)
Sophie Hulme Mini tote bag £649.99 (most of my car engine weighs less than the gold hardware on this bag by the way.....you would get a work out simply by carrying it around. Think of it as gym membership.)
But that is an eye watering price and there are other structured options out there.
This isn't leather but there is lots of detailing for the money.
Dune Darton Bag with padlock detail £69
And a combo of the best of both worlds I think - a bit structured with a bit of slouch.
Somerset by Temperley Ilton Shoulder bag £150
However saving my favourite for last and this is top of my Wish List.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Bentley tote £445
And yet again, I have only touched the tip of the iceberg with regards to the plethora of gorgeous black bags out there. I may have to do another blog on them - any in particular you'd like to see? What's your favourite black bag out there at the moment?
Finishing with photos from the last couple of days - Sunday - wow that was warm. I have to say, not struggling too much with the Rugby watching so far - I'm sure it will be a rather different story come mid October.....
Striped tee - Maison Scotch
Navy waffle blazer - Next
Saxby boyfriend jeans - ASOS
Leopard print skater shoes - Next
Medium Marcie satchel in whiskey - Chloe
And yesterday
Black crepe sleeveless top - Zara
Indigo jeans turned up - Jigsaw
Leopard print coat - Fenn Wright Manson
Black Delphine pumps - NW3 by Hobbs
Medium Marcie satchel in whiskey - Chloe
So tomorrow I shall be back with more black. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but are there any fellow lovers of all things noir out there?
