It's Special Outfit Hunt time.

I love a challenge.  Well, ish.  I love randomly to think about clothes, until I cock it up.  Which of course only happens when it's a really really special occasion.  And next Friday I have one of those.  Ok so it's not a wedding or anything of *that* significance but it's my bessie mate's birthday and we're off to the Chiltern Firehouse for lunch.  

I will fess up that until a couple of months ago I was totally unaware of the Chiltern Firehouse (country bumpkin that I appear to have turned into).  It is allegedly the coolest place to be in London town and impossible to book a table (ok so that is in the evenings and we apparently have scored a lunchtime table).  

After much wrangling with childcare issues, we are all set to go.  But what does one wear?  This place is by all accounts so trendy it's painful.  Now we do want to dress up (as much as one can get dressed up for lunch) but where do you draw the line between hitting the right mark and not looking like "saddo mum from the country gone to the Big City for lunch". 

Oh and what is the weather going to be like?  It could be Winter and then some come next Friday.... 

GAH. Sooooooooooooooooooo let's start at the very beginning.  Comfort zone.  

Skinnies, blouse and a blazer.  Or maybe even some other sort of coat.  And maybe some new skinnies - I love my coated ones- as I mentioned last time, I am perhaps in need of new ones after my exercise regime bit the dust.  

But one can never have too many blouses.  I have even got used to the word and it doesn't make me feel 90 when I say it.  They are amazing.  They work so so well with jeans, a blazer and trainers for the day.  Throw on with a skirt for work.  They look just as good tucked into a pair of capri pants for the weekend.  I have my new Stella McCartney skinny flares to get out again very shortly with a fitted blazer and hey ho, blouse tucked in. 

They cover so so many bases and really are a great wardrobe investment piece for every day dress down, work or nights out. 

I had a bit of a trying on session this week and did find some favourites.  There were also some that I had seen in mags and previously instore that I couldn't find but will hope to try on this week. 

And starting with one that I have had my eye on for ages.  Of course couldn't find it instore at all but it looks amazing and would be fab with distressed boyfriend jeans, smart skinnies, leather skirt of any shape or capri pants.  Simply adore.

Somerset by Alice Temperley Silk Deco Trim top in cream £99





I did however manage to try on some print ones from Alice Temperley.  These I tried on a 12 as I prefer a looser look in a blouse (and Alice Temperley does come up small.  Very small...!)  

Somerset by Alice Temperley Kimono Print Blouse in Cream £89


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Somerset by Alice Temperley Kimono blouse in black £79 - this is a different fabric from the above blouse (which is £10 more expensive)  This one is viscose - I have to say I prefer the feel of this fabric, it is still drapey but feels slightly more substantial than the above one.  Plus this has tiny tiny puffed shoulders - a pretty detail which the above one in white didn't seem to have.  Of course it could be that they are the same but with the stiffer viscose, they're more noticeable?  Either way I prefer the black (even though I think I thought it was navy... I remember thinking it was a very dark navy but edged in black.)                       


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Moving onto some more neutral blouses - always very useful and ideal for adding some statement jewellery.  Or some print shoes or a bag - I have my love of leopard print to indulge after all.   These would look fab with jeans or black trousers/skirt and leopard print shoes.... Camel coat maybe?

Damsel in Dress Signature Blouse in cream £89


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John Lewis Capsule Collection Nehru Collar blouse in mink £59  This is more of a grey than a mink in the flesh - I'm not sure this colour is great on me - it just doesn't work really but it IS such a lovely interesting neutral I was rather gutted.  


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Collection by John Lewis Mariella braided blouse in vanilla £45  This is the most gorgeous neutral, pretty yet clean and simple blouse in a fantastically flattering shade of creamy nude.  Perfect for every occasion.  School run, work, dinner party, done. 

Would be much better had I worn a flesh coloured bra and not a white one.  Anyone would think I hadn't watched all 20 seasons of America's Next Top Model and knew that you ALWAYS should wear nude underwear.  Tyra would be livid.



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Ivory Lace Panel Blouse £79 from Mint Velvet Don't forget the discount from MV - 15% off with the code AW14MV15




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Although I have to say I think I would prefer the nude version without the lace detail that I didn't see instore.

Nude Tie Neck Longline Blouse from Mint Velvet £69 pre discount




Nikki Zip front blouse £79  Love the print of this with plain black trousers or a dark skinny denim jean.  



Sleeveless blouses now - right, this is an option.  There are always those nights you go out somewhere where you know it's going to be ridiculously warm.  And surely I can't be the only one who's made the mistake of wearing a rather flimsy vest underneath a blazer/jacket with the intention of the whole ensemble being "the outfit", only to have to end up sitting there in virtually your underwear or risk boiling to death.  

These two tops however, would be no issue at all.   Both over skinny black coated or leather trousers would be perfect.  And if it's still vaguely warm come next week, I may well be wanting shorter sleeves.

Graphite Tux Tunic £79






Marnie Print Cowl Tunic £79  A beautiful print.





Another short sleeved version at Wishbone.  A gorgeous colour with Christmas coming up - cranberry.  Looks great with jeans dressed down as styled here, but I think would work as well in the evening with a pencil skirt, skinnies or even culottes (fear not, I will explore these shortly) 

Wishbone Lexi Top £65






Bold colour also at Jaeger.  Love this.  The price is frightening, I'll be honest but it would be super wearable and the quality is just amazing. 

Silk Satin V Neck Tunic blouse from Jaeger in True Blue £150


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I've seen this at Matches as well and I don't know why, it's not really me, but there is something I really love about the colour and the print.  Oh and the flattering slight flaring from under the bust (no more sit ups for me, thank you very much)  I'd probably wear it with a button or two undone.
Weekend by MaxMara Tartan floral top in Ultramarine £115




But staying with a print top, my fave of the day came from Wishbone.  The fabric of this is gorgeous - a lovely heavy viscose that drapes beautifully and would crease minimally.  It's actually a fake blouse - the buttons are only at the top not going all the way down the front of the blouse, so it's more of a tunic.  Love the styling here from Wishbone with a more casual edge but I think it looks great with a blazer and would look fab with stack heel boots. 

Now it does say dry clean only but it's 100% viscose so I cannot remotely see why you couldn't handwash it but do NOT quote me on that. 

Love the detailing at the side which means it's super flattering worn untucked but still, from the model pic, you can see it looks great tucked in.  This is a 10 that I'm trying on - it is snug but I don't think I'd want it any bigger - a perfect fit truth be told.

Wishbone Gracie Geo Blouse multi £85






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So come on then - thoughts?  What would your favourite be?  

I also have other ideas and I think I might explore other options.  Dare I step out of my usual London comfort zone?  GASP. 

Finishing with outfits from the last couple of days.  Friday was bonkers.  Two coffee mornings followed by supermarket and cooking fest as I had the 6yr old's birthday party after the school run - 17 small boys back for tea and then out to the huge gaming lorry that pitched up on the drive where they spent 90 minutes on driving games, Fifa howsyourfather, Minecraft etc.   

15 minutes after they all left, some of the girls bombed over for drinks before we went out for a rather large night out followed by yet more drinks back at mine till silly o'clock.  This was neither big nor clever.  I may have felt a bit more than delicate on Saturday morning.



Paola Dress in putty - Baukjen
Ohio Boots - Pied a Terre
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang

No photograph from Friday night as it was all rather frantic but I wore the same dress the next day for the 10year old's birthday party.  Threw on the new Zara tennis shoes with them and I have to say I think they worked for a dress down but still making an effort outfit. 

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Dress - Sportmax Code
White tennis shoes - Zara

So I am now on a mission to sort the perfect outfit for next Friday.  What would you wear?  I'm convinced I don't need to buy anything at all to be fair, maybe a small something new but I'm thinking I can box clever with what I have.  I might be thinking, since I have a new found love of fake tan, that maybe legs out is the way to go, praying that the weather holds??  Over to you folks! 


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CONVERSATION

34 comentarios:

  1. I think that the sportmax dress totally fits the bill for your special day on Friday - looks fab on you and special but not remotely too 'try hard' (which I agree can be a tricky balance, particularly on Mums' outings for some reason!) X

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    1. Nightmare isn't it? Yes, I do love the sportamx dress BUT it's a really summery fabric... And there is the shoe issue - it doesn't look right with ankle boots and I'm not wearing sandals. Plus there's the jacket issue.... But a dress may well be the way to go. Thank you x

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  2. Yes agree with Sportmax, or the Mariella shirt from John Lewis. Or the bright pink top.

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    1. See above for Sportmax seasonal issues! The Mariella shirt is too gorgeous and would serve a multitude of occasions actually - I may need new skinnies to go with it though... Or just old jeans... Not sure it would go with a leather skirt, I look a bit like 'm trying to be sexy secretary. Badly. x

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  3. Has to be the first one for me! silk deco trim, it's beautiful. I've looked at it before, but as much as I want it, I just don't think it's me unfortunately. I'm too tomboyish really, but it's sooooooo lovely.

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    1. It's stunning isn't it? Sold out instore and I'm not entirely sure it would work with black leather which is what I'd like to team it with... hmmmmmm

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  4. One of your leather skirts with the MV nude tie blouse!

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    1. See where you're going but I can't quite pull off a leather skirt and blouse - I'm not gamine enough! ........ ha ha ha ha

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  5. I love the sleeveless tunics with black skinnies - and maybe a pair of Toga Pullas?:)

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    1. They're gorgeous aren't they? But that would mean LOTS of new purchases.... and I really only WANT to buy the TPs......

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  6. But wearing something you already own is no fun! I love those sleeveless tunics too, but the blue of that Jaeger looks amazing on you. Why not do what I do? Several shopping trips, a load of parcels arriving (and going back), the entire contents of your wardrobe emptied out, and then wear what you were going to wear in the first place anyway? :-D

    Becky

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    1. I LOVE your thinking ! Alas I already have a blue shirt in a similar colour from Zara so I can't justify another purchase. Actually I could wear that on second thoughts...... (but yes, that's DULL!)

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  7. Hi Kat, this really made me laugh. Great shirts by the way, but you are so right, don't go to overdressed and look like a 40+ from the country. NOBODY wears stroppy heels with bare feet for lunch these days. Even at night they are utterly rare. I would say, wear friday nights outfit! It rocks x

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    1. Oh gosh no I wasn't planning on wearing strappy sandals! Definitely going boots or shoots! Thanks love xxx

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  8. My faves on you are the Jaeger blue v neck tunic (really gorgeous and yes it is expensive at £150 but think of the cost per wear, you would get so much wear out of it) or the Wishbone geo print fake button blouse. And I don't think you of all people could be accused of being a country bumpkin in the big city! Look forward to seeing the final outfit choice. Now I am off into the big city, Belfast, from my small country town, Newcastle co Down, for some well needed retail therapy. Its payday, the 6 and 8 year olds are in school and its the 3 year olds creche day- woohoo, better get my outfit sorted!

    Carmel

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    1. Oh you're lovely, thank you - hope you had a fab day - sounds BLISS! I love looking forward to retail therapy days like that. HAve fun xxx

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  9. Yes, we definitely dress down in London I'd say. Having said that, no to skinnies! Wear a dress or a leather skirt. Or my current favourites, culottes!

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    1. I have to say with the weather looking good and my new love of new things, I"m thinking a dress or leather skirt... Culottes? Hmmm I need to try some one. Length issue! x

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  10. Jeans/blouse/blazer/heels - it's the only way to dress when trying to look nice, smart, funky without trying to hard!

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    1. V true but I'm thinking maybe slightly predictable? I may try and reinvent the wheel... (this isn't going to go well, is it?!)

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    2. True - not for a special occasion!! Wear a dress, or treat yourself to the Temperley black ribbon skirt, you would look fabulous!!! Xx

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  11. Love the Mint Velvet blouse. Massimo Dutti also have some lovely ones, although I shouldn't have gone to their website because I am now lusting after half their knitwear too (be warned!)

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    1. ooh excllent idea - although I am always too in love with MD coats and do not need any new coats!!

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  12. I think you look great in them all, you always do, my favourite is the Mint Velvet in the nude, really pretty. I can't wear white as I am so pale. Do you have any suggestions on a similar style boot to the Ash jalouse boots, as I love the shape to wear with skirts or jeans, but not sure about the price!!! If you have any ideas I would really appreciate it. Lynn x

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    1. RIght - have a gander at M&S as they have some fab ones which look rather Ash Jalouse and are a fraction of the price AND there's 20% off until the end of today.

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  13. Hi everyone! Baukjen are doing a flash discount of 24% off dresses for limited time - code is JOY94. Just ordered the leopard print shirt dress yee haa!

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    1. Oh it's so so fabulous, you'll love it. That's great news as I'm doing another dress blog and so I'll bomb that on, thank you! x

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  14. Love the first one and have just bought the black Mint Velvet tunic. You are such an enabler. The blue is fab on you, really suits you.

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    1. Oh I think that's such a good buy, I really do. And thank you - I love the blue, it has to be said, I do have a very similar Zara one which is utterly shite quality but will get me through the A/W! x

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  15. I may well wear the leather A line skirt - that's definitely an option, but I struggle with tops to go with it. THE SHAME! I love a blouse on other people - on me? Air hostess or secretary. Not a look I'm planning for for lunch. A tiny sweater works loads better - I do have some ideas there...... Or I might wear it with the sleeveless crepe top I have - that's my fave look. It's a definite maybe.

    With the coat - it doesn't work - the dimensions are wrong. But I *may* have bought the Zara coat which I hope goes with it (still in the box - I am SUCH a procrastinator......) Thanks for the ideas though love - am also on a dress hunt. Obviously x

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  16. Wow, some truly beautiful tops you've chosen here, particularly the sleeveless tux tunics, gorgeous! I do love a skinnies/blouse/blazer combi (my staple wardrobe when I go out!) but I think you look amazing in the Baukjen Paola dress - cool enough without trying too hard, like you eat there all the time, lol!! X

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  17. You look so so fabulous in blouses, I really like the cream john Lewis collection one. Like you I do love a blouse, skinnies and a pair of heels and with a statement coat you will be fashion week ready!! Warehouse has a pretty cool grey blouse I tried on today with cut out bits at the shoulder, genuinely looks fab on (has a zip at the front) it sounds gross, but is lovely! You will rock it at the chiltern firehouse whatever you wear xxx

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  18. Oh I love the Wishbone Gracie geo one on you, it's fabulous and looks great with the jacket too. Truth be told, you look amazing in them all! Lynne x

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  19. So much loveliness, it's difficult to choose! I must confess that I do think you look effortlessly stunning in your printed Sportsmax dress.

    If you're hankering after something buying new, however, (and don't we all! :-) ) I particularly love the cream John Lewis Mariella blouse, the Wishbone Gracie top and the nude coloured MV tie neck top on you.

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