I apologise in advance...

... as haven't had a ridiculous obsession in, ooh all of about no time at all. 

Well this one should only (only she says...) last a couple of weeks as that's when, finger's crossed, I'm off to New York.  Finger's crossed as we're just trying to sort out the logistics.  Essentially we're tying it in with a business trip to the DH (who is also going to Chicago where he can go on his own.  I don't own enough Nanook of the North clothing to ever be able to go there at this time of year) and childcare.  This was my Christmas present from The Husband and we'll be going just after my birthday.  

However we also had some awful news on Saturday night which was that my poor Aunt had had a stroke and the outcome doesn't look good.  She's my mum's only sister and although my mum was also brought up with her cousin, she does only have one sister and I can tell this has obviously hit her hard.  At the moment, it's a waiting game, she has stabilised but the next 48 hours will be crucial. 

My mum (who is our only childcare option if we're looking to go away for a couple of days) has said to just go ahead with our plans and we may have to alter them later on. 

So to take my mind off what is such a sad occurrence (I can't bear the thought of my poor Auntie not being here but at the same time I don't want her to be in any pain or suffering.  It's also so heartbreaking for my cousins) I've gone to thinking about what I love - planning a wardrobe. 

Let's say we do get to go away - oh my goodness WHAT to pack?  I mean seriously, where do you start?

Colour palette to being with.  (I'm sort of ignoring the fact that the chance of us being knee deep in snow is high.  The odds of it being in minus figures it clearly a given anyway.  Details schmetails - it's far more exciting to think about colours.  Besides - a very good friend of mine who lived in the city for years has said they always clear the sidewalks....)

No, I haven't already eschewed my love of navy but if we're talking warm (and vaguely practical - ugh) clothes, then thinking about what I already have, it's got to be black.  I can of course have accent colours but I think if we're talking about handbags and shoes, it's easier to stick to black.  Coat wise - clearly I'm planning on spending very little time outdoors and for when I do, layering will be my friend, I'm thinking about perhaps my camel wrap coat and my Ilse Jacobsen soft puffa which packs up to nothing.

But still, thinking about shopping, lunching and doing dinner and drinks - I'm liking the idea of a short skirt.  I will confess that, at the back of my mind, I have in my head that the perfect boots to take would be the R&B OTK suede boots by Stuart Weitzman.  (no-one mention suede and snow - clear sidewalks ladies, clear sidewalks.... and hell, we're talking hypothetically anyway.  Let a girl dream).  These would be perfect with skinnies and jumpers for the day - ideal to wear with, hey presto, a mini skirt in the evening.   

I have one from Zara that I bought at the beginning of the season - I had intended to wear it for nights out but never got round to it (I had a top issue which I have now sorted), and by the time I remembered I had it, it was too late to take it back.   I then thought I'd keep it to wear during the Spring with bare legs (that'll be fake tanned within an inch of their lives' legs), fitted tee and blazer - throw on some skater shoes or sneakers and a perfect ready made outfit. 

But then I put it on the other day with a polo neck and my Toga Pulla boots and can't believe I didn't wear them as an outfit sooner.  Am onto a whole new look (well it's not really, as I have worn the tan one that I have like this, but I actually think the black one is more versatile)

They're sold out now but I have found some other options.  For the record, I always always size up with an A-line skirt as I prefer them to sit on my hips - it doesn't work for everyone but I find they work better for me and are more flattering.  At the very least, it adds a couple of inches onto the length.  Bush on show = no.

Leather A-line skirt in leather from Warehouse £60




ASOS A-line skirt in leather look £28



Or in a tan colour - I have one almost identical to this which I absolutely adore and wear all Summer long (and could certainly wear with over the knee boots...)

Mock Leather A-line skirt from Promod £29.95



Moving onto straight mini skirts now.  Previously I would said no thanks (mutton alert) but actually I think, teamed with the right top and shoes, these can be a great option for day to night. 

As if by magic:-
Jigsaw Leather Mini skirt £129




Esprit Leather look mini skirt £39 (personally prefer the styling above - my advice would be to keep it simple)



Another option (and probably better if you are perhaps not super tall.  Unless you're a secret muff flasher? - it takes all sorts) 

Faux-leather origami skirt from Mango £29.99



However the one I do have my eye on is this from Mango.  I adore this.  It is so unlike anything else I own.  The more I look at it, the more I don't just want it, I need it.  I have cream shirts it would look ace with, ditto a couple of black shirts, I'd wear during the day with a shirt and a jumper or a polo neck.  Shoe wise, well where do I start?  Love the idea of a shirt, jumper and brogues or loafers.  How about a polo neck and biker boots?  Or for day to evening, a black shirt, thin knit polo neck and those blasted OTK R&B suede boots........ (you can see where this is going, can't you.. and no I haven't bought them.)

Pleated Skirt from Mango £44.99



Moving onto other colours now - this is an ideal purchase for taking you through into the Summer.  I love this pale shade of tan (they call it brown...) with black or even navy.  Treat it like a hint of colour to an all dark outfit for these more dreary months. 

And drag it out as soon as the weather improves with a white tee and sneakers.  Perfect every day fling on perfection.  A white or cream silky blouse or shirt in the evening with a pair of snakeskin heels would be the perfect Dinner outfit too.  We all need one of these now, see?!

River Island Croc Effect Mini Skirt in brown £30 (high on my waist like this does me no favours, which is why I size up)  



The 70's are coming back for the S/S - you have been warned.... Get ahead of the game with this suede skirt - perfect with a dark polo neck, opaques and biker boots for now.  Knee high boots would also work perfectly with this type of skirt.  Think Ali McGraw and you're off. 
Milk it 70's Patchwork Skirt in tan £45




Now of course I have found a navy one...this would look more than rather spectacular with the new DP navy satin shoes - black tights, black top?  Yes we've gone off piste with the shape but I think this could work for nights out..... In fact I love this outfit as it is.  Makes a lovely change to a dress. 

Selected Skirt in scuba with peplum £35




This one however I would wear during the day or out at night.  A cross over style skirt of which there are quite a few about, both in the sale and into the S/S as well.  Great mix between a pencil and an A-line skirt.   

Ideal into the Spring with a little tee (pick your choice of colours) and my beloved black sliders which I'm going to be getting out again.   Yet again though, would be perfect for a night out (I'd avoid the cropped top but that's just me......) 

Lashes of London Aztec Jacquard Wrap skirt - £45






There's also a black Scuba version as well £25



However my personal choice would be leather (god I am a clearly some sort of random fetish at heart.. glossing over this one *shudder*). 


I had my eye on this previously but now it's in the sale.  If I didn't already have a black leather skirt...  I do know that the one I have is pleather and also A Line but this is where my Resolution comes into effect.  Yes, this is a different skirt but the difference is really marginal when it comes down to it.  Is there an occasion where my other skirt wouldn't work yet this one would?  Nope, not that I can think of.  Can you see my halo shining from where you are? (and whilst we're here, I do think the bandage style Mango skirt is very different actually.  I would wear shirts tucked into the straight skirt, blousoning slightly over the top, whereas there is just too much going around the waist with this one to be able to do that.  Phew.  That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it)

Reiss Merron Asymmetric Skirt was £225 now £175



The other great version is the Mint Velvet one in a graphite. 

Wrap Front skirt from Mint Velvet was £149 now £75




So there we have Item number 1 on my packing list.  More items coming tomorrow - whilst I try not to get too excited.  All tinged with sadness, waiting to hear about my Aunt (although I have just head, she's managed to get out of bed to go for a walk which they're all amazed at, so perhaps miracles do happen!)

Here is the outfit that inspired my new found love of a short skirt - from Saturday. 

Untitled

Black polo neck - Jigsaw
Black pleather A-line skirt - Zara
Black buckle ankle boots - Toga Pulla

Rather more appropriately dressed for rugby yesterday. 


image

Black polo neck - Zara
Indigo Baxter jeans - Topshop
Soft shell jacket - Ilse Jacobsen
Wellies and socks - Ilse Jacobsen
Grey wrist warmers - Toast
Snakeskin tan and black scarf - By Malene Birger
Woolly pompom hat - Miss Selfridge
Black quilted handbag - Zara

I am supposed to be at home hoovering... or I could start on the blog for tomorrow.... hmmmmm.  It's raining cats and dogs out there, I've had my third coffee which is my ration for the day, I ate my exceptionally boring chicken salad which was for lunch, at 11.30 and I have never been so hungry in my life. 

Normally I wouldn't even have thought about food by now.  I've worked out I didn't even used to eat any sugar - bar cranberry/apple/redcurrant sauce with a roast and wine.  Admittedly Wine was a large part of my diet but it's ridiculous how I do not feel ONE iota different from a week of healthy eating.  I feel offensively bloated from all the pigging vegetables.  And I can't stop thinking about food.  Snacking on nuts and seeds I'm not sure is the best idea I've ever had either.  To be honest, I didn't even need to snack before I was told it was a good idea to eat little and often.  Am very much on the verge of saying sod this.  And no, of course I haven't done any exercise yet.  Don't be daft.  I'm off to look at item number 2 for my suitcase.  That's a much better idea (and I'm going to get another coffee... ya boo sucks)

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41 comentarios:

  1. I've just come back from NY and I've never felt so cold, beware, it's seriously freezing (or was). I did check on the weitzman OKB whilst there and decided they weren't any cheaper by the time you add on the tax unfortunately, have a great trip, love that city!

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    1. I think it's only going to get colder...right - that's me checking out the thermals, thanks!! And you're NOT HELPING with the OTK boot thing. Now come on - what did you get?! What should I look out for? I find it's a bit like Bicester - it's either famine or feast!

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  2. yes they clear the sidewalks but be careful - the pavements are so high that the depth of snow on the road can be deceptive! Mr W went last year, stepped out to cross the road and ended up like Doctor Gloucester - up to his middle!

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    1. So I DO actually need OTK boots?!! (let's ignore the fact they're suede....)

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  3. I second that - the wind goes through everything that's not down - which is why everyone walks around looking like lagged hot water tanks. Top tip - look at the US DVF website for sale bargains. The prices are very reasonable when you consider the $ to £ exchange rate. Hope you get to go. XXX

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  4. Take something to wrap around your jawline too. Sounds weird but try carrying on a conversation whilst walking down an arctic NY street.!

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  5. I'm so jealous, I bloody love that city! Came back from last trip in October and that seems like years away! Hubby couldn't understand how much effort and how many shopping trips went into planning a wardrobe for a long weekend away!

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  6. Major New York envy right now. If you like steak you must go to club A steakhouse. Best. Steak. Ever. Can't wait to hear about your trip and of course sorry to hear about your auntie x

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  7. If it's going to be that cold I'm not sure mini skirts are a good idea even with very thick tights and long boots but that's just me :) Marie

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    1. Oh I honestly don't intend to spend that much time outdoors! I think with a thick coat and an underlayer, it might be ok....! Not for every day but perfect for nights. x

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  8. I really hope that your Aunty pulls through, thanks for this post, trying times, hope that clothes quandry is a good distraction. I will be in NY end of July which will probably be other end of weather spectrum and will be sweating head off. Any great places/areas to go would be very welcome - travel blog!

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    1. Oh gosh, yes, it will be BOILING. I lived in Stamford for a while and used to go to the city often. So so so so hot. But amazing x

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  9. It's a different meaning to cold. Done November and done January. Jeez-Louise any ideas of style went out of the window, in fact one day I was so bloody cold with no shop in sight that I bought a verbena (vile) green NYC sweatshirt from a street vendor to put on underneath my fur coat. It didn't make it home. So sorry to hear about your aunt, but she sounds a battler. Crossing fingers and toes that you're able to go off on your travels. And I'm not jealous. Repeat I'm not jealous (oh sod it, yes I am) x

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    1. ha ha ha! Haven't done NY in the midst of Winter but have done Boston loads and yes, it is teeth freezing cold. And what on EARTH were you doing nowhere near a shop??!! Handily I've been to NY a few times so I don't intend to do that much wandering around - a concise list of what I need to do and see!

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  10. I'm off to Boston next month, thinking I'm probably going to have to pack my snow boots! While you're in NYC, check out Madewell - great clothes, quite tomboyish.

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    1. AHA now Boston is FREEZING. One of my besties (who is coming to stay in New York with me!) lives there and I've been there many times in winter. COld is not the word....... Madewell is an excellent suggestion, thank you - I've heard great things about it. x

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  11. I hope your aunt pulls through but to be up & about is a good sign surely? We're off to NY for my 40th in 13 weeks - not that I'm counting! - and I'm already planning my packing! I can not wait so I hope you get to go so I can get some good restaurant recommendations from you! X

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    1. Thank you so much xxx and I'll get back to you about the restaurants x

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  12. Sorry to hear about your Aunt. Trip to NY sounds fab whatever the weather , Lucy x

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  13. so your going to be wandering around New York alone with no kids....lucky blighter.....i have been pondering on some sort of winter dress to were with my ankle boots, just not sure where to start, any ideas? I'm short by the way!

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    1. Ooh dresses with ankle boots - I've done loads on them! But I'll definitely be doing another one shortly on Winter to SUmmer dresses - good shout x

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  14. I lived in NYC until recently and just got back from a visit yesterday. Your rugby-watching outfit would be more than sufficient. Although, the wind in the city is bracing and it could very well be mind-numbingly cold in no time. I highly recommend a good, thick scarf and mittens. A nice steak and bottle of red from Del Frisco's also helps to keep away the cold :)

    I recently found your blog and I have to say thank you. While we don't have the same shape at all, I've picked up some great items because you featured them. I'm currently seriously crushing on those Dorothy Perkins blue satin booties. As a working mum of a toddler, they just don't fit into my lifestyle. Though that has never stopped me before, I made a vow to the husband that I would spend wisely this year. I hate resolutions!

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    1. What a lovely lovely comment to read, thank you so much xxx

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  15. Bush on show = no...... Kat, that surely has to be the next Karssen slogan tee?!

    Try Balthazar for the most amazing food/club spotting, you won't regret it.

    Healing wishes to you and your family,
    Hx

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    1. Club? I meant CELEB. Dur..... Mondays...

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    2. Great shout, thank you xx

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  16. I do hope your dear Aunt is OK Kat?! I love NY & had 5 fabulous days there in 1997! I shopped till I dropped literally! Love the MV skirt in graphite! Sod this detoxing malarkey I've haven't been this spotty since I was 13! x

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    1. It's definitely not working for me... (waiting game with my Aunt although she does seem to be doing really well, thank you love xxX)

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  17. Kat, I really hope your Aunt improves soon. It seems that she might be on the mend. Your blog entertains me so much and has really got me looking at makes of clothing I didn't before. I have developed an obsession with Toga boots but can't get the leather/suede ones you have. I wondered what you think of these? Would be cute with skinny jeans or short skirt. Would love your opinion.
    http://www.shopbop.com/buckle-ankle-booties-toga-pulla/vp/v=1/1580883882.htm?extid=affprg_CJ_SB_US-2205077-Polyvore-2687457

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    1. Hmmm to be totally honest with you, I"m not sure about those. They are definitely getting them back in stock on Matches I think?.. Is worth ringing and seeing if there's a waiting list? (they're so so worth it!)

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  18. I don't think my comment just published but here goes. It's pretty cold here at the mo but heat tech uniqlo layer and a jumper are fine. I have had to wear tights under jeans somedays, yuck I know. Warm hat and gloves essential. I live in greenwich village so if you need shop or restaurant tips let me know. A lot of things aren't as cheap as they used to be but there are great sample sales and consignment stores. Thesecretstylist@gmail.com
    Hope your Aunt is ok.
    Lucy x

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    1. you star thank you so so much for your advice - I'm going to do a blog on layers as this is what I need to look at. xx

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  19. Hi Kat, sorry to hear about your aunt, hope she's on the mend. Great blog post once again. I think I'm developing an unhealthy obsession with this blog!

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    1. Thank you and thank you for your lovely comments (and do I need to apologise?!!! xxxx)

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  20. Oh that sounds AMAZING!!! Have you sorted out your packing yet?!

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  21. Nice blog, I am really impressed by your work, we also work in Advance Satin Effects . The Stitchmax Provide best embroidery digitizing service, it is a great way to start creating and editing professional embroidery designs on a VERY low budget.

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