Not just for Miss Haversham

A bit of lace that is. 

And I'm also extending the definition of lace to crochet.... just because it's sort of vaguely similar.... it's just as pretty, just as useful and just as timeless so that's good enough for me. 

On that topic, I really do think it is a classic that you have in your wardrobe for years and years.  

Top wise I love a bit of feminine lace with a masculine loose pair of jeans, wide legged trousers, sneakers or loafers.  Boxy cut jacket - I think the mix of styles can work well.  Plus, it's that little bit different from the full onslaught of boho that we're being subjected to (can you tell I am scarred, scarred I tell you, by my wake up and smell the coffee boho shock from the other day?!) 

Seriously though, it is easy to get carried away with a certain style (and boy can I be guilty of this) whilst losing your own personal look in the excitement.  

If I look at my wardrobe, longevity wise, along with my collection of blouses that grow every year, I have a lace top that I Iove.  I don't wear it that often as it's so delicate (this is code for, it was from Zara and so is abysmal quality which is a crime as I adore it) but actually I should. 

I should because I've been yet again reminded how keeping things for best is wrong.  Wrong wrong diddly.  Because there aren't that many "best" occasions and so you don't end up wearing your favourite things in the your wardrobe, for, when you think about it, absolutely no good reason at all. 

So today's blog is all about adding in a traditional fabric - in this instance lace or crochet and buying things that we love and can wear for best BUT we must promise each other we'll wear them lots.

I know it's a bit tarts and vicars which clearly isn't a look that we're aspiring to (or maybe you are....) but I do love bit of lace with a bit of leather.  Lots of these tops with leather skirts or trousers - perfect for a night out.  And also with denim - again, a different look but a great combo for daytime or for a more casual night out, just change up the accessories.  

Starting with a lace top from Warehouse.  Navy is perfect.

Blue Lace Panel top £32




Now I know I said I wasn't going to mention boho (I'm going to have to come up with another word for this, it's starting to irritate me already...) but well, I lied ever so slightly but in my defence, this is really easy way of a nod to the theme whilst not going full on 70s - a boho style but with an antique twist in the shape. 

Whilst we're talking about Mint Velvet, I received a brochure the other day with 15% off.    Free delivery and free returns until the 25th March, SEA2015.  All prices here are pre discount.

Ivory Victoriana Top from Mint Velvet  £69



Plus they also do it in black  (this with pleather or coated trousers.  Or distressed skinnies... hiding a multitude of sins) 




Ivory Lace Layered Top £79



Here is where the difference between lace and crochet becomes confusing.  To me, this is crochet.  To Mint Velvet, it's lace.... either way, it's pretty darn gorgeous.  Love the blush shade - the most versatile colour.  For the school run with jeans and flats and with a smart pencil skirt, you could wear this to a wedding.

Mineral Lace Shell Top £89



A softer look in ivory - same shape.

Ivory Spiral Lace Shell Top £79



Now we can do lace dresses a plenty - I do have one but it's black and has feathers on it - perhaps not for every day wear... As I said, I am going to be doing dresses a plenty shortly but this one caught my eye the other day and I thought it was stunning.  Even if you risk indecent exposure if you're tall.....

Mango Boho Dress £59.99  To me, this isn't very boho but what do I know?



But of course it would be rude not to have a quick look at Whistles and there is this gorgeous lace dress in navy.  And I forgot to give you the code yesterday - DOH.  It is WH25SS15 and it's only valid until tomorrow.... a whacking 25% off.

Leila Lace Dress in navy £140 (handwash klaxon....)






Or if you prefer they do it in a black lace version which is a top. £95



And I'm so so sorry, but I'm going to have to leave it there for today.  I have an ill child who's just got up, poor little mite, but it tops off my afternoon/evening which has been one of those that has tried my patience, to put it mildly...... Monday night is homework night and this evening, three small children, all vying for attention at the same time in a particularly whiney fashion, has been slightly more trying than usual.  

I may have resorted to wine.  Now I must go and give my smallest a snuggle and Calpol (and have a peruse through the Mint Velvet catalogue in detail as I have become rather taken with a couple of pairs of shoes.....)  And possibly rearrange my plans for tomorrow...... (however there are worse things than having to stay in and have a duvet day with a little ill one).

Swifty pic from yesterday though.  Rugby with the smallest, a quick trip to Dame Kelly Holmes' new cafe where we were served by the lady herself and an afternoon spent watching the 10yr old in a Drama Concert thing..... 

Untitled 


Black polo neck - Zara
Black skinnies - Cos
Black puffa jacket - Ilse Jacobsen
Black wellies - Ilse Jacobsen
Cream socks - Ilse Jacobsen
Black sheepskin fingerless gloves - Topshop
Black Diego Bag - Alexander Wang
Scarf - All Saints (birthday pressie!) 

See you tomorrow... I have plans for bottoms.

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CONVERSATION

24 comentarios:

  1. Love the navy whistles dress!

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    1. It's gorgeous isn't it? I think with strappy sandals it will be amazing for the Summer x

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  2. Like the first MV top but £69 for 100% polyester....?

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    1. In my experience, there's polyester and there's polyester. Unfortunately the name has terrible connotations but there are huge differences between Primark poly and the fabric that the likes of Acne, Whistles and Kenzo use. I have very expensive polyester tops from all three of those makes and they are great. They wash really really well, creasage is limited and they last. But yes, in theory it does make you go OUCH!

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  3. The Grazia 25% off is until 15th! More shopping time...

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    1. Now is it... because it says that online but in the mag it definitely says it ends today.. I will find out more. x

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    2. Oh no, maybe it's only online until 15th? I hope not as not sure I'll get to the shops today and I prefer to try on rather than buy online

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    3. AARRGGHH I have a small sick child at home - I've ordered the jumpsuit. As I've remembered I have perfect shoes to go with it..... Although I can only order it in the Large online which is super irritating...

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  4. Love the first navy lace top, gorgeous!! X

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    1. It's lovely isn't it? Would be so useful x

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  5. AHA - and there you go. Well I didn't know that, I've just deduced that from the feel and wash test!

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  6. The Victoriana top from Mint Velvet top is gorgeous. Which colour do I get?!

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    1. Hmmm, I think the white is the more casual and softer look and is probably more versatile than the black? But the black is a great staple to have in your wardrobe. However, seeing as we're coming into the Spring, I'd go white. x

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    2. Well I decided that I can't live without the black one and now it's completely and utterly sold out! I think I'm going to cry!

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  7. Loving that navy one from Warehouse and Mint Velvet is my crush of the moment - just ordered two tops with their 15% discount ;)

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    1. THey have some amazing stuff, don't they? I am coveting all their accessories....

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  8. Oh now y'see, lace &/or Victoriana tops are as vile on me as boho dresses are on you (that's clearly said with much much love!!) I adore them on everyone else and they just look beyond hideously pants on me. But that blush coloured Mineral shell top? Now that might just work? I think I'm going to have to give it a try - wish me luck.
    Hope the smallie is better soon xx

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    1. It's crochet, isn't it? I think it would look lovely with a cream blazer.....

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  9. Hello! Recently stumbled across your blog and simply love it! These crochet and lace pieces are gorgeous. I have a favor to ask...would you be so kind as to provide measurements for your Anya Hindmarch satchel in stone? I am contemplating a purchase and just want to be sure about sizing...yours looks perfect. Thank you and cheers!

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  10. LOVE a bit of lace - roll on proper warm weather

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  11. Just ordered the navy Whistles dress-love the look of it! Thanks for posting it Kat and for the Grazia cose which makes the price a little more palatable. You mentioned strappy sandals with it-what colour would you go with?
    Hope your little one is on the mend soon!

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  12. I bought the black Mint Velvet Victoriana top a while ago and absolutely love it. It doesn't feel or look like cheap polyester (just as well at that price). I'm tempted to go for the ivory one too.

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