Not exactly reinventing the wheel

In fact, this may be another small indicator that I'm rapidly sailing past 40.  

Chinos. 

I bought a pair.  And I absolutely love them.  I'll fess up - usually when I think of chinos, I'd think all things US preppy. I don't necessarily think Parisian chic.  Clearly I'm neither but in my dreams I would sail closer to the Eiffel Tower than Long Island.  They're not what I would consider either on trend, aspirational or, dare I say it, particularly stylish.  I might even go so far to say as they're up there on the shelf where fashion goes and has a snooze?  

However I recently found this quote which I love:-


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So, when I found a pair of chinos that I loved, I thought, I love these and I'm going to make them work.  It's my inner Ralph Lauren that's screaming BUY THEM.

They were a bargain from Ireland, this time a Tommy Hilfiger khaki pair of chinos.  From TK Maxx.  Which, I will I have a total love hate relationship.  Verging more on hate if I'm honest... Yes you can find some bargains but finding out that they produce their own brands solely for sale in the shop has really left a bitter taste in my mouth.  So their advert on their website of "Always up to 60% less" is a pack of old crud.  Seeing as you can't buy these products anywhere else.  So they were never sold anywhere else at a higher price and so aren't "less" at all.  I think it's totally dishonest and whilst there are bargains to be had, there seem to be more and more products that are just cheap which they're peddling as "bargains"

However I am over the moon with my Tommy trews.... so it clearly doesn't bother me "that" much.

How do I plan on wearing them?  Well, really just how I'd wear a pair of boyfriend jeans - I don't think there's that much difference in the shape, it's just the fabric.  Can you tell that I've had 8 days in Ireland and have eaten more carbs than I would in the space of a year?  I try not to eat too many carbs (I certainly don't eliminate them and there is no way I follow anything like a paleo diet.  I am far too lazy and I love my food too much).  But I just feel better if I eat more veg and protein as opposed to an abundance of carbs.  So the looser fit on the trousers is something that is appealing at the moment until I drop the couple of pounds I gained. 

I love the idea of them with a more fitted top as well which I have to say I simply don't feel comfortable in any more in skinnies.  Risk of muffin exposure and frankly I want to be comfy these days. 

In fact I do think they need a more fitted top to balance out the silhouette otherwise that's where I fear chinos can slip over into mumsy territory. (scroll down for pics online at M&S....)

They still do sell verging on identical to the ones I got at Tommy Hilfiger. 

Hilfiger Denim Chinos in navy £70  These ones I found at ASOS.



And these are from the Tommy site - not sure if they're the same as above but they don't have them in navy there. 

Sena Slim Fit Chino in grey £70 (loads of other colours online - bar the navy) 




Others that I've found which I would also consider are at ASOS. 

Only Chino Trousers £25



And in the black 




Cotton Rich Straight leg chinos at M&S £25 in almond.  This pic isn't so bad but online there is a veritable masterclass of how to make chinos look spectacularly naff.

These are 20% off today.  DISCOUNT ALERT!  In fact, everything is 20% off online at M&S but only this Monday.


In light khaki £25




In navy now and I've seen these in Jigsaw and they look fantastic. 

Blue Washed Chinos £79 from Jigsaw



But saving the best till last and I LOVE these.  They are scarily expensive but I think they are so versatile, they could be dressed up and dressed down.  Definitely a modern twist on the classic chino - slightly oversized with a wider fit - verging on a culotte almost.  

Maison Scotch Pleated Chinos £150




Whilst we're on the subject of "if you like it, wear it", this was firmly in my mind when I made my total impulse purchase on Saturday (after a glass of Prosecco of course..) 

These are not going to be everyone's cup of tea but I absolutely rooting tooting adore them.  So much so, I have them on today. 

All Black Calf Hair Slides from Anthropologie £118  I will admit from the photo they really don't look anything much but they are so so much better in the flesh, I promise.  The most marvellous addition to my current "everything must go with black" wardrobe vibe which I seem to have going on. 




And here am I in mine with the chinos.



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Black jumper - Tommy Hilfiger
Olive chinos - Tommy Hilfiger
Black tuxedo blazer - Hush
Pony skin mules - All Black at Anthropologie 

Pic also from yesterday - exceptionally dress down and comfy for lunch out with the family and then a trip to Bedgebury Pinetum for a modicum of exercise aka a bit of fresh air.


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White tee - Zara
Grey cargo pants - Hush
Black bat sweatshirt - Zoe Karssen
Black quilted biker jacket - Whistles
Scarf - All Saints
Black quilted leather bag - Zara
White leather sneakers - Zara

So have I managed to convince you that chinos might be a good idea?  Or should they be consigned to those going on a cruise or living in a retirement village in Florida?  One thing I will say in case you are on the fence.  Oh my lord they are so so comfy......

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CONVERSATION

35 comentarios:

  1. My husband wears them a lot, but I've never quite found the right fit for me - yours look just right though! Having the same problem with boyfriend jeans at the moment. This year they seem to be tapered, which makes me look like I have carrots for legs, and also v short. And I haven't got the longest legs, so I don't understand the pix that make them look just over the ankle on a girl who's 5ft 10!

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    1. I'm with you, I've never found any that don't make me look like I work for Disney. All I need is a red polo shirt and a clip board..... Just wrong diddly, but these Tommy ones are ace. I also held up the Jigsaw ones instore and they looked like a great length. I can't remember also if the M&S ones are in different lengths.... That might work (plus they do seem to be straighter as well - the Tommy ones are definitely on the straighter side with a flat front which is so much more flattering, I've worked out! Good luck. I'm a total convert. x

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  2. Your pic makes the trousers look cooler than the other professional photos I think. I def agree you should wear what you like, what makes you feel good. Love the shoes too. Lorraine

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    1. Oh thank you! And yes, I do think it's very much about how you wear it, not what you wear. Plus, if you feel comfortable in it and confident, I think it automatically looks so much better on you. It might not be what everyone else would wear but who cares if you love it.

      I am totally in love with the shoes. Not seen anything like them all season! x

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  3. Only bought my first pair a year or two ago as just couldn't ever find any that worked, I live in them in the Summer months. Funny enough they were also from TK, but Ralph Lauren. Completely get the frustration with TK, unfortunately they have got worse with it but I still don't let it put me off and hunt out those gems, especially the London stores. Love yours on you, they look fab x

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    1. They're a complete joke. I don't know how they're allowed to get away with it as it goes against all their marketing and I would have thought it might contravene some advertising law.... but hohum, they clearly don't care! But yes, you can still get the odd bargain... Am over the moon with my trousers definitely!

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  4. I have two pairs and just don't feel "in trend" in them, I see some ladies who have a more masculine figure who seem to pull it off because they are so loose but I don't think they work for the hourglass ladies..

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    1. That's interesting - I think it probably depends on the cut. You may be better off with pleat fronted as opposed to flat fronted... but to be honest with you, if you have other trews that work just as well, we can't wear all the "trends" all of the time. I'm only loving them, as I'm a tad tubby round the middle and these are so comfy!! (plus I adore the colour!)

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  5. I bought some in khaki from H&M in February - £14.99 bargain hunters! - and wore them on a recent trip to the US with black skate shoes, black jacket, black tee and shades. Husband described me as looking like a movie star which was his way of saying I looked fashionable I think. I must admit, I looked/felt smart AND I was still comfy enough to pound the streets of Chicago - so I will def be looking for another pair this summer Kat!
    Hx

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    1. They really are fab aren't they? And god they'd be amazing for travelling in - mine are so so so comfy!

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    2. I also have just bought Khahi chinos from H&M for £14.99, love them.
      Estelle.

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    3. And me! I want them in the blue now too.

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  6. Love these on you. I got my first pair from Gap a couple of years ago but sent them off to an EBay customer last Spring as they just didn't fit right and made me feel a bit manly. I then spotted a pair in J Crew in the sale in Khaki (called Andies), gave them a try and haven't looked back since. 10/10 for comfort. 10/10 for style. 10/10 for covering up those few extra pounds as you said. Look great with grey tee or sweater and flats. Am taking on your mantra of "if you like it wear it" life's too short to be ruled by fashion trends 😄 having said that I've just ordered some dungarees. .. great blog by the way xx

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    1. Now I have to say I LOVE my dungarees - absolutely adore them. so so so comfy and they seem to go with so much that I already own making a lot of my wardrobe that was a bit meh - suddenly bang up to date. Genius things!

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  7. Lol I went travelling a few years ago and got some from gap - now I have a rediscovered love for them and really like them!

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    1. I can't believe I'm so late to the party! they've always looked so frumpy on me when I've tried them on before.

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  8. I just bought a pair from Boden and they are great!

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    1. Are they the chelsea turn ups? Keep meaning to try them!

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  9. The shoes are amazing but chinos - I just can't - being over here it screams American business casual to me...just need tassled loafers and a polo shirt! xx

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    1. ha ha ha! I do think though it does depend how you style them. And on no analysis would I be seen dead in a polo shirt!! I am so in love with the shoes. SO in love!

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  10. Looking fabulous as always. You are so right about tk maxx, just full of their own brand stuff they want to palm off . It's put me off going in there, your chinos and shoes look fab x

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    1. Oh thank goodness it's not me. Such a total rip off - I can't believe they can get away with it. Thank you - love both bits!

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    2. I forgot to say, I had a look at Kin shoes @ JL. I think I would buy them all!. Thanks for drawing attention to the label
      Emma

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    3. amazing range, isn't it?!

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  11. slightly off subject, but I have found some gorgeous khaki jumpsuits on Select.com today ( I don't work for them, I work in Insurance!) have a look if you get chance . They are 24.99! X

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    1. Wow they sound fab. Not sure I can justify anymore khaki now though I can't recommend jumpsuits highly enough!

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    2. You have shown how versatile they can be, Thanks :)

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  12. My husband is beginning to hate me reading your blog....
    I LOVE my dungarees but now also want a smarter pair as my Next ones are boyfriend fit so look very casual. I now also own a boilersuit, black and very comfy!
    I'd love to wear chinos but I can never find the right fit. I have no bum or hips to speak of but my tummy is a little bigger than I'd like so they always look a little odd.
    And as for black clothes - it's my most favourite colour! I tend to wear a lot of black with more colourful although still neutral accessories.
    Keep up the blogging!
    Sarah x
    Ps love the Anthropologie shoes!

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    1. HA ha and apologies to your husband. Just putting together a more colourful accessories blog for later in the week, you may or may not be pleased to hear...!

      And I am so ridiculously in love with those shoes - expect to see a lot of them! x

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  13. I can vouch for the M&S ones. I bought a pair in almond yesterday funnily enough and wore them today. They are straight and seem to work with flats and heels. Importantly they are dead comfy yet still look pulled together. Just purchased two further pairs with the benefit of the discount. Really useful for spring through to autumn me thinks. Great blog, thoroughly enjoy it ....xx

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    1. oh fantastic! I knew they'd be a shed load better than the pics doing them justice. xx

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  14. Thank you and good luck with the chinos. I have to say I find so much of H&M creases so so badly (bar their denim, I think their denim is fab) but I'd rather pay that little bit more for better quality. BUT I haven't seen them in the flesh and they do indeed have exceptions to the rule so hopefully these might be them!

    And the shoes - oh my lord I am so so so pleased with them!

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  15. I tried some gorgeous Mint Velvet chinos on but oh my word they looked so bad on me. I'm a short 14-16 with slim legs so need something more fitted. I'm on a search for trousers, smart work summer dresses and casual summer dresses. I've got money ready to spend and can't find a thing! Typical.

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  16. It's totally about how you wear them, isn't it? If you'd knotted a cricket jumper around your shoulders and chucked on a pair of deck shoes that'd be a whole different ball game, but now that I've seen how you've styled them I'm now wondering why I don't own a pair of chinos! As long as you don't to any further and venture into the world of slacks, (I don't know if even you could work your magic on those successfully), I think you're safe...;-) xx

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  17. Your mission should you choose to accept it - lightweight summer trousers, short leg, big hips, small waist - just had a turn out of my summer clothes (I am casting a clout before etc etc) and that's whats missing - that and plain T shirts so thanks for most recent post!

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