Archive for September 2015

Home Archive for September 2015

When something doesn't quite work out.

*&++(**%**** over the knee boots.

This is to be my final comment on the subject of the blasted things. (she says knowing full well that's a lie. As do all of you. I apologise now.)

To cut a long story short - most of these that I've hunted out aren't the best.

I so thought that this season there would be loads of cheaper options around. Well, there are, but there aren't that many.

And I'm gutted to report that the ones I tried didn't really work at all. SOB.

Right - so starting with the ones from Mint Velvet. This is the classic pic of when good boots go bad. See it and weep peeps.

I wanted to love these. The feeling wasn't mutual.

Black Rachel Suede Boots from Mint Velvet £199

Huge apologies if anyone is eating....yes that is my knee throwing up over the top of the boots which cut off at the most unattractive place imaginable. Who knew you could get knee muffin? Gravity's a bitch.

Lordy I am sorry about that... suffice to say my knees are not my best feature...

Now these are slightly longer but they were sold out when I went to try them on - in fact they only had one pair in store (not my size but we measured them against the Rachels) as they're online only. Back in stock now. These would actually come over your knee....

Grey Hannah boot from Mint Velvet £199

And in the taupe

And then things started going really wrong. I had high hopes for these but they were huge on the top of the thigh. They're supposed to be elastic and fit well but these would start falling down the minute I started walking. They're be round my ankles within 10 yards. I know they're cheaper but they just wouldn't be worth my while buying at all. However I do know that others have them and do love them.

For what it's worth, they were a perfect fit on the foot. Totally true to size.

Office Eden Stretch Over the knee boots £110

Next it was off to River Island and I have to say these were one of my favourite boots of the day. On me they weren't over the knee by any stretch of the imagination but they were really rather gorgeous.

Ah. Now, to be fair, I've just seen that these are supposed to be knee high and not over the knee.... So in that case they were blooming gorgeous. Seriously seriously lovely. But I'm not going to lie - I do have a concern about them slouching down during the day.... which isn't what I'm looking for. Can you starch suede boots?

Grey Suede Knee high boots £110 - gorgeous low block heel and a divine shade of elephant grey. Would go with absolutely everything.

They look so so much better than this in real life.

These were over the knee but again, they were simply too baggy on the leg. I don't think they'd fall down as they're leather which holds its shape much better than leather. I just looked like I was going fishing in them. Not in the market for waders.

Black Leather Over the Knee Boots £100 from River Island These are really good quality for the money.

Next port of call was Aldo where these looked great.... they admitted in the store they were a total tribute to the Lowlands.

So here's what they look like.

Aldo Barra boots £120

And they do look very similar. And I guess they are similar. But on me, they're just not quite right. Dare I say they're just too clunky?

And in the black, again £120

And here they are in the black. They're just not neat enough, not fitted enough on the leg and a bit billowy. I'm not sure how long they'd stay up either?

But they are a gazillion times cheaper than the Lowlands. Which I stupidly then went and tried on in Russell & Bromley.

Poo bums.

That was really foolish as I've already tried them on about 30 times both here and in New York.

Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley Lowlands £595

And here they are on me. Very difficult to photograph but believe me when I say that these are in a different league (as they should be for this price....) This is over my skinny jeans - the same bulky jeans that you can really see under the other boots but that somehow disappear under these. They are truly miracle boots. SOD IT.

Were I to buy them, the dilemma is would I go for the classic black or the Loden. (khaki to you and me, which they don't sell at Russell & Bromley any more)

Stuart Weitzman Lowlands in Loden £650

I know. I know I know I know what you're going to say - buy the boots.

I just might. Tomorrow I'm off to Ikea, a desk shopping (again - one down two to go) and am beyond tempted to go via R&B on the way back. Should I???

So here we are today - I hadn't planned on wearing this all day but err, well... I sort of did. Went for super long dog walk with one of my best friends and then more homework. (seriously, can you see my halo shining from here?)

White linen tee - Max Studio
Bat sweatshirt with leather shoulders - Zoe Karssen
Charcoal harems - Toast
Charcoal Dakota flatforms - Seven Boot Lane
Black Harker hands free bag - Anya Hindmarch

Lordy I was comfy. Tomorrow, off out for the day with a friend (sharing the Ikea misery - actually it's my guilty pleasure if I'm honest....), football and beavers after school and then girls round for drinks and nibbles in the evening. I had planned on being creative with the nibbles. I fear that my creativity may lie in the hands of supermarket packets......nachostastic anyone?

It's the code we've all been waiting for.....

Oh hello 25% off at Whistles.... before we start the code is WH25AW15 till the 5th Oct.

I'll fess up - I already caved last week at House of Fraser with their Brand day thingy and bought the navy dress I had my eye on. And wore it today. And how I love it. I adore it and expect to live in it all Winter.

But that didn't stop me heading in today to see what else there was that I would have my eye on and hells bells, where do you stop?

So top of my list would be this grey two piece (well it's not really a two piece as you can wear them separately.. ok, it's still a two piece..) Basically it's my excuse to buy both. And I would only do this with the 25% off.

My needing of this wasn't helped by going into Whistles today and finding out it's Limited Edition and only available in two stores and online. Thanks for that Whistles. We all know there's nothing like having "ooh quite like that" converted to "I NEED THAT" with the little addition of "Limited Edition"....

Mohair Knitted Culotte £130 pre discount

With the matching mohair jumper which could so so easily be worn separately. As could the culottes. They'd look just as fab with a black or navy jumper over the top. Or how about a shirt and a blazer.... I think they'd be super versatile and would happily see you through the A/W and into Spring (loose white linen tee and black blazer or biker jacket? Just add Stans) Do you see why I now NEED this? Just which size to buy....

Mohair Blend Funnel Neck Jumper £130 pre discount

Just look how fab this outfit looks.... I am so ordering it.

And whilst we're there it would be rude not to mention the rather divine navy biker jacket pictured above....

Juno Quilted leather biker jacket £350 pre discount

Another blog I have coming up, as I seem to have become obsessed with them, is the loose cardigan. Can one have too many, is the question I will be asking... Obviously No is the correct answer.

Hence I was drawn to this.

Pocket Cardigan in navy £110 before discount. I did try this on today but suffice to say, over a navy jumper dress you couldn't see owt in my photo. If I had a brain I'd be dangerous.

The other thing I did manage try on today which I've been eyeing up, was the Loop Print Shirt Dress. I did love this but I'm just not sure personally how much wear I'll get out of it. The Sales Assistant had it on in the black and it looked great. And it is perfect if you work in a shop or office as it's ideal for those over heated places. It's formal but comfortable at the same time. I'm just struggling to justify how often I'd wear it. But certainly, if I were still in an office, I'd have bought it in a heartbeat. The SA had it on with heeled ankle boots and it looked super cool.

Loop Print Shirt Dress £110 (goes in the machine!)

Now this does come up big. They only had a 12 instore and often I am a 12 in Whistles, but this was massive. It is supposed to be oversized but this was like a tent. Definitely size down.

Coats of course are a great idea to buy with a discount this big and surely, two coats for the price of one would be the genius choice. I love this one. Absolutely adore it. Even though I wouldn't let my children within 10 yards of me wearing this cream side out. Details.

Split Seam Reversible Coat £250 pre 25% off. Not a bad price for a coat at all to begin with to be honest.

They also do it in a double grey version as well...

And the Soft Funnel Cashmere Dress in navy £180 Which I have. I got mine in the large as the arms were too short and the dress was too short in the medium. I like the slightly oversized look to it as opposed to it being shaped. The medium was just too skimpy on someone 5ft10 in my humble opinion. But horses for course and this was the sort of look I wanted. I ADORE it.

And here I am in said dress. Love love love.

Funnel Cashmere dress in navy - Whistles
Zip ankle skinny black jeans - Boden
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Black Mario fringe bag - Jerome Dreyfuss

So last night as I mentioned - tortuous TWO hours doing English homework with the 7yr old, god love him. Like I said yesterday, totally my fault as I didn't realise he would have so much - or that he was so diligent and would insist on very little help. And it was hard. I'm not complaining (well I am sort of as it was so frustrating I was forced to have a glass of medicinal red) as he wasn't complaining but I've learnt my lesson and will spread it out over the week in future.

The upside of it was, that he said he found English hard but loved Maths and had been moved up a group and could he practise more. Or is he cannier than I give him credit for... "Mum, if I do The Maths Factor, can I use my iPad....?" Hmmm. In fact all very timely as I had an email the other day from The Maths Factor saying they're extending their 30 Day Challenge into the month of October as well.

Now I'm not going to lie - I dropped the ball in September with the boys and their Maths. Which is really stupid as they love doing it and it's an easy win with them as they get to go on their iPads during the week. But we've had all the build up to the 11+ and my focus really has been on the 11yr old. In fact, she didn't start the 30 Day Maths Challenge at all as we were knee deep in Bond and GL assessment papers (if you've never been subjected to the pointless torture that is a Verbal or a Non Verbal test, thank your lucky stars.)

But I've checked with The Maths Factor and the boys, despite having started their 30 Day Challenge and having failed miserably (again my fault) to complete it, can do another one in October. So long as they start it any day in October, they can continue for 30 Days. Ditto with the 11yr old when she gets back from her residential week away (managed to walk past her room this morning without flinging myself on the bed and sobbing. Probably something to do with the 7yr old hollering from downstairs that he thought the puppy was doing a wee on the new rug. I may never have moved faster.)

However the £1 for the first month trial ends on the 30th September, so you have until tomorrow night to sign up. If you have battles with screen time during the week like we do - I cannot tell you what an easy win this is. Plus, the 7yr old (who is an August birthday) and who spent a lot of time on The Maths Factor for the first four weeks of the Summer and last year has already been moved up a set (it took him a long time to get started at school and didn't even know any letters so we've always been on catch up). He's like a sponge and this has been perfect for combining his lust for learning with being able to use his beloved iPad. And I get to feel super smug and go shopping as a reward. What could be better...?

So now that I've managed to convince myself I'm mother of the year, I reckon I deserve a small treat from Whistles.... (do you not just love the justification?!)

Today, other trying on sessions included a couple of items on my wish lists which I'll be bringing you over the next couple of days. Key question is... do I want them more than I want the Whistles two piece? What's top of your Whistles Wish List?

Today, I am mostly...

...looking for a khaki bag.

Now. I still want khaki boots. I still want THE khaki boots. (these if I haven't bored everyone to tears with them...) But I sort of don't want to spend the £650 on them (it may help if I just save and don't buy anything else but that's male logic).

And I'm still trying to work out if I will get the amount of wear out of them that justifies the, not inconsiderable, amount they cost. So I need to get my head around what I will be wearing this A/W. Not helped exactly by the random scorchio weather we're having at the moment.

Of course I'm not complaining - I love not having to wear a jacket but I have to say my woolies are burning a hole in my wardrobe. And since all my boots are standing by on red alert - none of them are needed at the moment - so I'm really really struggling to justify another pair.

Which means that, since I'm feeling exceptionally sorry for myself and have just spent TWO HOURS doing the 7yr old's homework (totally my fault as they've ramped it up this year and last yr his brother, who was in that class, only had about 15 mins worth - this year they've got oodles. Which is good but I didn't realise they had so much... and he insisted on finishing it, god love him. I may have consumed one or three glasses of wine to help me through....)

Plus, missing the 11yr old like crazy and need a tiny pick me up (she would so approve) and so, in the absence of a full on list of things I need for A/W this season, I know that a khaki bag would definitely definitely make sense.

I also know that I don't want to spend a lot of money on this one. Maybe a slightly larger one would help - in case Santa brings a small red bag..... with a G on the front.... a girl can dream... So a slouchy number to go with oversize knits and chunky boots. This seems like a fabulous idea, doesn't it?

So let the research begin.

This one reminds me of my Campomaggi bag - love the slouchy utility edge to it.

Pieces Leather Khaki Utility Style Handheld £105

Diving in with the fringing. If you don't have a fringed bag, you can eat humble pie like me and embrace a khaki number. Personally I have my black one and I think that's enough fringing for one season (famous last words...) but if I didn't have, these in leather are a really good price. And I love the suede.

Pieces Suede Drawstring Fringed Bag £48

More fringing in leather again at ASOS and another gorgeous shade of khaki.

ASOS Suede Fringed Bag in leather £38

And another leather bargain from ASOS

ASOS Suede Fringed Folded Crossover Body Bag £28

Leather versions now, which do seem to be more expensive than suede. Absolutely love this with navy. See how versatile it is?

Leather Westbourne Duffle Bag from M&S £99

And some other leather ones from Marc by Marc Jacobs (someone did mention that they were discontinuing this brand but there does seem to be a whole host of new bags out this season)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sophisticato cross body bag £180

Now this is super strange but I am randomly drawn to it...

Marc by Marc Jacobs Serpentine reversible leather can bag £355

If however money were no object then I adore this 3.1 Phillip Lim satchel. This would work for work, at the weekend worn cross body style with harems and a leather jacket.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli medium satchel £700

However now from the faintly ridiculous to something far more sublimely priced - at Oasis. No it's not leather but it's a gorgeous little bag for the money. The perfect Autumn treat.

Marley X Body bag (although they seem to call it the Susie Lock Bag - I'm not really sure what the accurate name is but it's lovely whatever its name) £22

But I've saved my favourite till last and the cynic in me says that this can't be gorgeous for only £55 - a huge suede and leather bag of this size? I love the shape, I adore the fact it's completely unique and isn't a tribute to any other designer bag out there. (well at least not one that I know of...feel free to inform me otherwise)

ASOS Leather and suede slouch hobo style bag £55

So I am sure I need one of these (you could fit the kitchen sink into the last one....) - is anyone else in the market for a new bag this season and if so, what's on your wishlist?

I am now off to watch Masterchef Australia - the guilty pleasure of the whole family (bar The Husband who thinks we're all nuts) That's the next 6 weeks sorted with regards to family tv viewing. I have though, discovered that they have Parks & Recreaction from Series 1 on Amazon Prime which I have just forked out for, which himself will be over the moon with as he absolutely loves it. And secretly is Ron Swanson minus all the hair.

Quick finish with outfit from yesterday. Occasionally I wear something new (as in a new outfit that isn't new new but is new as in I haven't worn it as an ensemble before) and I LOVE it. Yesterday was that day.

White tee - Max Studio
Grey Lucky Sweatshirt - hush
Charcoal harems - Toast
Grey/black boucle cardigan - Zara
Graphite Virgins - Ash
Black Harker hands free bag - Anya Hindmarch

So tomorrow, I'm off to Bluey - hunting down all things red...... (plus over the knee boots... there will be pics)

I blame Chris De Burgh....

....for me having swerved red for years and years. I've nothing against Chris De Burgh himself but I absolutely loathe his music. I think there might be one song I don't mind (*think*... something about a spaceman?) but as a rule, he's up there with Chris Rhea for making my ears bleed.

Ok to be fair, it's not entirely Chris's fault (the De B one), I can also hold my hair responsible. For some reason, red just didn't work on me with very dark hair. Years ago (and we are talking many years ago) when I was full on blonde, I loved it. It really seemed to work so much better and I used to wear a fair bit of it.

And with me getting slightly fairer with every hair appointment, I am starting to feel the love for all things red again.

All things being equal (as in none of my children being ill) I am off shopping this week and am determined to try on a whole host of red gems to scratch the itch. I definitely think it's a case of finding the right shade - personally I prefer a more cranberry shade as opposed to a tomato version but I do think it's a question of trying on to see. Especially as I haven't worn any form of red for years.

So I'm starting with a dress as, following on from my post yesterday, I could definitely justify one of these. Now in an ideal world I would be looking for one that could cover a multitude of bases - so yes, I could wear it to a party but could also throw on for a lunch with flat boots (which I don't own - I may also be having a squizz at the over the knee boots this week.)

This I have to say I threw in at the beginning when I was thinking more party dress. It's a gorgeous dress - I'm just not sure it's the right shade for me.

ASOS 70s Deep Plunge Belted Midi Dress £45

This is more the colour that I have in mind. Dare I say it might be a tad plain? Having said that I do love the gathering on the cuffs.

Maje Realiste crepe dress £185

We then move onto all things drape. This I love, but for me, I think it's slightly too lightweight for what I'm looking for.. to be fair this does happen to be a changing brief as the search goes on.

Drape Front Tunic Dress from Topshop £40

Now I am definitely in the market for sleeves but I absolutely adore this dress. Although again, I think too tomato for my colouring. What a stunning dress for the money though.
ASOS WEDDING Wrap drape midi dress £55

Call off the dogs. This is sublime. Love the colour - it's almost a brick red. I also love the very long sleeves which would hopefully mean they'd be a normal length on little old jolly green giant me. Have to see I'm every so slightly meh about the creasing on the hem though....

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Dress £300

Although I think this one is probably better value.. I'm not sure if it's the one I had on yesterday..... hmm I've just checked, yes it's exactly the same as the one that I posted from Very Exclusive but that one was £305. WHOA! Go Selfridges then.... I fear this on me would be that hideously frumpy bumpy just on the knee length. But it looks like the perfect shade of red.

Anglomania Taxa Stretch Dress £250

A variation on a theme at FCUK with more ruching and draping. This is very grown up and very sexy which means I couldn't wear it as I am a 5 yr old frumperella in disguise.

Tilly Valentine Wrap Dress from FCUK £65

This one is so off the search criteria (bar the fact it's red) but I do have a big Charity Ball I'm helping to organise for next March and this could be perfect... Also wonderful if you do have a super dressy Christmas party on the cards.
CoutureOne Tosca £120 Also comes in black and purple.

Now so far out of my comfort zone and so totally and utterly un-me I can't tell you but I am insanely drawn to it..

Chi Chi London Aviana dress £75

Back to randomly what I would wear. Cannot recommend these dresses highly enough, even though this one is perhaps verging on wine as opposed to red (which may account for my love for it...)

Embroidered Lace Dress from Self Portrait £260

I absolutely couldn't wear this as I have boobs like pancakes and this would make me look skeletal on the chest but one of my really close friends bought it for a party in September and it looked unbelievable on her. An amazing dress.

Self Portrait Azaelea Dress £240

But I think possibly my favourite is this from See by Chloe.

Washed Silk and twill dress from See by Chloe at The Outnet was £410 now £164

Although I do also like the look of this one from Jaeger but for me - I adore a slightly higher neckline. However I'd actually wear these during the day and I think I'd get more wear of the Chloe one. Alas of course it doesn't go in the machine. This Jaeger one does though... I am hoping that it would just a couple of inches shorter on me...(slut alert)

Jaeger Seamed Dress £99

This is very much my favourite shape for a versatile dress that I'll get loads of wear out of. I'm not sure this is the right shade of red but I love the shape.

Northern Jersey Jumper Dress from FCUK £70

The best colour though and the best all round versatile shape is perhaps this one from Boden. And there is currently 25% off everything at Boden (bar the Icons and clearance)

Abigail Jacquard Tunic Dress were £79 now £59.25 How great do the boots look with it?!

So.. have I lost my tiny mind? I have to say I simply can't stop thinking about the Chloe one. To be honest, the only thing that's stopping me is the fact I would no doubt trash the silk part of it with one drink and it doesn't go into the machine. It would genuinely lie at the bottom of my washing basket for the entire season. I am a completely lazy cow when it comes to dry cleaning anything (although they have just started taking dry cleaning at Waitrose which may well revolutionise my life... although I still begrudge paying. Tight cow alert now)

I just think that a red dress will be so completely different to anything I have. I can feel a trying on session coming on.

Lovely lovely weekend although today, had to wave off my (not really a baby but my first baby) 11 yr old on her first ever week away. On a residential trip to North Wales with the school. I may have shed a tear (god bless her, she was sobbing this morning, not helped by The Husband telling her she'll have to be fine as we're not driving the 8hrs to pick her up. He thought he was being encouraging.... Men.)

7yr old is still not 100% so we managed to swerve the rugby today - sod's law as the weather was gorgeous and it would have been a lovely day down at the club. Managed to drag him out late this afternoon with his brother for a walk with the dog though which he coped with and so is definitely going back to school tomorrow.

Outfit from yesterday - and yes, there's red. Red and khaki...... I may be totally sold on this combination.

White tee - Eileen Fisher
Lobster Sweatshirt - Leon & Harper
Boyfriend off white jeans - All Saints
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe

Tomorrow morning will be very strange minus a child. I am feeling a khaki and red obsession coming on. You have been warned.

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When something doesn't quite work out.

It's the code we've all been waiting for.....

Today, I am mostly...

I blame Chris De Burgh....