Finding a genuine gap in your wardrobe

I'll fess up - I can't genuinely say this often.  But there is an item of clothing that I love and that I don't have in my wardrobe.  I used to - I did have a cream long Joseph number that unfortunately over the years, the moths and just old age got to and it fell apart (well - it had lots of holes in it - you know those random holes that knitwear sometimes get?  And it became less "cream" and more just "looks filthy all the time regardless of how much you wash it and don't mention the bobbles" naff)  

I used to wear it loads.  In fact this week, I've realised just how much I miss a sleeveless coat/cardigan.  Call it what you like but for this time of year, these are perfect.  

Ok so admittedly not today.  Today there was nothing for it but a full on raincoat.  Biblical rain and wind that not even a brolly could cope with.  It was purely a case of button up and try and stay as dry as you can.  

However on the majority of Autumnal days, I am going to be boldly optimistic and say it's not that bad.... 

And a sleeveless coaty thing (call it what you will - in my research I have found it referred to as a waistcoat, sleeveless jacket/coat, gilet and vest.  It has not been easy my friends) can really come into its own.  Tis not full on coat weather just yet but you want something a bit different to your run of usual jackets and cardigans. 

This can ring the changes perfectly in your wardrobe.  For me, the ideal is a wool one but there are also proper sleeveless coat versions.  They look amazing over shirts - can easily be worn to work, ideal with all sorts of trousers, culottes and skirts.  Throw on over a fine jumper or a chunkier jumper when the weather turns a bit colder. 

Layer over a jacket for a different look - I love the idea of one of these over a leather jacket... 

All sorts of collars are on offer, from collarless to round collar, some have a lapel and some are more unstructured with a drapey edge.  The choice is endless, as is the colour selection. 

For me, I would be in the market for a black one as I love my boiled wool Ronit Zilkah drape front coat so much (it must be 7 yrs old now and yes has one or two holes that I am definitely getting fixed as I've never found anything that comes close to replacing it), a sleeveless version would be simply ideal until it's cool enough to drag it out (and to be honest, those cooler days can just stay away for a while, pretty please) 

Starting though with another colour that I am so drawn to this season - a paler shade of grey.  Love the simplicity of this one.  For me, these do work best pared back with little adornment and detailing.  Having said that, a pocket is a must.  Love this one. 

ASOS WHITE Sleeveless Waistcoat in wool £75

This one is a close second from M&S - Open Front Sleeveless Cardigan with Cashmere from Autograph £49.50  In fact, it's not even second - I love the collar more so this one goes straight to the top of the pile. 



A similar version but slightly cheaper, also at M&S.
Grey sleeveless open front ribbed cardigan from M&S £35



More of a coat look to it but a great price at New Look.

New Look Premium Sleeveless Coat £39.99



Similar in a coat style at River Island. 

Light grey sleeveless coat £85




But for me - I think a black one just edges ahead of the grey.  Desperately trying to find the 20% off card that came in the post the other day from TWC.  Can I find it?  Can I heck as like. 

Sleeveless Wool Jacket from The White Company £149



Black again in a lighter weight blazer fabric at French Connection. 

Deco Dream Sleeveless Coat was £150 now £60


More black at Dorothy Perkins - woven sleeveless jacket £28


Helene Berman with one button closure was £189 now £95



They also have the above in a camel £95...



More camel options - well, they call it sand, at Zalando from the brand Opus - £60



Which they also do in a raven grey.



More structured at  Navy at Me+Em and in the sale - Sleeveless Waistcoat was £168 now £75




And navy again at Laura Ashley with a grey lining £60



I did definitely try a boiled wool navy one on somewhere last Thursday at Bluewater.  I cannot for the life of me remember where... I'll come back to you on that one. 

And something a little different - a wine version of the Dorothy Perkins one. 

Wine Woven Sleeveless Jacket £28


However my favourite would be the black boiled wool gilet from Eileen Fisher.  Absolutely love this and it's something you'd have in your wardrobe for years. 

Black Boiled Wool Gilet £320




Have I sold you on the sleeveless coaty thing option?  Huge scarf, ankle boots, I so so so need one of these in my life......

Ok so the weather was hideous today.  Every time I left the house it honestly bucketed it down.  No option other than the Ilse Jacobsen raincoat.  But underneath that I wore.....(with an AWFUL photo from the 7yr old who can't for the life of himself stand still whilst papping)




Grey Clem Jumper - Needle 
Charcoal Baxter jeans - Topshop
Graphite Virgin hi tops - Ash

Tomorrow I'm off to London to see the new hush pop up shop In Fulham which I am very much looking forward to reporting back on. (and boy am I praying it stops raining.....)