Instant lifts for Autumn

So I'm not sure if any of you saw on Instagram the other day, I posted a pic of an outfit that I loathed.  Each item on their own I didn't mind, but put together as an outfit, I couldn't stand it.  Just felt wrong diddly and not the sort of look I wanted at all.  Which sounded bonkers but when I saw this quote from Caitlyn Moran - I thought - Nail. Head. 

It's a really tricky time of year to dress to be fair - not yet time to crack out all the heavy jumpers and coats but the thought of a little dress makes us all weep at the unfairness of the Summer we didn't have.

Perfect timing therefore, when Boden asked would I like to review a couple of things from their Autumn range.  Ideal opportunity to add a couple of new pieces in to my existing wardrobe to revive old favourite outfits and give them a new lease of life. 

They don't have their full Winter range in yet, so most of what they have is ideal for these trickier in betweeny months (which, to be fair, do take up a large proportion of our year..... hell thinking about it we mostly need these sorts of clothes)

Starting with an oversized shirt.  Now yes, I have been looking for one of these in a smarter vein but for an every day outfit - over pleather, leather leggings or coated jeans, this would work wonders.  Throw on a blazer, sneakers, ballet pumps, loafers or ankle boots and you're off.   Instant new Autumn look. 

Or how about all those old skinny jeans I have languishing in my wardrobe.  That genuinely I would love to wear with a little tee and aforementioned blazer but gravity's a bitch (not helped by zero gym action) and whilst I can still do my skinnies up, there is a little more love action going on over the top of the waistband than there was last year.  A boyfriend shirt would be so much more forgiving until I get round to some exercise.  Instant wardrobe refresher (with less sweat involved than a kettlercise class)

The Boyfriend Shirt £59  I also have some grey wide leg trousers that I haven't yet worn, which would be ideal with this (inspiration taken from below picture of course)



I am also loving the pink version.  With grey... with white, with black, with denim.  Just gorgeous and that little bit unusual.



And to go with these, I would choose the High Rise Super Skinny Jeans in the coated black £69 - I've mentioned them before and I can't wait to try them.  I had my black ankle zip Boden skinnies on yesterday and about four friends asked me where they're from.  Amazingly comfortable, great fit and I have just as high hopes for these.  It might be the term "high rise" that is leading to the "high hopes".  The fact I will be able to tuck my muffin in, makes me very happy.




On my list would also be the Porridge version.  I'll be frank - the name doesn't do it for me but I am one of those odd bods who doesn't like porridge.  And I'll even I'll admit that "very weak milky tea" doesn't sound as good as porridge. 

The colour does what it says on the tin and these look like the perfect shade for Autumn/Winter.  Ideal to go with beige, camel, tan, cream and winter white to start with and the perfect combo for khaki, black, navy or charcoal.  I can see myself living in an oversized jumper of any of the above colours, these and a pair of chunky biker boots in the Autumn.  Bring it on.




And how could I have neglected to remember their ankle boots when I was looking for a pair earlier in the week.  Call off the dogs.  These are perfect for the Autumn and the Winter.  Ideal with leather leggings, coated jeans, leather skirts of any length and black dresses. 

Alexis High Heel Boot in snow leopard £149 Now I know there will be people who won't these are every day wearable but to many others - 8.5 cm heel is perfectly acceptable for clattering around in (is it only me who clatters??)  These are definitely Public Transport doable.  



Or I have to say I am rather taken with the grey suede version... (they also do them in black...)



I may have mentioned that I'm a fan of the crew neck jumper and these in any of the colours would be make a great addition to anyone's Autumn Wardrobe, giving it a new lease of life.  (check out the beetroot shade)

For me though - ever the adventurous, it would have to be the Favourite Relaxed Crew Neck in grey melange. £49  I think this looks more like a beigey grey, ideal with all your neutral shades, especially love this with khaki.



On my wishlist is also the perfect Autumn cover up.  I remember this from the Press Day back in the Spring and it was amazing.  Gorgeous feel to it, ideal shape and perfect colours.

Helena Cape £99




Alternatively love this scarf - perfect lift to a black or grey jacket.  Or tan... 

Printed Scarf in grey corgi (little orange corgis with pink crowns - genius!) £25



Or if blues are more your shade, this is fantastic - the Britannia Scarf with a map of Britain on it.  I love the shade - it's not a navy, more of a denim blue.  Ideal with a navy blazer or coat.

Brittania Scarf in blue £39



I'm not sure which bits they're going to send for me to try, but I'll be reporting back with pics as soon as they come through *prays to the postman it's the boots and that he turns up first thing in the morning....* And maybe with the porridge trousers and a cream shirt I'm sure I can find hanging around somewhere in my wardrobe and a black blazer.. could my outfit for tomorrow be sorted?

I also can't WAIT to see their new Icons range which is launched on September 22nd.  Honestly, it is amazing and you will want all of it.  It's all limited edition but fear not, I will let you know the best pieces as soon as it's launched.  There is a specific military midi skirt (if I recall rightly, it was called the Brigadier) that has my name All Over It.

As an added bonus - there's 20% off today till midnight (Wednesday), 15% off from tomorrow....

In the meantime - outfit from today.  Not the most exciting but I love it.  Top would be perfect with the porridge skinnies above (the name is growing on me by the minute) 



Tobacco thin knit top - Zadig & Voltaire
Paint splattered khakis - Zara
Ponyskin mules - Anthropologie
Tan belt - Primark
Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch 

Still not decided on an outfit tomorrow and it now looks like it's going to be warm.... can I be bothered to "do" the legs? (that'll be a no, I'm telling you now....!)