Panic Stations....

... warning - this isn't in the truest sense of the word - I can't imagine The Husband thinking this is even worth expending two seconds of brain time on but I know that there will be others out there who completely agree - panic is the right word to use. 

I can't believe it's slipped my mind but this Friday is our Big Lunch Out.   That I do with the girls a couple of times a year - always to coincide with a birthday.  This time we're off to the new Ivy on the Kings Road (and then obviously will end up with a Burger King on the Lightweight Express....)

What am I going to wear?  SEE - proper panic setting in..... 

So I can clearly go down a couple of routes and first up, we're going down the coated jeggings or leather leggings route. 

And yes, my absolute treat of the season arrived today - leather leggings from hush.  Completely couldn't resist (and now that I've learnt you can wash them in a machine and a tumble dryer). They are every bit as totally fabulous as they look in the catalogue and I can't WAIT to wear them.  But I need a top. 

Yes, they are "leggings" but they (genuinely otherwise they'd be going STRAIGHT back) are super flattering.  And I'm thinking about bucking the trend and going for smart knitwear.  Is there such a thing?  Hell yes.  My fave lunch outfit last year was my black Whistles skirt with my Jigsaw silk mix (to be honest, I thought it was wool...) fitted polo neck. 

Now clearly, I shall NOT be doing a fitted polo neck with leggings.  Dear lord, feel vaguely sick at the thought.... However something that covers the bum and the crotch area (I live in perennial fear of a camel toe on display and there's nothing that sails closer to a camel toe than leggings.....)

I'm talking semi fitted, slightly loose, "not really sure what I mean but I'll know when I see it", knitwear...

Now as bonkers as this sounds, putting all this energy into ONE outfit - there is method in my madness.  It's a great opportunity to have a look at what I already have and identify any gaps that need filling.  As, whilst I'm looking for a special outfit, it really does mean I'll end up with an outfit that I can wear again and again and pull out of the bag for so many other occasions in the Autumn. 

So starting with something from Jigsaw - sleeveless.... I'm not sure but I think it might be worth a look.  And love the idea of pale blue and black.  Would also be perfect for over jeans as well.

Rib Sleeveless Sweater from Jigsaw £79

Or maybe a longsleeved version may be better....?

Skinny V neck sweater from Jigsaw £98



A very similar number from Mango - personally though, having done the entire gambit of the polo neck research last year and having opted for a Jigsaw one which was much more than I wanted to spend - it lasted so so so well and was worn so much, I would say if you can justify paying more then it will be worth it.  However I will try and hunt these down on Thursday to compare and contrast.  (and no, nothing like leaving it till the last minute..!) 

Ribbed Sweater from Mango £19.99




Another jumper that's longer at the front and back but would look great with a cami underneath - I think I'd go for a white or a silvery grey.... 

Silk Tencel split sweater £110





Adore the boho vibe to this.

Sheer Mohair Sweater from Jigsaw £79 - I have to say though, I do look at this and start itching immediately. 



Also love it in the pale grey also £79 although I think the vest is too clunky and a lighter cami would be better underneath *starts cami research immediately* 



Absolutely adore this sweatshirt from Jigsaw (as you can see, I started at Jigsaw and found so much I didn't get to move on for ages) but it's navy... I really would prefer it in black or charcoal but I LOVE it with the charcoal poloneck underneath.  I am aware I would boil alive in a restaurant in this combo mind....

Long sweatshirt £79 in navy





Another that would benefit from a cami or vest underneath - LOVE this one - adore the slightly furriness of it.  With black ankle boots or stiletto sandals for the late Summer...

Stripe Pattern Sweater from Mango £39.99




I may have got slightly swept up in the knitwear from All Saints.  Who now do free delivery and free returns by the way.... just saying..... (they've always done free delivery but returns were always costly and a pain in the behind) 

This may be slightly too wintery for this month but I LOVE it and boy would it look amazing over leather skinnies.... Officially in awe of both of them.

Benton Cape from All Saints in mist marl £118



Actually I love both of them.  I would LIVE in these.

And in the Cinder marl £118



Or how about slightly more fitted...jayz I love this too.  I think it would be amazing over leggings and skinny jeans or a slim fitting skirt.... ooh dare I say a flat fronted A line leather mini skirt?  Perfect for lunch or out for dinner. 

Tilda Jumper from All Saints £88 in Cinder Marl



Or again they do this in a Mist Marl £88



Or the dress version in the sage marl... I wonder if this might be too long to wear over leggings?  It's a different look for sure - I think I'll go for the top version.  

Tilda Dress in Sage Marl £108




And whilst we're here, camis.... a couple I've found. 

Flowy top from Mango £19.99 For the record - I shall NOT be wearing these with a leather mini skirt on its own..



Love the idea of this off white one with the black straps.... 



Strappy linen top from Mango £14.99