Panic stations

Clearly I'm massively over exaggerating here.

It's party time.  And it's sort of sprung up on me, having been in the distance forever, I have a big party to go to this weekend.  One of my closest friend's 40th's.  And I clearly have nothing to wear (over exaggeration number two).

Does anyone else do this - that in your head you think you know what you're going to wear.. but the nearer it gets, the more you think - meh, that's not going to work.  You see the thought of wearing sequins in September or October, isn't appealing.  

But get Halloween and Bonfire Night out of the way and suddenly.. I.  Need.  Bling. 

I need to get my Christmas gig on.  And I need sparkle.  Full on sequins have to be the name of the game. 

Interestingly I haven't bought anything sequinesque for a couple of years and that's because I've been relying on bling from years gone by.  So as much as they do have a pretty short life span within the year - their shelf life has much greater longevity. 

Imagine, therefore my glee when this morning, what pops up in my inbox, but an email from French Connection with 20% off with Grazia.  There had been a Coast one at the weekend with 25% off that I missed but to be honest, I think I'm more likely to find something in FCUK anyway.

One thing I would say - I do remember last time is that it wasn't the quickest delivery so I think I may pay for next day.  Actually I've just looked and they do free store delivery which is the best of both worlds for me as you can try it on and just return (usually all of it) straight away.  Instead of it languishing in either the boot of the car or my wardrobe all packaged up to send back - only to miss the return date.  Only me?

So what's on my wish list? (oh please please let there be the sequin trousers from last year that I SO wish I'd bought and didn't....edited to add - there aren't.  SOB.  Blog quest for tomorrow therefore.) 

First thing up - the sequin skirt.

Cosmic Bean Sequin skirt £125  Forget the shoes.  The shoes ming for a winter outfit (in my humble opinion...).  Plus the chances of me having bare legs at this time of year are so non existent, there is more chance of seeing Elvis on the high street tomorrow.  I'm not sure if it's a tad too disco for me...  I was thinking about a black top.. or even navy... opaques and ankle boots?  Although I do like the contrast of the bare skin so maybe long sleeves and nude tights?

A pencil skirt.... hmmmm.  Lunar Sparkle Sequin Pencil Skirt £110  I love these on other people.  This may be a tad too far out of my comfort zone.



Dare I say this one is slightly less in your face?  Still got the bling factor but again could be dressed down with a white tee and a blazer, pair of sneakers for a Summer lunch...You know how much I love something that can be worn all year round.  This is much more "me" (and it's cheaper... which is a winner for as start).

Diamond Rock Embellished Skirt £95  Black jumper or top, opaques and black heels - this would be perfect for a night out for any Christmas occasion.  I'd also team with black opaques, polo neck and ballet flats for a family Christmas do  (or maybe I'd team mine with my Toga Pullas actually...)




Orrrrrr I'm wondering about this - Hula Fringe Faux Suede Skirt...£85.  I would actually also wear this during the day with a black polo neck and flat boots.  I'm just thinking out loud and wondering whether with a plain shirt it might be too much with my fringed boots... The logical, sensible part of my head is screaming "Dear Lord woman - what have you been drinking on a Monday?", but there is a teensy part of me thinks - "maybe..... v plain top....?" This is a very small part - which I'm squashing with every word I type.  No I think definitely plain boots are needed.  My very old Sam Edelman leather and suede ones would be great in fact.  (or maybe I should just "try" the boots...??!)




I have to say though, I am loving the top.  Maybe not with a skirt this short - that is way too much flesh on show (arms and legs) for me at this time of the year (or ever).  But for sure with a midi leather skirt or peg leg leather trousers.  

Polly Plains Roll Neck Top £30  This actually comes in seven different colours.  I'll eat my hat if you can't find one there that works for you.  For it, it would always be black.  Less chance of showing up the fake tan (that would need to be liberally applied).




Effort in the fake tan area, again is needed with this one.  However it ticks the boxes in so many other areas - will skim perfectly over the spare tyre and no need to breathe in all night.  Ideal for over super skinnies.  And it's high at the back so you won't need to worry about the tricky "ask The Husband or bribe a child to tan your back" issue.  Slight downside for some is that strapless bra would be the name of the game.

Downtown Crepe Asymmetric top £85




However I may have found the perfect top for out nights out.  Muffin hiding, no need for an iota of fake tan and a great price.  I am ridiculously excited typing this (heck I need to get out more) but this is just so sublime.  I have had it on the blog before - the last time FCUK had a 20% off offer with Stylist mag a month or so ago - but now, they have it in a black version. 

The midnight, off white and red I had on before are lovely but the black (new in) for is the winner, hands down.  I think I will LIVE in this all Winter.  

Lou Lou Satin Sweater £55 (pre discount like all the prices)



Of course the other option would be to buy a super sparkly top that will elevate black coated skinnies, leather leggings or just plain old jeans into a full on party outfit.  Just add stilettos.

This is worth considering - all the more with the 20% off. 

Arctic Spell Feather Top £110




So I'm on a roll now.  Problem is, I may be ending up with too much choice.  I think I probably need to order some goodies to try on and see what works best.  Certainly I'm not planning on buying a whole outfit and would very much like to add something into my wardrobe that works with what I already have.  And that I can get a lot of wear out of. 

I have been rather waylaid by the gleam of 20% off (code is PARTY20 by the way - I'm not sure how long it goes on for as Grazia isn't even out till tomorrow but it's usually a week) at FCUK and so need to explore other options too.

Definitely going to be looking more into tops - those of the sequin variety I'm thinking (I can't believe I don't have one).... and trousers.  Bring on the party pants. 

Speaking of parties - outfit from Saturday night, out at a dinner party.  Love this skirt and top but I'm not sure it's PARTY enough for a big 40th with DJ....  I am going to try wearing skirt with my Angelica work boots for during the day though.