And life goes on.

Firstly, apologies for having not been around since Tuesday.  I wasn't going to post on Wednesday as I was going to Bicester and was out in the evening but had planned to work on Thursday.  

Alas, on Thursday late afternoon, I received the news that my mum had suddenly passed away.  A complete shock and we're still waiting to find out what happened but we did learn that she had a heart condition she didn't want the family to know about.  She was also starting to become forgetful, repeating things in conversation and forgetting birthdays which she never never ever ever did. 

It was very sudden and still seems surreal but I'm taking comfort in knowing that she didn't suffer and it was, by all accounts, quick.  She would have absolutely hated being ill for a long period of time and was always terrified of the onslaught of dementia as she watched her mother suffer and deteriorate with the disease for years.  So I'm counting our blessings, even if I wish I had got to say goodbye.  We may not have always seen eye to eye and by god she irritated me at times but I was not the perfect daughter, of that I'm sure and she did, under her often brusque exterior, have a complete heart of gold and was exceptionally dear to me. 

At least now, I get to speak to her every day and so far, she's not disagreed with me at all...!  She even helped find me a parking space earlier on so thank you Mum, I love you and I miss you. 

However life does go on - yesterday I carried on with an all day film shoot for a project with Lexus I was invited to work on and it was the best thing to be busy and occupied.  With people I don't really know as well.  I'm not great with public displays of affection at the best of times and people I know and love being nice to me, I've learnt, is likely to set me off. 

And today, I've been to the park with the dog, taken the boys to football, had coffee with my best friend and had a good old cry. 

So with an hour to spare before Mass, I thought I'd finish the post I did start earlier in the week, meant for Thursday, whilst I was in the mood (although please do excuse any typos as my brain has turned slightly to mush).

This week I discovered the perfect quick fix for an old out out outfit.  That outfit you've relied on for years but have maybe worn once too often and it really needs a bit of a lift?

All hail the skinny scarf.  I know I'm ridiculously late to this - as per usual, it takes me longer than your average 26yr old to embrace all things new and up to date - but at last, I've decided this is The thing for us to wear this season. 

It was this picture that I found somewhere that made me think - oh yesh.  Oh yesh oh yesh oh yesh.  I'm loving a bit of androgyny this season and seeing as Helena Christiansen and I am practically one and the same (snort), I thought this would be an ideal addition to my wardrobe.

I have a cream silk scarf (I think...) and this with wide leg cropped trousers and a blazer, or even better, leather leggings or coated skinnies and stilettos will just be the perfect out out up to date for thruppence ha'penny option.

Love the grey underside to this scarf.  For £3. That's about as much as a coffee (unless you get yours free in Waitrose like me or have a Nespresso...*punches air*. Top tip - Ristretto Espresso pods from Lidl.  £1.79 for 10).

Pieces Riola Skinny Scarf in two tone was £8 now £3



There are also print versions as well which would really lift a plain black outfit.  Or how about ringing the changes during the day with a white shirt (tee in the Spring) with a blazer and jeans.  A more on trend version of a preppy look for a bargain price (did I mention I might be thinking about Spring).

Pieces Spot Skinny Scarf was £8 now £4




Red spots at Topshop £12.00



This one is an amazing lift for a plain outfit if you don't want to go all out Christmas sparkle.  A nod to the theme with a scarf is an exceptionally easy and cost effective way to add sequins.

ASOS Skinny sequin scarf was £12.00 now £4.50



Similar at Topshop but with a more subtle velvet background. 

Velvet Skinny Sequin Scarf £12



Plain black sequins at New Look £5.99 (have to say I'm not loving it with just the cami... It looks less night out and more that she couldn't be bothered to get changed out of her nightie.)




A similar option at M&S in their jewellery section.  This is a scarf/necklace thingy.  Isn't one or the other but would work in place of either - tis a scarf necklace by all accounts.  And all jewellery at M&S is buy one get one half price. 

Skinny bugle scarf necklace in blue mix £12.50



Very similar but in silver tones, is the Chevron Skinny Scarf from Per Una at M&S £18 which also comes under the same jewellery offer. 




But personally I went for plain black.  Mine is completely plain but with I have to say I'm now hankering after one with fringing.

Monki Skinny Scarf £10




This is the one I went for from Topshop. 

Super skinny scarf £10



Similar at M&S and fabulous if you can find some gifts to make up the offer with.

Skinny Scarf from M&S £12.50 (now on offer on 3 for 2)




Also available in a rust again on offer £12.50.


So in the end, I went with a sheer sleeved top I picked up months ago from Zara and hadn't worn (I wasn't sure about it and still am not really sure but I didn't have time to iron a blouse as I had 10 mins turn around time after Bicester).

Photo from Wednesday night. (to say I'm not looking quite so good at the moment.  Eyes like pee holes in the snow would be a slight understatement)



Black top with sheer sleeves - Zara
Black coated jeans - New Look 
Black scarf - Topshop
Black shoe boots - M&S 
Black clutch bag - Coccinelle 

I am going to carry on posting as often as I can as the best distraction I have at the moment is thinking about anything but mum.  Allowing myself time to grieve as well but at the minute, I'm just taking each day at a time. 

Thank you to everyone who has commented over on Instagram and Twitter.  Hugely overwhelmed at the support and beyond grateful.  Thank you xx