Black in my comfort zone

Please no one shout.  My head hurts.  A lot.  Completely overindulged yesterday at lunch with a group of lovely marketing bods at Shoreditch House and am feeling exceptionally sorry for myself.  Had a lovely day which unfortunately didn't include shopping as I may have got carried away at lunch, finishing on espresso martinis.  And then thinking it was a good idea to carry on drinking at a bar round the corner.  The lovely husband came to join us and managed to escort me home (thank the lord otherwise I'm not sure I would have made it on my own).

It did seem like a good idea at the time and was probably what I needed to blow some of the cobwebs away.  Will hopefully be able to go up to London next week and meet him for a couple of hours for lunch and a mooch round Selfridges. 

In the meantime, we've confirmed the date for the funeral which is 29th December. Now I know people have said not to buy a new dress but I really think (probably v incorrectly..) that I would wear a dress again and with an email earlier from All Saints about their sale starting today, it would have been rude not to have a look at what black dresses they have on offer. 

Plus, we still have New Year to think of and I've decided to have a party for my birthday in January (although have to have the party in Feb) and so what better excuse was there earlier today to lie in bed feeling sorry for myself and doing a little bit of virtual shopping.  I don't think you can ever have too many black dresses and finding the perfect ones are much harder than it should be.  

Of course I *could* have wrapped some presents.  Yeah, that didn't really happen.  Also slightly concerned about putting them under the tree seeing as the dog seems to think anything on or near the tree is a snack.  Not entirely sure how well presents will fare...?

Onwards though with some of the gems I've found at All Saints and elsewhere.

Ame Dress from All Saints was £148 now £103



Another wrap over style - there's a theme here... and I know I know I wasn't going to do navy and black.  But... I think because this is obviously navy and black together as opposed to a navy dress and a black coat, it works?  Clear as mud?

Roder Dress was £138 now £96



More overlap at JCrew and they have 30% off lots of most items with the code OURTREAT.

Overlapped long sleeve shift dress £148 pre discount




SImilar but in all black at M&S.  This is the ideal LBD to wear to work, at the weekend with a chunky knit and biker boots or out in the evening with heels. 

Front Pleat Drape Shift Dress from M&S £39.50 available in three lengths



Round neck swing & flare dress from M&S £19.50



Flared hem now with a drop waist shift dress at Banana Republic £75



Round neck again and this one I fear may need a good pair of sucky in big pants (clearly not the official name) to go with it.  But it's an absolutely stunning shape at the top, the fabric feels a lot more expansive than the price belies.

Gathered neck shift dress from Autograph £65




Midi at Atterley Road - Claudia Midi Dress £65


Zip detail at Finery now. 

Irwell Zip Detail Jersey Dress from Finery £55 This is probably slightly too way out there for a funeral but as a versatile dress which can take you from work to dinner, this is a winner.



V neck now at All Saints and unfortunately not in the sale this time.

Tame Dress from All Saints £118



Faux wrap in a super versatile dress from Banana Republic.  Great price for a classic LBD. 

Faux-wrap Dress £69.50 available in regular and tall.



The original at DVF.  A v neck back as well so slightly different from the BR one (although I'm not going to lie.. I think I may prefer the immensely cheaper version).

Bentley Short Dress from DVF £242


Proper wrap at LK Bennett where some of their sale has started. 

Callie Wrap Dress was £325 now £225


V neck again in the form of a shirt dress.  This wouldn't work for me as a loose fabric belted like this does me no favours whatsoever.  But it's a gorgeous dress if you have more shape than me. 

Crepe Shirtdress from Banana Republic £65 in regular, petite and tall.



Polo neck now - this isn't going to work for everyone but I love this style.  Yes it's veering towards the more casual but I think with a smart coat this would definitely work for a funeral or work (sorry to lump them together..)  I'm not thinking it's doing Twiggy any favours if I'm honest.

Turtle Neck Swing Shift Dress was £45 now £31.50 also available in petite



High necked again at M&S. 

3/4 sleeve frilled cuff bodycon dress £29.50



Finishing with a pic from last night.  Yes I am needing the dresser to hold me up.  It was all rather shabby, I'll admit.  

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Black cashmere jumper - Cashmere Cocoa
Black pleated pleather skirt - Banana Republic
Leopard print ankle boots - M&S

And today, totally totally serves me right but I have been feeling rather melancholy.  However I have been so touched by all the lovely packages, gifts and cards that I have received from people and companies to cheer me up. 

Have let myself have an off day (whilst eating half a stollen.  Ok actually 3/4 of a stollen.), am now settling down with the 11yr old to watch The Apprentice and then The Great Pottery Throw Down from last night.  An early night and then normal service will be resumed tomorrow. 

I have been sent earlier in the week the most amazing boots for every day and so will be back tomorrow with some ideas of how to keep our feet dry and cosy both inside and out of the house.  Hope everyone has a great evening.  

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CONVERSATION

30 comentarios:

  1. Buy a new dress. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't been through this. Getting hammered is how it goes, I think the mind needs nights like that. Hope you feel better tomorrow. Eve

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  2. Yep, buy a new dress. There are lots of the above that I love - WHY can I never either find online or instore at M&S any lovely items like you always have on your blog?! My local store is absolutely bobbins & puts me off ever looking there! X

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    1. If it's any consolation, even our huge one that isn't far away isn't the best.... it's much easier to order online! They never have the right sizes either. And thank you - I'm definitely going to get something new - either a dress or a coat xx

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  3. Buy a new dress Something's got to make you feel better about a horrible day I've read you for a while and spent too much money on your recommendations which have made me feel much better about how I look so sending you much love and thoughts as I know how hard losing your mum is xxx

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    1. Thank you. It sets you apart, doesn't it? It's a unique (unfortunate) club. It's the loneliness that I've been so surprised by. We didn't always get on and she drove me NUTS but the fact that I can't speak to her and won't ever be able to speak to her again is more heartbreaking than I could ever have anticipated.

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  4. Thank you, you lovely lovely lady xxx

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  5. I wore my utterly fabulous, most favourite pair of trousers to my dad's funeral and I never wore them again. I tried as I bloody loved those trousers but I couldn't! I've not even tried to replace them and it has been 6 years now. I suppose we are all different in our approach to losing someone so no-one can predict whether or not you will want to wear your outfit again. My thought are with you x

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    1. Oh love xx Yes it's impossible to predict, isn't it? xx

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  6. I know how you feel. Buy a new dress. xxxx

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    1. There's something new on the agenda for sure xxx thank you xxx

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  7. Buy a new dress but maybe not one you love too much or one that costs a fortune because you may well want to stab it every time you look at it after the funeral.
    Am glad the funeral is before NYE. Now 2015 can officially be the 'shit year you lost your Mum' and 2016 can be 'fresh start and healing and all that malarkey'. I know it's not as cut and dry as that, if only!, but sometimes the new year can be oddly helpful with closure??
    Either way, I hope it's a nice celebration of her life and not too sad. And I agree with all the above, you need crazy wild nights filled with alcohol because it's important to have time where your mind is busy with other stuff but it's also important to force yourself into a drunken emotional wailer and let out some sadness! Big hugs for the melancholy xx

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    1. I have to agree that I'm pleased it's before New Year to be able to start the year afresh. We're going to get a new tree to plant in the garden which I'm really looking forward to. And yes, good point about the dress...!

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  8. I have to agree - buy yourself something lovely to wear. Even if you never wear it again, at least feeling good in what you wear will be something to help you get through the funeral. I also second what Carol said - here in SA we would say 'vasbyt' or hang in there. Just know that I am thinking of you and yours, from so far away.

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  9. Distractions, whatever form they may take, are always a good thing. I imagine your mum was a lot like my own who can irritate and infuriate me like nobody else on the planet. But I would be lost without her - a prospect I've considered many times as she has undergone radiotherapy and other horrible things over the past 10 years, but she is now (relievingly) well so I am not having to contemplate the reality you are facing - there but for the grace of god.
    Sending good vibes at what is clearly a rotten time for you and adding to the multitudes urging you to 'buy the dress'.

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    1. Thanks Marie xxx I have to say, I guess I'm fortunate in that I'm not lost without my mum but I have to say it's a huge gap that I didn't think would be as big - if that makes sense..! I am going dress shopping for sure! xxx

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  10. Buy and do whatever you want Kat. Reading some of your replies has made me feel sad..sending you virtual hugs. Xx

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    1. It's a sad time, of that there is no escaping, but I'm trying to look at the positives. But there is no getting away from the fact that it's a hole that will never be filled. x

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  11. Some gorgeous dresses. I think when something sudden, difficult and sad happens in life you need to keep doing lovely things, like buying a new dress or getting hammered. Treat yourself kindly, and a party sounds sounds a good idea.

    We don't put presents under the tree until Christmas Eve, so they are there in the morning. No dog here but a small person with special needs. Also stops any cheeky prodding and guessing.

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    1. Thank you! Funnily enough, I do remember my 9yr old Aspie at the age of 3 or 4 unwrapping every single present from under the tree!

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  12. Buy a dress, celebrate her life looking fabulous. Hugs, hugs and more hugs. K x

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  13. I bought a new black coat but as a treat after the funeral. the hat, dress and shoes I wore to the funeral I gave away straight after - quite comforting to hear that other people have done the same. Buy yourself a Christmas present from your mum, but not funeral clothes. Some great dresses here BTW!

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    1. That's interesting... I'll think about it, thank you so much for your advice xxxx

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  14. I buried my baby son this time last year. I wore a beautiful dark green Fahri dress that hid my post baby belly . I still wear the dress. It reminds me of him & it makes me happy I was his Mummy. Buy the dress. Do what makes you happy. Nothing else matters. X

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    1. Oh my lord Anna, my heart totally and utterly goes out to you and your family. One of the things I have consoled myself with is that this is what happens. You know that one day you will bury your parents. To have it the other way round is the cruelest twist of fate I think can ever happen. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and enjoy your dress. Thank you again xxxxxxxx

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  15. Buy the dress and buy the coat and drink the martinis. But I have to stop reading the comments. They are making me cry. I do like the idea of buying yourself a present from your mum. Something fabulous that makes you smile when you see it or wear it. Although I don't need much encouraging. But it's a lovely idea. X

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    1. Oh I'm so so so sorry that the comments are upsetting you. And yes, I am definitely going to wear something that she would have been proud of. she would love the idea of me making the most of sending her off xxxxx

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  16. Buy a new dress. And then a new outfit for NYE too. Get hammered. And enjoy and take consolation in your beautiful family. Sending healing best wishes Louy x

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