How to brighten a grey day.

Throw more grey at it. 

And.. proving that I may finally have lost my tiny mind... let's think of Spring. 

I know, I know, shoot me now but yes, I am already thinking forward to next Season. 

Ok so not totally but if we're looking at items to invest in now, if we can also wear them through into the Spring, surely that's a win win and instant justification?  (she says as she's off to Bicester tomorrow and should really have one eye on next season... It's called being sensible... yeah right).

And grey is the perfect colour for now with black, navy and berry shades.  But it also works perfectly with white, camel and khaki into the Spring (to be fair I'd also wear those in the Winter as well - really is a super versatile colour). 

I had been on a mission for a black longline blazer but the obsession with pale grey was re-ignited last week when I went to meet the lovely team at Me+Em and realised how much more versatile it can be than black.  It's randomly much easier to team shades of grey together than it is shades of black - as in I think with black you need lots of different textures to create an interesting outfit but with grey, there are so many colour alternatives from light to dark that work so well together. 

The joy of a longer blazer, I also think, is that they can be preppy with trousers, loafers, chelsea boots and a jumper/shirt combo.  Or much more laid back and verging on city boho (I have just made that utterly rank phrase up... you can all virtually punch me) with a loose tee or jersey shirt, jeans and sneakers.  More on trend (I say that - to be fair, it's probably more mum on the run.  Running away from the kids that is, to lunch with the girls or drinks/dinner with The Husband or just down the road for a minute's peace with a hot cup of coffee that hasn't been microwaved five times) with a cashmere jumper, loose blouse, leather leggings and statement ankle boots.  TA DAH!!  They work on every level. 

I was very lucky to be asked to select a couple of items current season at Me+Em to keep and first off, the blazer was a no brainer.  Wore it literally the day after I got it and will definitely be wearing it again tomorrow to Bicester.

Flannel Longline Blazer £215




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Another flannel version but a more tailored style.
Grey Flannel Blazer £109 from Mint Velvet





Boxy flannel jacket with wool at M&S £59  Absolutely love this shape with wide leg trousers.  Would also be the perfect jacket for culottes.




A darker grey at Boden and again we're more fitted.

Chelsea Jacket £149



Longline at Joseph.  This is a blow the budget option but considering its versatility and what a classic item it is, if you're looking to invest in a jacket/coat, this could definitely be worthwhile.

Joseph Oversize Wool Melange Blazer in Grey £495  If you hadn't noticed, I am all over the looser style at the moment.



Lovely and slouchy but still with a tailored edge at Topshop.  Perfect starter for ten (well, fortysix....) if you're not looking to invest but want to try the look. 

Tall Jersey Boyfriend Jacket £46  Also available in regular.



A flannel like texture at Dorothy Perkins with their brushed Boyfriend Coat (which they do in other colours as well). 

Grey Brushed Boyfriend Coat - was £49 now £39.20








Again at YAS although this one is verging onto slightly more of a coat (as is the one above with hindsight but ideal if you do want it as more of a coat than a jacket.  She says stating more than the obvious.  Sorry...!)

YAS Monday Coat £140



Similar again at Topshop - this time with a zip fastening which does give it a slightly different feel. 

Slim Pocket Coat from Topshop £59



Similar shape but double breasted and more of a texture to the weave at Banana Republic.

Mixed Tweed Double Breasted Coat £180.  This is now definitely intocoat territory but I think the tweed gives it a lighter look than a heavy wool.




Double breasted again at New Look £39.99 (they do this in lots of other lovely colours by the way). 







More of a coatigan version now which would work just as well into the Spring as well, again at Mint Velvet.

Grey Textured Coat from MV £159  I think this would also be the perfect evening jacket/coat cover up.  Those that are more difficult to master than you think.




Collarless now but again with texture and Dorothy Perkins still have up to 30% off everything, finishing tonight, Tuesday.  So a great deal as well.  This is the sort of coat that actually works ridiculously well in the Winter with a scarf.  Or a polo neck.. or I like a collar over it as well.  Pretty much my favourite neckline in summary.


Grey Bonded Collarless Coat from DP was £65 now £45.50




This coatigan is very similar I think, to the 3.1 Phillip Lim military coatigan I have had for 8 years.  Darker grey now but with a camel edging which I think gives it that light touch.

Buttonsafe Wool Blend Overcoat with Cashmere £120 from M&S




Another take on a coatigan but a very different style (and one I may have mentioned I quite like...) and again, easily wearable into the Spring with a pair of jeans, white tee and sneakers.  Or ballet flats. 

Vila Waterfall Coat £80



Double colouring now, like the Me+Em one which I like.  I think it adds to the texture without adding bulk.
ASOS Coat in cocoon fit with panel detail £95





Weekday oversized cocoon coat £90  Simply adore this styling of a paler grey and white.  What further Spring inspiration do you need but this?  Ankle boots and a huge scarf for the Winter.  Am I selling the appeal of these?!




So there we have my homage to grey cover ups which aren't heavy coats and will definitely take you into the Spring as well.  And are perfect for this randomly mild weather we're having this week.  I can't wait to wear mine tomorrow.  Think with black... hmmm or maybe wine.... or even navy actually....

It was navy and black today.  Jumper from Boden from last year.  The now classic Off Duty Jumper.


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Black longline tee - Baukjen
Navy Off Duty Jumper - Boden 
Black coated jeans - New Look
Buckle boots - Toga 
Black fringe bag - Jerome Dreyfuss

I'm off out tomorrow night as well and have a cunning plan to transform last year's blouse into this year's bang up to date outfit.  (she says, again sounding like a tool.  But you know what I mean.)  For tuppence ha'penny (well, about a tenner).  Off to put a blog together so we have one for tomorrow.  You can all thank me then.

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CONVERSATION

32 comentarios:

  1. Hi Kat, love the grey me&em blazer on you. I wanted to get the layering shirt but sadly it's sold out in most sizes. I'm also loving toga pulla boots, I've had my eye on them for months now. Are you a size 6 or 7 in them? I'm a 6.5 in most M&S shoes and other shoes but Toga Pulla don't do half sizes. Thanks

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    1. That's such a shame about the layering shirt but they do do it every season. I got mine about three years ago now, I managed to snaffle it in the sale and I LOVE It. I also have the jersey double layer one which I also absolutely adore. Right - in the Togas I would get a 40 (so a 7). I am also a 6.5 in M&S (which in normal places is a 39.5 but I don't think it is in M&S) Go for the 7 (40IT) in TPs. Hope that helps x

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  2. I got a lovely checked blazer from Uniqlo in the Ines de la Fressange collection so feeling ridiculously on trend at the moment (get me). Love your selection and you are right about different shades of grey (whoops, someone had to say it)

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    1. Ha ha ha ha!! It's rather sad though that the only shades of grey I really need are those in cashmere form!!

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  3. you are so so right and that's why I'm in Spring mode already.. And yes, TPs true to size but size up if a half size xx

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  4. Another one who loves greys. I think I wear that it all year round. I certainly have a large selection of grey knitwear and tees that are worn to death. I have just been eyeing up the Me+Em catalogue which came yesterday. They did have a lovely grey blazer & trousers last season too. I'm talking myself into a grey blazer, now, aren't I?

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  5. J crew on Net a Porter for a gorgeous grey jacket, well styled.

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  6. I love grey - in fact I had my 'colours done' years ago and it transpires that I can't wear black due to my skin tone and it's right, as I always look pale and washed out in black. Grey however...is my black! You look so pleased in the first pic with the Me & Em blazer on! Enjoy Bicester village tomorrow, I've mentioned before that I live near there, so good luck with the parking and will look forward to seeing your bargains!

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    1. I am so jealous of you living near there! Actually I went with one of my closest friends to spend time with her really and we had a FAB time! And managed to get a couple of goodies... (but really exceptionally abstemious!)

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    2. It's funny but when you live near something, like the beach or a place like Bicester Village, you tend not to go that often! I think I must pay it a visit as was some months ago when I was last year. I remember when it first opened and it was tiny compared to the monster it is now! Looking forward to seeing your modest goodies. With so many followers, do you ever get 'spotted' when you are out and about?

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  7. Another lover of all things grey/silver/charcoal/gunmetal/hematite...... (could do all 50 shades but you get my drift?!). I have the same longline Me+Em blazer from their sale earlier this year when it was a MUCH more palatable price. I love it with a loose T, boyfriend jeans and elephant grey suede ankle boots. I mostly only ever buy their things in the sale as there's just too many things that I love so I buy en-masse when they do a 'healthy' discount or the sale. Lovely, lovely, lovely quality clothes. They make me feel all grown up and sophisticated.
    Sorry to be a voice of dissent but I so don't like your coated jeans. They look so tight I worry for your circulation?! Always love everything else you do but the strangulation jeans (I think you have other similar ones too?) are so not flattering on you. However, as long as you're happy, who cares what I think?!!

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    1. I have such a long sales list wish! Oh gosh, the trousers really aren't that tight at all, I promise. I love the ruching in them but I appreciate it's not for everyone!

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    2. I have been in to new look to look for those coated jeans as I love them on you. But I can't find them! All I could find was a leather looking pair. If you get a minute could you send me a link to them? Thanks! Maeve

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  8. I think the coated jeans look fab on you Kat and I have the same pair which are just so comfy to wear with no fear of cutting off my circulation. They just turn an ok outfit into a far more edgy one - keep wearing them as you have the long legs for them!

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    1. My thoughts exactly! (not to mention how comfy they are....!)

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  9. Love grey although I find it easier to wear in sweaters and cardies than as a blazer (esp light grey). Although you look fab in the Me&Em one, in fact I like it much better on you than on the model! Btw thanks for the Allsaints recommendation. My Colwick leather biker arrived today and it is truly perfect! Finally my search is over! Thank you!!!

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    1. Oh well you're v kind and I'm so pleased you love your jacket!

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  10. I love the New Look jeans on you. You persuaded me to get them and I love them now too!xx

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    1. Well thank you! How comfy are they?!

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    2. I actually got the coated disco jeans, they look exactly the same as the high waisted ones and are just as comfy but they've just got a lower waist! The name did put me off a bit at first though!x

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  11. I'm afraid I can't get past the 90s office vibe with the grey jackets! Love your one though. It's the contrasting sleeves that make the difference.

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    1. I know exactly what you mean but this one somehow works! I love the fit of it as well and I think mixing it with a knit as opposed to a blouse makes it also that bit less worky?

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  12. I think you look fab in your coated jeans, very envious of your long legs! I have several pairs of coated jeans and leggings and love them even though they are tight on my not so slim short legs

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    1. But they're a great stretch aren't they? (and thank you xx)

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  13. Hi Carol. Hush have some burgundy leather leggings back in stock in a couple of sizes. X

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  14. Your coated jeans look fabulous, keep rocking them!

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  15. Hi you don't know me from Adam as the saying goes - I am a reader of your blog and simply wanted to say So sorry to hear your sad news . llove and best wishes to you all at this difficult time.

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