Archive for January 2016

Home Archive for January 2016

Hedging my bets

So not only did I somehow think it would be a good idea to do the food myself for my party on Saturday night (how hard can it be to cook for 60 people?... slightly shudders at the thought), I also *obviously* need to find something to wear. Randomly I actually find the food bit easier. (she says now a whole week ahead... I shall revisit that thought when I'm panicking like hell come Saturday lunchtime..)

I have a selection of dresses on their way - the skirts have gone back. But today, I was able to secure a back up plan. A Jumpsuit. Getting my priorities right.

These, I am pretty confident in saying, have become a modern day classic. Oh I know that they're a total pain in the arse to go to the loo in. Of that there is no denying. But I think, for the ease of the outfit, for the comfort factor, for the effortless elegance and versatility they offer, you just suck it up.

Now I usually prefer a tapered leg and not sleeveless. The main reason (for the former) is that I'm tall and a flappy hem at ankle level when it should be floor length, is up there with being the biggest no no for me. Boak. Just wrong. Everyone does have different thoughts on where the trousers should fall but for me, it should verge on Dalek. As though it looks like you're gliding along on wheels. A la Dalek style. Not dragging on the floor though..

As seen here with the simply amazing amazing amazing Sportmax Code new season jumpsuit which, for a designer item is actually really well priced. Perfect for work, perfect for nights out, perfect for occasion wear. I adore this. My one gripe with the length (apart from them usually being too short for me) is that you can really only wear them with one height of shoes. Not necessarily a bad thing I guess though.

I love this so so so much.

Sportmax Code Zigote Jumpsuit £220

A slightly variation on the theme from Topshop. Although you would need to wear a top under it but that offers a great versatility to wear with a tee, a shirt, a thin knit jumper etc. Perfect for now with a fine polo neck.

Pinafore Jumpsuit from Topshop £65 If I could guarantee this would be long enough...

In the sale at Whistles.

Whistles Drape Front Slouch Jumpsuit was £160 now £64

And two new season numbers from Whistles which I LOVE. Not entirely as enamoured with the amount of fake tan I would need to apply. But imagine this with leopard print sandals. Would also work with sneakers for during the day as well.

Cecilia Jumpsuit in yellow from Whistles £160

And this one which is probably slightly more practical - the Jenna from Whistles £160 Again - ideal with casual shoes and a biker jacket (this is calling me....)

Now I'm slightly confused by this one as I'm not sure it's meant to be cropped or it's just too short. But I'm very drawn towards it... as in my head it would work really well were they cropped bottoms. Ideal with flats. Lovely with an ankle boot (so long as the boot hugged the leg - a knee high boot would also work really well underneath - dear lord, not tucked in) or a strappy sandal. Very very drawn to this. Without the shoes. The shoes are wrong diddly in my opinion. And cropped - more cropped.

ASOS Premium Jumpsuit with high neck £55

Short sleeved now and moving onto the slightly more tapered.

Stretch Twill Jumpsuit from Splendid was £226 now £99.44

Now this isn't dressy enough for a party but believe me when I say these are going to sell like hotcakes this season. If you want one, I would get hold of one now. Having said that... black tux blazer, black suede stilettos and leopard clutch - pretty perfect for a night out right now.

This one from Noisy May comes in Tall (which is handy, as opposed to having your nether regions garrotted by a gusset which is what can happen with some of them if you are longer in the body) in the Petite and a Regular

Noisy May Tall Short Sleeve Jumpsuit with Drawstring Waist £48

Khaki at M&S. To be honest, I am looking for something a tad dressier.. although again, with a pair of heels and a blazer you could dress this up for a night out. Leopard print anyone? Or gold heels... The silky feel to the fabric gives it that dressier edge.

V Neck Jumpsuit from M&S £49.50

Then there is of course, the long sleeved option. My favourite shape and what I think would be super useful to go with black, navy and grey jackets, would be this below in the sale at Matches.

I will also throw it in there that, were you a slave to the more fashionable trends that dominate the magazine pages, this would tick all the boxed for the "pyjama" look. Which, I'll say now, is a look I probably won't be buying into. The piped edged silk blouse and wide leg trews as a set which genuinely (and I believe, therein lies the point) look just like pyjamas. For me they fall very squarely under the heading of "know thy limits" which is a personal thing and for some people it may work beautifully. I'm doing a swerve on that one.

But having said that, this would work as a nod to the theme. I just happen to love the subtle print, the lack of silkiness, the versatility it offers and the fact it looks so darned comfy. It would also be perfect with my now getting old but still v useful, Reiss black and blue strappy sandals. They are, for sure the shoes that keep on giving.

Also throw on a pair of sneakers and a biker jacket and perfect school run attire. Oh how I love items of clothing like this that offer so many options.

Striped Cotton Jumpsuit from Vanessa Bruno Athe was £360 now £216

Another long sleeved option that would be marvellous dressed up or down from Tart Collections on The Outnet (I've never heard of them...)

Rowan Stretch modal-blend jumpsuit was £205 now £98.40

Although this one looks like a bargain from Selected (which is always lovely quality). I'm not going to lie - I have zero idea how you get in or out of it...(or the one above for that matter. I do usually end up semi dislocating a shoulder whilst trying to remove the button up the front ones, so the mind boggles as to what sort of contortion I'd have to undertake the strip off these). Doesn't stop it being gorgeous though.

Selected Genova Jumpsuit £45

However I have finally caved and hawking the hush website has paid off as I found this only this morning, back in stock in a size 10. I know they're not doing it in the long sleeved in the S/S. The short sleeved ones they're bringing in are absolutely amazing but they're black and khaki and I have one of each of those already from last year (Kin and Topshop). That I wear loads and loads and will continue to.

But a longsleeved one (and I've tried this on and loved it and kept missing out on it) will be just the ticket, so I ordered it as soon as I spied it. Kicking myself as I should have ordered it with the 20% off they had a while ago. When it went out of stock. Not making that mistake again.

hush Jumpsuit £75

And here I am when I tried it way back when in September. Long hair. Nope, actually still prefer it short. Which is handy...

So today was all about the dress down. All about the total slob. Didn't leave the house, did a shed load of washing (all the glamour) and to be honest, I have no idea where the day went. I do know I did watch Dance Moms for the first time, so that's a new low I've managed to hit.

Plus I did eat cake. A lot of cake. The 11yr old who adores baking made the most amazing chocolate cake for my birthday and I haven't been able to stop shovelling it in every time I walked past it on the counter top today. It's a miracle I'm not wearing any of it. And I'm not even remotely hungover. Tired. But then I'm always tired. Which mother isn't?

Black vest - Primark
Bat sweatshirt - Zoe Karssen
Black Lola joggers - Whistles
Black Edie boots - Seven Boot Lane

Movie night after a big roast which the husband does every week. Apparently mine isn't as good. More than happy to acquiesce to that if it means I don't have too cook it. Result.

Let the week commence tomorrow. I am menu planning - any amazing Ottolenghi style salads that anyone wants to share, would be more than welcome. Got a coupe of favourites that I'm going to be doing for next Saturday and a couple to try this week.

Are you already a full paid up member of the jumpsuit club or do you think we can persuade you to join this season?!

The perennial classic

The black handbag. Simply something that everyone needs in their wardrobe. And is it wrong that I may have found the first item for my (hilariously hypothetical, I am at great pains to point out) Christmas list. Ok, let's just call it a Wish List.

I'm blaming insomnia. The other night, I could not sleep. The husband was out at drinks in London and I never sleep particularly well till he comes staggering in. Even reading wasn't really working so the obvious next choice of activity was perusing Matches etc. With the idea of ordering something for the party next weekend. And a dress was duly ordered which I will report back on (with hindsight, the following morning, impulse purchases made at 1.30am are not always the wisest.. we will see. To say it's a ringer, is a slight understatement).

Then I thought, a quick look through the bags is bound to send me off. Into bag heaven, that's where. I am loving my red Gucci one I got for Christmas so much and have been surprised at how useful it's been for during the day - even though it's small.

Surely a black version would therefore make infinite sense (bear in mind this is a 2am thought process... clearly not the most logical at all).

To cut a long story short, this is the one that I need. (that's need with a very very small N, I will acquiesce).

Saint Laurent Universite monogram leather bag £1295

Which is a pretty scary price for a bag, especially in January. Even more so considering I got the red Gucci Soho Disco for Christmas. I will admit, it did (fleetingly at about 2.27am) cross my mind that I haven't had a birthday present from the husband. It's the same every year. Zilch, nada, nothing. He does a great job at Christmas and you can see the exhaustion on his face come my birthday in January. I can almost hear the cogs working saying "are you KIDDING me? I've just done a present. I'm done, I'm over it. Brain. Can't. Compute". But even I'll say I'm pushing my luck with another very expensive bag so soon. DAMN a January birthday.

I have found other options which are pretty darn great but it's a bit like having a Babybel after you've had the best Roquefort ever. Doesn't quite compare.

The Lulu Guinness' though are a great option.

Black Polished Leather Medium Verity from Lulu Guinness was £295 now £118

Black Crosshatched Leather Small Edie from Lulu Guinness was £275 now £137.50

Another great mid range brand are some collections from Radley. I know, I know, everyone rolls their eyes at Radley but honesty, they have moved on so far from the little dog tag days, I promise. They have some super cool offerings at great prices. Especially when you bag a bargain (oh my lord, I apologise, that is woeful) in the sale.

Leadenhall Small Zip top cross body bag was £129 now £90 from Radley (and the leather is amazing)

Slightly larger Leadenhall Medium Zip top cross body bag was £159 now £110

But I think this might be my favourite (although I'm not going to lie - not compared with the YSL...). For the price though, as a Spring treat, this is a great great great buy. Instant wardrobe lifter (as are any of the Leadenhalls actually)

Leadenhall Large Zip Top Backpack was £205 now £149

However it doesn't have to be expensive. Great suede and leather options, some which are also in the sale.

But starting with new season from Warehouse.

Black Suede and leather cross body bag £28 The perfect day to night bag that could also be a clutch bag.

River Island Black Saddle Bag with Snaffle Front was £55 now £27.50 Really drawn to this. For less than £30. Leather and suede bag. With not a hint of big bling branded logo in site (which is ironic when my bag of choice would have a massive YSL gold Mr T style badge on the front.. hmmmm).

Bucket bag from Urbancode was £149 now £60

Moving onto some totes (I need to look at these in more detail another day but a) I have become obsessed with all things Saint Laurent and b) there are a couple of bargains I've found - not the Saint Laurent alas...).

Large Leather Tote from Saint Laurent £590 This is what happens when you spend too long looking at sites where bags cost four figures. Suddenly £590 seems reasonable. Wrong.. but a lovely bag. A really lovely bag. In fact, you get TWO bags... "talks herself into a Saint Laurent tote...".

A far more palatable price point.
Black Grainy Leather Medium Tote from Lulu Guinness was was £350 now £105

And another bargain from Matches.

DVF Voyage large leather tote bag was £238 now £142

And then the Leonie Lux Tote Leather Shoulder Bag from Jigsaw which is new season but absolutely amazing. A tote with a real difference.

Leonie Lix Tote from Jigsaw £169

But finishing two perennial favourites. Blow the budget, feed the kids beans for the next ten years, sort of bags.

Class City Giant 12 Leather tote from Balenciaga £1125

Or the Givenchy Nightingale. This is the Small £1290

If money were no object and bags grew on trees, I think I *might* go for the small YSL and a large Saint Laurent tote. But then the Nightingale has been on my wishist forever... Handily it's a decision I don't actually have to make. Purely theoretical but it's certainly brightened up my Saturday...I'll be frank.. I've chewed my way through the day (and it wasn't anything really to do with my insomnia from the other night, if I'm being completely honest).

It may have more to do with my birthday lunch yesterday. (I'm stringing it out this year. It has been a birthday week) Great great day, lunch followed by drinks at The Hamyard, finishing with cocktails at The Light Bar. And obviously a Burger King on the train on the way home. The class continues at 43.

Dress was slightly more casual than I would usually go but I was in a dress down mode and not wearing heels was a lovely change. Comfort (even though it was ever so slightly ambitious with the bare legs. And yes, I had obviously just shaved and fake tanned the bit you saw...). Finished outfit off with a fitted, quilted jersey biker jacket and brown Gucci scarf.

Black silk knit polo neck - Jigsaw

Pleather culottes - River Island

Mira Chelsea Boots - Ash

Grey cuff - DVF

Tan leather cuff - Mulberry

Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci

And the hair. I went short. The back is shorter than I've had it in seven years (which will be the disastrous asymmetric bob with fringe I had after baby number 3. In my head I was Anna Wintour. In reality I was a poor Lego man imitation. Not good). This is so much better I can't tell you. Let's see how it works when I try to recreate it though.. hmmm.

So we have had the laziest day today. I have battled with a tax return. And won. The level of satisfaction I got from that was second to none. So much so I've ordered some more dresses for the party next weekend. Clearly there has to be another dress blog this week. I'm hoping that there are more coming into stock all the time. Sod's law that by next Sunday the shops will be full of them. We'll see what's around this week.

But in the meantime, black bags? Big or small? I'm thinking you need both... What would be your ultimate black bag choice?

Going in the wrong direction...

... I am breaking every shopping rule I ever set.

Well, that's not entirely true. But I'm certainly not going to be polishing my Saint of Shopping halo (although I have returned I think pretty much everything I have bought in the past month bar my two complete bargain trousers from the River Island sale).

And in fact, it was whilst I was returning things today that I fell upon a pair of trousers that made me think - yes yes yes yes yes. THAT'S what I need. To go with my new shoes. (my Nike Air Force Ones which I bought in Dec so therefore not this month...) And my new hush biker jacket (which I haven't actually got yet...). And there in lies the issue. One of my main rules is, you should only buy something if you can think of at least three things that you own that can go with them. Which doesn't involve buying things to go with things you haven't bought yet...

But sod it. I love these trousers and have done for years. I have relegated many of my older ones though to loungewear (that is the posh term for it - the accurate term would be slobbing on the sofa wear or taking the dog for a walk when I can't really be bothered to get dressed wear. Funnily enough, these are not marketing terms that any retailer has coined).

So I need new ones. And I want grey ones. I also would like some more khaki ones that my friend and I saw earlier today and both said OOOOH we love those (whilst both being convinced we did in fact already have some in our wardrobe that were remarkably similar. In fact, I've just remembered where mine are from and I may already be ahead of the game on the khaki front. Mine are a khaki linen pair that were from the Topshop sale three years ago and are possibly one of the more worn pair of trousers that I've got).

So which were the ones that we saw?

These from Anthropologie. And they look much much better in the flesh than they do in the online pics. They are the most amazing soft fabric but still have a structure to them, as opposed to being like jamas (that jama trend thing.. I'll be coming back to that shortly, but frankly ..jog..on...)

Now I love Anthropologie but I have to say, their styling of these wouldn't be my first choice. (or my second, or my third.. or even my fourth. Continue ad infinitum).

Fairbank Joggers £88

And in the grey

So in my head, I know how I think they'll work but as none of you are psychic, a quick spin on Pinterest has given us plenty of food for thought. Personally I'm not going to be going with the super heel as I am getting old and my knees are getting knackered. Although maybe for a night out..

I dream of having feet as brown as this. It's not often that you see a pic and the first thing that springs to mind is "feet goals".

ELLE KLAXON.

Now with boots... This is very wearable.

But... call off the dogs. I have come home to roost. This outfit is simply perfection on every level.

Along with this one.

And the above is even a pic from Topshop which would therefore be an obvious place to start.

Do you see now why we all need a pair of trousers like these? (I also need the shoes in the immediate picture above and am praying they're S/S16.. Even though I do actually have a similar-ish pair from Clarks about four years ago in camel. They are so getting a revival this year).

These trousers are so versatile. Oh, I can't be doing with skirts at the moment. It's too much like hard work. I don't wear them, I have hardly any tops that work with them and my legs would give the Gruffalo a run for his money at the moment so bare legs are simply NOT an option. A wardrobe of wearable trousers is the solution.

And starting with these gems. They work with heels, they work with flats, with trainers and with boots. You can dress them up or dress them down.

They also look simply marvellous with a biker jacket (SCORE).

So firstly, I'm after a grey pair. As you can see from my outfit today I can't get enough grey. It goes with everything and everything goes with it.

Mensy Tonic Trousers from Topshop (I may have to buy them on the name alone...) £40

Mensy Peg Trousers from Topshop £40 A slightly different texture and weave. For me, the above ones win.

Notch Back Tapered Trousers in a stone/beige/tobacco colour £22 from Topshop

Some other options in alternative colours that are a combo between a peg leg and a jogger. For me - either is actually as wearable. I think a lot is to do with both the fabric and the waistband but both serve a similar purpose and are as versatile (admittedly your jogger does ultimately make a better slob pant - I can tell you from experience).

Michael Michael Kors Zipped Stretch Jersey pants in navy were £125 now £55

And the same in black £55

Black Twill Tie Waist Joggers from Dorothy Perkins £20

Relaxed Crepe Trousers from Jigsaw £120 (roll up for a more casual look).

And in khaki:-

ASOS Woven Peg Trousers with OBI Tie

More khaki heaven at JCrew for a great price at The Outnet.

Calvary Coated cotton twill tapered pants were £130 now £65

So tapered trousers - fan, newbie or just a WTAF? I would say they are definitely definitely worth a try... go on... you know you want to...

Whilst we're talking of trying things, I've got a very old purchase that I don't wear often but I really should. Something new - wide leg trousers. Can only be worn on a day where there is definitely no rain. Soggy hems are simply grim. As I said earlier, all the grey with a hint of camel. I just can't get enough of these shades at the moment. (and the coat was also bought in December... )

Grey wide leg trousers - Zara

Grey cashmere polo neck - Cocoa Cashmere

Grey double faced coat - Whistles

Grey wrist warmers - Black

Grey and camel Air Force Ones - Nike

Camel bag - Prada

Tomorrow, off out for lunch with the girls. Big day out at The Hamyard Hotel. I *think* I know what I'm wearing... (famous last words..). What I don't know is what to do with my hair. It's being cut tomorrow morning and for once, I'm not sure what to do with it. Carry on growing it again or get it lobbed off? I'm erring towards shorter again and I NEED to get a treatment in it as well. The colour that I now need to cover the grey is playing havoc with it. So I'm thinking another round of shorter...? HELP!!

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Hedging my bets

The perennial classic

Going in the wrong direction...