New Silhouettes

So this is an interesting one.  This for me is the perfect example of something classic that works in perfect conjunction with those newer "on trend" items out there.. I'm looking at you, wide cropped trousers.. Or those pesky midi skirts that we (me) can't master the perfect top to wear with them. 

There's nothing more frustrating than wanting to try something new out but not having anything to go with it.  

These are the perfect "classic" item that, for me, makes a disgraceful piece of clothing instantly more disgracefully graceful.  If you see what I mean... 

Tops.  Knitted, fitted tops.  That's what we're after today. 

They look (and sound) as if they should be ridiculously unflattering.  We're not talking clingy here, we're talking fitted.  Even semi fitted, that gives the illusion (in my case) of a shape.  As much as you would assume that it would cling to those lumps and bumps, believe it or not, these (if you don't buy a size too small that is) skim over them and act like a smoothing agent.  Magic clothes.  That's what these tops are.

And they offer the most perfect silhouette, especially for the new style trousers, that are everywhere this year.  Looser trousers.  Be them peg legged, wide cropped, wide and full length, cropped flair or straight or even full on full length flair heaven.  These are the jumpers you need that sit neatly over the waistband giving you a cleaner shape on top to balance out the more fluid, looser bottoms.  Which work just as well with an A line or full skirt too.  And they can be tucked in.  For those of you lucky monkeys who have a waist... Personally I wouldn't recommend if you are thick of middle as I am. 

I am all over these.  So starting with one that I can personally recommend as I got the black one last year and it's been amazing.  It's been my go to fitted jumper for lunches and dinners out as well as just every day.  Washes like a dream (even in a 30 degree normal wash as I found out after having a small heart attack when I realised I'd flung it in by mistake with the kids jamas.  I'm sure we've all been there.  That breath stopping moment when you retrieve said item and pray to the gods of washing that it hasn't shrunk to Barbie size) and keeps its shape.  I wear during the day too.  In fact, I wore it today .. my new "don't keep it for best" rule. 

It really is the perfect jumper for wearing under jackets. 

Silk Cotton Polo Neck Jumper from Jigsaw was £79 now £60 I have the large in this although in black (not in the sale and I think now sold out even at full price - it is that good).  I would say that's a vaguely generous 12 and I don't even have boobs.  Unless you want the vacuum packed look.  

Also available in "dark pink" (that's probably wine to you and me) again now £60



However I fear I may have found one that trumps all others.  And whilst we're talking silhouettes... this one, with the wide arms is the perfect solution to making you look smaller in the body.  Genius.  Although clearly not to be worn with a close fitting jacket.  My arms are sweating just thinking about trying to shoehorn myself into a blazer with this on underneath.  One for a looser coat.

Bell Sleeve roll neck jumper from Karen Millen £85  Not in the sale, but seeing as we've got arctic temperatures on the way and this is a classic anyway, it's the perfect January treat. 


Personally I wouldn't tuck it in as I said and I prefer this style of trousers in a more formal fabric (hells bells, I think I'm turning into Miss Marple - I'm loving the slacks) but the general silhouette. 



And in the red which is in the sale was £85 now £55 - I absolutely love red with camel (see below in outfit pic).  This definitely doesn't need to be kept just for the festive season.  A great colour for into Spring. 




Another red version and we're looking at either what I call "Central heating" tops or ones for the warmer months. 

Reiss have the most amazing reductions at this time of their sale.  In fact, that's me sorted with a glass of sparkling water later... (tonight is not a designated January drinking day.  A whole dry week.  I'm sure I heard them say that you only had to do two days a week dry?!) 

Megan Crimson Knitted Tops was £110 now £35




And in the black although this one is £45 from £110 




And a sleeveless version in the black, again a great reduction from Reiss. 

Turin Black High Neck Knitted Top was £95 now £55



Then we come on to some new season buys.  These are perfect for now, for layering with a long sleeve tee under and a chunky coat with a huge scarf.   Or, on those slightly warmer days, with a blazer or thinner coat over.  From day to evening.  The ideal skimming tops. 

Megana Night Navy Button Detail Jumper £95 from Reiss



And a great version for a great price from the lovely Finery.  Can't wait to see what they bring out for Spring/Summer.

Eldred Slash Neck Slinky Knitted Tee £39



Navy again at Boden from their new collection.  20% off with the code A2Y9.  These are semi fitted and simply stunning.  

Visual Cashmere Jumper in navy £139





However I actually prefer the yellow.  I don't have (she says not confidently..) have a yellow jumper.  With navy or grey... I'd even wear with black.  This.. black pleated coated midi skirt, black ankle boots... Oh hello gorgeous new outfit. 



Or this, which is brilliant but does, in my experience, come up small.  Well I'm saying that, but maybe these ones don't as I'm not sure they're the same as last year... These look great.  I have the grey one (well, last year's version) and sized up to a 12.  Perfect.  Wore it absolutely loads and great for packing if you're going away, as they are the best transitional tops from day to night.  

Everyday jumper from Boden £49.50 pre 20% discount  Available in a plethora of colours.  For me, the grey is sublime.  This isn't the grey, it's the Quail Egg.


This is the grey.  Sorry, silver melange.



However, I could definitely give the Rose Quartz a home too...




I have a couple of these sorts of jumpers and find them so so useful.  In fact, it's made me think, I should just wear them and my midi skirts during the day.  A lot more.  I have the perfect Jigsaw silk knit jumper on today for over Boden waxed skinnies - yes, so long as the skinnies are high waisted, they work really well with these as well and are the perfect foil for under a jacket for a neat, clean and comfy look. 

But this is the outfit from yesterday.  Super comfy, loose and ideal for another day at home with the 11yr old for the final day of "not so sick but may still be contagious therefore can't go back to school" sickness.  Managed to escape with the dog for a bit.  Had to wear something other than joggers.  Heart these Me+Em trousers just too much. 



Black silk knitted polo neck - Jigsaw
Waxed jeans - Boden
Fur leopard coat - Per Una M&S
Brown suede ankle boots - Eileen Fisher 
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci 

So Friday night, sat here with my water, wondering why I thought Dry January was such a good idea.. Actually I have designated drinking days - tomorrow being one of them with our family Christmas Day (all the family are back from Ireland) and I am definitely having a glass or two then.  I feel I need a halo for an extra week, housebound with children.  I may have had a final online sales splurge which, if there are any successes at all (I don't have high hopes - you know when you get your confirmation email and think - err why did I order that?!), I will report back on. 

And huge apologies as I did say I would bring you the lowdown on the Ash v the Acne but I don't have time as I need to eat pizza.  So there's no wine, but there is pizza.  The healthy eating starts properly on Monday... 

Here though is the pic I papped and put on Instagram.  

Long v short... both are an identical length in the shoe (it does look like one is longer..) and in the flesh, the pointiness is also completely indistinguishable between the two.  The main difference is the height of the boot (the suede not the heel, which I have to say does work for me being 5ft10) in the body of the boot, one is baggier round the ankle and £289.  Yes, nearly £300 difference.  Got to be a no brainer no?!



I think I am definitely going for the Ash Mira on the right which were £111 from Very Exclusive.  Where they had the best selection of sizes, free delivery to your local Collect + place and free returns... As opposed to ordering from Ash where it was £6 (I think..) delivery and you had to pay for returns.  Err I don't think so.  They were marginally cheaper but I was ordering two sizes and thank goodness I did as I sized down in these.  I'm a 39.5 and have to size up in loads but sized down in these. Same sizing as the Jalouse, I'd say. 

Are they keepers though??... (I think so as I "might" be planning on wearing them tomorrow...)  However if you're after patent... 

These are amazing (and thanks to a lovely person who commented the other day with these)

Ronan Patent Ankle Boot was £120 now £60




RIGHT I am now off to eat pizza.