They divide the nation..

... ok so maybe not the nation, but I have known them to divide a family.  And friendship groups.  An all singing and dancing yay or a big, fat, whopping nay.  They either conjure up images of Alexa Chung or Bob the Builder.  There is no sitting on this fence. 

You are either a lover or a hater of Dungers.  Good old Dungarees. 

I will admit, I was a slow burn on these.  Until I did a complete volte face last year and bought into them big time. 

And I have more proof, if proof is needed, of exactly how fickle I am.  Merely a matter of weeks ago I was meh about them (again).  A tad more than meh.  I was smug in the knowledge that I had only paid £9.99 for mine last year and had actually got much more wear out of them than I had ever anticipated.  I had also bought two other pairs from H&M which didn't fare so well.. the button fell off both of them - the blue pair after the second wear so they went straight back but the ecru pair was a lot more hardy and it only fell off at the end of the season. 

So I had one pair left which, to be frank, owed me nothing.  Wasn't planning on wearing them at all.  Until I flung them on last week and oh my giddy aunt.  I had forgotten how blooming comfortable they are.  Like the proverbial favourite slippers.  No muffin on show, nothing to come untucked, you can let your love handles roam free.

It perhaps then wasn't the hugest of surprises when I wore them and decided that in fact, they'd be pretty darn useful in the Spring.  Which was clearly a mere hop, skip and a jump to my next plan... 

.... you might want to take a deep breath for this..... 

Leather dungarees. 

Yes, yes, you can all stop laughing now.  But clearly it was only a short leap (especially taking into consideration my all consuming love for Carine Rotfeld as outlined yesterday) to combining my favourite things.  Black, leather and then throw in some dungers.  Surely you could see that coming? 

If it's any consolation, no I couldn't either, but it was yesterday when I popped into Topshop, caught sight of these and didn't guffaw.  Or vomit.  First thought was in fact, oh helloooooo.  

So a little of research later (in the interests of sharing, here's some free advice.  Don't just google black leather dungarees.... My eyes are still bleeding), and yes, yes, yes, I think these could work. 

Warning - I'm confident in saying that if you're into these, none of these pictures are going to change your mind.  But you never know... 

For me - I'm sold. 

(I have no intention of cycling or wearing a Minnie Mouse style headpiece - I feel the need to point out).



I'd need some new cojones for this one but LOVE.  (I have my Topshop fur coat though... which is patchwork... I may have to just recreate this and pretend I can carry it off).






And so this is what started this whole (possibly random) thought process.  These beauties (and they are beauties, HONEST!) from Topshop.

PU Skinny Dungarees from Topshop £55



Which they don't do in tall.  SOB SOB SOB.  But I have to say, I may just go in anyway.  Here I am in them.  You can't see that they're leather leather but up close you can.   Tis a subtle pleather.

Oh and by the way - all the Topshop ones I'm trying on here are a 12.  The 10 = cameltoetastic.


I then also tried the plain black ones and I have to say, they are also a great option.  Yes how I have changed my tune from this time last year but I love them.

MOTO Long Denim Dungaree from Topshop £49








And then a black black slim leg pair - these are definitely closer on the legs than the ones above.

Moto Clean Black Slim Dungarees £48







There are others out there and yes, I am still steering clear of all things blue.

Black Denim Cigarette Dungarees from New Look £27.99 I love the frayed edge on the hem.




And you see here's why I really wish I hadn't actually lost the rose gold button from mine.. 

White Denim Dungarees from River Island £48 (loving the shoes as well... )



White in the sale at Esprit.  These look great with the black shirt (in fact, love the shirt full stop).

Esprit White Dungarees were £55 now £27.50



I would say grey - River Island say washed khaki.  Either way, great with blacks and other shades of grey, camel or red.

Washed Khaki again at River Island £48





And I will fling in one blue one, albeit indigo which is basically navy.  I love the simplicity of this - absolutely adore it with the Stans. 

ASOS Denim Patch Pocket Dungaree £45



And finishing with one which is a tad left field but still definitely comes under the heading of dungarees.  Which, I've worked out, is when you can't wear them without wearing something underneath.  Unless you want to get arrested.  That for me is the dividing line between sleeveless jumpsuit and dungers.

So these are definitely dungarees and not a jumpsuit but I love this for being an edgier version of the latter.  With a white or black silk shirt, this would be fabulous for a well heeled dinner.  Or the pub.  

Bay Crepe Jumpsuit from Whistles £160  This is perfection.  The versatility of dungarees but with a hint of chic that would mean this could easily be worn out in the evening - dare I say for work?






So come on.  Break it to me gently.  Have you bought in yet or are you still a hater?  Dare I ask if I've done anything of persuade you?  

I'm going for gold again with the dungarees and have fallen in love with them all over again. 



Grey Every Day jumper - Boden
Black dungarees - H&M
Black Tuxedo blazer - hush
Red Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Triple disc necklace - Anna Lou of London
Grey and gold cuff - DVF
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss

My leather jacket arrived from hush today so I am beyond beyond excited to wear that tomorrow.  Went for lunch with friends today (after taking the puppy to the vet and she's definitely definitely on the mend which is a huge relief) and had a lovely mooch round the shops.  Loads of new stock in which means lots of great ideas for Spring.  Which I will try and fit in round the chaos that is half term... Obviously the wine is already open (three different sets of swimming lessons and cubs always finishes me off on a Friday).  We have a lovely quiet weekend as the husband and the 7yr old are off to Arsenal on Sunday (I don't know who is more excited..). 

Hope everyone else has enjoyed their first night of the hols.  Anyone bought any dungarees to celebrate? (too soon?!)