Archive for June 2016

Home Archive for June 2016

In love with gladiators

Have to say I have a bit of a thing with all sorts of gladiators. Much to the husband's chagrin, Gladiator is one of my favourite films (up there with Gone with the Wind and Frozen. He's so proud).

I will also fess up to having loved Gladiators with Ulrika way back in the 90s (student tv on a Saturday night washed down with lashings of cheap martini and lemonade before we went out and hoovered pints of snake bite and black with a vodka chaser followed by a curry at 2am. And I wondered why I put on over two stone in the first couple of years at Uni.. I dread to think how many calories there are in one pint of snakebite and black... not to mention curry and chips three times a week!).

These days I make do with gladiators sandals. And I love them. Do I need more? That'll be probably not. But I am still umming and ahhing over what to do with the Rixo maxi dress. I am definitely erring towards hemming it up just a couple of inches as it's not proper maxi at the moment. With a couple of inches up it would be long midi which would be perfect. Heeled sandals (well mules - although yes I ended up with the Dacade-a-like Carvela sandals which I LOVE) are perfect for nights out.

I am determined though, to get the most out of this dress and to wear it during the day, it needs a pale pair of sandals. Mine are "ok" but they're slightly too Grecian for what is essentially a very British looking dress.

It does beg the question, if mine are too Grecian (or Roman..!), why on earth would I be looking for any Gladiator style sandal... And you would be correct. However, when I say gladiator, I mean basically a strappy sandal that goes part way up the foot.

I should probably rename this blog "In love with strappy sandals in pale colours that go part way up the leg". I did think about it, but it wasn't *quite* as punchy (and I wouldn't have had anything to confess on that score) so we'll just leave it as "gladiator-ish sandals". Nothing like opening up those doors of interpretation.

Now that I've chuntered on for way too long, let's see what I've found.

Gilroy leather sandals from Sam Edelman was £95 now £52.25 A pared back pair.

Tiffany Sandal from MaxMara were £160 now £96 And again - a hint of Grecian but with a completely classic edge to them. Gorgeous.

Leather and suede Sandals from Sandro were £209 now £83.60 The suede may be *slightly* too orangey for what I am looking for... (and I much prefer the MaxMara ones above).

Bargain time at Mango - leather strap sandals were £35.99 now £17.99

Tan again at Forever 21 (which is where mine are from last year, except mine were £15..!).

Crisscross Faux Leather Sandals £20

And less up the leg (the technical term).

Ghillie Lace up Sandals £25 from M&S

Tan glads called Gladys in the sale at Boden with a hint of Chloe scalloping. Gorgeous. Were £79.50 now £47.70

And moving away from tan, there is the rose gold option again were £79.50 now £63.30 This would be my choice of the two.

Metallic and tan together in the sale at ASOS. One of the cheapest but definitely one of my favourite.

Park Lane Gladiator Leather Sandals were £50 now £21

Gold Strap Cord Sandals again in the sale at Mango were £19.99 now £9.99 Would be rude not to at this price?

Silver now at ASOS. Fantasia Gladiator Sandals £14 Or I could have these ones as well. Cannot resist a Glad it seems.

Paler now - this is the colour I'm really looking for. And the same colour as the Carvela ones I bought the other day (heeled ones though so completely different and not remotely gladiator stylee).

Thea Suede Gladiator Sandals from Schutz was £185 now £92.50

More at The Outnet from Sam Edelman - Eaven stud-embellished leather gladiator sandals were £120 now £60

Studded again in white. Very Valentino for a lot less.

Studded patent leather sandals from Schutz were £190 now £95

Another Rockstud inspired pair in blush from Dune. And randomly I have to say, I rather like these. Even though I'm not a huge Rockstud fan...

Dune Blush Snake Studded Gladiator Sandals £69

And a couple of randoms which aren't pale, but would go with my dress perfectly and in fact, would go with so many Summer shades.

Tasseled Lace Up Sandals from Forever 21 £20

And whilst we're talking colour - I have a ringer to finish with. Adore these. Not such a massive fan of the price, but these are EPIC. Although I said I needed pale - these are so delicate that I think the black would definitely work.

Flamingo Frill Leather Flat Sandals from Sophia Webster were £395 now £158

It does seem completely futile talking about sandals when I am sat here watching the rain lashing down outside. But, I am determined to think positively and we WILL be needing these in a matter of weeks. So we must buy them now as the A/W ranges are starting to flood in.

It's always an issue in this country of nothing weather appropriate being in store when you need it.

Anyone else a gladiator fan?

Here I am today, still in my loafers (sandals? Are you having a laugh?) which I never dreamed of getting this much wear out of in the Summer. They're going to be worn out by the Autumn at this rate.

Tee - Zoe Karssen
Boucle black jacket - Isabel Marant
Black faux leather culottes - River Island
Gold Kipper loafers - Kurt Geiger
Black fringed Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss

I'm just going to finish with... nice weather for ducks? *weeps*.

It's Festival season.

So the sun is shining (on and off), I've been able to go for two dog walks today and I've only just realised it's July on Friday.

How? Seriously, how is that possible. June, where did you go?

And seeing as the Summer is upon us, Glasto's finished, that means it's time for the festival season to commence.

I have always always wanted to go to Latitude (in my beloved Suffolk) but my children have never broken up from holiday that early, so we've never been able to go.

However this year, I shall go to a Festival. I am off to Port Eliot in July. Handily it's at the end of July which is lucky as it will take me an entire month to work out what to wear.

Which is even more important as not only am I going to be a festival goer, I've also been invited to speak. I'll be hanging out in the hush chill out area which they are hosting this year. All the info is here but can I just highlight the a) cocktails b) disco yoga c) cocktails d) pyjama amnesty (anyone for new jamas??) e) cocktails.

And in case anyone is worried (like the husband when I suggested we all go...) we won't be camping camping but glamping in a Yurtel Bell Tent. How did I sell it him? "Sweet treats on your pillow". How did I sell it to the 11yr old? "Magical Fairy lights". They had me at the "double bed with memory foam" and the "sumptuous duvet with white cotton linen". Or maybe it was "PLUG SOCKET"! (not to mention proper loos, towels, toiletries, tea, coffee, phone charging and The Bouffantry, which has a selection of hairdryers to use as well as dressing tables and mirrors. I have definitely stayed in way worse hotels by the looks of things. I may not come back...)

Yes, I am more than looking forward to our long weekend away in what looks like something from a fairytale...

If you've always fancied a festival, then get entering the amazing hush competition which offers two tickets to the festival, luxury accomodation in a Yurtel Classic Bell Tent, a round of tasty tipples from The Sipsmith Gin Shop and a festival outfit from hush.

And speaking of festival outfits - where does one start? We are going to give the weather the complete benefit of the doubt and assume that come the end of July, Summer will have shown up and we will all be basking in tropical temperatures.

Seeing as hush currently has 20% off everything (yes everything...) until Thursday evening, it would be rude not to start there. Code SMILE.

Now if I think Festival I think firstly mud and then boho. Well I'm not going down either of those routes (although I appreciate I have zero control over the former...)

Firstly I will be adhering to my usual packing tips and sticking to a minimal colour palette. For me, this is the easiest way to make the most of taking a capsule wardrobe (aka suitcase of clothes) and gives you the most amount of outfits.

I'm going to start with tops as there are a couple new in at hush which will be perfect for during the day. Floaty and whimsical without a whiff of anything folky.

All prices are pre 20% discount (not forgetting free delivery and returns).

Ruffle top in olive £40

How about white? This has been out of stock for most of the season and sells out within minutes of it coming back in so if you want it, grab it, especially with the 20% off. Amazing with denim cut offs.

Broderie Anglaise Top in White £65

Top for me though would be the Broderie Anglaise Top in Black £65 (jeans look fab with this but for me - my Outfit of Choice is going to be this with the black Zoe shorts below).

Since I'm taking mainly khaki and black, this cream top will work perfectly. I already have this (ambitiously took it away at half term hoping to wear it in Suffolk. Didn't get a look in) and it is stunning. Can transform a pair of basic shorts into something far more dressy without still being super casual. Strappy and minimal but you can easily wear a strapless bra under this.

Embroidered Grecian Top £70

Now instead of taking normal vest tops - I've also invested in the triangle top (same story above for half term holiday. Funnily enough it has had ZERO wear this year so far) which will double up for during the day and into the evening. A vest top with attitude. Seriously you can just fling this on with jeans or put it with leather peg leg trousers for a super smart evening out (the latter is clearly not festival evening out....)

Triangle Top £45 in black (also comes in white)

What shorts will I be taking? Now you know I don't normally do shorts. But seeing as we *are* going to be looking at mediterranean style temperatures here this Summer (and bearing in mind that I am going to Florida in the Autumn and funnily enough - the Festival Wardrobe and the Disney Wardrobe will work perfectly as one and the same), I will be needing at least one pair.

These are amazing. I have tried them on at a pop up shop and whilst I loathe my knees (which I may have mentioned once or 2459 times), the volume in these, almost distracts from the flobby knee thing I've got going on. Distraction and proportion is the name of the game.

Zoe shorts in black £40

These would be perfect with any of the above tops. The other alternate, as opposed to all the more fitted shorts that are out there would be the Marseille ones in.. yes you've guessed it... khaki.

Marseille Shorts £40 - also available in lots of other colours if you're not a khaki obsessive like me.

If you haven't seen the New In stock from hush - there is also 20% off that. Don't blame me....

Jacket wise I'll be taking my trusted hush Military jacket which is back in stock in some sizes £65. Although I have to say I may well be altering mine to make it slightly more cropped - denim/biker jacket length?

Alternatively I could just get the denim jacket... but I have to say I really like the idea of the one above just a tad shorter.

Denim Jacket £59

One thing I will definitely be taking is a hat. I would love to say it's to keep the sun off my face but the reality is, it's the perfect bad hair accessory. In fact, I will probably be taking more than one. Yes there are hairdressers in the luxury of my Yurt but I am lazy and there are cocktails.

This has got my name all over it. Black, tick, khaki, tick, does it go over my massive bonce? Will have to see...

Straw Brim Fedora from Topshop £25

This is the sort that is always super useful.

Natural Fedora from Topshop £20

However as I mentioned, I do have a rather large head and more often than not, hats designed for the fairer sex, sit on top of my head leprechaun stylee. Not good.

So I have, in the past, resorted to looking at men's hats.

At Topman the Straw Puritan Hat £10

And I have more to explore. In fact, I have more to explore in every area - this is the tip of the festival iceberg.

I have some basics - in fact, everything that I took with me for packing for my Suffolk Beach Holiday (and now with 20% off...) Or I could subject you to watching the packing video again... One thing I won't be buying is anything *too festival*. You know me - everything has to work hard in my wardrobe - I loathe buying things that I will only be wearing once. We are off to Suffolk again in the Summer (where I am expecting the weather to be significantly better than it was at Easter) and so all these Summer clothes will double up for then as well. And are actually just great wardrobe basics, full stop.

Anyone else festival-ing (yes made up word) this year? Would be fab if someone from here won the competition - enter here (in the hope that they might share the gin tipples with me...)

Today - well not a lot of festival wear seeing as the weather is essentially average. The husband was working from home as his foot has got super bad, so I kindly drove him out to grab a sandwich for lunch. Which sounds lovely, except that he did sit on his phone for approximately 80% of the (v quick) meal, thanks to the fall out from last week which has sent this workload through the roof (which could be argued is a good thing - alas not for the clients he's working with).

Tobacco silk dress - Reiss
Chocolate leather jacket - All Saints
Chestnut peep toe heeled boots - Kurt Geiger
Brown suede bag - Coccinelle

So hope someone else is coming to Port Eliot... Or are you off to another Festival? Top tips please!

I said I had a plan.

I sort of lied. I had the inkling of a plan... for shoes to go with midi off the shoulder dresses.

I will also fess up that I hadn't planned on buying any more sandals this season (yeah right).

That was until I ignored all my shopping rules and bought a dress which a) I can't wear as the weather is so ugh and not summery in the slightest and b) I have no shoes to go with it. I'm talking of the Rixo Animal Print dress that I mentioned yesterday which is a maxi dress and I thought about shortening to a midi.

I did ask on here and on Instagram. Great suggestions on the comments here to wearing it a couple of times (in my dreams at the moment...eerr Summer feel free to put in an appearance any time you feel like it) and then deciding. On Insta, my suggestion of changing to a midi went down like a bag of sick. Keep it as a maxi was the overriding response.

So I will see. I am still not convinced that a maxi works on me...I fear I am too tall and look like a stick of patterned rock. It's a shoe issue. What shoes, as a tall person do you wear with a maxi that aren't flats? I know I'm a massive flats fan but I like heels for an evening. I do, I'm sorry. I also like a mid (ok slightly higher than mid but not vertiginous) heel for during the day to wear with dresses. But with maxi dresses? I'm all out. I have no plan. Hence I don't really wear maxi dresses and find midi ones so much more forgiving.

However the Rixo model is wearing a pair of Gucci mules with the Issy maxi dress which I had admired from afar, smugly thinking, these have no place in my life. Well now they bleeding well do. I NEEEEED.

Except that they are too high and too out of stock (the latter being handy, is all I can say).

The Gucci Webby Mule £380 in black Limited sizes at Harrods.

And in the red online at Gucci - again limited sizes, mine not being one of them. Phew says my bank balance. And my knees.

So there has to be a cheaper alternative and it appears that a mule would work with this dress. Although as I said a maxi with heels doesn't sit incredibly well with me. But I am prepared to be proven wrong and so am on a mule mission.

Topshop you're up.

These. Oh hello. A cross between the Gucci and all that is gorgeous this season from No.21.

Prosecco (couldn't write it) Pearl Effect High Heeled Mules from Topshop £92 And obviously not in my size. Oxford Circus, we have a date on Thursday.

And with Gucci still clearly in mind... oh lord I love these. Properly love them. Too high. Simply too high. I can count the number of times on one hand that I would wear these which is NOT the plan. I am looking for ones I can wear during the day as well. Check out my strong will, pretty please (as the chances of it lasting aren't high...).

Riot Flared Mules from Topshop £65

Or the gold.. but for me it's the pink above that win. I have gold heeled loafers which are, alas, too heavy for the dress. I really need a sandal. I simply cannot justify another pair of gold shoes this season (although don't they say that three is the magic number..?!).

The nearest I did find to the Gucci Webbys are these from Aldo.

Olani mules from Aldo £70

Or in the metallic, again £70

Although I have to say, was super impressed with the offering at Office.

Assume Square Toe Mule from Office in tan was £48 now £34 Lurrrrrve. And not in my size *weeps*.

And in the black which unfortunately aren't reduced. Although I need a paler colour than black.. £48

Plain grey at Office were £65 now £35

Let your shoes do the talking at Kurt Geiger.

Jaxon from Kurt Geiger £120

But if those above are too high (and frankly they are for me although I really want to try the Proseccos...) then these may be worth a look. I fear they could be eye wateringly frumpy on me. A hunch. I hope to be proven wrong....

Nordic Peep-toe Mules £49

Nino Suede Mules in the most delicious pink ever. £59 from Topshop

They also have the Prosecco in a mid heel at Topshop which is called the Pavlova. Spookily my favourite pud... But only in black.. I really want the pearl colour.

Pavlova Mid Heel Mule from Topshop £89

What did I end up ordering? Gucci, I couldn't find anthing that did you justice, but on my search I found the perfect tribute to Laurence Dacade. Good heel height check, pale colour, check, make me feel happy waiting for them to be delivered, check check check.

Kanada Nude High Heel Shoes from Carvela By Kurt Geiger at Topshop were £110 now £79

Not remotely a mule. I am seeing what I can track down in store later in the week.

So apparently the above buckle ones are only a 6cm heel. Of this I am doubtful but hey ho, they're arriving tomorrow. Along with the other lower silver mules, as I was ordering one pair so why wouldn't you order two. And by that logic, I also threw a dress in, just in case. Which was all a great idea until the husband told me he was working from home tomorrow. Thank the lord he's got a gammy toe and so I can hotfoot (ha ha) it to the door way quicker than he can. Of course obviously not thank the lord he's got a gammy toe - I am a much more sympathetic wife than that (ish. Suffice to say I am no Florence Nightingale...).

And here I am today in an outfit which the above shoes would look fabulous with. I have high hopes, which means they will be crushingly disappointing, no?

Shirt dress - Maeve at Anthropologie
Tan suede heeled ankle boots - Boden
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe
Marie Silk Scarf Bracelet - Silk Philosophy

I now need to go and have a lie down as I am gutted about the football. Yes I love watching international football. No the husband doesn't generally watch it with me as he's a dyed in the wool rugby man. But tonight he's out so I am going to retreat to bed and watch tv. Dare I watch the finale of Game of Thrones without him....??!

Or should I do some more summer shoe research? I am now convincing myself that it can't possibly be this crummy weather wise for the rest of the season and a pair of bargain shoes is just what we need to cheer ourselves up. Talk me through your summer shoe purchases..

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In love with gladiators

It's Festival season.

I said I had a plan.