Home
Archive for
September 2016
...although maybe not what you think... nope, it's coats.
Yes, it's the 1st October, I reckon we can legitimately talk coats.
And I've already done some initial research for Good Housekeeping in an article I wrote for them, which you can read here.
But those who know me well will realise that's just the tip of the iceberg. And why look at just one coat in each trend when I am never knowingly under researched.
Ok so *maybe* there is always an ulterior motive. I am obsessed with leopard print. I can fully vouch for how useful and versatile a leopard print coat is. I have two. Which is easy to justify as one is lighterweight and the other is a heavier, full on fur number that is perfect for the cooler months.
So can I therefore find room in my wardrobe for a third? And if I can't, then I need to find a whole host of new ones so that I can live vicariously through you buying one of them .
This is the one I found for Good Housekeeping and love. I LOVE.
Limited Edition Long Sleeve Animal Faux Fur Coat from M&S £99 It's fur but it's a soft, drapey, almost like a light throw weight as opposed to a heavier fur. Must be tried.
More fur at Topshop.
Casual Leopard Faux Fur Coat £89
I know from previous leopard posts that not everyone loves the camel shade and prefer a grey so here you go. Gorgeous and completely a neutral.
Grey Yvonne coat at Pepe Jeans £164.99
If you're not looking for a full on fur number, then this version from River Island is well worth considering.
Brown leopard print wool coat from RI £80
Another version at Topshop. Full on fur clearly hasn't been released yet...
Leopard Print Coat from Topshop £85
Another non furry number from ASOS.
ASOS Slim Coat in leopard £85
But the bargain of the day has to be from Florence & Fred.
F&F Leopard Print Coat £29
And not forgetting those who may not want full on leopard print. Although if you're not up for full on animal, then I would say the chances of you preferring a pink coat with leopard pockets is possibly slim.. but I adore this.
ASOS Coat in Wool with leopard pockets £75 (on proof reading, I may have become more than mildly obsessed with this.. and seeing as I don't have a pink coat....)
Perhaps easier to wear is a black coat with a collar.
Leopard Faux Fur Collar £65 from Topshop
A black jacquard duster coat from Topshop £85. I'm not going to lie - the jury is out as to whether this is gorgeous slinky coat or old man's smoking gown (I've ruined it for you haven't I? Sorry).
So on that note, I've had inspiration for fur collars (not silk duster coats funnily enough.. although never say never). In fact it's reminded me that we are shortly venturing into scarf weather. When it's not entirely cold enough for a coat (although don't let that stop you buying one now as they do sell out and when it eventually does get cold, we'll be in Spring retail mode. ARRGGHH) a scarf is the perfect addition to your outfit. That's research sorted for tomorrow.
And clearly, there is still a whole host of coat related gorgeousness to bring you in the next couple of weeks.
Finishing with outfit from today. A lovely day spent at Quattro Rish in Reigate.
Green and navy houndstooth dress - American Vintage at Quattro Rish
Onyx jacket - hush
Tan suede boots - Ivy Lee Copenhagen at Quattro Rish
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe
So I hope you enjoy the Good Housekeeping article - lots of food for thought coatwise. Which avenue are you going down this season? I may be more than slightly sold on the pink with leopard print pockets number... someone talk me out of it. It's Friday night, I'm a glass of wine down.. this may not seem like such a great idea in the morning?
£800 for a pair of jeans.
Yes, you read that correctly - £800 for a pair of jeans. I don't quite know what to say. Bar the obvious - are you freaking kidding me?
Ok so I guess it does all come down to income and budget but, seriously - £800? (ok so it's actually £790.. details schmetails). I guess the shock factor is in that jeans generally don't cost anywhere near that much. To most anything skating around the £200 is a massive investment and the majority of us are content with sub £100 on the high street.
But.. but but but (and no I haven't bought any. And it's not even a *yet*. There will be no purchasing of £800 jeans), maybe there is something to be said about the whole cost per wear thing. Could you justify these if you wore nothing but jeans? These jeans that is. God forbid you should get two pairs. For me - that'll be no.
However if you look at these long enough and do the whole value thingymajig in your head, when it comes to looking at circa £200 jeans, suddenly they make vague sense (I can't think why the husband thinks I'm nuts, can you?).
When I look back at what I've worn over the past couple of months, one of the items that has featured ridiculously regularly is the Phoebe jeans. I have worn and worn and worn these. They are so versatile, from every day, to meetings, to dinner, to watch the kids play rugby. One perhaps *could* justify spending more on something that you get so much wear out of. Despite the fact I bought mine at Kilver Court for £60.
I should interject here that I am on a denim hunt. For dark denim. And also for a black pair. Last week, when I was with my friend in Selfridges, we stumbled across Vetements jeans. Which I'd read about. Didn't realise quite how expensive they were. That's £800 expensive.
So what does £800 worth of denim look like? I can't even try them as they're sold out everywhere in my size (shame).
Reworked high rise straight leg Vetements jeans £790
I can hear you all now. I know, I know. But I have seen so many pictures where they do look amazing. However yes, I will completely acquiesce, I'm on the fence (ok so I'm not really, but in interests of maintaining my somewhat fickle fashionista reputation - oh how we all laughed), they *perhaps* don't look like £800 worth of trousers.
To be honest, I'm not sure if these below which are much cheaper (first time I've ever described anything £300plus as cheaper) are even worth the ££££££.
Trigger frayed mid-rise cropped jeans from Rachel Comey £336 To be honest, the stance is really not doing her any favours, is it?
These are definitely more what I had in mind. You can keep the maroon sweatshirt though. I'm sure it's not Fruit of the Loom but well... it's a ringer for one, isn't it? And I fear some poor person may be missing their guinea pig.
BUT totally love the jeans.
Bora straight leg cropped flare jeans from Simon Miller £240
These, however were the ones I tried on today in Selfridges. I was looking for a looser pair - as above, but the very lovely and super helpful chap in the Denim Studio suggested I try these and well done him. Adored them.
Colette crop flared hem jeans from Paige £255
However do you have to spend a fortune? I will admit, for me, the jury is still out with regards to the perennial dilemma of "do you spend on denim or don't you?". I have both that are great. I have also tried expensive jeans which have been horrendous and cheaper high street pairs which have been dire.
Now I haven't had that much success with Topshop jeans in recent times (to put it mildly - anyone remember the Les Dawson knee debacle?) but in the past, they have been epic. I need to try again.
MOTO Stepped Hem Baxters from Topshop £42 These are apparently mid rise. Last time I tried on their new version of the Baxters, there wasn't any mid rise about it. We were in danger of flashing things that should never be flashed over the waistband of jeans.
Or in for a fringe penny, in for a pound...
MOTO Fringe hem straight jeans from Topshop £42
And then we have the raw hem but a looser leg without the kick flare. Certainly one to consider for £32.
ASOS Kimmi Shrunken boyfriend jeans with raw hem £32
And I am finishing with a ringer. These look like an amazing fit. And they do them in different lengths. So if anyone has any ideas on how to fray a hem, could they please speak now or forever hold their peace?
Lob the teensiest bit of hem of these and then fray... Voila one raw edge.
Roma Rise Cropped Boot Cut Jeans from M&S £35
And how did the obsession start? Well it began with the incredulity at £800 jeans but then I tried these on last week at Quattro Rish and loved them.
I will be waxing lyrical about them tomorrow at the store in Reigate if anyone fancies coming down to the launch of their A/W range. Come along any time between 11 and 3. All details on their website. Would be so so lovely to see some of you.
Talk to me about your denim experiences. High end or high street? I am still looking for dark denim perfection so I'll be exploring those shortly.
In the meantime, I opted for leather today and was supremely warm. The tube, rush hour, leather and a warmer than anticipated September day are not a match made in heaven. Enough said.
1970 jumper - Bella Freud
Leather A line skirt - M&S
Ponyskin boots - Tabitha Simmons
Loose trench - Zara
Haworth bag - Village England
Woud love to see some of you tomorrow. And really looking forward to hearing your denim tales.
... the same as has been for the last couple of seasons and is an itch that I've failed to scratch.
A black cardigan, coaty, long thing. You can perhaps see the dilemma in locating said item. It not actually existing being the main stumbling block. But it so should. Oh it really really should.
I can find them in beige, in khaki, in grey - I have an amazing grey speckled one from last year (it's nicer than it sounds) but I want one in black, goddamnit. Too much to ask? Apparently. Proverbial rocking horse poo.
I should probably explain that I do in fact have one. Which is now 8 years old? Maybe 9. It's a boiled wool Ronit Zilkha gem that I bought as I really wanted the (when they did it) long Joseph one but at about three times the price RZ one, I couldn't afford.
The Ronit Zilkha number has served me well and I have worn it to death. Which you can tell. If I told you the dog had slept in it, you would believe me. But I still love it. I really really do.
So I'm looking for a replacement. Boiled wool would be ideal. Maybe not quite as drapey as mine. I bought it when waterfall cardigans were all the rage (as was using the phrase "all the rage" - all the apologies) and I can't *quite* get past that when I wear it. That and I sort of feel like I am wearing a dog blanket.
How hard can it be to find one of these? Very is the answer.
I found nothing - even the budget went out of the window for research purposes - that came close.
This was *vaguely* on spec. But not right. However it is a cardigan, it is black, it's by a great Danish designer and it's a good price. Maybe I should order just to prove it's not right (the sort of phrase the husband wants to weep at).
Selected Femme SFDARLA in black £84.99
And then I found this in the coat section. So it's a coat. And I really wanted a cardigan. Although I did say a cardigan coat thingy so I guess I could consider a coat.
J Lindeberg Mava wool coat £199
Which opened up a whole new avenue of thought - aka I could stop looking at a whole load of really dull, black cardigans which were so not what I had in mind.
But you know what they say - when something doesn't go quite right, yell PLOT TWIST and carry on.
Hence we are now looking at black coats. Ta Dah! Since it's not exactly cold yet, we're looking at lighter ones that we can layer up.
New Look Side Split Maxi Coat £44.99 in black pattern. Which is basically grey. Love this but I don't want and definitely don't need grey. However if you could go grey, this is amazing.
Monki Duster Coat £60 From now on we have monochrome loveliness. I adore the styling of all these. Black, white, pared back, mimimal, Scandi - ok hands up who else wants to throw away everything coloured in their wardrobe and dress like this? ME ME ME (until tomorrow, but hell for today, this is me and then some). Proving the point that we all need a black coat (cardigan thingy...).
Monki Minimal Duster Coat £65
Another tailored mac from Sisley £125
Selected Longline Tailored Coat £135
Only Maxi Long Wool Coat £75
But... but but but I feel I may have struck pay dirt at Mango. Ok so admittedly this isn't what I started looking for but I have loved my grey (not remotely similar so ignore me - this has been a labour of love which needed wine to help the creative juices) one from Whistles last year and this is similar. At a fraction of the cost.
Handmade Coat from Mango in black £89.99
And I'll be honest - I am now totally black coated out. I have also had another small glass of wine and what was helping the research is now hindering it so I'm signing off in time for Bake Off. I'll be benchmarking this for another day but have high hopes for the Mango number. Who knew finding a black coat thingy could be so difficult?
Hair yesterday was bad - hair today doesn't look hugely better as I did have it coloured but opted for an Olaplex treatment which I had to leave in for four hours so it looks even worse than when I started. As I mentioned on Insta - I also decided to try the "wear your bag higher" cross body stylee as is "the trend" this season. Frankly, I felt like a tit. Which is slightly irritating as it's a vintage bag so only has a shorter strap clearly designed to be a shoulder bag and not cross body. Hmmm... need to think this one through. Any suggestions? The husband looked at me like I had two heads and said "if it's supposed to be a shoulder bag, why not use it as a shoulder bag". " Because I feel like my gran?" wasn't met with much sympathy. So maybe I should just embrace the shoulder bag....
Navy slogan tee - Zoe Karssen
Navy blazer - Alexa Chung at M&S
Jeans - Zara
Red Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Vintage navy bag - Gucci
And how warm exactly was it today? Which is why I have a slogan tee on and not a slogan jumper.
We all know I love a slogan jumper so writing my newest article for The Pool wasn't remotely difficult. Hope you like it (sorry - two doses of me in one day....).
Yes it's that time of year - only happens bi-annually - 25% off Whistles with the code WH25AW16 (thanking you kindly Grazia).
And I have had my thinking head on (makes a change) and went yesterday to have a good old try on and ordered this morning.
Although obviously, in the true spirit of trying to snag a bargain and failing massively, the trousers I really wanted are not available online. Which means a trip back to Whistles. Or maybe I could do a phone order...
But I did have a huge amount of luck with a top I wasn't sure of, tried on and LOVED. And yes, have ordered and yes, will be wearing again and again and again into the Autumn. Since I've already mentioned Christmas, the floodgates are legitimately open and yes, this is the perfect top for the party season (for those people who seem to go to parties... I will be wearing this to serve pizza for the kids, watching Strictly and remembering all the parties I used to go. Whilst swigging red wine. That's a party chez moi and yes, I shall be wearing a glittery top for that).
All prices are pre discount as maths is not my strong point.
Cold Shoulder Sparkle Knit £95
And here I am in said knit. I LOVE this. Really didn't think I would but it's fab. Will look amazing with just plain black trews, as well as with culottes, jeans and my beloved midi skirts. I am wearing a 12 here (Whistles, in my experience is not cut on the generous side. Or I may just be bigger than I think I am!).
Other knits that you could easily wear from day to night, from work to with jeans at the weekend.
Annie Sparkle Knit in khaki £65
Did try this on in the khaki and I did like but for me, I would want it to be more fitted at the bottom. This side split hem will work for some and not for others. Having said that, with the 25% off it's a super useful top. *rethinks* (again, I've got the 12 on here).
Which they also have in a navy (but didn't have in my size) again £65
The other thing I wanted to buy were trousers. I absolutely love the navy Alexa trousers that I have from M&S and have been searching for a pair that are similar in black.
Lo and behold....
Whistles Fluid Cropped Trousers £110
Yes, you've guessed it.. in the 12 (I am so clearly a 12 and not a 10. Although in some shops, a 10 - go figure).
Other trousers which are definitely an option although I fear they are definitely dry clean only and I'm an "all about the washing machine" girl are the Sadies. These are a really good price with 25% off. Obviously I'm in the 12. A 10 would not have done up round my waist At All. These are also the regular length as opposed to the long. I prefer this as I don't want them full length - I personally like the 7/8ths look. Or that may just be as I am so used to it being Gulliver.
Sadie Slim Leg Trousers £95
Going back to what we were talking about the other day - the good old mini. And this is perhaps the most wearable of them all. The A-line not too mini mini. With 25% off, you will have this for years.
Rita Leather Skirt £170
The perfect tops for those of us who may be wider around the middle are the tie side rib sweater. I saw this in there and it looked like diddly squat on the hangar but looking at these, I should definitely have tried it on. Perfect for those mini skirts I mentioned.
Tie Side Rib Sweater £120 in navy
And in the grey again £120
I am going to return to the cardigan which is proving to be my bete noir of the season - this was lovely but not quite right. I'm looking for longer. Although I'm stupidly tall so on most of you, this will probably be long enough. A lovely weight and knit to it.
Boiled Wool Cardigan £130 in camel,
This is me trying it in the grey. And to be honest, I could do with a medium as this is only a small. I would like it to be a tad baggier (seeing as I've only got a tee underneath it).
And of course I couldn't not point out the longline sheepskin gilet... with 25% off?
Longline Sheepskin Gilet £695
Finishing off clotheswise with an exceptionally useful jumpsuit. I have to say, none of the dresses this season I'm particularly loving, but this is a gem. Perfect for work, I'd happily wear dressed with a biker or sneakers and hell, since I've clearly got Christmas on my mind, this could definitely be a Christmas Day contender.
Cherry Print Jumpsuit in Red £230
Moving onto shoes - or boots. Of which I need neither.
OR do I....
Ambrose Square Toe Loafer Boot £195
Alternatively there's the tan, again £195
Now a pair that I can acknowledge that I really don't need as I already have a pair of pointed ankle boots. I can though, share how completely useful they are.
Belmont Leopard Chelsea Boot £225
However, torn between cutting my feet off and pressing buy on these. Surely everyone needs a pair of metallic boots in their life. Oh my heavens, I can feel floodgates of research opening. I genuinely started this paragraph thinking - oh they'd be nice and am now frothing at the mouth with the NEED for shiny boots. Bum.
Belmont Point Chelsea Boots in pewter £185
So I've made my order (very abstemiously having just ordered the jumper although am going to definitely track down the Fluid trousers) and am hovering over the metallic boots.. though I fear the Chloe nude ones from yesterday have branded themselves, cow on a ranch style, in my mind.
And the trousers, I'm sending my best friend to pick up for me in the morning. Result.
In the meantime, here I am today, thanking the lord that my hair is being coloured tomorrow. We've reached "one shade off Russian mail order bride, complete with roots".
Breton - Joseph
Wide leg tailored jeans - Me+Em
Soft trench - Zara
Red loafers - Gucci
Half moon bag - APC
In the meantime however, I have homework to tackle. Send gin. Send a crate of gin. I may have ordered a pair of boots by the time the night is out. As after homework I have 60 mins of football to watch. On the upside, it's indoors and I get to take my laptop and the boys are exhausted when they get home. Where I have gin waiting.... And I may also do some more loitering on the Whistles website *just in case*. Do tell me if there's anything I've missed - my bank manager will LOVE you for it.
