Sugar plum magic

Since the chances of me getting to see the ballet this Christmas are nada (as much I would love to take the family, it was a toss up between The Nutcracker and the Panto and seeing as we have two small boys to consider, "it's behind you" won out). 

However I have a cunning plan.  How about if I go to the panto dressed as if I'm going to the ballet?  Or, better still... as if I'm IN the ballet.  No I haven't been drinking - I'm starting to write this on Saturday morning having had a glass or two too many of prosecco last night.  That, combined with the fact I haven't wrapped ANY gifts yet, Amazon "lost" my 8yr old's main present yet didn't bother to let me know so I've just been waiting for it all week, assuming it was delayed with the Christmas rush so I've had to try and find another one (I'm relying on ebay - that's how much I've lost the plot) is sending me away with the fairies. 

It was also inspiration I found yesterday as I was looking for wide legged trousers pics on Pinterest (seriously how easy is it to get distracted on that site?  If they had a click and buy button on their outfit pics, I would be actually bankrupt).

As I need all of this outfit.  I may have just spied some amazing new sunglasses in Selfridges the other day which would work with this outfit amazingly well.  And ballet shoes be mine. 

All of which, led me to think - I need a new skirt.  And a tulle one is what I have in mind.  Black, as above.  Midi to wear with silk shirts but mostly jumpers.  Polo necks, cashmere thin knits, breton tops and biker jackets.  In the Summer, how about with a white tee and a little black military style blazer (which I have so this is all good wardrobe shopping...). 

Let's get going.  Starting with a maxi as I do want long and I know that these are easy to make shorter - get snippy with a pair of scissors.

So this isn't black but it's a gorgeous shade of aubergine (merlot apparently).  Have to say, I'm not entirely averse to a maxi, now that I think about it... perfect with trainers - I won't be dressing mine up too much, I don't think.

Needle & Thread Tulle Merlot Maxi Skirt was £110 now £77



And the midnight version which is now only £60 in the sale



The black version which alas, isn't in the sale.

Needle & Thread Tulle Maxi Skirt £120




Then moving onto some other colours.

Midi from John Lewis in a khaki (sorry - soldier green.  Khaki to me and you). 

Jolie Moi Tulle Skirt was £60 now £45



I did toy with pink for a minute but realised that I may be taking the whole Sugar Plum Fairy thing and the knob potential was quite high (I may well be deluded in thinking it would be less with a black version but humour me).  For those who are braver than me... 

Glamorous Tulle Maxi Skirt £36


BUT I have resorted to.... Amazon.  Despite my not being their biggest fan today.  This is a gamble.  A massive gamble.  But apparently it's free returns (please tell me they're not difficult) so it would be churlish not to give it a bash.  Especially as I'm using the husband's account as he has Prime and I don't.  

Little Mistress Woman's Tulle Skirt £42  So this one isn't the biggest gamble in the world - they're a pretty well known brand. 



However.. this one?  One size fits all.  Size 6 to 18 (insert all the snorting laughing here.  What the fudge?)  This could be genius or it could be completely hilarious.  Fear not, I will provide with photographic evidence either way. 

Relaxfeel (this in itself is cause for concern..) Women's A Line Skirt £20.99



However on reflection I might order this one instead as there's an actual pic of it and it looks exactly what I want... for a steal.  Which means it's going to be pants but I'm going to take the risk... At the very worst I will turn it into a fancy dress costume (all ideas needed now please, just in case.  What fancy dress works with a black tutu?).

Bridal Mall Women's Full Length Tulle Skirt £26.99 from Amazon  For once in my life, I'm hoping that it's not full length as I really want it to be midi... watch this space.  Not Prime and not free returns.  


And then there are variations on the theme.  This is perfect if you're looking for something slightly less dramatic.  Alas, the price is on the statement side but if you think about how versatile this would be, cost per wear, you wouldn't regret it come the end of the year.  This could easily be worn now, as below with trainers and a biker for every day dress down.  With a neutral polo neck, ankle boots and a trench, you could happily wear this to work.  For the evening, any sort of top that takes your fancy and heels (or hello ballet flat inspiration from my Pinterest pic) and you're off.  Into the Spring and Summer this could be just as reliable.  A tee and cropped blazer plus sneakers = perfection on a daily basis.  How about a silk cami and heeled sandals for a dressy night out.  Honestly, if I hadn't managed to convince myself I needed one of these before - I've no idea how I'm going to live without one now.

Lace-trimmed Tulle skirt from RedValentino was £510 now £255


Speaking of skirts that cost per wear pay for themselves within no time - may I present the skirt that launched my love of all things midi - the gem from last Spring at Topshop.  It really is the gift that keeps on giving.



Leopard jumper - Stella McCartney
Green metallic pleated ankle grazer skirt - Topshop
Susanna boots - Chloe

So the sales have started and tonight I'm going in.  I know I said that I had zero interest in A/W and that is entirely true.  If I don't want to wear it now and know that it will work in May, I'm not even considering it.  Main point of focus?  Well, that will be a handbag.. do I need one?  Do I chuff.  Do I want one?  Absorootingtootinglutely. 

And a Christmas wish list.  Just in case the husband ever reads the blog (he doesn't by the way...).