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...).





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CONVERSATION

22 comentarios:

  1. You're not making my life easy Kat! I've been trying hard to get the idea of tulle out of my head for the last year or so, really don't want to end up looking like a sugar plum fairy, and do think that the cost per wear wouldn't be good. But like you if I could by the outfit from any one of those pinterest images, I'd be clicking away like mad. But however much I love this look (and I do looove it) can I justify such a skirt when I can go at least a month without thinking about wearing one, and having way too many in my wardrobe to begin with?
    Thank you, thank you for making me remember my velvet wide legged trousers! I wore them this evening to a pre Christmas family get together with a silk t-shirt and heeled boots. They were so comfy, and we're complimented on (and for once I could truthfully say "these old things, I've had them for years!). I'll try not to forget them again (maybe a sign of too much in the wardrobe)!

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    1. DO IT!!!!! And so pleased about the trousers!

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    2. Meant to say - the reason I've ordered (the two AMazon ones!) is because they go with so much that I already have. That's the best sort of purchase - something that's very different but still goes with your general "look" if you see what I mean?

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  2. Love the pinterest inspiration .... all black I could do!

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    1. Isn't it amazing?! I'm going to give it a go...

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  3. Just out of interest I think those ballet flats were those plastic Vivian Westwood/Melissa sandals - a mite sweaty but very comfy.....

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    1. They definitely are I would say. Love and never got round to getting them. I have always though had my heart set on a chanel pair - and it is my birthday in January.... ha ha ha!

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  4. Just FYI, your husband can share some of his Prime benefits with you so you don't have to use his account in future. Get him to check in his account settings.

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  5. I wore a black tulle midi skirt on Friday night for a Christmas do. X

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  6. Dammit. I have just been clearing out my T-shirt drawer (a necessary evil on a Sunday morning - I couldn't shut it any more) and happened upon a bodysuit I had bought specifically to wear with a tulle skirt. They had some bloody lovely ones in Zara late summer but, as you do, I couldn't decide which to go for and ended up not buying one at all. Then, on Friday, the eldest daughter comes home with a sales haul from New Look and, there within, is a bloody TULLE SKIRT. Can't get one now, can I?

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    1. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I'm dreading that day. At the moment, we just have to agree who wears what trainer brand!

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  7. I have the black tulle M&S skirt from the Twiggy range. Didn't think any of that range was for me but it's adorable. Think I'm wearing on Xmas day with a Bella Freud jumper.

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    1. Oh that was absolutely gorgeous but too short for me. I've gone in for the two top Amazon ones. The one I did want is £20 delivery before Christmas. Sod. That!

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    2. Talking Bella Freud, have you seen that there are cushions with the 1970 text on them? I think I saw them on Liberty's website.

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    3. Spookily they are already on my Christmas wishlist!! I LOVE them - all of them...

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  8. Look at Elsie's Attic. Lusting after their red tulle skirt for Christmas. Their Facebook page as a lot of delicious inspiration

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    1. Off to have a look in case my Amazon bargains don't work out! Thank you xxx

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  9. I soooo HAD to have a tulle skirt for my 40th in Paris that when I couldn't find the perfect one, I made one! Is such cheap fabric, £1.99 per metre. Looked amazing with pink nikes and a Breton. Loved it. Am inspired to dig it out now for non-Parisian adventures.

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    1. SUPER impressed... Not entirely sure (which basically means, I absolutely know I don't) I have the capability to do that!! I'm off to France on Tuesday and really really want one to take with me. I have ridiculously high hopes (which I know is STOOPID) for the Amazon ones which are arriving tomorrow!

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  10. Kat, how did the Amazon skirts work out? I've got the midi in my cart as we speak! Been wanting a tulle skirt for eons and I want good news! lol

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