The staplest of staples

Black.  Obviously it's black. 

Before I go any further, I just wanted to see how we are all doing on our Spring "looks".  As rubbish and as disappeared up my own jacksie as that sounds, it is a thing.  Does calling it a "uniform" sound any better?  I'm not sure it does.  But...bothered, as if you can get this sussed, your wardrobe will be a much more loveable thing. 

The joy of being able every morning, to cherry pick items that instantly go together with zero thought, is a thing of pure enjoyment.  Not to mention the extra 10 minutes in bed it will give you.  

My advice would be first of all, to put together your staples.  Those things that you wear season in, season out, which work from day to night, from casual to smart.  You can invest, you can buy cheaper, wear often and replace.  

I'm going to go through my staples over the next couple of weeks but I'm starting with one of my all time favourites.  These have definitely earned their place in my hall of fame.  I can't say I am obsessed with them as I don't have lots of pairs.  I have three.  Three which I wear again and again and again.  And none of mine are remotely expensive. 

But that's not to say it's not worth considering investing in a pair, especially when there are some bargains still to be had in the absolute dregs of the sale. 

My wardrobe staple number one is a pair of black coated skinnies (or three.  And by the way, the only reason I have three is that one pair is a waxed version and the other two are faux leather look.  The reason there are two of the latter is because I was too worried about wearing one out so quickly.  Plus they cost £22 each).

Before we delve in though, how do I wear mine?   For a start they are the ultimate all year round staples with oversized jumpers.  Fact.  And yes, I wear them for rugby and football training and dog walking.  They're wipe down.  Which I find a bigger asset than the coated was probably intended for. 

For during the day with tees and blazers in the Spring.  Until it gets warmer, how about with a deconstructed shirt (I favour plain silk) and a blazer or oversized coat.  In the evening, if you're not into dresses or skirts, or just want a change, these make the perfect alternative with flats, ankle boots or heels (sandals or courts).   A statement blouse or a plain silk shirt (or print or what about a frill?) and sequin blazer (this I love with a logo tee - mixing it all up) and you're good to go.  

There are some great ones out there - one thing I will say is I prefer and recommend high waisted.  Bar none.  Muffin schmuffin.  So over it.  Tuck that bugger in.

Current/Elliott The High Waisted was £206 now £144  at My Theresa where there is currently free shipping.  Which makes it all the bit sweeter.



Now I know I said black... but this is called Dust.  Which I guess is a charcoal grey and actually, is the most perfect alternative to black, especially in the Spring.  Alas, they're not cheap but I don't have to wang on about cost per wear again, do I?

Alana High Waisted Skinny Jeans by JBrand from My Theresa £225 (free delivery and returns so ideal for *trying*).


Replay Joi Waxed High Waisted Skinny Jeans were £220 now £110  in short and regular.


Reiss Helvin High Waisted Coated Black Jeans £110 - these look more waxed than a faux leather look which I know some people will prefer.  Personally I have both and wear them equally as often.  Will definitely be looking into trying these.



Abercrombie & Fitch High Waisted Super Skinny Coated Jeans £70


Lee Scarlett Coated High Rise Skinny Jeans £90



But fear not - there are some true bargains to be had out there.  My favourites are Boden and New Look.  Neither of which have any at the moment.  Mine were both sub £50 (the Boden Mayfairs with a code) and I have searched and found some great other options for you.

The Coated Skinny Cut from Warehouse £45


V by Very Addison High Waisted Super Skinny Jean in Black £30


V by Very Coated Utility Biker Jeans £35


Monki Oki Coated Skinny High Waisted Jeans £30


Black Coated Molly Jeggings from River Island £42


And here I am in mine today.  Drum roll... good old New Look.  Proving (I hope) that it's not always how much you spend.  It's how many you try on to find that perfect pair that doesn't always come down to price (and different people will suit different styles and makes).

One thing I will say that I have found about cheaper coated pairs, is that unlike more cost effective jeans, they don't tend to overstretch during the day.  They can be super stretchy but they seem to stretch back.  I'm assuming it's the coating?  I don't know why I said that actually, as I have no idea whatsoever why they don't overstretch like cheaper denim can.  Any ideas, throw them below please. 


Breton tunic - H&M
Coated skinnies - New Look
Leopard fur coat - M&S
Red loafers - Gucci
Black Tools Bag - Balenciaga

So tomorrow, I may be back with something a bit bling although I fear I am having a jazz hands come down and so it may well be something more classic.  Thanks for all your requests yesterday, keep them coming and I hope that these have given those who were looking for out out options, some food for thought.  

Oh and err who turned off Spring?  HOW cold was it this afternoon?!

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29 comentarios:

  1. Try as I might, the whole Spring vibe is just eluding me at the moment. I'm having no problem embracing full on Summer and snaffled a brand spanking new Dodo Bar Or dress for £42 on ebay last week (very pleased with myself - it's en route from Australia as I type) but I'm just still all about the coated skinnies right now. I have been stalking the Mayfairs in a petite 10 for a bit and, lo and behold!, a pair came in so I bought them. They arrived today and are replacing a pair I'd stolen from my daughter which had developed the unwanted knack of unzipping themselves (zip down the back, no button - it was becoming embarrassing). Also really like the V biker jeans, but I've been hitting up the plastic pretty hard lately and have some transatlantic flights to pay for (In August. Gulp) so I will admire from afar.. Plus I think I am pretty well-provided-for in the coated/pleather skinnies department - so many pairs it's ridiculous.

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    1. Oh gosh I can't wait to get stuck. I so want to crack out the dresses and the skirts.. can't WAIT!!! The Mayfairs, I thnk are amazing although I do still wish I had my high waisted black coated ones from last year which have totally disappeared. Literally disappeared. But we discovered recently that one of our babysitters has been stealing clothes from people. WTAF??!! So a couple of things over the years which have disappeared overnight, may may may make more sense... Still lament them though!

      Surely you have a holiday to buy for now though?!!

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    2. Oh we had a girl who worked for us who stole clothes (including bras - I mean...?!) So strange.

      I need no encouragement to shop for holiday - tally so far includes one Asceno bikini, one Pandora Sykes x Hunza G bikini, a swimsuit, Pitusa beach dress, Pompom slides...I could go on (but I won't).

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  2. Slowly getting in to spring, it's officially the last day of winter here in Denmark, yesterday I actually wore a skirt out! Over the next few weeks the cosy sweaters will be changed to more lightweight sweaters and shirts. We are visiting the UK next week, so it'll be a few degrees warmer, and hopefully no precipitation!

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    1. Isn't your weather a lot more predictable than ours? As in you have *season* and we just have constant confusion!!! This week it is COLD here but I think next it does look slightly better. You know you're just tempting fate on that rate though no?!

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    2. No more predictable, spring is a slow burn (especially when our house is in a frost pocket), and autumn over in a flash (West coast winds rob us of autumn colour with the first autumn storm). The frost pocket does mean we have a bit of a sheltered sun trap in on the warmest days. We are slightly darker in the winter (probably on a par with the north of England/ south of Scotland), and slightly longer days mid summer. We've only had about three bad winters in the twenty years I've lived here, the first was my first full winter, and the next one about 13 years later! We have been down to -17°C on the odd occasion, and +35°C too.

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  3. Oh goodness, what a bad influence you are!! I've only gone and ordered a pair of coated black jeggings. And at the grand old age of 45, I'm finally embracing rock-chic. I've gone for a pair from Next, so I hope they will look great. I'm not ditching my jeans, but it'd be nice to have something other than blue denim to wear. Wish me luck!

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    1. Well done! I got the Next ones in black - loved them so much that I got them in the blue and the 'berry' .. and you're a baby at 45 - I'm 51 😳 Sod the rules eh?!

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  4. Black ... obviously love. Also love your look with striped shirt and pop of red shoes. I just want to copy the whole look! Ok?

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  5. But what I really, really want is your leopardskin coat...

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    1. Well how about if I agree to do another blog on leopard print coats? There are loads of them around at the mo!!

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  6. yes please, love a leopard print coat.

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    1. Yes please - and if you can find any that are more monochrome leopard (snow leopard?!) as i can't shake off the Bet Lynch feeling of true leopard - if that makes sense!!

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    2. Oh crumbs - PS to the post - you look amazing in yours- not in the slightest Bet Lynch-like!!

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  7. i may have just brought one from H&M.

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    1. So you're sorted?! That was quick! Excellent news!

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  8. 'tuck that bugger in' love you so much Kat!

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  9. Love coated skinnies, perfect for transitional weather aka rubbish English spring! I always get lulled into thinking spring is here with the first whiff of slightly milder weather. I've just been trying to mix in a few more spring like pieces, long shirts (with thermals under), trainers, a jersey dress (with a chunky jumper over). I also ordered some big earrings from Etsy, thank you for the inspiration.

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    1. Genius!! So it looks like it's getting warmer but it looks like its going to pee with rain for the next week. This is not what I had in mind....!

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  10. Hi Kat, we hold fashion shows modelling ladies High Street brands all over the UK to help people fund raise for a charity close to their heart. Would you be able to contact us in respect to a collaboration (we have some River Island Faux Leather skinnies which are as good if not better than last seasons New Look!!!). I'm the Marketing Manager and have been reading your blog for the past three years. zoe@coloursfashionshows.com We are also on Instagram (coloursshows) and FB/Twitter.

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  11. I got coated skinnies from DP on your recommendation a couple of years ago and they're brilliant.
    I'm with Caroline Cull on the furry leopard thing but, but, but I just grabbed this http://www.tkmaxx.com/womens-gold-label/brown-leopard-print-cocoon-coat/invt/12195687 - because it's moschino it looks quite funky and it's a lightweight cotton for spring. it arrived today :). Always look forward to your blog with my morning coffee. XXX

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    1. Oh the Edies are they? I've still got mine too!! Mine are pull on.. definitely jeggings - more waxed? Yup, still definitely wear mine, mostly for dog walking as they're THE most comfortable things to wear with an oversized jumper and lots of layers!

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