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March 2017
Yes it's time for a good old statement shoe. Oh how I love these.
When it comes to an instant pick me up - for some people it's a new lipstick, a blow dry, a new hair colour, new earrings, a new dress - ok so essentially a new anything. I had a really successful meeting this morning, it's half term tomorrow (oh dear lord save us all and it's not half term at all, is it? It's Easter!) so I thought I deserved a little treat.
For me - first up - it's new shoes. So ok so it could also be a new dress but I tried to buy one of those today and big fat fail - nothing that I liked. Shock. Horror. Yes, seriously (so admittedly I did only go into Selfridges and did only spend about 30 mins and was trying to buy something I'd seen about two months ago so not the hugest of surprises that it wasn't there anymore. Duh).
So it was onto the next best thing. That'll be a shoe. And since it was sunny and verging on properly Summery, it could only be a statement shoe.
These were almost top of the list.
Robin Multi Strap Sandals from Topshop £56 Why. Why oh why didn't I buy them? I would defy anyone not to know these aren't Laurence Dacade shoes. And I have wanted a pair of her shoes forever. I AM A FOOL.
Actually I know why I didn't buy them - the ones I did end up buying were marginally lower and you didn't need a pedicure to wear them. I have officially turned into an old, lazy lady.
Whilst we're on the subject of buckles. Dacade meets Toga. Lush. I could easily wear these. Easily.
ASOS Over Time Western Heeled Shoes £45
Monochrome buckles now (can you tell I am more than rather taken with this style?).
Natasha Multi Buckle Heeled Sandals £52 from Topshop
Variation on the theme.
Grey Snake Strappy Eyelet Blocked Heel Sandals £55
Raquel Embroidered Sandals from Topshop £56
More sandals... these are so wrong they're right. Of that, I am very confident.
ASOS Heads Up Sandals £45
More block heels at River Island
Pink Multicoloured Textured Block Sandals £52
And now we're onto shoes (note the pedicure comment above - these are for Spring. And the lazy amongst us).
Snake Design Loafers from Mango £59.99
If you don't like super high (too low for me but I know loads of people rock these).
Leather leopard shoes from Mango £59.99
And did someone say high heel? What a heel this is.
Missguided Embroidered Block Heel Court Shoe £35
M&S have got the floral stiletto covered. For work, with jeans, with an LBD to give it a whole new lease of life.
Stiletto Floral Court Shoes £25
Or the yellow mix again £25
Printed leopard at Mango £35.99
Yes more leopard. You can never have enough.
Pimkie Leopard Print Heel £19.99
Owen2 Pointed Top Cap Mules £56
And of course if you're not quite ready to ditch the ankle boots yet, these are the perfect Spring/Summer option.
Mimosa Floral Ankle Boot from Topshop £69
So what did I buy...? The Gina Shoes from Topshop that I had on the blog yesterday that are now sold online. And this was the last pair in Oxford Street. That happened to be my size. I couldn't leave them there...
In fact, I'm off to change into them as it's a night out with the girls tonight. Haven't been to the pub with the girls for so so so long - ridiculously looking forward to it. Out on a school night, check me out.
Tee - Isabel Marant Etoile
Phobe jeans - MiH
Ashcroft Blazer - Baukjen
Belt - Weekday at ASOS
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci
Leopard print boots - Tabitha Simmons from The Cult & The Classic
Off to put my statement shoes on and can't believe tomorrow is Friday? Out of interest - what is your "treat yo-self" (and again if you haven't seen Parks & Recreation, I can't recommend it highly enough and the "treat yo-self" concept will make total sense) treat?
Whilst the floral has crept up in the runnings as a rank outsider, there is only one horse in the print race.
A horse of the cat variety - that'll be good old leopard. I say print. To me it's actually a neutral. I adore it. I love it on its own, I think it's sublime with a stripe and I'd even team it with a floral. Throw it all on - the more the merrier.
It's a year round favourite and I've been wearing it now for years. I wear it for casual, I wear it to meetings, I wear it for photo shoots, I wear it for out in the evening - it genuinely is my favourite print bar none.
The husband? Yup, he's not *quite* as big a fan. I can usually hear him mutter "Corrie barmaid" or some such other twaddle, combined with obligatory eye roll. Stat.
Except... I think the worm may have turned.
"So how much do you hate this dress?" (that gives you an idea of the level of "compliment" usually dished out).
"Actually, I quite like it".
Shock. Horror. And he was serious. So there you go. FINALLY a dress in a leopard print that he actually likes. All the kudos to Lily & Lionel - this is the dress in question.
Kitty Neutral Leopard Print 70s Maxi Dress from Lily & Lionel £200
And here I am in mine...although I wasn't wearing this when he said he liked it - this is from a few weeks ago on a shoot I did with Lily & Lionel. He liked it when I wore it with a blazer (see below). The glasses wouldn't have done the outfit any favours in his eyes. The first time he saw them as I was leaving the house, his parting comment was "So when Elton calls, what time shall I tell him you're bringing his glasses back?". Yes, he's all the funny.
But it doesn't have to be a full on maxi.
There are always shirt options. These are perfect for Spring wear. Completely perfect to dress down with jeans and sneakers for during the day, wear for work teamed with classic black and for out in the evening, just fling on heels. And yes, I do always wear heels in the evening. Don't ask me why - it's my day to night Wonder Woman transformation. Think of it as a cape.
Animal Print Shirt from Topshop £36
Mink Pink Long Sleeve Leopard Print Top with Tie Back £55
You may want to wear a camisole under it, but it does make it that little bit dressier.
Ruffle Print Blouse from Mango was £29.99 now £19.99
I'm not going to lie to you - the majority of leopard love out there at the moment is in the swimwear department. And I shall be coming to that one day but definitely not right now (you've guessed it folks - no jetting off for us this Easter).
But this skirt from my beloved M&S is a definite winner. And perfect for those shorter amongst us who don't like a full length midi, this is the ideal length - on most it will probably sit mid calf which looks great with either flats or heels on most people, regardless of how tall you are.
Leopard Print A-line Skirt from M&S £35
Then we come on to jackets and this is where I may have overindulged over the years. But the joy about these is that they never got out of fashion. They never go out of fashion.
What I don't have though is a blue toned one. I know lots of people aren't a fan of the tan leopard colourway so this is a real find. Perfect with a white teen and jeans for Spring dressing. Navy or pale blue jumper and jeans or black trousers - ideal to take you into the Autumn. You could always wear this over an LBD or a LND (that's a little navy dress in case you hadn't guessed) for Occasion wear too.
Biba Leopard Print Jacquard Zip up Coat was £99 now £45
Accessories are always an option - the ultimate in reliability - the leopard scarf.
Animal Print Scarf from Mango £15.99
And I can't finish without mentioning footwear. My leopard crack of choice.
Amelia Studded Boots from Topshop £89 Oh how I adore these. Not even I can justify them though, so can someone please buy them vicariously.
These could tempt me back into heels on a daily basis. (Ok so I've tried to order them and they're out of stock in my size. That's just CRUEL).
Gina V Cut Flare Block Heels from Topshop £56
Leopard Print Closed Toe Mules from River Island were £48 now £20
Or the open toe block heel stud mules which are simply amazing, also River Island were £65 now £35
The perfect flats. Indulge your inner Audrey - black kickflare or plain cropped trews, black fitted tee or shirt and these. Ta dah! Your very own Roman Holiday. Ok so I'm not entirely sure Audrey indulged in a leopard ballet flat but if I bet she would have if she could have...
Leather Leopard from M&S £35
And a sturdier loafer/slipper style.
Leather Leopard Print Pumps from M&S £35
Of course my absolute favourite - the leopard print boot. The all year round staple.
Dune Oralie pointed toe mid heel ankle boots in pony skin were £120 now £60
And here I am, showcasing a little bit of of my leopard love.
This was from Saturday actually - a great afternoon with my three boys (two sons and a husband - I haven't gained a son) at Bluewater for a sushi supper. The only place we can go where all the family are in foodie heaven. And no - my small boys do not entertain anything remotely fishy. Thank the lord for chicken dishes.
70s Kitty Dress - Lily & Lionel
Ashcroft blazer - Me+Em
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Black Tools Bag - Balenciaga
And today in the changeable weather. It was supposed to be 17 degrees today. It wasn't. This is the biker I bought from Zara in the sale for a complete steal. I totally forgot I had it and found it this morning - was like Christmas. However I soon remembered why I hadn't worn it as, lo and behold, it virtually cuts off the circulation to my lower arms. To say the sleeves are on the tight side, is somewhat of an understatement. I have the thinnest of lyocell tees on underneath. I may as well be naked or wearing a tissue. Makes no odds - the lack of blood to my hands still turned them a shade of blue.
Lyocell tee - & Other Stories
Midi skirt - M&S
Leopard jacket - Zara
Boots - Isabel Marant
Black Tools Bag - Balenciaga
So off to London tomorrow for meetings. It's allegedly going to be 21 degrees. Allegedly. This could spell outfit disaster...
Now talk to me about leopard - love or loathe it, fave pieces and can you ever have too much?
A bit of colour. Today, I (virtually can I point out) indulge my current love of everything green.
And "obviously" there are two things I've seen that have generated my green obsession. First up - how many Bella Freud 1970 jumpers is too many? Well clearly the sensible answer is any more than 1. So three is taking the proverbial. However. When it's this colour... *bites fist*. I had coffee last Friday at the Chiltern Fire House and on the way to the tube, just happened to nip into Bella Freud. Well you can't not when you're walking past, to be honest.
And this sort of fell onto my back. I then realised I was running ridiculously late for a meeting and had to screech out, WITHOUT BUYING IT.
Bella Freud 1970 Jumper in Cactus Green £280
Look how amazing it looks with the red boots. Will I go back and get it? Would also look so so so SO so (x a million) fabulous with khaki. And I might just have a khaki skirt and trousers already. Just saying.
I'm going to sit and see how long it haunts me for. But then that's dangerous. That's very dangerous (well - I say *dangerous* in the loosest sense of the term as it's not remotely life threatening - more highly irritating and errr, yes that will be the epitome of First World Problems but you know what I mean) as it may well sell out.
Really? Why yes. Case in point being (didn't see that one coming, did you..?!) a particular green trench coat that has been like a brain worm, ever since I first spied it a month or so ago. It is THE most ludicrous amount of money. But, I don't know about you, I always have that *one* item that if something absolutely amazing happens in your life (like you win the lottery), you will treat yourself to it. I'm not sure I've ever actually bought The Thing (seeing as I've never won the lottery... or I've waited and got it for Christmas - or had to buy it for myself for my birthday) but this is The Thing that I will buy when my numbers come up.
Except that it's sold out. WHAT? It can't sell out. If I do win the lotto this week, I will have to lop an arm off to fit into a 36. I don't actually know what size a swedish 36 is but since it's at the wrong end of the sizing scale, I'm assuming diddy. As in - I need less limbs to fit into it diddy.
Acne Studios Lucie twill trench coat £700
Can I find an amazing replacement? Can I heck as like.
This though, I need to ponder on... I have seen it in a magazine and it did look pretty amazing, if only they did it in a tall. I want it to be oversized and flowy and... basically I just want it to be the Acne one above. Pah.
First up - how many
Blouson Duster Coat from Topshop £69
But both those things got my green juices flowing. I love this colour. I love the cactus shade and I love the forest green shade. I need green. I need more green in my life. It's perfect with black, with navy, with camel, with red (although that is my school uniform but seeing as I left school 26 years ago - vom - I should probably get over that, shouldn't I?) and don't get me started on green and pink. Feeling all the colourful love vibes.
Let's get our green on.
Pleated Emerald Skirt from & Other Stories £65 And could this be any more Christmassey for later in the year? Wear now with a little tee and sandals.
Then this is quite the most amazing skirt. I would wear during the day with a tee but up the ante with a blouse for the evening. Or a silky tee (yes I'm loving my tees) and fitted blazer for the evening with killer heels. Team with a jumper, trench or oversized coat and knee high boots for the Autumn (I know - don't shoot the messenger).
Style Mafia Luna green skirt £125
Zip Front Crop Wide Leg Trousers in Green from Topshop £42
Then there are the jumpers. It may seem like a ludicrous choice in March but do not be fooled by these balmy temperatures we are currently experiencing - we can pretty much guarantee they'll be short lived, can't we?
Turtleneck Sweater in dark green £40 from & Other Stories
Cashmere Sweater in green £95 & Other Stories
Or the wool and mohair jumper again from Stories at £65
Brighter at Boden.
Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Jumper £140 from Boden
And a more summery top which would work as well with jeans and sandals as it would for dressier occasions with smarter trousers. Or you cold easily tuck into a skirt.
ASOS Off Shoulder Top with frill sleeve £28
But I think the most obvious choice for me would be a tailored jacket. Seeing am I am a firm advocate of the "you can never have too many blazers" theory... I wouldn't be doing the whole suit look but a jacket on its own? With jeans, with black trousers, over skirts, culottes and dresses. This is a much more sensible option than the Bella jumper and the Acne coat isn't it? (ignoring the sold outness of the trench. And yes, I'm sorry but I do still want a little weep about that).
Tailored Suit Jacket from Topshop £65
However it doesn't have to be clothing related. I came across this brand on Insta and then lost twenty minutes of my life on their website. You have been warned.
Tripe Drop Earrings from Olly M £105
Or the double drop earrings from Olly M £75
Those last ones. Seriously, those bottom earrings with the fuchsia. Holy manoley, what do I have that these would go with? (she says breaking all her purchasing rules). But do you know what - even a plain navy blazer, tee and jeans. Winner winner, green and fuchsia dinner.
So I have to stop now as I have a green salad to go and make for my dinner. And I shall leave you with my very non green outfit from today. Descended back into monochrome - partly as I had a super laid back day and wanted to be comfy and these trousers, being elasticated are only one step off jamas. And partly as I cannot get enough of this blazer - don't forget the 15% off at Baukjen with the code DMBLF15.
Slogan tee - Captain Tortue
Wide leg cropped faux leather trousers - Topshop
Ashcroft Blazer - Baukjen
White trainers - Veja from Quattro Rish
Black Tools Bag - Balenciaga
And not forgetting Ginny with her green lead. Note to self - must try harder.
So tomorrow I will be returning with something non monochrome, I promise. Colour or print, colour or print??
I'd also love to know what your favourite colour is. Ok so I sound like I'm 5 years old and I don't mean generally "what's your favourite colour?" but do you have an accent colour that you veer towards? I would have said for years that mine is khaki but seeing as that's now a neutral - I would probably say yellow. Even though I maybe prefer pink. Or now that I'm blonder, I do like a bit of red. So it's probably, almost definitely red. Maybe. However I think my heart is now set on green... And yours?
