Deep breath.. it's denim time.

So.   

Oh, it's the elephant in the room, isn't it?  That vile, hideous subject of jeans.  But, they really are such a versatile piece of kit, can we live without them?  

Now here's a thing.  This week I have done a complete purge of my wardrobe.  Things that I've only worn once in the last couple of years (looking at you Zara tops), or I'm keeping "just in case" - they've had their day, they're outta here.  Which has left with surprisingly (subjective) little.  

Jumpers (which make up the majority of tops actually - oversized and neater fit for skirts and looser trousers)
Polo necks (a lot but I love them and wear them all.  They can ALL stay)
A couple of shirts/blouses
A few tees
A handful of bretons 
I will admit there are a fair few outwear items.  Although if you divided them down into blazers, military jacket, bikers, trench, gilets, coatigans and coats.  According to the husband "they're all coats".  Whatevs.
Dresses (a growing collection shall we just say, although I ditched almost all short ones.  Exceptionally liberating).
Skirts (again, a fair few - all midi bar two)
Dungarees (two pairs)
Jumpsuits (four)
Trousers (wide leg, cropped and full length, couple of pairs of joggers, khakis)

And jeans.  Lots and lots and lots of jeans.  Well I say that, but how many is lots?  Seriously though, how many *is* lots?  I think I have about twenty pairs of all colours and styles (ok so this doesn't include black coated skinnies as they're basically trousers) but I have had some of them for years.  A pair from Jigsaw are actually older than my youngest son.  And two Earl pairs predate the 10 yr old. 

But I did consign to jean heaven, a fair few that have seen better days stretch and zip wise and can no longer contain my muffin which has got ever so slightly (ish) worse with age.

I am on a mission to find an amazing pair of skinnies.  However it did confirm that my favourite jeans and ones that I wear for day and night are straight legs.  Both turned up and a new pair that I found at my beloved Quattrorish in Reigate - Jeanne jeans.  These are again by MiH - the same make as my big hem numbers, the Phoebes.   I have spent so so long trying on jeans over the years that don't *quite* fit - when you find a make that do, it's worth buying them.  They may be expensive but you will buy one pair instead of 4 pairs of cheaper ones.  And as they're jeans, I honestly think, the more you wash them, the better they get.

Why do I love straight ones?  I find them more flattering for me - personally I like how they work proportion wise.  I even wore them the other day with a jumper dress over the top and because they fit so well at the top, there's no excess bunching denim (again - thanks for nothing Zara jeans.  You may have been cheap but you add about 10lbs to my middle in spare fabric).  Perfect with tees, with fitted jumpers, with silky shirts (or blouses if you like).  Blazer, biker or coat. 

These are the ones I have - call Ivy at Quattro Rish for further info.  Alternatively, all the details are on their website but I'm going to be at their S/S launch in Reigate on 16th March if anyone would like to come along for a glass of something and a natter.

Others that are also perhaps worth a look.

Off piste colourwise, but these are calling my name.  15% off with the code MARCH15 (and free delivery).  

Girl Meets Boy Jean from Me+Em in Ecru £119 pre discount



Also in the vintage wash - now £83 on offer.



Or the dark denim at £119 - all three pairs are slightly different at the hem.



Top end still but these look pretty darn good and who doesn't love a sales bargain in a lighter shade.  Perfect for Summer.

Current/Elliott The Original Cropped Mid Rise Jeans were £218 now £152



High Street wise my choice would definitely be these (although they are definitely on the smarter side) from Autograph.

Smart Turn Up Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans from Autograph at M&S £45 (in two lengths)



These at Next are definitely worth a look. 

Mid Blue Vintage Turn Ups from Next £32 (in various lengths)



Straight legs at Topshop BUT I think these are definitely slimmer than I would personally want.

Moto Dark Blue Straight Jeans £40



And I have lots more that I should (and will) have a look at but my dinner is calling.  Here I am in my straight legs jeans the other day, with the jumper dress as described above.  Very much a departure from my usual silhouette but I think it works. 



Navy jumper dress - Whistles
Navy shearling gilet - Helmut Lang
Jeanne jeans - MiH from Quattro Rish
Sneakers - Veja from Quattro Rish
Patent Leopard bag - Tory Burch

So I am going all the way to hell having made zero effort in making a sock puppet for World Book Day for the 8yr old.  They had to make a puppet of a book character.  Which is fine if you have a craft box straight from Hobbeycraft (nope) or the time, talent and inclination (again, thrice nope).  It was optional (thank you number one son who said that meant he could opt out - he knows his areas of expertise - and mine - and they don't extend to anything crafty). 

But bless the smallest - he wanted to make one.  Meetings in London today meant zero opportunity to pick up anything creative so.. he made a Dementor out of a black sock.  It's basically a black sock that looks like the dog has attached it.  To me it screams Dementor... *things they don't tell you before you become a parent - World *insert all the swear words* Book Day, can actually make grown women cry*.