Summer time

At last.  You've arrived.  And very welcome you are.  It means so many things.  It's time to get out those Summery clothes... and that includes the legs.  Thanks to M&S, I have actually found an outfit that I may well bare my legs in.  You read that right.  Legs.  Out.  Perfect for this amazing weather.  I'm saving this outfit for tomorrow when its getting even warmer but in the meantime, I've done my regular scoop of all that has caught my eye at M&S. 

Starting with something I have had my eye on since I saw it months and months ago at their Press Day.  This is why I love going to Press Days.  Lots of lovely things but every now and again you see something that goes straight onto your wish list.  There's usually one thing that is extra special that you watch and wait for.  And for - it was a leather midi skirt in red.

You had me at leather midi.  I think I might change my name to Leather Midi.  Or maybe just my first name.  And did I mention that it had pockets?  POCKETS.  The added element of dreams to any skirt or dress.  Now go figure that they would leave this till their last Summer drop.  But it's randomly so easy to wear in this weather.  I get it.  It's loose, it's elasticated (which, as someone else said to me today - one of the many who commented on how fabulous the skirt was - it gives it a really modern feel), it's perfect for this weather with a loose top and sandals. 

Leather A-Line Midi Skirt from Autograph £199

And then.. there was this.  Now this is legs out.  TA DAH!  I think I know about five people with this skirt.  And I am know that we will all wear it really differently. 

Mirror Embroidered Skater Skirt £35 from Indigo 




This top however is up so many people's streets.  For me on it's own as a top, as we've already discussed a gazillion times - I need to step away from the boho top.  But as a dress.  Call off the dogs.  This takes it to a totally different dimension.  Think a certain delicious French designer - reminiscent?  Oh yaaaaas.

Embroidered Notch Neck Jacket from Indigo £39.50 Now honestly, I wouldn't call this a jacket.  It's definitely a top in my book (I can't see an opening so definitely don't know how it's a jacket..).







Now here's the interesting thing.  This is also what I took into the changing room.  I took the above skirt/dress combo as a total ringer.  And this in as my "go to" safe option.  Because it's what I love and because it's what I know works.  And work it did. 

Open Front 2 Pocket Blazer £49.50 



I've got the 10 on. 



I've also got trousers that can be worn on their own or as part of a suit.  In the 10 again. 

Limited Edition Side Stripe Tapered Leg Trousers in Navy £35 



I put it with the high neck tee - not for everyone but it's great for smaller chests.  I've got the 12 on.

Contrasting neckline short sleeve t-shirt £15



And also wore the navy jacket as well.  If you're looking for a navy jacket with a bit of a twist, this is perfect.  

Open Front 2 Pocket Blazer £49.50





If you do prefer the more Scandi look for Summer, this blazer is the perfect pared back style in a traditional English linen.  I absolutely love love love this. 

Linen Blend Double Breasted Jacket £55.00




One thing that will go really well with the above outfits are a pair of pared back black sliders.  These are my go to Summer shoes.  I get a new pair every year and then rotate my collection.  I never spend a huge amount of money on them (& Other Stories and Zara for example) and these will definitely make the grade.

Leather Cut Out Mules from M&S £25



And these which I now have on order.  I LOVE these. 

Cross Over Mule Sandals from M&S £29.50



I also thought I'd give the swimwear a go.  Oh hello Rosie.  So.  We know what you look like in your super swimwear but how does it fare on a 44yr old, mother of three who loves wine a bit more than she likes exercise? 

Make your own mind up.  Can I just interject though and say, these are NOT going to work if you are blessed of bosom.  However, they do have, in the same ranges, bikini tops which are bra sized and go up to an E cup.

Elongated Triangle Slide Bikini £49.50 from Rosie of Autograph.



So I am "slightly" too long in the body for this (but do remember I am 5ft10).  I also take a size 12 in all of M&S swimwear.




This one was a much better fit and actually I think the navy is more flattering on white flesh that you can see from space.  

One Shoulder Printed Swimsuit Floral £55






However this was my favourite. 

Elongated Triangle Slide Swimsuit £45



And it gives me cleavage!



Playsuit Cover up with print £45




I didn't get the memo about the dropped shoulder bit.  Must try harder next time..




But what did I take home with me?  Yes that's the boho dress (ok - top and skirt).  With stud ankle boots - check, with gladiator sandals, check.  With the fringe sliders that I'm waiting to be delivered - check.  Something different.  Something that I am super looking forward to wearing.  

And obviously the leather skirt.. duh.  The main reason I love this is because it's completely in my comfort zone but completely out of it being the colour it is.  What could be more perfect to add a bit of interest to my Autumn wardrobe, whilst being able it now.  And wear it I did. 




Top - Goat
Leather skirt - M&S
Black sliders - & Other Stories 
Glasses - Walter & Herbert 
Bag - Gucci

Tomorrow, watch on Insta for the next outfit.  I'm going boho for Friday - legs out for the good weather.  

Anyone else exhausted by the way?  I've been *embracing* (this is said through gritted teeth) early mornings.  Day three today and I don't feel any better.  Everyone said I would.  Everyone lied.  I'm knackered.  I miss my lie ins - 7.30 as opposed to 6.15.  And to add insult to injury, I'm waking up even earlier as I know I've got to get up at stupid o'clock and am obviously dreading it.  Someone please tell me it gets better?  Maybe tomorrow morning I'll bounce out of bed - at the very least I've got my new skirt and top to look forward to!