My first foray into...

...velvet.  I say first, as this definitely isn't the last.  

It's a toe in the velvet water as I know I definitely want something "velvety" (apparently a word - who knew?!) but I'm not entirely sure what. 

This is therefore not my definitive say on the subject - not at all - this is the tip of the velvet iceberg.  Expect velvet in Titanic proportions in the coming months. 

Do I want just a top?  What do we think about trousers?  Are there lots of skirts out there?  Or top to toe in a suit?

Let the research begin.

If you're just feeling like a touch of the soft stuff, then maybe a top is what you're looking for.  The easiest way for most to slip a little velvet into your every day outfits.  These would also though, be perfect for a night out too.  And we all know how I love a bit of versatility.  

Here they've been mostly teamed with skinnies but tucked into a skirt would be, in fact, my first choice for a night out.  Or actually a pair of loose jeans and heels.  I was going to write killer heels but actually all heels in my book are killer heels.  If they're not , they're flats.  Heels for the day just don't seem to factor really any more.

Farrell Ruched Velvet Front Tee £39 from Finery London



Nicola Velvet Tee from Boden £90 in Iron Ore with 10% off at Boden with the code 6T2C. 



Or in the black (but I actually prefer the pewter above) again £90 pre discount.



Long sleeved and print at Monsoon.  This has A/W written all over it.  Dare I say I look at this one and feel the need to get my tree out.  Seriously a sniff of a sequin and I am going to cracking out the mince pies. 

Monsoon Joanna Velvet Print Top £79



Speaking of things that you could also dress up - may I present one of my favourite shape of trousers that I discovered last year - the Peg Leg. 

Alan Black Velvet Peg Trousers from Finery London £119



And then the classic and much adored wide leg.  In velvet drawstring.  Divine.  Whilst being perfectly easy to dress down.  I'm not going to say this looks like my burgundy velour tracksuit (leisure suit really as it had a v neck top I believe...) I had in the '70s as it doesn't (I may also have had one in this blue, I recall), because they had cuffed legs, but even if it did, that wouldn't matter as I LOVED it.  Didn't *everyone* have one??!

Wren Velvet Drawstring Trousers in navy from Great Plains £85



More wide legged trousers and clearly I am in the minority styling wise in thinking that these look better full length.

Velvet Palazzo Pants in Maroon from Mango £29.99



And in the black again £29.99



Skirts and a bargain at ASOS with the Moss Copenhagen Midi Skirt was £49.95 now £28



Kadife Velvet Skirt from Anthropologie £98



This however, has my name ALL over it.  Going to hunt it out tomorrow. 

Monsoon Tilly Printed Velvet Skirt £69



Perhaps though the blazer is the classic way to ease velvet seamlessly into your wardrobe. 

Velvet Blazer £89.99



Floral Car Coat from Anthropologie £168



Personally, I'm thinking I may well embrace velvet in the same way I have fallen for print.  As random as it sounds, I find it easier to go full on head to toe in one theme, as opposed to adding a touch to an outfit.  I know.  Makes no sense.  But if you think about - it's the lazy way out.  As it gives no option for it not working.  I reckon lots of outfits don't work as you have to put a couple of styles together, but if you just wear one style - how can it go wrong?  Clear as mud?!

Here's an example.  Give me all the velvet.

Hatfield Twist Front Velvet Suit from Finery £89



These I adore but I wish, oh how I wish personally that they were longer. 

Elva Dress from Hobbs £269



Regalia Dress from Hobbs £299



However call off the velvet dogs.  This.  Oh this is completely and utterly sublime.  I have ZERO occasion to wear - seeing as I have my leopard print Ganni dress which I splurged on for the Red party and have to wear to every smart event known to man, till I am 50. 

Julia Velvet Maxi Dress from Anthropologie £350



But I have to say, I am veering towards the suit option.  I know - as random as that sounds, I am hankering after a velvet suit.  It's clearly my inner 70s game show host trying to escape.

Vero Moda Tall Jacket in Velvet £50



And the matching trousers, again in tall (oh be still my beating heart..) £34



Two other suit options at Monsoon and Boden. 

Dress down chic at Monsoon.  A suit with joggers.  I'm not sure I could love this any more.  Especially as it's green.

Alicia Velvet Joggers £59 and Alicia Velvet Jacket £79 (this also comes in black...)



Pink at Boden (don't forget your discount above).

Velvet Emilia Blazer in Rose Blossom £130  With the matching trousers - the Velvet Trousers in Rose Blossom £80




So do I go pink or green.. pink or green....??  Or black.  I can't go black can I? 

Here I am today in my usual A/W texture of choice, cashmere and leather. 

Untitled

Grey cashmere jumper - Me+Em
Grey blazer - Me+Em
Leather leggings - hush
Edie Trainers - Jones The Bootmaker
Half Moon Bag - APC

Have you broken your velvet cherry yet?  Or are you a dyed in the wool 70s chic and a cord only girl?  What will your velvet crush be this season?  Sorry - that was terrible - I'll get my coat... actually you need your coat now as it's getting definitely chillier, I will be back tomorrow with more outerwear options.

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CONVERSATION

48 comentarios:

  1. I splurged on a blue velvet jacket from Free People when they had a big sale after Christmas. Haven't worn it as much as I should have, but it does look awesome dressed down with faded blue jeans. Will definitely get that one out again this year. On a related topic, I fancy a slouchy chenille jumper this year - chenille seems to be back in! Any good tips?

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    1. Ooooh now I need to take a moment to digest Chenille. I'm not going to lie - it's not up there with my favourite fabrics... hmm let me have a look!

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    2. I used to have a purpley blue one that always got nice comments when I wore it, and it's such a soft fabric. Most of the things I've seen so far though have daft sleeves or are cropped - just need something loose, long and snuggly! Thanks Kat

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    3. Still not "entirely" convinced...!! But I'll have a look! Do they not always look a bit shiny?! I need smilies here...

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  2. The green suit is d-i-v-i-n-e...go for it!
    Maggie

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    1. It's too good to be true almost isn't it?! GO MONSOON!

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  3. I bought a black velvet sweatshirt last year - such a good buy.

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  4. Noooooo this screams 'elderly lady with walking stick in Poirot special'. I say this with love though, obvs. Am off to buy white trainers ;-)

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    1. But I love the idea of being in anything Poirot, even if I am an elderly lady!!!!

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  5. I ordered the green velvet suit from monsoon a few days ago....and you need to check out the blue velvet sock boots from m and s....divine!

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    1. Tried those! Loved. I have velvet boots from last year though - am sticking with the suit. Can't wait to try the green velvet one..

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    2. I have those boots - they are getting their first outing at the weekend - hope they are comfy :D

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  6. Some lovely velvet pieces on the Jules B website including Self Portrait and Rixo. I have a lovely Devore top which is more my bag but have searched for similar and everything else is 'grannyfied' if that is a word! Did the velvet thing about 20yrs ago, tops and wide leg trousers but can't go down that road again x

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    1. LOVE Devore.. actually I do have a devore dress from Olivia Rubin. Divine. I don't think I've done velvet since I was about 8!

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  7. Yeah, I also feel that I did velvet in the 90s (as well as the 70s) and can't get into it. Although I did buy a blazer last year from Mango and I do have my new trainers! Although randomly I am loving that pink suit and I hate pink! Your outfit is just the most amazing thing I've seen in forever. And love those trainers that are a quirky version of my elastic Superstars. xx

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    1. A blazer is the perfect nod to the theme.. but you know you want to add trousers in too...!! (and yes PINK ones!)

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  8. That blue velvet jumpsuit! *heart eyes*

    https://retrocasual.wordpress.com

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  9. Dust off your navy velvet suit from this time last year. And LOVE that green blazer (but know I wouldn’t wear it enough to justify). Will make do with a velvet top bought last year. And somewhere in the back of the wardrobe is a very old pair of wide leg trousers. If they still fit 😏

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    1. I think the green blazer, you just have to own it. WEar it with everything and use it like neutral. Perfect with blacks, blues, pinks and tans.

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  10. wont be purchasing any velvet this year but i do have a lovely navy (that colour again) blazer bought far too many years ago to remember. that i might have to dig out. timeless classic piece that stands the test of time. loving the new(?) black edie trainers!

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    1. Navy velvet blazer - what's not to love?

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  11. I put the green velvet blazer and trousers in my virtual basket last night, although I'll probably plump just for the blazer for versatility purposes. Interest piqued at the mention of 'blue velvet sock boots' from M&S - I had been contemplating the navy satin ones at Toppers, but velvet....

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    1. I had them on the blog a couple of weeks ago - go forth and salivate at the navy velvet shoes...

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  12. That anthropologie blazer! And the finery jumpsuit!
    I do have a pair of navy wide leg trousers, so not sure I can justify the jumpsuit, but the blazer may just have to find a place in my wardrobe! Might have to raid the piggy bank though, October has already proved to be an expensive month.
    If the Boden blazer came in petite, I would already own it - why, when they do excellent petite blazers can't they do that one in petite is beyond me!
    My velvet collection is growing, most in shades of dark blue. Chenille on the other hand will stay in my past for now! One thing that does appeal is some sort of navy/ midnight blue velvet bag...

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    1. I know exactly what you mean with the frustration of only having certain things in petite. I have the same with things being tall!! They NEVER make skirts in longer lengths. Or if they do (thank you M&S), they're not the skirts I want to wear. GAAAHHH. OBviously it's not my fault at all ...ha ha !

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  13. Like this outfit a lot and love how the shoes pull it together but fear they would be like boats on me - are they very wide? I have super-narrow feet and am also a half-size - what's the fit like?

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    1. I think you should size down a size then. I would say they're slightly on the generous side. Hope that helps xxx

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  14. Oh my word I have a pair of black velvet Palazzo pants in the charity bag in the back of my car (which has actually been there since the summer holidays)......EEEKKKK I am off rescue them this minute

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    1. HA HA HA!! And I am going to show this to my husband as I'm sure I'm the only person who does this!

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    2. I have a huge carrier bag of shoes in the office that have been there since June, they're waiting for me to do a clothes sort out too. My husband can't understand why I'm getting rid of some of the shoes as they're not worn out!

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  16. Have you seen the petrol blue 'lizard' embossed velvet ankle boots from Duo - they are called Abstract???

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    1. OOOOOOOOOOOOOH no...............On it!! Thank you

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  17. Jaunt to H&M today there was a lovely gold velvet skirt wanted it a lot. Love the Monsoon velvet and the styling

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    1. It's divine isn't it? OOh I'll have a look in H&M, thank you!

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  18. Sorry to go off topic, but do you have any experience with the sizing of jeans from & Other Stories? I'm anything from a 29 to a 32 depending on brand, but I have no idea if Stories is skimpy like H&M or not. Any advice would be much appreciated!

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    1. I have tried them on and thought they came up small... but I think it would also depend on the style. Sorry - with & Other Stories - you have to try things on. So irritating, huge apologies!

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  19. So the holiday reading is going badly - as in expensively:) Had to have the green suit - just love it but I was only reading this in the hope you might help with how to wear the navy velvet blazer from last year that I haven't had enough wear out of (am struggling past jeans as a frock feels too dressy and I hate dressy). Also bought the navy wide legged trousers from your previous blog. All seems so easy sitting on a Greek beach. But it is something to look forward to when I get home and will ward off the post-holiday blues...is my argument!

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    1. I have to say, I've also found a velvet blazer and a sequin one over a dress too dressy. Although randomly, it does work over a maxi or midi skirt?? Give it a go? And happy holidays!!!

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  20. Every autumn I try to dip my toe in the velvet waters but it just looks awful on me. I'm big up top so a high neck velvet top makes me look like I've been rolled in cheap carpet. Your cashmere/leather look is fantastic and so much more wearable. Love it.

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    1. I'm got ample boobage too (32F, 160cm tall and size 12), and you can do velvet! I do have a velvet tee from last year, I think for me the trick is not to go for anything to high necked. The easiest by far is to go for velvet trousers, I have both wide and narrow legged. I would so go for a blazer, and love Boden's, but they don't do it in petite!
      I would say in general I go for shapes that I know work for me, and keep it simple.

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    2. Maybe try a longline loose blazer?

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  21. Love the pink velvet suit and velvet pants. Looks like velvet is here for the foreseeable future, thanks for your suggestions. I would add to the list an important velvet shoe. Did this story last year but Prada is still running these : http://www.primadarling.com/fashion/velvet-on-da-ground/

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    1. Definitely got velvet shoes coming up!

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  22. I bought the pink and the blue Boden blazers last week. I wore the pink one at the weekend for about an hour, and everything that touched the pile marked it permanently. Such a shame as they were beautiful but I returned them. As always Boden customer service was excellent.

    I've just received today a Bruce Oldfield velvet blazer in a wine colour. £179 And the quality is fabulous. The cut is very feminine too. I love It!

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