A wardrobe classic

Ok so it's very easy for me to get whipped up about all the new fashions that are out there.  One of the main reasons I started this blog was as a woman careering towards a time of her life where historically, we've been expected to avoid all things cutting edge and been consigned to the shelf of slippers with pompoms on. 

But one of the great ways of being able to explore more on trend items, it by pairing them with wardrobe classics.

So I was over the moon to be approached by Lands' End and ask if I would participate in a joint effort with some other fantastic bloggers, showcasing some of their wardrobe classics.  

And I was beyond pleased to be sent and asked to review the Milano knit blazer.  I love a blazer.  One can definitely never have too many.  In my opinion, completely iconic.  A must have for every wardrobe.  An item that transcends seasons - fabulous over a light t-shirt in the Spring/Summer and fantastic for layering in the Autumn/Winter.  As well as being an all year round staple, it's the perfect item to dress up or down.  The gorgeous preppy style would look great over a fitted shirt with kick flares and heels for a smarter occasion.  Or for a laid back daytime look, over slouchy jeans, casual linen tee and huge scarf.  Personally my favourite look is pairing the classic blazer with skinnies, knitted top and heeled boots. Or even wedged trainers as I was wearing yesterday. 

I love the fact that the blazer from Lands' End is a knit so immediately much easier to wear than a more traditional blazer fabric.  Perfect for every day casual but with a slightly smarter edge.  





I chose the chestnut colour edged in navy which will work with a myriad of different colours in my wardrobe.  Love it teamed with stripes - I also plan to wear with khaki stripes as well, as well as the new navy and wine coloured jumpers I've recently bought (not too recently... spending ban intact!).  It was a close call though - definitely a toss up between the chestnut or the heather (which is grey edged in navy).  Or the navy itself - a clothing essential which I couldn't live without in my wardrobe and my navy blazer has seen better days.  The Garnet is a dark red as opposed to a wine colour and would be a perfect addition to any Christmas casual outfit.





One of the really useful things about the blazer is that it's not a super fitted style which can only be worn with a very figure hugging top underneath - those sorts of blazers are all well and good in the Spring when you're not needing layers, but in the Winter with more on underneath, if a blazer is too close cut, I end up looking like a sausage bursting out of it's skin.  No thank you - something looser but still fitted is just what you need. 

Here's my take on it yesterday - very much back in my comfort zone 





So here I am with 

Milano Knit blazer in Chestnut - Lands' End 
Navy and white breton top - H&M
Leopard print scarf - Louis Vuitton 
Distressed biker jeans - By Malene Birger
Bea suede wedge trainers - Ash
Sunglasses - Tom Ford

I was actually very surprised to see such a range of items on sale at Lands' End.  It goes to show that it's worth spending time perusing online retailers that you previously had thought weren't your bag.  I had wrongly assumed that they were very much for the more practical amongst us (my kids had their snowsuits when they were babies and they were amazing.  If you are looking for a more weatherproof jacket or coat though, they do have a wide selection)  Error! 

I definitely have my eye on the following:-

The Piped Jacket 





The Tweed Jacket 





Also as another cover up over looser square knit jumpers - the Reversible Tweed Cape looks like it would be super useful. 




Something else which has my name on it and just ideal for layering is the Plain Cashmere Long Sleeved Tee  Fantastic selection of colours.  One for Santa's list.....




The other bloggers who have taken part with me and are in the fantastic illustration above by Natalie Lines are, from left to right 

Ellie from www.prettymuchpenniless.com
Amanda from www.theonlinestylist.co.uk
(me in the middle)
Jen from www.littlebirdfashion.com
and Rachel from www.rachelthehat.com

V much looking forward to see what items they had (I think Ellie has the cape and Amanda the tweed jacket, utilising my rusty detective skills) - the reviews should be on their blogs today. 

Finishing with a thank you to Lands' End for introducing me to a site that has some really great wardrobe classics and for sending me the lovely blazer which I will get full use from.  The blazer was set as to me as an item to review & I was commissioned to contribute to the Lands' End outerwear guide.