My latest High Street hottie

Now from numerous conversations with my peer group, I am more than aware that there are shops that we feel we can't go into.  As soon as you venture near them, that muttonometer starts with a gentle hum and god forbid you should actually enter - full on klaxon alert. 

But friends of mine Joanna and Susie were having a convo about the most fantastic jacket, that was so up my street, muttonometer - I am ignoring you. It may be a slight tribute to my latest obsession, the wonderful Ms Marant, but a tenth of the cost. 

And so I thought at the very least I could have a quick squiz instore (ignoring the fact that I was sure the OLD LADY beacon was flashing above my head, halo style). 

Well hello River Island.  Don't get me wrong.  There is a lot in there that I wouldn't wear.  I'm pretty sure the entire Rihanna for River Island range would look beyond hilarious on me - but then I'm pretty sure that it's not aimed at the 40 plus market.  I did order a jacket from there online in the Christmas Sale (which I manage to have misplaced - utter fool) - but I assumed it was a one off.

There was however, much more than I'd expected which I could have walked out with.  Quality wise, definitely on a par with Topshop, much better than the likes of New Look, Forever 21 and the cheaper end of the market.  But then it's more expensive - I'd say marginally more reasonable than Zara, ish, so one would expect the quality to be better. 

Interestingly, I'm clearly late to the party as I bumped into a friend in Zara later on (who is younger than me, I do believe...), she said she'd just found the most amazing jacket in, wait for it, River Island.  And obviously, it was the exact same one that I'd tried on!  Great minds and all that and thank goodness I perhaps wasn't just having a Bob moment.  

So let's kick off with said jacket.  Actually before we start, I should say that River Island is one of those random shops where the things do look better in the flesh.  A lot better.  Not that their website is M&S terrible - things do look ok, but certainly much improved when you see them up close and personal.  So I've also taken some photos - where I think they look better (not that my photos are great - dear god no - but you know where I'm coming from hopefully) 

Green lightweight waterfall biker jacket

Moving onto boots.  I have another boot post coming up later.  Tis a sad sad boot story but on the upside, I definitely feel I have a boot hole in my wardrobe (and seeing as, yes, yet again, it's snowing) a purchase that isn't the most foolish thing on the planet. 

These are lovely.  Remind me of the ones from Wrap that I posted yesterday but are a lot lot cheaper.  Possibly wouldn't have given them a second look online but in the flesh they are a beautiful slouchy, soft suede. 

Light Grey Perforated western style boot

Ditto the above.  Much more expensive looking than they appear here.  Slouchier and more lived in. 

Beige contrast panel studded boots

Now I didn't see these in store so that either means that a) they ming and I glossed over them b) they didn't have them or c) I bypassed them as I had a beige shaped boot engraved on my radar.  However I actually dreamt about these last night (levels of sad I never thought I'd descend to).  To me they're an updated version of the Rockafellas (which I have so clearly I need these like I need a hole in the head.)  But I love the black and greige together.....

Black wrapped buckle western ankle boots 

Moving away from boots onto a jacket that is firmly on my sales list.  Because obviously I don't have enough jackets very very like this.   On the upside though, I do wear them so clearly one can never have enough.  I did have one pretty much identical to this from Zara, eight years ago.  In fact think I only got rid of it two years ago after it sat unworn in my wardrobe for two years.   Sod's law. 

Pink boucle stud cropped military jacket

Now hold on to you hats.  This is definitely a Bob moment.  But I don't care.  I love this.  My 8 year old loves this (which says it all really......).  I more than love it, I completely adore it.  I am full aware that is it mutton with a capital M.  I feel I may have to develop a mid life crisis just to justify it. (of course the fact I am even contemplating it is a clear indication that I may well be in the midst of one already).  Feel free to vomit.  

Should add at this point - another one I haven't seen in real life so I reserve the right to backpedal massively. 

khaki camo and skull print army jacket

As much as I am hankering after a pair of boyfriend jeans (there may be news on that - watch this space.....) I still am a firm devotee of all things skinny and these are fabulous distressed skinnies.  Gorgeous wash and just the right amount of vintage look.  I am aware that a lot of people really rave about RI jeans - I've never tried as I've always assumed they'd be cut just above my pubic bone and I would have less of a muffin and more of an entire black forest gateau hanging over the top.  But I probably should try them on.  If you are a fan, perhaps you could report back?

Light wash distressed Matilda jeans

These so reminded me of my By Malene Birger khaki skinnies that I have lived in for the past two years.   Also great in a lighter camel colour as well.  And reduced I believe. (yes £20!)

Khaki skinny combat jeans

Trousers - they had a couple of fabulous pairs of loose cuffed numbers.  Gorgeous silky fabric.  Lovely colours, excellent detailing.  Some of the best pairs I've seen. 

Khaki zip jogger trousers 

Also saw these (to me - amazing - to most - mingaringding) harem trousers online.  DIdn't see them instore.  But lust. 

Khaki green harem trousers

And conversely I saw these instore but couldn't see them online.  Definitely worth tracking down if you like them. 

Now I know I don't do dresses.  But one of my Spring fashion resolutions was to wear more dresses.  This is going exceptionally well as you can tell.  I have worn the sum total of zero so far.  To be fair though, it's hardly been leg exposing weather.  (did I mention we have snow? ugh).  However assuming that the temperature does nudge above freezing and that random yellow ball makes an appearance in the sky for more than 20 mins at a time, then this I think for holiday or for a casual summer bbq/lunch or those lovely warm days, would be great with little flipflops.  They also do it in black as well.  I'm off to Suffolk and Ireland this year with the family so I'm not "entirely" sure I'll get a huge amount of wear out it, but may have a weekend or two away with the girls in the offing........ 

Cream drop waist smock dress

This is a really great summer scarf.  You can't get the full effect of the velvet devore detail either online or in my photograph but it's really unusual and very striking.  A lovely big size.   Other colours online as well. 

Khaki skull and cross devore scarf

The pinky/lilac one is also stunning 

As is what they call white 

So break it to me gently - have I lost my mind? (if I have, so has my friend who I bumped into - we were both raving about how fantastic it was) 

ooh and almost forgot - the jacket that started it all off.  Which they didn't have in store but is on its way to me.  Can't wait to see it.   Isabel Marant, eat your heart out. 

Blue Cloud Print embroidered jacket 

There may be another online order being made later tonight.........

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