Bonjour! Outfitastic & my new fave accessory
Or I should firstly say Ola, as the reason I have been away is that I have been doing a brief tour of Europe (tour being code for going to two countries - more of a hop and a skip as opposed to a tour, if we're being honest). From the sublime (villa in Spain with the girls) to the ridiculous (Eurocamping in France en famille).
However both were supremely good fun, the common denominator being one of my bessie mates, good weather, copious amounts of alcohol and legs on show.
I did say that I would get my legs out this Summer and there is now no stopping me. Shorts have become my new best friend and myself and my legs are getting reacquainted on a daily basis, come rain or come shine.
You will also notice in this montage of pics that I have also become obsessed with hats. Two hats to be precise. These honestly turned out to be my wardrobe holiday hit (well I think so anyway - I'm sure others will think I look like a tool. But not having to do my hair everyday - or at all - made it worthwhile.)
I found that you could have as simple an outfit as you like but that extra accessory (and who wants to wear loads of jewellery in the heat) just made me feel that bit more polished and "me".
So without further ado as I'm putting together a plethora of posts for the next week - so much to catch up on - I'll crack on with the pics.
Firstly we have the unadulterated luxury that was Marbella. Night out at Aqua Mist tlll 7 in the morning, followed by a day spent at the Ocean Club. I will admit I was completely pants at getting photos taken due to either being drunk/hungover or just enjoying the peace.
But firstly a day by the pool outfit.
Mink bandeau bikini - H&M
Mink leopard print chiffon kaftan - Taylor Stephens
And for the evening/very long night!
Leopard print cocoon May Dress - Whistles
Gladiator heels - Burberry
Black clutch bag - Tory Burch
At the Ocean Club.
Bikini - French Connection
Matching bandeau dress - French Connection
Rose gold Gigis - Sam Edelman
Hat - Fatface
And errr that's it. I know, I know, HUGE fail on my part but there were just some more bikinis, some more shorts and tops (most of which are the same as below or from the past couple of weeks) and the yellow Whistles dress - identical outfit from last week. So nothing really new.
Home for two manic days of racing round with the kids, sorting out builders (not in that way) and trying to get things together for 10 days camping in France. Yes you read that right. Camping.
I will admit it was a rather large leap of faith on my part. I'm not exactly at one with nature but everyone had said to me that the kids would absolutely love it and happy children = happy parents so in for a penny, in for a pound, I started packing. A Lot. Exactly what I did pack, I will reveal tomorrow with my experiences on what the ideal holiday packing combo is.
In the meantime, here are the outfits from before, during and after.
White shorts - Zara
White vest - Reiss
Green silk oversized top - Taylor Stephens
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang
Black and leopard print ponyskin thong sandals - M&S
And out for a lovely night with girlfriends - rescuing me from the insanity of building work.
Excellent opportunity to wear my new Whistles dress which yet again, I am ridiculously pleased with. Just perfect for this sort of occasion. I have another night out this Saturday and it will be making another appearance then. Completely perfect. Still available at £75. Will also work into the winter with tights.
Scattered petal silk dress - Whistles
Tan lace up shoots - LK Bennett
Tan De Manta clutch - Alexander McQueen
Earrings - bought from a friend.
Off on our hols and en France. Yes, that is a mobile home.
Grey cashmere mix tee - Zara
Tan belt - Primark
Dad Boyfriend jeans - Current Elliott
Tan stud sandals - Tesco
Silver cuff - Banana Republic
Silver Bean necklace - Tiffanys
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang
Hat - TK Maxx - (black grosgrain ribbon added courtesy of Jo Malone.)
Silk print vest - Zara
Cut off shorts - Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren
Tan stud sandals - Tesco
Hat - TK Maxx
Silk blouse - Monsoon
Chalk cut offs - All Saints
Tan stud sandals - Tesco
Hat - Fatface
Red ID bracelet - Eurocamp
White vest - Reiss
Navy sweatshirt - Zara
Print harem pants - Forever 21
Rose gold flipflops - Havaianas
Navy oversized tee - Reiss
Cut offs - Denim & Supply from Ralph Lauren
Rose gold flipflops - Havainas
Hat - TK Maxx
Cream jumper sweatshirt - Zara
Dad Boyfriend jeans - Current Elliott
Black thong sandals - Zara
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang
Hot air balloon scarf - Lily & Lionel from Whistles
Tan belt - Primark
Hat - TK Maxx
Now on my phone I have got rid of the red eye on this. As soon as I put it on Flickr - oh hello red eye..... So here I am looking vaguely rodentlike. However I was beyond chuffed with the shorts which were gifted to me from a very very good friend who decided they weren't her. Happy me!
Cream blouse - Zara
Silk print shorts - Zara
Tan stud sandals - Tesco
Hat - TKMaxx
Silver cuff - Banana Republic
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang
Black bandeau jumpsuit - River Island
Rose gold Havaianas
Hat - Fatface
Print silk racerback vest - Zara
Chalk cut offs - All Saints
Hat - Fatface
Rose gold Gigis - Sam Edelman
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry
Now clearly again there were outfits that slipped through the net. I've realised that there are none of my yellow floral FCUK dress (which clearly *is* towelling as I found the 4 year old dragging it out of the beach bag to dry himself off with) and I wore it a number of times (big success) but fingers crossed the good weather continues and I'll get some wear out of in the next week or two.
Just before my packing post tomorrow, as I mentioned, the one item I found the most useful was definitely le chapeau. Either the older cowboy hat which I think I've had for 3 years now, maybe more, or the newer trilby style. Both of which I completely love. Bring on the A/W as I have hat fever.
Here are the best that I could find at the end of the season.
Oasis White Trilby - again now £10
M&S Collection Beaded Hat £15
Similar but more reasonable is the Trilby hat from Accessorize - £12
Panama Hat from Accessorize £15
A fab looking fedora from Dorothy Perkins and which has to be my bargain of the day is this for £9.50. I think it looks so much more expensive with the tiny silver disc addition to the side.
So finishing off with more apologies for not having been around. Like I said, I have lots up my sleeve with regards to holiday packing and - big breath - NEW SEASON. First things first though, tomorrow, will be back with last minute holiday ideas.
You looked terrific - those Whistles dresses look fantastic: good buys! And now I am regretting not buying any tan flip flops this season.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Have to say I am beyond pleased with the Tesco ones. Completely love them. xx
DeleteNice to have you back and about bloody time!! No, seriously, I am very glad that you have had a fabby holiday time, you deserved the break. Loving the looks. I too have a bit of a thing for my holiday hats. It is strange, as it is only August, but as soon as you feel the remotest hint of 'back to school' morning weather, as I did this morning, you start to feel the urge to get some 'New Season' inspiration so I am looking forward to your' ideas, as always. xx
ReplyDeleteHave loads of exciting ideas for this A/W. Am thinking of branching out (ever so slightly...) direction... Can't wait! xx
DeleteLoving your idea of adding the Jo Malone ribbon to the hat, genius. Looking forward to wearing my maya dress in Marbella also, in September. Glad you enjoyed your holidays but its nice to have you back xx
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, it just needed something else and when I was treating myself at the JM shop in the airport, I just asked if I could have some extra ribbon! The Maya dresses are the most perfect things for nights out in Mars. xx
DeleteWow. You manage to look amazing in everything!! Looking forward to reading more xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Lovely comments to read xx
DeleteOh thank god you're bk!! Cold turkey ...OVER! Loving the outfits....Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you. Am so excited about A/W but trying not to peak too early...! xx
DeleteSooo glad to have you back... waiting for your holiday packing post with bated breath as going away Sat. night - loving the hats - SallyC
ReplyDeleteHope you liked the packing post xxx
DeleteI love hats but they never bloody fit me...my head is huge. Even tried the men's ones in Tesco when I was shopping recently and they didn't fit me..sob. Loving all the holiday outfits - esp the green top. That colour is fab on you! So glad you had a great time. Welcome back! Ax
ReplyDeleteoh god what an utter bugger. Have you tried M&S mens? They had some great hats in there. Had a really really great time. Hope you did too darling xxxx
Deleteyou look fab 99% of the time... still struggling with those boyfriend jeans of yours as think they don't flatter at all, baggy round the crotch and more... but I guess as long as you're happy!! welcome back
ReplyDeleteThank you! And yes, I know what you mean, but I still love them. And they are ridiculously comfy which I know isn't the point, but I love the contrast of the baggy with what I often wear. Lovely to have a dress down day. xx
DeleteLove ALL your holiday outfits.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the roundup of trilby summer hats. I'm in the market for one (even though the summer is probably nearly over).
Hope you've found one! I love love love mine (err as you can tell!) xx
DeleteLove the outfit with the scarf - is that Mont St. Michel behind you? I hope you had plenty of oysters! I had to send my Zara black nappa sandals back - they were HUGE! Ah well - more intrigued by AW now my kids are back at school! Welcome back and you look like you survived the camping like a trouper:)
ReplyDeleteOh no! As you can see, I completely love mine. Yes, they do look massive, but actually I'm always a 40 in Zara and these are pretty true to size once they're on. And yes, it is Mont St Michel. DIdn't find any oysters. Boooo but I managed to have some mussels. Will try harder with my search next year. And need a night out at Sheekey's with D to make up for it. Thanks for the reminder! Ours are off till Sept so I've got 3 and a half weeks (faint) left!! xx
DeleteLove the contrast from Spain to France, most impressed you sacrificed for the kids :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a contrast indeed but both were actually fabulous! But yes, the things we do for love...! xx
DeleteSo pleased you are back! Some lovely outfits.
ReplyDeleteThank you and yes I'm back for good now. Lots on the horizon! x
DeleteHurray you're back and looking fab. Missed your hilarious posts. Static caravan is not real camping Kat....but the closest I ever got to camping myself! You look great in your holiday outfits.
ReplyDeleteThank you! And yes, that's as camping as I'll ever get for a hols. xx
DeleteWelcome home - glad you had a super time - can't wait for the A/W reviews
ReplyDeleteHad the most amazing time thank you. And yes, I am so so looking forward to A/W. xx
DeleteLove most of your outfits excepting the All Saints chalk cut offs, the style and colour do nothing for your great figure and remind me of Victorian bloomers - sorry! Love the balloon print scarf and the shorter style shorts on you. Glad you had such a good time and it's fab to have you back. Looking forward to your new season post(s). :) Emma.
ReplyDeleteA/W is my absolute favourite season. I only ever buy the sept issue of vogue for autumn ideas and lusting after things. Great blog, love reading it. I've bought new Rockafela2 boots from R&B and plan to rock khaki maxi skirt, leather jacket and scarf with them for autumn, the boots and leather jacket toughen it up a treat. Bought loads of jackets from H&M sale £10!
ReplyDelete