So carrying on from where I left off last time but this post with things that I already have in my wardrobe and shall be making full use of. I also managed to snarf a couple of gems at the end of the sales which I hope will live up to my expectations.
At the risk, yet again, of sounding like a pillock, I'm thinking about trying to branch out slightly from the look I've been loving for the past couple of years. In my head, I'd like to get a better marriage of the smart and casual together in a style - as opposed to looking either smart or very laid back.
I can guarantee that this will go one of two ways. Firstly no-one will notice and I'll look exactly the same. Alternatively I will look like a knob slash bag lady.
Colourwise I am loving the black. Black with navy, black with beige, black with grey, black with yellow. And black with a lot of other black. I have spent years of my life living in black and haven't done it since I've had kids actually. Black is back.
So, time will tell whether my meticulous (ish....) planning works, but in the meantime it's staved off the insomnia at 2am. Thinking about something completely useless is always the best recipe for sleep for me. However these things normally play out a lot better in my head than they do in real life.
Without further ado (as GBBO is starting imminently and I'm playing Mary Berry Zara bingo) here are the sneaky pieces I've bought in the last couple of months. I have been ridiculously abstemious recently (principally as I haven't been a) near a shop or b) been at an address that I can have anything delivered to) Not completely adhered to the shopping ban obviously but pretty darn good considering the shops are chocka with new season wonders (the summer holiday and the weather has also been part of the conspiracy)
Firstly - these, at a squint, could be called coats. Ok so that's probably stretching the description of coat slightly as, between you and me, these are glorified jackets. But my first must have is a navy cocoon/drop shoulder/loose "coat".
Mine is in a light fabric and was a complete bargain from H&M, reduced to £20. It's a much looser fit than it looks here. In my head this is Jil Sander. The Husband nearly coughed up a lung laughing when I informed him of this.
Next item is a car coat. This one is a light black and oatmeal tweed from Zara. Originally this was £99 (from Zara?!!) but I picked it up for £39.99. This is what The Husband says is "so not you" but I am really looking forward to wearing it. Harking back to the 80's. There is a high chance this could all go very very wrong. Let's wait and see. (you may be able to see where my bag lady concern has stemmed from)
Next. A pair of loafers. I have had my eye on these all season and was convinced they were a great idea after seeing them grace the feet of the (12 yr old) Sales Assistant in Rag & Bone. They look beyond amazing. I'm thinking with cropped cigarette pants, 60's style jumper and the above coat. Or straight leg distressed jeans rolled up, cream sweatshirt and the above coat (can you see where this is going?) I got them in the end for £19.99 which I was super happy with.
Yes it's a skirt. A leather A line mini skirt. Not super mini - couple of inches above the knee? Perfectly respectable with some opaques and a polo neck and my loafers. Or 60's style jumper, opaques and knee high block heel boots, double breasted blazer worn loosely. Reduced to £29.99 from Zara. It would have been rude to leave it there.
It's more wedge trainers now. These are going nowhere as far as I'm concerned. Now my new ones are the bargain of the year. Jetstream limited edition wedge trainers from Russell & Bromley. Originally these were £295. I picked them up for £39.99. The only pair in the shop and they were in my size. I think I may have actually skipped to the cashpoint to pay for them.
Continuing with my all black theme, a new black handbag was definitely a must have item. And I am beyond pleased with my new Diego from Alexander Wang. I have wanted one of these for years and finally caved, seeing as they weren't going anywhere bar up in price each season.
And there ends the new items.
Other items which I've got (but could obviously always improve on....) that I consider to be a necessity for this year for my wardrobe are:-
Tan ankle boots - I have my Acne Cypress but I would perhaps have room for a lower heeled pair.
Black ankle boots - I have the Pied a Terre Ohio suede ones but a pair of block heel leather ones would fit nicely in with my plans.
Jumpsuit - I have actually only worn my black one once but this is getting lots of wear both day and night.
Straight leg jeans - Whilst (amongst controversy) I did love my very loose boyfriend Current Elliott jeans, I think they're more of a summer jean but I'd love a medium wash pair of straight legs for day and night. (nights out that is, I don't plan on sleeping in them)
Sweatshirts - I'm aiming to move away from jumpers and try and find some sweatshirts that cross that line from Vicky Pollard to respectable day wear.
Cropped cigarette pants - I actually have a pair which are perfect in black from Zara (and I paid full price). I may not be able to locate them in my wardrobe. I'd also like a navy pair I think.
Print trousers - whether they're cigarette or pyjama style, I shall be livening up the all black with a smidge of print.
Dresses - So I appear to have made these work for the Summer, will I be able to have the same success for the A/W? Or will I just stick to skirts......
Clutch bags - These for me are one of the easiest ways to make an outfit work from day to night.
So combining my wish list from last time with my must haves from today, there's loads for me to explore in the coming weeks.
I'd love to hear what your must haves are for the coming season as I'm sure I've left loads out (GBBO has started so I may have skipped through at the end...). And I never need an excuse to shop! What am I missing?!
Finishing as usual with what I've been wearing.
Nude vest - Primark
Black and cream square jersey oversized top - Cos
Leopard print skinnies - Primark
Black ankle strap thong sandals - Zara
Hat - TK Maxx
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang
Brown leather cuff - Hultquist
Brown leather studded cuff -Warehouse
Black and blush oversized top - All Saints
Distressed skinnies - Zara
Black Jetstream wedge trainers - Russell & Bromley
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang
Black and grey spiral cuff - Plumo
Linen and crochet top - By Malene Birger
Straight leg jeans rolled up - Zara
Tan gladiator sandals - Aldo
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry
Leather cuffs - as before
Next time I'll be back with my pick of one of my must haves. I seem to see nothing but new clutches that I need so I think I'll start there.
Ill be heavily pregnant this a/w and need some wardrobe basics which aren't greatly expensive but will see o through to the due date. Any advice?
ReplyDeleteI would say invest in some good maternity basics and rewash to death (jersey tops and jeans) and then I'd get loads of scarves and hats and jewellery that you can use afterwards but will make getting dressed every day that little bit more exciting!
DeleteLots of Isabella Oliver stuff can be worn post maternity so is a good investment. Coat wise, I'd get a cape/wrap thing that again, you can wear afterwards. Good luck! xx
Sorry but the Alexander Wang bag looks like a testicle!!! lol
ReplyDeleteGosh you know someone with strange shaped balls x
DeleteThe h&m does look jill sanderish gosh you're so organised planning your wardrobe like this mine is more of a moving object based on what tat I accumulate! Just ordered some straight leg mid wash vintage zara jeans as my only other pair are faded and yes more summer and then also ordered a zara grey and tan hooded belted coat mainly as need hood for pushing buggy but refuse to look like am wearing a duvet! Any recs for black block heel shoe boots around 3inch heel?
ReplyDeleteThose jeans sound fabbo and I know exactly the coat you mean. It's gorgeous. Buggy pushing, I used to wear a rain hat.
DeleteYes, I have lots of shooots ideas but not with a block heel..... my faves at the mo are from Dune. stunning. x I'll have a thinkxxx
I neeeed to get to Zara, badly. Once the kids go back to school, I'm on it. And by then the things I've seen that I like will be gone.
ReplyDeleteBlack doesn't do anything for me, so I tend to stick with navy when I'm looking for something darker.
You, however, look fabulous.
Looking forward to your Clutch collection.... I lost mine last winter (black patent with a fab bow, perfect size). Well... I left it in a cab when I was in Manchester for a weekend. With my "just bought that day" MAC make-up. Gasp. So, I'm on the look out for a nice new black patent (to go with my black patent LK Bennett heels you see) clutch bag. For now...
Yes, you need to definitely get theeself to Zara!!! I know what you mean about black - one of my very good friends never ever wears it and always wears navy. But have you thought about maybe wearing both together?
DeleteClutch bag collection coming up later. And yes, I lost a bag last year at a wedding in Italy. Only consolation was that I'd broken the clasp on it earlier in teh day (not to self - small clutch bags do not work for me....). AND it had one of my fave lipsticks in it as well which I was far more bothered about! That darn devil's juice....... XXxxx
Extremely envious of your sale acquisitions , in particular the coats!! Come Autumn/Winter coats are my weakness as they become the statement pieces in my wardrobe as I hate being cold and they are mostly all anyone will see of my outfit!! Really love the Diego too!! It goes brilliantly with so many of your outfits!!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree - although mine tend to be jackets as opposed to coats. I have a criminal amount! And thank you about the Diego - I ADORE it although do appreciate it's quite Marmite! xxx
DeleteLove love love those Zara loafers also... drool..
ReplyDeleteGorgeous aren't they. The Husband is not of the same opinion...!
DeleteLike that matters.... lol!
DeleteWow, I'd love to see the size of your wardrobe/s?! Do you ever sell any of your gear - if so, think there would be a proper blog world stampede :)
ReplyDeleteThe By Malene Birger crochet top is really pretty on you, not feeling the black as think with your colouring white/cream/lighter colours really suit you, but great to read about your experimenting mixing up smart/casual something I'd never really thought about.
Always thought provoking, Kat!
Katie
I actually think I'm going to do a Blog Sale - hopefully people would be interested?
DeleteAnd yes, that top owes me nothing - was a completely amazing buy. ]
And we'll wait and see how the smart casual mixing thing works x
Oh GOD please do... I'd be very interested.
Deleteooh I have a few similar items already too, including my Mango car jacket. Can't wait to wear it all! Love the new bag too Kat x
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the coats! and thank you darling. Have to say, it's the only thing I'm looking forward to the colder weather about. xx
Deletekat, you posted that a leather skirt could be on your wish list and the one at M&S.... check out the pvc circle skirt @ whistles....very nice saw it today in store.
ReplyDeleteooh I'll have a look at that thank you. Am currently housebound (well, not housebound but there is no shop perusing happening with the 3 monkeys at home!) xx
DeleteStay housebound I tried to shop yday with 2 in toe..... Wasn't a success at all!!!. Ended up very grumpy and stressed. The shop assistants thought I was mad getting my little boy to stand next to all the Star Wars Lego he would like and taking photos on my phone to send to Father Christmas!! kept him entertained/happy plus I didn't have to buy any......genius idea really by moi. X
DeleteThat H&M coat is fabulous! I really need to get into town rather than do all my shopping (ok, surfing as refusing to buy autumn stuff yet) online and missing out on bargains like that!
ReplyDeleteOh and you can play Mel Boden Bingo with GBBO too, she wears it every episode it seems :)
Heading straight to H and M when home, but I guess theses coats will all be gone, it is perfect with just about everything. You reinstate my faith in shops, I had almost given up on getting things on the high street that are good value, but I would have bought any of your haul. Last time I went into Karen Millen they had dresses at £795, what's going on ?!
ReplyDeleteSome great buys there! My essential for the autumn and winter that I have just purchased is a pair of "not your daughters jeans". I would have never considered buying these full price but I got a pair in the next sale online half price and they are amazing! They are the nicest jeans I think I have ever owned! The wash is dark and slimming, the waistband is high and sucks you in, I look a dress size smaller. I would recommend them to everyone. They do some great skinnies on their website which might be worth a look for you? They are so comfortable I wouldn't think twice now about buying them full price!
ReplyDeleteThink I might need some loafers like the ones on here to go with them :)
Love both the coats, it's actually making me wish for colder weather so that I can wear mine!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
I haven't seen any nice loafers yet... but I'm not giving up. No siree! I got some pewter ones from Boden this summer and lived in them. I need some to go with my new black cigarette pants (that I haven't seen yet either). I've had a pair from, of all places, H&M for the past two winters. They owe me nothing, they were a great buy. So I need some new ones for this year.
ReplyDeleteOooh, and... and.... I need some Burgundy heels too. I've spotted loads in different magazines so need to get some. They're a great neutral and will go with just about every colour.
DeleteGreat find in Russell and Bromley! As a size 5, I never snag a bargain, sob!
ReplyDeleteI managed to get hold of the Whistles Erin jacket - what in holy hell is going on with the sizing? I had to get a 6! Sadly, it didn't suit my broad shoulders and full chest, meh.
Love the Diego ball sack ;) It's gorgeous! I got a half-price Mulberry Delilah a few weeks ago, which pleased my materialistic soul.