Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.

I need to think about lovely pretty things as I have had an ugly day.  An afternoon spent at the Genius Bar (ok so "only" two hours but when you have school pick up at 3.15, that is a whole afternoon) which I had anticipated would take about 10 mins (clearly I could see the error of my ways when they kept me waiting for 40 mins to start with.)  I then had the dubious pleasure of being pontificated to by the most patronising Apple bod ever.  I appreciate I am not the most technical of individuals but to be spoken to like I was a total moron did actually reduce me to tears.  And still I have no phone.  But apparently downloading IOS7 has had no impact at all on my now totally knackered phone.  Despite it working prior to downloading and dying on its arse once it was installed.  However I digress (but I did feel better getting it off my chest - thanking you kindly.  Even though I have a phone which doesn't actually work now.  Details schmetails) 

Now I had planned on focussing on my mission of finding a stylish waterproof jacket.  Without wanting to depress anyone further after my ridiculous Apple rant (apologies again) I shall move swiftly on and save this gem for another day (don't hold your breath though - there is no easy solution to this perennial problem) 

I had about 10 mins of whistle stop window shopping and of course did manage to find a couple of gems which definitely make it to my Favourite Things list.  Items that brought a smile to my face and cheered me up.  Were I in the market for a new bag (clearly I may be subliminally as I can't stop looking at them and lovely ones keep jumping in front of my face) these would be making the short list.  

I know we're possibly on bag overload at the moment but, like I said, it's Christmas coming up and there are lists to be made. 

And anything to take my mind of my blasted, non functioning piece of tut phone. 

Starting with a little gem from Mint Velvet.  The most gorgeous buttery leather in a fabulous pale tan/nude shade.  Mint Velvet bags really don't photograph that well and the detailing is so much more evident in the flesh.  Great bags for the money.

Mint Velvet zip Detail bag in Nude £119  This would definitely work as a cross body bag.  They also do it apparently in a mink and a grey but it was the Nude that caught my eye as I raced to (seemingly late for my appt.  ha ha ha. not.)

Now it did actually take my friend to point out I didn't need a black bag but oh my lord, these are gorgeous.  More than a nod to the Chanel about them - but different enough not to be seen as being complete copies.  A Tribute in the truest sense of the word.  I may not *need* another black bag but these are definitely going on my sales list to watch. 

Black Brockwell Bag from Hobbs £399








Or a Saddle bag shape.  The Harley bag - £329  







With a matching ankle boot.  Just gorgeous.  Pia Ankle Boot  £239


And finishing at the other end of the spectrum following a quick trip to Tesco clothes store after school to find school socks for RR1 seeing as my trip to M&S was scuppered this afternoon (big fat fail on the Tesco sock front even though I'm sure absolutely no-one is remotely interested) 

However I did come across this absolute beauty which I criminally didn't have time to buy as we were running late to pick RR2 up from Beavers.  And RR3 was having a supreme full prone body on the floor shit fit as I wouldn't buy him either a) glow in the dark Toy Story pyjamas or b) Ninja Turtle slippers.  Tomorrow morning first thing I shall be going back to pick the blouse up.  And perhaps the slippers which are marginally the lesser of two hideous evils.  

Forewarning.  To say the pic does not do it justice is a huge understatement.  

F&F Lace Yoke Blouse £16.00






Yes this is polyester but it really isn't that a bad a poly I promise.  Ok it's not silk but I bet it washes like a complete dream with zero ironing needed.  Here are the pics of me in it.  I sized up - so this is a size 12.  Great length and really good sleeve length for those of us more generous of limb.  However, I think if you have normal arms this would slouch beautifully and look so much more expensive than it actually is.  Definitely reminds me of a Somerset by Temperley blouse. 



And finishing off this brief post with my outfits from the last couple of days.  Still feeling the navy love. 
Navy zip back jumper - Zara
Navy, black and camel leopard print jeans - Whistles 
Navy coat - H&M
Navy Newbury boots - Rag & Bone
Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch

Now this is one of the reasons why I Need a new waterproof coat.  Yesterday on RR3's school trip, in the rain, no umbrella allowed as I had a child holding each hand.  As you can see from my boots, we got soaked.  To be fair, I wasn't actually wet as the coat did do the job.  But it really has seen better days and after 6 years, owes me nothing.  I shall be reporting back very shortly with mind (meagre) findings.
Grey sweatshirt (just seen) - TK Maxx
Faded straight legs jeans rolled up - Earl
Rockafella boots - Russell & Bromley
Khaki Parka - South at Littlewoods
Chestnut cross body bag - Campomaggi from Plumo 

And today, still smiling (thinking about my wine clearly) after a day which was nothing but a catalogue of errors.  Although I did find the blouse of the season (they're so going to be sold out when I go back in after drop off, aren't they?).  On another upside, after a shaky damp start, it didn't rain any more and was positively scorchio.
Cream silk top  - Zara
Black and white cardigan - By Malene Birger
Coated jeans - M&S 
Leopard Print scarf - Louis Vuitton 
Suede Ohio Boots - Pied a Terre
Diego bag - Alexander Wang 

Ok so I know I sound like a stuck record but I am definitely working on the dresses and I shall be back with news of all things waterproof. x