It just takes one photo...

...for a flash of inspiration.  Which, I can't remotely take credit for - credit where it's due and it's thanks to Red Magazine, that I've had what I think is a great idea for a really wearable A/W look making use of a load of old favourites in the wardrobe.  (and obviously making way for some new ones....) 

But, the best thing is, these new ones will, I'll bet, also see you through to next season as I bet pastels will still be a big thing next year too.  And no, I have zero, in the know fashion knowledge on that - it's just that I am old enough to have worked out that things always last for at least two seasons and we've had one of pastels, so we'll still all be wearing them next year too.  Rocket science it ain't. 

Instead of me jabbering on though, let's see if anyone else agrees that this may be an idea that works.

Now, I'm not suggesting we all rush out and get a guitar as a fashion accessory.  Nope, definitely not.  As much use as a chocolate teapot in my book.  Less so in fact, at least a chocolate teapot could serve as a mid morning snack (I don't have a musical bone in my body so a guitar really would be the hugest waste of time ever) 

I'm talking pale blue and black.  I am absolutely loving this look (I shall avoid discussing the Stan Smiths which I have become rather obsessed with but saving that topic of shoe purchasing for another day... oh the thorny trainer subject for women of a certain age.....) 

This would work for me on so many levels.  One - I have loads of black.  Two (and yes, I am already changing the parameters somewhat/totally with my next point) - I also think that pale blue and navy look just as amazing.  And I have lots of navy.  I also have lots of denim, which brings me onto point Three - this would also look fantastic with some denim thrown in as well. 

The fact that I don't have anything at all pale blue is a slight fly in the ointment.  But, my wish list is looking pretty barren at the moment.  (not massively surprising it being only August and considering I was wearing shorts last week).  I've got lots of ideas on the boil for A/W14 but nothing yet has made it onto the shortlist of the wishlist (yes it is at this point that The Husband would guffaw and roll his eyes... Well, it matters - the more planning you do, the less mistakes you make - said no woman ever...) 

Starting with the coat. 

Well. If ever there was an omen that I should buy a coat, then call off the dogs, this is it.  I have a very very personal connection with the name of this coat - it was meant to be I tell you....

NW3 Hetty Coat in Winter Blue Marl £269



A vintage looking similar style one from ASOS

A Line Coat with panel detail £89


Duster coats are definitely a coat to watch this season.  Although as I discovered with the M&S one I fell in love with at the beginning of the Summer which they did have on sale and I probably should have bought (KICKING myself for not buying....) there is a fine line between coat and dressing gown....

ASOS Duster Coat £60


This isn't as baby a blue but it's still a lovely shade - I think I'd prefer an ice blue but the shape and fabric of this looks amazing. 

ASOS Boyfriend Coat £80




John Lewis Collection Alice cardigan was £39 now £19

Or a boxier cardigan in pale blue from Me+Em half price at £44




Kin by John Lewis Tuck Stitch Jumper in pale blue £59 



Another chunkier looking number from Me+Em 

Chunky Knit Engineered Jumper in pale blue £128



A chunky knit cardigan this time from ASOS 

ASOS ultimate chunky cardigan £28


Back to jumpers and now a v neck one from Hobbs 

Blue Invitation Sophie Sweater £89


Gorgeous Loose neck 100% Cotton v neck jumper from ASOS £25



Ghost Skyla blouse in dusty blue £89



Love the ice blue shade of this blouse from Hobbs although I think you'd definitely need to wear a cami under it - rather sheer not to in my book. 

Blue Bloomsbury Blouse from Hobbs London £95


More formal shirt style at Mango  

Slit Hem Shirt from Mango £34.99


True Decadence Cuffed cape top in light blue was £24 now £15





So there we have a new idea I think will be fab at tying in all of my old blacks - along with greys, whites and navy - bringing them all up to date and a new look just by adding a new shade of blue.  I'm thinking first I might do a pale blue jumper - I feel that while last year was the year of the coat, this year has jumper written all over it. 

Pale blue and black - what do we think?  Have you decided which colours you're going to be basing your looks round this A/W?   It does seem to be honestly anything goes this year.  I haven't been to proper shops for about 3 weeks now (oh. my. lord.) and so I reckon it will be a big shock as to the sea of dark colours that I'm expecting to greet me when I have a day out with the 9yr old next week.  It's her birthday next month and she has a shopping list as long as her arm - even though most of it is baking equipment, bless her.  Her mission in life is to be the first coeliac on Great British Bake Off.  Next week we're attempting macarons so watch Instagram for the pics!

Last couple of pics from hols - the weather has definitely turned and I was more than grateful for the ray of sunshine in the form of the canary yellow scarf from Hush.