I apologise in advance...

... as haven't had a ridiculous obsession in, ooh all of about no time at all. 

Well this one should only (only she says...) last a couple of weeks as that's when, finger's crossed, I'm off to New York.  Finger's crossed as we're just trying to sort out the logistics.  Essentially we're tying it in with a business trip to the DH (who is also going to Chicago where he can go on his own.  I don't own enough Nanook of the North clothing to ever be able to go there at this time of year) and childcare.  This was my Christmas present from The Husband and we'll be going just after my birthday.  

However we also had some awful news on Saturday night which was that my poor Aunt had had a stroke and the outcome doesn't look good.  She's my mum's only sister and although my mum was also brought up with her cousin, she does only have one sister and I can tell this has obviously hit her hard.  At the moment, it's a waiting game, she has stabilised but the next 48 hours will be crucial. 

My mum (who is our only childcare option if we're looking to go away for a couple of days) has said to just go ahead with our plans and we may have to alter them later on. 

So to take my mind off what is such a sad occurrence (I can't bear the thought of my poor Auntie not being here but at the same time I don't want her to be in any pain or suffering.  It's also so heartbreaking for my cousins) I've gone to thinking about what I love - planning a wardrobe. 

Let's say we do get to go away - oh my goodness WHAT to pack?  I mean seriously, where do you start?

Colour palette to being with.  (I'm sort of ignoring the fact that the chance of us being knee deep in snow is high.  The odds of it being in minus figures it clearly a given anyway.  Details schmetails - it's far more exciting to think about colours.  Besides - a very good friend of mine who lived in the city for years has said they always clear the sidewalks....)

No, I haven't already eschewed my love of navy but if we're talking warm (and vaguely practical - ugh) clothes, then thinking about what I already have, it's got to be black.  I can of course have accent colours but I think if we're talking about handbags and shoes, it's easier to stick to black.  Coat wise - clearly I'm planning on spending very little time outdoors and for when I do, layering will be my friend, I'm thinking about perhaps my camel wrap coat and my Ilse Jacobsen soft puffa which packs up to nothing.

But still, thinking about shopping, lunching and doing dinner and drinks - I'm liking the idea of a short skirt.  I will confess that, at the back of my mind, I have in my head that the perfect boots to take would be the R&B OTK suede boots by Stuart Weitzman.  (no-one mention suede and snow - clear sidewalks ladies, clear sidewalks.... and hell, we're talking hypothetically anyway.  Let a girl dream).  These would be perfect with skinnies and jumpers for the day - ideal to wear with, hey presto, a mini skirt in the evening.   

I have one from Zara that I bought at the beginning of the season - I had intended to wear it for nights out but never got round to it (I had a top issue which I have now sorted), and by the time I remembered I had it, it was too late to take it back.   I then thought I'd keep it to wear during the Spring with bare legs (that'll be fake tanned within an inch of their lives' legs), fitted tee and blazer - throw on some skater shoes or sneakers and a perfect ready made outfit. 

But then I put it on the other day with a polo neck and my Toga Pulla boots and can't believe I didn't wear them as an outfit sooner.  Am onto a whole new look (well it's not really, as I have worn the tan one that I have like this, but I actually think the black one is more versatile)

They're sold out now but I have found some other options.  For the record, I always always size up with an A-line skirt as I prefer them to sit on my hips - it doesn't work for everyone but I find they work better for me and are more flattering.  At the very least, it adds a couple of inches onto the length.  Bush on show = no.

Leather A-line skirt in leather from Warehouse £60

ASOS A-line skirt in leather look £28



Or in a tan colour - I have one almost identical to this which I absolutely adore and wear all Summer long (and could certainly wear with over the knee boots...)

Mock Leather A-line skirt from Promod £29.95



Moving onto straight mini skirts now.  Previously I would said no thanks (mutton alert) but actually I think, teamed with the right top and shoes, these can be a great option for day to night. 

As if by magic:-
Jigsaw Leather Mini skirt £129




Esprit Leather look mini skirt £39 (personally prefer the styling above - my advice would be to keep it simple)



Another option (and probably better if you are perhaps not super tall.  Unless you're a secret muff flasher? - it takes all sorts) 

Faux-leather origami skirt from Mango £29.99



However the one I do have my eye on is this from Mango.  I adore this.  It is so unlike anything else I own.  The more I look at it, the more I don't just want it, I need it.  I have cream shirts it would look ace with, ditto a couple of black shirts, I'd wear during the day with a shirt and a jumper or a polo neck.  Shoe wise, well where do I start?  Love the idea of a shirt, jumper and brogues or loafers.  How about a polo neck and biker boots?  Or for day to evening, a black shirt, thin knit polo neck and those blasted OTK R&B suede boots........ (you can see where this is going, can't you.. and no I haven't bought them.)

Pleated Skirt from Mango £44.99



Moving onto other colours now - this is an ideal purchase for taking you through into the Summer.  I love this pale shade of tan (they call it brown...) with black or even navy.  Treat it like a hint of colour to an all dark outfit for these more dreary months. 

And drag it out as soon as the weather improves with a white tee and sneakers.  Perfect every day fling on perfection.  A white or cream silky blouse or shirt in the evening with a pair of snakeskin heels would be the perfect Dinner outfit too.  We all need one of these now, see?!

River Island Croc Effect Mini Skirt in brown £30 (high on my waist like this does me no favours, which is why I size up)  



The 70's are coming back for the S/S - you have been warned.... Get ahead of the game with this suede skirt - perfect with a dark polo neck, opaques and biker boots for now.  Knee high boots would also work perfectly with this type of skirt.  Think Ali McGraw and you're off. 
Milk it 70's Patchwork Skirt in tan £45




Now of course I have found a navy one...this would look more than rather spectacular with the new DP navy satin shoes - black tights, black top?  Yes we've gone off piste with the shape but I think this could work for nights out..... In fact I love this outfit as it is.  Makes a lovely change to a dress. 

Selected Skirt in scuba with peplum £35




This one however I would wear during the day or out at night.  A cross over style skirt of which there are quite a few about, both in the sale and into the S/S as well.  Great mix between a pencil and an A-line skirt.   

Ideal into the Spring with a little tee (pick your choice of colours) and my beloved black sliders which I'm going to be getting out again.   Yet again though, would be perfect for a night out (I'd avoid the cropped top but that's just me......) 

Lashes of London Aztec Jacquard Wrap skirt - £45





There's also a black Scuba version as well £25



However my personal choice would be leather (god I am a clearly some sort of random fetish at heart.. glossing over this one *shudder*). 

I had my eye on this previously but now it's in the sale.  If I didn't already have a black leather skirt...  I do know that the one I have is pleather and also A Line but this is where my Resolution comes into effect.  Yes, this is a different skirt but the difference is really marginal when it comes down to it.  Is there an occasion where my other skirt wouldn't work yet this one would?  Nope, not that I can think of.  Can you see my halo shining from where you are? (and whilst we're here, I do think the bandage style Mango skirt is very different actually.  I would wear shirts tucked into the straight skirt, blousoning slightly over the top, whereas there is just too much going around the waist with this one to be able to do that.  Phew.  That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it)

Reiss Merron Asymmetric Skirt was £225 now £175



The other great version is the Mint Velvet one in a graphite. 

Wrap Front skirt from Mint Velvet was £149 now £75




So there we have Item number 1 on my packing list.  More items coming tomorrow - whilst I try not to get too excited.  All tinged with sadness, waiting to hear about my Aunt (although I have just head, she's managed to get out of bed to go for a walk which they're all amazed at, so perhaps miracles do happen!)

Here is the outfit that inspired my new found love of a short skirt - from Saturday. 


Black polo neck - Jigsaw
Black pleather A-line skirt - Zara
Black buckle ankle boots - Toga Pulla

Rather more appropriately dressed for rugby yesterday.