You know that comfort zone?
Well it's Friday, it's January, I am hawking the weather forecast like my life depends on it to see if it's still going to snow (as I type, this is apparently at 11am tomorrow morning..... ), I am ensconced on the sofa with a large glass of red and a bowl of kettle chips and it's comfort all the way.
Comfort zone yesterday - today I've progressed merely to another part of it. We've done stripes and yes, you've guessed it, today is leopard print.
So... my flights to JFK are booked. The hotels are booked, some restaurants are booked (any suggestions please do holler - 6 days are a lot to fill and yes, I can hear the violins....two days with one of my oldest friends and then three days with The Husband. In New York. Without kids. *swu) but I'm still umming and ahhing about what to take. It's actually going to be warmer there this weekend than it is here so to be totally honest the jury is still out.
Now I'm not going to mention the Lowland Boots again (well I sort of am) but I managed to find this little gem yesterday and I think it would be perfect with them. And no I'm not specifically trying to hunt down things that would work with the aforementioned boots. But yes I do seem to manage to be doing it without any effort...
This also ticks so many other boxes. It follows my rules - I have nothing like this at all in my wardrobe - it would work really for dress down lunch with a polo neck (black boots... even OTK ones...) Or in the evening with a cream or black shirt and ankle boots. The perfect little extra to throw into a suitcase. And I'd even wear into the Summer with flats and a white tee. Little blazer thrown on and it's the perfect year round skirt. See why I need it?
Jacquard Animal Print Pelmet Skirt £35
I'm not going to lie - I am ever so slightly concerned by the word "pelmet" but thankfully they also do it in their Tall range. My muff can stay undercover.
I'm on a roll and I don't have a longsleeve leopard dress - this one from Whistles is now a bargain - exclusively at ASOS.
Whistles Leopard print dress was £75 now £32
This again would be ideal to roll up in a corner of a suitcase. Ideal with black skinnies or any sort of jeans.
Animal Print Drape Blouse £38 at Topshop - and they also do this in a Tall.
Orrrr skinny jeans, leopard print tee (hey presto) and black tuxedo blazer - oh yes, call off the dogs. This wins in my book.
ASOS Premium T-shirt £25
I need this like I need a hole in the head but boy would I love to simply pack all black and take this as my coat.....(I appreciate I would need black hat, scarf and gloves!)
New Look Leopard print coat was £54.99 now £38
OR this one...
Only Faux Fur Leopard coat was £90 now £54
Yes I do have pretty much leopard print everything now that I think about it but my favourite thing bar none has to be my LV scarf (which is pretty much vintage). Leopard accessories are so very useful. Although they're rather neutral shades they give the perfect element of interest to an otherwise boring outfit.
This would work throughout the whole year - perfect for day time and also ideal in the evening.
Elliott Animal Print bag was £165 now £110
One thing I do definitely need for the Spring is a new pair of sunglasses and I've never considered a pair of leopard print - a more modern version of tortoiseshell.....
Dolce & Gabbana Sunglasses were £173 now £132
ASOS Oversized Scarf £16
Couldn't possibly do a leopard print blog without some shoe action and happy days - these are gorgeous for £12! Now I wouldn't go tramping through puddles in these and clearly they're not snow worthy but finger's crossed we've got better weather on the way (the way may be of the long way away variety but these things always sell out if you don't buy them when you see them)
ASOS Life Story pointed ballet flats £12
So I'm thinking at the moment for NY - wardrobe combo of black, camel and leopard print...... I just need to make sure I've got the right mix of day to night outfits, at the same time ensuring I'm going to be warm enough. I did spy these today in Waitrose and think I may have to explore in more detail.
POLAR FLEECE TIGHTS!!!! £10 from John Lewis
Finishing with an outfit from Tuesday I think - I forgot to post it but again a whole load of old favourites but with a new hat (from a company that are literally based at the end of my road in the sticks!) I'm going to do a warm accessory blog in the next day or so, so will tell all then.
And outfit from today. School run, supermarket, coffee with friend and then I had three of my closest friends over for a lovely lunch (she says modestly.. basil chicken salad with WATER to drink). We were going to start our furniture painting projects but that didn't really get off the ground as we were all nattering too much. Meeting at school with my son's Autistic tutor, the Head and the Senco (gosh I love them all so much - we've still got such a long hard hill to climb but where he has progressed to from last year with all their hard work is extraordinary). Then two and a half hours at the swimming pool (no not me) All the glamour for a Friday night.....
Beige ribbed jumper dress - H&M
Black coated jeggings - Dorothy Perkins
Caitlyn boots - Seven Boot Lane
Patchwork fur coat - Topshop
Beige pompom beret - Miss Selfridge
Black Diego bag - Alexander Wang
We've got another lovely calm weekend - off on a family trip tomorrow which we are all so looking forward to. Well I say that - yet to break it The Husband that cinema and Five Guys equates to him having to go Bluewater..... I may get a child to do it whilst I hide....
Followed you blog for a while, which I love, love, love and your style and look is fab. My small girl has recently been diagnosed with sensory processing issues - you openness and honesty is just the thing as I know no other child with the same challenges as my baby, so I thank you x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely comments and I hope your little girl is now getting the help she (and you!) need xxxx
DeleteOh that ASOS scarf is just divine! Loving the idea of an all black holiday wardrobe with a leopard print coat! The dress is a total winner too as are the blouses! You're on a roll! x
ReplyDeleteI must not buy the coat... I must not buy the coat......!
DeleteJacks wife Freda is a must on Lafayette st or they have opened a new location too recently. The spotted pig too - just fabulous! So envious and yes you need the Lowlands:)
ReplyDeleteSTOP IT (Where can I pick them up in NY - I reckon these could be *my holiday purchase* as opposed to something else that I really don't need? Have no intention of going anywhere near 5th Ave..... Staying err Soho way.....! I am so going to see loads I need aren't I? TIPS CHICK!)
DeleteHi, I love reading your blog and you have definitely opened my eyes to alternatives to my jeans and top uniform! I was in New York last August and a place I would recommend is The Gramercy Tavern. We had a great night sat at the bar, food and craic was great (yes I'm Irish). Another place to go for a look is Bergdorf Goodmans, I had my make up done at Tom Ford by a very helpful guy after the first girl had dismissed me. It was a bit of a Pretty Woman moment which made us laugh as she thought I would buy nothing as I was obviously a tourist but it was the last day and those left over dollars were burning a hole in my wallet..
ReplyDeleteOOH You've reminded me - Tom Ford make up! Is it much cheaper than here? It's eye wateringly expensive in Selfridges.
DeleteSame here too! A few euro cheaper but not much. Got some samples though. It was fun though. I've never seen so much Botox, fillers etc etc in so many people in the same shop - unbelievable!!
DeleteBergdorf Goodman was the best though with regards to the hard sell. They were what we would be used to here and from what I've seen in London but other places shout at you and practically follow you around the shop if you show any interest!
For your coeliac daughter (I am too) Whole Foods had some different things than I've seen here or in the UK.
DeleteI mean for treats to bring home to her..
DeleteThat's a fab fab suggestion thanks! Other than that, she wants a book!! (one that she can't get here. She's such a book worm, god love her XX)
DeleteI lived in New York for six months last winter. It's never, ever warmer than here. The wind is brutal. Restaurants: Standard Grill is fun. The Coffee Shop on Union Square is great for breakfast and brunch, the servers all seem to be wannabe models and it's open 24 hours. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips thank you! xx
DeleteOooo just reading about your trip is so exciting - feel like I'm going too! Love that asos t shirt - will have to investigate and if it's structured, I'm going to be all over it on 1st Feb! The whistles dress also fab but would be way too long for me. Still can't get over how much you cram into a day - it seems like your house must be constantly "people ready" and when did you get the chance to make the basil chicken???!!! Have a great weekend x
ReplyDeleteOh my god my house is SO not people ready - they come in, mess and all! And the basil chicken honestly isn't that hard at all - I threw a chicken into the oven, steamed some veg, cut up an avocado and opened a bag of rocket. Pan fried the pine kernels and made a dressing - all whilst chatting, honestly there was v little effort! You have a great weekend too xxxxx
DeleteI love your bright red bag, it really cheers up the outfit. Special needs provision in state schools is fantastic, but faces drastic cuts. Such a shame xx
ReplyDeleteIt's more of an orange but yes, I have to say I do love it - works so so so well with shades of black and tan and also navy! Oh lord, I don't want to hear about the cuts. We are so lucky that we have an outside worker who comes in for my son who suffers very badly with social issues and his tutor is invaluable. He's miles away from functioning emotionally like a neurotypical 8 yr old but the help and observations they're making, I couldn't imagine not having xx
DeleteSo jealous of your trip to NYC, my favourite place on earth. You need to go to Fred's at Barneys for lunch, it is the amazing top floor resturant in this wonderful department store on Madison Ave. fabulous for lunch and a spot of people watching!!!! Book ahead or there is usually along wait by the lifts for a table. X
ReplyDeleteGreat tip thanks my love! xxxx
DeleteNew York will be spectacular, spending time with your best friend sans kids...sounds like heaven to me!! Love the Topshop skirt and Asos scarf...adore a spot of leopard in the winter xx
ReplyDeleteI am so so so so excited it has to be said - pretty much the perfect Christmas and Birthday present!
DeleteNo I didn't see any pink either.... I can't possibly justify a fur coat when I already have one!! (well, one fur coat & a different leopard print one which isn't ok for now but I can't wait to wear again come the Spring)
ReplyDeleteoh and snow will only be remotely acceptable if it means that rugby is cancelled. x
ReplyDeleteLucky you haven't been to NY in years. Not too sure about going this time in the year, good luck! Personally struggle with leopard print tho I did buy a scarf from your friends web site Alice's wonder which I adore
ReplyDeleteHeathrow Russell & Bromley, VAT free......
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this post - love an animal print too! I think you need the sunglasses, a really great accessory with the print on. Your new hat is gorgeous, can't wait to here all about it and hope the BW trip went well with the husband! x
ReplyDeleteHi Kat, loving your blog! Just wondering where your lovely hat with the huge bobble on is from please (1st photo) thanks so much X
ReplyDeleteHi, we ate in some great places in NY and can recommend this mexican place - http://esquinanyc.com/ Fab food and a great atmosphere. There's a pub nearby that does good beer too.
ReplyDeleteDo you follow glutendude? He lists New YOrk restaurants. He is celiac too and don't forget Jennifer Esposito's bakery all gluten free!
ReplyDeleteWhere is your Pom Pom hat from?
ReplyDelete