Not just for Miss Haversham

A bit of lace that is. 

And I'm also extending the definition of lace to crochet.... just because it's sort of vaguely similar.... it's just as pretty, just as useful and just as timeless so that's good enough for me. 

On that topic, I really do think it is a classic that you have in your wardrobe for years and years.  

Top wise I love a bit of feminine lace with a masculine loose pair of jeans, wide legged trousers, sneakers or loafers.  Boxy cut jacket - I think the mix of styles can work well.  Plus, it's that little bit different from the full onslaught of boho that we're being subjected to (can you tell I am scarred, scarred I tell you, by my wake up and smell the coffee boho shock from the other day?!) 

Seriously though, it is easy to get carried away with a certain style (and boy can I be guilty of this) whilst losing your own personal look in the excitement.  

If I look at my wardrobe, longevity wise, along with my collection of blouses that grow every year, I have a lace top that I Iove.  I don't wear it that often as it's so delicate (this is code for, it was from Zara and so is abysmal quality which is a crime as I adore it) but actually I should. 

I should because I've been yet again reminded how keeping things for best is wrong.  Wrong wrong diddly.  Because there aren't that many "best" occasions and so you don't end up wearing your favourite things in the your wardrobe, for, when you think about it, absolutely no good reason at all. 

So today's blog is all about adding in a traditional fabric - in this instance lace or crochet and buying things that we love and can wear for best BUT we must promise each other we'll wear them lots.

I know it's a bit tarts and vicars which clearly isn't a look that we're aspiring to (or maybe you are....) but I do love bit of lace with a bit of leather.  Lots of these tops with leather skirts or trousers - perfect for a night out.  And also with denim - again, a different look but a great combo for daytime or for a more casual night out, just change up the accessories.  

Starting with a lace top from Warehouse.  Navy is perfect.

Blue Lace Panel top £32

Now I know I said I wasn't going to mention boho (I'm going to have to come up with another word for this, it's starting to irritate me already...) but well, I lied ever so slightly but in my defence, this is really easy way of a nod to the theme whilst not going full on 70s - a boho style but with an antique twist in the shape. 

Whilst we're talking about Mint Velvet, I received a brochure the other day with 15% off.    Free delivery and free returns until the 25th March, SEA2015.  All prices here are pre discount.

Ivory Victoriana Top from Mint Velvet  £69



Plus they also do it in black  (this with pleather or coated trousers.  Or distressed skinnies... hiding a multitude of sins) 




Ivory Lace Layered Top £79



Here is where the difference between lace and crochet becomes confusing.  To me, this is crochet.  To Mint Velvet, it's lace.... either way, it's pretty darn gorgeous.  Love the blush shade - the most versatile colour.  For the school run with jeans and flats and with a smart pencil skirt, you could wear this to a wedding.

Mineral Lace Shell Top £89



A softer look in ivory - same shape.

Ivory Spiral Lace Shell Top £79



Now we can do lace dresses a plenty - I do have one but it's black and has feathers on it - perhaps not for every day wear... As I said, I am going to be doing dresses a plenty shortly but this one caught my eye the other day and I thought it was stunning.  Even if you risk indecent exposure if you're tall.....

Mango Boho Dress £59.99  To me, this isn't very boho but what do I know?



But of course it would be rude not to have a quick look at Whistles and there is this gorgeous lace dress in navy.  And I forgot to give you the code yesterday - DOH.  It is WH25SS15 and it's only valid until tomorrow.... a whacking 25% off.

Leila Lace Dress in navy £140 (handwash klaxon....)





Or if you prefer they do it in a black lace version which is a top. £95



And I'm so so sorry, but I'm going to have to leave it there for today.  I have an ill child who's just got up, poor little mite, but it tops off my afternoon/evening which has been one of those that has tried my patience, to put it mildly...... Monday night is homework night and this evening, three small children, all vying for attention at the same time in a particularly whiney fashion, has been slightly more trying than usual.  

I may have resorted to wine.  Now I must go and give my smallest a snuggle and Calpol (and have a peruse through the Mint Velvet catalogue in detail as I have become rather taken with a couple of pairs of shoes.....)  And possibly rearrange my plans for tomorrow...... (however there are worse things than having to stay in and have a duvet day with a little ill one).

Swifty pic from yesterday though.  Rugby with the smallest, a quick trip to Dame Kelly Holmes' new cafe where we were served by the lady herself and an afternoon spent watching the 10yr old in a Drama Concert thing.....