A wardrobe lifter

Now I love my jeans.  I really love them.  I have many pairs and I adore all of them.  However, there always comes a point in the season where I am Over wearing them.  Bored of them, just bored.  Regardless of how many different sorts of jeans you have, it it easy to get to the point where you've overdosed on denim. 

I would say that there are a couple of exceptions to the rule - those things that haven't clad our legs on a daily basis all Winter and they would be flares and dungarees.  But I'm fully aware that the latter is certainly not for everyone. 

And even flares do take some getting used to.  Especially when it's raining (or even snowing *weeps*) and you end up with soggy hems..... A flaw in the plan of all trousers that need to be long.  I knew there was a reason I had bought fully into the skinny jean trend. 

Ok so it's not shorts weather yet, even the thought of  a skirt is on the scary side as it's just not that *that* warm and god forbid I should have to tan my legs.  

There is obviously the jumpsuit option (I have success on this to report tomorrow.  Whoop de whoop) but today I think I've hit gold when I dragged out last year's cargo pants.  These are perfect.  They don't necessarily have to be khaki (although yes, that is the predominant colour) - I am very wedded to the versatility of my grey ones and could certainly justify the purchase of a blue pair too. 

They also don't have to be traditionally Cargo.  So a pocket isn't a necessity and I think they can either be cuffed at the bottom or not.  I would say that I prefer a non silky fabric - something with a little bit of structure to it can be more flattering and certainly makes me feel more "dressed".....

The perfect alternative to yesterday's jeans.  I love mine with a blazer - in this weather, I've got on a thin knit jumper but a more substantial knit with a huge scarf would work just as well for chillier days.  (layer underneath and remove scarf when indoors)  A tee and blazer were part of my Spring uniform last year and I plan to repeat this year once it warms up.  A trench is the perfect coat for those rainy days.  Very much a nod to our less is more theme - I find them randomly smarter than jeans....yet they are still casual and comfortable.  Footwear wise, I have always worn flats with mine but there's nothing to say heels can't work just as well - dare I mention a mule?  *adds to long list of forthcoming obsessions*

A big thumbs up from me and every wardrobe should have a pair (in more than one colour I would be so bold as to say - trousers that is, let's leave the mules to another day)

Mine are from Hush last year and unfortunately they haven't repeated them this season - the nearest would be these which would work just as well.  In three versatile shades - my preference would be the slate blue, closely followed by the khaki. (also a yellow online)

Avignon Trousers from Hush £45

Also in the khaki



Some more khaki but very relaxed and distressed from Topshop. 

Relaxed Utility Trousers £36



With a smarter edge but still in khaki - you may or may not have guessed that there is a lot of khaki around.... 

ASOS Premium Tapered Trousers £40 (mule klaxon)



There are blue ones out there as well which look really great with black and/or white.  Or grey - absolutely love with grey and white.  Dare I say a cream/off white blazer or jacket (spot obsession on the cards #343)

Washed Utility Peg Trousers from Topshop £36



ASOS High Waisted Cargo Trousers in a woven twill £35



Just to prove you can do them with heels... again £35 from ASOS 



Another style that you can get in both the khaki and a blue are these from Warehouse.  Ideal for casual, for work or for a night out with a silky blouse or top and heels. 

D Ring Peg Trouser in khaki £38



And in the blue 



I am also planning on getting lots of wear out of my pleather ones (which I absolutely need to wash as they have stretched to comedy proportions and I am on the verge of baring my crack to the world, which no one needs to see.  Ever.)

ASOS Leather look peg leg trousers £38




And a grey pair from Selected Femme.  They do say these are cigarette pant but to me a) that doesn't involve a roll up (oh the irony) and b) these definitely look peg leg as opposed to a straighter leg which is what I associate with a cigarette pant?

Either way, pale grey trousers are very hard to come by so if you're after a pair (and I love love the shade of mine - I find them so versatile) these could be worth looking at.  

Grey Rihno Cigarette Pant by Selected Femme £65



Of course you can also look at a skinny pair of cargos.  These are similar to a khaki pair I have and I do love them, but I just find it more comfortable some days in looser trews.  Oh my goodness - have I ever admitted anything more geriatric? 

I do know why that is - in the Winter I tend to wear lots more oversized knits which makes hiding the top of skinnies and the inevitable muffin that my older pairs now give me, much easier.  Whereas with a thinner and often shorter top - gravity is a bitch and I don't do enough exercise.  No one needs to see my love handles for evidence of that.  Hence I tend to favour looser trousers these days (I'll get my zimmer)

Noisy May Skinny Combat Trousers (also available online in a Tall and a Petite) £45



So there we have my selection of the best of the non jean tapered trousers out there.  Are you one of those people who never wear jeans (I do know there are people out there that exist without denim in their lives....) or are you a jeans or nothing sort of gal? 

Here I am today in mine, having been back to the hairdressers at the crack of dawn and yee ha - all is well with the world again.  Super relaxing day here with Monopoly Empire on loop intermingled with movies.  

Yesterday we had a great day out at Bluewater - trip to Build a Bear for the boys who have never been and Yo Sushi which is always much better and way less stressful without the kids. (I know you're not supposed to admit that but....)  That's the last visit for the next year until I forget and we go again.... (to be fair, it's a nightmare for the poor 10yr old who's a Coeliac and refuses to try the sashimi or any of the sushi rolls even though she says she will.  She's the one who begs most to go..... And breathe.....Lots of edamame beans later......A trip to Lush appeased her!)


Grey Easy Day Jumper - Boden
Grey Cargo pants - Hush
Tuxedo blazer - Hush
Charcoal Dakota flatforms - Seven Boot Lane
Black Diego - Alexander Wang

Hope everyone is enjoying their Easter Weekend.  I have treated myself to a couple of gems instead of chocolate which I will be bringing you shortly.  Two things crossed off the wish list *punches air*. 

We are also off on holiday to Ireland next week which means RyanAir style capsule wardrobe planning needs to start in earnest.   Handily I don't think I'm going to be needing my bikinis or sandals so that's a couple of things less to muse over.