Not exactly reinventing the wheel

In fact, this may be another small indicator that I'm rapidly sailing past 40.  

Chinos. 

I bought a pair.  And I absolutely love them.  I'll fess up - usually when I think of chinos, I'd think all things US preppy. I don't necessarily think Parisian chic.  Clearly I'm neither but in my dreams I would sail closer to the Eiffel Tower than Long Island.  They're not what I would consider either on trend, aspirational or, dare I say it, particularly stylish.  I might even go so far to say as they're up there on the shelf where fashion goes and has a snooze?  

However I recently found this quote which I love:-

 

So, when I found a pair of chinos that I loved, I thought, I love these and I'm going to make them work.  It's my inner Ralph Lauren that's screaming BUY THEM.

They were a bargain from Ireland, this time a Tommy Hilfiger khaki pair of chinos.  From TK Maxx.  Which, I will I have a total love hate relationship.  Verging more on hate if I'm honest... Yes you can find some bargains but finding out that they produce their own brands solely for sale in the shop has really left a bitter taste in my mouth.  So their advert on their website of "Always up to 60% less" is a pack of old crud.  Seeing as you can't buy these products anywhere else.  So they were never sold anywhere else at a higher price and so aren't "less" at all.  I think it's totally dishonest and whilst there are bargains to be had, there seem to be more and more products that are just cheap which they're peddling as "bargains"

However I am over the moon with my Tommy trews.... so it clearly doesn't bother me "that" much.

How do I plan on wearing them?  Well, really just how I'd wear a pair of boyfriend jeans - I don't think there's that much difference in the shape, it's just the fabric.  Can you tell that I've had 8 days in Ireland and have eaten more carbs than I would in the space of a year?  I try not to eat too many carbs (I certainly don't eliminate them and there is no way I follow anything like a paleo diet.  I am far too lazy and I love my food too much).  But I just feel better if I eat more veg and protein as opposed to an abundance of carbs.  So the looser fit on the trousers is something that is appealing at the moment until I drop the couple of pounds I gained. 

I love the idea of them with a more fitted top as well which I have to say I simply don't feel comfortable in any more in skinnies.  Risk of muffin exposure and frankly I want to be comfy these days. 

In fact I do think they need a more fitted top to balance out the silhouette otherwise that's where I fear chinos can slip over into mumsy territory. (scroll down for pics online at M&S....)

They still do sell verging on identical to the ones I got at Tommy Hilfiger. 

Hilfiger Denim Chinos in navy £70  These ones I found at ASOS.



And these are from the Tommy site - not sure if they're the same as above but they don't have them in navy there. 

Sena Slim Fit Chino in grey £70 (loads of other colours online - bar the navy) 




Others that I've found which I would also consider are at ASOS. 

Only Chino Trousers £25



And in the black 




Cotton Rich Straight leg chinos at M&S £25 in almond.  This pic isn't so bad but online there is a veritable masterclass of how to make chinos look spectacularly naff.

These are 20% off today.  DISCOUNT ALERT!  In fact, everything is 20% off online at M&S but only this Monday.


In light khaki £25




In navy now and I've seen these in Jigsaw and they look fantastic. 

Blue Washed Chinos £79 from Jigsaw



But saving the best till last and I LOVE these.  They are scarily expensive but I think they are so versatile, they could be dressed up and dressed down.  Definitely a modern twist on the classic chino - slightly oversized with a wider fit - verging on a culotte almost.  

Maison Scotch Pleated Chinos £150




Whilst we're on the subject of "if you like it, wear it", this was firmly in my mind when I made my total impulse purchase on Saturday (after a glass of Prosecco of course..) 

These are not going to be everyone's cup of tea but I absolutely rooting tooting adore them.  So much so, I have them on today. 

All Black Calf Hair Slides from Anthropologie £118  I will admit from the photo they really don't look anything much but they are so so much better in the flesh, I promise.  The most marvellous addition to my current "everything must go with black" wardrobe vibe which I seem to have going on. 




And here am I in mine with the chinos.




Black jumper - Tommy Hilfiger
Olive chinos - Tommy Hilfiger
Black tuxedo blazer - Hush
Pony skin mules - All Black at Anthropologie 

Pic also from yesterday - exceptionally dress down and comfy for lunch out with the family and then a trip to Bedgebury Pinetum for a modicum of exercise aka a bit of fresh air.