I've made a right pig's ear of this

This dressing for not quite Summer but a tad warmer than Spring.  When it can get cold in two nanoseconds.  Not to mention rain.  Anyone would think this was a new weather phenomenon, rather than it being essentially the majority of the Summer. 

We have hit that classic time of the season when I hold my hand up and say CONFUSED.  Spring, sorted - last couple of months, have been great and I've loved my clothes.  Have adored the discovery of the love'em or hate'em culottes.  Ditto jumpsuits.  Plus the fact that I've been able to haul out a load of old faithfuls from my wardrobe to accessorise these.  Oh and none of them were expensive so win win all round.  

And when it comes to super warm Summer days when all is needed is a pair of shorts and a loose top, then check check check.  I have an abundance of these to wear.  Bring it on. 

But for this inbetweeny, need to start getting the legs out to acclimatise them to get rid of their plucked chicken look, I am stuck.  I'm sure this isn't a problem many of you have.  I have discovered this year, as well as being their usual shade of blue, the blue legs seems to have taken on a dull grey tinge from their hibernation over the winter months.  Just marvellous.  If I were auditioning for the part of the Tinman's slightly cellulite ridden mother, I'd be a shoo-in.

I only seem to be able to wear suede or leather midi skirts and they are WAY too expensive to trot out on an average bombing around the house day in half term.  Plus they are too warm to wear during the day every day.  Perfect for Summer nights (I know people disagree but honestly, I've never found it that warm in the UK if you're outdoors regardless of how scorchio it gets during the day) 

But I digress - I need another option.  Something that covers my knees, as what I'm essentially looking to do is break my legs in gently, but not as long as even cropped trousers. 

Pedal pushers aren't an option it seems, so the obvious choice would be culottes. 

And I am so unbelievably late to the party with these.  Denim culottes.  So late in fact that - quelle surprise - that the ones I wanted have sold out.  God forbid I should have made my mind up in time to buy them.  Yes we're talking about the H&M ones which are a direct copy of the Rachel Comey Legion ones I said way back in February I absolutely loved. 

Oh no - classic *me* mistake in that I think about something for so long and convince myself I don't need them.  Only to realise I do need them - officially can't live without them but of course, after my extensive procrastination, they're no longer available.

These are the babies I finally decided I had to have.  from H&M and a tenth of the price of the Rachel Comey ones which had sold out anyway.  I am (I know I've said it before) a Tool.

Now, they do still do them in white, which I may well order (just as I need some more cushions....so it would be rude not to) but I had had my heart set on the blue denim.  

So maybe these will work?....  Wide legged jeans £39.99



They also do look quite long - though hopefully they'll be shorter on me as I have legs of a giraffe.  So obviously I went a hunting to see what else there is out there.  Ones that are perhaps shorter and will fill my "inbetweeny" need.

Dark Indigo Denim Culotte from Karen Millen £90




Moto Raw Hem Culottes from Topshop £38 Now the review says these are quite soft in their fabric which they didn't like, but to me, I think they'd drape better as opposed to being Lazytown stiff in their look.



But are those two above maybe too dark and heavy for the warmer weather?  Let's face it, yes.  So maybe these ones from ASOS in a lighter weight denim are better for what we're looking for today.  (can you see this is a running commentary of my thoughts on the matter?  One of the reasons I love writing this blog - not sure if you have noticed, but I do use it as a sounding board for my ramblings......) 

ASOS White Denim Culottes with side pleat £55 (no they're not white but the brand is ASOS White.  Just in case I was the only one who was mildly confused by that...) 



Other pale versions that might be better for Summer, I've found at JCrew.  The Husband is off to Florida tomorrow and I have done NO LIST.  Now I know I didn't find anything great to buy when I went to NY in January but I think we can blame it on the fact that I missed two days proper shopping with my girlfriend and the fact it was minus a gazillion degrees. 

Rayner wide-leg jeans from JCrew in crescent wash £138



And in white also JCrew £138 (although I have to say, I would prefer the H&M ones...)


I could of course make him go to Madewell... 

We can actually get hold of them from Shopbop - someone talk me through Shopbop - do you end up getting stung with taxes?

Madewell Wide Leg Culottes from Madwell $128 or £85 ish though Shopbop. Love these pockets. (and the shoes.  I have an ankle strap shoe fetish to explore)




Have to say these are rather gorgeous - another pic here.  I would definitely wear these in the A/W with ankle boots.  Also still available at Madewell online (do they ship to the UK? and no they don't have them at NAP where they do have some Madewell stock - at hugely inflated prices of course) 

Wide leg culottes $128 (yes same as above but different angle)




But top of the crop for me would be the Urban Renewal Vintage Re-made Denim Culottes for £55 from Urban Outfitters.  Surely these are the ideal cross between a skirt and shorts, I love the casual look to the fray edge and the patchwork effect denim but with the dart front smarter edge to the top. 




And then we have different colours (not in denim now, we're just talking culottes)  I'm currently having a slight mental block when it comes to these - I'm not going to lie.  I don't think a dark colour is going to work.  Too "worky" (absolutely ideal for work mind you, if we are going down that route) or just too smart looking.  The idea is that I'm after something for every day.  For dress down casual, for throwing on with a tee or a little jumper.  Like I said - a jeans alternative.  That isn't shorts.  Or a mini skirt. 

But a paler, more summery colour perhaps?  White isn't floating my boat.  Too clinical?  But a beige..?

Toast Felice Culottes £95  These are a double layer version.  Love the black tie. 




Or would it beyond the realms of sensible to buy a print pair.  Now here's an idea.   I know I've had these ones on before as part of a co-ord blog and they are in fact here with the matching top but I am really liking this for every day styling.  Super easy to wear and you can easily ring the changes for an evening out with different shoes.  Alternatively a more preppy day look could be ballet flats and a blazer.  I am all over these. 

Vila Stripe Culotte £22 Totally sold out at ASOS now but you can still buy at Next.  (and you can also get the matching shirt for £25)  



But CALL OFF THE DOGS - just had an email from Atterley Road with 50% off 50 Summer Essentials and the Vila Striped Culottes are included in them.  That's my mind made up for me!  Off to see if they have the shirt as well (otherwise I'll just order that from ASOS for delivery tomorrow. YEEE HAAAA.  We do of course know they're going to look pants, don't we.....?) 

Stripy Culotte was £25 now £12.50




There'a another very similar pair at New Look but I'm going in for the Vila ones I think.  (I know)

White Tie Waist Stripe Culottes £17.99




Ok I'm on a roll now at ASOS.  These are another great idea, especially if you don't have a khaki pair of bottoms in your arsenal. 

ASOS Drape Culottes with Utility Detail £38



And these look like they cost a lot more than £22.  A linen and viscose mix so ideally you will get the texture from linen with the functionality of viscose.  This colour would be ideal for flinging in to your Summer wardrobe to go with all your neutrals. (and leopard print, I love leopard with red) 

ASOS Linen Culottes in tomato £22




Alternatively this is a rather nifty idea from ASOS.  This I like.  This I like a Lot.  I love this so much I think I might have to order it. 

ASOS Jumpsuit with culotte and shirt detail £50 in navy.



So I've started this blog in a confused fashion but have managed, as I often do, with a plan.  Black and white striped sets are going to be purchased.  I can't wait to wear them now - suddenly in my head I have so so many options that they will work with.  White tees, grey tees (ooh I may have snagged an amazing T by Alexander Wang grey plain tee at TK Maxx last week when stocking up on doggie things), grey or black jumpers.  Right now I'm officially wondering how I lived without a pair of these.  

Speaking of Atterley Road, they also have all their Birkie Arizonas at half price too.  And lots of other goodies too.  Including the black dress I posted from the other day which clearly I'm going to have to try too.  Especially as there is free postage above £30.  Duh.  Plus free returns.  Oh happy happy half term online ordering.  Let the mayhem begin. 

Today's outfit.



Grey Easy day Jumper - Boden
Black pleather A line skirt - Zara
Oversized buckle sliders - Zara 

Yes the legs are out, up close the tan is Bad.  But it was another day at home, homework for the children (yes you read that right.  CHECK ME OUT) and an afternoon of play dates.  Glass of wine tonight with The Husband as he's off to the US tomorrow for nearly a week.  Business class staying in a 5star hotel.  As I have half term at home with 3 children and a new puppy... Hmmmmm who's the winner here?  Well seeing as I have a laptop and am right now more in love with my puppy than I possibly could be with a baby, let the shopping begin.  So that'll be me.