Red red wine

I can talk about red wine but do not mention white wine to me.  Even typing the word makes me feel more than a tad nauseous.  We may have overdosed on this when we were putting the world to rights at our lunch out on Friday.  I blame my drinking buddy totally for this. Yes, I have already texted her to say I am never speaking to her again - she said she didn't fancy bubbles and sold me on the idea of a jug of wine with lots of ice.  This was a mistake.  (Although we did have a fabulous, rather long lunch so it may have had something to do with quantity of wine as opposed to the quality... or the colour) 

Yesterday required sterling effort - my nephew's birthday party so just a couple of (40) five year olds and an entertainer in a hall.  Followed immediately by my god daughter's 9th birthday party with 10 of her friends making jewellery.  Then out in the evening for a friend's 50th. I was so exhausted and felt so incredibly shabby I actually drove.  And managed two hours before having to come home and collapse on the sofa (with a curry).  And no wine. 

But I can finally contemplate it again and today is definitely of the red variety.  Call it wine, call it berry, burgundy, maroon, the list is endless it is one of the most versatile shades for Autumn Winter.

The best thing about this shade is that it never goes out of fashion.  Buy something classic and you will have it in your wardrobe for ever.  The ideal thing to bring out every year.  I think the trick is to team it with a more unusual colour for maximum modern impact.  When I say unusual, I don't mean chartreuse for example, I mean a generic Autumnal shade but one that it isn't usually paired with. 

I have recently become obsessed with all things pale grey and shades of wine go perfectly with this.  A quick peruse of Pinterest has thrown up some great examples.

Loving the scarf - with the shades of mustard and bottle green just screaming hello winter.......


Or with oatmeal shades 




And of course - the classic camel.   To put it with black on its own just looks ever so slightly dated but throw in a shade of tan or grey and it elevates it to something much more special. 



Pure camel and wine.  Obviously with gold shoes.  Well why wouldn't you?


So I tried it the other day and I feel the need for a bit of wine in my wardrobe.  Actually if I cut down on what I drink, I could easily fund a newly found wine knitwear obsession. (this probably comes under the heading of things you shouldn't admit in public)

Boucle Shawl-Collar Open Front Cardigan from Banana Republic - 20% off with the code BRCOSY



Now I have looked and looked and this definitely was the one I tried on but I did (obviously for me) try it on in a very large size - this is either L or XL.  It didn't particularly feel that huge, I have to say and personally I do prefer it in the longer length. I would think it's much better to layer underneath as well - you could easily fit a chunky jumper under the larger sizes but under a smaller one, there is always the risk of Michelin man arms.  Or looking like you've not passed the Ryan Air hand luggage test and have had to wear half your suitcase. It's probably not the look you're going for.  Go big.


On the subject of outerwear (although I appreciate this is a cardigan but personally I would wear it as outerwear), this coat is simply sublime and I think looks a lot more expensive than the price tag it has.

ASOS Coat in Cocoon Fit in Berry £85  Definitely more of an aubergine feel to this although they do call it berry.  I love the texture of this.


Speaking of looking expensive - this looks amazing.  The pairing with another colour is already done for you.  Much less to think about as you throw it over a plain black outfit.  My favourite sort of easy, go to coat.

ASOS Coat with waterfall front and belt £95


However let's talk proper investment and I am having to stop myself pressing buy on this.  The only reason is that I actually cannot justify a coat at all.  But then I think about the 3.1 Phillip Lim coat that I own in grey that I have had now for 8 years.  And I wear every single year, loving it as much as the day I bought it.  Surely this would stand the test of time too?  

And... a very kind reader posted the code PAYPAL20 for 20% off your Finery order (I've just tried and it works.  DARN IT!  Blame her not me.) 

Fanshaw Bonded Leather Coat £345 pre discount 



These however are totally top of my wine wishlist.  I can't heap enough positive praise on these - well, the black ones, I'm assuming that the burgundy ones are identical.  They are quite frankly the most amazing trousers, leggings, call them what you will that I have ever put on.  Super flattering, ridiculously comfortable and able to take you absolutely anywhere.  Free delivery and free returns with AUTUMN15. 
Leather leggings from hush £330



Burgundy is definitely a "hush colour" - a quick flick through their website will give you a whole host of other ideas on how to wear it.  But for super ease - this is on its own and will carry you to so so many events this A/W.

Jumpsuit from hush £75




New in also at hush is the Claire Jumper for £90 which is a cashmere mix.  Great textile combo



Following on from my Dotty P post the other day, I have had so many message from people confirming how amazing the Eden jeggings are.  There is now 25% off everything online.  Yes - Everything!

Merlot Eden Ultra Soft Jeggings were £20 now £15



Accessories I will cover in more detail shortly and definitely include some burgundy ones but as this is just back in stock and it's reversible so double bubble, I just had to include it. 

hush Blanket Shawl £35


Footwear - and I think we are nudging into legitimate boot territory now.  These rock.  End of. 

ASOS Exit 70s Ankle boots £42


I may have mentioned once or a gazillion times that I am all about the chunky shoe at the moment and therefore these are a thing of beauty for me. 

Bronx Bordeau Patent Leather Patent Boots £102


And also at Finery (don't forget your 20% off) are these which I absolutely adore.  If your wardrobe consists of mainly tan, black and grey then these will finish it off perfectly. 

Crawford Leather Ankle Boots £139 from Finery


I'm not sure which of the pieces is my ultimate favourite but I do think one or two bits to make a change to a sea of black, grey and camel, can work wonders for your wardrobe. 

One colour which I don't seem to totally embracing this season is navy but thankfully I have a plethora from seasons gone by to drag out for something a bit different.