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August 2016
One thing that I haven't mentioned this whole Summer even though I wear them every day and am always putting snippets of them over on Insta is my jewellery.
This Summer I've collected a stash of staples that I sport daily. I honestly find these make all the difference to an outfit - the easiest of lifts. They go with everything, so offer the ultimate in versatility and can easily be worn all year round. I will say, they are the things I am asked most about when out and about. Someone is always asking where's my necklace or one of my bracelets from.
So as we're in that funny inbetweeny seasonal mode (shops are full of Winter clothes but it's 25 degrees and sunny outside - certainly the best stretch of weather I've seen all Summer), I thought an ode to my bling would be the perfect blog for today.
A plain outfit can be transformed with just the smallest addition of silver, gold or rose gold. Or colour can be added to an otherwise flat outfit with one of my new silk scarf bracelets from Silk Philosophy.
These have probably been the most unusual new item I've been wearing. I won't lie - I misplaced them for a couple of weeks earlier in the Summer only to find the lovely husband had tidied them away for me (tidiness generally is not my strong point), back into the little boxes they arrive in and back in my drawer. Where I didn't think of looking.
But I've been reunited with them and will be definitely wearing them into the Autumn. An all grey, navy or black outfit with one of these on your wrist is all you need to keep your outfit from being "depressing" (that's according to the 11yr old....). Plus 15% discount with the code summer15.
I have the Agatha £35
And the Marie £35 pre discount
Now the other lovely bracelets that you see are my every day staple. I stack them on both arms and feel completely naked without them.
I should point out that all the jewellery featured here comes in the most stunning packaging and would make the perfect present. I'm not saying Christmas is around the corner but...
Bella Jane Jewellery. 10% discount with the code DMB47.
I have chosen various ones over the years to complete my stack but my favourite I think it is probably my initial one. Each of my children have one that is their special favourite (they think I've chosen them specially for them... errr who I am to shatter their illusions. Hindsight is a fine thing. Oops).
Initial Bracelet £30
But speaking of thinking of my children, I definitely did when it came to designing my necklaces from Chambers & Beau. I have two new ones this Summer that I have worn daily. And opted to have their names engraved on one and the phrase Enjoy Every Moment on the other. 15% off everything using the code kat15. I cannot recommend these highly enough. Everything can be made bespoke so go forth and have a good look through the website and Instagram to see what you'd like.
Adore these. Completely and utterly adore these and wear them every day.
And finishing with my other two bracelets that I have been loving and yet again are always commented on from saywhatyouc.com (and don't blame me for losing the next hour of your life perusing their website. You have been warned).
Rose Gold Plated Love Bangle £25
And the Silver with the green ties again £25
And here I am wearing them (yes along with the Bella Jane stack - I did say I wear them daily!).
The other reason I have chosen all these jewellery companies to feature and love wearing their products so much is that all of them are small starters. Not huge conglomerates but businesses that were started at home by ladies who love jewellery and accessories.
Here I am today in yet again more of the jewellery. If you look back at any of my pics over the Summer I am wearing a combination of some or all of these products. I get absolutely no commercial benefit from promoting them - I just love to be able to use my platform to promote smaller companies whose products I can personally endorse.
Floral dress - & Other Stories
Smile beach bag - The Jacksons
Hat - Zara Men
Gladiator Sandals - Aldo
If you would like to share any other small jewellery designers that you know, please please do feel free to leave their details in the comments - one of the advantages I have that the blog is growing is that we can help support smaller designers and give them an exposure that they haven't had before. And we all get the opportunity to wear gorgeous, individual jewellery.
I have to say I think it may well be. So I was doing an interview the other day and was asked what my favourite high street store was. And for the first time in forever, I actually thought it could be M&S. Going back to my question about flats from the other day - is it an age thing...??
Well actually I don't think it is. M&S have been improving season on season. No they're not perfect. Yes, they've made some interesting style choices over the years. And yes, it can still be a nightmare to navigate the store, not to mention the website.
But when they get it right, they get it really really right. The prices are amazing, the quality I think, is the best on the high street. And the joy I get out of telling someone where my amazing dress is from - they assume Net A Porter and I tell them M&S - priceless.
So when the other day I was looking for midi skirts and found my favourites at M&S, I couldn't help but have a meander through the rest of the website.
And found so many more amazing things, I thought a blog dedicated to my best things at M&S was definitely on the cards. What a hardship, having to trawl through loads and loads of gorgeous clothes. Ok so I should probably add at this point, there is a lot there you are never going to wear. They really do offer something for everyone and it does take a fair bit of dedication to trawl through.
But rewards are there for the taking if you do - especially as I just click and collect it all at my local store, go and try it on there and then (always on a Sunday under the guise of doing "food shopping" so I don't take any children with me...genius or what?) and return what I don't want there and then.
What have I found that I'm loving this week?
Starting with a dress which - to be honest, could go one of two ways. There is a high possibility of a sack of potatoes OR it could elevate me to one of the Joseph Massive. Got to be worth a try? Biker jacket, ankle boots (sneakers for now - my new skater shoe slip ons, you're up) and oh hello school run to lunch perfect outfit.
Slim Fit Rib Roll Tunic Dress from M&S £49.50
And one for work.. or for dinner with a biker jacket and leopard print ankle boots. Alternatively, I'd layer with a thin polo neck and team with flat boots for an every day throw on.
Tailored Fit Shift Dress £55
And spookily, this is how they've styled the olive green one... great minds and all that (I hadn't seen the olive when I wrote the above!)
I'm always being asked what coat works over skirts and dresses and my obvious first answer is the biker but the other option I'm planning on cracking out is the flowy trench.
Perfection in grey.
Loose Fit Unstructured Trench Coat £79
Or the classic black again £79
Midnight now in the perfect coat to wear with scarves.
Wool RichTailored Fit Overcoat £119
One last coat as the sun is still shining but I can't ignore them forever.
Brushed Unstructured Coat £149
Adore this. Just said to my 11yr old "ooh how gorgeous is this?". "mmm.. I guess. Looks a bit like a tree though", she says. All the enthusiasm for this then.
Leaving coats aside now - something M&S have come up trumps with this Autumn is the print mini dress. Brilliant because a) they're not mini mini and b) they have different length options as well.
The versatility of these is amazing - wear right now with sandals or sneakers and throw on opaques and ankle boots when it starts getting chillier.
These definitely have the eclectic vibe that is Autumn16tastic. Clearly a hugely made up word. But you know what I mean.
Fit & Flare Swing Dress £35
Patchwork Fit and Flare Dress £39.50
Tailored Fit Floral Print Shift Dress £39.50
Fit and Flare Long Sleeve Woven Dress £39.50
Not short now but this is one of the reasons I keep coming back to M&S. Remember the red dress I got in the Summer for a song? Well I predict this will be as good (don't hold to that - I will try it on at the first available opportunity).
Floral Print Fit & Flare Dress £45
I'm warning you now that wide leg trousers are set to be a staple feature of my Autumn wardrobe. I shall be coming back to them with a vengeance but a sneak preview here...
Wide Single Side Stripe Trousers £25
Slightly more expensive at Autograph and a cropped version but these would be so so so infinitely useful this year. I have lived in my navy ones which, in fact, were also from M&S way back in the Spring so I can vouch for how useful these are.
Deep Pleat Cropped Trousers from Autograph £59.50
Shoes. M&S you are knocking it out of the ball park footwear wise.
Double Strap Point Court Shoes £49.50
Or a black patent pair which aren't the same but I would go so far as to say better....
Multi Strap Point Court Shoes £29.50
And finishing with randomly my favourite. I adore adore these. With skirts, with dresses, with skinnies, with leather leggings - I am all over these. The Givenchy stud copies are everywhere so how about a variation on a theme? (even though I would sell a child for a real pair of Givenchys but don't tell anyone).
Leather Lace Up Ankle Boots £85
And I have to stop as it's movie and pizza night for us on hols having been out for an amazing day. We have completely lucked out with the weather, although I think we were owed a break. Lots of pics over on Insta if anyone is interested.
Speaking of shorter dresses - yes it is that warm. When they used to make great Summer dresses without a hint of boho to them. Old School Whistles, we salute you.
Leopard dress - Whistles
Black sandals - & Other Stories
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
I know I can't be the only M&S fan out there? Have they improved over the years for you or are there things that you would like to see them change? Not that I have any M&S contacts, but you never know who's reading!
To fall back in love with my denim jacket.
So there I am packing to come away for the week. And I needed a jacket. I had my faithful black blazer but I needed something casual. But not as heavy as a leather jacket as... wait for it... the weather looked good. A lighter summer jacket. Now I have a khaki cargo one from hush which I love and is perfect for throwing on over harems and jeans but to wear over dresses? Meh. It's too long in the body.
I need something shape wise that is similar to the biker, as that's perfect cropped length for over frocks.
Scanning the jackets in my wardrobe and what do I spy? A denim jacket. Replete with virtual cobwebs - it's that long since I've worn one. Definitely not this year - not sure if I can recall giving it any airtime last year either. Why? Why oh why not?
There is a reason. It's 80s related. Blame Bananarama and Tiffany for ruining denim jackets for me forever. I can't put it on without feeling a tad like an extra from an 80s RomCom.
But it was the only option so in the bag it went. I figured over the Summer dresses I bought it would work fine. And hell, at the very least, I was on holiday and if anything goes and mistakes can be made, it's when you're away with one suitcase to choose from. At the very least, there is a rather fabulous boutique here where I might be forced to go and buy something from if it doesn't work out (yes you can imagine, this would be my Very Last Option. Not).
Imagine therefore my joy when on the beach yesterday, what do I read in my latest copy of Elle? An article by Jess Cartner-Morley that says the Denim Jacket features in her top 5 Easy Pieces - the top "classic wearable pieces of clothing".
"Channel the Balenciaga woman and wear it with tailoring now, or wait until the weather really cold and layer it under your puffa coat later".
Well go on then. Ok so there's not a lot of tailoring going on this weekend and I'm not sure I shall be buying into the puffa coat for anything other than the touchlines at rugby on a Sunday (the 8yr old has decided he'll give it another go this season *weeps*), but for layering under other coats? I am LOVING this idea. Speaking of tailoring, I'm thinking of wearing with cashmere joggers, super fine polo neck, denim jacket and long tailored coat. And lots of other possibilities as well.
And for the hols now - yes, in old school format of just as a regular coat. Over my dresses. The weather here is great but as it's on the coast it can get windy so a little jacket is pretty much always required. And dear faithful denim jacket, you're up.
A little bit more about my favourite at the end but first up and I've found what I consider to be my perfect jacket . This is the most similar to mine and is what I would go so far as to say is a classic jacket. It's not cutting edge when it comes to new style denim jackets but for me, it's what works and will have most longevity.
ASOS Denim Shrunken Jacket in mid blue wash £32 and they also do it in a Tall Version: ASOS Tall Denim Shrunken Jacket in mid blue wash £32
Another obvious option is good old Gap. Where else would you go for a classic denim jacket?
1969 Denim Jacket from Gap £54.95
There is the argument of course that if it's something you'll have in your wardrobe forever, it may well be worth investing in a slightly more expensive version. Of course the only reason I think you'd do this if it is THAT much more perfect than the more reasonably priced ones.
I will say, the fit of this is perfect.
Hilfiger Denim Jacket £125
The other obvious (if slightly more expensive option is Levis).
Authentic Trucker Jacket from Levis £85
Darker at Banana Republic and an extra Bank Holiday treat - 30% off today only at BR.
Denim Jacket at Banana Republic £85 pre discount online - no code needed, discount taken off at checkout.
And slightly more off piste now. Whilst some people love a more oversized boyfriend style denim jacket, I've always preferred the more fitted style - and sometimes, the smaller the better. This would look amazing over a maxi dress.
Only Cropped Raw Edge Denim Jacket £40
Now I know I possibly shouldn't be but I am randomly drawn to the badged ones. My 11yr old looks like she dies a little inside every time I mention this. Oops. And I won't go there as it's a tad too far outside my comfort zone.
New Look Raw Edge Badge Denim Jacket £26.99
And mine? Designer number that I've had for years that has been the best investment ever? Or.... £18 from Sainsburys about four years ago (I believe it was more but I nabbed it on a 25% off discount day). I kid you not. Best fit I've ever found. And even better, I shoehorned myself into the size 8 for a super snug shape.
Black scoop back jersey midi dress - hush
Black Flame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane (don't forget 15% off using the code FLAME)
Denim Jacket - Sainsburys
Silk scarf bracelet - Silk Philosophy
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
So am I ridiculously late to the denim party? Not entirely sure I will be going down the double denim route - I fear I may look Rita, Sue and Bob too as opposed to Kate, Cara and David G. But I am definitely going to give it more outings...it really is the perfect alternative to a biker for the next couple of months. Just kicking myself I didn't bring a breton with me (she says eyeing up copious striped sweaters in Collen & Clare....)
Would love to know if you've reinvented the wheel wearing yours. Is it a trusted, fave jacket? Or are you going to drag it out of storage or treat yourself to a new one? Or has that ship passed.....?!
That I have become obsessed with flat shoes?
Years ago I was a lover of heels. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not throwing the baby out with the bath water and turning to a life of flats, but I have to say, whereas I used to regularly wear heels during the week - they've now pretty much become the domain of the out out.
And even when it comes to out out heels, I *may* have been known to get a tape measure out to see how high they are. Next step a zimmer?
So is it an age thing? Dear lord, do I know about it if I've been dancing for all of ten minutes in a pair of heels, whereas I used to be able to strut my stuff on the dance floor (no it wasn't pretty) until the early breakfast check out at the hotel (it's 6am in most hotels in case anyone was wondering). My knees. I fear that zimmer may be nearer than we think.
Or is it a fashion thing? It's only a few years ago (a few being more than two in this sense... in case the very literal child happens to be reading) that trainers weren't really a done thing. Unless you were planning on something vaguely exercise related.
Ballet flats yes and brogues have been more wearable in recent times. Ditto loafers. But really, there weren't a plethora of shoes around to choose from that weren't... hmmm... all a bit sensible?
However now? Well the flat shoe is your oyster. And I am loving them. I would go so far as to say they go with everything. Even dresses and skirts. YES even dresses and skirts. Which I will prove to you this week as I am away, armed with a pair of new flats.
I first bought this style a couple of years ago (maybe more actually - ok literal child, it was definitely more than a couple). Two pairs - one leopard and one black, from Next in the sale for a ridiculously bargain sum. As I wasn't sure about them. Turns out, they are the only shoes I can remember in living memory having actually worn out. Literally they fell apart. And not because they were bad quality but because I wore them so much. Bald patches meant they were retired to shoe heaven aka the bin.
The Skater. Or the Slip on Sneaker. Call it what you will, these have been around now long enough to be a wardrobe staple.
Here are my favourites out there. How will I be wearing them? All is revealed at the end. Plus I'm away all week so lots of ideas. Colourwise, I've gone for black but it was a very close call.
Certainly, these with my prediction for burgundy being big this year are a great buy.
Jackson 2 Red Flat Low Trainers from Carvela at Shoeaholics was £85 now £45
Burgundy again at Clarks although this time in suede.
Clarks Glove Puppet in aubergine (apparently not burgundy) £45
Or gold. I have to say, gold would possibly get my vote. Again £45 from Clarks.
But classic black is certainly the most popular choice.
Black patent at Boden £59.50
Another black option at M&S £29.50
Which they also have in grey.
Slip on Elastic Trainer from M&S £29.50
Pointed now at Finery.
Elwood Luxury Leather Trainers from Finery London £79
Trey Nude Flat Slip ons with a point from DKNY was £135 now £39.99
And then moving off piste.
Claribel Round Toe Trainers from Finery London £79
Or grey felt ones from M&S. New in.
Bow Trainers from M&S £25
More of a platform. Now there is 10% off at hush with the code AUGUST16 (but these are in fact Ash at hush and I'm not sure if you can the code of branded products.... however it can be used off everything else).
Jodie Skater Shoes from hush £145
However this season, for me, I'm giving the Seven Boot Lane ones a go. Being a huge fan of their Winter boots, they asked if I'd like to try a pair of their slip ons for the Autumn and as much as I absolutely love the ponyhair leopard and jaguar ones, it's the black ones that I know I'll get most use out of. I have, in my head, the idea of a monochrome Parisian look for the next month.
Back trousers, grey jumper, grey oversized coat and black slip ons. Or grey or black wide legged trousers, black jumper and chunky grey cardigan. Good old jeans, black polo neck and trench coat.. the opportunities are endless.
There's also a 15% discount off all the Flame slip ons using the code FLAME.
Seven Boot Lane Black leather Flame slip ons £125
Flame slip ons in leopard £135
And in the jaguar leather
I've worn mine for the past two days, have done loads of walking and they are honestly like wearing slippers. Sticking with the monochrome theme for these two outfits... you can see how this is going to go?
Black cropped harems - hush
Black lyocell tee - & Other Stories
Black jacket - hush
Black Flame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
Silk scarf bracelet - Silk Philosophy
And with denim.
White Etoile tee - hush
Black jacket - hush
Phoebe jeans - MiH
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
Black Fame slip ons - Seven Boot Lane
Silk scarf bracelet - Silk Philosophy
Best thing about all those outfits that I listed (and believe me, I have many more...) is that they work just as well with all flats. Loafers, any form of sneakers, Chelsea boots or ballet flats. Are heels a thing of the past?
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