Oh high street, boucle button jacket how I love you.  

As you are the nearest I am ever going to get to a Chanel jacket.  Interestingly, I did decide that THIS was going to be my 40th birthday present - the ultimate for me - an iconic Chanel blazer.  Off we trotted to the, I will say rather formidable, Bond Street store (I did feel like Pretty Woman if I'm honest, albeit without the extensive funds) where we found NOTHING.  Nada, zilch with regards to the classic, boucle button jacket.  They make about 3 of these a year (I slightly under exaggerate) but it appears you need to "know" someone to get your hands on one of these. 

There was an abundance of, if I'm honest, tat.  Chanel on speed.  Massive flowers, random colours, bonkers detailing, very "on trend" Chanel.  Which you can keep.  I was after just a little classic jacket and the answer was "computer says no". 

I got an oven instead.

It is definitely still on my wishlist but to say I was exceptionally disappointed with my experience is an understatement.  But handily, the good old high street has taken over the reigns when it comes to classic little boucle jackets.  There are also some whacky counterparts out there which I will consider for around the £50 mark.  There was just no freaking way I was spending £3k on one (I seriously kid you not.  The husband's face was a picture.  Public Service Announcement - if your husband has a dicky heart - do NOT take them into a Chanel store on a buying mission.  They may come out in a box).

However I have some gems that I've found on the high street that will keep him perky for years to come.  So that sounds wrong on every level but I'm typing under time constraints so perky he will have to be.  (not *that* sort of perky - just the basically breathing, still alive, sort of perky.  Unless he has a thing for Jackie O - it takes all sorts).

Starting with some not so classic colours but perfect for the Summer with a pair of jeans and a tee.

Sloane Jacket from Darling at Flannels was £89 now £45 in Tender Yellow (looks blue to me...)





Or in the morning mist (which does look yellow to me).  Again now £49



Two more Darling Jackets available from Yoox.  One black, one green. 

Darling Blazer from Yoox £104

And in the green... yes GREEN!

Buttons again but upping the financial ante - although you would have these forever - at LK Bennett. 

Charl Cream Jacket from LK Bennett £295


Or in the black.. again £295



Navy tweed again at LK Bennett. 

Halyna Navy Tweed Jacket £295


Bargain yellow at Zara in the sale. 

Textured Twill Jacket with Pearls was £69.99 now £39.99


And then there are the ones without the buttons.  If we go back to basics, we are talking about a tweed jacket but the word "boucle" sounds so much more French (it being a French word and me being such a luddite, I can't find the accent on my keyboard.  *all the embarrassed and falls on sword*).

Tweed Jacket in grey from Mango was £69.99 now £49.99  Personally I wouldn't be teaming with the matching skirt but that's just me.



Red at Mango.  Love a ruffle.  Actually I don't really love a ruffle now that I think about it - I like some ruffles and this is a ruffle of my liking.  Just the one.  To team with no other ruffle if you're a non ruffley person like me. 

Ruffle Tweed Jacket was £69.99 now £49.99



Similar but with check at Zara. 

Short Cardigan with Frills was £79.99 now £49.99


Cream with flared sleeves, again at Mango was £69.99 now £49.99


When it comes to ridiculously easy to wear - this one gets my vote (cropped top aside...).

Tweed Jacket from Mango was £79.99 now £49.99




Zip version at Next in red.  

Red Boucle Jacket from Next £24


All the bling at River Island.  With jeans and a plain tee (or go slogan - you know me - I would happily wear my Blondie tee under this).

Beige metallic embellished jacket from River Island £65





One thing that always gets mentioned when we talk about these sorts of coats is that they are a) too short b) too round necked. 

Call off the dogs.  This is superb.  The photos do not do it justice at all.

Cotton Rich Textured Fringe Coat from M&S £65




And finishing with another which is not as long but another not round neck. (I can't call it v neck as it's not *really*... let's go with "not round neck").

Navy Tweed Edge To Edge Jacket £30


So here I am yesterday - not in a boucle jacket but in my other summer must have - a good old biker. 



Penelope Dress - Rixo London
Suede biker - hush 
Red boots - Topshop
Happy Satchel - Hill & Friends

This was from, as I said, from yesterday - a day off with girl friends, lunch at The Ivy and drinks at Radio Bar.  These were boots that I bought a while ago that got a massive thumbs down on Insta Stories BUT I kept them and I am so so pleased I did.  They are going to be so incredibly useful. 

However I digress.  Tomorrow it's back to Summer time and then on Sunday, I am tackling that thorny issue.. festivals.  Oh yes, festival dressing *everyone weep*. 

Hope everyone had a great Friday night.  I am going in for Nashville (OMG does anyone else watch??!!) whilst the 12yr old is at her school disco and will kill me for watching it without her but I can't not! (if you watch it, you'll know why...).

So as I did say the other day, it's definitely a toss up between these and ankle boots.  Yes I'm wanging on about the good old handbag. 

I love a handbag.  My 12yr old's first word was "bag" (of which I am inordinately proud. Ok so this is after the obligatory mama and dada - and yes obviously dada was first, little traitor) - I clearly ooze bag love.

Is there anything better (in the first world shallow sense) than a new bag - seeing it sat next to you on the car seat? (Normally on the lap of a small boy as he eats sweets and I hyperventilate at the thought of sticky fingers and a stray haribo getting stuck somewhere it shouldn't.)

I will hold my hands up and say I do spend a lot of money on bags.  As I apply the cost per wear theory which makes them a great investment.  It's horses for courses but these have always been my achilles heel when it comes to shopping.  

And currently I'm upping the ante size wise.  Last year, I couldn't get enough of a little cross body number - this year, it's back to nappy bag size.  And no I am NOT broody in any way shape or form.  Actually I'm definitely broody for a bag... you can keep the babies, I love a cuddle with a tiny one but I love to be able to hand them back.  

The bigger the better for me.  Although I did see someone the other day, double bagging it (I shouldn't say that, should I.. I'm pretty sure I did NOT want to type that, but I'm too scared to google it to find out.  I'm just going to move verrrrrrrry swiftly on). 

Using two bags - a little cross-body and a larger handheld tote.  Which also goes over the shoulder if needs be.  Genius or what?

And like I said the other day, with the sales on, now is a great time to bag a bargain (lordy I'm sorry) - definitely something for all budgets.

DKNY Hybrid Leather bag was £380 now £190




John Lewis Morgan Leather Tote bag was £79 now £39.50



Classic Black with plait detailing from Modern Rarity at & Other Stories. 

Modern Rarity Rowena large tote was £259 now £129.50



Smaller black tote at See by Chloe was £370 now £185


And the large Chloe version in a tan... (not sure exactly what the size difference is, as I swear I'm numerically dyslexic when it comes to to acurately predicting how big something will be from the sizing.  Am I the only one who still measures everything against an old fashioned school ruler which was 12inches/30cm?  Please say it's not just me....). 

Janis large textured leather tote from See by Chloe was £425 now £212.50



Tassel Leather Tote from & Other Stories £145 now £102 in cognac



Classic Leather Hobo Bag from & Other Stories was £145 now £102



Black with studs at 3.1 Phillip Lim from My Theresa.  There's also an extra 20% off all Sales for a limited time (although it is off order values of £600 plus which may be handy or could be as much use as a chocolate teapot).

3.1 Phillip Lim leather shopper was £885 now £531  


However this one is over £600 so go forth and get another 20% off. 

Balenciaga Papier Snap Tote bag from My Theresa was £1125 now £675



This one isn't in the sale but it's too good not to include at this price.

Leather Ruffle Tote Bag from Topshop £45


Ditto this one and moving onto suede, also from Topshop. 

Sienna Leather Slouch Hobo Bag from Topshop £38



Hobo again at All Saints and this time in navy suede.  The perfect alternative to a large bag in black if you find it too heavy. 

All Saints Kanda Large Suede Hobo Bag was £248 now £173



Or in the mustard, again £173



An alternative brown shade from All Saints in a slightly smaller size, but still large enough to cart most of the kitchen sink around in. 

Mori Nubuck Hobo Bag in £278 now £194 in chocolate brown.




Or in the cement grey again £194



And then the colourful options.  The ones that really bring a smile to your face. 

Henni Leather Tote Bag from Finery London was £129 now £77



Or in the grey and yellow was £129 now £64



Slightly different shape but colourtastic at Boden for 50% off. 

Luxe Leather Shopper was £160 now £80




Or full on green was £160 now £80



Bright yellow at Balenciaga 

Janis large textured-leather tote was £1125 now £562


Bright pink at Lanvin

Leather Shopper at Net a Porter was £750 now £450



Maje Printed Canvas Tote was £209 now £125.40


Verity Bag from Boden in leopard was £200 now £160






But I'm finishing with the creme de la creme.  The "my husband always forgets my birthday so I'm going to treat myself as I'm worth it" bag.  The ultimate Leopard Bag that will make you happy every single day, I can guarantee.  It also comes with a cross body strap.  It's like the school bag that you will use FOREVER.  And it's leopard so that is basically a neutral.. any other justification needed?

Hill & Friends Happy Satchel in Leopard was £1450 now £1015 




Life is short.  Buy the bag.  It's an easy justification (assuming you do actually use a handbag every day) and just depends on your budget.  Hopefully there is something there for you BUT if you're not a tote bag gal and prefer something more dainty, fear not, I can't look at bags and not consider all sizes.  

Speaking of all sizes - here I am with another of my sales purchase.  This is a slightly random one - it really isn't going to be for everyone but I was ridiculously drawn to it and don't regret it for a minute. 

For last night in the pelting rain.  Seriously it was build an ark time.  I got ridiculously damp just running from the car to the station and then proceeded to smell of damp dog all evening.  Which was nice... 



Tee - Isabel Marant
Belt - Weekday at ASOS
Phoebe jeans - Mih
Blazer - Zara
Boots - Tabitha Simmons
Bag - Clare Vivier

And I had forgotten to post this from Saturday night.  This dress has been burning a hole in my wardrobe and I thought there was a party that I wanted to wear it for but couldn't for the life of me remember.  Then I did - it's a big dinner out next Friday night.  GAH!  Will still definitely wear it I think.  Pretend you haven't seen it...



Dress - Rixo London 
Sandals - Burberry 
Clutch bag - Tory Burch

So tomorrow - inspired by my blazer purchase the other day, I am on it like a rocket.  THE best investment coat wise.  I have had two nights out on the trot and the husband has been on Daddy Day Care duty and he is HARSH with them.  They do as they're told.  I have the backbone of a mussel and go from wimp mum straight to Cruella de Vil.  There is no inbetween.  Bedtime is going to be a challenge... wish me luck.

....which seems sort of ironic when it's not exactly the most Summery of days out there. 

I'm also not feeling like the brightest button in the box today.  Going out on a Monday night always seems like a good idea at the time.  Not such a great idea on Tuesday...

It was all thanks to my hush family and having a look at their new A/W collection which is so incredibly amazing - can't wait to be able to show it to you.  Think fabulous knitwear in both colour and texture (and slogans.. oh happy slogan days), amazing print dresses (one in particular has my name written all over it) and my favourite - new leather pieces (I'm going to say one word - GREEN.  You have been warned). 

In the meantime, as I am not functioning on all cylinders today and have to go back into London for a party tonight, and it is the start of the hush sale today, I thought I'd do a quick round up of what my favourite Summer pieces are.  These are wearable now but, well you know me - most of them are very wearable into the Autumn as well. 

I have been meaning to do a round up for ages as I haven't done one yet this evening and have done a couple of events, picking out my favourite pieces which will work perfectly for a summer capsule wardrobe and people have asked me what I did speak about.  

So let's get cracking (she says, lying in bed typing with tea and toast - working from home does have some advantages... and I am dressed before anyone asks).

One Shoulder Top was £60 now £40




Now I know I'm not the hugest shorts fan but for holiday, these are superb.  Dressy shorts (fear not, I would not personally team with heels) but with a pair of strappy flat sandals, these, with any top (but especially the above) would make the ideal day to night outfit. 

Zoe Shorts were £40 now £25



These again are perfect for every day at home and away on hols.

Madison Culottes was £65 now £45




Another top that would be perfect with the above bottoms are a nude vest. 

Perforated Vest was £49 now £30



For travelling in and for the usual fabulous reasons that I love a jumpsuit - the red version is perfect for the Summer.  And if I were to mention Christmas, would anyone hate me?!

S/S Jumpsuit was £75 now £55 in red 



And the must have holiday jacket - that of the denim variety. 

Denim Jacket was £59 now £40



Talking of travelling, if a jacket is not your bag - a jumper is the next best alternative.  Doubles up as a pillow and a blanket for a small child (don't know it till you've tried it..).  I obviously favour the monochrome - invest wisely and your autumnal knitwear collection will be off to a great start.

Brooke Stripe Jumper was £79 now £60



Heart Jumper was £79 now £60




But finishing with a collection of my favourite Summer holiday pieces.  Dresses.  These are my go to holiday packing essentials.   As I always say, I take a collection of these - they work from day to night, from breakfast to beach to drinks.   Wear them on holiday on their own, wear them at home in the Summer with a denim jacket.  

These aren't necessarily a Summer to Autumn purchase but what they will do is stand you in good stead year on year.  Build up a collection as these are Summer staples that will last for eons. 

Panel Maxi Dress was £55 now £35



And in the azure stripe.



And finishing with the dress version of the my must have summer top. 

Hazel Dress was £75 now £50



BUT can I please apologise now if anything is exceptionally limited stock or sold out.  Stuff DOES come back in and also they do sometimes add new sales stock.  Please don't shoot the messenger (whose head still hurts).

I am such a rubbish blogger that, with a room full of other bloggers, I managed to forget to get anyone to take my photograph.  Truly pathetic.  I only had eyes for the wine (and the new jumpers which are to die for). 

Here's what I was rocking about in today.  In between the rain showers.  Trying to juggle children after school - the 12yr old is in France and is coming back at 6.30, except she's just texted to say actually it might be 5pm or it might be 5.30pm.  Which isn't remotely inconvenient (wtaf?!!!).  And is cricket on or isn't it?  The 10yr old with Asperger's isn't coping well with the lack of knowledge.  I'm trying to work out whether I need the nanny to pick up from the French trip or whether I can manage it before London and be five minutes late or whether the husband (who has THANK THE LORD) worked from home (even though my cheeky snooze this afternoon was met with raised eyebrows - bite me - I'm a lightweight) and is supposed to be doing the cricket run, would be able to go and pick her up if cricket is cancelled because of rain.  And the 8yr old has got his priorities right and is now very concerned that there will be no MacDonald's if there's no cricket.   And it's only Tuesday.  




Royal blue Breton - Me+Em
Jeanne jeans - MiH at Quattrorish
Navy Blazer - Alexa Chung at M&S
Black Shoes - Zara
Black Bag - Balenciaga

I am off out again this evening to a book launch party.  The 12yr old is SPITTING chips with jealously as it's Louise Pentland's party (Sprinkle of Glitter?  Ask your kids) and there should be loads of super cool You Tubers there.  And me.  She doesn't know whether to be massively impressed or mortified.. I will report back.  Still have no idea what to wear as it's lashing rain here (so please please will someone from cricket email me soon!!).