Belt up

Alas this is one of those occasions when I am in NEED and so you guys are all coming shopping with me.   A virtual shopping trip and this time - it's the dreaded belt again. 

I see these on other people and they wear them so effortlessly.  And on me - meh.  It all goes a bit Pete Tong.  A bit Cyndi Lauper..as in actual Cyndi Lauper - that isn't rhyming slang for anything.  Or The Bangles.  Or Belinda Carlisle .

And on reflection, as a child of the '80s, surely that is only a good thing.  Who didn't want to be Cyndi, Belinda or a Manic Monday lover?

I am talking belts that go around the waist (as opposed to ones to wear with jeans).  I have done this before and got nowhere with it.  But after spending the other day trying dresses on - this is a thing. 

A thing I need.  It can just finish off a dress.  The '80s do seem to be making a revival and the waist belt is coming back with a vengeance.

The inspiration for the ones I've picked today?  THE most gorgeous belt which - when I first saw it in the shop, thought - meh...  Ten minutes later I was contemplating selling a child to purchase it.  Alas, it is a price I am flatly no way paying.  Not for a belt.  Not unless it came wrapped around George Clooney.

But it does look amazing - I mean seriously amazing - over dresses.  Or skirts and tops...  I know you might think - sweet jaysus, she's lost her marbles - but have a look, go away and come back... 

SEE?????  Isn't it the stuff belt dreams are made of (in Nashville?  Yes husband, I can hear you.. NO.  Anywhere and everywhere.  Just maybe not at this price).

Dodo Bar Or Gabrielle Belt £499

Ok how hard can it be to find one of these for a tenth of the price?  Let the challenge begin.. 

So I think the nearest I've come is at Scotch & Soda..

Decorative Leather Belt £84.95 in Combo D



Hold your horses though... (ok on proofreading this - that is a terrible pun.  Totally non intended!).

This is 4cm so on the wide side like above. 

Lauren Star Detail Western Belt from Boohoo £10




Emily Studded Western Belt from Boohoo £10 



Double buckle in leather at ASOS £18



New Look Double Western Belt £9.99



And then the slightly off piste.

ASOS Ball Edge Studded Long Tipped Waist Belt £14



PU Dome Stud Wide Belt from Topshop £24




Or how about.. 

Sacred Hawk Double Wrap Studded Western Belt £25



Velvet Pearl Belt from Forever 21 £11



Did someone say leopard?

ASOS Leopard Multi Keeper Waist and Hip Belt £12




Staying with navy - oh hello velvet.

Glamourous Square Buckle Navy Waist Belt £10




However I think this is the one I'm going to plump for.  I also think this is the one that I was going to plump for when I first did a blog on waist belts a couple of months ago.  And never bought it.  FOOOOOOL.

I think perhaps it's impossible to emulate the Dodo ridiculously expensive one.  So I'm going to go with something completely different.  Well - differentish...

Star Stud Cinch Waist Belt £40




Finishing with similar at New Look. 

Black Eyelet Detail Buckle £12.99



These definitely aren't going to be for everyone - for those of you who are meh about the whole waist belt, think of the money you've saved... TA DAH!

Outfit from yesterday - day in London for meetings and lunch. 


Dress - Ridley London
Suede Leather Biker Jacket - hush
Superstar trainers - Golden Goose 
Happy Satchel - Hill & Friends

I am off to London this afternoon and evening for meetings and then a date with the husband for our wedding anniversary at a special screening of Mother.  The film with Jennifer Lawrence that has had rave reviews but is supposed to be properly scary.  Which is ace as I LOVE a horror movie.  I will report back....