My first foray into...

...velvet.  I say first, as this definitely isn't the last.  

It's a toe in the velvet water as I know I definitely want something "velvety" (apparently a word - who knew?!) but I'm not entirely sure what. 

This is therefore not my definitive say on the subject - not at all - this is the tip of the velvet iceberg.  Expect velvet in Titanic proportions in the coming months. 

Do I want just a top?  What do we think about trousers?  Are there lots of skirts out there?  Or top to toe in a suit?

Let the research begin.

If you're just feeling like a touch of the soft stuff, then maybe a top is what you're looking for.  The easiest way for most to slip a little velvet into your every day outfits.  These would also though, be perfect for a night out too.  And we all know how I love a bit of versatility.  

Here they've been mostly teamed with skinnies but tucked into a skirt would be, in fact, my first choice for a night out.  Or actually a pair of loose jeans and heels.  I was going to write killer heels but actually all heels in my book are killer heels.  If they're not , they're flats.  Heels for the day just don't seem to factor really any more.

Farrell Ruched Velvet Front Tee £39 from Finery London

Nicola Velvet Tee from Boden £90 in Iron Ore with 10% off at Boden with the code 6T2C. 



Or in the black (but I actually prefer the pewter above) again £90 pre discount.



Long sleeved and print at Monsoon.  This has A/W written all over it.  Dare I say I look at this one and feel the need to get my tree out.  Seriously a sniff of a sequin and I am going to cracking out the mince pies. 

Monsoon Joanna Velvet Print Top £79



Speaking of things that you could also dress up - may I present one of my favourite shape of trousers that I discovered last year - the Peg Leg. 

Alan Black Velvet Peg Trousers from Finery London £119



And then the classic and much adored wide leg.  In velvet drawstring.  Divine.  Whilst being perfectly easy to dress down.  I'm not going to say this looks like my burgundy velour tracksuit (leisure suit really as it had a v neck top I believe...) I had in the '70s as it doesn't (I may also have had one in this blue, I recall), because they had cuffed legs, but even if it did, that wouldn't matter as I LOVED it.  Didn't *everyone* have one??!

Wren Velvet Drawstring Trousers in navy from Great Plains £85



More wide legged trousers and clearly I am in the minority styling wise in thinking that these look better full length.

Velvet Palazzo Pants in Maroon from Mango £29.99



And in the black again £29.99



Skirts and a bargain at ASOS with the Moss Copenhagen Midi Skirt was £49.95 now £28



Kadife Velvet Skirt from Anthropologie £98



This however, has my name ALL over it.  Going to hunt it out tomorrow. 

Monsoon Tilly Printed Velvet Skirt £69



Perhaps though the blazer is the classic way to ease velvet seamlessly into your wardrobe. 

Velvet Blazer £89.99



Floral Car Coat from Anthropologie £168



Personally, I'm thinking I may well embrace velvet in the same way I have fallen for print.  As random as it sounds, I find it easier to go full on head to toe in one theme, as opposed to adding a touch to an outfit.  I know.  Makes no sense.  But if you think about - it's the lazy way out.  As it gives no option for it not working.  I reckon lots of outfits don't work as you have to put a couple of styles together, but if you just wear one style - how can it go wrong?  Clear as mud?!

Here's an example.  Give me all the velvet.

Hatfield Twist Front Velvet Suit from Finery £89



These I adore but I wish, oh how I wish personally that they were longer. 

Elva Dress from Hobbs £269



Regalia Dress from Hobbs £299



However call off the velvet dogs.  This.  Oh this is completely and utterly sublime.  I have ZERO occasion to wear - seeing as I have my leopard print Ganni dress which I splurged on for the Red party and have to wear to every smart event known to man, till I am 50. 

Julia Velvet Maxi Dress from Anthropologie £350



But I have to say, I am veering towards the suit option.  I know - as random as that sounds, I am hankering after a velvet suit.  It's clearly my inner 70s game show host trying to escape.

Vero Moda Tall Jacket in Velvet £50



And the matching trousers, again in tall (oh be still my beating heart..) £34



Two other suit options at Monsoon and Boden. 

Dress down chic at Monsoon.  A suit with joggers.  I'm not sure I could love this any more.  Especially as it's green.

Alicia Velvet Joggers £59 and Alicia Velvet Jacket £79 (this also comes in black...)



Pink at Boden (don't forget your discount above).

Velvet Emilia Blazer in Rose Blossom £130  With the matching trousers - the Velvet Trousers in Rose Blossom £80




So do I go pink or green.. pink or green....??  Or black.  I can't go black can I? 

Here I am today in my usual A/W texture of choice, cashmere and leather. 


Grey cashmere jumper - Me+Em
Grey blazer - Me+Em
Leather leggings - hush
Edie Trainers - Jones The Bootmaker
Half Moon Bag - APC

Have you broken your velvet cherry yet?  Or are you a dyed in the wool 70s chic and a cord only girl?  What will your velvet crush be this season?  Sorry - that was terrible - I'll get my coat... actually you need your coat now as it's getting definitely chillier, I will be back tomorrow with more outerwear options.