Archive for November 2017

Home Archive for November 2017

SNOW!

Not entirely sure why I was so giddy with excitement at snow when I actually loathe the stuff usually but today, a quick flurry of unexpected white stuff made my day.

And all I could think of was JUMPERS. I love a jumper. I could start my own knitwear shop. I will hold my hands up and say I do gravitate towards the finer knit versions. That's not to say I don't own my fair share of chunky numbers, they would just make up a smaller section in my potential retail outlet.

The main reason they're not my favourite jumpers is that I feel vaguely claustrophobic in them (don't ask - it makes absolutely no sense). But the other reason I know people don't love or buy them is because most of them are either a high crew neck or a full on polo number. Which, if you are blessed with breasts, really aren't your friends.

Hence today, I've gone quite specific and I'm writing this before I've done any research so it could be a randomly short post (ETA - I FOUND LOADS!). I'm looking to see if I can find v neck chunky jumpers. Actually as I type, if they're super chunky, that's probably not going to work if you're bustier, so.. off the cuff.. let's see what v neck versions we can find.

These also aren't just for those who can't wear a polo neck - they could always be layered with a shirt underneath or one of the layering finer tops from the last post I did.

First up - give me all the leopard.

Leopard Sweater from & Other Stories £79

Shorter again at The Outnet. V neck front and back.

Kate Cashmere Sweater from Iris and Ink in Black £130

And a chenille shorter one in tan (although it looks cream...).

Only V Neck Chenille Knit Jumper £26

Chunky knit sweater £39.99 from Mango. Et voila... layering with a polo neck... (she says legging it to Mango to find the zip neck polo neck. Which I blooming LOVE.. off piste though, sorry sorry sorry).

In grey at ASOS.

Pimkie V Neck Jumper £29.99

Now they say this is oversized at Topshop but it looks a bit more fitted than I would expect from a super slouchy jumper. Love the colour.

Oversized Wool V Neck Jumper from Topshop £42

Oversized at Bershka in green £25.99

Sleeve detail on point, again oversized, this time in blush.

ASOS jumper £28

Sleeve action again in the sale now from Chinti and Parker at Atterley

Chinti and Parker Ribbed Full Sleeve Sweater was £350 now £150

True pink (although I do think it looks coral to me...) at ASOS.

ASOS jumper with v neck in wool mix £32

I would say THIS is pink...

V neckline oversized sweater at Mango £49.99

Slouchy black at Free People £108

Oversized in light grey at The Outnet.

Faye Cashmere Sweater from Iris & Ink £183

Grey again but a slightly darker marl shade at All Saints.

Ade Jumper £178

I absolutely love a winter white and red is definitely my colour of the season. Team with more red and pink. Or throw in a black contrast.

Stripe Sleeve Sweater from & Other Stories £59

Chunkier again at All Saints

Ade V Neck Jumper £178

Slightly thinner knits now but staying with the winter white.

Cashmere Jumper from Joseph at The Outnet £118

Finer at Topshop.

Super Soft Long Line V Neck Jumper at Topshop £39

Longline at & Other Stories.

Scooped Neck Cashmere Sweater from & Other Stories £125

So are you a v neck chunky or a v neck fine knit? Or is it a polo neck all the way? Or maybe you're a fan of the crew neck?

Speaking of the latter, they're what I've been wearing this week. And I've also noticed that they're ones with slogans on them. Which are still my absolute favourite. Random pics as I've been doing some weird hours this week and my photographers (aka my offspring) have been at school or in bed...

Red jumper - Bella Freud (AW15)

Leopard coat - Helene Berman at Anthropologie (new in)

Grey coat - Whistles (AW15)
Jumper - Bella Freud (AW15 sale)
Grey scarf - Black (gift new in)

I do have one oversized jumper (which reminds me I must get out of the loft) but other than that - I am all about the roll neck and the slogan. But I get so many requests for v neck numbers so I hope this goes somewhere to appeasing the onslaught of jumpers which don't work if you're bigger up top. Fingers crossed!

However now... let the slogan jumper fest begin. Except not tomorrow. Exploring something new tomorrow. To tie in with our existing wardrobe but adding a bit of boho. Yes. Winter Boho. How to wear it. Especially if you don't really do boho....

Layer me up

So the temperatures seem to be dropping. Apparently it's going to get "freezing" according to a headline I saw at the beginning of the week (before Royal Wedding mayhem took over). To be honest - it's hardly the hugest surprise is it? It being "winter".... Or is still Autumn? Whatevs, we're hardly expect to crack out the bikinis any time this month or next.

And seeing as I struggled to find any amazing long sleeved black dresses the other week, it seems time to unveil my cunning plan for this A/W (note - I am not reinventing the wheel - I should probably dial down those excitement levels...).

It's also a great tactic to make the most of all your favourite Spring/Summer/Autumn jumpers and sweatshirts. It also means (I'm on a roll) that you can then still wear your lighter coats and jackets without resorting to the Nanouk of the North option.

We are talking layering.

For me - the favourite option is, without a doubt, a polo neck. Truss me up like a Christmas turkey, I am THE biggest fan of these. Have been for years - I blame Ali McGraw. So yes, I love a wool version but the last couple of years, I have become quite addicted to layering with the thinner versions. Perfect under all your dresses from the Spring and Autumn to transform them into a Winter number.

My favourite - as it has long arms - is found in the not so glamorous, but oh so useful thermal section at M&S. Size up. Unless you like the "vacuum packed in jersey" look. Each to their own and all that...

Heatgen Thermal Polo Neck from M&S £16

So I only have one but I'm definitely going to order the navy as well.

This version I think is new in this year. And for layering under dresses - all the smoooooooooooth. GENIUS.

Heatgen Polo Neck Thermal Bodysuit from M&S £16

So when I've asked around about these - the other name that comes up loads is Uniqlo. Their HeatTech range.

There are loads in this range but for me - it's the turtle neck that I would be most interested in. As these look like a poloneck.

HeatTech Turtle Neck in off white from Uniqlo £12.90

So you can see the fit.. the dark grey £12.90 Huge apologies as I don't know what the sizing is like. I've only tried their jersey wide leg trousers (awesome) and their men's crew neck extra fine merino jumpers (a small is a large 10..).

Upping the budget but these are amazing... AND if you are of longer limb, they are definitely long in the arm. I don't have the roll neck version but years ago they had a round neck one. I remember sizing up....

Roll neck wool top £45 from Cos

Also in a silvery grey...

Or the beige...

Then there are the non polo neck options. Which, I think might be more popular as there are a gazillion more colours of these at M&S whereas only a couple of colour options in the polo necks. So what do I know...

Heatgen Thermal Long Sleeve Top £16

It comes in pretty much any colour you can think of - I quite like the pale rose..

And superfine knitwear at & Other Stories.

Wool Sweater in Grey £39

And in the pale pink... these can definitely be worn on their own under a jacket or are ideal for layering.

BUT it's all about the polo neck for me.

Which I'm not wearing today.. DOH. I could have done with one though as it was freezing. I have had the most amazingly surreal day. Shooting something super special for Stella Magazine at the most gorgeous house in North London. And we had to choose our own outfits to wear. No pressure there then...

I wore two of my own dresses but I also asked Debenhams if I could borrow two of their Studio by Preen press samples (as the dresses haven't even been produced yet) that I saw at their SS19 show last week. They were utterly sublime. One they did shoot which means I get to show you a sneak preview of the other one.

They're packaged up to be couriered back but I managed a photo to whet your appetite before they land in February.

HOW AMAZING? And when it does arrive in February and it's still freezing - this is the ideal sort of dress under which you can layer a polo neck. TA DAH!

The dress I did wear for the shoot is over on my Insta Stories - the most amazing blue and yellow shirt dress which is also coming in February. I don't think that either of them will be as long as the ones I have on (which are touching the floor long on me at 5ft10 - BLISS) as these are just the samples. So good for all you of normal height and bad for me being of Gulliver proportions.

Will reveal all when the edition comes out but suffice to say - it was genuinely one of those "pinch me", how did I get here, experiences. Am trying not to overthink it or get too excited before I see it in print. I then came home to arguing children, a dog who's rolled in fox poo and mounds of washing with no food in the house. And back in the room - reality bites!

The devil's in the detail

No I don't come up with the title before the post (how arse about face would that be - but then again, it's me all over) and I was going to do statement jackets and use this title but... but but but, it's occurred to me that I did mention I was going to do belts. And I am using one belt at the moment. On which another rivet fell off today. It's at the back, so you can't see it ergo I will carry wearing it as I do rather like it.

And this title works just as well for the detailing a belt can bring to an outfit.

It has though made me think with me being the proud owner of two belts - another one would perhaps be a good idea. Mine wasn't expensive that - it's a Weekday one (leather though) from ASOS which was about £25, although I wouldn't have expected it to fall apart but to be honest I have worn it too much to return. Just one of those things.

SO - do we go big money? It's horses for courses. I make no bones of the fact I like spending money on bags and boots but I have to say, belts don't necessarily float my boat.

Personally, I'm all for the reasonably priced, ideally leather (and ideally that don't fall apart...) and non branded. Which is something I thought I'd never say but there you go. Although to be fair, my belt history is telling - one from Primark (which owes me nothing) and my Weekday number.

Oh and I probably should have said that the belts are to hold up jeans and other trousers that have belt loops. Not waist belts. Although I guess you could double them up as that if you want?

First up - loving a stud and a bit of leather.

Ellena Stud Belt Topshop £38

Studs again but not leather... although I do love this one.

Studded Buckle Belt from Topshop £32

Gold studded at La Redoute £15 but 40% off with the code CYBER

Eyelets patent belt at Mango £15.99 with 30% off with the code CYBER17

Pearly at Stradivarius £7.99 Just to reiterate, I have no idea what the quality would be like from here - but at £7.99 I'm going to throw it out there that you're not going to be handing this down to your daughter. Having said that - if we're talking the cheaper end of the market, I have, over the years, bought a number of shoes from Forever 21 which is one of the cheapest shops on the high street and I would say the quality is the same as the lower end of Topshop (which is a LOT more). But that's not to say this will be the same. As it's a belt and not shoes. Not to mention, a totally different shop. As you were...

I will say though, that my favourite stud belt is this one from Mango.

Studded Belt £15.99

Well I thought that was my favourite but then I happened to look at Gap. I'll be honest - I had pretty much exhausted all the usual sites I looked at (some had absolutely none) and as I said - this isn't a post about branded belts but just a practical belt to hold up jeans (holy hell, who am I and what has someone done with me?).

These are verging on belt porn. Which sounds all sorts of wrong diddly but they're definitely the best I've found for the money.

Studded leather belt from Gap in raspberry £19.95

Grommet Leather Belt £22.95

Nail head belt from Gap in true black £22.95

And then moving away from the studs. Although after the above Gap ones, I'm not sure we need any more. Just in case studs aren't your thing.

First up - plainer with a hint of metal.

Metal Buckle Belt from Mango £17.99

Leopard at River Island. Faux pony skin belt £22

Vintage style leather at Uniqlo £24.90

And I'll be honest - I would have thought there would be more. But there aren't and I do think the ones above are a pretty good bunch to choose from. Unless you're looking for a branded number in which case - enjoy the copious amounts of belt heaven over on Matches, Net a Porter and My Theresa. You'll find me in the handbag section.

Wearing aforementioned slightly broken belt today.

Coat - Zara (4yrs ago)
Jumper - Luke Edward Hall for The British Designers Collective at Bicester Village (gift new in)
Jeans - Zara (aw16 sale)
Belt - Weekday for ASOS (ss17)
Loafers - Gucci (aw15 but still available)
Half Moon bag (ss16 but still available)

Yes, that was me looking on the rather moody side. Contemplating which muppet goes and watches football with no socks on. IN THE RAIN. In my defence, it wasn't raining when we left or when the match started. Which was supposed to be half an hour. Except that not in the history of kids' sporting events has anything only lasted half an hour.

I am now dethawing in my jamas on the sofa, wondering why we bothered to have a new Sky system installed where you now have to download things off the Catch Up Tv which, with our utterly pants wifi takes about a week. Maybe I'll just watch the news AGAIN and see the engagement announcement for the gazillionth time today. Hands up who's excited about a Royal Wedding? And will she gazump Kate's baby?!

When the going gets tough...

...the tough get new boots.

Or at the very least they contemplate them. And we're going off piste for these. Call it a mid life crisis. Perhaps hormones or maybe the early onset of dementia, these boots are not my usual fare.

I am considering Dr Martens. Ok so not actually Dr Martens as that's what the 13 yr old wants for Christmas and seeing as the possibility of her never talking to me again if I get the same boots as her is high, I am going to have to consider a variation on the theme.

I have got to the ripe old age of 44 without having even ever tried a pair on. They weren't on my radar and they are potentially a try on and erase from my consciousness FOREVER thing. Every now and again, I am like a dog with a bone with regards to a very specific item. It's usually something utterly random and waaaaaay out of my comfort zone. Occasionally it works and becomes a wardrobe staple (*eyes up trainers*) and other times, they're worn once, sit in my wardrobe for a year before I kick myself for being a moron and donate to charity (*pretty much any shoe that isn't a trainer or a boot*). If I'm lucky, they sit in the bag in my wardrobe, I come to my senses and return them before they're worn. And this is the most random one I've done in a while.

So when I say a variation on Dr Martens, in my head, I'm thinking chunky, worker boot style. Which has, in its favour, a very practical stance. I also think, with regards to wardrobe versatility, we're onto a winner. Skinny jeans/leather leggings, all styles of jeans, skirts and dresses should all make perfect partners. So far, so good.

But what type? Full on chunky, one step away from extra from Trainspotting, boot? Hmmm maybe not. Although with a fancy stud or pearl detailing?

Hatty from Miss KG were £99 now £71.20

Lace up ankle boots with faux pearl eyelets from Stradivarius £45.99 (I have lost hours of my life today on this site... it came up on a search I did and I am now addicted. I'm sure there's one on Oxford Street so I'll go and check out the quality. I'm sure they're part of the Zara stable so one could have high hopes for their footwear - the main thing I rate about Zara. That and jackets. They kill a jacket and a boot).

Being tall I love, love these. But clearly so does everyone else as they're OOS in my size.

Sting Black Flat Biker Boots from Kurt Geiger were £169 now £135.20

Carvela Sander Black Flat Ankle Boot were £189 now £151.20

Multi buckle versions at Boohoo and ASOS.

Boohoo Studded Boots £35 (from ASOS as you get 20% off with the code WIN20)

These remind me a bit of the Topshop navy and white ones I loved but had to send back as they were just too tight. The 7 was titchy (something everyone said) and even wearing them round the house was pure torture. Another return just in time though... These are black. So actually nothing really like the navy and white ones but they both have more than a couple of buckles. Moving swiftly on...

ASOS Agile Leather Boots £60

RAID Helena Black Grunge Boots £39.99 again from ASOS (WIN20 for the discount).

Or there's always the patent Dr Ms as I know the 13 yr old won't want these. Dare I?

Dr Martens £110 (pre 20% discount from ASOS)

Velvet beauties giving a feminine twist.

Velvet Ankle Boots from Stradivarius £45.99

And just for the hell of it, a pair of pink ones. Oh. Hello.

Lace up ankle boots from Stradivarius £39.99

But maybe there is a half way house between scaffolder and princess.. thinking specifically of two pairs that have been on my radar since the beginning of the season. One is definitely a contender..

Alfie Buckle Boots from Topshop £89

...the other is definitely purely Christmas/Birthday present fodder. Although it's totally academic as they've sold out in my size anyway. But one can drool.

Alex multi strap leather ankle boots £675 from Tabitha Simmons

But I think I have found a pair which are clearly nothing like I described at the beginning. Bar a chunky sole. And they're boots plus I like the fact they're unusual. Definitely like nothing else I own, which is always a good thing and I think these have a real Scandi vibe to them which is infinitely pleasing. Plus they're such good value for leather (she says having never touched anything from Stradivarius ever so they could be a complete disaster...).

Leather Ankle Boots with Zip from Stradivarius £59.99

So have I finally lost my mind? I think they could give a really different look to a wardrobe. But - as I can hear the husband saying - is that necessarily a good thing? What do we think? You don't have to be gentle, all opinions welcome (I haven't bought any. Yet...!).

Finishing with outfits from yesterday.

1970 Jumper - Bella Freud (aw16)
Jeans - Zara (aw16 sale)
Belt - Weekday at ASOS (ss17)
Leopard Coat - Helen Berman at Anthropologie (aw17 more stock coming at the end of the month)
Boots - Seven Boot Lane (gift aw17 online now)
Tools Bag - Balenciaga (aw16)

And last night for dinner with friends.

Dress - Saloni (ss17 sale)
Clutch bag - Tory Burch from Bicester (4 yrs ago)
Pink boots - Mango (aw17 online now)
Belt - Topshop (aw16 sale)
Earrings - Zara (aw17 sold out)

Tomorrow, is one of my favourite days of the year when we put up the Christmas decorations at a local restaurant which is owned by a friend of mine. It's our 9th year of doing it and it's definitely the start of Christmas for me, even though I've promised the children we won't play the tunes until Friday. Maybe I can sneak the Mariah number in? (she says as she puts another mulled wine in the microwave....)

Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )

Labels

activewear ( 1 )
ankle boots ( 51 )
aviator ( 1 )
backpack ( 2 )
beauty ( 40 )
belt ( 5 )
biker ( 15 )
black ( 23 )
blazer ( 48 )
blouse ( 83 )
blue ( 1 )
boho ( 2 )
bomber ( 2 )
boots ( 22 )
breton ( 5 )
broderie ( 1 )
burgundy ( 2 )
camel ( 5 )
camouflage ( 2 )
cardigan ( 11 )
cashmere ( 9 )
check ( 7 )
Chelsea boots ( 1 )
classic ( 4 )
clutch ( 8 )
coat ( 58 )
cowboy boots ( 2 )
cream ( 1 )
cropped ( 16 )
cropped top ( 1 )
cul ( 1 )
culottes ( 14 )
denim ( 2 )
denim jacket ( 4 )
dress ( 156 )
dungarees ( 4 )
earrings ( 1 )
faux fur ( 1 )
flatforms ( 1 )
flats ( 20 )
flats. ( 1 )
floral ( 5 )
gifts ( 1 )
gilet ( 4 )
gloves ( 2 )
green ( 5 )
grey ( 1 )
handbag ( 38 )
harem pants ( 3 )
hat ( 6 )
heels ( 13 )
hoodie ( 2 )
jacket ( 47 )
jeans ( 47 )
jewellery ( 17 )
joggers ( 14 )
jumper ( 94 )
jumpsuit ( 19 )
kaftan ( 1 )
khaki ( 1 )
kids ( 1 )
kimono ( 1 )
knitwear ( 41 )
lace ( 3 )
leather ( 22 )
leather jacket ( 26 )
leggings ( 4 )
leopard ( 24 )
lilac ( 1 )
loafers ( 9 )
loungwear ( 1 )
maxi ( 48 )
metallic ( 7 )
midi ( 63 )
mini ( 11 )
monday must have ( 16 )
mules ( 5 )
navy ( 9 )
orange ( 2 )
parka ( 3 )
pink ( 8 )
pleather ( 16 )
polo neck ( 12 )
print ( 23 )
red ( 7 )
ruffle ( 1 )
sandals ( 41 )
scarf ( 11 )
sequins ( 11 )
shirt ( 14 )
shoes ( 51 )
shorts ( 3 )
silk ( 3 )
skinny ( 4 )
skirt ( 84 )
sleeveless ( 1 )
sneakers ( 20 )
stripe ( 13 )
suede ( 4 )
suit ( 5 )
sunglasses ( 4 )
sweatshirt ( 18 )
swimsuit ( 3 )
swimwear ( 1 )
t-shirt ( 32 )
tan ( 2 )
thermals ( 1 )
tights ( 1 )
top ( 43 )
tote ( 1 )
trainers ( 27 )
travel ( 5 )
trench ( 16 )
trousers ( 75 )
v neck ( 2 )
velvet ( 14 )
vest ( 2 )
waterproof ( 1 )
white ( 11 )
wide leg trousers ( 2 )
yellow ( 3 )

Pages

Navigation Menu

SNOW!

Layer me up

The devil's in the detail

When the going gets tough...