This blog post contains affiliate links

So it's a well known fact that leopard is a neutral - so it's not that.  

Nope, we're talking camo.  Sorry, I should have said that I"m not dissing the leopard - still feeling a lot of love for the big cat but camo has taken pride of place as my new favourite neutral. 

Ok I hear you at the back - yes it's a print, but BUT BUT, it also doubles up as a neutral.  I will say that I do usually prefer to pair it with another print that also has a hint of green to it but believe me - it works. 

They're also amazing for layering.  I love the look of a hoodie underneath with wide leg trousers and trainers.  OR the other option for when it does get cooler is to layer over it.  They "tend" to be mostly quite lightweight so are ideal to wear underneath an oversized coat or long fluid trench.  And then of course there are of course the parkas.  Not too many of them around at the moment but I'll keep an eye on them - I have one from Topshop that's a couple of years old and it's been a life saver in the rain.

I have two jackets that have been superb during lockdown for me.  One which is cropped but quite oversized and has been amazing for over dresses and - actually pretty much anything. The second is longer and slightly more fitted with an adjustable drawstring waist and again works for so many different outfits.

New Look again appear to come up trumps.

Khaki Camo Belted Lightweight Jacket from New Look was £27.99 now £17.00

And a slightly lighter shade... 

Khaki Camo 4 Pocket Lightweight Belted Jacket was £29.99 now £19

Tall Khaki Camo Belted Jacket from New Look was £29.99 now £22.49

Longerline with the adjustable waist band that I have in mine and that I love.

Superdry Rookie Cascade Jacket was £89 now £45

Now there are other shades other than a khaki green. 

The much lighter shades.  These work so well with Autumnal shades of camel, beige and creams.  And pale pink. 

This has to be the biggest bargain of them all at AllSaints.

AllSaints Sol Camouflage Denim Shirt Jacket was £118 now £59

Olive Camo 4 Pocket Lightweight Jacket from New Look was £29.99 now £22.49

A paler shade in a cropped style now - ideal for wearing over long dresses.

Superdry Utility Crop Jacket £59.99

Paler again in a shacket style at Dorothy Perkins.

Multi Colour Camouflage Shacket from Dorothy Perkins £45

I'm assuming by Sea Camo they mean it has a hint of blue to it?  That's what I can see anyway.

Superdry Riley Cropped Jacket was £64.99 now £32.50

But saving probably one of my favourite ones - slightly out there but this is the perfect option to team with neutrals.  I'd also personally wear it with a pale floral print - give those Summer dresses a last lease of life into the Autumn... maybe team with a camel or cream knit.

AllSaints Finch Camo Jacket was £148 now £74

And it's always worth looking at the men's ones too.

Mennace parka jacket from ASOS was £90 now £17.25

And this one...

Cotton twill parka from H&M £39.99

And here how I've been styling mine over the past couple of weeks. 

Tee and Trousers - Me+Em (gift ss20)

Sandals - Birkenstock from Universe of Us (ss20)

Bag - Anna Pugh Bags (ss20)

Jacket - The Kooples from Bicester Village (sale aw19)

Sunglasses - Walter + Herbert (4yrs ago)

Headbag - H&M (2yrs ago)

Jacket - The Kooples from Bicester Village (sale aw19)

Dress - Ridley London (gift ss20)

Bag - Anna Pugh Bags (ss20)

Sunglasses - Walter + Herbert (3yrs ago)

Sandals - Zara (ss19)

Jacket and trousers - Me+Em (ss20)

Sandals - Zara (ss20)

Now it does appear that we're heading for a teensy tiny Indian Summer for the next couple of days BUT I'm still planning on wearing sandals well into September.  And I've been saying forever that I'm going to be doing the sandals - or do I go straight into the boots... Hmmm I'll see.

I've gone all Private Benjamin.

Yes it just takes ONE picture to have me chasing a very specific fashion dream.  I can't be the only one who does this.  One picture that can totally turn my head.  I NEED to be that woman.  I need to recreate her outfit in its entirety.

Ok so common sense does usually kick in and the realisation I will look like a nobber dressed head to foot in said outfit dawns on me, but the seed that is planted does usually germinate into a purchase. 

And what is it this time that has me googling like a demon?  

Think Private Benjamin.  But think waaaaaaaaay better. 

JCrew, I could go off you.



Fitted.  Camo.  Jacket.  Oh where have you been all my life?  Ok so swerve the shorts, but this jacket, the shirt, those earrings... hair in a bun which means you don't have to wash it - the latter appeals to my inner sloth massively.

In my head this is going to be a very fitted jacket.. almost the style of a denim jacket which will work perfectly over maxi dresses (mixing up all the print - the 70s are back with a vengeance after all).  Or over pussy bow blouse and A line leather skirt.  I'm thinking hi tops... ok so I'll obviously bottle that and will put ankle boots or trainers on instead but you never know. 

So here is the item in question.  And interestingly, it's not *that* much more expensive on the UK site than on in the US - the conversion rates being woeful.  Alas, looks like I won't be able to justify a trip to New York after all.

Camouflage Utility Shirt Jacket from JCrew £108




More reasonably priced version at Topshop which also comes in Tall and Petite online.

Camouflage Shacket £45



Or the shorter boxier hush version which is now in the sale. 

Kafka Jacket £45



Moving onto coat versions now and right into Autumn with this fur lined version from Topshop.

Faux Fur Lined Camouflage Shacket from Topshop £65



Patched Camo Jacket from Mango was £69.99 now £29.99




ASOS Parka in Washed Out Print £65



Skirt now and not a super long midi - which is rubbish for me but perfect if you're slightly more diminutive.

ASOS Satin Pleated Midi Skirt in Camo Print £38



OR they do it in a petite - £38



Jumpers.  JCrew you're back in the dog house as I so, so nearly bought a sweatshirt from you a couple of years ago from you and didn't.  And I think about it every season and wish I had bought it.  LOSER (me that is).

So this is what I shall be getting this year to make up for it...

Tippi Sweater in Camouflage £98




Or I have to say, this has caught my eye.  Yes it's from the men's section at Whistles in the sale but in a small, I reckon this would be beyond perfect... which is why I might have just ordered it mid blog writing.  I'm thinking with black midi skirt, cream midi skirt, black ankle boots.... jeans and a black blazer or black trench.  There are no end of opportunities for it!  And daddy long arms me has high hopes for the men's Small size.

Camouflage Pattern Sweater was £145 now £60



And then the trousers.  Yet again, thank you JCrew.  For something I didn't even know I needed.

Camouflage patch pocket cargo pants £88




Although to be fair, I have worn (and brought with me on hols... hmmm maybe it's serendipity or maybe Benjamin *is* my middle name.  It's not.  It's Francesca) camo joggers for a couple of years now, so do feel vaguely smug in my selection. 

These though look like a great buy although now only small sizes.  I'm thinking maybe not the top, shoes, jacket combo unless going to an All Saints Fancy Dress party.

G-Star Camo Trousers were £95 now £65.50



You could always try men's joggers, especially ideal if you're taller. 

And thank you to ASOS for a super skinny version. 

ASOS Super Skinny Camo Joggers £22



Or at Pull & Bear for men again skinny versions though.. were £21.99 now £17.50




And at Hollister..  slim fit joggers were £35 now £22.50



More subtle at Mint Velvet which is a brand I haven't looked at for ages.  I used to be the hugest fan of their triple zip jeans which I haven't looked at for years BUT these look like they're very very similar, if not the same style (albeit now double instead of triple zip).  I shall be trying them on as soon as I get home.

Westwood Camo Biker Jeans from Mint Velvet £79



It's camo but a much more subtle version.



Or there are of course the ahem - I officially hate them as I NEED these - JCrew ones which they do in tall.  DARN THEM.  And petite... just saying.

Skinny Camo Cargo Pants £108




However if all of that is just too much, how about a scarf?  Could use it this week by the looks of things *weeps*.

ASOS Oversized Camo Scarf was £15 now £6



So there is a high chance I am about to equip my Autumn wardrobe with enough camo to ensure me admission into the Army (we'll swerve over all that fitness bit.  Suffice to say I would be all the gear and NO idea).

I'm thinking this could well be the new season leopard.  What do we think?  The husband is sat here shaking his head although he does say it's preferable to barmaid animal. *Just*.

I have to say I think these work.. (although don't look too closely as you will see they are all the bobbly as they have been worn and washed a lot.  Which I think tells you something about how useful they are... although that could be as they are super useful as well, which leads me onto how much I love joggers and I WILL be doing these later this week, I promise). 


Joggers - Topshop
Que Sera Sera tee - hush (new season, coming on the 15th August)
Black jacket - hush
Buckle sandals - Forever 21
Nightingale sunglasses - Walter & Herbert

The weather here is still pretty lovely.  Although it is threatening to rain.  The small boys have been beside themselves with sport - tennis camp here (although I have to watch - no three hours of childcare for me - due to one small boy with Asperger's and ADHD and certain anger issues which manifest themselves when someone doesn't follow the rules.  Problem is when these are rules in his head... anyone with a child with the same diagnosis will know exactly where I'm coming from!) and hours of cycling for the husband.  I am in reading heaven and feeling a lot better - I'm sure that the sea air has something to do with it. 

Off on an antique hunt this afternoon - me and the 12yr old and yes, meant to say, that is her EPIC braid that she did for me this morning.  Another skill I have not passed down - she was lucky with wonky bunches when she was little... .The.  Shame.