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First of the classics

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Following on from my Instagram post (huge apologies for those who don't follow me on there - if you don't - it's quite a good crack as a platform), this season I'm focusing on us all finding our style. Yes, as up my own backside fashiony that sounds, there is method in my ridiculous phrasing.

It's not just about owning a style - it's about having a wardrobe of clothes that you love. A selection from which you can choose to mix and match outfits that will work for every occasion. It's about having clothes that you will actually WEAR, about making less purchasing mistakes and once you know what will and won't work for you - it makes shopping so much easier.

Believe me, you will actually buy less. But your purchases will be considered and thought through and ones that will actually work hard for you and that you will keep for years and years.

I (like to think...) have two styles. One is much more eclectic, throwing caution to the wind with more is more, clashing prints and textures and styles - summed up neatly by "clothes my husband hates". And then there is the polar opposite - the pared back, mostly black, my ode to wanting to be Parisienne. And the black clothes are the ones that I have mostly had for years. The ones that stand the test of time. The ones I bring out again and again (they also align perfectly with my more slightly crazed 80s tv presenter meets Laura Ingalls Wilder persona) and these are the ones that I'm asked where they're from.

So I thought I'd go through my favourites that are years old and look at some options that are available now - to suit all budgets - that you'll wear for years.

First up - leather and faux leather trousers. Dare I say I actually prefer the latter and tend to wear them more. Mine are from ASOS and M&S, I also have some culottes from Topshop which gets loads of wear too.

They're the most amazing alternative to jeans, they're perfect for dress down and work as well dressed up and dressed down. Coming into the festive season - these will be your best friend. You can go to town with a sequin top or for the more casual occasion, a knit is perfect. Or the ideal silk blouse... (which I need to look into for sure - you can never have too many of these and they are randomly much harder to find than you would think).

But first up - the perfect leather trousers (or faux...) and don't laugh but the joggers option.

ASOS DESIGN tapered leather trousers £30

Which they also do in a petite... again £30

And a tall - £30

A New Look version at ASOS £22.99

Culottes now from Boohoo. I wear mine with a longline blazer and monochrome striped polo with white trainers.

Boohoo leather look culottes £28

Moving onto the skinnier versions. These are amazing in the Winter with an oversized knit and chunky boots. Or for a smarter look - a longline shirt, blazer and any shoe or boot that floats your boat - for me, it would be a pair of heels and a silk shirt. Party outfit DONE.

Vero Moda Faux Leather Trousers from ASOS £36

Now these are from M&S and they are absolutely superb BUT they're out of stock in a lot of sizes. There will be more stock coming on (I will let you know as soon as they're in).

Pintuck 7/8ths faux leather trousers from M&S £39.50

These though look like a great alternative from La Redoute AND there is 30% off with the code AUTUMN.

Faux leather straight leg trousers from La Redoute £42

And I know this is all about the black trousers but they do have them in a delicious chocolate brown colour.

Faux leather straight leg trousers £42 also with 30% off using the code AUTUMN.

Also love the shape of these ones. I had ones like this from Zara years ago which were too big but still living the baguette and rose life from the Summer it seems so I'm sure they'll actually fit me now.

Seam detail faux leather trousers from Mango £35.99

And the leather versions. THIS look - oh how I LOVE this look. For me, it sums up how versatile these can be. Do remember though that the same look can be achieved with the faux leather versions.

Levete Room Leather Trousers £230

Selected Femme high waisted trousers £250

From M&S - these are the same ones I had last year and I can confirm that they are superb. They also come up small so size up if you're between sizes.

Leather Cropped Straight Trousers from Autograph £199

So there are lots of options for everyone - a couple of outfit ideas from the last week or so.

Jumper - Essentiel Antwerp (gift AW19)
Faux leather joggers - ASOS (4yrs ago)
Trainers - Golden Goose from FarFetch (sale aw18)
Bag - Loewe (2yrs ago)
Sunglasses - Alexis Amor X Rae Feather (gift ss19)

Black top - Sandro from Bicester Village (5yrs ago)
Trousers - M&S (current from a paid partnership)
Jacket - M&S (current from a paid partnership)
Trainers - Veja from The White Company (I do work with TWC but I bought these)
Bag - YSL (aw18)
Sunglasses - Walter + Herbert (2yrs ago)

Would love to know if there are any other wardrobe staples that you wear year in year out, that seem to work for every occasion, Coming up, I definitely have jumpsuits, faux leather and leather skirts and silk shirts and my biggest challenge,.. the perfect black jumper. Like hen's teeth, I tell you.....

When you can't face jeans...

...but want to wear trousers. what's a girl to do?

It worked for All Saints all those years ago and... brace yourself as they're coming back... it's CARGO PANTS.

They're back. With a modern twist on the 90s classic. They're not as voluminous and personally I prefer them not so tightly cuffed at the bottom. Slightly looser on the ankle is the look I think works best. They're perfect for day wear to dress down.

Throw on with a tee, sandals or trainers for every day. For the evening with a silk blouse and heels, you're good to go. Again, price wise, there is something for every budget.

Colourwise, I personally plumping for classic black as opposed to the more typical khaki but I'm sure we'll come across lots of them in our search.

First up, I'm going in with a pair that are at the more expensive end of the scale but if they're something that you will wear a lot and make use of in various outfits, it's worth considering cost per wear.

Me+Em Satin Statement Cargo Jogger £179

Or nab a bargain in the sale...

Cargo cotton-twill cargo pants from Mahirishi were £200 now £140

From Joseph in the sale at Matches.

Ronni Silk Cargo Trousers were £445 now £267

New Look Satin Cargo Trousers £27.99

Na-kd side pocket cargo trousers £27.99

Black Parachute Cargo Joggers from Mint Velvet £89

And also in a rose colour... again £89 from Mint Velvet

Other colours are, like I said... khaki.

Cargo Trousers in Khaki from Mint Velvet £69

Khaki at ASOS DESIGN Twill Utility Cargo Pants £32

And in beige - again £69 from Mint Velvet

Beige utility cargo trousers from Bershka £25,99

Navy Satin Cargo Pants at Mint Velvet £69

And the same in a chocolate...£69

And here I am in the Me+Em ones (that were a gift).

Trousers - Me+Em (gift current)
Shoes - Maje (current)
Bag - Boyy from My Theresa (current)
Sunglasses - Accessorize (current)
Top - Sandro (7yrs ago)

I will shortly be back with more dresses, tops and shoes. And maybe a slight sojourn into fragrance...

Your wardrobe basics

So following on from the theme that I've been following recently, today it's the turn of another of my favourite wardrobe essentials.

The Black Trousers.

An essential that works all year round. Simply perfect for every occasion - work is an obvious one and I would even say it doesn't matter what sort of job you have, these will be the ideal building block around which you can build a plethora of outfits. Thin knit or blouse, with or without a jacket, these are a staple part of most people's wardrobe.

And there are styles for everyone. I will say that my personal favourite are a cropped (but not too cropped...wide leg or baby boot cut or a full length wide pair.

I have a big event on Wednesday and it's one of those "I have no idea what anyone else will be wearing" occasions. My Go To outfit for that scenario is a pair of black trousers and a pussy bow black blouse. It works perfectly for dressed up and down - it's the one outfit that I always feel I "fit in" wearing.

So without further ado, let's see what's on offer in the round up of the sales (who doesn't love a bargain) or new in.

Staring with ones that I have and can highly recommend.

Winter Velvet Cigarette Trouser was £120 now £72

H2A3 will give you 20% off at Boden with free delivery and free returns.

Ankles on show with the Richmond 7/8 Trousers £65

Different fabric with the Hampshire 7/8 Trousers also at Boden £65 (Will be honest - can't see any other difference...)

Tapered again at Topshop. Probably not my choice of jacket or top to go with it...

Satin Tuxedo Trousers £46

Paperbag versions with movement and drape at Boden (LOVE these)

Melina Paperbag Trousers £80 (pre 20% discount code H2A3)

Silky again at Topshop. These you can dress down a la Topshop style or you could be more casual with a statement knit, trench and trainers. Or heels and a silk blouse for evening.

Paperbag Utility Trousers from Topshop £39

Belt Peg Trousers also at Topshop £36

These are amazing from Boden, new in. I LOVE these (available in lots of other colours).

Exeter Wide Leg Trousers £90 available in three leg lengths. Don't forget the code.

And if you are long of leg, there is a bargain pair in the sale. Go go go.

Marlin Wide Leg Trousers from Boden were £90 now £36

Others in the sale at Jigsaw.

Stitch Detail Wide Leg Trousers were £130 now £52

Full length at Me+Em £149

But finishing with my two favourite from M&S. These are both ankle grazer. Not cropped - they're what some people call Flood length. Of course you can wear them at the length that you prefer but for me - they should sit just above/on the ankle bone. I find them super flattering. I wear them with a blazer in the same fabric, long line cardigan, trench or just a good old Winter Coat.

First up - the thicker fabric. Yes these are THE trousers that I bang on about all the time. They are the quality of Joseph. Trust me. They go in and out of stock so it's worth checking back to see if they're there. I have never seen them in store.

Turn up Wide Leg Trousers in Black £35 from M&S Do bear in mind that they come up big and long. So if you're between sizes and lengths, size down.

And then this year's version which is a much lighter fabric. A very similar cut (although much smaller so take your usual size - I think lengthwise, again take your usual length) but the fabric is much more suited for into Spring and Summer. I also think perfect for evening - they have more of a fluidity to them than the more expensive ones. I have a big event on Wednesday night and I'm going to be wearing these and a silk blouse and strappy heels. TA DAH!

Wide Leg Ankle Grazer Trousers £25

And here I am - not today as I am full of head cold and look like a complete bag of spanners but on Saturday night. When - I wasn't feeling 100% either but was so desperate to see the friends we were going out with, I dosed myself up and out I went....

Blazer - M&S (current)
Jumper - Bella Freud from Matches (sale aw17)
Trainers - Golden Goose (sale 4yrs ago)
Skirt - Ace & Jig from Matches (sale aw18)
Bag - YSL from Selfridges (current)

ONLY to fall asleep mid conversation after dinner. WHAT ON EARTH? I have never done that in my life - serious geriatric mode kicking in. Thankfully they're some of our best friends and so did see the funny side... my husband is the one that usually has a snooze after dinner - seriously, every time. Anyway, I have taken it easy for a couple of days - big night tomorrow evening and then on Wednesday an even bigger evening.. I will report back shortly.

I STILL have the beauty blog to do (it IS coming up) and then I feel the need for trenches.

Back to basics

So one thing that I do bang on about every year and why change the habit of a lifetime - this year shall be no exception. Building blocks. The basics in your wardrobe around which you can make a plethora of outfits. And without a shadow of a doubt, some of my favourites over the years, have come from M&S. Yes I have worked in a paid partnership with them over the years and yes, this is my January paid blog post for them. But I don't need to carry on wearing the products. I could just do my pick of underwear and thermals and cashmere and not bother exploring anything else. But genuinely, their basics are amazing. And anything but *basic*.

You also do have to hunt for them. Which is why I guess these paid partnerships work. The website is huge, the photographs often don't do the product justice and the stores can be very difficult to navigate with limited in store selection.

BUT if you persist - or just take note of the edit I do every month, you can find some amazing staples around which you can work outfits. And these will last as well.

First up, the perfect blazer. Available in black and navy (outfit pics at the bottom).

Ponte Blazer from M&S £59 Now it says this is Ponte. To my mind, that's a thick stretchy jersey and this is definitely not that as far as I'm concerned. It's just a really good quality feeling blazer. I tried it in the 8 (they didn't have a 10 or a 12) and so have ordered the 10 to pick up tomorrow.

Now that one does have metal buttons - which I personally love as I think it makes it less *suity* but I do have lots of blazers with plain buttons too. This is a great fitting jacket too. Nipped in at the waist giving a lovely silhouette with the structured shoulders. M&S blazers are always cut generously for those with busts - not so great for me but I do live with it - ideal if you're more well endowed.

Tailored Stitch Detail Blazer in black and navy £45

The trousers. Yes, these are THE trousers. The quality of them is as good as Joseph. They come up big and they come up long. And they're also in incredibly limited stock... you have more chance of navy than black. They also look absolutely terrible in this picture and look nothing like this in real life.

Turn up wide leg trousers in navy, black and also pink £35

Right - so as the stock levels of these are so sketchy, I've ordered these below to try - they'll be here tomorrow (don't have them instore) so I will report back They look exactly the same - the fabric content is the same but I am assuming they're a slightly thinner fabric. They do have a much better stock selection though...

Wide leg ankle grazer trousers £25

Another ideal neutral for your wardrobe - the leopard print knit. This will be so much useful than you ever thought. Leopard IS a neutral... and as such works with prints but I appreciate that might be a bit of a fashion mouthful, so use it to inject immediate new season loveliness, alongside your favourite neutrals from years gone by.

This first one is 100% acrylic as you would expect for the price. BUT it's not a squeaky nasty fabric, it's soft with a cotton feel to it. Size wise, I would say it's true to size - perhaps ever so slightly on the generous side.

Animal Print Crew Neck Jumper £17.50

And then a cardigan version which works so well when worn as a v neck jumper if you size up. Alternatively wear as a cardigan!

Animal Print Cardigan £25

But then upping the ante and as fabulous as the ones above are, if you're thinking of wearing this a lot and love leopard, this is worth the investment. 'Tis beautiful. It's a smaller print than the ones above - which randomly I think makes it more subtle. The tones of the two are very similar, as is the shape. Size wise, again I would say this is true to size - although the arms are definitely longer than the £17.50 version.

Pure cashmere round neck leopard print jumper from Autograph £99

And then a little extra. A coat. A warm coat. A pink coat OF DREAMS. Is this coat as good a quality as some that cost double and triple the amount? Yes. Do I need another coat? No. Do I have a pink coat? No. Do the fashion maths.

Textured Single Breasted Coat from Autograph £149

And here I am in the coat...

But more importantly in what I would say are the essential black jacket, trousers and perfect leopard print knit (this is the cashmere one).

This is the 8 so yes, it does look ever so slightly like I have been vacuum packed into it but the 10 is winging it's way to my nearest M&S for me to click and collect tomorrow.

There are moving pictures over on Insta stories (saved to Highlights if they've disappeared from the actual stories). Any questions just ask, but I will be back with pictures of the new trousers, the jacket in the right size and the PINK COAT!

This blog post has been written as part of my monthly paid partnership with M&S. All thoughts are my own, unedited.

The links in this blog post are affiliate links.

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