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Trainer love

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So the other day on Insta (I'm so so so sorry, that's where I've been living recently. I am TRYING to get my new blog layout sorted but it's bottom of the pile of priorities and that's TOTALLY my doing as it means moving to a new platform. Which means change. And right now, I don't have the brain space to be able to get to grips with that. It may just be the straw that broke the camel's back) I mentioned that I tend to launch straight from sandals to boots and trainers.

And pretty much most people agreed with me. What has happened to the humble shoe? I will be exploring that in more detail another day but for today, I am devoting a whole blog post to trainers.

They're no longer a bold footwear statement, they're not unique, they're not a fashion thang, they are a wardrobe staple. Yes, there are different styles that you can choose from and I've got some options for you today.

There are the classic, pared back styles, some vintage style reruns and of course those that are a nod to this season's trends.

And I'll start with them. You can pay a fortune for these. At the designer end of the scale, these are what you will find. For ££££. But hallelujah for our highstreet, there are some fantastic options around which, unless you have a microscope and can search for a designer label, generally you would be hard pushed to know the difference.

They're also great for just trying the trend. If you do decide you love them and they are your fave shoes ever and want to invest in a more expensive pair at a later date, then fair enough but first off, if you want to (literally) try them on for size,

So here we go - and bear in mind that we're starting with the marmite varieties. These are VERY on trend BUT the reason I love them is that they can work wonders to totally alter the look of a potentially more prim outfit. A work suit that you've had for years and perhaps don't wear as much as you did - throw it on with a plain or logo tee and a pair of these and you've got a whole new outfit. They also look great with any sort of dress. Chuck on a blazer, biker or trench and your outfit is completely new seaon ready.

Stradivarius gum sole chunky trainer £39.99

From H&M £34.99

With a hint of colour. Perfect for adding just that little bit of interest into a monochrome outfit.

Gola Eclipse Trainers from Anthropologie £80

White Atworth Trainers from hush £139

Of course they're not going to be for everyone. I'm going to say that I like them but I'm not SURE if I love them yet...

The pared back classic trainer is still the route that I prefer. (ask me again in a month or two when I can't get enough of them...).

And there are lots to choose from BUT if I had to pick just one pair that isn't going to break the bank, it would be the Stan Smiths.

Adidas Originals Stan Smith in classic green £75

Adidas Originals Stan Smith in navy £75

Similar but at a much more palatable entry level price point.

ASOS DESIGN Doro chunky trainers in white £28

Leather alternative for those who love all things leopard at Boden.

Classic Trainers £75

And in the snake - also from Boden and also £75

Black star versions in leather at M&S £45

Variation on a theme also at M&S, in suede.

Leather Suede Panel Lace Up Trainers £49.50

These however are also pretty fabulous. AND they happen to look identical to the Isabel Marant pair which are probably at least 4 times as much.

Reebok Club C trainers £70

These are also on my hit list from The White Company - the Veja Esplar Trainers £95

However the Converse are a very, VERY close second. And I've gone ever so slightly off piste with a bit more red on them than a classic white trainer should have BUT THEY'RE SO GORGEOUS!

Converse white western hi tops £60

A more cost effective version at New Look.

White Canvas Hi Tops £14.99

Or there are the Gola which I tried on last week in Anthropologie and I can confirm that they're pretty darn fabulous. They also do them in a black which I loved but I think I'll save that for another day.

Gola Cadet Hi Tops £55 from Anthropologie

And sneaking some silver ones in at the end.

Skye Hi Top Trainers from hush £55 (which they also do in black).

And here I am in mine which my friend gave me (I KNOW!) from Russell & Bromley. She got then as a present but they don't fit her (awks), however they are perfect on my trotters. RESULT.

Tee - Zoe Karssen from TK Maxx (about 5yrs ago)
Jacket - Zara (3yrs ago)
Slort - LabelMIx (current from a paid partnership)
Trainers - Russell & Bromley (from a friend)
Bag - Jerome Dreyfuss (4yrs ago)
Sunglasses - Accessorize (current)

So things I've got coming up as the season is well and truly in full swing. Got to be knee high boots. And then jumpsuits and possible my favourite style coat - the check version.

I WILL be back (said in my best Arnie voice).

When it's more than just a top...

…. when it's the top of dreams. Ok so that's slightly dramatic but... well - it's when a top turns a skirt into an outfit, that's when they're worth investing in.

And when I say "investing" in I don't necessarily think it's a matter of spending a huge amount of money. It's investing in another item of clothing - how much it costs is really irrelevant IF it's something that you'll wear a lot. It's about thinking about cost per wear and not buying a piece that you're not going to get lots of wear out of. It's versatility I mean when I talk about investment.

It's about investing in things that will give new life to your old favourites in your wardrobe.

And the sort of top I'm talking about can turn a skirt into a dress, will work with more than one type of skirt, is perfect for throwing on with jeans of any description, not to mention looking utterly chic with wide leg trousers.

It's the white broderie anglaise top. Not being too specific or anything.

This is one of the two things I have been looking for this season. And I have looked everywhere!

So here's what I've come up with.

Now this looks cropped. That's because hmmm it is cropped. BUT with a high waisted skirt or jeans, I promise this will work...

Embroidered ruched top from Mango £19.99

Embroidered blouse from Mango was £35.99 now £19.99

Broderie Front Tank from Topshop £22

Broderie Anglaise top from YAS at Topshop £45

Top with Broderie Anglaise £12.99 from H&M

Sleeveless again at Dorothy Perkins was £24 now £18

This is a great buy at M&S. I sized down when I tried it - I felt it was on the large side.

Pure Cotton Broderie Anglaise Shell Top £25

A jacket which doubles up as a blouse from La Redoute (with matching shorts if you're that way inclined...).

Straight cut broderie anglaise jacket was £55 now £27.50

Another long sleeve gem from H&M in a few sizes,

Blouse now £18 was £29.99

Pure Cotton Embroidered Blouse from M&S £45

And here I am in a top from last week which I nabbed from Zara (pre sale) but is now alas sold out. The skirt is a couple of years old but together, I feel like I've got a whole new dress.

Skirt - LaDoubleJ (3yrs ago)
Top - Zara (ss19)

So hopefully I will be able to find the time to make this more regular... I AM SO SORRY for not being around but work in other areas has really taken off and I'm trying to juggle everything as well as trying to spend more time with my children.

I am not going to promise I'll be back later.. or tomorrow... but I am going to try with,.. drum roll.. DRESSES! Yes I know, I know, I'm like a stuck record but there are some such great options around at the moment.

Also going to be looking at the good old denim jacket. And mid height sandals that will take you through the day, to out at night

I think I may have written about these for the last three years...

.. and I did cave in the Summer but now it's developed into a full blown obsession.

White boots. If nothing else, is there something vaguely Christmassey about them? Am I clutching at straws here?! Is it that they're vaguely reminiscent of ice skating boots? (really selling them now, aren't I?) Well, either way, I will say that they are rapidly becoming the most useful boots in my wardrobe.

Dare I say, they are a complete neutral. Just insert wherever you would a black pair and I promise you, it works. I can also promise you that your other half will probably hate them!

"Lovely outfit, but not with those boots"
"What would work with these boots, do you think?"
"Nothing"

Brief convo pre leaving the house last night. With the husband. Who clearly isn't in the "White boots are my thang" gang...

Yes, I was wearing these BOOTS OF ALL THE AWESOMENESS from & Other Stories. Well. Awesome to me. Not so much to the husband.

Low Leather Cowboy Boots from & Other Stories £129 (also available in black...!).

They also have them in a stiletto which I love (and would happily also wear) but the ones above work better for me on a day to day basis and I will get more wear out of them.

Pointed Stiletto Ankle Boot from & Other Stories £89

Or they have a slightly different - with a '60s vibe - block heel round toed version.

Leather Ankle Boots from & Other Stories £89

Variation on the theme from Office.

Office Alto Pointed Boots £96

So the first pair that I bought (actually the second pair.. the first were a leather pair of pointed low kitten heels from H&M that were a size too small. Apparently pointed boots don't stretch. Despite my ambitious theory that they might. Fool.) were from Mango in the Summer and were a copy of a pair from Ganni. They were amazing although slightly infuriatingly they have stretched across the top of the foot and look slightly baggy.. Baggy isn't a good look in a pair of boots that should be fitted.

However these. OH HELLO.

Office Analyze Western Chelsea Boots £110

Similar at M&S.

Block Heel Chelsea Western Ankle Boot from M&S £45

Upping the ante at Alexa Chung (although I personally prefer the cheaper versions!)

Stud-embellished patent leather boots from Alexa Chung £395

Again if you want to up the budget...

Rag & Bone Westin boots £350

However I think these from Mango are just as good. Dare I say better?

Leather pointed ankle boots £89.99

Or another low pair from M&S.

Leather Ankle Boots from Autograph at M&S £79

Maybe this is why I have the ice skating sentiment thing going on... These are a very good tribute to a By Far pair - I have my eye set on the black pair with eyelets which I don't need but very VERY much want. These are a quarter of the price.

Office Aloha Lace Up Boots £90

So yes, I appreciate these are going to be fairly marmite, folks, but I love them. I love leopard print boots (and I will be doing a blog on them shortly) but my old Tabitha Simmonds ones that I've now had for three years are looking very sorry for themselves. So I will keep wearing them but a pair of not too high, white ankle boots are my top tip for making all your dresses, jeans, leather leggings - honestly ANYTHING - from last year, look completely up to date and fresh. With the addition of simply one pair of boots.

I'll be honest, when it comes to adding instant New Season to your wardrobe, I do think a pair of boots is the easiest way to get the most variety for the lowest investment. BUT it doesn't have to be a white pair (I'm sure loads of you will be very pleased to hear that...!).

No, definitely could be a knee high pair, a hiking pair, a cowboy pair, a leopard pair. It really depends which style work best for you and your wardrobe.

I'm currently all over the white ones though and I bought them on Friday in London and wore them on Saturday night. Always a good sign.

Green blouse and skirt - Tabitha Webb (gift current)
Boots - & Other Stories (current)
Leopard clutch - Tory Burch from Bicester (5yrs ago)

Sunday today and I am doing a huge wardrobe clear out, followed by the cinema. Yes, it's a rainy, blustery Sunday and we are off to watch Goosebumps whilst the husband cooks a roast for us when we get back. Seriously, what's not to love about that?!

It's the simple things in life...

... a top.

I know - how hard can that be to find? Well, the answer is very. The sorts of tops that every day you can just reach for. You can wear them with skirts, jeans and trousers. You can wear them out to dinner, you can them to work, you can throw them on to go to the supermarket.

Easy. Not expensive. Every day tops.

I'm going to come to the colourful ones. But right now, I am collating a collection of good old, faithful white ones. Some cream. Yes I seem to be going heavy on the cream/white right now but that's because if we're looking for just one or two new things to add into our wardrobe to give it a fresher feel - you can guarantee a neutral will work with everything. But fear not, I will be looking at some colour and print - just taking a little breather with some calming fresh numbers.

First up THS.

Textured Jacquard Print Short Sleeve Top from M&S £22.50

I'm also thinking this could be super useful too... Flattering over the tummy hopefully. I did try one on in Zara that was similar. Except there was a whacking gap just under the knot through which my muffin protruded. Not the best look...

Striped Tie Front Half Sleeve Top from M&S £29.50

Round neck again and I know that this isn't going to be for everyone - for me, the ironing would be a "no blooming way", I can't do a stiff cotton as it sort of wears me as opposed to me wearing it - but I know some will love the elegance of it.

Pure Cotton Ruched Long Sleeved Blouse from Autograph at M&S £39.50

This is MUCH more my cup of tea. A t-shirt with edge. Literally. A padded collar edge.

Detail Neck T-shirt from Mango £17.99

Embroidered with puff sleeve top detail at Warehouse £36

But then I know that so many of you love love the v neck. And I have to say - they've grown on me for the Summer. This one I adore.

Crossover Design Top from Mango £17.99

When a tee is so much more than just a tee...

Ella Top in White from Baukjen £65

When a shirt is not a shirt.. when it's a drapey, wearable jersey number. One of the major things that people commented yesterday that they couldn't wear but would love to, was a white shirt. ME TOO. I look like a sweaty coach driver in one. This though, being jersey, wouldn't crease, has the perfect drape, fabulous for work, ideal with jeans.

Eleanor Blouse in White from Baukjen £79

Or a sleeveless version. The Ellie also from Baukjen at £69

Another sleeveless v neck at John Lewis. Silky perfection to go with pretty much anything.

John Lewis Pleat V Neck Blouse £39

V neck at John Lewis in one of my favourite Summer fabrics - linen jersey.

John Lewis Gathered Yoke £35

Sleeveless scoop neck at Mango. This is a loose shape but looks like a very lightweight floaty fabric which is perfect tucked in.

Ruched Detail Top from Mango £15.99

Another scoop neck with ruched detailing in a silk mix from Boden - 6T2C for a discount of either 25% or 15% depending on when you order (free delivery and free returns - the 25% is off different things at different times. Clear as mud?!)

Ravello Top £55 pre discount

And a V Neck Version - The Ravello V Neck £55 (again pre discount)

This is the sort of skirt, that I wore today, that shouts out for one of these tops. I always make do with a tee. Oh and whilst we're on that subject, I will be exploring white tees very shortly. Where to find the best ones. If you have any you can recommend, do yell please!

Skirt - La Double J at Matches (sale ss17)
Loafers - Gucci (3yrs ago)
Bag - Loewe at Matches (ss18)
Tee - FWP by Rae (gift ss18)
Boucle jacket - Zara (about 4 yrs ago)

Yes I am on the HMS Belfast. Yes this was THE most ridiculous outfit to wear. DOH. I had a day with the 11yr old (the one with Asperger's/ADHD). He had an appointment in the morning (handily missing the swimming gala which is an annual disaster) and then this afternoon they were crowning Mary with flowers for May Day (spot the Catholic School). I used to LOVE this at my primary school but for an 11yr old boy, it doesn't hold quite the same appeal. He's also having a really tough time at school at the minute (yr 6). A combination of a lot of things but - as I'm sure any of you with a child who has ASD will agree with - sometimes you just need to break the cycle. A change from the status quo and a day away from everything which is getting to them.

So it was a Home School day. We played a lot of scrabble (can highly recommend the App..!) and then it was a whole afternoon aboard HMS Belfast. Which is AMAZING. I can highly, highly recommend. Actually it's something we wouldn't be usually able to do as it really is a squeeze in certain areas and when it gets busy, apparently it can be very tricky - even for neurotypical people.

We have come home with an Airfix model which he has spent the last two hours painting and I can just see the weight lifting from his shoulders. Just for one day - he has been able to be himself. And yes, I have had a little weep at having had such a great great day!

Over and out. xxxx

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Trainer love

When it's more than just a top...

I think I may have written about these for the last three years...

It's the simple things in life...

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