Feeling A Little Monochrome

It all started when I dug out my wet look Joni jeans which I purchased a few months back in the Topshop sale.  I was off to London and wanted something a little smarter.  For some reason they hadn't been worn before but I knew I would eventually as I love their Joni jeans for a snug fit.  From then on I have just been feeling 'black'!  I wouldn't say I wear a lot of it, being petite I sometimes feel a little lost in it so go for a more neutral pallet.  However sometimes you just have to go with it so that is what I've been doing!

T-shirt (just seen); Vince from TK Maxx
Jacket; Zara
Jeans; Topshop
Pumps; French Sole
Bag; Chloe
Small person; Stylists own

From there it led on to a completely monochrome look, again with an item purchased and not worn - maybe the jeans started something!  Now it's not something I advocate, buying and leaving it to lurk in the depths of your wardrobe but ever so occasionally you just forget!  This top is by Joseph and I grabbed it in a TK Maxx.  It's a little odd with he additional bands around it and that's possibly why I hadn't worn it but I was in a hurry to see the Ab Fab preview and it just felt simple and right.  

Joseph top & leather bag; TK Maxx
Jeans; Topshop
Shoes; L.K. Bennett

And so it continued when I managed to hit Zara for the last 15 minutes before it closed and I literally grabbed this top.  Most probably supposed to be an off the shoulder one (I hate strapless bras so not an option and who can manage to actually keep it off the shoulders when you are running around after kids - tips please!) however it sat just nicely above my bra strap.  It was £39.99 down to £25.99 (100% cotton also) and I just really fancied it however there was a nice little surprise when I got to the till and it was £17.99!  I can't find it online but there were loads left at the Knightsbridge branch so assuming it will still be in others.

I'm not entirely sure this was the most flattering combo for it, I would love to see it with some white skinny ankle jeans instead but that's also after looking at the photos which were taken after 9pm and running around a football pitch for the afternoon. Yes, I played football in Ash studded sandals.....it was a friends 40th so needs must.  Keeping it real!

Top; Zara
Jeans; Topshop Joni's
Sandals; Ash

Maybe it was the weather and it will change now that (fingers crossed) we are about to get a summer again.  Does anyone else just go through a random colour phase - and one that's not particularly seasonal either?!? 

The One About The Shoes

Just in case you are a new reader and may not have grasped this from previous posts, I'm a little obsessed with good quality materials, natural ones at that.  Leather is a must on my feet (yes, Haviana's have a place - by the pool or else they just rub my feet).  On a recent holiday to Spain, I naturally had to go to the supermarket (and quite frankly one of my favourite things to do abroad, I love finding new food and inspiration, I must get out more I know).  Right next door there is a mini department store which always seems to have the odd few brands in at cheap prices.  Needless to say, I deviated as I'd done well there before.  Top tip when in Spain or Italy - always, always have a peek in the shops you least expect.  The Spanish and Italians make great leather shoes.

I found these leather tassel pumps for around £20 in the sale

They have been worn so much already, what a bargain!

On my second visit, determined to find another bargain, I found these below.  Immediately drawn by the animal print and the leather again, was amazing, lined in and out.  However they just felt huge on my feet.  When I looked down it felt like I had flippers on.  I took the photo to see if it was just me and my perspective which it probably was but knowing I hadn't hit Zara at that point, I didn't want to not be 100%.  So for £35, these babies were grabbed by someone else (literally, I saw the lady dash to the till) . 

Thanks to a lovely Instagram reader, I came home to my Ash sandals.  I had regretted not getting them in the sample sale and refused to pay the full asking price of over £100.  Still thinking they were pricey (and for me, they were) at £67 I took the plunge but I am so glad I did.  They finally made their debut today.  They are one strap shorter up the ankle than the ones I was initially after however I prefer these so it really was meant to be that I walked away at the sample sale.

For anyone after a damn good pair of leather sandals that are a bit different (and slightly like the Balenciaga ones I most definitely can't afford) check out Brand Boudoir.  They have a great selection and the best prices I've seen.

Lastly, I know I've blogged about these Fig leather sandals before from Topshop however I finally got to see them in the flesh a few weeks ago.  Most definitely worth the £39 price tag and a great alternative to my ones above.  They have them in black, white, tan and gold.  If I hadn't have purchased my Ash one's then I think these would have been my new Summer sandals.  I am holding out for the post Summer sales though and maybe they can be next years sandals for half the current price.....!

The Bargain Returns & Some Possible Ash Sandals!

Following on from my previous post with my silk top, here is what I returned today.  Both amazing fabrics and quality but they've been sat looking at me for a few weeks with no thought to wear them. Since hankering after those decent, well made Ash sandals, I figured that sending these back pretty much pays for them, no matter how good a deal they were!

Silk Zoa New York top £20 from TK Maxx

Leather Edun skirt £34 from £400 TK Maxx

An absolute amazing piece of leather and a bargain but no matter how cheap it was.  I already have a leather skirt and this was just that little bit to puffy at the back

So, do I, don't I.....a lovely Instagram follower alerted me to the company Brand Boudoir selling Ash sandals.  I've not heard of them before and she said they fluctuate their prices (annoying!) so to act fast.  Now do I take the risk and wait until I'm home or get them sent to my Mum's whilst I'm away?  A lot to pay I know however after extensive research, a decent sandal on the high street is £40 odd and every year I buy a cheaper pair for around £20 that last me 1-2 years max.  Decisions decisions, I have until I fly Monday!

£159 down to £79

£135 down to £67

£129 down to £65

As much as I wanted black I am now veering towards the middle ones?  What do you think?!?!