Being Ahead Of The Time - The Bomber ('ish'!) Jacket

Having moved earlier in the year my wardrobe is still not as organised as I need it to be as my clothes are in a few different places whilst we renovate.  However as there's been a re-shuffle it has bought forgotten about items to the forefront, this Gap jacket for one.  I bought this in a outlet centre a while ago (just found the blog post, it was September 2014!) and it had been 'lost' somewhere in the back of my old wardrobe.  It's completely on trend being a bomber style and the cotton is lightweight so perfect for our current yo yo weather.  

Jacket & Jeans; Gap
T-shirt; Whistles
Belt; Tommy Hilfiger
Flip Flops; Havaianas

This Whistles t-shirt was also bought in the sale by my friend - yes, I have good friends who shop for me, I am blessed!  It was a little more than I normally spend on a t-shirt at £35 but I love the fit and it has some darts around the front so it gives it some more shape.  The quality is great so far, having been washed several times it hasn't bobbled or lost it's shape (it didn't have  a lot of cotton in so was a slight concern for me and my natural fibre OCD).  

So I guess the moral of this story is to buy what you like (you never know, 18 months later it could be a major trend!) and make sure you re-shuffle that wardrobe to find some old gems!

The Boden Purchases

The lovely Frances had recommended this red breton from Boden on her blog - who am I to pass up on a breton?!?!  Oh and I actually didn't have a red one so needs must.  I like buying when somethings been tried and tested by someone, especially when it comes to classics like this.  It was £18.75 when they had a sale on.  It's been worn twice already and is a lovely soft cotton.  It does come up large but I didn't want anything too tight.

Top; Boden
Jeans; Gap
Pumps; French Sole

My favourite French Sole pumps purchased via Atterley Road

Whilst looking at the breton I spotted this merino jumper in the sale down to £17.70 - wow!  Merino is a thin wool so perfect for now and as I had returned a previous one from a different store due to shrinkage, I was on the look out for a replacement.  It's very similar to the J.Crew Tippi style which I had bought in the cream and white last year but they were so see through they went back.  The sleeves are three quarter length which I love, it's true to size and the perfect shade of grey (well, apart from Christian's grey of course....).  It's still available in a 6, 10 and 12.

It was late, I was tired, you know I'm not one for good photos (but I over compensate with sharing good shopping buys right???!!) but honestly there is nothing wrong with my lips - just a dirty camera on my phone, oops!

Jumper; Boden
Necklace; Marks & Spencer

The Figleaves Press Day & Some Gift Idea's

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of attending the Figleaves press day at Claridges.  This post has been a while coming as to cut a long story short, the beautiful bra set that was gifted to me didn't fit and I was then sent a voucher.  Well I've finally spent it hence I can now include it in my post and round up of the lovely day I had.  Figleaves have some stunning lingerie in for anyone who wants to give a subtle yet easy hint to their other half.  A couple of my favourites below. 

For the more 'comfortable' lounge dressers amongst us they had the cutest selection of slippers lined up - the Ugg ones being my favourite.  Followed by the cashmere - oh the cashmere, I homed straight in on this part of the closet.  They had their own range as well as some DKNY.

It's all about the hearts!

Don't forget they sell Men's items too - great for gifts if you are stuck!

The setting wasn't bad either!

Not only did I get to browse their collection but I was given a gorgeous manicure, what a treat!  And it lasted well over a week as well - that's a record!

Bracelets; Annie Haak, Valentino & Tiffany

A hazy lift selfie of my outfit, it was the Summer holidays and whilst rushing the get the children ready there was no time to ask anyone to take a semi-decent picture of what I wore!

Top; Sandro
Bag; Balenciaga
Jeans; Gap
Shoes; Hobbs

So after coming back from my hot Summer holiday to our very cold weather, it was only fitting I upgraded my PJ's as I wanted something warm and cosy.  I'd heard of Cyberjammies before but didn't own a pair and these were 100% brushed cotton so I though I'd give them a go.  Not forgetting my slight cashmere addiction I also grabbed some socks with it in!

When they arrived I was sold straight away - the pyjamas are the softest, most comfortable pair I own.  Aside from when they have to be washed, they have pretty much been worn non stop since I've had them.  I tried to take a photo of me in them but decided it really wasn't necessary for you to see me in that light, there are some things that really don't need to be shared!  Oh and the socks, another fab find.  I can honestly say both have been welcome additions to my wardrobe - and I don't have to say that either I promise!

When I spent my voucher I was just thinking 'warm cosy treat' - and why not.  However only today did I even think to check if they had this fabulous bra I found at the CK outlet in the Summer.  Low and behold, they stock it, oops!  So this is probably what I should have bought, the Calvin Klein Push Positive bra at £42.00.  If like me you struggle with bras and wires digging in, this is amazing.  There are no wires but still enough padding to help what I have!

Yes, all those pretty lingerie pieces and I chose to buy pi's.......!

Feeling A Little Wintery

Not so long ago when we were having some un heard of mild weather for this time of year I said I wasn't really planning my Winter wardrobe, I hadn't given it a second thought.  Well I'm there now, below 10 degrees doing the school run in the morning is freezing to me, I don't do the cold.  I always feel a little uninspired at the start of the colder months so I haven't done much planning, more delving into my jumpers and layers.  Oh and I always wear vests!

Cashmere jumper; La Redoute
Gilet; Zara
Jeans; Gap
Boots; Topshop

Cashmere jumper (again!); La Redoute
Scarf; Damart
Trousers; Gap
Boots; TK Maxx

I bought my 'raspberry' jacket earlier in the year from the Zara sale just as the weather was getting warmer.  I took a bit of a risk as it only got worn once before it went away but the risk paid off.  Apart from the berry trousers above, it has been worn daily and it has received so many compliments.  One lady on the train stopped me to say what a lovely cheerful colour it was on me, how lovely!  

Done up, I love the neck and the popper fastenings make it so easy

Great big collar when open
Jacket; Zara
Jumper; TK Maxx
Jeans & boots; Topshop

And finally, yes, I am one to share - this time, my thermal vest.  Thank you Damart for sending me a few, this being my favourite.  It's thin and inconspicuous with a little gold detail to make it more appealing when I'm dragging out the layers in the dark mornings.  I have actually been wearing it for a while (I told you I felt the cold!) and it's still as good as new after many washes.  I really recommend them.  

Any one else in their thermals yet or have I peaked too soon?!?

Outfit Round-Up

This year is the year I moved on from my skinny jeans!  I am not totally without them of course, but the two pairs I bought from Gap that are their straight leg cut have had so much wear already. These were my bargain £12 ones teamed with a very old H&M t-shirt and Next animal sandals. Just a school run/about town look!

And then the skinnies came out for a girls night out!  These are also Gap, their wet look jeans.  I love the fit however the coating hasn't lasted as long as I had hoped.  Teamed with a blush pink lace Warehouse top and some very high heels (luckily we sat and caught up over cocktails and didn't have a dance!).

Clutch; sample from somewhere!
Shoes; Gucci
Ring; Dorothy Perkins
Earrings; Topshop
Bracelet; Valentino

Another day look - before the weather heated up of course.  Ralph Lauren ankle skimming jeans with a Cos top.  I've rolled the sleeves up a little as they finished just around my elbow and felt a little long.  I love the bright yellow hem, it really gives the top another dimension taking it from plain to having that little pop of colour.  

Im very pleased with my J.Crew purchases this year and this top has been no exception.  As I mentioned in my previous blog about it, I was a little dubious about the jewelled neckline but it has been in the machine, inside out on a hand wash cycle and no problems at all.  Gap jeans again and possibly my most worn shoes so far this year, my rose gold Primark sandals.  Don't get me wrong, they go with so much and are easy to throw on if I've not painted my toenails, but I know that won't be around next season as they have been well worn.  At £12, I didn't really expect them to last next season anyway.  

You get the idea - there's a theme to my casual looks - denim!  Flats were needed for the Robbie Williams concert and a cardi for when it got cooler.  I dug out this old Topshop cardi (and I'm talking 8+ years here) that has little peach flowers on it.  Somehow, it has stood the test of time and worked perfectly with my shoes and handbag.  The top is sleeveless, needed for the heat inside the O2.

Top; Zara
Cardi; Topshop
Watch; Tag
Bag; Italian - no idea, sorry!
Jeans; Gap
Shoes; Primark

It's been years since I saw Robbie solo (naturally I saw him when he reunited with Take That - HUGE fan!) and for some reason I didn't have any expectations, but he was amazing.  A true entertainer and the style of songs worked perfectly for him (his Swing Both Ways tour).  His Dad even came on to perform with him!  

Because.....it really is so true!

Bag; Prada
Pumps; French Sole
Jeans; Gap
Pouch; Lulu Guinness
T-shirt; Juicy Couture

The Gap Order

I promised I would share my orders with you after I went through a slump of  being un-inspired. Well, mmmm.  Gap.  The high waisted jean on me - Simon Cowell eat your heart out.  Yes, just in case you were wondering, they did go back.

I've always loved a turn up on a trouser (and sleeves, I am forever rolling them up) so thought I'd try a light grey with a large turn up.  After looking back at the pictures, they don't actually look as bad as they did in the flesh.  They had this acid wash all over them and they were just a little bit too cool for school for me.

Then another too cool for school style, the ripped effect.  As these were £24.99 I thought I'd give them a whirl and they were the same 'Straight Cut' as a pair I'd bought earlier in the year and really enjoy wearing.  My only concern was my original pair have got very loose, so I ordered two sizes. This was the larger size.  They were ok.

However I felt the size down fitted better, although a little tighter, they would perhaps wear better after a few washes and not loosen too much.

I do find it really frustrating that stores have such different prices online.  When I went to return the jeans, the ones I wanted to keep were £12.99 in store!  Nearly half the price than what they were online.  So I returned the lot and bought them back again at the reduced price.  That was after I got a talking to by the manager who said it's not normally allowed but would do as a good will gesture. Well I am so stubborn, had they not have done I would have walked away on principle. Anyway, rant over, I got them at the price I wanted to pay!

Bicester Village (again!)

If you are local to Bicester Village (or just fancy a trip) and are rather partial to savings on designer clobber, head to the village now as further mark downs are happening.  Rupert Sanderson had huge savings, and even more if you bought two pairs.  I was so tempted by these lovelies but the right foot had been tried on and over stretched so much the gap bothered me a lot when stood up.

There were some great little gifts as well.  Fendi and Valentino anyone?

Yep, £15 for a Fendi purse mirror!

Valentino rockstud python bracelet, I couldn't leave it behind.  £180 down to £46

More rockstuds, £530 down to £340

I stopped at the bracelet, this was somewhere in the hundreds!

The village also has the British Designers Collective shop at the moment.  I loved the Etre Cecile sweater below.  

£110 down to £65

These Nicholas Kirkwood shoes were pretty special.  

£670 down to £335

In the BDC shop, so many fantastic pieces.  My selfie below!

Bag & Sunglasses; Prada
Top; Zara
Jeans; Gap
Shoes: French Sole