My Old Faithfuls

You know when you have a pair of jeans that are very old and up close they really do look it yet they are so comfy and from afar they don't look too bad (in my opinion anyway)?  Here's my Topshop Baxters which are so worn they have naturally faded around the knees (probably will become ripped soon!) however I just can't bear to part from them, they are like a second skin.  Cost Per Wear wise I don't even think they've cost me 1p.  Any new one's I've bought don't seem to fit like these hence I've started trying other styles by Topshop (rate their Joni and Leigh one's at the moment).

Jumper; M&S Cashmere
Belt; J Crew
Jeans; Topshop
Boots; Ash

They were a much darker blue to start!

Do you have some golden oldies lurking in your wardrobe too?

The One About The Boots

So after my last post on my purchases in August, I promised to share some pictures of the new items in action.  It has turned into a post pretty much about the boots though!  There I was deliberating over which colour to keep for at least a week, then once I decided, there was no stopping me wearing them!  

Top; J Crew
Skirt; Moschino
Boots; Topshop
Bag; Prada

Worn for the first time was my Moschino skirt from this blog post.  I was thrilled when I found it in the Bath TK Maxx but hadn't worn it yet.  I was starting to think it was a bad purchase as I couldn't get it to work for me, then the boots arrived in my life and the fate of it was decided!  Due to the tie being at the side, it had to be worn with a top tucked in. 

Photo bombed after an exciting party day (then poor Great Nan was about to get a headache of a visit!)

I love the frill around the front and yes, those are trainer socks you can see (from this angle only!)

The first outing for them actually came with my bargain Zara top and my very old and pretty faded black Topshop jeans, with a big turn up (I am rather partial to a turn up!).

Top; Zara
Jeans; Topshop - Baxter's (they don't make 'em like they used to...)
Boots; Topshop

Lastly and probably my least favourite outfit with them was teamed with my Gap jeans and new silk Whistles top.  Not 100% sure on looking back if I like this combination but I was in a hurry, it was way to early on a Sunday morning so it had to do. 

Top; Whistles
Jeans; Gap
Boots; Topshop
Bag; Balenciaga

What originally made me keep this colour boot was that I'd tried them on with a dark blue jean and loved them together.  However my favourite look so far is with the skirt, I love them with the polka dot.  I think the black would only have extenuated my short legs by having a dark blob on the end of them.  The nude colour works perfectly.

The June Shopping List - Published & Updated In August!

I had this idea to have a monthly shopping list, purely for my own benefit as I get so led by a bargain I forget what I actually need in my wardrobe.  I wrote this list in June but I got carried away in the sales and forgot all about it!  To be fair to myself, I have purchased from it however I have also added a few new items and put some on the back burner. 

I firstly wrote; No more breton stripes (for a while at least, I appreciate this is a classic) nor cardigans.  Failed on both BUT this top from the Gap outlet was £4.90 and the cashmere and cotton cardigan from Costco £12.99.  So I'm letting myself off based on the fact that I spent less than £20 on my failures.  

So the 'needs' looked like this;

• Black skinny/fitted jeans (my old faithful Topshop Baxters are now grey).  Not urgent right now
• Beige small heeled ankle boots suitable for walking.  I purchased these from Jones Bootmaker. I sat them on the box in my bedroom for a few weeks and every time I went to wear them something stopped me.  I talked myself out of them so they went back. Maybe it's the weather and that I'm in open shoes (although out of season buying is usually a favourite of mine) either way, they just didn't make the cut

• Casual skirts/dresses - I purchased the Zara one from this blog below and the Moschino skirt seen in this blog so there's a tick here!
• Trophy jacket - this is now on hold partly based on the weather but also I tried on a fair old few and none worked on me so I got a little deflated and stopped looking
• Denim shorts - NEED the most.  I have a good selection of smarter shorts now but am really struggling finding a denim pair that fits properly.  I am tempted by these from Esprit

Stretch denim shorts £29

• Shirts/blouses - smarter styled tops
• Skater Shoes - finally found some that fitted from Next.  I wanted something that sat in-between a trainer and a ballet pump and these do the job nicely (even more so for £9 and leather!)

(Thank you Kat for sharing yours on your blog)

• Newly added - a swimming costume.  They are everywhere at the moment and the hang ups that they are old school is long gone, move over bikini, the swimsuit is well and truly back.  This is probably my toughest quest as not only am I long in the body so the ones I've tried end up far too low, but not being blessed in the chest department I don't want to completely flatten what I have!  I am not holding out much hope
• Second newly added - wedding outfit for a beach wedding end of October.  It will be hot hot hot, sandy and my girls are flower girls so I will be dashing about after them all day.  I need sleeveless, not too pale to show up dirt (preferably a print), a good fabric that won't make me sweat and thick enough straps to cover my bra (comfort will be key and me & strapless bras don't get on).  So the hunt it well and truly on!

So there you have it.  It's written in black and white what I am missing.  Lets see how I do this month and will update you in September.  

The Zara Order

So the shopping mojo is definitely on it's way back - yippee!  It all started with a very cheap top but I'll get to that, first up - what went back.  I know I'm harping on but I really think Zara offer an amazing delivery service for online shoppers.  Free over £50, get's to you pretty much within 48 hours then free courier to your door to pick it up.  This time round though I was near a store so decided to return there.  The sales assistant whizzed them through the scanner, said she didn't need my card and that it was all done remotely, then within half an hour I received an email to say my return had been received and funds will be reimbursed - brilliant!  

Enough of the praise, back to what went back.  I didn't plan on it all working, so my little clothing budget wasn't going to be blown in Zara but it's always great to try things.  I loved the look of this jumpsuit, the colour was great for every day, it looked like a comfortable fabric - but the sizing, wow how out could it be.  This was an XS and it was huge.  I am petite but this was honestly more like a Medium in size.  I know they are supposed to be worn loose but this was more like a sack (although oddly enough the photo's don't make it look as huge as it was).  I still like it and would recommend but beware, it does come up large so size down.

I had high hopes for this top.  I had seen it in store but not in my size.  I was looking for something smarter than a t-shirt but not too formal.  This again came up large and was really none-descript when on.  It almost felt like the fabric was too heavy for the design.  

Trousers how you pain me!  I loved these, especially the bright colour but they didn't sit right on me and I felt I would be tugging them up all the time (shot on the right to demonstrate!).  However Jane has these and they look amazing on her.  

Then finally came the £7.99 top that I loved.  Cotton, breton stripe, sleeveless and high neck - all the combinations I like on my frame.  It's one of those items you put on and think yep, I like it, I'm wearing it, so I did, straight away!  

We were off to London to the Science museum for the day so I opted for my Onitsuka Tiger trainers for comfort, skinny jeans from Topshop and what's turning out to be one of my favourite pieces of cashmere from Boden.  

Then just because I was feeling happy with a purchase after all the no's, I popped on a chained M&S necklace to glam it up a little!

My favourite perfume was splashed on and easy nails with Dior Glow (thanks Sue), I was set for the day.  

Oh and I dug out my old Gucci messenger bag which I haven't used in years.  I really enjoyed using it that day even though I feel I have moved on from the monogram style now.

Have you made any cheap purchases recently that have made you want to make an effort - or is it just the weather that seems to be helping?!?!  Please stay sunshine, you make everything feel alright! 

The Tidy Up & Some Outfits

I was on another one of my missions last week-end to clear out some more elderly members of my wardrobe and have a re-shuffle in there.  It went well, the charity shop was pleased!  Does anyone else find that their nail polishes never go off either?!?  I tried to have a sort out but after running out of fingers and toes to test on, I concluded that they were all fine anyway!

My original nail polish basket was over flowing so they ended up in a softer basket then in the tray of my tall unit that normally houses jumpers, t-shirts etc.  I had had such a good sort through that it left space at the bottom to neatly store my favourite shoes (ok, and the pricier ones) as well. The unit is from Ikea's Pax range but I have a walk in wardrobe (it's not as large as it sounds) so this just stands on its own in the middle.  It's great that whenever you buy items from them, they are all made to fit inside one another.  The shoe boxes weren't bought initially to go in the unit, but they are just the right size anyway.  I love opening the door now and seeing them right in front of me all safely tucked away and protected (from the cats and the children!).  Sometimes a little re-organising is all it takes to make the wardrobe more inspiring and enticing.  

A comfy casual outfit below.  My favourite Topshop Baxter jeans and a very soft La Redoute cashmere jumper.  My animal French Sole pumps have worn in beautifully, I fully recommend them.

I had a meeting with a client last week to sort through her wardrobe.  Whenever I do wardrobe edits I like to be comfortable as I get stuck in and always end up on my hands and knees at some point (mostly turning trousers up, I don't go under their beds searching for clothes honest!).  My silk and cotton J Crew T-shirt finally got an airing.  I picked out the deep purple and wore my Gap jeans with them, then my old favourite Miss Selfridge leather jacket, quite possibly the best £35 I have ever spent on leather!  I remember trying it on in the Debenhams in Westfield on New Years day years ago (my sisters birthday and we had all gone shopping!) and my whole family hated it.  I just had a feeling about it though and unusually for me, I ignored their advice and bought it.  

I love the silk back!

Finished with another pair of Spanish shoes from last years holiday that were ridiculously cheap, around £10 from memory, leather in and out!  It doesn't matter about the cost, it's about what your clothes are made from and how well they are constructed that counts!

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and starting to wear your Spring/Summer wardrobes! 

The Christmas Presents: Bare Minerals, Dior, Essie & H&M

I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite presents (sorry, there is favourites!).  Kat over at Does My Bum Look 40 recommend these Dior Lip Glow balm and glosses and being a fan of their Lip Maximiser (the tingling gloss plumps your lips) they went straight on my wish list.  I love them!  The lip balm is sheer in colour when it goes on (although as you can see from the below it looks pink) and has this special formula that adapts to your own natural colour, so it is different on everyone.  It makes my lips look pinker but is so natural and is perfect to use minus a lip liner and mirror.  It may be my new 'Chubby Stick'.  The gloss works in a similar way (don't be put off by how bright it is below) but literally its the gloss version, goes on clear and adapts to your natural colour.  If you want an easy, low maintenance pout then give these a try.  

I was thrilled to receive Miss Olivia Palermo's favourite 'Lollipop' Essie nail colour.  It's brighter than I thought it would be but that hasn't stopped me loving it.  I've got a little too used to a duller red.  This is refreshing on my nails, not as neon as below, but a slightly more orange tinge to it.  I think it will be worn loads over the Spring/Summer months.  I hurried a coat on for New Years eve and one coat still gave a great colour.  I didn't have time for a second so it did chip the day after, but I think a second  coat would have made it stay put a little longer. 

A favourite foundation brand of mine is BareMinerals.  My sister picked out this blusher set for me and it came complete with the softest brush.  I have used all three colours together which gives a definite shinier look but have also been using the cream and pink on their own.  I have been trying to get to a counter to re-buy my powder foundation as I have now finished it and love it to bits but I've so far been really unlucky and the staff have either finished for the day or been on a break!  I will get there soon as I miss it already.  

Finally onto the scarves.  My black cashmere scarf featured in this post was lovingly sent by Santa, thank you Santa so much.  It is yet to be worn but is a missing item in my scarf shelf so it's a definite keeper.  It's a lot wider than it appears so I am pleased with the extra cashmere for the money!  Now sadly onto a returned one.  I saw this one also from H&M a while ago and being an animal print lover and thinking it was a bargain for around £8 added it to my wish list.  Seen below, I was pretty happy with it so far (sign says 'Merry Christmas' by the way!) until I sat in the car and looked down at my cashmere top beneath.  It was covered in fluff.  I hadn't realised when I wrote to Santa (!) that it contained angora and it's never been a material I've liked due to the fluff factor.  However due to recent media coverage on how a rabbit is actually skinned to get the fur, it's further secured the fact it won't be present in my wardrobe.  I took it off immediately (it had literally been 10 minutes), sorry Santa!

Jeans; Topshop Baxter
Black short sleeved cashmere top: Joseph
Cardi: Jack Wills
Boots: Topshop Adios 

What's been your favourite gifts this Christmas?

PS I also got the lush River Island gem necklace from this post, 3 out of 6 from that post, not bad at all Santa!

PPS I'm off to spend a voucher in the Boden sale, it finished tonight in case you didn't know! 

Next Bloggers Network Workshop

I had the pleasure of attending Next's first ever Blogger's Network Workshop last week.  I went completely blind as to what to expect.  Starting with my commute in.  I had planned on the trains but St Jude had started and trains were being cancelled left right and centre.  I decided to drive into London (probably about 50 miles from my house).  I love driving into London so it didn't bother me in the slightest, I just planned a little extra time and to drive slower.

London bound!

Pleeeeease let me make it to London!

The event was held at The Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch (fab venue if you're near).  We were greeted by Gemma from Jam (who sends the friendliest of emails I want to add, lovely lady) and welcomed into the 'kitchen' for a cuppa.

The fully working kitchen and breakfast, yum!

We were then split into 3 groups for 3 different sessions.  I won't bore you with all the details (boring for you, not for me that is!) but needless to say the sessions were so informative for us Bloggers.  I am so thankful to Next for organising such an event, it was a great day full of hints and tips for us bloggers, with guest talkers from other very successful blogs.  Namely, Abisola from Abimarvel, Emily from Fashion Foie Gras, Kit from Style Slicker, Lily from Lilypebbles, Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup and the very blog design savvy Faye from FK Designs.  All of whom were so friendly and humble about their achievements.

Eyes open shot, I'm good to you I know.

I am honest enough to admit, I was having serious wardrobe malfunctions leading up to the event.  I wanted to be comfortable yet feel smart and confident therefore height would be needed with some heels.  Court shoes and skinny jeans it was.  Plus probably my favourite top by Pyrus, I really need to visit their store and buy some more.  It has silk in it (one of my favourite fabrics) and washes so well without loosing shape.  I love how it fits and feels.  Teamed with my Next chain statement necklace (£12) and my Moschino shoes (very very old TK Maxx buy) and voila.  (Obviously I drove in Uggs!). Oh and saving the best until last, my Chanel handbag which was a charity shop find, I know I am a lucky lady, someone was watching over me that day.

Some pictures from the day.

Hollie from Mummy, Wife and Chaos was just as pleased as me to see the sweetie station!

There were just a few outfits on show with a couple of rails to browse through.  I love the biker jacket with the elegant dress look, really adds some va va voom to it all! 

'Cheese'!  Hollie, me & Aimee-Jade from Bella La Moda

The lovely Monica from The Elgin Avenue's fab Next shoe boots

YUM!

Afternoon tea, we were well and truly looked after

Check out Sandra's jumper who blogs over at The Chicest, roar! 

Because they deserved a close up all of their very own.

Thank you Gemma from Spreading Jam agency!

The scariest part of my day?  The storm? Nope.  Driving my car into a lift to get into the car park.....

Thank you Next for a fabulous day.  I think you can safely say it was a success and has left me seriously impressed with the effort made by you to engage with your bloggers.  Now bare with me readers, after all that I've learnt, some changes will be taking place to make this a better read for you!

Surviving A School Trip!

It was a loooong day!  But I did it, 25 x 6/7 year old's, a gaggle of Mum volunteers, a sore throat by the end of it (tonsillitis none the less) but a very pleased daughter that her Mummy was there.  We spent the day at Claydon House and I am ashamed to admit, I've never been before and it is so close (Waddesdon Manor is even closer I'm afraid).  What absolutely stunning views and grounds.  I will definitely be going back with the family and a large picnic when the weather warms up next year.  So what did I wear, well probably should have swapped around what I wore today for it but never mind, on disrupted sleep, a poorly baby and getting out the house by 8.30am this is what it ended up being.

Cardi - Jack Wills (Bicester Village)
Top - H&M
Satchel - The Cambridge Satchel Company
Jeans - Topshop
Pumps - French Sole

Apologies about the colour on these shots, they were rushed whilst the children were acting out the Crimean War and we had a minute to ourselves, somehow a filter was applied!  I am loving wearing my bargain £15 Topshop Baxter jeans that were made for short people (the 28" leg ones), it's great not to have to turn them up, although I do like a turn up.  I have had my orange H&M breton for a while now, it hasn't lost it's shape but I must admit I prefer the Zara organic cotton ones, they don't tend to ride up.  The Jack Wills cardi is getting a lot of wear, I love it.  My French Sole ballet pumps are breaking in nicely, they have loosened up so I may need an innersole for my smaller foot (yep, odd feet, a whole size).  

I think I managed to take in some information about Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War whilst I was there, well definitely the story about loosing her cat on the train anyway!  No testing me on my knowledge though please, just use Google.....

I Couldn't not share some of the views, stunning English countryside.

The Converse, well I have worn them twice already!  Yes, a little pinching on the big toe but so needed an in between shoe from a ballet pumps with no socks to a hardcore Winter boot, these fit the bill perfectly.  A bit of an animal over load today, but it's fun to play with prints sometimes.

Tee - Juicy Couture
Cardi - Gap (merino wool one)
Jeans - Black (kind of grey now) Topshop Baxter
Shoes - Converse

Anyone else been experimenting with double prints recently?