Wardrobe Maintenane Products

As I've previously mentioned, I've been a bit flippant with the pennies of late and seem to have found lots I liked.  Time to stop and take stock.  With that in mind, it's great to have a little wardrobe maintenance.  There are a few things I always recommend my clients have in their wardrobe to help look after their clothes mainly, but also to organise and make it an overall enticing place to spend some time (especially for those who hate their wardrobes but want to start to love them again!).  

Always always always use something to help keep your jumpers pristine where wool is cocerned. Moths have a way of eating them no matter how much you think they can't get in.  I use the tea bag variety thrown in with all mine but I found the below in Aldi for a bargain £1.99.  Check out Amazon as well, they have a huge selection.

Aldi £1.99

If you are struggling with clothes but want to change your ways, add what you love near it.  Be it a picture, pretty hooks, a nice box to keep seasonal items in (scarf, gloves/swimwear, kaftans) or even change the drawer handles or door knobs.  Homebase surprisingly is great for picking up items like this.  Their home wear section always has affordable items, I love the little drawer set below (white, middle of the photo).

Invest in some decent hangers.  Don't use the old wire ones if you have any, bin them now as they do nothing for keeping the shape of your clothes.  The velvet ones below are in Homebase but TK Maxx also sell them in larger packs and different colours.

Organise that beauty drawer!  I use a clear display unit like the below that fits perfectly into my drawers, it was from Ikea.  TK Maxx are now stocking them and they start from £4.99 with a range of sizes.

TK Maxx from £4.99

I'm a rose fan so loved the below, also from TK Maxx but you can find these in most Homeware shops. 

TK Maxx £5.99

I'm also a big hook fan. I have them every where, inside my wardrobe door, on the wall next to my mirror, next to a shelving unit, if there's space, there will be a hook!  Use them for hanging outfits out ready for the next day, putting your scarves, handbags or belts on, hats, the list is endless.  

TK Maxx

The Tesco Round-Up!

Well, I am not sure what is wrong with me but I seem to be on a right old mission at the moment - there is just so much out there I like!  I have a whole host of clothes to share with you but I will start at the cheaper end (and probably the most forgiving, just pop a top in with the food shop - your payment for doing it right Mums!?!?).  I've always been a lover of a little bit of Tesco clothing, their cashmere in particular.  Being petite I do struggle with sizes but none the less I was searching in the name of research so picked out my favourite pieces to share with you.

Sue featured this amazing top over on her blog in the pink, I loved it.  Unfortunately I wasn't sold on this colour on me.  It just does nothing for me and does come up slightly large in size as it's a forgiving t-shirt style.  It's a great in-between top, not a tee but not a dressed up top.  The cut is great with little side splits and a half zip up the back.

£14

Denim dresses are everywhere and for £20, this one is great.  So easy to slip on and a great thick denim. Belt comes with it too!  I came up too long on me but I am a shorty!

£20

This cropped jacket looked very cute on the hanger.  It is however very thin and I wouldn't trust it would last that long.  For the price, you get what you pay for but I think there's better out there.

£18

Now I love loungewear, I would wear it out if my old stuff was even remotely acceptable so I am always looking out for something that just might work.  Like the above jacket, this is thin and I wasn't a fan of the material but the beading is gorgeous.  It is slightly cropped and more a charcoal colour than black.

£16

Matching trousers anyone?!

£14

Of all that I tried on, this was the one I loved the most.  100% cotton and we know how much I like my natural fibre compositions, the style was so flattering.  It comes up slightly large but then that is the style.  For £14 this is an absolute bargain and a classy little number to add to anyones wardrobe.  

£14

Now maybe someone can help me, I swear I read somewhere that the new 'Tesco Boost' permanently included being able to double up your vouchers for clothing - was I dreaming?  Please say not so that I can pop back and grab the above for £4!

The Shopping Edit Featuring Oasis, Warehouse & Zara

After a week of being poorly (laryngitis - family were pleased I could barely speak and took full advantage) I'm finally sharing with you my finds from last week-end.  I spent the afternoon in Milton Keynes helping a friend find an outfit for a wedding.  I was very well behaved on the shopping front, only photographing some of my favourite items out right now to share with you.  I was focused more on helping her which in turn helped my bank balance - that day at least!  I loved the denim that Oasis had to offer.

Oasis Dress £45 & Top £28

How stunning is this dress from Warehouse?  It was borderline a little too bright/neon for my liking on me but the shape is fantastic and with a tan I think it would look amazing.

Warehouse Dress £65

Over to one of my favourite shops, Zara.  I missed the boat on the pink wool coat trend and now it's warming up I'm on the look out for a lighter weight one instead.  It's not a 'need', more a 'want' so it won't be a purchase unless the price is right (and we all know how much I am addicted to a bargain).  I did love this coat but at £99.99 and a high polyester (snagging fibre) content I was put off.  The fit and cut was gorgeous though.  

I didn't see it style in store but I love the one below.  It's got a high cotton (natural fibre!) content and I love the colour as it wouldn't show up the dirt as much.  The pockets are a cute addition and it's a bit more casual than the one above.

Zara £89.99

I am still enjoying wearing my Gap Real Straight jeans, they have finally had a break for their first wash though!  They make me feel more summery despite the cooler weather and cashmere jumper!  I went all out with two animal prints, they weren't sat right next to each other so what the hell!  Gretel (Hansel & Gretel) sneaked into the background!

Cashmere jumper; La Redoute
Gilet; Zara
Jeans; Gap
Ballet pumps; French Sole

The Gap & Red Event & Some Sparkly Shoes

After waiting a whole extra month (thank you London transport for striking at the wrong time) I finally made it to Red magazines evening with Gap.  Gap has a new creative director Rebekka Bay, previously from Cos and this was her first collection since joining. 

So first up, what to wear.  Yep, it was a last minute job with a few unexpected extra's thrown in to really make me work hard to get there but thanks to a great mate who happens to also be fab with my kids, my childcare dilemma's were sorted swiftly.  I am definitely very much a dresser based on mood, I need to feel it at that moment in time.  I had wanted to wear something bright but I just couldn't so after lining up some of my favourite tops, The Kooples on the right won.  It's navy with black lace, comfortable, forgiving in the tummy area and stylish.  

The below however is what my husband came home to find.  SORRY!  He knew it was no mean feet to get there so he tidied it all up for me and made no comment.  I am grateful for his patience with me at times like this!

With half an hour to spare before it started, I dragged my friend to Selfridges to have a play.  She was mortified that I try on expensive handbags and shoes then walk away.  What's wrong with that?! In my dreams one day I would love to walk in and pay full price for high end items, until then though, I am content with trying them on and dreaming, then finding them cheaper elsewhere (best ever charity shop find post coming soon).  

I give you, Mr Christian Louboutin.  Just to sparkly for words and the camera!

The best outfit shot you will get from that night, I was to distracted!
Jeans; Gap
Top; The Kooples
Leather jacket; Miss Selfridge
Ballet Pumps; French Sole (changed into my Bally Switzerland courts for the event!)
Bag; Balenciaga

More sparkles over at Gina.  My only regret on my wedding day was not splashing out on the silver Gina sling back shoes I had fallen in love with.  I couldn't justify the price at the time.  8.5 years later and I still think about them and how many more wears I would have had out of them.

Over at Gap we were suitably welcomed with Champagne and canapés whilst we awaited the talks to start.

Fiona Collins from Gap started off the evening (check out her amazing heels, I should have zoomed in!) followed on by Red's fashion & shopping editor Laura Fantacci.  Laura put together some great staple looks, my favourite featuring the denim shirt.

Probably the shoe of the moment right now, the skater shoe.  Move over bright colourful trainer, the skater is in town.

I was pretty slack on the photo front, I was to busy rummaging around and playing dress up.  Luckily that day Gap's 30% off had arrived so armed with my voucher I decided to not get carried away and only buy what I needed.  I loved this print below, £24.95.  It made a nice change from Gap's staple stripe prints even though I am still a fan of their stripes, if it ain't broke and all that.  However I feel I have bought a few sweaters recently so I wasn't really in need of any more.

So I ended up with some jeans.  Those who know me, know they are my favourite bottoms to wear, I am a jeans girl and a 'skinny jeans' style girl at that.  I have tried on various other styles but the fit never seems to work. Until that day in Gap. Emily Gegg from Gap had on an amazing pair and after we chatted about how she also had been into skinnies but these made her change, I tried on their 'straight leg' style.  I wanted a lighter pair for Summer and these were perfect.  I paid £31.46 and have worn them so much already.  They have lightened up my wardrobe, although the sun has helped as well!  They are not a boyfriend fit but are looser than a skinny, the perfect in-between style.  They do come up large so you may need to go down a inch in the waist.   

worn with my Converse and Zoe Karssen sweater

So the moral of the story is, for all the ladies who I work with and those on email, even when you do think you've found the perfect style jean, it's always worth trying another style again.  You never know what you may find, even I have moved into a new jean era! 

The High Street Edit featuring H&M, Warehouse & Mint Velvet

I was working with a client last week on a shopping trip and as always, I get there a little earlier to have some time to browse around.  In 3 hours, we did 3 shops.  Yep, 3 shops only.  I like to do them well!  She did however spend her budget and came away very happy and eager to spend more.  We spent time in House of Fraser, New Look and H&M.  We fitted her in the most amazing pair of skinny jeans from New Look for £22.99.  Well done New Look, great cut, finish and the right amount of stretch.  They have a great selection so do take the time to have a look.

I then had to go back into town the next day to have a little trying on session for myself!  The main items that caught my eye to try were in H&M.  Sadly (but happily for my bank balance) they weren't right for me but might just be for you!

£24.99 bought, returned!  Wanted to replace a holed, much loved cream top I have.  I wanted to feel as fabulous in it as my other top (not a H&M one) but it didn't hit the mark for me.

Loved this on the hanger, so wanted to love it on.  Just not the right shape on me, but the print was great.

Had my eye on this denim number for a while.  Great, on trend shape but the fabric was so fine that you could see the pockets through it as below.  (yes, I was being lazy, jeans are still half on!)

Too many lumps & bumps going on, such a shame.

A great dress, just too long on me.  Nice light fabric for the warmer weather.

I have a thing about quilted bomber style jackets at the moment. Had they had my size, it probably would have been purchased (and quite possibly returned!)

I bought this dress in cream whilst I was working in London last year and they have now brought it out £10 cheaper (£29.99) in floral and a thinner material. I liked the thick fabric before but with this print they've done a good job.

Bikini shopping is right up there with my hated bra shopping.  However I fell in love with this print.  It's still sat in the bag upstairs awaiting a decision though!

Ending H&M on their most positive of collections.......

If you are looking for a fitted, slimming dress for work, give Warehouse a look.  I think this is a great classic with those slimming black side panels, defining/working in a waist.

£50

For more panelling Mint Velvet had this gorgeous top.  Probably one of my favourite pieces of their current collection.  The fabric felt weighty enough to show quality but still great for warmer weather.

£59

How gorgeous is this jacket, also from Mint Velvet (seen in House of Fraser).  Seriously in love with this.  I can see it working so well with any wardrobe staples such as jeans, skirts, over dresses.

£79

Over to what I wore that day.  I am at my most comfiest in jeans so my black wet look Gap's were worn, teamed with some colourful cashmere from M&S and jewels from New Look.  Boots by Sam Edelman.

Trusted Zara fur gilet thrown on for good measure!

Where have you been shopping on the High Street recently that's given you inspiration?

Some Ugg Love At Bicester Village

Don't read the title and stop there, it's not of the boot variety!  I do love my Ugg's, despite the fact they look ugly on my feet.  There is a place for throwing them on and feeling snug in my life but they aren't anything nice to look at in my opinion (I did used to believe they were back in the day when they were originally released).  Comfort though.  Now that's a different story altogether.  Following on from my last post about my daily vests (this is a style/fashion/shopping blog, honest) and how I'm always cold, my feet are no exception.  I wear bed socks pretty much throughout the whole year.

My sister was visiting last week so dragged me along to Bicester Village for a mooch.  It was hard going.  For anyone in a similar situation to me on the cold and comfort front, have a look at these.  All sheepskin lined and so so comfortable.  Had I not spent my pennies elsewhere, these I would have invested in. 

£110 down to £88

A slipper inside a shoe!

£90 down to £63

As these aren't suede they look a little less slipper like

I want the gold!

£95 down to £64

The animal print (above, right) is probably my favourite of them all.  More of a shoe than a ballet pump, I think these would look great with a rolled up jean.  Has anyone branched from an Ugg boot to a shoe, are they as comfy or is it purely that the boot encases your whole foot of fluffy warmth that's the magic?