Bringing Out The Legs!

Back to school runs this week - where on earth has the Summer holidays gone?  Christmas is just around the corner now!  I looked in my wardrobe and realised there were clothes I haven't had the chance to wear yet and now possibly won't until next Summer.  Ok, I may have a large 'ish' wardrobe but still, I don't feel like we've had the heat to wear half of it.  With that in mind, I made an effort to wear t-shirts I'd forgotten about with jeans (and a thermal vest!) and braved it, even giving my legs an airing!  I admit, I was a little cold but I was adamant I was not going to put on a coat - much to the bewilderment of my Mum and Sister.  

A quick changing room selfie as my sister didn't get a good one of me to use! 

Jumper; Sandro
Leather skirt; Mango
Boots; Topshop

My Lizzie cat loves to get in on my mirror action!

In between school runs and a few hours work I managed a quick dash around some shops as is obligatory when my sister comes to town.  Now for some reason, I was so controlled.  To the point of actually really not wanting to buy a thing - I have been a little bad of late so it was about time.  I even turned down a silk (yes silk, you know me and my good fibre composition obsession!) Sandro top heavily reduced to £30.  I talked myself out of it as I have a fair few white/cream tops plus it was reduced as marked and a button missing.  It didn't deserve my money.  I loved this Alice Temperly dress below but it was too long and the sleeves too frilly.  Apart from that - gorgeous!

Now on to some dreamy items which were never going to be purchased, but I 'papped' them just to share their beauty on my blog!

I love a cross body bag, these Gucci's were just as fabulous in the flesh.  Reduced to around the £600 mark

I didn't think this Givenchy was bad for £162, it was a fair size and I thought the print was a classic so would last you for years

Chloe pumps - amazing!  Too pricey to remember!

Anyone else feel they are holding back on the shopping front or is it just me?  I am holding out for a Indian Summer so not heavily purchasing for Autumn/Winter yet.  I am however making a little shopping list in preparation!

Outfit Post

I feel like I'm MIA a lot at the moment with posting, tweeting etc. - apologies, life is just so hectic right now!  Before I pop out to do some work this evening here's what I wore at the week-end for a kids party I took my youngest too.  I must say, these Topshop Leigh jeans are literally lived in.  They are a navy blue but a really really soft denim - almost borderline not a denim.  They are my go to trouser for comfort, easy for running after children are a great fit and style.

Coat; Zara
Jumper; Alice Temperley
Jeans & Boots; Topshop
Bag; Prada

I wore my Alice Temperley jumper which pretty much matched the colour of my boots then added some colour with my Zara coat.  Nothing new purchased here, just some great staples working well from my wardrobe.

I even braved a bare ankle (but did have trainer socks on!)

I love the big collar and colour of this coat

The bobble's on this jumper made me buy it!

The Animal Print Reigns Chief

I was off out to the Backstreet Boys film premier/concert last week - yes, honestly, I love them.  I don't get how people can like music then disown it (I am fiercely loyal in all walks of life!).  Damn it those boys can sing and not only that, they still can 22 years later......that's just a little 'in your face' for all the haters/laughers out there he he he!  I knew I was going to have an hour or two spare before hand to wonder the streets of London so needed comfort yet wanted to feel a little smarter than just the jeans and t-shirt I had on.  My old faithful Zara coat did the job along with my vintage hat find from last year.  I literally had a beaded style t-shirt on (ok and a thermal vest) underneath as I do get hot on the tube etc.  Throw on my cashmere H&M scarf for extra neck warmth and I was good to go.  

Hat; Vintage
Coat; Zara
Scarf; H&M
Bracelet (rose gold, just seen); Annie Haak
Jeans; Topshop
Bag; Prada
Boots; Sam Edelman

For my regular readers - spot Lizzie the cat!

T-shirt; Topshop (beaded up the top, forgot to grab a photo!)

I love how animal print really can just add something to an outfit without making it too much.  This Alice Temperley scarf was the perfect addition to my otherwise fairly bland outfit.  I don't ever feel 100% comfortable with a lot of black on so before I ran out of the house to a client, I added this scarf.  The print brought another dimension to the look and as it has a lighter stone colour in it, it also took the eye away from my black bottom half.

Merino Jumper; Gap
Scarf; Alice Temperley
Bracelet; Annie Haak
Watch; Tag Heuer
Skirt; Mango
Tights; Primark
Boots; Ash
Lucky Black Cat; Lizzie

I think this scarf was called the 'panther' print, it's a few seasons old now

The Outfit Post

Just a little round up of some of the outfits that I actually remembered to take a photo of over the festive period!  Starting with my eldest's Christingle service.  It's always cold in the church so I opted for my large coat and a thick knit.  I bought this coat years ago (I am thinking about 4 years) in the Brussels Zara.  At the time I remember writing a blog post on it as I was desperate for the Topshop big animal fur one but I had too many people around me shouting loudly not to (and Bet Lynch!).  This seemed a more subtle coat and a compromise.  I am so glad I took the leap with it, I love the fit and years later, I still dig it out and feel good in it.  Done up or not, I just feel it falls really well. 

Coat; Zara
Jeans; Topshop Baxter
Boots; Ash Jalouse 

Jumper; Alice Temperley 

Boxing Day madness, my sister and I decided to head to Bicester Village and to be honest, it really wasn't that bad.  We were really lucky with a car space and from there on in, it all seemed to fall into place.  There were queues but they moved fast (apart from Ugg, we refused to wait in that line).  My Ash boots are becoming a firm favourite, the heel is really great for walking in.  They have broken in so well and I don't think I've worn a boot this much in a while.  Another Zara coat as well!  This was bought in the sale last year.

Hat; Vintage
Coat; Zara
Scarf; Moschino
Jeans; Topshop Joni
Boots; Ash

New Years Day saw me drive into London to take my sister shopping for her birthday.  We had a great day roaming around, it was fairly quite and again, the Ash boots served me well.  I forgot to get a full on shot but you get the gist of it!

Scarf; Dents - cashmere
Jeans; Topshop Joni
Leather Coat (just seen); Miss Selfridge
Bracelets; Tiffany, Valentino, Annie Haak
Bag; Chanel
Boots; Ash Jalouse

Lastly, my eldest's birthday a few days later and more shops - but this time the Disney Store!  I layer up when shopping as I hate getting hot and flustered (usually happens when the sales are on.....) so I can easily peel layers off.  I mixed up prints and dragged out an old sale purchase from Accessorize.

Scarf; Accessorize
T-Shirt; Topshop

I didn't get a shot of me on my birthday (besides the cheesy grin one outside VB's store in the last post!) but yes, you've guessed it, the Ash boots were worn again.  What did I wear before I had these?!?!

The One About The Bows

I had a lovely afternoon out with some girlfriends last week, we were so fortunate with the weather and met up for Afternoon Tea (and a little light shopping!).  I didn't want to overdress so opted for my loose jeans then dug out an old top that I nearly got rid of in my clear out recently.  It wasn't a style top I would normally purchase as isn't very long in the body and just sat on the hips but it worked perfectly with these jeans.  

Top; Holister
Belt; Alice Temperley
Jeans; Gap
Bag; Prada
Sunglasses; Prada
Shoes' Bally Switzerland

I decided on my favourite court shoes from Bally Switzerland but then as the shoes and back of the top had black bows on I added my bow belt as well!  

I know I've mentioned the Dior Nail Glow before (Sue, I owe you, it's a life saver!) but haven't shown you the effect.  It makes your whites white and your pinks pink!  This was literally one quick coat as I jumped in the car, allowing it time to dry whilst I drove.