The New Coat With An Old Dress

I think I may have mentioned a few times on my blog over the last year how I've been on the hunt for some sort of 'trophy' jacket.  My interpretation of this is something that adds to my wardrobe in the patterned department to enhance a simpler look or add contrast to an already lively one!  I've tried several, most of the cropped ones are just too short on me (the Mango one from this post being one of them) and nothing ticked the boxes.  Until I saw this one in Zara which I blogged about and decided to wait until I was in Spain to benefit from the current Euro exchange rate.  However, I then found the one below, exactly the same style just a different pattern (warmer I felt) and no fake pockets around the bust line which I wasn't keen on anyway.

It's £79.99 here but I paid in the £50's for it after the exchange rate - it was €69.99

It's perfect for this time of year, a lovely light weight cotton with 3/4 sleeves and it's fitted in very well with my current wardrobe.  So much so it's probably been one of the only jackets I've worn recently! I had a christening to go to last week-end and wore a very old Kate Moss/Topshop dress and the coat was the perfect addition to it.

It was a tad windy!

I decided to mix up the blues for this outfit

An oldie but I still love it, thank you Kate Moss!

The accessories were kept minimal with a few bracelets from Tiffany, Swarovski and Annie Haak.  Miu Miu clutch and a bright Essie polish (which picked out the red in my coat) and my little Chanel card holder for a few cards and notes!

First outing for my blue suede courts which were bought in the January sales from TK Maxx for around the £10 mark - last of the big spenders me! 

So there you have it, one of my purchases from my Spanish holiday - a few more to share but this is possibly my favourite so I had to share it first.  I am so pleased with how it's worked so quickly for me in my wardrobe, especially when it's made me wear an old dress lurking in the back.

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 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.......!

My Christmas Party Outfit

My silk Uniqlo shirt was worn for the first time at the week-end for my husbands works Christmas party.  Over the many years he's been there it's been a bit of an evolution as far as my party froc is concerned.  I used to stress for months in advance and buy such a sparkly dress I would rarely have the occasion for it again nor would dream of wearing it to the next Christmas party they threw.  The dress code has also got more relaxed, smart trousers are accepted and peoples outfits really vary.  I really didn't want to buy something I was never going to wear again.  I already had everything in my wardrobe apart from the shirt.  I grabbed this when it was on sale last month for £19.90.  

It was far too cold to stand outside for a more scenic shot and was dark anyway.  Must work on finding a good corner somewhere in my house for photos and better lighting!

I decided last minute on my shoes and accessories.  I did a shout out on my Facebook page as to which shoes a while ago.  It was either a suede bow court or these animal ones.  The majority ruled so animal it was!  I really fancied clashing a little more so went with my blue clutch and red festive nails but put a little more blue in with my bracelets as well just so there was some more colour elsewhere on me!

Skirt; H&M
Bracelets; Swarovski & Annie Haak
Clutch; Miu Miu
Shoes; Mulberry

Just peeping through my shirt was my little diamond heart necklace

Because they deserved a picture all of their very own!  'Strokeable' as well!

We completely forgot to get a proper shot together, this was a quick one taken by a friend!

So are you all party ready?  Have you purchased a new froc or recycling current pieces with the odd new one thrown in?  I am really pleased with how my outfit turned out.  I love the skirt, it's a real show piece as has a lot of volume to it.  I can't believe I nearly returned it!

The Ash Press Day

I had a half day in London the other week where I raced around to a few press days and sample sales in between school drop off's and parents evening.  I shunned the tube and reckon I walked a fair old few miles but I love London so any opportunity to view it from ground level, I take it.  First off I went to the Ash SS15 press day.  For those of you who don't know the brand (where have you been??) they are pretty damn famous for their Jalouse boot and wedge trainers.  New to 2015 is their clothing line, some great pieces in store for us all.  Here's a round up of my favourites.

Their new clothing collection has a simple colour palette with distinctive yet un-fussy patterns.  The quilted texture, looked just as good in the flesh.

The leather items were stunning.

Suede boots - my absolute favourite and the peep toes weren't bad either!

Their wedge trainers are still there with the trainer addition of animal prints, colour and sparkles.

For those of you who thought the skater shoe was a one season wonder, think again.

Snake print, fringing, studding, leather and suede = WINNERS!

I'm not a huge fan of the heavier sole but agree they are very trendy.  However the snake print can stay for good!

If I wasn't such a tight Mummy then I would so be decking my girls out in their shoes - oh and grab myself a matching pair of trainers!

The leather back pack is back for another season.  Stunning leather, a true made to last item.

Fringing also back again next season with three amazing easy to wear colours available

Simple and chic, love this so much 

So what to wear on a damp day walking around London?  My leather skirt of course!  I wore a simple thin merino jumper (with a vest under for extra warmth, naturally) and kept colour out accept for my jacket.

Jumper; Gap
Bracelet; Annie Haak
Watch; Tag
Skirt; Mango
Boots; Topshop

Jacket; Zara
Bag; Balenciaga

I may have made an impromptu purchase at the Ash sample sale but that can wait until another post....!

The Annie Haak Bracelet

I previously blogged about my first introduction to Annie Haak in November last year (see here), I saw them at a press day.  I tried on the 'Yard of Rose Gold' bracelet and loved it.  Not only because it actually fitted properly needing no adjustment but I loved the idea of a yard of gold around my wrist - a feeling of luxury thinking I could have that much length in gold on me!  I also liked that it was a simple, fuss free design that could be worn every day.  One thing I have learnt over the years is that when purchasing something a bit more pricey than the norm, I want to wear it as much as I can, not save it for best.  Best can be worn daily too, you know!

I had some 'special' money set aside for a piece of jewellery to remind me of some dear relatives that are no longer with me and as soon as I saw there was a 10% discount, I knew this was a done deal.  My sister also wanted one so we have matching.  After being made to order, they arrived 4 days later by recorded delivery with a hand written note inside - I love personal touches like this.

I was given a silver single bracelet at the press day which has been worn a lot and it still looks as good as new so I had no doubt about the quality of the item.  I paid £139.50 for my bracelet with the discount (sorry, it's ended now!), they are £155 normally.  I don't wear a lot of jewellery but I love staple pieces like this that mean something personal to me.  They also do a 'yard of love' which would have been perfect however I really fancied some rose gold for a change and that one only comes in silver.

PS This is not a sponsored post, it's just me sharing something I've purchased and love so I thought I would share it with you!