The Ash Error (& A Potential Topshop Rectification)

I was in London last week for a few press days and luckily enough there was an Ash sample sale on the same day.  I dragged the lovely Jane along to the sale who was so controlled compared to me who had an armful of shoes to try on.  I had seen some sandals online a while ago from Ash with orange studs (someone remind me if you saw them discounted somewhere too!) and thought they looked really fun.  They had the below £130 down to £65.  I tried them on, liked them, walked away, went back and looked at them again and thought I preferred the black which they didn't have in my size. Not only that, I felt £65 was a lot for a sandal, I only have little feet!

The Ash Milo

Fast forward a week and boy am I regretting not just getting the gold.  Firstly, they are £130 full price as current season.  Secondly, I live in flats in the Summer so why not spend a little more on a really decent pair that also had something else going for them in the way of those funky studs.  Live and learn I say!  I'd easily spend that on a wow factor pair of courts yet as they just seemed like a less substantial shoe I naturally wanted to spend less.  Needless to say I'm on the hunt now.  These dropped into my inbox courtesy of Topshop.  I now need to find my way to store to try them on.

Topshop £39

What's your budget for sandals - would you spend £65?

PS Size 3 in those Ash sandals please if anyone finds them remotely near the sample sale prices!

PPS The Ash also have that Balenciaga feel to them don't you think?  Now at £300 + I definitely won't be wearing those on my feet any time soon!

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.

My London Day Out

Last Sunday my husband and I had a rare day out together in London (love my kids but, wooohoooo, no kids for the day!).  Three years ago for my 30th birthday he had booked a restaurant but I was so poorly and spent the day in bed.  Finally, he re-booked it, organised his parents to look after the girls all day and off we went!  I had a plan, I am all about the plans.  I wanted to start off in Primrose Hill as I had never been there before and as we were driving and out early, parking shouldn't be a problem (free on single yellows on a Sunday, unless a restricted zone).  The views from the top of the hill were amazing.  It was cold and damp but still took our breath away, imagine a Summers day?!  You could see St Pauls, The Shard, The London Eye.  I would have got some better shots if it wasn't for the huge group of tourists up there (we power walked down the hill to get in front of them….!).

Scarf; Alexander McQueen
Coat; French Connection
Wet look black jeans; Gap
Bag; Chanel

The High Street itself is tiny but full of boutique shops with of course a few quirky ones.  Booties for your dog anyone?!

I was also very happy to stumble across one of the Mary Portas 'Living & Giving' shops.  They are charity shops but boy are they worth a rummage.  Think Helmut Lang, Gucci….more on my beautiful purchase in my next post.  There are a few dotted round, follow this link to see.

(Picture taken before it opened at 12!)

Next stop was Selfridges as it had been a while since we had last visited.  We were so lucky that day and managed to get a space right outside the side entrance.  Nothing like being able to park that close, leave your coats in the car and just pop in to Selfridges!  I love the openness in Selfridges.  It always feels like such a light and bright store.  I headed to see Mrs Beckham's latest drop!

Pure vibrant colour from Vitoria Beckham

Sparkles from Stuart Weitzman

And some more!

Turquoise in Louboutin (check out the bag - wow!)

Wedges, gladiator sandals, brogues and pumps from Balenciaga

Hello Chanel!  Note that knotted heel

More turquoise and bright colours in Chanel

There would have been a time many years ago when I wouldn't have dared go into a designer shop as 1. I didn't see the point as couldn't afford anything and 2. I was way too sacred!  Age and pure love of quality and brands has changed that.  There is nothing wrong with a little light play.  Que Chanel in Selfridges.  I even asked the lady to write the style as one day, one day……Natalie's Chanel (green) meet Natalie's dream Chanel (black).  Stunning.  (Please note, current Chanel was a very lucky charity shop find for about 30% of it's price, was being looked down on that day.  I don't own an array of Chanel's, it was a special day that my one came out for a trip).

Tee; H&M
Cashmere cardigan; Boden
Black suede boots; Topshop Adios
Jeans & bag as previous

Just a large shoe in their window!

Next stop was a quick dash to Harrods.  Their sale was still on and I just couldn't not go and have a peak.  Only outside Harrods would you find a felt covered Ferrari.  Yes, honestly, you could stroke it!

Then finally, my belated (3 years, but there was a baby in that time as well!) 30th birthday meal with my husband.  I had never heard of it before but he had booked us into Barbecoa, a Jamie Oliver restaurant.  It is right by St Paul's and you can even see if from your table.

If you are anywhere near that side of town, I hugely recommend it.  You have to book as it gets busy but it's worth it.  All the kitchens are open for you to see them cook and downstairs is his very own butchery.  

The BEST pork scratchings I have ever had.  I am dreaming of them and would make the trip back purely for these alone.  Divine. 

Words can't express this salad.  Even my husband said it was the nicest of everything we tried that night.  Honey, almonds, prosciutto, clementines, mozzarella, balsamic = delicious. 

The baby back spare ribs.  Yum.

I didn't buy lots but I had such a great day.  I love driving around London, you get to see so much more of the beautiful city.  I'm in again next week but on the train this time so I won't be sharing any more scenic pictures!

London Fashion Week

I had a blast!  I had the pleasure of going on behalf of British Style Bloggers this year to review some shows.  But to be honest, my favourite part was just the atmosphere and people watching.  There was a huge variety of styles from the right out there to the chic and sophisticated, I loved them all.  Being a lover of fashion mean's that even the most extreme outfits I appreciate, honestly!  Anything goes, no one cares if it's madness, it's an individual's interpretation of fashion.  Here are some of my favourites.

If the outfits weren't adventurous, there was lots of glam black - but I loved this ladies scarf

My hubby said he heard someone on Radio 1 talking about wearing their pink silk jumpsuit - who is she?  She was at the Markus Lupfer show, how brave was she!

I also had a bit of a thing about the buildings, they were all so stunning.  Ceiling envy!

Anyone can wonder around the courtyard at Somerset House so I was so pleased I managed to pap John Rocha, check out his man bag!

I would have loved to have been able to go into the show rooms around Somerset House (maybe next year!) especially as Pamela Love was showing.  I love her jewellery designs, not only because I am a huge heart fan (my house is becoming a bit over whelmed with them) which is one of her staples but because of her uniqueness.  Feminine designs with a tough twist.  I have a pink thing going on at the moment (more of that in another post coming soon!) so I love this rose gold necklace.  I know it's an arrowhead but I also think it doubles up as a heart if you look close enough!

So what I wore, not 'fashion' based but 'style' based me for!  Oh and comfort and weather also had to play a part.  Originally I had planned on open toe shoes with cropped skinny jeans, I had to have a re-think!  You know I'm not the best at having photo's taken and this was after a long, cold, wet day.  The hair just about fought the frizz!

Top; Pyrus
Jacket; Miss Slefridge
Jeans; Topshop
Boots; Marks & Spencer
Scarf; Alexander McQueen
Bag; Balenciaga

I reviewed the Markus Lupfer and Lug Von Siga shows as well as a special post on Street Style, follow the high-lighted links to read my articles.

A special LFW shoe post is to follow as there were so many it deserves a post all of it's own!

Pure Show 2013 and a £1 Tip Off!

I spent the afternoon having a roam around Olympia a few weeks ago at Pure (a trade show in case you haven't heard of it).  It was nice to have a look at what's coming in for the next few seasons, not only via the brands but also the catwalk shows.  Here are some of my favourites for this coming Autumn/Winter and next Spring/Summer.

The cocoon sweater

Burgundy and rich red tones were present for A/W and some fab shoes

Stunning gowns, nude gets my vote

Florals will still be here next S/S, Hooray! 

My favourite stand had to be Makki.  If you haven't heard of them, they are an accessories brand using eel skin.  My friend I was with freaked out but by the end, she came round.  It is such a durable leather, is the most amazing patterned skin and when worn in, is so soft.  Their clutch ipad case is a great design, what a fab idea.  

I wanted/needed to be comfortable but couldn't exactly turn up in my joggers so opted for my Gap wedges.  I can confirm I lasted all day in them (drove home in flats though).  Teamed with my Ralph Lauren chino's (again!) and a very old Miss Selfridge top that I paid something silly for like £10, it's washed so well.  Finished with my trusted and favourite handbag by Balenciaga, I was happy with my choice for the day.

PS Shopping tip off - Poundland for Sally Hansen and O.P.I nail-polishes - yes honestly!  Be quick.