Another H&M Round-Up (a very stripey one)

Armed with Glamour magazines 25% off last month I headed back to H&M to return my bikini tops (sob, I love them but when I tried on the bottoms there was just too much bum showing.  Note to H&M please do more options for those of us not blessed with pert bums and don't want them hanging out of our bikini pants).  Apologies, back to what I was up to.  I also went back in to try on the black and white striped dress I featured in this post that so many of you said I was mad not to buy.  Of course, I had a little browse as well.  When I was in Gap recently I was after one of their denim shirts but they just didn't fit right.  In H&M I found one and some more stripes, even though I had said to myself, no more stripes or cardigans Natalie, they are just too easy for you to purchase.  Failed.  The shirt was £19.99, so £14.99 with the voucher and it was perfect in fit, colour & quality.  

I always have a routine in changing rooms.  I leave on what I love and try bottoms/tops on around them.  So  I popped on the skirt.  Wow.  Not only did I love it (and the pockets) but it also worked so well with the shirt, result!  It was £19.99, so £14.99 with the discount.

Patient 2 year old bottom left hand corner of photo (although some app's were deleted from my phone in the process of keeping her entertained, oops)

I then tried to try on another dress.  Why oh why put a tag through the bottom store assistants?!  Please think of your shoppers!  I did get it removed to try on again but I had pretty much made my mind up already.  The length was shorter than the other one which was what I had wanted and a much thicker, less see through fabric.  Winner!  I did have a slight issue with the 'nipple' area.  Unless you are well and truly blessed enough up there, enough to really push out the material then there is the join around the bust area protruding out slightly.  It bothered me and still does.  I need to give it a steam iron to see if that makes a difference.  I didn't even bother re-trying the other dress on as this one felt much more 'me'.  If I do get over the bust area (and I hope I do) then I already have two occasions lined up for it, Ascot and a friends 40th. Down to £24 with the discount.

Tags, arrrrgh!

It needs a damn good press.....

But I loved it's shape none the less

Happy to report I have worn the shirt so much already, it's just hit the wash bin and awaiting an iron but seems to have washed well so far.  The skirt has been ordered in the next size up.  As much as I love it sitting higher, I felt it may be too high so I just wanted to see what the fit was like a size up.  The dress still needs a press, I must do it and return it of not!

When I went back to order the skirt I had a peak around and saw my shirt - low and behold they only styled it with the skirt!  I honestly had not seen it on there before as not ordered from them in a while. Great minds H&M......!

The Glamour & Aspinal of London Event (not forgetting the fabulous venue; The Marylebone Hotel)

I was so pleased to be invited to a lovely morning over at The Marylebone Hotel during London Fashion Week to celebrate the launch of Aspinals Marylebone family of handbags and to hear Claudia Mahoney from Glamour magazine and Ella Catliff from La Petite Anglaise talk about 'Street Style'.  Hand crafted British leather, there wasn't much thinking involved in accepting, whatever plans I had were to be moved!  I won't drone on, the pictures speak for themselves. 

(Sorry, my favourite chair, I love it, I look at it every time I am in that hotel and it's in the toilets!  I had to share) 

The 'Mini Marylebone' bags.  A great colour collection - pastel, classics and a pop of colour, £595

My idea of Heaven, being a bit of a 'leather lover' (no comments on that please…!)

Simple, chic, does the job.  iwantone.com, £165

Stylish notebook to match your purse anyone?  Great magnetic closure stops the pages flapping about, £95

Go the full hog, match your keys as well!  £40

The 'genius' bag (IMO), ingredients below,  £995
Innovation meets aspiration in the new Marylebone Tech - the first luxury tote to feature an integral juice pack and cable paths, so you can charge your phone and tablet on the move. An innovative touch making it the perfect choice for the busy 21st Century woman!

My favourite Marylebone tote had to be this beauty with python skin.  I seem to have a radar for the most expensive bags, however I believe it is just damn good taste buds, £1395

Angela Scanlon, Claudia Mahoney & Ella Catliff discussing 'Street Style'

I'm consistent if nothing else with my planning of outfits for events - there is little time to plan!  My waking day is mostly spent thinking about and running after my two girls.  I try every time to down tools and plan but a 2 and 7 year old have other ideas.  I always have a very rough idea, this time I knew I was going to wear my black ankle boots for comfort and weather reasons, the rest was done at 7am before my 8.15am train!  Had I known that I would have been papped and then featured in Aspinals blog then I may have used the 'babysitter TV' and thought about something more colourful the day before.  Hindsight hey!  

Top; Farhi by Nicole Farhi
Wet look jeans: Gap
Boots: Sam Edelman
Bag: Balenciaga

My favourite combination of bracelets at the moment, in order from left to right;
Annie Haak, Marc Jacobs, Tiffany
Mini Marylebone tote trying out my arm; Aspinals (not mine sadly)

The boots, close up as I love those buckles!

The tote seemed to like me, I liked it right back!

Random shot of the day which I couldn't get to focus, this ladies boots which if my memory serves me correctly are by Mulberry.  I tried them on a while back but they didn't work on me.  Love them!

I also met the lovely Ashley from Made In Chelsea.  I admit I don't watch it, it wasn't until after and I saw the tweets that I realised.  She is beautiful and so friendly.

Just in case you were wanting to get ahead of yourself for Mothers Day, after having a little browse online at their website I found this gorgeous notepad £65 down to £19.50.  Don't hang about, it won't be there long at that price.