The New Chelsea Boots From Hotter

I was so lucky to have been offered a pair of boots from Hotter last month to review.  It didn't take me long to decide - the Chelsea boot is pretty much a firm favourite this season.  I also felt I had a slight hole in my boot wardrobe for a pair of everyday wear, flat ones that aren't suede and can withstand the rain and children stomping on my feet (my youngest is very clumsy!).  My only decision was the colour.  Did I take inspiration from Victoria Beckham and go black?

Hell no, that would be way to predictable.  I chose their mink coloured version (please note, this colour is listed as 'grey' on their website).  It did take me a few days to warm to them as although I could clearly see they were mink online, I was secretly hoping for a more grey tone.  However, one not so sunny school run morning it was raining cats and dogs and I grabbed them and ran, literally.  I then popped into town and whilst trying on some items I finally stopped to take a proper look at them.  They weren't half bad, especially considering it was a throw on and run day outfit wise.

Shirt; Hollister
Gilet; North Face
Bag; Prada
Jeans; Gap
Boots; c/o Hotter

Yesterday I was off to meet a friend for a few child free hours so I decided to give them a proper go and style my outfit around them.  They worked much better with my (very old) jeans, the denim is slightly darker than those above.  I popped my hat on as we were going to be wondering the lovely High Street of Berkhampsted and I knew the Heavens would open.  I really need to wear hats more often, it did a fab job of keeping my head warm and my hair semi dry as well as being in the same colour palette as my boots, I felt it finished off an easy, simple look.

Hat; Vintage
Top; Zara
Jeans; Topshop
Boots; c/o Hotter

I ran out of time but on closer inspection my turn ups needed a little adjusting to sit better above the boot but hey ho!

Looking at the camera with a bit of a smile - that blogger pose is coming after nearly 4 years.....

I managed to pop to the Hotter shop in Merry Hill (West Midlands) whilst visiting a friend the other week and took a photo of the other colours available.  All of them are pretty great to be honest. There was a moment in the week I started thinking I should have got the black, black goes with everything but with wear, the grey seems to be getting better and better.  This boot is called the Shawbury boot and are £85.00.

The same boot in tan and black

Comfort wise, they are amazing.  On a par with my Timberland Earthkeepers which I always go on about.  I have also rain tested them (super important for the country we live in) and after getting completely soaked, they dried out quickly and looked no different than before.  I am under no obligation to recommend products as this is my blog however I do genuinely think these are super comfy and easy to wear.

Time for Change

At about this time every year, I feel like I’ve let myself go in favour of Christmas present shopping and general preparation for the festive season. I ran out the house to do the school run this morning, flies open, hair un-brushed and not a scrap of make-up on, I was still 10 minutes late. So then every year around about now, I feel the need for a complete re-vamp of my style. I feel like I want to be braver with my look, make some fashion mistakes, and invest more instead of ‘throw away fashion’. I always feel the need to get everyone’s opinions on my fashion, why I don’t know. I guess like most of us I don’t want to look like the odd one out. I am a huge advocate of making clothes and accessories work for you, be courageous, go for it. But then sometimes I lose this myself – especially when I’ve purchased what I think is the most amazing leopard print shoes (on sale at D&G – investment!) and the husband absolutely detests them! At the start of 2011 I enter my 30’s, so I think now is as good a time as any to stand on my own 2 stiletto bound feet and take a few more fashion risks. Do I go with the leopard print (animal is obviously ‘my thing’ right now) coat from Topshop, which according to 2 dear friends is very ‘Bet Lynch’, ‘you’ll never wear it again, don’t you dare’. I am wearing the shoes to the ‘Silver themed’ Christmas party no matter what, feel like throwing the coat in there just to rebel! I’ve just gone a little redder with my hair colour too (Nice & Easy is now not covering my white hairs...) so I feel I have made a start. How much further I will take this this time round I don’t know, I hope I will prove myself wrong and just go for it. After writing this this morning, I did what any self respecting, working (trying to still be fashionable) mother would do, donned my North Face gilet, my trusty Ugg’s and headed to Tesco's to feed the family (flies done up this time).

Camping

After my recent Virgin Camper experience, my top 5 must have's for yummy mummy's that have to camp (but insist on still looking damn good);

1. Hunter wellies, a celeb staple and seen at all festivals. Not only are these too cool for school (think Kate Moss!) but they really are the best waterproof welly on the market! I bought the shorter version as I was not blessed in the height department and opted for the bright pink (as advised by a wise friend, why spend all that money on wellies for them not to stand out?!?!). Recommend javari.co.uk, fast next day delivery & great prices.

2. North Face gilet, especially if you are camping in the UK, the weather changes at the drop of a hat! So handy for chucking on and when you have kids you easily get hot & bothered running about after them, so no sleeves keeps you at just the right body temperature, I lived in mine! Currently on offer at Blacks (follow high-lighted link)

3. Elizabeth Arden 8 hour skin protectant - a must! Not only is this wonder balm good for you (lips, nails...), but is great for any cuts/insect bites the kids may pick up. A truly 'can't live without' product.

4. Batiste Dry Shampoo, in case you have very dodgy showers which you (or your child!) refuses to use! A few sprays, a comb, chuck it back in a pony tail, and as good as new!

5. An SPF daily face moisturiser - should be a staple, but we need to be reminded at times ladies! Our skin is just as important as our kids. To save time (which lets be honest we rarely have) by applying a normal cream then a sun cream, ensure you take with you an all in one. Most ranges do have an SPF in now, so grab one and take it along. I use an Olay one, as it's a small tube I can just pack in my handbag and apply through-out the day if needs be. Has an SPF 15.