A Rare Double French Sole Purchase

It's been a while since I've popped to Bicester Village so I had a rare day off with both my girls now in school and had a good browse.  I knew French Sole had 'moved in' and the range they had to offer didn't disappoint.  I know there are so many other flat style shoes about that are a lot more on trend however for me, the classic ballerina stye works and if it ain't broke.......

Their styles do vary, some show a lot of toe cleavage which isn't for me but I found the above in my sizes, £80 for the metallic and £60 for the animal.  I have the animal already but it's a darker base coloured fur and a red trim.  I love them and they have worn so well being at least 5 years old.  It was a tough call as I loved the metallic however after a few wears I felt the leather would show my toe mark more (which hasn't happened on my current fur ones).  

Not being one to rush into a decision I had them both held then went back at the end and settled on the animal print pair.  As you can see above, my current ones have loosened up a lot.  They do come up small so I go up a size in them and they are still tight.  I got a further 10% off with my VIP card (AA customers - make sure you use this additional offer as it's not known that well!) so at £54 I thought they were a bargain.  They RRP at £135.

Dress; Topshop
Top; Boden
Shoes; French Sole (Bicester Village)
Bag; Prada (Bicester Village)

I wore them the very next day and although they pinched a little, I know they will loosen up.  I am so pleased with them, I love how a little animal print can just add a touch of glam to an outfit.  The sun shone so I wore them with one of my favourite purchases this year, my Topshop pinafore dress.  

Discovering A Hole Of The Blazer Variety (and a little life lesson)

I'm late in posting this post due to my holiday so I am side stepping slightly on my Spanish shopping but I will get back to it, I promise!  So, completely starting off on a different note here (my blog, my rules and all that!).  I was on my way to London to meet a client the other week when a lady and her husband got on the train.  With only a few seats left they were forced to sit apart.  I offered to swap so they could be together, it's ok she told me, "we've been together 53 years, I think I could do with an hour to myself!"  An hour later we had put the world to rights, talked about death, marriage, raising children, being a working Mum and of course, when she found out what I did, a little bit of fashion added in there too.  I won't disclose her stories as I was honoured enough to have been told them and they are hers to tell.  But I urge you all to always be open to people, no matter where you are or who you're with.  It was a wonderful start to my day, she had some amazing stories to tell.  If we all listened and smiled just that little bit more, you just never know what you may discover.  Thank you Jennifer, the pleasure was truly all mine.x

So to back to the rest of that fateful day.  I always need to be comfortable when sorting through ladies wardrobes however as I'm representing myself, I need to feel smart and approachable too.  A usual start to outfit deciding for me - toys out of the pram, I have nothing to wear.  My Joni jeans from Topshop are still a firm (tummy hugger!) favourite of mine with no gaps at the back when I bend down.  So that was the bottom half decided.  It was going to be warm that day so I went sleeveless with a Zara top from a few years ago.  Then came the jacket.  My husband thought I was loosing the plot when I announced I had nothing appropriate.  I managed to dig out (sigh, yes it's a hard life) an oldie from pre kids (8+ years for those who want to know) from New Look of all places.  They don't make them like they used to!  However it has seen better days, shrunk a little and I'm left where I was last year when I'm sure I blogged about searching for that statement jacket.  That and another blazer please.   

Blazer; New Look
Top; Zara
Jeans; Topshop
Bag; Prada
Boots; Ash

I had to include this shot as my 8 year old took it and I filtered it on instagram and she was over the moon as it has been my most successful shot yet with over 100 likes - thank you all who liked it, you've made a little girl very happy that she is a better photographer than her Daddy! 

And this shot as the leotard clad 3 year old also wanted a piece of the action (crumpled top as it was now the end of the day!)

My friend bought this from Zara the other day, a blazer wasn't on my radar at the time so I didn't try it on.  It looked great on her, the perfect combination between relaxed and formal so now I'm contemplating it!  £59.99