The Zara Jacket

Well it's rare but I actually paid full price for something!  I managed to sell a few items from my wardrobe so took the plunge and ordered the jacket I loved so much from a few posts previous.  It arrived perfectly wrapped and I was in love all over again. 

The very same day I went on an impromptu mum's night out.  I wanted to go out but was tried and didn't feel like thinking too much about my outfit.  The jacket was the perfect solution - I literally added it to my jeans and breton I was already in (they weren't dirty from the day, promise!) changed to some ankle boots and added a colourful clutch.  It is a great lightweight cotton, just right for now when the temperatures are starting to drop and you need something else.  

Jacket & Jeans; Zara
T-shirt; Topshop
Clutch; Miu Miu
Boots; Ash 

The back embroidery detail is still my favourite part.  It just lifts the monochrome look and adds some colour and fun to it.  

NB the front flower needs a little light pushing into place after being boxed if you're ordering from the web.

I'm hoping it's going to be another piece like the little cotton cardi style one I purchased from them last year that really just adds to a basic outfit.  I like these sorts of pieces, they just don't require a lot of thinking.  This is the one from last year that I wore again today whilst working with a client.  It has washed so well and is so comfy to wear. 

Jacket; Zara
White T-shirt (just seen & best ever one I've had!); Vince via TK Maxx
Jeans; Topshop Leigh
Bag; Prada
Shoes; Spanish supermarket!

Love the tassels!

Preloved Topshop & Jigsaw Bargains

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.  I hope the festive season was good to you and you are all relaxed and ready to face 2016!  I have had a busy few weeks as we have lots of Birthdays after Christmas so I haven't had a proper good sales shop.  I have however used the sales to really look at investment pieces, only purchasing a few cheap vests but saving my Christmas and Birthday spends for bigger, heavily reduced items.  That being said, there's still time for me to make some silly purchases yet.....

Pre Christmas I always find it hard as the sales do start early but I don't ever want to buy too much and peak too soon.  I had seen the Topshop Magnificent boots in a pre-loved shop.  I hesitated as at £60 (£79 full price) even though they had been worn once and weren't scuffed, I didn't feel the discount was good enough.  When I went back to collect some of my unsold items they had gone down to £45 - no brainer!  With £30 towards them after I had sold on some pieces in the shop I felt the £15 was a very good deal.  I also grabbed this leather Jigsaw bag for £20.  I have had my eye on rucksacks for a while but didn't want to spend a lot in case the style doesn't work for me.  I love this soft gold leather one and can't wait to start using it properly.  

Boots; Topshop
Rucksack; Jigsaw

Even though I am a serial returner (I do like the comfort of my own home and wardrobe to make decisions, coupled with the fact I usually have a 3 year old in tow who limits my time) there is something to be said for a no returns policy.  It makes me think, quickly.  There's no time for said items to sit there in my room waiting to be used.  The boots were testament to that and were worn the next day then pretty much stayed on my feet for a few weeks. 

Coat; Zara (before you ask, it's very old, about 5 years and from the Brussels store.  I adore it even now and still get asked about it!) 

Merino jumper; Boden
Jeans & Boots; Topshop

They do have a block heel, which is higher than the heel of the Ash boots I'm used to for day wear.  I did over wear them and have sore feet so I gave them a break.  However it hasn't stopped me since and they have been worn on the school run too.  I have actually enjoyed a higher heel, it always makes me stand better and being short, I love feeling tall even if it is fake!

These boots do soften quickly.  The leather is very supple but they are also fairly tight to start as they are called a sock boot.  I haven't worn them with a skirt yet, only with jeans turned up, sitting just over the top of the boot.  The soft point at the front if also very flattering on the foot.  

Jacket; Zara
Sweater; Uniqlo
Jeans & Boots; Topshop
Bag; Prada

Topshop have reduced the cream and navy to £55.  The brown I have are still £79 but they've also added some suede ones to the collection - damn, my absolute favourite material for shoes!  If I hadn't have got the above at such a silly price, I do believe I may be parting with my cash for these ones below, utterly gorgeous.

Boots; Topshop

White On White

I had an event to go to in London a few weeks back - it was when it didn't stop raining all day - that was the day!  I was desperate to wear my Prada skirt which is yet to be worn and had pretty much planned to until the last minute (that £50 bargain in case you missed the post!).  I just couldn't bring myself to do it, especially as I wanted to pop to a sample sale first.  Luckily I didn't as the sample sale was a good old fashioned one with boxes of stuff to dive in (I was too tired to get much but it was fun none the less). The rain literally did not stop, so I would have also been very wet and cold.  For once, I did have a back up plan.  I had grabbed some black Topshop Leigh jeans a few weeks before but was unsure due to not wearing much black.  I love my dark denim version but these black Leigh's ended up being perfect that day as they didn't feel to casual.  The tags we ripped off quickly, a little turn up added at the bottom so they weren't too contrived and then it was a monochrome look.  I went for one of my favourite tops - a silk Sandro then added my white blazer from Zara.  It was a little risk doing white on white but as the fabrics were so different, the colours weren't exact so they toned in together well.

Please excuse the hazy photos, it was nearly midnight at this stage, my contact lenses were drying up and I was exhausted.  But needs must, I was pleased with the outfit in the end and needed some photographic evidence!  I decided to add some light colour and fun with my handbag and shoes.  My vintage pale pink Chanel and my animal print Mulberry shoes finishing it off.

Bracelets; Valentino, Tiffany & Annie Haak

I love this old clasp on my handbag

Had it not have been throwing it down, this was my other plan.  I now just need another occasion to wear it as the skirt wants to be worn!

I liked this jewelled J.Crew top with it but felt it was a little more casual than I wanted for that evening

The vintage hat was taken off at the last minute, wasn't right with either outfit and I did prefer this jumper.  This ensemble will be saved for another day!

Outfits Round Up

I did warn you in my last post that the Boden Alice shoes would feature heavily in my round up so there are no surprises here!  They really have been a great addition to my wardrobe.  I reach for them so much, I love that they don't fall off as easily as a ballet pump when I'm sitting.  I'm almost worried I may tire of them but that's not stopped me wearing them so far.  Needless to say, they've been worn with jeans - a lot!

School run attire!
Sweater; Marc Jacobs
Jeans; Zara
Shoes; Boden

Work mode with a client!
Cardi; Zara
Bag; Ugg
Jeans; Topshop
Shoes; Boden

I tend to forget about this Ugg bag in the Summer months as feel the sheepskin is just more Winter however the sun decided to shine brightly when I took it out to play!  It's a great hands free sized bag, just enough room for some essentials.  

Ugg sample bargain for £27 a few years back now. 

A denim on denim day!
Shirt & jeans; Topshop
Boots; Gap

Off out to a friends for the evening - with popcorn of course!
Jumpers; Cos
Jeans; Zara
Bag; Prada
Shoes; Boden

Park time after school!
Jeans; Topshop
Watch; Tag
Sunglasses; Chloe
Shoes; Boden

A monochrome day - love the back to this jumper!
Jumper; Rag & Bone
Jeans; Topshop
Trainers; Nike

The Vintage Find

I had a rare day out with just my Mum a few weeks back in Oxford.  She has mentioned Summertown to me a few times and after finishing in the city centre earlier than planned, we headed there for a mooch.  It's a small, quaint High Street, it reminded me a little of Primrose Hill.  I found the cutest vintage charity shop run by Helen & Douglas House.  It was attached to a normal second hand shop and was a proper treasure trove.  I found a very old Laura Ashley cream top for £20 and fell in love with it immediately.  

My Mum found this dress by Richard Shops and was very excited by it (I had never heard of the brand! Possibly giving her age away here - sorry Mum!) 

I don't think this pram would have been there long - especially after the photo of Princess Charlotte's one!

I was very tempted by this vintage Smythson however I would have been duplicating one I have that's very similar.

On a random doorstep in London I managed to get a shot of me wearing the top.  Teaming another charity shop find with it - my Chanel handbag and some not so vintage Topshop and Primark!  I do like to mix and match!

Top; vintage Laura Ashley
Jeans; Topshop
Bag; Chanel
Pumps; Primark

Finishing the post with something 'new', these Balenciaga lovelies in the Harrods sale.  They've been on my wish list for a while, I tried them on knowing they would be too large (oh and ever so slightly out of my budget) just to satisfy my craving.  They are gorgeous but for now my Ash ones are just as good and cost me a lot less.  One day I will own a pair though, one day! 

The Summer Coat

Not only does Spring make me want to head to the shops and update my wardrobe but it also means I can bring out the lighter weight garments that I just don't get enough wear out of, so they feel like new.  I feel the cold, I really do.  I am sat here now with the heating still on, several layers and I'm still cold.  However it doesn't stop me, I just suffer quietly!  This Topshop coat was purchased when I was pregnant with my now 3 year old.  I saw it whilst on my friends hen do in Windsor, months later when it was cold it naturally went into the sale for around £40.  I don't feel like it's had a proper chance in my wardrobe but I have been wearing it a lot of late (naturally over a jumper and vest!).

Shot taken by my 8 year old - she's now been promoted to chief photographer!

I love it's simplicity with the twist locks to do it up and deep pockets.  The sleeves do look best rolled up which isn't ideal for cold me but needs must.

Coat & Jeans; Topshop
Jumper; Marc by Marc Jacobs
Boots; Gap

It's a great colour - I vaguely remember it being described as a blush pink, which is correct, it has those warm tones about it.  The temperatures have dropped these last couple of days but I hear it's set to warm up (double the amount of washing I can dry in one day then - hooray!) so it will no doubt be thrown on even more for the school run.  It just has that ability to tidy up an outfit if you know what I mean!

Outfit Post

I feel like I'm MIA a lot at the moment with posting, tweeting etc. - apologies, life is just so hectic right now!  Before I pop out to do some work this evening here's what I wore at the week-end for a kids party I took my youngest too.  I must say, these Topshop Leigh jeans are literally lived in.  They are a navy blue but a really really soft denim - almost borderline not a denim.  They are my go to trouser for comfort, easy for running after children are a great fit and style.

Coat; Zara
Jumper; Alice Temperley
Jeans & Boots; Topshop
Bag; Prada

I wore my Alice Temperley jumper which pretty much matched the colour of my boots then added some colour with my Zara coat.  Nothing new purchased here, just some great staples working well from my wardrobe.

I even braved a bare ankle (but did have trainer socks on!)

I love the big collar and colour of this coat

The bobble's on this jumper made me buy it!

The Topshop Sale Finds

Well Bicester Village ended with....wait for it, a new peg bag!  I know, I know, last of the big spenders hey but I'm a firm believer of all things fate so my birthday pennies weren't meant to be spent there. The next day I popped to my local Topshop to return a t-shirt I'd bought online (bad reviews, note to self, must read them before I purchase!) and what a result I had.  I had seen this top in the Summer but hadn't had a chance to try it on.  It's cotton, one of my favourite (non) colours, is a classic style and for £12, it was mine.  

Next up was this kimono which I loved when it came out but felt the £45 price tag was a bit steep. Last in my size, £15.  I adore this - much to the dismay of my husband who really doesn't but I like it that much his opinion just didn't count!  He said I was having one of my 'fashion moments again'.....

Yet another top I had had my eye on and yes, you've guessed it I wasn't keen on the £34 price tag, so this £10 one sat better with me.  I sized up as wanted a slightly looser fit.  I can't wait to wear this, it will work so well with my staple trouser of choice - jeans, but will just make the whole look a little more interesting.

I grabbed this jumper as soon as I saw it on the rail even though it was the wrong size as I loved the texture.  For £10, even if it wasn't the best fibre composition it was too soft to leave behind, I would wear as loungewear.  Luckily a few rails down my size was there!  It has moulted so I have just given it it's first wash in the hope it won't anymore.

If only you could touch it, you'd understand!

I found this top online for £10 from £36, it needs a good iron but again my favourite colour (in case you're new to my blog, I like a lot of neutrals as the base to my colour palette!).  It requires a little vest underneath but thought that it would be easy to wear without making an outfit too formal as it is a loose fit.  I always tend to wear prints/ruffles/patterns up top purely because that is where I am smallest so it balances out my proportions.

Not one to look like I just bargain hunt (!) I headed to the jeans as I have lived in my ripped knee Joni's and wanted a blue pair with no rips.  I bought the Leigh's to give them a whirl, £38.  They are super soft (exactly what it says on the tag), slightly higher in the waist than a Baxter but not as high as the Joni's - so a great in between.  Second time I've worn them today and they haven't lost their shape and are just as comfy as the first day I wore them.  I'm a little nervous of the dye so I'm wearing with dark boots to start with before they've had a few washes.  Topshop jeans get a big thumbs up.

This is possibly my favourite purchase (although, this was such a good shop, I find it hard to choose) this denim shift dress was down to £20 from £38.  I saw it online and checked if they had my size in my local - a great online feature that Topshop have, I love it.  It was still there when I went to store, yippee!  I bought it originally for Summer school runs however with a thermal and tights, it worked so well even now for the school run.  

(Yes, that is my Lizzie cat wrapped up in my baby blanket from 30+ years ago...oh & Spongebob!)

A simple back with just a zip up

Not that these are from Topshop but the boots above were my New Years Day purchase when I was in London with my sister.  I have been after a tan boot since forever and being suede was a bonus (I have a thing for suede shoes).  They were £28 and have been worn so much already. 

Gap boots

So the moral of this story - head to Topshop as their sale has just got a ton better.  Oh and buy out of season staples.  I always find great bargains when I buy in the wrong season, so long as it's not high fashion items that won't work anymore, you're on to a winner!