Rewearing Pieces From Your Wardrobe

Life is more than hectic at the moment and with a home renovation in full swing it leaves little to no time for much forward thinking.  I had a wedding at the week-end and as my wardrobe is currently scattered all over the place it hasn't left me with much enthusiasm so subconsciously, more than anything, I think I left it to the last minute on purpose.  The thought of trying to cobble something together just wasn't appealing.  However I had to, so the night before I grabbed 5 dresses from under  the eaves wardrobes (after ducking and diving to get to them!) and whittled it down to 3.  Not in the mood for it I left it until the morning however one thing was for sure, the white Zara blazer was going to be worn.  It just made every dress look and feel better full stop.  I haven't worn it a ton, it's a very crisp white but when I wear it, it does feel so good on.  I needed to wear a piece like that to give me a kick I think!

After a face time conversation with my cousin (the husband was no help, they all looked nice apparently) I went with a French Connection dress I've had for a good few years.  It is one of those comfortable ones that you just slip on.  It's not tight, it has a pattern that is so flattering as well as a neutral colour pallet.  I just wanted to feel comfy for this wedding.  

However, like the jacket, I wanted to accessorise with some pieces that I really loved to put some oomph back into how I was feeling about my current dismantled wardrobe.  I went for my killer Gucci heels and yes, they were a killer, they were not made for walking.  Needs must when you need a bit of loveliness on your feet though.  I love the bamboo detail on them and grabbed my sunglasses as I ran out the door which also have the bamboo (randomly bought years apart and forgetting that I had any Gucci bamboo pieces).  A few bracelets and my vintage Chanel and I didn't feel too bad in my outfit after all. 

Bag; Chanel
Shoes & Sunglasses; Gucci (Bicester Village)
Silver Bracelets; Tiffany & Annie Haak
Snake Rockstud Bracelet; Valentino (Bicester Village)

I would never advise leaving your outfit until the last minute but sometimes you do just have to go with what you feel on the day so it's good to have a few options ready.  I was sure I would go with a old Whistles dress which had lots of colour but just decided I didn't want to be faffing with the pockets shifting under it (it's silk) but I could handle a good heel that day instead!  

French Connection are great for these shift style dresses which actually leave room to move around in (or binge on bread rolls as I did and need extra breathing space in a dress!) and I have a few of them  now.  Just popped over to their website to have a look and completely fallen for this one. 

Anastasia Floral Relaxed Tea Dress £99

I'm pretty sure the below is the same Zara blazer as mine and it's currently online at £59.99.  I'm sure it was £10 more last year as I bought mine in Spain and with exchange rate ended up paying around what it is now.  It does say 'Ecru' but comes out a very bright white.  I love the relaxed, ruched sleeves and longer length to it.  

Turn-Up Sleeve Blazer £59.99

PS Please excuse the toilet selfies and pipe work in the photos, lack of time when you're racing out the house with two little ones under your feet also means you grab a photo when you can.  My husband is still learning after all these years that additional items like pipes don't really need to be seen but until that day, they are there for your viewing pleasure!

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!

The Outfit Post

Just a little round up of some of the outfits that I actually remembered to take a photo of over the festive period!  Starting with my eldest's Christingle service.  It's always cold in the church so I opted for my large coat and a thick knit.  I bought this coat years ago (I am thinking about 4 years) in the Brussels Zara.  At the time I remember writing a blog post on it as I was desperate for the Topshop big animal fur one but I had too many people around me shouting loudly not to (and Bet Lynch!).  This seemed a more subtle coat and a compromise.  I am so glad I took the leap with it, I love the fit and years later, I still dig it out and feel good in it.  Done up or not, I just feel it falls really well. 

Coat; Zara
Jeans; Topshop Baxter
Boots; Ash Jalouse 

Jumper; Alice Temperley 

Boxing Day madness, my sister and I decided to head to Bicester Village and to be honest, it really wasn't that bad.  We were really lucky with a car space and from there on in, it all seemed to fall into place.  There were queues but they moved fast (apart from Ugg, we refused to wait in that line).  My Ash boots are becoming a firm favourite, the heel is really great for walking in.  They have broken in so well and I don't think I've worn a boot this much in a while.  Another Zara coat as well!  This was bought in the sale last year.

Hat; Vintage
Coat; Zara
Scarf; Moschino
Jeans; Topshop Joni
Boots; Ash

New Years Day saw me drive into London to take my sister shopping for her birthday.  We had a great day roaming around, it was fairly quite and again, the Ash boots served me well.  I forgot to get a full on shot but you get the gist of it!

Scarf; Dents - cashmere
Jeans; Topshop Joni
Leather Coat (just seen); Miss Selfridge
Bracelets; Tiffany, Valentino, Annie Haak
Bag; Chanel
Boots; Ash Jalouse

Lastly, my eldest's birthday a few days later and more shops - but this time the Disney Store!  I layer up when shopping as I hate getting hot and flustered (usually happens when the sales are on.....) so I can easily peel layers off.  I mixed up prints and dragged out an old sale purchase from Accessorize.

Scarf; Accessorize
T-Shirt; Topshop

I didn't get a shot of me on my birthday (besides the cheesy grin one outside VB's store in the last post!) but yes, you've guessed it, the Ash boots were worn again.  What did I wear before I had these?!?!

The Figleaves Press Day & Some Gift Idea's

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of attending the Figleaves press day at Claridges.  This post has been a while coming as to cut a long story short, the beautiful bra set that was gifted to me didn't fit and I was then sent a voucher.  Well I've finally spent it hence I can now include it in my post and round up of the lovely day I had.  Figleaves have some stunning lingerie in for anyone who wants to give a subtle yet easy hint to their other half.  A couple of my favourites below. 

For the more 'comfortable' lounge dressers amongst us they had the cutest selection of slippers lined up - the Ugg ones being my favourite.  Followed by the cashmere - oh the cashmere, I homed straight in on this part of the closet.  They had their own range as well as some DKNY.

It's all about the hearts!

Don't forget they sell Men's items too - great for gifts if you are stuck!

The setting wasn't bad either!

Not only did I get to browse their collection but I was given a gorgeous manicure, what a treat!  And it lasted well over a week as well - that's a record!

Bracelets; Annie Haak, Valentino & Tiffany

A hazy lift selfie of my outfit, it was the Summer holidays and whilst rushing the get the children ready there was no time to ask anyone to take a semi-decent picture of what I wore!

Top; Sandro
Bag; Balenciaga
Jeans; Gap
Shoes; Hobbs

So after coming back from my hot Summer holiday to our very cold weather, it was only fitting I upgraded my PJ's as I wanted something warm and cosy.  I'd heard of Cyberjammies before but didn't own a pair and these were 100% brushed cotton so I though I'd give them a go.  Not forgetting my slight cashmere addiction I also grabbed some socks with it in!

When they arrived I was sold straight away - the pyjamas are the softest, most comfortable pair I own.  Aside from when they have to be washed, they have pretty much been worn non stop since I've had them.  I tried to take a photo of me in them but decided it really wasn't necessary for you to see me in that light, there are some things that really don't need to be shared!  Oh and the socks, another fab find.  I can honestly say both have been welcome additions to my wardrobe - and I don't have to say that either I promise!

When I spent my voucher I was just thinking 'warm cosy treat' - and why not.  However only today did I even think to check if they had this fabulous bra I found at the CK outlet in the Summer.  Low and behold, they stock it, oops!  So this is probably what I should have bought, the Calvin Klein Push Positive bra at £42.00.  If like me you struggle with bras and wires digging in, this is amazing.  There are no wires but still enough padding to help what I have!

Yes, all those pretty lingerie pieces and I chose to buy pi's.......!

Outfit Round-Up

This year is the year I moved on from my skinny jeans!  I am not totally without them of course, but the two pairs I bought from Gap that are their straight leg cut have had so much wear already. These were my bargain £12 ones teamed with a very old H&M t-shirt and Next animal sandals. Just a school run/about town look!

And then the skinnies came out for a girls night out!  These are also Gap, their wet look jeans.  I love the fit however the coating hasn't lasted as long as I had hoped.  Teamed with a blush pink lace Warehouse top and some very high heels (luckily we sat and caught up over cocktails and didn't have a dance!).

Clutch; sample from somewhere!
Shoes; Gucci
Ring; Dorothy Perkins
Earrings; Topshop
Bracelet; Valentino

Another day look - before the weather heated up of course.  Ralph Lauren ankle skimming jeans with a Cos top.  I've rolled the sleeves up a little as they finished just around my elbow and felt a little long.  I love the bright yellow hem, it really gives the top another dimension taking it from plain to having that little pop of colour.  

Im very pleased with my J.Crew purchases this year and this top has been no exception.  As I mentioned in my previous blog about it, I was a little dubious about the jewelled neckline but it has been in the machine, inside out on a hand wash cycle and no problems at all.  Gap jeans again and possibly my most worn shoes so far this year, my rose gold Primark sandals.  Don't get me wrong, they go with so much and are easy to throw on if I've not painted my toenails, but I know that won't be around next season as they have been well worn.  At £12, I didn't really expect them to last next season anyway.  

You get the idea - there's a theme to my casual looks - denim!  Flats were needed for the Robbie Williams concert and a cardi for when it got cooler.  I dug out this old Topshop cardi (and I'm talking 8+ years here) that has little peach flowers on it.  Somehow, it has stood the test of time and worked perfectly with my shoes and handbag.  The top is sleeveless, needed for the heat inside the O2.

Top; Zara
Cardi; Topshop
Watch; Tag
Bag; Italian - no idea, sorry!
Jeans; Gap
Shoes; Primark

It's been years since I saw Robbie solo (naturally I saw him when he reunited with Take That - HUGE fan!) and for some reason I didn't have any expectations, but he was amazing.  A true entertainer and the style of songs worked perfectly for him (his Swing Both Ways tour).  His Dad even came on to perform with him!  

Because.....it really is so true!

Bag; Prada
Pumps; French Sole
Jeans; Gap
Pouch; Lulu Guinness
T-shirt; Juicy Couture

Bicester Village (again!)

If you are local to Bicester Village (or just fancy a trip) and are rather partial to savings on designer clobber, head to the village now as further mark downs are happening.  Rupert Sanderson had huge savings, and even more if you bought two pairs.  I was so tempted by these lovelies but the right foot had been tried on and over stretched so much the gap bothered me a lot when stood up.

There were some great little gifts as well.  Fendi and Valentino anyone?

Yep, £15 for a Fendi purse mirror!

Valentino rockstud python bracelet, I couldn't leave it behind.  £180 down to £46

More rockstuds, £530 down to £340

I stopped at the bracelet, this was somewhere in the hundreds!

The village also has the British Designers Collective shop at the moment.  I loved the Etre Cecile sweater below.  

£110 down to £65

These Nicholas Kirkwood shoes were pretty special.  

£670 down to £335

In the BDC shop, so many fantastic pieces.  My selfie below!

Bag & Sunglasses; Prada
Top; Zara
Jeans; Gap
Shoes: French Sole