Topshop Treats

It's been a while again, I'm sorry.  As much as I love to write and share on my blog, it is a little hobby and unfortunately hobbies have to take back seats in life sometimes don't they.  The good news is my new Project Manager hat (for our home renovations) is fitting well and although I'm exhausted juggling everything, we are making progress and have actually cut through a door to my walk in wardrobe - priorities firmly in place (ok, a dishwasher and kitchen has also been ordered...)!  I digress, back to my passion.  We took some much needed time off at the end of May and had a day out shopping.  I'm always ducking and diving into shops for bits and bobs or shopping with clients so it was nice to properly spend time looking. Topshop won hands down.  My photo doesn't do this dress justice and the shoulders need to soften slightly but it is so comfortable and didn't break the bank at £24 (and 100% cotton!).  Would have loved it in a marl grey (pretty please Topshop?) but it was this or white so was a no brainer.  

Ruched Waist Corset T-Shirt Dress £24 

Then I went a little off-piste and took my own advice when I'm working with a client - always take something you think wouldn't work on you into the fitting room.  My item was these trousers.  I am desperate for a variation to my much loved jeans, I needed something to pull me out of a little clothing rut I've been in.  Now I will admit, they haven't been worn yet, they are high waisted and as much as they look fab here, I worry what else they will work with.  I love the fit, the colour, the waist but they are out of my comfort zone.  I know I just need to bite the bullet but I'm fragile at the moment - my wardrobe is in boxes and it's unnerved me a great amount!

Paperboy Utility Trousers £39

The t-shirt wasn't even questioned.  So me, so girly and classic with a high neck, it's a keeper.  

They only have it in the 'Tall' option online however do check stores as it was only 3 weeks ago. There is the grey option which I also love (and am very tempted by!).

Floral Applique T-Shirt £24 

I know people struggle with Topshop, they can be a little hit and miss for me also - and I am the wrong side of 35 just so you know!  However they do have classic pieces, pieces that last.  Recently I dug out an old Kate Moss for Topshop dress.  I wore it to a wedding and still enjoyed it and loved that no one else would be wearing it as it really is so old!  It's washed beautifully so has stood the test of time and I don't feel it's dated at all.  

Watch; Tag Heure
Clutch; Vintage Chanel
Shoes; Zara

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!

Royal Ascot Ladies Day

(No, this is not how I arrived.....next time!) 

It was my first time at Royal Ascot this year and I loved every minute of it in the end, but boy was I panicking about the dress code.  I was in the Royal Enclosure where your hat (or the base of it) has to cover 10cm of your head and skirts/dresses not too short.  I went for a H&M dress I bought in London last year (seen in this post).  They've recently bought it out again in a floral print (shown here) but the fabric is a lot thinner.  I love how the dress has structure to it down to the fabric and stitching without it being so stiff it's not flattering and doesn't move.

(excuse these grainy photo's,the best 'outfit' ones I had!)

The dress is a cream/pale peachy flesh colour - hard to describe really but I went along with the pale colour palette and added a very old Topshop blazer in a pale grey.  As my hat was black, I bought in my favourite Topshop necklace just so I had a little dark to complement my headpiece (which also had a cream flower on).  My Gucci shoes and vintage Chanel also in neutral pale tones, I went for a varied shade look!

With A LOT of food packed behind me....

Lots of shades going on, greys, blacks and a warmer cream with the dress

I've never been the most patriotic person which is strange as my parents are but I did come over all funny when I saw the Queen.  I do get fairly excitable over things and this was no exception.  I pushed my way to the front and got to see the lady herself.  Oh and the lawns - I want grass like that!

Of course, I was also slightly excited at the hats and outfits but was on a mission to place my first bet so I only managed to pap a few!

After a few small wins we headed to the track to be a little closer to the action for the final few races.  I soaked up the atmosphere, I love experiencing new things and this was no exception.  I always end up feeling a little over whelmed and quiet, especially when we were then picnicking with the best of them (Sir Steve Redgrave....) in the owners and trainers car park! 

Oh and we bumped into Mr Noel Edmunds as well - he has barely aged and looks amazing for 65.  He was so friendly and chatty to everyone. 

It was a long but perfect day.  For anyone who hasn't been, I fully recommend it.  I am desperate to go again! 

Hat; Jaeger (borrowed)
Bag; Vintage Chanel
Necklace; Topshop

Wedding Outfit & Some Vintage Accessories

So my last post was about leaving my outfit's until the last minute.  Well I can report I am consistent, I did the same on Friday.  Three dresses hung in front of me, 1 hour left to leave the house......the navy French Connection dress won.  I wanted something fitted, not loose that day.  I am mostly a simple dresser, I like to keep it classic.  So I threw in my vintage pale pink Chanel handbag, painted my nails pink (Chanel again!) and wore my L.K.Bennett snakeskin heels for the first time.  I love that they cover the soles of their shoes so they are not scuffed until the first wear - genius for saving them for the owner not the shoppers in store.  I added several other accessories then removed them all and just added some sparkle with a necklace.

Not the best of shots, you will know by now I'm not the best in front of the camera

Bows on the back

In a slightly better light (but the end of the day!)

It deserved a seat all of it's own

I love the ruffle detail on the shoulders of this dress

My accessories

Whilst driving to the wedding I took this photo to send to my family as the necklace was my late Nan's (RIP Nana W) and it was the first time I've worn it.  It's not real diamonds but my Mum polished it up and boy does it sparkle.  The hubby said, 'I wonder if our grand-daughters will be sat here one day calling your New Look/Primark costume jewellery vintage'.  Good point.  I'm thinking that my Nan's was well made back in the day and probably cost more then what I spend on token trend jewellery now.  This piece was obviously made to last, it must be 50-60 years old.  But I do wonder, will our costume jewellery one day be classed as vintage?

So tonight I am trying to plan my outfit to the Next Blogger Network Workshop.  Bad weather has stumped any plans I had.  At the moment I think it will be my Converse (seriously, I don't know how I survived without them before) for the commute then a quick change to some court shoes with skinny jeans.  As I have spent all week-end on another project (below!) I've neglected devoting any proper thought to my outfit for tomorrow.

This week-end I've been mainly painting my lounge furniture!

So my brain is not in the 'planning outfit' stage.  I've given up and done what I know will work, paint my nails.....then the rest will follow.  I love red nails.  Would I advise this way round for outfits to my clients?  Absolutely not, that's what I'm there for!

Helen E Cosmetics base coat & my favourite red Chanel

Wish me luck braving the storm whilst trying to remain fashionable!

Matalan Style Project

I was contacted to take part in a style challenge for Matalan's blog.  Never one to shy away from a shopping challenge (!) I was asked to put together an entire 'Beach Holiday' outfit for £50.  Now I will hold my hands up, I'm not a Matalan shopper.  That's mainly because my nearest one is 20 miles away and I don't use the internet to shop a brand/shop unless they are known and trusted by me as otherwise it's a bit of a mine field.  Being petite, some main stream shops are a no no.  I assumed this would be the case with Matalan and was envisaging a safety pinned out fit for the photos.  How wrong was I.  A bargain £47 later (and well actually nothing as Matalan kindly donated the £50 as a thank you) I will let the pictures do the talking!

Shorts £16, top £6

If you like my outfit, please drop by this link and give me a vote.  You just need to comment in the section below for a vote to be registered. 

Beach bag £6

Havaianas £9 (real ones I promise!)

Necklace £10

A close up of the shorts, I didn't feel the first picture did them justice!

I went to a lovely wedding yesterday and as always, I was in a rush to get out and forgot to take an outfit photo!  It wasn't a new ensemble so your not really missing out.  But I will share with you a snap I took of two of my favourites things; a delicious Pina Colada and my vintage Chanel handbag, needless to say it was a fab evening!  Hope you've all enjoyed a sunny week-end!

Still not to late to try and win a scarf kindly donated by Coco Marie, worth £85.


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