Feeling A Little Wintery

Not so long ago when we were having some un heard of mild weather for this time of year I said I wasn't really planning my Winter wardrobe, I hadn't given it a second thought.  Well I'm there now, below 10 degrees doing the school run in the morning is freezing to me, I don't do the cold.  I always feel a little uninspired at the start of the colder months so I haven't done much planning, more delving into my jumpers and layers.  Oh and I always wear vests!

Cashmere jumper; La Redoute
Gilet; Zara
Jeans; Gap
Boots; Topshop

Cashmere jumper (again!); La Redoute
Scarf; Damart
Trousers; Gap
Boots; TK Maxx

I bought my 'raspberry' jacket earlier in the year from the Zara sale just as the weather was getting warmer.  I took a bit of a risk as it only got worn once before it went away but the risk paid off.  Apart from the berry trousers above, it has been worn daily and it has received so many compliments.  One lady on the train stopped me to say what a lovely cheerful colour it was on me, how lovely!  

Done up, I love the neck and the popper fastenings make it so easy

Great big collar when open
Jacket; Zara
Jumper; TK Maxx
Jeans & boots; Topshop

And finally, yes, I am one to share - this time, my thermal vest.  Thank you Damart for sending me a few, this being my favourite.  It's thin and inconspicuous with a little gold detail to make it more appealing when I'm dragging out the layers in the dark mornings.  I have actually been wearing it for a while (I told you I felt the cold!) and it's still as good as new after many washes.  I really recommend them.  

Any one else in their thermals yet or have I peaked too soon?!?

The Shopping Edit Featuring Oasis, Warehouse & Zara

After a week of being poorly (laryngitis - family were pleased I could barely speak and took full advantage) I'm finally sharing with you my finds from last week-end.  I spent the afternoon in Milton Keynes helping a friend find an outfit for a wedding.  I was very well behaved on the shopping front, only photographing some of my favourite items out right now to share with you.  I was focused more on helping her which in turn helped my bank balance - that day at least!  I loved the denim that Oasis had to offer.

Oasis Dress £45 & Top £28

How stunning is this dress from Warehouse?  It was borderline a little too bright/neon for my liking on me but the shape is fantastic and with a tan I think it would look amazing.

Warehouse Dress £65

Over to one of my favourite shops, Zara.  I missed the boat on the pink wool coat trend and now it's warming up I'm on the look out for a lighter weight one instead.  It's not a 'need', more a 'want' so it won't be a purchase unless the price is right (and we all know how much I am addicted to a bargain).  I did love this coat but at £99.99 and a high polyester (snagging fibre) content I was put off.  The fit and cut was gorgeous though.  

I didn't see it style in store but I love the one below.  It's got a high cotton (natural fibre!) content and I love the colour as it wouldn't show up the dirt as much.  The pockets are a cute addition and it's a bit more casual than the one above.

Zara £89.99

I am still enjoying wearing my Gap Real Straight jeans, they have finally had a break for their first wash though!  They make me feel more summery despite the cooler weather and cashmere jumper!  I went all out with two animal prints, they weren't sat right next to each other so what the hell!  Gretel (Hansel & Gretel) sneaked into the background!

Cashmere jumper; La Redoute
Gilet; Zara
Jeans; Gap
Ballet pumps; French Sole

The High Street Edit featuring H&M, Warehouse & Mint Velvet

I was working with a client last week on a shopping trip and as always, I get there a little earlier to have some time to browse around.  In 3 hours, we did 3 shops.  Yep, 3 shops only.  I like to do them well!  She did however spend her budget and came away very happy and eager to spend more.  We spent time in House of Fraser, New Look and H&M.  We fitted her in the most amazing pair of skinny jeans from New Look for £22.99.  Well done New Look, great cut, finish and the right amount of stretch.  They have a great selection so do take the time to have a look.

I then had to go back into town the next day to have a little trying on session for myself!  The main items that caught my eye to try were in H&M.  Sadly (but happily for my bank balance) they weren't right for me but might just be for you!

£24.99 bought, returned!  Wanted to replace a holed, much loved cream top I have.  I wanted to feel as fabulous in it as my other top (not a H&M one) but it didn't hit the mark for me.

Loved this on the hanger, so wanted to love it on.  Just not the right shape on me, but the print was great.

Had my eye on this denim number for a while.  Great, on trend shape but the fabric was so fine that you could see the pockets through it as below.  (yes, I was being lazy, jeans are still half on!)

Too many lumps & bumps going on, such a shame.

A great dress, just too long on me.  Nice light fabric for the warmer weather.

I have a thing about quilted bomber style jackets at the moment. Had they had my size, it probably would have been purchased (and quite possibly returned!)

I bought this dress in cream whilst I was working in London last year and they have now brought it out £10 cheaper (£29.99) in floral and a thinner material. I liked the thick fabric before but with this print they've done a good job.

Bikini shopping is right up there with my hated bra shopping.  However I fell in love with this print.  It's still sat in the bag upstairs awaiting a decision though!

Ending H&M on their most positive of collections.......

If you are looking for a fitted, slimming dress for work, give Warehouse a look.  I think this is a great classic with those slimming black side panels, defining/working in a waist.

£50

For more panelling Mint Velvet had this gorgeous top.  Probably one of my favourite pieces of their current collection.  The fabric felt weighty enough to show quality but still great for warmer weather.

£59

How gorgeous is this jacket, also from Mint Velvet (seen in House of Fraser).  Seriously in love with this.  I can see it working so well with any wardrobe staples such as jeans, skirts, over dresses.

£79

Over to what I wore that day.  I am at my most comfiest in jeans so my black wet look Gap's were worn, teamed with some colourful cashmere from M&S and jewels from New Look.  Boots by Sam Edelman.

Trusted Zara fur gilet thrown on for good measure!

Where have you been shopping on the High Street recently that's given you inspiration?

The Quick Catch Up Featuring Bare Minerals, Gap & Moi!

It's been a busy week and doesn't show any signs of slowing down what with half term!  Anyone else loosing the will to live with their little sproglets already?!?!  I had a rare few hours in a shopping centre all to myself last week, I actually didn't know what to do with myself, no kids, no time limit.  So I set myself a two hour time limit instead!  I popped into Gap to try and find some boyfriend jeans (I'm going to start back on the 'what I need' lists), no luck but I did spy these gorgeous ballet pumps.  All leather, £34.99.  I love the colours, they could literally go with anything.

Next up I have been desperate to try the new Bare Minerals Ready product and the kind ladies at the Debenhams counter gave me some samples to try.  I have used it twice now, I'm not 100% the colour is right so I may go for a shade lighter but as with my starter kit set, it is natural, goes on well (been using some samples of liquid foundation and I'm just not cut out to blend properly!) and quick to apply.  

Apart from that, my trip was brief!  I am trying to be good with 'Frugal February' so I wasn't going to be buying anything I really didn't need.  I even put down a reduced body spray in Hollister as questioned did I need it right now.  The answer being no as I still had over half a bottle left of what I was using.  What is happening to me?!  I'm sure it won't last long.  Here is what I wore to run about in, school run included. 

Jeans: Gap
Sweater: Dorothy Perkins
Gilet: Zara

(Discarded jeans on the changing room floor: Gap)

Handbag: Prada
Boots: Sam Edelman

Scarf: H&M (cashmere)
Furby: Tesco
Lizzie the Cat: Me, the adoptive Mother

PS who else did well on Valentines day?  Look at what my lucky little ladies received from their doting Aunty.  They did better than me (yep, hubby was in the dog house for it!).