It's That Time of Year Again!

I think we can officially say autumn is here & whilst we might be mourning the warmer temperatures & the feel of the sun on our skin I have to admit to also loving this new season.  Granted autumn can be just beautiful when we have blue skies with the leaves changing into all their autumnal splendour but even if the weather's not playing ball I love the cosy dark nights & chillaxing in front of an open fire that we tend to have that little bit more time for in the autumn months.  For me there's nothing nicer than relaxing in front on the fire with a glass of something chilled & it absolutely tipping it down outside. Not to mention bonfire night & writing our names in the air with our sparklers, our wedding anniversary, my birthday & Christmas....I really do love all these events so much....totally not grown up I know but hey it's what makes me ME!

The other thing I love about this time of year is that it's officially jacket & scarf wearing weather woo hoo, two of my favourite items of clothing :-)  So I was beyond giddy when Joules very kindly sent me this gorgeous Wensley Caramel Floral Scarf.  

One of the main things you can guarantee with any item of clothing from Joules is both the quality & design & this scarf is no exception.  Lovingly finished in the the most gorgeous shade of winter yellow with the floral design containing most colours meaning that I think you'd struggle to find something this scarf didn't go with.  Plus it's just that perfect weight & length, which means that you won't suddenly find yourself stepping on said scarf & nearly strangling yourself nor going a delicate shade of red from overheating.

I totally love all the colours in the design & the pop of mustard yellow is turning out to be one of the colours I've already brought a few new autumn pieces in so it's perfect for wearing with my new additions.  Naturally as any self deserving shopaholic will tell you, I lost a good hour 'playing' with my new scarf & thinking of all the different outfits I could wear it with. 

One of my favourite colours to wear this autumnal shade of yellow is navy so in my first outfit I've teamed it with my bargain Mango jacket, which is still available online & currently 60% off!

Style One

Scarf - Joules

Military Style Jacket - Mango

Denim Shirt - Zara

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Boots - Next

For style two I've teamed the scarf with grey & my new biker jeans from H&M.  I think it looks really stunning with the contrasting colour & with such a simple outfit the scarf really can take the limelight.

Style Two

Scarf - Joules

Jumper - Primark (this season)

Biker Jeans - H&M

Boots - Oasis

Bracelet - Banana Republic

I simply couldn't not try the scarf with my new jumper from H&M which is the exact same shade as the scarf & looks fab teamed with my denim shirt & boyfriend jeans.

Style Three

Scarf - Joules

Denim Shirt - Zara

Jumper - H&M

Bracelet - Banana Republic

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Court Shoes - Zara

I've then simply smartened style three up by throwing on my tuxedo jacket which really ties in the dressy side of the court shoes without feeling too smart or work like due to the loose fitting boyfriends.

Style Four

Scarf - Joules

Jumper - H&M

Denim Shirt - Zara

Tuxedo Blazer - Zara

Bracelet - Banana Republic

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Court Shoes - Zara

For style five I've decided to put another pattern with the scarf & have styled it with a simple long sleeved navy & white Breton top.  I really like the different patterns together & by keeping the rest of the outfit in varying shades of blue it doesn't feel too loud or clashing.

Style Five

Scarf - Joules

Military Jacket - Mango

Striped Top - Zara

Bracelet - Banana Republic

Skinny Jeans - Zara

Court Shoes - Next

Finishing with style six where I've dressed the scarf down with some loose fitting cargo pants, a denim jacket finishing with my silver Boden pumps.  I really love the dressed down edge that outfit has, & it will be perfect for running errands of a weekend.

Style Six

Scarf - Joules

Denim Jacket - Zara

Jumper - Primark (this season)

Bracelet - Banana Republic

Combats - Zara

Silver Pumps - Boden

Of course Joules also do some other great designs & if you're on the hunt for a new scarf for your wardrobe have a peak at their other designs (click here) after all a new scarf is a great & cheap way for bringing some new love to clothing already in your wardrobe & there's no easier way for adding a pop of colour. 

Finishing with a round up of what I've been wearing these last few days.

Outfit One

Necklace - Zara

Tuxedo Jacket - Zara

Top - Zara

Bracelet - J Crew

Skinny Jeans - Zara

Court Shoes - Next

Outfit Two

Vest Top - H&M

Jumper - Zara

Necklace - Handmade

Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Gold Ballet Shoes - Zara

Outfit Three

Leopard Print Blazer - Zara

Cream Sweatshirt Top - Zara

Leather Studded Cuff - Massimo Dutti

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Shoe Boots - Next

Outfit Four

Striped Top - GAP

Leaf Necklace - Handmade

Bangle - Banana Republic

Belt - Massimo Dutti

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Ankle Boots - Zara

So are you loving the new addition to my ever increasing scarf collection?  Perhaps you're like me & feel naked without wearing something around your neck in these cooler months?  Maybe you've even brought one of the other gorgeous scarves from Joules or are hesitating over the 'buy me' button as you read this.

I'd love to hear if you've got a favourite way of wearing & tying your scarves.  Perhaps there's a stunning scarf you've seen on your shopping travels that you want to share.

As always I love reading your thoughts & hearing which style you like the most plus if you do know of a scarf that my wardrobe is crying to welcome into it's fold please share ;-)

Walking In Heels

Okay so I'm not known for my ability to walk in heels but seeing as my 'special' birthday is fast approaching I've decided that this season is the season to see me wear more heels, as quite frankly it's about time I started learning how to walk in them not to mention the fact that they're super slimming on the legs ;-)

So you can imagine my hubby's delight after announcing this decision!  As well as shaking his head at the thought, he also reminded me of all my near misses in heels in the past.  I mean seriously can anyone else manage to get their heel caught in the turn-up of their trouser leg whilst walking?!!! No....oh okay it's just me then - if I say what followed was a heart stopping slow motion tumble, which just so happened right slap bang in the middle of Times Square (see not only do I know how to fall with style I also make sure I pick my places!!!!) I'm sure you're getting the picture!!!

But I have a plan....oh yes!  Whilst I have invested in a couple of court heeled shoes of not too higher a heel & plenty of toupee tape for my more adventurous days my main everyday heels are going to be of the safer (you may remind me that I used this word in the coming weeks!!!) shoe boot variety.  Yup not only will I be in heels, said feet can be also be toasty plus & here's the big PLUS because my feet are totally encased I won't have to worry about heel slippage & slippage of the human variety!!!!

Now of course there needs to be certain restrictions to ensure I stay upright even in shoe boots, the first of which being a heel of no more than 10cm in height & a sturdy heel at that, otherwise I'll be gripping onto anything for dear life & the hope of staying upright (think novice ice skater who doesn't let go of the barrier & panics when they approach the gap for getting on & off the rink & you've got the general idea).  Oh & they have to look great not only with skinny jeans & boyfriend jeans but skirts & dresses as well oh & be quite fitted at the ankle!

So with my restrictions in mind here's my pick of what's available on the high street.  Starting with a pair that I have already worn on several occasions where alcohol has been involved & managed to stay upright - hurrah!

As I've said in previous posts I absolutely love these Next platform boots, yes they were a bit difficult to get on at first but after a couple of wears this has now been rectified & if I can stay upright in them which let's face it means anyone can!

Next Black Suede Platform Boots

Next up are these Mint Velvet beauties that are available in both grey and black, a slightly thiner heel but not to thin that I would start wobbling, I think!  And I really love the mixture of suede and patent on the grey pair in particular.

Mint Velvet Grey Suede & Patent Shoe Boots

Mint Velvet Black Suede Shoe Boots

Or how about these black boots from Clarks?  Again a slightly thinner heel than my Next ones but sturdy nonetheless for us learner heel wearers!

Clarks Kendra Accent Boots

Or from good old M&S what about these.  Not only are they part of the Footglove range meaning they're guaranteed to be extra kind on your feet, they're water repellent too so perfect for those days where the heavens seem to open & the rain buckets it down....I have in the past had ankle boots that seem to have been more of a sponge than a boot & have ended up walking with puddles inside my boots not great I have to admit!

M&S Footglove Suede Water Repellent Anke Boots

And also available in a dark brown.

And finally these beauties from Oasis, which have also found a home in my wardrobe.  They are actually grey, although from this picture from the Oasis website they do look a stoney/grey colour which has got me thinking that I may be able to wear them with a beige jacket & get away with it.  I can't rave enough about these beauties, I think in the first week of ownership I wore them most days...super comfortable & totally doable from a walking in heels feet still talking to you kind of day!

Oasis Betty Banana Heel Boots

So there you have it my selection of the best shoe boots around that fit my criteria for being able to walk unaided....it may have taken me forty years but I think I might have finally cracked it (well the shoe boot part at least!).

And here's what I've been wearing these past few days starting with a splash of colour (warning sunglasses may be required!!!).

Outfit One

Top - Zara

Necklace - New Look

Leopard Print Bangle - Banana Republic

Jeans - GAP

Leopard Print Ballet Flats - Dune

Outfit Two

Top - Zara

Leather Cuff - Banana Republic

Studded Belt - H&M

Faux Leather Trim Skirt - Zara

Shoe Boots - Next

Outfit Three

Pearls - Zara

Blazer - Zara

Top - Zara

Bracelet - J Crew

Jeans - H&M

Ballet Pumps - Massimo Dutti

So what do you reckon?  Are you a shoe boot wearer?  Have you brought some new babies that you think I should take a look at?  How about the teaming of the shoe boot with a dress or skirt are you a yeah or a nay?!!!  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In the meantime have a great few days & I'll be back soon with another new season staple that makes me love this time of year that little bit more!

Decisions, Decisions

So the countdown has begun to the main event of the year....well in this household anyway.....less that three months & counting!  I think I've said before how I'm still a big kid at heart & absolutely LOVE birthdays & you can guarantee the night before any birthday let alone a special one there won't be much sleep on my part & at some stage it will see me lying wide awake waiting for hubby & son to stir from their sleep & singing happy birthday to myself.....I know TOTALLY sad but like I say I'm still a child at heart & love birthdays!  Not even the thought of turning the big four-0 can dampen my excitement in fact it's just making me more excited & giving me the excuse to celebrate my birthday even more!!!  After all life begins at forty & I certainly intend to ensure this is the case!

Now birthdays also mean pressies & I can honestly say that a hand drawn birthday card from our son, sometimes depicting me in Zara (why he would draw such a thing I do not know....but it has been known I kid you not!!) is more precious than any present but being a 'special' birthday I now face an important decision......do I ask for a 'special' pressie to be treasured for the rest of my lifetime, that I wouldn't normally dream of buying or do I invest any birthday money in some new additions for my wardrobe that will give me a few years of joy but inadvertently be discarded at some point?

So with a treasured possession in mind I've started the search for something I wouldn't dream of normally buying let alone spend a large amount on one such item but hey fortieths are a once in a lifetime experience...right?!  Well at least until the fiftieth!!!!

Now I have already started the 'research' into such a pressie....if of course I'm luckily enough to be gifted with some birthday money & through my 'research' stumbled across the designer Peter Som on Avenue32.  Peter who I hear you cry....well let me tell you Peter or 'Pete' to his friends ;-) is known for his signature bold prints with designs that are both feminine, quirky and classic & having dressed some of Hollywood's leading ladies well surely it's about time he dressed one of Worcestershire's gals too?!!!

Although I'm not known for my love of bold prints (well apart from leopard print!) I do have the odd bit of print in my wardrobe that I do love wearing with some classic items & what better to incorporate a bit of designer into my wardrobe than through a bit of print?!

Having looked at his pieces the item I'm totally loving & keep being drawn back to is this silk top.

Painter Floral Silk Top

I love all the colours that it incorporates, which would make it so versatile to wear plus the fact that both the style & the design is quite classic meaning it wouldn't date.  Not to mention the fact that being short sleeved it could be worn in summer & layered up in winter so would be one of those special pieces in my wardrobe that could be worn all year long......I'm loving it even more!  I'm even envisaging wearing it will wax coated skinnies, tuxedo blazer & some amazing heels or with a pencil leather skirt & a Chanel inspired boucle jacket.

So what do you think?  Have you had or are you approaching your fortieth of any other special birthday for that matter & wondering what to put on the all important birthday list?  Are you of the frame of mind that you'd like one special pressie that will last a lifetime or are you thinking of just investing in some new pieces for your wardrobe that may not last a lifetime but will give you much pleasure in the coming years?  I'd really love to hear your thoughts & suggestions about what I should do.

And while I contemplate this all important question, here's what I've been wearing these last few days, starting with a day in the office.

Outfit One

Scarf - Zara

White Shirt - Massimo Dutti

Bracelets - Banana Republic

Jacket - Zara

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Court Shoes - Zara

Outfit Two

Jumper - H&M

Scarf - H&M

Leather Cuffs - Massimo Dutti

Jeans - Massimo Dutti

Court Shoes - Next

Outfit Three

Tuxedo - Zara

Necklace - Handmade

Camisole - Zara

Bracelet - J Crew

Cigarette Trousers - Zara

Shoe Boots - Next

Outfit Four

Scarf - Zara

Sweatshirt - Zara

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Pumps - Boden

Of course me being me I'm sure to come up with many more ideas for birthday gifts in the coming three months but I'd love to hear your thoughts about this first option & what you're hoping for or indeed had on your special birthday.

Enjoy your Sunday & see you in a few days.

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What To Wear......

Now as I mentioned in my last post, Sunday saw me meet up with some lovely new friends all made through the fabulous outfit posting site Avenue57.  As I've previously mentioned in several past blogs I was a bit wary of posting on any outfit sharing site in case it was a bit clicky but I couldn't have been more wrong & through taking the plunge I've made some wonderful new friends who are not only inspirational in the style stakes but totally supportive too.

So after weeks of having the date & rendevous in the diary the day we had all been waiting for finally approached.  Now I always like to give some thought as to what I'm going to wear no matter what the occasion but factor in meeting twelve highly stylish women & faced with a weather forecast of strong winds & heavy rain well I seemed to suffer from brain freeze & a case of no clothes to wear.

After several outfit attempts & lots of clothing being pulled out of the wardrobe & ending up in a mass pile on the floor I eventually decided on what to wear, deciding (rightly or wrongly) to ignore the weather forecast & just brave it out.

So for those of you that are wondering here's a couple of piccies of what I wore, which included my new pink Zara jacket that I brought in Majorca (well I think they'd have all thought I'd have had a complete personality transfer if I'd not worn a bit of Zara ;-) ) teamed with grey (oh & of course a little bit of leopard print as you know Bet she always wants to get in on the action!!!).

Of course me being me, there had to be a contingency outfit planned just in case come Sunday I totally hated what I'd planned on wearing....tell me this happens to you too?!!! I'll try an outfit on, decide on accessories etc, spend the couple of days before the big occasion being pleased with my decision only to quickly throw it on before heading out the door to decide that it looks nothing like how it did a couple of days ago & wishing I had time to change!!!

So my back up outfit consisted of a black tuxedo blazer, some studded black capri trousers, black cami, leopard print court shoes & some statement jewellery, having gained my inspiration from Heidi Klum but instead of wearing my leather biker going for my tuxedo instead.

I'm totally loving the simplicity of this outfit....no accessories just some stunning clothing & so in honour of such a stylish outfit here's my selection of pieces from the high street you could use to re-create this look.

Starting of course with the biker jacket & this stunning leather one from Mango, I'm totally loving the quilting on the shoulders and sleeves.

Mango Quilted Panels Leather Jacket

Next up the black cami & I love this one from Topshop with the lace, which would just add that little bit of detailing to the outfit without distracting from its simplicity.

Topshop Lace Insert Cami

Turning next to the black capris, I've decided to ignore the baggy pants style as worn by Heidi & go for something more classic in shape that's not going to date.  I really like these ones from ASOS, not only do they look a great length & fit they also appear to sit quite high up on the waist, so should be super comfy (gosh I'm using that word a lot lately - note to self need to come up with another that sounds less middle aged!!!).

ASOS Cropped Trousers With Zip Pocket

Turning to the boots & I can't recommend these Next platform ankle boots enough....I've got these & have to admit even I can walk unaided in these beauties.  Although when they first arrived I did fret as getting my foot in & out was a little difficult & set my claustrophobia into overdrive but as soon as I'd done it a couple of times (think Cinderella & the Ugly Sisters) the suede softened to make it a whole lot easier & I just know I'm going to live in these babies over the coming months.

Next Black Suede Platform Ankle Boots

Finally turning to the studded belt, I've chosen this one from New Look, which for some reason I can't find on the New Look website but is on the ASOS site!  Not quite studs but something that little bit different & certainly guaranteed to add that bit of detail to the outfit.

ASOS New Look Skinny Belt With Plate Detail

So there you have my Heidi Klum style steal, what do you think?  I think it's a look most of us will have at least a couple of the items already in our wardrobe, with all items being great key pieces to invest in & use time & time again.  Seeing as I didn't wear it Sunday I certainly intend on wearing at some stage both with the tuxedo & also with my biker jacket  too.

Moving onto my outfits from the last few days & of course starting with another picture of my outfit from Sunday.

Outfit One

Scarf - Massimo Dutti

Blazer - Zara

Top - ASOS

Bracelet - J Crew

Necklace - Zara

Jeans - H&M

Boots - Oasis

Outfit Two

Quilted Faux Leather Jacket - Zara

Necklace - Zara

Jumper - Primark (this season)

Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti

Printed Trousers - Zara

Boots - Oasis

Outfit Three

Denim Jacket - 

Pearls - Zara

Sweatshirt - Next

Studded Belt - H&M

Skirt - Primark (this season)

Bracelet - Banana Republic

Boots - Oasis

Outfit Four

Necklace - Banana Republic

Shirt - H&M

Vest Top - Zara

Snake Print Belt - Massimo Dutti

Biker Jeans - H&M 

Boots - Oasis

So have I convinced you on this style steal or would you prefer to see it worn with a more tailored jacket?  I love reading your comments & seeing your thoughts so please don't feel shy!

And finishing where I started this blog with the 'big meet up'....you won't be surprised to hear that a lot of fun, laughter & bubbles were enjoyed by all.  A truly wonderful day with some very special ladies that I hope I now have the honour of calling my friends.  Had I known where this blog journey was going to take me I'd have started it long ago......& hey this is only the beginning!

Let's hope the rest of the week flies by, rumour has it that temperatures are set to improve in time for the  weekend & I'll be back in a few days with an addition to my wish list.

My First 'Must Have' for Autumn

As promised today's post is all about my 'must have' (or one of them ;-) )for the coming chillier months & surprise, surprise it's a jacket!!!!  Okay now before you start shouting at the screen saying I've got enough jackets to last me a lifetime this is something a little bit different.  Yes it has sleeves & is an outer garment but.....& here's the difference whilst it's tailored it's not of the blazer variety.....yup that's right it's more casual styleeee & of the quilted variety too.  Yup I'm talking quilted faux (better on the pocket) jackets ;-)

Now for the shocker.....I'm not looking to invest in a quilted jacket (cue hubby's huge sign of relief) not because I don't love them but because one just 'happened' to magic itself into my wardrobe earlier in the year (of course this doesn't include the leather biker jacket that I brought in the sales but as we're between friends I'll skip over that detail quickly!). 

So I hear you cry why should you invest in said jacket.....well let me tell you before my purchase I would have probably said a. that being faux leather it would look cheap (wrong on that score) & b. I was too old for said jacket but having been tempted by you've guest it Zara (was my mouth out.....I truly promise I'm not paid any commission I'm just a Zara Addict) to order one in one of my many deliveries as soon as I tried it on I knew it had to be mine.  

Okay so skip back six months & here's my justification to hubby......firstly I have NOTHING similar to this style in my wardrobe (he couldn't argue with that!), secondly being quilted it's surprisingly warm & a great alternative to wearing a huge heavy winter coat & thirdly (& more importantly) it's faux which means its kind on the old purse strings & if I'd gone for leather would have been soooooo much more expensive (of course what I was really thinking was that the money saved could be used to by other essentials....you get my drift?!).

But if I'm honest forget all the pretty pleasing to hubby what really sold it to him was the versatility.  Yes it looks great worn with jeans (skinny, boyfriend you name it) & some chunky boots not to mention a fabulous scarf but it also looks quite sexy (his words not mine) when teamed with a girly skirt/dress....I'm especially loving the lacy/nightdress kind of vibe that's going on this year teamed with some chunky boots (of which I have no lacy/nightdressy kind of dresses so more on that to follow later).

So without further ado here's my round up of the best there is this season, starting with of course Zara where I brought my baby from.

This first one is really similar in style to mine although this has more of a 'biker' feel with the detailing of stitching on the shoulders & which if I'm being honest I prefer to mine :-( but even I can't justify another faux quilted jacket on almost identical style (I might be good but I'm not that good!).

Zara Faux Leather Biker Style Jacket

Zara also do one which is more in keeping with the traditional biker style with a collar & lapels.  I have to admit when I first tried the round neck version I thought it might not be for me due to the lack of collar etc but it's great for teaming with a scarf.  If however you feel you'd be lost without a collar then this jacket has your name written all over it!

Zara Faux Leather Biker Jacket

And for those of you who don't fancy black or perhaps already have a black one & want to expand the range then it also comes in cream too!

Stepping away from Zara (see it can be done....deep breathing & paper bag at hand) then Oasis also do a great faux jacket, again more of the 'biker' feel & less quilted if you fancy something a little plainer.

Oasis Faux Leather Jacket

Or how about this gorgeous one from Next which is again very similar to my Zara one.  I absolutely love how they've styled it & have in fact already brought this skirt but the black version to wear with my jacket & perhaps a 'rock' themed t-shirt.

Next Quilted PU Jacket

Also Available In Grey

Moving onto Dorothy Perkins and this little beauty is another one I'd be trying if I hadn't already got my jacket waiting to come back out to play in my wardrobe.

Dorothy Perkins Faux Leather Collarless Biker Jacket

And finally how about this one from H&M, quite plain in style but I'm loving the detailing on the cuff.

H&M Faux Leather Quilted Jacket

So what do you think?  Have you already like me got a quilted faux number in your wardrobe that you can't wait to slip into on those cooler mornings? Or perhaps you've been thinking about taking the plunge but not sure if it's really you....seriously give it a try I swear you'll be converted.  

Moving onto what I've been wearing these past few days starting with my outfit from Thursday when temperatures rose ever so slightly & the sun put in a guest appearance.

Outfit One

Jacket - Mango

Top - Zara

Braclets - Banana Republic & Massimo Dutti

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Gold Ballet Pumps - Massimo Dutti

Outfit Two

Neclace - Zara

Cardigan - Zara

Camisole - Zara

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Pumps - Boden

Outfit Three

Jacket - Next

Jumper - H&M

Bracelet - Banana Republic

Jeans - Zara

Shoes - Next

Right I'm off to start outfit planning as tomorrow I'm meeting up with some seriously stylish new friends & at the moment I can honestly say I've got nothing to wear....it's going to get messy & that's just with the outfit planning!!!!!

As always I love reading your comments & can't wait to see if you're a quilted faux leather jacket lover like me & how you style yours, please let me know.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!