Sweater Love

One thing every wardrobe needs come the cooler months is a statement jumper or two & if you're anything like me trying to find said statement sweater can be a real nightmare.  Now I don't think I'm being over fussy (although granted it has been said a few times in the past or 'special' as my hubby likes to call it!) but for me I want something that's not only going to keep me warm but is also stylish & of a fitted design.  Because personally when its dark & gloomy outside shuffling along in a huge jumper that may keep me warm but puts the 'F' into frump isn't going to do anything for my morale.  

So you can imagine my excitement when Mint Velvet very kindly sent me this stunning jumper to style.  Not only was I beyond delirious at the thought of a new jumper that ticked all my boxes to add to my collection for those cold dreary days that will soon be upon us but my inner Bet was also beyond herself with excitement due to the fact that it was animal print too....well need I say anymore!!!

I can honestly say that as soon as I ripped open the packaging (sorry but it's true no delicate tearing of the tissue paper & savouring of the moment from me but full on let me at it ripping I'm afraid - still a big kid at heart it has to be said) & unwrapped my new baby I was in love.  It is simply the best statement jumper ever..... as it possesses the three 'S's.......snugly, super soft & stylish not to mention warm!  Made from nylon and angora with a small percentage of wool I just know it's going to keep me toasty come those winter mornings & the angora wool just makes it feel so much more luxurious to other jumpers in my wardrobe.  Plus being predominately black with a splash of oatmeal means it's a great jumper for teaming with a whole host of items lurking in my wardrobe.  Not to mention the fact that on the side of each hip it's got a small zip which just adds an extra dimension to the detailing & means for a more casual looser look & fit you can leave these undone to create a whole different look.

So enough of my rambling let's take a peak at said jumper.

Mint Velvet Animal Blocked Knit

Now any true lover of clothes will tell you that one of the great things about having something new in your wardrobe is the trying on session that follows a new purchase & I'm no different.  I love flinging open the wardrobe doors & pulling out different pieces that I think are going to look great with my new item.  Of course sometimes something you thought was going to look A-Mazing doesn't look as you envisaged but then there's generally a whole heap of things that go just as you imagined & if you've struck gold then there's even the time when if you're really lucky something you thought would look great ends up looking stunning.

So after a good old dressing up session & the carnage that follows (I suppose the fact that this was my favourite game to play as a child really should of been a clue to where my true passions lay) here's some of the outfits I've created from my wardrobe with the odd new purchase or two ;-)

Starting with style one which I've teamed with my ever useful chunky pearl necklace & new faux leather leggings following on from my Grease inspired blog (click here).  I totally love this look as I think it's perfect for a night out styled with my shoe boots but would also look just as fab teamed with some biker boots & a reefer styled coat for daytime errands too.

Style One

Necklace - Zara

Jumper - Mint Velvet

Bracelets - J Crew & Banana Republic

Black Vest Top - H&M

Faux Leather Leggings - Zara

Boots - Oasis

Next up & I've upped the bling factor & styled with my Zara skorts.  I totally love the simplicity of this outfit & think the necklace just goes perfectly.

Style Two

Necklace - Zara

Jumper - Mint Velvet

Bracelets - J Crew & Banana Republic

Skorts - Zara

Shoe Boots - Next

For style three I've simply teamed outfit two with my new H&M Paris Collection Faux Fur Stole, which I'm delighted I finally managed to get my hands on...definitely a statement piece but simply stunning & whilst it's predominately black I love how it has this dark blue shade to it too not to mention the fact that it has little waistcoat style straps for your arms to keep it in place....genius!

Style Three

Stole - H&M

Jumper - Mint Velvet

Bracelets - J Crew & Banana Republic 

Skorts - Zara

Shoe Boots - Next

In outfit four I've teamed the jumper with a simple white shirt & my new faux leather skirt following on from my post on leather & faux leather skirts (well it had to be done didn't it!).  I really love the jumper teamed with the splash of red.  Of course being such neutral colours the jumper will go with a whole array of different colours including royal blue, mustard yellow & khaki to name just a few & again this outfit could easily be adapted for a more casual look with the addition of biker boots & a chunky scarf.

Style Four

 

Jumper - Mint Velvet

Shirt - Massimo Dutti

Bracelet - J Crew

Faux Leather Skirt - Zara

Black Court Shoes - Zara

Moving onto style five & I've teamed the jumper with my grey denim shirt & jeans & added a splash of colour with my red leopard print shoes.  Now although the  lighter colour in the jumper is described as oatmeal it's a cross between a grey & beige so is simply perfect for teaming with either colour as in this outfit the oatmeal reflects the grey to make it look an almost perfect match in colour.

 Style Five

Jumper - Mint Velvet

Denim Shirt - Zara

Bracelet - J Crew

Cigarette Length Jeans - Zara

Leopard Print Court Shoes - Zara

Then layering the jumper up I've added a red leopard print scarf & my faux leather quilted jacket for style six.

Style Six

Jumper - Mint Velvet

Denim Shirt - Zara

Bracelet - J Crew

Faux Leather Quilted Jacket - Zara

Scarf - Zara

Cigarette Length Jeans - Zara

Leopard Print Court Shoes - Zara

Of course there's lots more ways it could be styled including with blue or black denim skinny jeans, with a smart pair of black trousers - I'm thinking my cigarette length ones, not to mention a short black leather skirt, some distressed boyfriends with a white shirt & even teamed with a great blazer or tux style jacket.  In fact I think it's safe to say I'm going to be wearing this jumper a lot these next few months & will no doubt be styling it a whole heap of different ways I've yet to think about as it really is a great versatile piece.  The only lethal thing is that having fallen head over heels in love with this gorgeous jumper I've already been scouring Mint Velvet's knitwear on their website & there's a least another couple of items my wardrobe is in serious need of.....the trouble is I'm trying to be good with the countdown to my 'big' celebration now underway so I'm just hoping my self will can hold out....the trouble is can you???

Finally here's a round up of what I've been wearing these past few days starting with a couple of days off work & fun times spent with my hubby & son...boy I was born not to work ;-)

Outfit One

Faux Fur Coat - Zara
Blouse - Zara
Vest Top - H&M
Jeans - Zara
Ankle Boots - M&S

Outfit Two

Scarf - Massimo Dutti
Top - Primark
Jacket - Zara
Jeans - Zara
Boots - Oasis

Outfit Three

Shirt - Zara
Bracelets - Banana Republic
Belt - Zara
Faux Leather Trim Skirt - Zara
Shoe Boots - Next

So what do you think of my new baby?  Are you a Mint Velvet lover too & fallen head over heels for their collection of stunning relaxed glamour?  Perhaps you're like me & find it hard to find knitwear that's stylish & fitted not to mention non-itchy?

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts not to mention which is your favourite outfit.  Enjoy the rest of the week & for those of you with children on half term, may the force be with you!!!!

Putting A Face To A Name!

So another first for me & the blog today & I must admit I might need a rather stiff drink (or two) before I hit the publish button as the time has come to put a face to my blog.......arghhh!!!!  

Now first up the disclaimer.....I accept no responsibility for any nightmares said face is the cause of & you have my word that I won't be posting my face on every picture to follow, just on rare occasions & if & when the light is ever soft, flattering & kind enough!!

You may of course be wondering why I have FINALLY plucked up the courage to post my face although if you follow me on Twitter you may have seen that last Friday I had my first ever photo shoot.  But for anyone that knows me & has managed to track down my secret identity (a small handful of whom I'm aware) I generally try to shun being in any photo.  So having said this you may be wondering what the hell I'm doing writing a fashion blog but as I've mentioned in the past this turning forty malarkey has a lot to answer for & the knocking off of my head has allowed me to be anonymous & hardly tell a soul about said blog....although that's all to change as having found out how much I'm loving writing my blog it seems its time for me to 'come out'!!

So with my birthday rapidly approaching & having been approached by Gemini Woman to take part in a photo shoot to showcase some of their gorgeous clothes I knew that I had to just grab the opportunity & not think about it.

Before I get onto their gorgeous clothes I must firstly thank everyone at Gemini for their patience.  Especially Donna who styled the outfits, if it had been left up to me I'd probably still be trying to choose what to wear as they've got some stunning pieces & brands including Sandwich Clothing, Masai Clothing, Great Plains, French Connection & Hobbs to name just a few & of course Drew the photographer (who must of got tired of telling me to look down....promise I'll remember for next time!!!).

So ok deep breath & here goes, I hope you're ready for this???!

Sorry just kidding......I really couldn't resist slipping that piccie in tee-hee, I've been chuckling about that since I first had the idea last week ;-) 

Of course really I'm just using it to delay the inevitable but it looks like even I can't delay it anymore so here we go...................

Style One

Jacket - Gemini-Woman

Scarf - Gemini-Woman

Jumper - Gemini-Woman

Treggings - Gemini-Woman

Boots - Gemini-Woman

Messenger Bag - Gemini-Woman

The first outfit features items of clothing from Sandwich Clothing, of which Gemini are the UK's leading stockist & are part of their latest release from their casual collection.  I love all the autumnal colours in the first outfit & I can't begin to describe how gorgeous & soft the suede jacket is.  The jumper is simply gorgeous for snuggly up in come the cooler weeks & months ahead & don't get me started on those ankle boots....just divine!

Style Two  

Dress - Gemini-Woman

Bag - Gemini-Woman

Leggings - Gemini-Woman

Boots - Gemini-Woman

The second outfit features some beloved leopard print.  I absolutely love this tunic style dress...comfy, stylish & fitted in the all the right places.....what more could you ask for?  The leggings Donna teamed the dress with are also gorgeous & have some great seam detailing which just makes them look that little bit more styled & less like thick tights which some leggings can have the tendency to look like.  In fact after said photo shoot I decided I deserved a little treat & it was a close call between buying this dress & the long sleeved top in the same design as I love them both that much but in the end I opted for the top.

So there you have it my first ever photo shoot....something I never imagined I would be doing when I first started this blog at the end of February.

Of course lots more pictures were taken featuring some of the other brands Gemini stock but I'm going to leave those for another day.  In the meantime if you want to learn a little bit more about me then click here to see my interview & you should definitely check out Gemini's website as there are some seriously gorgeous items just don't hold me accountable when you click the button ;-)

Finally here's around up of what I've been wearing these last few days.

Outfit One

Pearl Necklace - Zara
Gilet - Zara
Jumper - Primark
Bracelet -J Crew
Jeans - H&M
Wedge Trainers - Ash

Outfit Two

Top - Gemini-Woman
Bracelet -Banana Republic
Jeans - Zara
Boots - Oasis

Outfit Three

Jacket - Mango
Scarf - Zara
Sweatshirt - Topshop
Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti
Jeans - Zara
Boots - Zara

Outfit Four

Snood - Gemini-Woman
Leather Biker Jacket - Zara
Vest Top - H&M
Bangle - Banana Republic
Jumper - Zara
Jeans - Zara
Wedges Trainers - Ash

Right I'm off to celebrate the fact that my face is now out there with a glass of bubbles (well you know me any excuse ;-) ).  Have a great Sunday & let me know what you think of the stunning pieces available from Sandwich Clothing.  I'd also be interested to hear if I'm how you imagined me.....perhaps the first photo was more what you had in mind???!!! 

Let me know & see you in a few days & let's hope this storm isn't as bad as they forecast.  Stay safe.

To Tartan Or Not To Tartan

That is the question this season....& before I'd seen Victoria Beckham rocking a short kilt I have to admit to being undecided but she looked amazing & I'm betting it's got quite a few people now on the hunt for the perfect bit of tartan to incorporate into their wardrobe.  After all if a kilt can look that fabulous on Vicky surely it's got to rub off a bit on us mere mortals!!

So seeing as I had nothing of the checked/tartan variety in my wardrobe I've decided that a couple of additions in a nod to the trend is the way forward & of course we all know what that means.....internet scouring & shopping oh & of course the 'Shopping Fairy' :-)

Now whilst I've come round to the idea of a little bit of tartan I can't see me going all out for the trend (well nothing can replace my love of 'Bet'!!!!) but if you fancy jumping head first into tartan then a great way to embrace it would be to invest in a new checked winter coat (that is of course if you're not going down the route of the pink variety that EVERYONE seems to be doing).  Whilst there are some stunning checked coats out there I'd rather invest in a coat that is of the more classic style as generally coats are an expensive purchase that I want to get more than one season from (& who knows if tartan is going to go out of fashion as quickly as it came in....).

So with this in mind I've concentrated my search on individual pieces of clothing that can be dressed up or down & are not too much of an investment.  And staying with the hunt for the perfect skirt here's a selection of some of the fab skirts currently on the high street.

First up is this skirt from ASOS.  I love the fact that the style of this skirt is less kilt more skater & that you could embrace the navy & black trend as well & team it with either or both.

ASOS Daisy Street Tartan Skirt

However, if you fancy more of a traditional kilt design then I'm loving this one from Next. The colours are simply gorgeous & I'm also loving the zip pocket detailing.

Next Kilt

For more of a straight styled kilt then this one from Boden looks fab, not to mention the double strap detailing.

Boden Tweed Kilt

But if I am going to invest in a tartan skirt I think I've found my dream one.  As I mentioned in a previous post I'm developing a huge crush on all things Mint Velvet and this checked kilt is no exception.  Totally love everything about it including how they've styled it with the chunky biker boots....just gorgeous & I'm loving the soft muted colours too.

Mint Velvet Checked Kilt

For a different take on a tartan skit how about this pencil wrap skirt from ASOS?  Love the longer length & wrap detailing not to mention the grey undertones, just simply stunning & a little Vivienne Westwood I thinking.

ASOS Tartan Pencil Wrap Skirt

Moving away from skirts, as after all having seen 'The One' as modelled by VB I'm wondering if anything else is ever going to live up to it??  So with this in mind another great way of embracing the trend would be by way of a dress & this one really caught my eye when I recently happened to find myself in a place I rarely seem to visit ;-) & I think it would look fab with a biker jacket & some boots.

Zara Checked Dress

Of course there are some great tartan offerings in the trouser department too & spurred on by the trend I've recently brought a bright Rupert Bear pair from Primark.  Of course the fact that they were only £13 helped as I'm not going to be loosing too much sleep if I don't find myself wearing them as much as I thought.  Having given them their first outing a couple of weeks ago I'm considering a little bit of re-styling as over the summer months I've got used to wearing cigarette length trousers/rolled up jeans & I'm thinking it might be worth attempting shortening them....although whether I'm brave enough to attempt this myself is another thing.  But I think this length of trouser looks so elegant when worn with a court shoe or shoe boot & these tartan slim, cropped legged trousers from Boden are the length I have in mind.  I'm also loving the subtle tartan not to mention the gorgeous shade of beige.

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers

Also Available In Grey Check

If the Boden ones are too subtle for you then how about this pair from Zara?  I can see these looking fab with a denim shirt & a bit of bling.

Zara Checked Trousers

Or in the same colour way as the pencil wrap skirt featured above these cropped trousers from ASOS also look gorgeous & I'd personally team them with a gorgeous soft grey sweater & denim jacket.

ASOS Tartan Trousers

Of course another way of incorporating the trend is by investing in a checked/tartan shirt, which always looks fab with jeans for a weekend & could be glammed up with a pair of leather/faux leather trews or skirt for a night out.  This first shirt from Zara is in a real traditional tartan colour way.

Zara Round Neck Checked Shirt

I'm also really loving this monochrome one from Zara too, as it's a great way of giving a nod to the trend without going full on tartan crazy.

Zara Checked Blouse

Sticking with tops but moving away from shirts then this sweater from Next looks stunning.  Whilst I haven't seen it in 'real' life I think it would look really glamorous with a black leather/faux leather skirt & heels for a more evening kind of look.

Next Heritage Check Sweater

Finally if you can't see yourself wearing an item of tartan clothing how about investing in some tartan accessories?  I have to admit this gorgeous checked scarf from (well no prizes for guessing from where!!) has already found itself a new home.  Totally love the colours, more subdued in real life than in the picture & so soft not to mention huge that I'm hoping it's going to keep me nice & toasty in the coming months & mean that I can wear my blazers without feeling too cold.....oh & should I feel the need for an impromptu picnic well I've got my rug round my neck so I'm all ready to go ;-) 

Zara Soft Checked Scarf

Finally if you don't find yourself in the market for a new scarf (really can you ever say you've got enough scarves?!!!!!) then what about these tartan court shoes?  A great way of incorporating the trend & they'd look simply stunning dressed down with some boyfriend jeans as well as teamed with some leather trousers for a more glamorous feel.

ASOS Tartan Court Shoes

Moving away from all things tartan & finishing with a round up of what I've been wearing these past few days.

Outfit One

Scarf - Zara

Jacket - Mango

Jumper - GAP

Bracelet - J Crew

Jeans - Zara

Boots - Zara

Outfit Two

Scarf - Zara

Tuxedo Jacket - Zara

Bracelets - Banana Republic

Shirt - Massimo Dutti

Studded Belt - New Look

Jeans - H&M

Boots - M&S

Outfit Three

Boucle Jacket - H&M

Necklace - Zara

Shirt - Zara

Jeans - Zara

Quilted Ballet Pumps - Brought in Majorca

So there you have my pick of all things checked, the only question remains is are you going to be joining in, in this latest trend or are you sitting this one out?  Perhaps you've already fully embraced the look & have found some great finds?  Or maybe you simply can't even entertain the idea as it has too much of a school uniform feel for you.

Whatever your thoughts I'd love to hear your views.  Have a great few days & I'll be back in a few days with a couple of pics from my first ever photo shoot.....including my head eek!!!!

Two Things That Sum Me Up!

So yesterday saw hubby & I celebrate our sixteenth wedding anniversary & despite being together some twenty years I can honestly (still!) say that I am lucky enough to (in my eyes anyway) be married to the best husband EVER, who also happens to be my bestest friend & true soul mate.  And if proof of the fact was ever needed how much he TOTALLY gets me then I think his anniversary presents sum this up perfectly.

Now this year I was truly spoiled as I got two pressies, the first one purchased from Zara (well I did say he gets me ;-0 ) & not only was it purchased from my favourite store (well I'd be lying if I described it as anything else apart from perhaps the place I know like the back of my hand!) but it was leopard print too!!!!

In fact it's an item of clothing that I've been umming & ahhing about for a few years now & whenever I see one when out & about constantly kick myself for having not kept my Grandma's, which would not only now be considered a fabulous vintage piece but a lovely reminder of such a wonderful & elegant lady.  

So are you ready for the latest addition of leopard print to hit my wardrobe???  *drumroll if you please*  Okay here goes......it's a leopard print fur coat :-D

Oh my, I can't tell you how giddy with excitement I was when I opened this & not only do I love the style (a straight jacket - as in cut not of the mental assylum variety....I don't think my obsession has got to that stage yet!!! Although it's a fine line I know) but the fur is soooo soft I just want to stroke it.  And now for a peak at my new love (apart from hubby, son & dog of course!).

Zara Leopard Print Coat

Now I know this is a true 'Bet' coat, which I'm going to have to be careful to style (I promise no peroxide beehive or chandelier earrings) but it's going to totally rock with my boyfriend & distressed jeans & a simple shirt/sweatshirt let alone look fab with all things black & navy.  

Moving onto my second gift & I'm now the proud owner of this stunning J Crew coloured crystal bracelet.  Yes I know I'm incredibly lucky as I already own the classic version but this latest one is just as stunning.  The coloured stones are just perfect to wear this time of year & as the links are of a smaller less chunky size to my other bracelet I think they'll look stunning worn together.  

J Crew Colour Crystal Pave Link Bracelet

So before I start making you all sick with more sweet nothings about my wonderful hubby I thought I'd stick with the theme of leopard print for this blog & pick out my selection of the best leopard print coats currently out there in the hope you fancy joining me with this trend this winter.

Of course you don't need a crystal ball to know that simply anything leopard print is HUGE this season & what better way to embrace the trend (other than wearing it from head to toe.....!) than to invest in a statement coat.

Now if you don't fancy the teddy bear variety like my coat how about this double breasted number from Zara which is a more subtle colour palette & would look very elegant for work, rest & play.

Zara Double Breasted Leopard Print Coat

Another different colour way is this gorgeous coat from Mango, which looks simply stunning with the distressed jeans & loafers.

Mango Leopard Print Wood Blend Coat

For those looking to sneak a coat purchase in with your food shop then what about this fab number from Tesco?  I love the stand up collar & general design & having seen a lovely & very stylish lady on Avenue57 wear it, can confirm it looks AMAZING, so is definitely worth a detour when grocery shopping & so much more fun than spuds & veg ;-)

Tesco F&F Leopard Print Coat

A similar style coat to the Tesco one but with a shirt collar & three quarter length sleeves is this fab leopard print coat from Topshop & it really embraces the cocoon design that's also huge this winter too.

Topshop Leopard Print Coat

Next up a coat I've already featured on the blog is this stunning number from Mint Velvet, which is also available in grey & has a slight biker feel with the zip detailing.

Mint Velvet Cocoon Leopard Print Coat

I'm also totally in love with this stunning one from Gemini Woman, which has the most stunning metallic gold thread running through it just simply gorgeous & so warming on the skin.  I think it would look super stylish teamed with a fabulous little black dress & accessories for a special occasion maybe a winter wedding not to mention dressed down with a black polo & some cigarette pants.

Gemini Woman Fenn Wright Manson

And finishing with this teddy styled jacket from French Connection, which would look as great dressed down as it would teamed with a suit or separates for the office.

French Connection Teddy Leopard Coat

Finally stepping away from the leopard print, here's a round up of what I've been wearing these last few days including my outfit from last night when we went out for a wonderful celebratory meal & the odd glass or two of bubbles.

Outfit One

Leather Biker Jacket - Zara

Leopard Print Sweater - Zara

Leather Cuff -  Massimo Dutti

Boyfriend Jeans - Zara

Belt - Massimo Dutti

Court Shoes - Zara

Outfit Two

Necklace - Zara

Shirt - Zara

Jacket - H&M

Bracelet - J Crew

Jeans - Zara

Boots - Oasis

Outfit Three

Leather Biker Jacket - Zara

Scarf - Zara

Shirt - Zara

Belt - Banana Republic

Bracelet - J Crew

Jeans - Zara

Boots - Zara

Outfit Four

Tuxedo Jacket - Zara

Necklace - J Crew

Bracelet - J Crew

Top - Gemini Woman

Faux Leather Leggings - Zara

Shoe Boots - Next

Outfit Five

Scarf - Zara

Jumper - Primark

Combats - Zara

Bracelet - J Crew

Leopard Print Ballet Pumps - Dune

Right a quiet day ahead for me, after a late one last night which featured lots of bubbles.....I can hear the sofa calling already.

Enjoy your Sunday & see you in a few days.  Oh & for those of you wondering what I look like I had my first ever photo shoot on Friday.....pictures will be released soon I promise!!