Midlife Loves

"Timeless everyday style"

Midlife Loves

What Are You Wearing?!!!!

So did you have a wonderful Crimbo?!!  Hopefully Santa paid you a visit & you haven't had to return too many of your pressies for a different size or style or of course refund if Santa ignored your wish list ;-)  

We've had a lovely time & I have received some gorgeous presents....none of which amazingly need to be returned, although hubby has pointed out that since starting my blog I've made Christmas/birthday shopping so much easier for him as he now just has to take a peak & hit a few buttons!!!  A fact of course that has been duly noted for next year ;-)

Needless to say I was the first one wide awake in our household Christmas morning (no surprises there!!!) after having spent a lovely Christmas Eve with wonderful friends at our local club before all coming back to ours to see Christmas morning in sampling the turkey with cranberry & stuffing sandwiches....perfect!!!  

Christmas day was of course spent drinking & eating far too much with a couple of obligatory snoozes *resting of the eyes* on the sofa ;-)  In fact having spent several days catching up with family & friends over the festivities the days have rolled into one with plenty of eating & drinking.   And seeing as the fridge & cupboards are still groaning from the sheer volume of refreshments still in the house I think the next week or so is going to be pretty much the same......if only we could start the day every day eating chocolates in bed & washing it down with something bubbly the world would be a much happier place....no?!!!

Of course the next big occasion coming up is New Year's Eve & if you're anything like me despite still running of a morning (albeit at a much more social time!!) you may have gained the odd pound or two from your sampling of the odd chocolate!  So with New Year's Eve fast approaching it's time to start planning the outfit for seeing in the start of 2014, after all we want to start the year as we mean to go on, meaning it's time to ditch the onesie & bring out the glamour :-)

So do you have your New Year's Eve outfit all planned out or are you still looking for inspiration?  I'm still in the 'deciding' phase, which has got me thinking (yup it does happen on the odd occasion or two!!).  Ideally I want to feel sexy (well as far to sexy as I'll ever feel), glamorous, comfortable (it seems the usage of this word increases once you hit 40 head on!!) PLUS & most importantly not spend the evening shivering or getting frost bite!!  

So after a few hours mulling things over & the odd tipple or two to help the brain cells process I've come up with my fail safe New Year's Eve outfit.....whether I go down this route is of course another thing entirely but for now I know I've got my outfit planned & can kick back & enjoy another chocolate or two!!!

Ok so any guesses??!!  Yup that's right it involves a blazer (well you can't say I won't get my wear from one of these.....we'll ignore the fact that I might already own the odd one or two already of course ;-) ), a loose fitting top (perfect for hiding the alcohol & choccie belly) & something black & slimming on my bottom half.

Now if like me you're tempted to purchase the odd new item or two for New Year's Eve you'll want it to be something that's not going to just be worn for a special occasion but that can work with your existing wardrobe all year round.....& of course its 's much easier to justify a new purchase when you bring out the old cost per wear argument ;-)

So enough waffling let's start with the all important loose top first....this is one item of clothing that having purchased a couple of in the summer I've fallen head over heels in love with......yup it's a camisole.....perfect for dressing up & feeling that little bit sexy, be it with some skinny trews or fitted skirt, ideal for slipping under one of my many blazers not to mention the perfect neckline for a bit of neck bling & also great with some distressed jeans & a boyfriend cardi for a more dressed down look too.....in fact I just know my collection is somehow going to be miraculously expanding....a bit like my waistline!!! 

So here's a selection of some of the one's currently causing my finger to twitch!!  Starting with this one from ASOS in the most stunning shade of blue, which always looks gorgeous when teamed with black.






This style camisole is also available in my favourite shade of red, which I find to be such a flattering shade & looks stunning when teamed with a tan.....well get the snow out of the way & then we can all start dusting off the flip flops & sandals...positive thinking & all that!!!






If however, you don't fancy adding a pop of colour how about working the monochrome look & this stunning dalmatian inspired top?  I absolutely LOVE the pattern & can see it looking gorgeous in the summer teamed with a white or even black maxi skirt.






Sticking with black & white then this cracked print design is also a little bit different to your plain cami & would look simply stunning teamed with all black & some bling to see the New Year in.






Of course there are lots & lots of different camis out there including ones incorporating lace & the negligee trend, which I have previously featured, & let's face it whichever one you choose it's going to look stunning, elegant & prove extremely useful come the warmer months.  All it comes down to is personal choice of style & whether you fancy sticking with a monochrome look or adding a splash of colour.

So back to New Year's Eve, personally I don't think you can ever go wrong with black - slimming, elegant & something most of us have a least a couple of items of clothing of, due the sheer ease of owning & styling black bottoms be it of the skirt or trouser variety.  They really are the perfect multi-wear item of clothing in your wardrobe...apart from jeans of course.  

However, if you're feeling the need to invest then with the sales having reached fever pitch what better time than now & what could be a better investment than these cropped trousers from Boden.  The fact that they're reduced is simply just a win win situation, not to mention the fact they look amazing when teamed with leopard print!






If however, you fancy something a little less sophisticated & more rocky then how about some leather effect jeans.  There are some great pairs around at the moment & these River Island ones that are currently available in the sale look stunning.






I'm also loving these leather effect ones from Next too & have to admit to loving the bracelet & bag they've teamed them with too!  After all who could go wrong with an all black sexy little number to see in the New Year with a splash of colour from your accessories?!!






Or for all of you wanting to release your inner 'Sandy' then how about these leggings from Mint Velvet.




If however, you're not a trouser lover then fear not a cami looks just as stunning when teamed with a leather or faux leather skirt & for the money this one from Tesco is perfect.






If you fancy something a little shorter in length that falls just above the knee then this one from Lipsy is certainly going to tick all the boxes.






Or if you want to raise the hemline even more then what about this one from ASOS?




And finally onto one of my favourite items of clothing for which I will NEVER admit to owning enough of...yup it's blazer time :-)  Now you may have noticed from some of my recent outfit posts that I may just have happened to buy a new black blazer.....yes I know I already own a tuxedo styled one & yes my new purchase may also be classed in the tuxedo section but personally I LOVE a tux as I think it stops a normal black blazer looking like an office jacket that is being brought out to play at a weekend.  Plus of course those satin/silky lapels just add another element of glamour.  And of course what could be a better investment than a stunning classic tuxedo styled blazer?!!!

So here's my round up of the one's in the sale making me drawl, starting with ASOS & this longline styled tux, which would be fabulous at covering any lumps & bumps you wanted to conceal.










H&M also do this lovely tuxedo too & as long as you're not ordering online, in which case be prepared to have your outfit for seeing in 2015 as opposed to 2014, you can't go wrong!!






I love the detailing on this one from Zara & the fact that it's in the sale then yes please!!!






Finally I couldn't do a round up of tuxedo jackets without including my latest addition to my blazer collection, which has now gone into the sale too......luckily I brought mine in Rome where the exchange rate worked in our favour otherwise I'd be feeling particularly miffed.  I have to admit I have loved this jacket as soon as it came out but I didn't love the price but in the end birthday money & the fact that it was cheaper over in Rome meant that I was able to say hello to this stunning number......I just LOVE the cut away tails & fit.






So there you have my perfect New Year's Eve outfit.....of course the question of whether I ACTUALLY wear said outfit is another thing entirely & remains to be seen!  In the meantime a quick round up of what I've been wearing over the festive period, starting with of course the main event itself....Christmas Day!!!


Outfit One




Necklace - J Crew
Top - Tesco F&F Limited Edition
Belt - H&M
Bracelet - J Crew
Skirt - H&M
Shoe Boots - Next


Outfit Two




Necklace - Zara
Jumper - Zara
Camisole - Zara
Wax Effect Jeans - Zara
Boots - Zara




Overcoat - Zara
Faux Fur Stole - Zara


Outfit Three




Long Sleeved T-Shirt - H&M
Sequinned Sweatshirt - H&M
Combats - Zara
Boots - Zara


Outfit Four




Denim Shirt - Zara
Striped Top - Zara
Necklace - Mango
Biker Jeans - H&M
Bracelet - J Crew
Wedge Trainers - Ash


Outfit Five




Scarf - Zara
Jumper - Primark
Bracelet - J Crew
Jeans - Zara
Boots - Oasis


So do you have your New Year's Eve outfit all sorted or are you hoping that one or two new purchases from the sales are going to be making an appearance?  Perhaps like me you're a lover of camisoles & fancy teaming separates to make you outfit.  As always I love reading your thoughts & comments & would love to hear what you've decided to wear to see in the New Year.

Right I'm off to pop a chocolate or two....we're currently about to crack open chocolate tin number three of seven (& no I'm not kidding!!).....& with the amount of boxes of chocolate also under the tree this could mean we won't be coming up for air until Easter!!!

Back in a few days with the start of my sales picks, which means it could get messy!!!! And of course my outfit from New Years Eve.

In the meantime enjoy the rest of 2013, thank you to each & everyone of you who reads, comments & follows me, I really am blown away by your support & love getting to know you through my blog & here's to an amazing start to 2014 for us all.....2014 here we come!!!

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Bling-A-Ding Part Deux!

So following on from my last post on statement earrings (click here) it's only natural that I follow up with some stunning statement necklaces & bracelets.  After all a statement necklace & or bracelet can transform the plainest of outfits & who doesn't like a bit of affordable bling?!!!

Now I know it's a bit late for inspiration for Christmas seeing as tomorrow is actually Christmas Day but of course there's still plenty of time for New Years Eve & with sales frenzy about to reach fever point who knows some of these beauties may actually be reduced in the next twenty four hours or so!

So starting with necklaces & even though I may admit to owning the odd one or two ;-) blingtastic necklace that doesn't mean my need for said necklaces has been fulfilled, as miraculous I can always find a need not to mention a hole for a new bit of neck candy in my wardrobe & with so many gorgeous colours & designs it's a 'need' that looks like it's going to keep on rolling ;-)

First up is this absolutely stunning necklace from J Crew.  And whilst it might be priced that bit higher than your average high street necklace the price could easily be justified *argued* by the fact that it's simply going to go with EVERYTHING in your wardrobe, so when worked out on a cost per wear basis, well it's as cheap as chips :-) & I think it would look especially stunning with a breton top, boyfriend jeans & blazer.






In a similar design & containing every colour under the rainbow is this lovely necklace from ASOS, -bling & a variety of colours....seriously what's not to love?!!!






If however, you fancy turning the bling-o-meter up to max then how about this stunning necklace from Topshop.  I'm totally loving the name 'Princess Collar' as much as the necklace & think it would rock with a denim shirt & some fab faux leather trousers or skirt.






Of course as any true Zara addict worthy of the name I have a fair few necklaces from Zara which I have to say considering they have only been selling necklaces for the past 12-18 months is probably one of the main reasons my statement necklace obsession & collection has rapidly grown in the same period!!  Zara do some amazing pieces for a reasonable price & this multi flower crystal necklace is no exception & would be a fab piece for bringing together a monochrome outfit.






Next up is this lovely pearl cluster necklace from J Crew.  Of course now I've officially reached the big four-0 it doesn't mean I'll be wearing only pearls & a twinsets from now on but I have to admit to loving a fab set of pearls & this necklace is no exception.  Teamed with a white shirt, skinny jeans & some ballet pumps it would just bring that extra bit of effortless glamour to your outfit & really is a necklace that's going to last you a lifetime.






Sticking with pearls for this next necklace & I'm loving this twisted pearl necklace also from J Crew.  It reminds me slightly of the Zara one I brought earlier in the year & have had SOOOO much wear from & would actually be lost without.






For a more timeless & elegant feel then you would never go wrong with this twisted pearl necklace.  Just effortless glamour whether teamed with a fabulous tailored shirt, a LBD or if worn over a crew neck jumper with distressed boyfriend jeans & courts.






For something a bit more eye catching then this turquoise number from Banana Republic should do the trick.  Again this would look amazing when teamed with denim but equally stunning when worn with black or navy too.






I'm also totally loving this blue & turquoise statement necklace also from Banana Republic, simply exquisite.






For a necklace worthy of the name 'statement' then this next necklace has to be top of the list & also ticks the box for working the black and blue trend too.






Next up something a little bit more elegant & simple is this gold and blue linked necklace from Banana Republic.  Again a timeless, elegant piece that would look great when teamed with a white shirt, jeans & a navy blazer.






Finally for a statement necklace that's simply going to go with everything in your wardrobe then how about this multi chain one from Zara?  I'm loving the spiky detailing which will add that element of rock chick to any outfit.






Moving right onto bracelets & this is another accessory I may own the odd one or two of!  And if you like matching sets then it would be rude not to add this Banana Republic Poppy Link bracelet if ordering the necklace ;-)  Of course the bracelet would look equally fab without the necklace & whether worn on it's own or teamed with a couple of extra gold bracelets it's going to look stunning whether dressed up or down.






Now this next bracelet from Banana Republic certainly got my inner magpie all excited & I'd be lying if I said it wasn't because of the bling....TOTALLY, TOTALLY love it.






Moving away from bling & onto leather & these gorgeous leather & chain cuffs.  I'm not sure if it's something to do with my inner teenager refusing to let go but having worn various friendship bracelets in my youth I'm a TOTAL sucker for a leather cuff.  And think these would look amazing teamed with a gold chain bracelet or two.






Also Available In Black




Sticking with leather bracelets you won't be surprised to hear that I'm also loving this Whistle double wrap bracelet.  A great timeless investment that can so easily be dressed up or down.










For a bracelet that is that little bit different to everything out there then what about this wide cord bracelet from John & Pearl?  This has a real 'grown up' feel to the multi coloured corded friendship bracelets I used to wear a long time ago!!






For a statement bracelet that can just be thrown on & doesn't need layering with other bracelets then this gorgeous one from Johnny Loves Rosie is stunning & will add a real bling factor to your outfit.






Moving on to more of a bangle feel & this lovely Wallis animal clamp bracelet is something that little bit different.  I have a similar styled one from Banana Republic in leopard print & I can't tell you the amount of wear it gets.






This cluster bracelet from Dorothy Perkins is also stunning & would really rock up your faux leather leggings not to mention skirts.






For any fellow 'Bet' lovers out there then if you're anything like me you're going to love this leopard print cuff.  Dress up with faux leather or a LBD or dress down with some jeans and a white shirt.






A brand I featured in my blog on cocktail rings also do some rather gorgeous multi wrap bracelets too....I could so easily buy all these colours.














I also totally love this set of textured gold bracelets too, which would look amazing either worn on their own or teamed with some of the other gorgeous bracelets I've featured in this blog.






Finally I LOVE this double bracelet with pendants also from Ashiana, I think this is one of those bracelet that wouldn't leave my wrist.






So there you have my selection of the neck & wrist candy that has recently caught my eye & would love to be finding under the tree tomorrow morning.  

So before I love & leave you here's a quick round up of my outfits from the last few days, starting with my outfit I wore on Sunday for the last (yup still eking it out!!) of my birthday celebrations!


Outfit One




Blazer - Zara
Necklace - Zara
Camisole - Zara
Faux Fur Stole - Zara
Wax Effect Jeans - Zara
Leopard Print Court Shoes - Zara


Outfit Two




Biker Jacket - Zara
Snood - Gemini-Woman
T-Shirt - Zara
Wrist Warmers - H&M
Jeans - Zara
Boots - Zara


Outfit Three




Scarf - Zara
T-Shirt - Zara
Sweatshirt - Primark
Jeans - Zara
Wedge Trainers - Ash


So have you caught the statement necklace or bracelet bug yet?  If so do you have a favourite go to piece or are you getting addicted & constantly adding to your collection?  Perhaps you just don't see the appeal & would rather wear a simple chain?  Or maybe you've got your eye on a special something you're hoping to treat yourself to with some Christmas money?  I'd love as always to hear your comments & thoughts.

Finally have a really wonderful happy & merry Christmas & remember there's nothing that can't be solved with plenty of bubbles ;-)  See you after the turkey!!

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