Midlife Loves

"Timeless everyday style"

Midlife Loves

Three Key Pieces For Your Wardrobe

With all the new season clothing hitting the shelves & tempting us it's never been a better time than to think about investing in a few key pieces that are going to bring new life into your wardrobe.  Not to mention be hard working little numbers that can be worn for most occasions & all year round...after all goodness knows what's going on with our weather, so clothing that can be worn anytime of year is always going to be a plus.

So when Gray & Osbourn recently got in touch & asked me to style some of their new season's offerings I decided to choose items that were not only going to breathe new life into my wardrobe but would be key classic pieces that can be dressed up or down.

If you haven't heard of them, Gray & Osbourn are an online retailer which stocks over a hundred stylish & elegant brands & as you can see from the piccie below their clothing comes packaged in very stylish packaging too!




So what was in my box?  Well I could be mean & keep you guessing but I love the items soooo much that I can't possibly keep you in suspense....needless to say I'd opened packaging faster than you could say 'clothes-a-holic'.

First out of the box was this stunning Gerry Weber stripe knitted jacket.  Of course I only have to hear the word 'jacket' & my heart is all of a flutter but this little baby is a real beauty & got my heart pounding.  Predominately navy & white it also has a subtle silver fleck occasionally running through the weave which meant my inner magpie was also beside it's self with happiness.  I absolutely love the timeless elegance of it, it really is going to be so versatile & easy to dress up or down that I know I'm going to wonder how I used to manage without it.






Next up is this fab striped jumper also by Gerry Weber.  Of course stripes are a great addition for any wardrobe as they're so easy to team with a whole heap of items, including denim shirts, white shirts, statement necklaces & for the more adventurous even teaming with some pattern clashes such as checks or dots.  I'm totally in love with navy for the coming season & I love the injection of red teamed with the classics of navy & white.  These colours are never going to date & the splash of red makes it just that bit more interesting than your average navy & white Breton.






Finally & by no means least there was this stylish leather tote again in navy....you'd never guess what colour I'm loving at the moment, would you?!!!  I've always fancied a navy leather bag but never found one that I loved but this one by Sienna De Luca is just perfect, it really is the most gorgeous shade of blue...not to dark, not to light but just right!  I also love the gold detailing which brings the bag to life & makes it look so much more stylish not to mention the fact that the design incorporates the winged look that is so popular at the moment.  Plus it's just the perfect size for fitting in all my essentials *junk* & the handles are the perfect length for either slinging over your shoulder or carrying as a tote, it even comes with a shoulder strap too!






So before I show you some of my pictures of said new clothes, I just had to show you a picture of the inside of the bag, as not only does it have some handy inside pockets, it also has the most fab-u-lous purple lining, which is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face every time you open it.




Now my excitement at opening my package almost resulted in a trip to A&E as I was so excited by my new arrivals that I simply had to try them on over what I was wearing & in my rush to get to a mirror to check them out I nearly tripped over the dog!!  Luckily for me the dog moved out of the way pretty damn quickly.

So with my phone set to divert -I mean REALLY do people not know how important it is not to disturb me when I'm playing dress up!!! It wasn't long before I had embarked on a mammoth trying on session & a huge pile of clothes had somehow appeared on my bedroom floor!! 

What I love most about these three pieces is that not only can they a be worn together, they're also great for teaming with basics that most of us have in our wardrobe to create a whole array of different outfits as can be seen from the photos from my dressing up session below.  I have to say I could of gone on & on creating a whole heap of extra outfits, they're that versatile, I mean I didn't even get round to styling the striped jumper with my navy, cream or red blazers!!!

So first up I've styled all three items together with a pair of boyfriend jeans & pearls.


Style One




Without Tote




Pearl Necklace - Zara
Jacket - Gray & Osbourn
Jumper - Gray & Osbourn
Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti
Bag - Gray & Osbourn
Boyfriend Jeans - Zara
Quilted Ballet Pumps - Brought in Majorca


As you can see from style two, the jumper looks stunning on it's own when teamed with a statement necklace & a pair of jeans.


Style Two




With Tote




Pearl Necklace - Zara
Jumper - Gray & Osbourn
Handbag - Gray & Osbourn
Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti
Boyfriend Jeans - Zara
Quilted Ballet Pumps - Brought in Majorca


For outfit three I've simply added a classic white shirt to style two, which could so easily be swapped for a red or navy shirt not to mention a denim one.


Style Three




Shirt - Massimo Dutti
Jumper - Gray & Osbourn
Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti
Boyfriend Jeans - Zara
Quilted Ballet Pumps - Brought in Majorca


One colour mix I'm totally loving for spring is navy teamed with mustard yellow so I simply had to try the jacket with my one of my recent purchases & of course a bit of 'Bet'.


Style Four




Shirt - Zara
Jacket - Gray & Osbourn
Necklace - Zara
Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti
Cigarette Length Jeans - Zara
Leopard Print Ballet Pumps - Mint Velvet



In outfit five I've tried a different pop of colour & teamed the jacket with a bright red cami.  I love navy, white & red teamed together & when paired with some navy cigarette length chinos it's creates the perfect casual elegant look ideal for running errands & dare I say shopping!!!


Style Five




Necklace - Handmade
Jacket - Gray & Osbourn
Camisole - Topshop
Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti
Chinos - Zara
Quilted Ballet Pumps - Brought in Majorca



I've kept outfit six nice & simple & just teamed my birthday pearls with the jumper & chinos.  I so love the red stripes in the jumper as it really does help make the outfit that little bit more special then if teaming with a navy & white striped breton plus of course it helps tie in my red quilted ballet pumps too :-)


Style Six




Pearls - Brought in Majorca
Jumper - Gray & Osbourn
Leather Cuff - Massimo Dutti
Chinos - Zara
Quilted Ballet Pumps - Brought in Majorca


As luck has it the red in my jumper is the perfect match for my red jeans & is perfect for toning down the brightness of them.


 Style Seven




Shirt - Massimo Dutti
Jumper - Gray & Osbourn
Bracelet - Banana Republic
Jeans - Gap
Ballet Pumps - Brought in Majorca



In fact the jumper is so versatile not to mention soft that it even looks fab when teamed with a pencil skirt & I love the stripes against my lace skirt.


Style Eight







Chambray Shirt - Massimo Dutti
Jumper - Gray & Osbourn
Bracelet - Banana Republic
Handbag - Gray & Osbourn
Lace Skirt - Zara
Leopard Print Court Shoes - Zara



I can't tell you how much I love my bag too & you probably won't be surprised to hear that I spent a wonderful half an hour emptying the contents of my old bag & filling up my new one.  A great time for a spot of spring cleaning....why oh why do we carry some of the things we do in our handbags?!!  I blame it on not only being a mother but on belonging to the Brownies & my need to always being prepared - after all who knows when you'll next find yourself needing a marble (amongst other things)?!!!

Back onto the jacket & I simply had to try the jacket with some more yellow.  I love it teamed with a simple white t-shirt & my yellow, white & navy scarf that I brought from Zara last summer.  As you can see from the picture the jacket can so easily be dressed down & looks great teamed with wedge trainers.


Style Nine




Scarf - Zara
Jacket - Gray & Osbourn
Linen T-Shirt - Zara
Bracelet - Banana Republic
Jeans - Zara
Wedge Trainers - Ash



Having loved the splashes of colour with my red cami & also my yellow scarf, I also had to try the jacket in style ten with my Boden sales bargain bag & my sequinned Breton top.


Style Ten




Sequinned Breton Top - Zara
Jacket - Gray & Osbourn
Cross Body Bag - Boden
Bracelet - Banana Republic
Cigarette Length Jeans - Zara
Block Heel Ballet Pumps - Zara


And finally I teamed the jacket & bag with a cream cami, navy wax effect jeans, statement necklace & some leopard print court shoes.


 Style Eleven




Without Tote




 Camisole - Topshop
Necklace - Zara
Jacket - Gray & Osbourn
Bracelet - Banana Republic
Handbag - Gray & Osbourn
Wax Effect Jeans - Zara
Leopard Print Court Shoes - Next


So what do you think?  I think I need to issue an apology as I love these three items so much that I know they're going to feature very heavily in my daily outfit postings!!! It's amazing how three items  if chosen carefully can really help bring your wardrobe back to life.

And just to tempt you further look at these beauties also from Gray & Osbourn that I may now have my eye on.

First up I absolutely love this yellow clutch, such a huge colour for SS14 & it even has a handy wrist strap making it so versatile & perfect for using on a day to day basis.  And if you love yellow but find it difficult to wear then a great way of embracing the latest colour trend.






This scarf is another beauty, I absolutely love the colours & can just picture this with a simple blazer & boyfriends.






For the warmer months you can't beat a loose shaped top & this gorgeous coral one is no exception.  A great versatile number that would look stunning with navy not to mention denim & would be great for dressing up or down depending on the occasion.






This striped maxi dress would make a great wardrobe update.  A really classic addition for any wardrobe which would look stylish when teamed with either a fitted denim jacket or even a stylish fitted navy blazer for a slightly more dressy feel or even a bright simple round neck cardigan for a more casual feel.






Finally what about this striped Breton?  I'm loving the splashes of green teamed with the different widths of stripes.






Finally a quick round up of what I've been wearing since my last post.


Outfit One




Shirt - Zara
Sweatshirt - Zara
Bracelets - Banana Republic
Boyfriend Jeans - Zara
Boots - Boden


Outfit Two




Leopard Print Scarf - Zara
Faux Leather Quilted Jacket - Zara
Leather Cuff - Banana Republic
Red Jumper (not shown) - Zara
Faux Leather Trim Skirt - Zara
Shoe Boots - Next


Outfit Three




Jumper - Zara
Scarf - Zara
Bracelets - Banana Republic
Jeans - Zara
Boots - Zara


Outfit Four




Necklace - Handmade
Jumper - ASOS
Bracelets - Banana Republic
Cargo Trousers - Zara
Boots - Zara


So what do you think?  Have you ever shopped at Gray & Osbourn?  If not you should definitely take a look at their website as they have some real gems & they also stock jewellery, hats, shoes, sunglasses & swimwear too!

I think my new pieces are really going to work well in my wardrobe come spring, my only problem is deciding which outfit to wear first?  Do you have a favourite?  I'd love to hear which is your favourite style.

Have a great Sunday & see you in a few days time when I'll be back with another great addition to your wardrobe for SS14 that can also start to earn it's keep now....any ideas?!!

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34 comments

  1. How funny, I thought this brand was for old ladies bu having seen how you styled the items and having been through to their site I was wrong! I NEED that yellow clutch purse in my life!
    Fiona

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    1. Thanks Fiona, how gorgeous is the yellow clutch & with 20% off your first order it would be rude not to surely?!! Jane xx

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  2. Great, great choices Jane. Absolutely love that jacket. Gray & Osbourn certainly have some little gems. Off now to have another browse on their website.

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    1. Thanks Helen, the jacket is a real beauty & is so going to last me a lifetime, just the perfect jacket for dressing up or down! Jane xx

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  3. Wow! I can't believe how many outfits you put together from 3 pieces. Lovely combinations. There is such a huge choice at Gray and Osborn isn't there? xxx

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    1. Thanks Liz & they certainly have some great pieces Jane xx

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  4. Amazing pieces Jane, and so versatile. I love all the looks you've come up with, couldn't pick a favourite. The navy bag is stunning as is the yellow clutch. They all look very good quality too. Ps. Love that Zara print sweatshirt!

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    1. Thanks Trea & yes all items are fantastic quality. Glad you like the sweatshirt :-) Jane xx

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  5. Jane you look fantastic. Love all 3 pieces x

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  6. Favouritism or what, I only got one piece! ha ha only joking but boy do I love your picks and how you've styled the pieces. I'm a sucker for a jacket like that x

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    1. Me too Sharron, whenever I see a jacket like this one I find it hard to walk away!!! Jane xx

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  7. I love how you styled it with the yellow, it looks very modern.

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    1. Thanks Alexandra, in fact I may have just ordered a yellow cami to wear underneath the jacket come the warmer months :-0 Jane xx

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  8. Jane, again you have chosen so well & have created some fantastic outfits! 5 & 9 are my favourites! The 2 looks go to show how versatile that jacket is! Ax

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    1. Thanks Andrea, it's certainly going to be a hard little worker in my wardrobe as it goes with soooo many pieces! Jane xx

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  9. They are nice pieces and I really like the stripey top. Love the way you have styled it as well - Love it with the red trousers the best.

    ps - Thanks for letting me into the Bet club as well, I'm so pleased :0)

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    1. Thanks Paul, I also really love the jumper with my red jeans as it just seems to tie everything together perfectly. Glad you're delighted at being a fully fledged Bet member ;-) Jane xx

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  10. Great pieces Jane....they slot so perfectly into your wardrobe!! My favourite is the jacket...so gorgeous!! All styled so brilliantly as always xx

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    1. Thanks Michelle, I'm absolutely thrilled with all three pieces as they're all so versatile & you can never have enough stripes in your wardrobe can you?!! Jane xx

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  11. Epic post Jane! Loving the new items - especially that jacket. I am a new fan of G&O myself...it's a great website - especially for handbags and footwear, Avril x

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    1. Ooh yes Avril they have some amazing bags and shoes, I keep discovering new gems whenever I look at their new arrivals! Jane xx

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  12. Love all your outfits!

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  13. Oooo lovely pieces! And I love how you styled them, just tip top! I will have to look into the brand a bit more, I have seen a few bloggers wearing their stuff now and it looks good quality and very wearable. P x

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    1. Hi Porcelina thank you :-) You must definitely take a look at their site as they have some great pieces and like you say they're all really good quality. Jane xx

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  14. Love that jacket! Great styling, I love all your outfits. :) xxx
    The Jolly Fashionista

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  15. That jacket is fab on you Jane! Love it x

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    1. Thanks Natalie, you know me I love a good jacket & this is definitely up there as one of my favourites Jane xx

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  16. I love the jacket. That is a must have for the season.

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    1. Thanks Iva , it's gorgeous isn't it, now if it could stop raining I could get on with wearing it! Jane xx

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  17. That jacket is a gem isn't it? You look fab in it and I'm always amazed at how many outfits you can get out of so few pieces!

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    1. Awww thanks Sue, I blame my love of dressing up & creating different outfits on too many hours spent playing with the dressing up box as a child!! Jane xx

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