Competition Time, An Update On My Wallis Styling Session & WIWT

So just over a couple of weeks ago I was all in a dilemma about what I was going to wear (see here) for a very exciting day with Wallis as I'd been invited to style & model some of their latest collection.

Well today I can share with you the some of the pictures that were taken on the day & the three outfits  I styled together with an amazing competition....more details of which I'll share in a minute!

Each outfit I absolutely love & would quite happily wear on a daily basis, so without further ado here's what I pulled together starting with this gorgeous black cross over jumpsuit.

Having found my strapless jumpsuit so useful for summer holidays I simply couldn't resist trying this jumpsuit on.  It's the perfect piece for dressing up or down not to mention taking on your hols.  

For the photoshoot I've teamed it with a statement pair of red wedges, which are also available in black (see here).  Simple, classic & stylish but equally the jumpsuit is perfect for dressing down for the daytime too - team with a simple pair of flat sandals (such as these), a denim jacket (such as this one) & a statement shopper (see here) & you'd be good to go.  It's also fantastic for customising with different accessories to create a multitude of looks such as teaming with a wide statement belt (I love the look of this one) or a statement necklace or two.

Black Wrap Tapered Jumpsuit Currently £34.20

Red Suede Platform Wedge Shoe Currently £64.60

For my next outfit I simply had to try on this stunning shift dress.  I'd clocked the navy version (see here) at their press day & loved it at first sight - a great dress for simply throwing on & looking amazing & they've just brought out the same dress in yellow too (see here).  In the photos I teamed the dress with some flat tan sandals but equally a tan pair of wedges would also be perfect or maybe even these clog buckle heels, which would also be stunning teamed with flares.  

Khaki Woven Tunic Dress Currently £26.60

Now we all know I have a 'thing' for the odd blazer or two, so for my final outfit I just had to try their lovely bracelet length sleeve jacket.  I'm wearing the ivory version, but it's also available in navy, black & stone (see here).   If you love jackets but always feel like they're a little too stiff to wear for an occasion other than work then you should definitely try one of these blazers as the fabric is lovely & giving - think a mix between a formal blazer & smart cardigan.  They're great for dressing up (as shown below) as well as dressing down - boyfriend jeans & a pair of trainers would equally be fab teamed with this kind of jacket.

As you can see below I've teamed the blazer with a simple cami & a pair of luxury smart jogger style trousers together with their fabulous strappy heels, which I again fell in love with at their press day (also available in grey here).  

Ivory Bracelet Sleeve Ponte Jacket Currently £30.40

Black Camisole Currently £10.64

Khaki Casual Jogger Currently £22.80 or Khaki Pinstitch Skinny Trousers Currently £25.08

Black Leather Peeptoe Sandals Currently £72.20

I had an amazing time during the photoshoot - I mean seriously who wouldn't love playing dress up & styling such lovely pieces & the team were amazing.  Plus just in case you're tempted Wallis currently have 24% off everything for today only - happy days, click here to get shopping!!

And of course here's my outfit for today - not quite the same quality in photos I'm afraid but I'm going to try & stop doing the mirror selfies time permitting even if it means planning my wardrobe a week in advance & getting hubby or son to take the pictures of a weekend as I'm generally still in my running gear when they leave the house of a morning!

Top - Zara

Necklaces - Stella & Dot

Jeans - Zara

Boots - Mango

Top - Zara £29.99

Necklace - Accessorize £17

Jeans - Boden Currently £39.20

Boots - Boden Currently £95.20

Now as I mentioned at the beginning of the post I've also got a fantastic competition for you.  

Regular followers will know that I've recently launched a styling business where I'm offering various personal services including helping those who've lost their fashion mojo & want to break out of a style rut, need help & ideas for breathing new life into an existing wardrobe, have a special occasion coming up or need advice on how to work a capsule wardrobe/travel light on holiday.  With all these services either being available face to face (I'm happy to travel to you) or via e-styling & done through Skype/email etc.

Another service I'm also really excited about launching is something I'm calling the 'Changing Room Buddy'.  How many of us have ever been stood in a changing room deliberating over whether what we're trying on does us any favours & would love a second opinion, or love it but are at a loss to know how to style it & what to wear with it?  Let alone not sure what we're wearing on a daily basis or for a night out works & would love to ask a friend for advice before stepping out the door?!  Well for a small monthly subscription unlimited photos can be sent direct to me for friendly, honest & constructive advice - email me here for further details.

Right so back to the competition - in celebration of the launch of my styling services I've teamed up with Wallis to offer one lucky follower half a day's personal styling (with me) together with a £100 Wallis gift voucher!  

The competition rules are simple - all you have to do is follow both myself & Wallis on Twitter (click here & here) & re-tweet one of the competition tweets.  The competition is now live from this morning & will finish at midnight on the 7th of April with the winner chosen at random.  You just need to be available for a shopping spree in London - so get tweeting & lots of luck :-)

Have a great day & don't forget you have to be in it to win it - I can't wait to meet the winner & spend a few hours shopping & styling together!

New Outfit Post - Dressing Down A Delicate Top

Morning ladies, I hope that some of you got to enjoy a lie in this morning without the normal school rush.  Unfortunately we still had a school run to do, as for the next three days our son has revision classes to attend.

Anyway back to today & now we're officially in Spring, I'm desperate to get some of my summer tops out from hibernation.  So today I thought I'd team a pretty top from Mango with my oversized cardigan & dress it down with some distressed boyfriend jeans & trainers.

Cardigan - Rachel Wears

Top - Mango

Jeans - Zara

Trainers - Mango

Cardigan - Rachel Wears £135

Top - Next £26

Jeans - Mango £29.99

Trainers - Next £28

I've found this oversized cardigan so useful that I'm now debating if I need an equivalent black cardigan in my life?!  How about you are you finding oversized knitwear a great wardrobe staple & go to for an extra layer?

Have a fab day.



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March's Wardrobe Classic & WIWT

For this month's wardrobe classic it really was a no brainer as this is an item I LOVE & own one or two *coughs* of!!  What am I talking about - yup you've guess it, it's a classic blazer & no wardrobe should be without a stylish navy one.  

If you don't already own one, a navy blazer is a fantastic place to start with your love affair of jackets - classic, chic, timeless & stylish not to mention hard working.  What more could you ask for?!!  Perfect for wearing to the office with a simple shift dress or capri pants but equally as useful for wearing on a night out with the girls/other half - team with skinny jeans, fabulous heels a statement clutch & a simple cami & you'll have a fantastic outfit that screams style & sophistication & is one of my favourite fall back looks.  Equally style with boyfriend jeans, trainers & a simple 'V' neck t-shirt & you've got a great off duty stylish look too.

So with Spring starting to raise it's beautiful sunny head (apart from today!!) let's get on with my picks from the high street this season.  Starting with a brand you know I love & who constantly keep bringing out stunning jackets/blazers to test my pathetically weak will!

The below blazer is everything you want in a navy one that's going to stand the test of time - single breasted, tailored, with gold buttons & a textured fabric to add that little bit of interest so you can keep the rest of your outfit understated & simple without looking like you've taken your office jacket & thrown it on with your jeans.

Zara Structured Blazer £69.99

If however, you're not a lover of brass/gold coloured button then Marks have a great simple single breasted blazer at a great price.

Marks & Spencer Notch Lapel Double Welt Pockets Jacket £49.50

Or how about this jersey one from Next.  Perfect for a more casual feel if a fitted blazer feels too much like office wear for your liking.  On an aside note I'm loving the great top they've teamed it with - I may have to investigate this further - image it teamed with boyfriend fit jeans & some trainers for an effortless weekend look, just stunning.

Next Bonded Jersey Blazer £55

Another classic single breasted one from Mango, which could so easily have the buttons changed if you prefer this slightly loose fit to the one from Zara.

Mango Classic Cotton-Blend Blazer £49.99

Jumping up a huge notch now to this classic from Jigsaw.  Yes a lot more expensive but a navy blazer really is going to last the test of time so on a cost per wear basis it's going to work out at pennies!

Jigsaw London Fit Gaberdine Jacket £149

As would this next blazer, which is slightly more fitted at the waist & shorter in length.

Damsel In A Dress Norse Jacket £159

Of course there are also some stunning variations on the navy blazer front, that I just had to include a few that caught my eye, as equally they also make hard working additions to your wardrobe.  Plus with navy being such a great neutral a girl can never have too many can she?!!  ;-)

This first wool jacket from Next reminds me of my hot pink one from Boden.  Again a wardrobe staple that will stand the test of time & being wool is also going to be lovely & warm too.

Next Premium Wool Jacket £135

I just love this Jigsaw textured jacket, similar to one that's hanging in my wardrobe from Banana Republic.  The gold edging just makes this that little bit different whilst still retaining a classic look.

Jigsaw Textured Cotton Jacket £179

And finally how about this beauty?!  Yes a lot of money but oh so, very beautiful - navy, jacket & boucle it had me at navy, just stunning!

Marella Floc Boucle Jacket £238

Finishing with my outfit for today - simple stripes for a casual chill out day at home :-)

Jumper - Boden

Jeans - Zara

Trainers - Mango

Jumper - Boden Currently £44.25

Jeans - Mango Currently £29.99
Trainers - Mango Currently £29.99

So what do you think?  Are you a lover of a tailored navy blazer?  Do you own one & live in it or maybe you have one hanging in your wardrobe but never know how to style it?  Or is it just too work related for you ever to dream of wearing one other than to the office?

As always I love reading your thoughts & comments.

Have a fab Sunday :-)

The Wallis Marble Arch Re-Launch & My OOTD - Khaki With & A Biker

Happy Saturday ladies :-)  First day of the school Easter holidays & it's hubby's birthday today, which was naturally started in the way we celebrate all birthdays - confetti canon to wake birthday boy up followed by a healthy start of cookies & bubbles in bed.  Not to mention pressies & cards with the dog trying madly to jump up & snatch all the paper so he can consume it - mad just isn't the word!!!

Following on from my invite to the re-lauch of Wallis' Marble Arch store on Thursday (see here) I thought I'd do a quick show & tell.

Firstly here's a few piccies of the beautiful store & I must say if you're passing you really should pop in they've got the most helpful staff ever & the lady who was manning the changing rooms was just brilliant & so lovely.

First up lots of lovely shoes to tempt you.

Together with some brilliant pieces of jewellery, which would be just perfect for updating an old spring/summer outfit.

Plus some stunning kaftans.

Not to mention clothes.

Now as part of my invite Wallis very kindly gave me a gift voucher, so naturally with so many temptations in store it would have been rude not to do a spot of shopping right?!!

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll have already seen a picture of my bags on the train home.

But what was inside them?!  Well first up this beautiful dress, which wasn't actually inside my bags as the only one in my size in store had a slight snag so they very kindly ordered it for me online & its currently winging its way to me as I type.  I just love it, so elegant & timeless & it will look stunning dressed up with statement heels & a clutch but equally I already know it's coming on holiday with me to be dressed down with some simple flats too.

Wallis Full Length Black Chiffon Dress Currently £47.50

Quick changing room shot so you can see how stunning it really is.

Talking of holidays, Wallis have the most amazing selection of kaftans & in my eyes a girl can never have enough as they're so lightweight & easy to pack, take minimal drying & generally don't need ironing meaning it's always going to be a win win situation.  If you haven't seen their Beach Boutique collection you really should take a look as they're stunning & look a lot more expensive than they actually are.  I took a few into the changing room with me including this one & this one (which even comes with a separate slip) but in the end I settled on the one below.

Wallis Sleeveless Printed Kaftan Currently £36

The next purchase made was a stunning pendant necklace which will look fab worn on its own or layered with some delicate chains.  Now I can't find a link to this online but it's beautiful.  Every one of the pendant's varies slightly in shape & colour which I think is brilliant as you can choose a colouring  more in line with jewellery you already own & it honestly looks a lot more expensive than it's price tag of £16.50.

Plus I couldn't resist adding this cream beaded number into my bag as it will be great for tying in with my new necklace.  I can't believe these bracelets are currently only £4 each & available in 6 different colours.  Perfect for stacking come the summer but equally ideal for buying as gifts too.

Wallis Cream Bead & Rhinestone Bracelet Currently £4

Finally Wallis also kindly gave me this lovely multi row necklace.  Fab for giving that layered effect without having to fasten lots of individual necklaces.  Although I'm currently thinking that as I have some spare clasps & findings I might take the lower necklace off & make it a separate necklace as I think this would go perfectly with my new pendant necklace above.

Stone & Charm Multirow Necklace Currently £8.75

So there you have my Wallis booty, which I'm simply over the moon with.  So much so that as soon as I got home & despite it being a long day I just had to have a mini trying on session to show my wares to the boys!

Right back to today & keeping things nice & simple as despite school breaking up we've still got the karate run, then son has a party this evening meaning hubby & I get a date night :-)

Biker Jacket - Zara

T-Shirt - Zara

Necklace - Repertoire Fashion

Chinos - Zara

Trainers - Mango

Biker Jacket - Mango £119.99

T-Shirt - Mango £6.99

Necklace - Repertoire Fashion £26

Chinos - Jigsaw £79

Trainers - Next £28

Right I'm off to continue the birthday celebrations.  Have a fab Saturday & see you in the morning & if you're tempted to take a peek at Wallis code NDAY30 will get you free nominated day delivery for all orders over £30 :-)

Don't forget to change your clocks tonight - I'm not looking forward to getting our son up for his newspaper round in the morning - to say it's going to be a struggle is something of any understatement!!

Happy Friday - Dressed Down Boucle

Whoop whoop not only is it Friday but it's the start of our son's Easter holidays (in fact his last school holiday before he goes on exam leave *gulps* where on earth has that time gone?!  It doesn't seem that long ago when I was leaving him for his induction day at first school in floods of tears (me not him!!).  Although before the celebrations can continue he's got another 5 hour Graphics GCSE exam today to get through & his still suffering with this cold/flu virus that is doing the rounds.

Before I post today's outfit, Boden have just launched 25% off everything plus free postage & returns, so it seems the perfect time to share with you my picks from their latest drop, after all 25% discount is not to be sniffed at!

First up if you fancy a nod to the boho/70's theme this summer, what about this pretty embroidered dress.  I just love this & can see if looking stunning teamed with a denim jacket, tan wedges & cross body saddle bag.  Plus it also comes in navy too if you prefer a strong colour.

Amelia Dress Currently £74.25

Or if you're after a pretty top to go with some flares then they have a similar designed top, again in both the pink & navy.

Isobel Top Currently £51.75

I currently have a Boden voucher burning a hole in my pocket & seeing as this is such a great discount I'm thinking it would be rude not to order this next top.  Available in three colour ways with my favourite two being the all white & the blue with white embroidery both perfect for summer days.  Which would you choose?  I think I'm leaning towards the white.

Abigail Top Currently £36.75

Of course everyone needs a denim jacket come summer time as they're just perfect for throwing over summer dresses on cooler days & I'm loving the detailing on the neckline on this jacket - something that little bit different.

Amanda Jacket Currently £51.75

And of course with 25% off it's a great time to buy the shoe of the moment.  Having found my Office black shoes that are a similar design so useful I can highly recommend this style for adding a bit of interest to your outfits.

Lille Lace-Up Point Currently £66.75

Now I don't know about you but I'm always on the look out for a white dress come the summer as it's perfect for teaming with a tan not to mention a denim jacket, I always think it always looks so fresh.  

This pintuck dress with spaghetti straps looks like it would be a great holiday dress that could so easily be accessorised with different pieces to create several different looks whilst you're away.  Plus it also in a stunning bright orange shade & as well as navy if you want more colour.

Pretty Pintuck Dress Currently £51.75

Or maybe even this tunic - a little more covered up so perfect for cooler days & it appears to have a bit of tasselling detailing - which naturally I love!!

Circle Crochet Tunic Currently £51.75

Back to today & after a fantastic but busy day yesterday I'm keeping things nice & simple with a boucle Zara jacket dressed down with some boyfriend jeans & trainers.

Shirt - Zara

Jacket - Zara

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Jeans - Zara

Trainers - Mango

Shirt - Mango £19.99

Jacket - Marella £238

Necklace - Mango Now £3.99

Jeans - Mango £44.99

Trainers - Next £28

So a quick update from my day yesterday - photoshoot involving hair & make up (I could so do with this every day!), spent with some truly amazing women followed by a spot of shopping & bubbles at the Wallis Re-Launch of their Marble Arch flagship store - I think that pretty much sums up one of my most perfect days!  A more detailed report to follow on the blog soon with pictures from the shoot I promise - I'm not allowed to share any outfit pics until the magazine comes out (beginning of June I think!) so will update you as soon as I can!

So back to reality with a bump today - a ton of work to get through let along a mountain or ironing - oh the glamour!!  But it's hubby's birthday tomorrow so we're off out for a celebratory family meal tonight & school breaks up so happy days indeed :-)

Happy Friday ladies, here's to wine o'clock.  I'll post tonight's outfit on Instagram & if you follow me on Twitter (click here) check out the other great discount codes on my feed including up to 50% in the Great Plains mid season sale & 20% off women's knitwear, footwear & Per Una clothing at Marks & Spencer.  Happy shopping & don't forget to let me know what you snag in the Boden discount bonanza, click here & use discount code 6W2C at checkout.