Midlife Loves

"Timeless everyday style"

Midlife Loves

Accessories Galore!

So in a recent post I looked at faux fur stoles as well as capes for adding a new dimension to an existing party outfit & whilst these are a stunning & great way of transforming existing party wear they have one major drawback.  Yup you've guessed it, as soon as you've reached your destination you're going to need to remove said stole or cape (unless of course it's one of those parties that could go either way & keeping said stole/cape on could be useful for beating a hasty retreat!!!).  But assuming said stole/cape is to be taken off then you need to be able to add a little something to an existing outfit to change it's appearance.  Of course one way is by adding jewellery (which I'll be looking at in up & coming posts) but you could also add a belt, as it's a great way of accentuating your waist together with tying an outfit together not to mention if you're wearing black separates that aren't an exact match a great way of hiding the difference.

So without further ado here's my pick of belts that can really help transform a plain LBD or trousers into something a bit more wow!  

This first belt from ASOS is gorgeous & would look stunning when teamed with a dress or pencil skirt & simply great for those of us with a non-existent waist to create a bit of curve.






On a similar theme but not as thick is this stunning double chain belt from Zara.






Or if you're wearing trousers then how about this slimmer chain version, also from Zara.  This would really transform a pair of black cigarette pants & cami.






Of course it wouldn't be Christmas without the obligatory bit of bling so how about these metallic skinny belts from Banana Republic for filling your bling-factor.  Great with an all black number but would also work with jeans for a more casual feel too.










Bet is back in the room for this next one & in my mind a leopard print skinny belt is a real wardrobe essential & this one from Boden is just perfect.






This navy studded belt from Next is also stunning & would look fab teamed with either a dress or jeans plus being navy is just a little bit more unusual than your black & tan belts.






Moving away from belts & onto another essential for this time of year which can add an element of glamour to your outfit & that's gloves.  These leopard print ones from Warehouse would definitely make your outfit a roaring success!!!!






Or if leopard print isn't your thing & you fancy incorporating a bit of tartan into your wardrobe how about these tartan ones?






On a more classic note then you will never go wrong with a pair of tan leather gloves.






Or for adding a splash of colour to your outfit then how about these red ones from Next?






Finally what about treating yourself to a new handbag?  A great way of adding a splash of colour or interest to your outfit & when teamed with all black will look super stylish and sexy.

A bag that I have already featured on my blog but simply had to feature again is this gorgeous leopard print number from Boden.  If I didn't already own a couple of leopard print bags (well we ladies do need different styles & sizes for various occasions don't we ;-) ) then the Shopping Fairy would certainly not be drawing breath in hitting the button on this stunning number & if leopard print isn't your thang then it's also available in a whole variety of stunning colours too.






Similar in design but with a bit of leather is this leather & leopard print clutch from M&S.  Just perfect for slinging under the arm when your hands are otherwise engaged with eating from the buffet or savouring that mulled wine when out at a party.














For a real pop of colour then you'd be hard pressed to find something more stunning that this leather & faux pony clutch from ASOS.  I absolutely love this shade of pink & it's a great size for holding all your make up essentials not to mention mobile, house keys, hubby's wallet, car keys etc.






For a more played down tone then I'm loving this oversized leather clutch from ASOS which also comes with a handy short shoulder strap too.






And it won't come as any surprise to hear that I'm also totally loving this black & mink snake clutch from Mint Velvet.  Just so elegant and classy & with a little wrist strap perfect for use in the daytime as well.






Similar in design is this grey clutch from New Look, also super elegant & would go with so many colours in your wardrobe it would be a real wardrobe essential.






Or if like me you fancy a bit of bling then what about this metallic clutch from Topshop, which would not only look stunning for an evening do but would look pretty fab with some distressed jeans in the day too not to mention of course being a handy accessory for your summer hols.....can you see where I'm going with this?!!!!






Upping the bling factor now with this stunning metallic snake print clutch from Topshop which would look amazing when teamed with black.





Or for a neutral bag that's going to work hard & go with most things in your wardrobe then what about this leather and pony clutch from Next?






Finally a quick update on birthday celebrations as promised in my last blog which saw me enjoy a scrummy (sneaky) celebratory meal at Pizza Express with hubby while our son was at karate (did you know if you subscribe to their newsletter & put your date of birth in you'll get a complimentary bottle of prosecco.....well who am I to turn down some free fizz...it would be rude to not take them up on the offer....no?!!) & another wonderful day spent in London with more bubbles, cake, balloons, shopping, gorgeous food & laughter with my parents & sister.  All I'll say is thank goodness my mother didn't start the smoke alarms on the train when she lit candles on some cakes whilst hurtling home!!!

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


Outfit One





Scarf - Massimo Dutti
Jumper - Primark
Bracelets - Banana Republic & Massimo Dutti
Jeans - H&M
Boots - Oasis


Outfit Two





Faux Leather Quilted Jacket - Zara
Top - Sandwich
Jeans - Zara
Boots - Next


Outfit Three




Scarf - Zara
Leather Biker Jacket - Zara
Jumper - Zara
Camisole - Topshop
Jeans - Zara
Trainers - Zara


So what do you think?  Have you got a favourite party outfit that you're desperate to wear again this year but are looking for ways to accessorise so people can't spot it's putting in another appearance?  If so I'd love to hear your ideas or if you like any of the items featured on today's post.  Perhaps you fancy some new accessories for jazzing up your everyday wardrobe & have spotted something that may be making it's way onto Santa's list?  As always I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Have a great few days & for those of you who are wondering why I've posted today's blog sooo early today, that's because I'm jetting off to a mystery destination with hubby & son for my actual birthday....I'm SOOOO excited I can't wait to tell you & promise to share the details soon but if you want to know before then follow me on Twitter by clicking here as I'll be uploading piccies :-)

See you on the other side when I've officially hit four-0!!!

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11 comments

  1. I tend to avoid belts like the plague unless I need one to hold jeans up but I love the leopard gloves (kind of bored with my black leather ones now) and that pink asos clutch is lovely x

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    1. Can you believe I don't own a pair of leopard print gloves Sharron?!!! It must be the one item of clothing I don't have leopard print in lol! xx

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  2. Accessorizing an outfit is great fun I think (I know I'm unusual!!), and love it when a good outfit is make great by the diligent choice of accessories. I really like the wide belt and also the two bling belts (Are they double belts or just folded that way for effect?) I also like the abstract print clutch.

    Love outfit 1 - The scarf is really nice !
    paul

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    1. Thanks Paul, I think accessories are fab as they make your outfit more individual & are a great way to express yourself let alone change an outfit. I'm guessing that the bling belts are single but they'd be lovely if they were double...something a little bit different. xx

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  3. I love the Topshop tartan gloves Jane and too many of the bags to mention. I loved reading this post x

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    1. Aww thanks Liz, yes I could easily click the button on a number of these items!! xx

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  4. I have the Boden clutch and I love it! Great finds here x

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    1. That Boden clutch is just divine Lynne & I would DEFINITELY be ordering it if I had a leopard print clutch hole....but I've not got three leopard print bags!!! xx

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  5. I'm now totally in love with the Zara double chain belt Jane! I treated myself to some black leather gloves last pay day too! :) I think you look amazing in your leather jackets & jeans outfits! Ax

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    1. Aww thanks Andrea, yes that belt is stunning isn't it. Love a belt that's that little bit different xx

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  6. I am so inlove with the cluth. From Best bar and restaurant in Coconut Grove Miami, Grove Spot

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