Ok so I'm guessing when you saw the title of today's post you probably wondered what on earth I was going on about?!
Well I haven't lost the plot I promise (well no more than normal anyway ;-0 ). I'm actually referring to a relatively new UK based company that is also designed & manufactured in the UK called 'Monks On Vacation'.
Launched in May 2015 the brand was created to produce stylish, easy to wear & comfortable clothing to suit busy lifestyles with an emphasis on both beauty & quality from both the designs & fabric used.
Now I don't know about you but one area of clothing I really struggle with is 'loungewear'. For me no matter what I wear I always feel like I'm sloping around the house in clothing that doesn't make me feel good & should the doorbell go well I'll scuttle into the lounge hoping that hubby or son gets it & that it's no one for me as seriously no one needs to see me in my trackie bums & sweatshirt ensemble!
So when Monks On Vacation got in touch to see if I would be interested in reviewing some of their collection I was intrigued to take a look & more importantly interested to see if their clothing really was stylish as well as comfortable for days/nights in on the sofa.
So before I tell you what I think, here's the three pieces I chose to review.
Firstly their black popper jacket (which is also available in raw white), my thinking being that if I'm most comfortable dressed in a tailored jacket with jeans then perhaps a lounge wear jacket would make me feel more me than a sweatshirt.
So before I tell you what I think, here's the three pieces I chose to review.
Firstly their black popper jacket (which is also available in raw white), my thinking being that if I'm most comfortable dressed in a tailored jacket with jeans then perhaps a lounge wear jacket would make me feel more me than a sweatshirt.
I also picked this lovely striped vest top to help break up the outfit, that I also thought would be perfect for teaming with denim cut offs come the warmer weather.
And finally their soft jersey knit trousers - perfect for chillaxing at home.
So what do I think? Well firstly I just have to share this picture with you of how the clothing arrived.
How gorgeous (not to mention useful) is the cloth drawstring bag? Any brand that spends that little bit more time on presentation really is onto a winner as in my eyes it's the little things & the attention to detail that make me as a customer feel special.
So onto the clothing.
Well I have to say the quality is amazing. All the garments are beautifully made & finished & it goes without saying much more glamorous than any of my normal lounge wear attire.
I was a little worried that the sizing may be a little off as the jacket is only available in either S/M or M/L and the trousers & top S, M or L but actually they fit perfectly.
I went for the S/M in the jacket & although the fit of the arms felt a little tight at first, due to the stretch in the fabric they're actually ok but if you don't like fitted sleeves you may want to think about sizing up.
I'm wearing a size S in the trousers & they fit really well - fitted on the hip but not too clingy & as you will see from the picture below they've got two very handy & useful pockets with a fold over waist band that is fantastic for flattering & concealing any 'mum tums'. Length wise they're also a good length. I'm 5'7" & with trainers as you will see below they cover just the right amount of my foot so as not to look too long that I'll trip up or too short to look like they've shrunk in the wash. Plus I can vouch for the fact that after a couple of evenings slobbing on the sofa they've kept their style & shape.
As you can see from the below picture the neckline on the jacket is stunning. Before trying it on I was concerned that it would be one of those awkward styles that look great on the web but when worn in real life doesn't stay in place but because of the knit of the fabric it stays where it should. It can also be styled in three different ways - as shown below, undone (see my last picture) & more open with just the one popper fastened (third picture below).
I'm wearing a size S in the Martinique top, which I would say is perfect for a UK size 8-10. You can't see from the pictures but the fabric has a lovely sheen & with the draped neckline & twisted racer back it has some lovely features. Plus it doesn't cling to the body like a lot of vest tops but drapes softly.
We've got a quiet day in today & planning some serious family time including a full works Sunday roast, possibly some board games & hopefully a film or two in front of the fire. With this in mind you probably won't be surprised to hear that today I'm wearing my new lounge wear & loving feeling so stylish in my 'home' clothes!
Jacket - Monks On Vacation
Top - Monks On Vacation
Trousers - Monks On Vacation
Trainers - Golden Goose
Jacket - Monks On Vacation £108
Top - Monks On Vacation £60
Trousers - Monks On Vacation £70
Trainers - Boden £69.50
So ladies what do you think? Are you a lover of lounge wear & if so what's your favourite brand & look to go for? Are you a throw any old thing on as long as it's warm & comfy kind of girl or are you a Miss Co-ordinates like me & hate to feel as if you're not matching? Perhaps like me you also struggle with what to wear that's stylish, comfy, warm & practical? If so I'd highly recommend Monks On Vacation, you can see their entire range here.
Right I'm off to get on with my quiet day in & some seriously stylish horizontal surfing on the sofa ;-)
Have a fab Sunday & I'll see you in the morning.
I don't do lounge wear either. And the whole "athleisure" movement just makes me stabby. But, I will say that these pieces really do appear to be elevated lounge wear and the cut of that jacket is especially wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThey really are stunning Gracey & so much more special than your average loungewear. I'd highly recommend.
DeleteJane xx
That jacket is just stunning, Jane. Looks so good for loungewear! Lynne xx
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautifully cut & made Lynne. Definite loungewear that's made to be seen & make you feel good.
DeleteJane xx