Midlife Loves

"Timeless everyday style"

Midlife Loves

Timeless Pieces + WIWT

Timeless Pieces, My Midlife Fashion, marks and spencer pure cotton lace crinkle camisole top, marks and spencer patch pocket wide legged trousers, marks and spencer cold shoulder contrast stitch midi dress, marks and spencer embroidered long sleeve tunic dress, marks and spencer pure cotton embroidery ¾ sleeve blouse, marks and spencer pleated tie long sleeve blouse, marks and spencer v neck longline camisole top, marks and spencer leather zebra print pumps, marks and spencer leather ponte skinny leggings, marks and spencer ruffle layer round neck ¾ sleeve blouse

Ruffle Layer Round Neck ¾ Sleeve Blouse
Pleated Tie Long Sleeve Blouse
V Neck Longline Camisole Top
Embroidered Long Sleeve Tunic Dress
Leather Ponte Skinny Leggings
Patch Pocket Wide Legged Trousers
Pure Cotton Embroidery ¾ Sleeve Blouse
Cold Shoulder Contrast Stitch Midi Dress
Pure Cotton Lace Crinkle Camisole Top
Leather Zebra Print Pumps

Morning ladies today I thought we'd talk timeless clothing.  Items that come out year after year & are classic iconic pieces that will never date & which don't have to cost a fortune.  

Most, if not all our wardrobes will contain certain staples such as the classic fitted white shirt, a skinny pair of jeans, simple grey tee etc, as well as pieces we love & wear year in year out.  Plus no doubt a few fashion led/sales bargain items that will still have their labels on hanging there unworn either because we can't quite get it to work or because we bought it on a whim & have now fallen out of love with it but don't want to throw it out when we've paid good money for it!  

As I've mentioned before I think the more we mature the more we know what clothing works for our bodies & lifestyles but that doesn't stop us making the odd wrong purchase.  Of course loving fashion we're always going to want to try out the latest styles but if you want a wardrobe that really works hard the majority of it's contents should be classics that can be mixed & matched & thrown with the odd fashion led trend.

With this in mind, when Marks & Spencer recently got in touch about working together I thought it would make a great post if I picked my top ten pieces from their various new in collections that not only were clothing that could last forever in terms of style but were also quality led, well fitting pieces that would suit most occasions.

I've put together a college of my top ten items above & it's probably no surprise that there's a few statement white tops.  Most of us can easily justify a new white top purchase but when you factor in some classic lace or embroidery detailing then these items become real wow factors when paired with the simplest of items such as jeans.  

The two dresses I've picked are also timeless, as a simple embroidered boho dress is never going to go out of fashion nor a classic navy sundress & how stunning is the bow detailing on the one I've chosen?

Add a pair of leather leggings for dressing up or down, a statement bright coloured blouse for a night out & a simple cami & wide pair of trousers & you've got some great timeless, stylish wardrobe staples.  Finishing with a statement pair of ballet pumps, which will lift the plainest of outfits.

To give you an idea on how I'd style these pieces I've create a few looks below.

Wide Fit Wedge Heel Espadrilles

Cold Shoulder Contrast Stitch Midi Dress
Wide Fit Wedge Heel Sling Back Espadrilles
Metallic Stripe Shopper

Inspiration 2, my midlife fashion, marks and spencer pleated tie long sleeve blouse, marks and spencer cotton rich slim leg trouser, marks and spencer stiletto point court shoe, marks and spencer pendant necklace, marks and spencer embroidered long sleeve tunic dress, marks and spencer buckle coin detail sandals, marks and spencer linen rich tie front half sleeve shell top, marks and spencer patch pocket wide legged trousers, marks and spencer leather wedge heel almond toe espadrilles

Pleated Tie Long Sleeve Blouse
Cotton Rich Slim Leg Trouser
Stiletto Point Court Shoe

Pendant Necklace
Embroidered Long Sleeve Tunic Dress
Buckle Coin Detail Sandals

Linen Rich Tie Front Half Sleeve Shell Top
Patch Pocket Wide Legged Trousers
Leather Wedge Heel Almond Toe Espadrilles

Inspiration 3, my midlife fashion, marks and spencer pure cotton lace crinkle camisole top, marks and spencer pure linen straight leg trousers, marks and spencer leather animal print tassel mule sandals, marks and spencer ruffle layer round neck ¾ sleeve blouse, marks and spencer mid rise cropped flare jeans, marks and spencer punch hole trainers

Pure Cotton Lace Crinkle Camisole Top
Pure Linen Straight Leg Trousers
Leather Animal Print Tassel Mule Sandals

Ruffle Layer Round Neck ¾ Sleeve Blouse
Mid Rise Cropped Flare Jeans
Punch Hole Trainers

And whilst I was researching this post I also stumbled across a couple of stunning dresses - this one & also this beauty.  Plus for anyone that missed out on the embroidered tulle skirt I have, this is a great alternative. 

Marks & Spencer Leather Zebra print pumps


Now Marks & Spencer have very kindly let me pick 3 items from my top ten & being a huge lover of ballet pumps the first item had to be the zebra ballet pumps.  A really lovely shoe that's not narrow, if like me you suffer with wide feet, are really well made & a great price.  I'm generally a size 40 but the size 6 fit me perfectly so if you're between sizes I would suggest sizing down.

My Midlife Fashion, marks and spencer leather zebra print ballet pumps

The other two items I chose were the ruffle blouse, which is true to size & will make a great dress up or down addition to my wardrobe & the pleated detailing on the sleeves & hem is just stunning & really helps to elevate the blouse.  

My Midlife Fashion, marks and spencer ruffle layer round neck ¾ sleeve blouse

And finally I chose the leather ponte skinny leggings, which are true to size.  I must admit I've always been a little put off by leggings that only have the leather detailing on the front but seeing as they're real leather I thought it was worth a go & I wasn't disappointed.  The fit on the leggings is perfect & I love the fact that they're real leather not faux, so much so I've got rid off my plain faux ones.

my midlife fashion, marks and spencer leather ponte skinny jeans

I'm wearing all three items today as not only do they make the perfect outfit when paired together they'll also make great multi wearing pieces too.

My midlife fashion, Marks and spencer leather zebra print ballet pumps, marks and spencer leather ponte skinny leggings, marks and spencer ruffle layer round neck ¾ sleeve blouse, AND/OR maya leather slouch shoulder bag

Blouse - Marks & Spencer
Leggings - Marks & Spencer
Bracelets - MeMe London
Bag - AND/OR
Ballet Pumps - Marks & Spencer

Monochrome, shop my style,My midlife fashion, Marks and spencer leather zebra print ballet pumps, marks and spencer leather ponte skinny leggings, marks and spencer ruffle layer round neck ¾ sleeve blouse, AND/OR maya leather slouch shoulder bag

Blouse - Marks & Spencer
Leggings - Marks & Spencer
Bag - AND/OR
Ballet Pumps - Marks & Spencer

So ladies what are your thoughts?  Spot anything that you love from my top ten or perhaps you've spotted some other beauties in store or online that I haven't included?  If so I'd love to hear about them.

Enjoy your day ladies & don't forget to check their 'new in' section for more inspiration.

See you in the morning.

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A Few New Purchases + A New Discount Code + WIWT - Sequins & Boucle

J Crew Tiered spaghetti strap midi dress eyelet


Morning ladies before I share today's outfit I've got a few new purchases to confess to starting with this stunning broderie anglaise midi dress.  I seem to have 'clicked the button' on a few white dresses this season so finger's crossed we have the weather for them but this one is a real beauty & timeless.   Meaning provided I don't spill any red wine down it (& then of course I could always dye it!) it will be coming out year after year.  Its definitely coming away on our summer holidays but I'm also planning on teaming with some simple tan sandals & a denim jacket during the day.  Size wise I've gone for a size 0 & I'm generally a UK 8.  However if you want something a little more purse friendly then Zara have just released this one.

marks and spencer autograph off the shoulder sleeveless blouse


Now unfortunately this next top is virtually sold out online but I used the online store facility search & luckily there was plenty of stock at my local M&S so a quick phone call & this baby was reserved.  Again a real timeless piece - team with cigarette pants & ballet pumps/heels for a smart look or for a girl's night out jeans & a statement heel plus of course flats & a simple pair of denim shorts.  This is definitely a top that will be in my wardrobe for a long time to come & I love the extra detailing with the tie on the one shoulder.  I went with my normal size 8 & would say it's pretty true to size.

& other stories knit sweater


My next purchase is something I've been looking for, for ages.  It's not a store I've ever bought from before.  To be honest I've never really seen anything that appealed but when I was searching for an off the shoulder navy jumper this one popped up.  It's not a knit I would generally buy as it's ribbed &  made from cotton but having tried it on it's a keeper.  Whilst I'm still on the search for a similar one in cashmere (please let me know if you spot one) this jumper is perfect for a more casual look (I went for an XS).  I'm thinking distressed cigarette length jeans not to mention cropped white trousers for an easy effortless look.

& other stories cupro tank top


And of course having said I've never found anything that appeals I also spotted this simple tank top - again I wouldn't generally go for a ribbed finish but popped it into my shopping basket to get free delivery (by the way you can get 10% off if you sign up to their newsletter).  But this is also a keeper (size 34).  I love the neckline - low but not too low to worry about your bra showing.  Plus it's one of those really useful tops for wearing either underneath jackets or even just for throwing on with some jeans or shorts for a simple look.

and other stories floral print dress


Throwing things into your basket for free delivery has a lot to be answered for as I also popped this dress in having been sold on the splashes of pink & yup you've guessed it, it's now also hanging up in my wardrobe.  Unfortunately this now looks like it's sold up but you may track some down in store.  I went for 34 & there's plenty of room & plan on dressing it down with my biker & trainers.

Mango Openwork Cotton Blouse


Finally I haven't 'clicked the button' on this beauty.....yet, but how gorgeous is this & it looks a great length too.  Ideal for wearing with denim & of course we all know we can never have enough pretty white tops hanging in our wardrobes don't we ;-)  So much so this is also tempting me too!  Plus it's also available in black here & navy here :-0

monsoon casey lace blouse




Talking of 'clicking the button' there's lots tempting me over at & with 20% off over the weekend when you spend over £100 (use code AQ791) I could be tempted :-0  I've shared a few of the temptations above but the saving is definitely worth taking a peek at, just click here & remember to use code AQ791 at checkout.

Back to today's outfit & I don't know about you but I'm loving the thought that we've got a 3 day weekend ahead of us, so much so I'm cracking out the sequins :-)



Jacket - J Crew
T-Shirt - J Crew
Ballet Pumps - French Sole

Tailoring

Jacket - L K Bennett
T-Shirt - Hush
Ballet Pumps - French Sole

In honour of the long weekend I'm breaking out another J Crew sales purchase this sequin trimmed boucle jacket - yes I know another jacket!  But I promise I've had a serious jacket cull in my wardrobe & how was I supposed to resist this beauty, especially seeing as it was in the sale & the only one left just happened to be in my size ;-)  And seeing as I'm wearing a bit of sparkle I thought I'd up the glitter with another sales buy these French Sole glitter ballet pumps.

Enjoy your day ladies & as always I'll see you in the morning.

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WIWT - Monochrome & Stripes

My Midlife Fashion, wallis blush and black stripe wrap top, french connection rebound cropped kick flare jeans, boden studded flat pointed shoes

My Midlife Fashion, wallis blush and black stripe wrap top, french connection rebound cropped kick flare jeans, boden studded flat pointed shoes

Top - Wallis
Shoes - Boden

Monochrome, shop my style, my midlife fashion, wallis blush and black stripe wrap top, french connection rebound cropped kick flare jeans, french sole india ballerina pumps

Top - Wallis
Shoes - French Sole

Morning ladies I'm finishing the working week in stripes & my super comfy cropped kick flare jeans.

Busy day ahead with work, which isn't great when you're battling the lurgy that hubby so kindly decided to share!  But all's good as it's time to celebrate the start of the weekend & another Bank Holiday weekend, whoop whoop :-)  Don't forget it's the last day to enjoy 20% off everything  at Boden.  Simply click here & use code 6T2C at the checkout.

Enjoy your day ladies & I'll see you in the morning.

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WIWT - Culottes & A Biker

My Midlife Fashion, hm cashmere crew neck sweatshirt, massimo dutti navy leather biker jacket, massimo dutti snake print cross body bag, golden goose superstar leather low top trainers, great plains timed out tencel culottes

My Midlife Fashion, hm cashmere crew neck sweatshirt, massimo dutti navy leather biker jacket, massimo dutti snake print cross body bag, golden goose superstar leather low top trainers, great plains timed out tencel culottes

Biker Jacket - Massimo Dutti
Jumper - H&M
Bracelets - MeMe London
Bag - Massimo Dutti
Culottes - Great Plains
Trainers - Golden Goose

Styling Up Culottes, my midlife fashion, shop my style, great plains timed out tencel culottes, marks and spencer pure cashmere crew neck jumper, hush greenwich trainers, mango leather biker jacket

Biker Jacket - Mango
Jumper - Marks & Spencer
Culottes - Great Plains
Trainers - Hush

Happy Thursday ladies.

I'm bringing out my Great Plains culottes today & styling them with a simple crew neck, trainers & biker jacket.  A nice simple outfit for a busy day of work ahead.

You've got to love that Thursday feeling haven't you, which is of course made all that much better by the fact there's a 3 day weekend ahead :-)  And if you missed grabbing 25% off don't panic you can still get 20% off everything at Boden, just click here & use code 6T2C.

Enjoy your day ladies & I'll see you tomorrow.

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Seeing Red + WIWT Monochrome



Morning ladies today I wanted to talk about red accessories.  A real game changer in bringing an outfit to life & adding a much needed pop of colour.

If you're anything like me your colour palette no matter what the season will stick with the much loved neutrals of navy, black, grey, khaki & white.  Yes I might occasionally add the odd splash of colour but generally no matter what the weather you'll find me in these neutral colours.

However, one item I bought last year that was a real game changer in terms of making these colours come to life was a pair of red sandals.  Real game changers that I often teamed with a suede clutch & wore A LOT!

This year I've upgraded the sandals to the below beauties.  A fab open toe sandal that has a little bit of detailing & not too high a heel making them pretty much wearable for most occasions.  These together with my red quilted ballet pumps & cross body bag are all I need for most occasions when I want to add a pop of colour.  Although that's not to mean I couldn't be tempted by a higher heel or even a pair of trainers & with that in mind I thought I'd put together my edit of the best red footwear & bags currently on the high street above.  As always just click on any of the above images for further details.

My midlife fashion, j crew woven suede wedge sandals


Back to today & it's a monochrome & stripe kind of day.  A perfect example of an outfit that would be perfect for adding a splash of red.

My Midlife Fashion, Olia Jewellery Gracie Double chain star necklace, j crew cropped kick flare trousers, golden goose superstar low top leather trainers, wallis cold shoulder stripe top

My Midlife Fashion, Olia Jewellery Gracie Double chain star necklace, j crew cropped kick flare trousers, golden goose superstar low top leather trainers, wallis cold shoulder stripe top

Biker Jacket - Baukjen - 15% off with code MIDLIFEFASHION217
Necklace - Olia Jewellery
Top - Wallis
Trousers - J Crew
Trainers - Golden Goose

Monochrome, my midlife fashion, shop my style, hush greenwich trainers, wallis black and blush stripe wrap top, marks and spencer cotton rich slim leg trousers, warehouse faux leather biker jacket

Biker Jacket - Warehouse
Top - Wallis
Trousers - Marks & Spencer
Trainers - Hush

So ladies what are your thoughts on red accessories?  Are you a fan & already own a pair/s of shoes & a bag or two?  Maybe you're on the lookout for a pair of new shoes or bag & are tempted to invest? Or perhaps you're not a fan of wearing bright colours so have yet to invest.  If this is the case seriously give it a try.  They don't feel like you're wearing something bright like a shirt & really will make your outfits come to life.  In fact think of them like leopard print & a new neutral.  Seriously you'll be amazed at how useful they are & just how much you can't live without them.

Don't forget today's the last day to grab 25% off everything over at Boden.  Simply click here & use code 6T2C at the checkout & if you need any inspiration my top picks are here.

Enjoy your day & as always I'll see you in the morning.  

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WIWT - Styling A Pleated Midi Skirt

My Midlife Fashion, grey knitted boucle jacket, finery grey vest top, asos pleated midi satin camouflage skirt, golden goose superstar low top leather trainers

My Midlife Fashion, grey knitted boucle jacket, finery grey vest top, asos pleated midi satin camouflage skirt, golden goose superstar low top leather trainers

Knitted Jacket - Bought In Majorca
T-Shirt - Finery
Skirt - ASOS
Trainers - Golden Goose

Styling A Pleated Skirt, My Midlife Fashion, shop my style, asos button through pleated midi skirt, hush greenwich trainers, hush vest top, hush jersey blazer

Jacket - Hush
T-Shirt - Hush
Skirt - ASOS
Trainers - Hush

Happy Tuesday ladies I'm breaking out my camo skirt again today & teaming it with a simple vest top & knitted jacket.

Another busy one for me with, I fear far too much on my 'to do' list to stand a chance of being completed today but hey I'll give it a good go!

Enjoy your day & as always see you in the morning.  In the meantime don't forget there's currently 25% off everything at Boden.  Just click here & use code 6T2C at the checkout.  Plus if you need any inspiration my top picks are here.

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WIWT - Monochrome Monday + A Discount Code

my midlife fashion, mango flowy strap top, j crew pointed ballet pumps, french connection rebound cropped kick flare jeans, j crew leopard print cross body bag, l k bennett charl cream jacket

my midlife fashion, mango flowy strap top, j crew pointed ballet pumps, french connection rebound cropped kick flare jeans, j crew leopard print cross body bag, l k bennett charl cream jacket

Jacket - L K Bennett
Camisole - Mango
Bag - J Crew
Ballet Pumps - J Crew

Monochrome, my midlife fashion, shop my style, l k bennett charl cream jacket, french connection rebound cropped kick flare jeans, clarks couture bloom ballet pumps, asos cross body leather bag with tassel, mango flowy strap top

Jacket - L K Bennett
Camisole - Mango
Bag - ASOS
Ballet Pumps - Clarks

Happy Monday ladies.

I'm going with a monochrome Monday feeling today & keeping my look really simple with my cropped kick flare jeans, a simple cami & boucle jacket.  Finished off with ballet pumps & a splash of leopard print.

Can't believe we're nearly at the end of April already but on a positive note that means 2 more Bank Holidays aren't far away ;-)  Plus Boden have just launched the start of a week of discounts with 25% off from now until Wednesday :-)  Simply click here & use code 6T2C at the checkout & if you need any inspiration you can see my top picks here.

Happy shopping ladies, enjoy your day & I'll see you tomorrow.

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A New Brand + WIWT - Monochrome Classics

Outfit Inspiration, my midlife fashion, john lewis, john lewis and/or, and/or, and/or cut about stripe jumper, and/or venice beach boyfriend jeans, and/or leola leopard two part espadrilles, and/or poncho bell sleeve jumper, and/or avalon ankle grazer jeans, and/or katherine tie leather jeans belt, and/or tierra whipstitch detail ankle boots, and/or knot hem linen top, and/or peg chinos, and/or dorene detail lace up trainers




Morning ladies.  Today I want to introduce you to a new brand that has recently launched at John Lewis called And/Or, which has been designed around the simple formula that 'great denim works with anything & makes everything work'.  

So if you're like me & spend a good proportion of your days wearing denim & love the odd statement clutch/studded shoe then this collection is going to be right up your street.  

A mixture of LA style - think authentic cuts & heritage washed denim teamed with a splash of London urban edge there's plenty of casual boho pieces that are just ideal for hardworking wardrobes & so easy to dress up or down.

I've put together my top picks in the above & below outfits to give you a taster of the brand but there's lots more to choose from here.  Although be warned it's proving so popular items are selling out fast!

Outfit Inspiration, my midlife fashion, john lewis, john lewis and/or, and/or, and/or pom pom mirror clutch, and/or yoke detail top, and/or avalon ankle grazer jeans, and/or bandra embellished tassel court shoes, and/or sienna woodgrain dress, and/or rima mini leather hobo bag, and/or joleta studded detail sandals, and/or maya leather slouch bag, and/or cotton bardot top, and/or silverlake straight leg jeans, and/or guido brogue



Personally I'm sorely tempted to 'click the button' on these sandals.  Plus I think this pair of trousers would fit perfectly in my wardrobe & prove extremely useful over the coming months & I may have already 'clicked the button' on this bag :-)

But before I get carried away I'd better share with you what I'm wearing today & naturally it features my new purchase.  Going with a monochrome theme & letting my stunning new bag do all the talking.  I'm totally in love with this beauty - a great shape & size, not too heavy & the gold stud detailing really does elevate the simplest of looks.



Monochrome, My midlife fashion, shop my style, j crew rhodes blazer, hush cotton slub v neck tee, marks and spencer leather ponte skinny leggings, boden leopard print ballerinas, and/or maya leather slouch shoulder bag, french sole leopard print ballerina pumps

Monochrome, My midlife fashion, shop my style, j crew rhodes blazer, hush cotton slub v neck tee, marks and spencer leather ponte skinny leggings, boden leopard print ballerinas, and/or maya leather slouch shoulder bag, french sole leopard print ballerina pumps

Blazer - J Crew
T-Shirt - J Crew
Bag - And/Or
Faux leather Trousers - French Connection
Ballet Pumps - French Sole

Monochrome, My midlife fashion, shop my style, j crew rhodes blazer, hush cotton slub v neck tee, marks and spencer leather ponte skinny leggings, boden leopard print ballerinas, and/or maya leather slouch shoulder bag

Blazer - J Crew
T-Shirt - Hush
Bag - And/Or
Faux Leather Trousers - Marks & Spencer
Ballet Pumps - Boden

So ladies what are your thoughts on And/Or?  Do you see anything that takes your fancy & gets your fingers twitching to 'click that button'?  As always I'd love to know what you think.

Have a lovely day & I'll be back tomorrow.

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