Oh hi January

Back to reality with a bump here.  We had one extra day's grace as the kids had an inset day but we're now fully immersed back into the school/work/homework/after school clubs routine.  Along with the rest of the country, we're also on a healthy eating kick and attempting to not drink booze during the week.  (I should point out that this is not because we're raging alcoholics but more to cut the calories and live a little cleaner).  Jeez Louise, December was SO much more fun!!!  Obviously these resolutions didn't start until yesterday (the fourth day of January) because Friday was New Year's Day which is a day of celebration, and the next day was Saturday and Saturday nights always involve something nice to eat and drink and then there didn't seem much point starting on Sunday......


Here's what I wore to an impromptu child-free dinner with Himself on Saturday evening.  Loving my Bella - so much so that I reeeeeeally would love a coloured one now.  Red?  Sky blue?  Unsurprisingly my husband is less than thrilled at this revelation.....

black and white jumper - Bella Freud / grey jeans - Topshop / black suede ankle boots - Zara


And today running errands, I wore my new Adidas Stan Smith's which made the day just that little bit sweeter.

grey coat - Gap / navy cashmere jumper - La Redoute / jeans - Topshop / trainers - Adidas / charcoal cashmere scarf - Tuscany

The sun came out!

So one day last week it actually stopped raining.  I know - a bloody miracle it would seem.  As luck would have it we'd arranged to meet with my brother and his fam in the truly beautiful village of Coln St Aldwyns.  We ate a huge lunch (it really was enormous) and then walked around the village nosing at all the cottages taking in the gorgeous scenery.  It was glorious.  I can't say I was feeling the most glamorous I ever have but a hardwearing parka and comfy wellies can never be underestimated.


I don't think it's necessary to spend huge amounts on coats especially not casual ones and as the sales are on, what better time to find your perfect parka without spending a fortune?  For a winter parka (as opposed to a thin, single skin summer one), aim for a good quality, water resistant fabric.  Mine is a heavy duty, waxed cotton.  A decent amount of padding/filling is a necessity for my cold bones and a detachable hood makes it more versatile.  A high rise neck and decent sized pockets are also a must.  I'd always buy a parka that hits to at least mid thigh as you're going to be wearing it all kinds of God awful weather (probably) so the more protection it gives, the better.  Finally, if you want your parka to have longevity, I'd say to buy in a neutral, classic colour: black, grey, charcoal, navy, olive, camel.  This parka is a couple of years old now, has given me sterling service and still looks brand new. 


Wellington boot-wise, my personal preference are Hunters, both for my daughters and myself.  They tick all the style, comfort amd quality boxes.  Unless you're 18 and planning to embark on a summer of festivals, I'd say avoid the pearlescent, candy coloured Hunters and go for a neutral colour.  (If you're 40 and planning to embark on a summer of festivals, that's no excuse - still go neutral....!)

olive parka - Zara / jeans - Topshop / oatmeal cashmere jumper - J Crew / beige cashmere pashmina - beach vendor in Tuscany / navy wellies - Hunter / oatmeal wrist warmers - Uniqlo / sunglasses - Karen Walker

New Years Outfit

Happy New Year!   I hope had a great evening seeing in 2016 however you spent it.  We went to a friend's house party with the kids and had such a lovely time.  Kinda sad that the holiday season is coming to an end - we've loved lying in every morning, going for late lunches, lazing around and generally being completely off-duty for a couple of weeks.


Life must go on I guess - and a new year means new season collections!  Woohoo!


In the meantime, here's what I wore during the day to visit one of my very best friends. I'm a big fan of anything with a military feel so for 60 quid and 75% wool I'm very happy.

black coat - Zara / black jeans - Topshop / black and white breton - H&M / black Victorian boots - Next / grey cashmere scarf - M&S / grey bag - Balenciaga


And here's what I wore last night.  (I clearly need to work on my poses, I look not dissimilar to a wrestler in heels here...)

black and white star print shirt - Equipment / black jeans - Topshop / black heels - Next / cream fur jacket - Zara / pewter clutch - Marc Jacobs

What to wear on New Years' Eve...

... whether you're slurping champagne on the sofa, watching fireworks outside, dancing into the early hours or misbehaving at a house party (that would be me).

jumper - Hush, jeans - Topshop, flats - Topshop

coat - Scotch Maison, jumper dress - & Other Stories, boots - Stuart Weitzman

dress - & Other Stories, clutch - Net A Porter, nail varnish - Chanel

jumpsuit - Topshop, earrings - J Crew, heels - Office

And if I were lucky enough to be seeing in 2016 in sunny climes (as three of my closest friends are - Not. Jealous. At.  All.) I'd be wearing this beyond gorgeous Marysia swim suit accessorised with my new Prada sunnies and a succession of Gin Fizz's.

Unfortunately, I'm not  - so it'll probably be a shirt, jeans and heels - boooooooooooo!


However you're celebrating, Happy New Year!

'Tis the season to be very very grateful

Ah Father Christmas has been very kind to me this year.  Not only have I had a fabulously lazy Christmas with my family (and a well-needed break from the general day to day chaos that goes with two children, one stupidly busy husband and a part time job) but I've also been extremely spoilt on the present front.


So before I start, I should say that this post is focussing on items which are more on the pricey side.  I'm a huge fan of the Great British high street but I always use Christmas and birthdays as an excuse to chose something a little more special as a present, something that I couldn't necessarily afford during the rest of the year.  


I've stuck to this school of thought this Christmas and had one present early in the shape of a black star print Equipment shirt.  After years of buying silk shirts on the high street and by high street, I mean almost exclusively from Zara, I've been completely converted by these admittedly way more expensive but far, far superior shirts. The fit, the quality, the weight of the silk, the drape.  Drool.  They're just beautiful. 


This pale pink one is gorgeous and may well be on my spring/summer wishlist. Whilst I can't bring myself to seriously think about S/S quite yet, in my head this looks delicious unbuttoned a little and messily tucked into faded skinnies with sandals and a tan.

The big man (ie, my husband) came up trumps with my favourite Jo Malone goodies - the English Pear and Freesia perfume which is by far my favourite and also the body crème.  Again, on the pricey side but a little goes a very long way.  Their candles and room diffusers (the Pomegranate Noir especially) are also gorgeous and long lasting.


These oversized Prada sunglasses which I'd been lusting after since trying them on in Florence in the summer were also under the tree.  I'm a big fan of Prada sunglasses - the quality and finish are always spot on whilst not being break-the-bank expensive.  And before you wonder, no, your eyes do not deceive you - they are absolutely massive!

And last, but by goodness not least, this 1970 Bella Freud jumper which has been on my list since I saw a picture of Kate Moss wearing one years ago.  (Because obviously I'm going to look just like Kate Moss in mine.....)  I'm planning on wearing it to a New Year's Eve party with a leopard print mini skirt, opaques and block heeled Mary-Jane shoes.  It's an outfit I love the idea of however, the (likely) reality is that it's 15 years too young for me and I'll look like some sort of sad Kate Moss tribute act.  Watch this space.....

Overdressed

I absolutely love dressing up, even when the occasion doesn't really require it.  Pre-Christmas lunch and cocktails (which stretched through dinner and very nearly to closing time) at the pub around the corner doesn't really require red high heeled sandals but hell, if you can't wear inappropriate shoes at Christmas then when can you?

black tux jacket - Zara / white bib front shirt - J Crew / jeans - Topshop / red suede sandals - River Island / leopard clutch - Mango / gold earrings - J Crew

Time to lounge

At this time of the year I seem to be either wildly dolled up or bumming about in pyjamas with nothing in between.  Indeed, diving straight into nightwear the second I'm home from work/school run/after school clubs is a perennial habit for me (I can't be the only one who does this?!) but during the festive period, much as I love dressing up, pulling on super comfy pyjamas (with an elasticated waist to accommodate the vast amounts of cheese I seem to be mainlining) is an absolute joy.  Pyjamas, fire, cheese, gin, lounge - on repeat. 


I like a classic pyjama.  No shock there.  Not for me your logo'd jersey set, your novelty onesie, your frilly negligee.  No, I'm all about a masculine buttoned-up two-piece, always in cotton, striped, checked or maybe paisley in print.  Some swear by silk but much as I love a silk shirt or dress, I find silk pyjamas just too restrictive and fragile.  During the colder months, I like to wear mine with an old cashmere jumper chucked over the top.  Comfy, cosy but respectable enough to face the postman in (even if it is midday).


Last Christmas I took advantage of the Christmas/January sales and gave my decidedly sorry collection of nightwear a complete overhaul.  House of Fraser came up trumps for me, mainly because their 50% off discount was too tempting to resist and once I'd bought one pair and realised how great their Linea range is, I bought a whole lot more.   To date I have four pairs and I can't rate them highly enough.


A few weeks ago, courtesy of the Black Friday Sales I snapped up the first pink striped pair shown in the collection below for less than £25.  I love all the other ones featured too, especially the last grey checked pair from John Lewis.


Linea pink stripe pyjamas

Cyberjammies black stripe pyjamas

Linea mauve check pyjamas

John Lewis Carrie navy spot pyjamas

John Lewis grey box check pyjamas

Happy lounging!