How do we feel about these? Do they remind you of your student days?

They're like a brain worm that won't go away. Try as I might, I can't stop thinking about them. DM boots. Perhaps the cold weather has frozen my brain, perhaps it's a mid-life crisis. Or perhaps it's just because I genuinely really like them and I can see how they would work with my wardrobe.

1460 Pascal Virginia in Bubblegum (£125)

We all wore DM shoes at University. Come rain or shine, summer or winter, we all wore DM shoes which we bought from Sheffield market. The only variation was that in the summer we would wear them without socks and everyone over the age of 35 would ask whether they hurt. But they never did. The cost per wear of those shoes over the 3 years was peanuts - and they carried on long after the 3 years were up too. 

Dress Blues Virginia

Now it's not so much the DM shoes that I'm attracted to because "street" trainers have largely taken their place. No, it's the boots that I really like. Especially the pink, navy or silver. Well I'm nothing if not predictable in my unpredictability. True, they wouldn't go with everything but most skinny/straight/girlfriend/boyfriend jeans would work with them and maxi dresses and skirts too. 

Iced Metallic (£110)

So why now? Maybe it's because I'm looking for something different but which is still wearable. Having not worn DMs since I  hit about 20, they definitely tick that box. But they're still comfortable and practical too. That doesn't mean to say that I will be re-visiting my multi coloured polka dot ra-ra dress from Tammy Girl circa 1983, or my mini kilt, ruffle blouse and white tights combo circa 1985 - but then again I just might.

I'd like to do a post on brands which are hot on environmental and social responsibility issues. Luckily this is something that most new brands take seriously as part of their ethos.  Dr Martens have a really detailed Social Responsibility page on their site covering everything from child labour, to working hours, how they source their leather (they also do a vegan range here), the materials they use in their packaging and the charity work in which they engage. 

So my question is this. Can any of you imagine going down the DM route or are they a big fashion "no-no" as far as you're concerned? I would love to hear what you think. 

From the feedback that I have received, I know that many of you would like to see more outfits posts, so I will try and include a few outfit pictures at the end of each blog post (if the post itself doesn't constitute an outfit post.)

I wore this outfit to an event that I went to on Friday. I thought that people may appreciate the macarons (by the Crow Kitchen) and biscuits (by Juliet Sear) - if nothing else. I know that I did.

Same outfit - different shot. The trousers are from Mango. I wrote about them here, the trainers are from Air & Grace, the blouse is from Mercy Delta and the bag is from neon beach club

OK so this was me being brave in a skirt that I thought that I might return but which I decided to keep. It's from ASOS and is the floral pansy skirt. The trainers are as above and the jumper is an old one from Topshop.

Oooh it was chilly this day. I was lucky enough to be sent a fab sweatshirt from Hari and the gang (£42) which I layered under this Topshop coat and wore with Gap jeans, Topshop boots, an LK Bennett bag and frilly socks (all past season.)

So that's it for now. I'll see you anon and hope that you all have a fabulous week. xxx

When the stars align...

We've seen flamingos, pineapples, stars, hearts, lightening bolts and lips...but now it's time for all things space related. 

Space and cosmic type things seem to be having a moment. Last week Prince Harry talked about "how the stars were aligned" when Meghan (we're on first name terms you know) came into his life. And tonight there's going to be a "Super" moon.

It was this time last year when all things space like came into my life, in the form of sparkly Star Wars socks from Topshop. I acquired many pairs, to replace my older socks. Deep. I know. 

I've noticed more and more space/planet/moon related prints and pieces becoming available and here's a pick of some of my favourites. But if you happen to see any more out there PLEASE tell me!

First of all, a word about Rixo London which was started in 2015 by two friends, Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McClosky. Both Creative Directors studied at the London College of Fashion and their brand (which is a combination of their two names) is going from strength to strength. They have such a gorgeous selection of silk clothing with the most fabulous prints - I think that I may have to re-think my Christmas Day outfit.

I think that this Rixo London Georgia cosmic constellation skirt (£220) could well be the most gorgeous skirt I've ever seen. In fact I absolutely love the whole outfit. The combination of colours, the two related prints. Please, can someone I know get married and invite me, just so that I have an excuse to buy this outfit?

And then if they would like to have a baby and invite me to the christening - no wait, that would take too long - perhaps the bride could have a hen do and then I could wear the Rixo London Thalia space age floral silk midi skirt (£220). Can I swear? Just ever so slightly? I bloody love this skirt too. Oooh, I've just had a thought - I think that some of my friends would like this skirt too. Anyone fancy doing a time share?

Rixo Marissa Cosmic Constallation midi deep V-neck dress (£325)

I'm not sure that I could quite pull this dress off - well not without a lot of assistance in the (masking) tape department for my top half (and maybe some other kind of assistance in the tanning/pruning department to accommodate the high split). BUT - oh how I love it! 

Rixo Sheena space age spot (£295)

Now, if the other prints aren't quite your taste - after all prints are very subjective - then this black dress with the white space age spot might appeal more. I love the simple elegance of this dress. 

Rixo Pluto teal cowl neck blouse (£165)

As you've probably figured, this is the top in the shot above. I can't help but smile when I look at all of these pieces which, granted, when you're home alone in front of a Christmas film is ever so slightly weird - but then I talk to my clothes sometimes so it's actually quite normal for me. 

Rixo Georgia skirt in navy moonlit sky (£205)

This is the Georgia skirt again but this time in navy moonlit sky. And there's a blouson sleeved top (£175) to go with it, giving the illusion of a dress. 

And then out there on the High Street, there's this stunning Zara printed midi dress (£69) which I was going to buy but then the lack of slip to go underneath it put me off. It should have come one with one but I think that someone decided that it was just what they needed, so they took it instead. 

And this is right at the very top of my Christmas list. Being a fan of all things sci-fi, I think that my husband was quite surprised (and obviously secretly delighted) that I would like something else bag like and sparkly. 

I know the Queen UFO glitter clutch bag (£75)

I know the Queen has so many amazing glitter clutches with fabulous designs from sharks, to your initials, stars, slogans. They're brilliant! 

Topshop glitter moon and star socks (£3.50)

And coming full circle, we're back to the Topshop socks. Maybe a touch of space like magic is all that you need for now, in which case these could be perfect - with a midi skirt and heeled sandals for a very modern look, or tucked inside your boots for when the cold weather hits. 

And as I said before, if anyone comes across anything planet like or cosmic or sparkly, please do let me know. I would love to take a peek! 

I know the Queen...no, really, I do! Sparkles galore!

No. Really, I do know the Queen. Or at least I know two people who look very much like the Queen. My Mum and her sister that is. Only the other day someone kept looking at my Mum in the Post Office queue and finally they asked her if she was the Queen. Obviously the Queen often queues in Breaston post office. And when my Aunt responds that she's not the Queen, people ask her if she's sure.

But anyway, yet again I have digressed because for those who haven't come across  I Know The Queen it first started in 2012. It is a luxury accessories brand with "an eye for experimental designs and fun".  In fact as they say on their site "the more ridiculous the idea the more we love it."

Amongst the many lovely things that they sell (more about those below) is the Gold lightening bolt glitter sticker £7, which I stuck onto an LK Bennett floral print bag that I bought from Bicester last week. In fact, if you look closely, I think that I put it on upside down - which I figured was highly likely as I was doing it. Sometimes being left handed makes me see things differently.  But I've switched it round now so all is well. Stickers are a great way of personalising new things, or giving a new lease of life to older pieces. And lightening bolts - well they're just taking over the world right now aren't they? 

Here are some of the fabulous glitter bags that they make at I know the Queen....

This shark glitter bag (£69) has to be one of the best bags I've ever seen. You've got to love a bit of jaws! I remember watching it for the first time. In fact who doesn't remember watching Jaws for the first time?

Or how about a personalised cross body glitter bag (£69). Would this not make the best gift ever - possibly to yourself?

Or how about the stars cross body glitter bag (£69)? This is an absolute beaut! I love the size of it, the sparkle, the stars - everything is just spot on.

Gold lightening bolt glitter sticker £7 (not quite right but it's all sorted now)

The full range of stickers includes letter, stars, red lips, hearts, hashtags and dollar signs and you can find them all here. 

There are some fab pieces on the I know the Queen website so if you've got a few minutes and if you're into sparkles, this could be a good place to spend those minutes.