On the Run - An oufit for a girls' night out

I know.  There's a bit of a colour clash going on here! This outfit could be worn for lots of different occasions but I thought it quite nice for a girls' night out.

When I was in Zara today I spotted this blazer which I thought would do a great job of livening up lots of outfits. It will go with black, navy, grey - all the base colours - so I decided to give it a whirl.

I have laid the outfit here for you to see...

Here's a closer look at the blazer. It's 100% linen with a single button fastening and four buttons on the cuff...

At £49.99 I thought it great value for a linen blazer.  I know some prefer to steer clear of linen because of its crumple factor and it's true that a linen mix will crease less - however, the colour is so vibrant that I think that has to be put into the equation too.

I have taken a shot of the label, just in case you fancied taking a look at it online - there are so many different Zara blazers that it can be hard to find what you are after without a code.

These are the trousers that I am wearing.  They are a neat fit with zips at the ankles and a sort of lacy/cobweb finish - sounds attractive huh?!

Here's a close up of the trousers which also come in other colours - white, cream and black...

I also added this Stella & Dot necklace which has recently been used in a Vogue shoot. It has that real 1920's feel about it which is so big right now.

And finally these Pied a Terre shoes which I bought a few seasons ago in the sale.  They throw another colour into the mix.  I felt that navy or black would be too heavy against the light trousers so you could add in a shoe in coral, gold, green - whatever takes your fancy really. I should add that I also put in a Zara basic T in a linen mix - a bit slouchy, it keeps the look relaxed. If it was swapped for a tailored white shirt, the outfit would take on a whole new look.

Zara is a bit of hit with me at the moment. I bought this coat last week, which I think will look better on a real body - but it's one of those that you need to use your imagination for.  I think that it would look fantastic for a wedding, styled with the above trousers but perhaps in cream together with some high heels.  It would just be a little different to the usual combinations we might head for.

As to the terrible trio, our youngest is having a tough time at the moment. She fell down the stairs this morning as her eldest sister told her that "bum head" was after her and she panicked. This comes not long after she locked herself into the toilet at school and became hysterical.  Never mind, all was well tonight when she chose a new toothbrush from my "magic box" which contains lots of toiletries and which she loves.  So how did she carry it down the landing and back to the bathroom  - down the back of her pants of course. How else?

Sunday Best - A perfect outfit for a perfect sunny day!

I just love everything about this picture - the sun, the beach, the colours and Kathy's fab outfit.

Kathy has nailed stylish but practical laid back chic perfectly, putting a Boden striped tunic with M&S turned up jeans, a pendant necklace and some converse. She looks so happy and comfortable in her outfit and she demonstrates that stripes do work with curves.

Kathy is off on a jeans mission next week. During a trip to London she will be trying on lots of pairs of jeans and reporting back to me on style, fit, comfort and age appropriateness.  Naturally I will share the results with you all.

Have a great Sunday!

One dress - four different ways

I couldn't decide what to bring you today - I have too many ideas buzzing around. So I thought that I would keep it simple and show you how to style one dress in four different ways.

This dress formed one of the "figure fixes" pieces which I showed at the event that I ran on Thursday night.  It is such a flattering shape, particularly for the curvier figure as it skims without clinging.  It also has a v neck and draping in all of the right places!  It is from Coast, costs £85 and is called the Minda Jersey Dress D in Purple.  Whilst it doesn't have sleeves, Coast do similar styles all year round and I am fairly certain that they will do a similar style for A/W '12 which will have sleeves.

I should say before we start that my model, Grace, had a slight accident and she isn't quite vertical.  However, Grace was named after my lovely Grandma who was partial to a G&T which meant that she too, on occasion, wasn't always entirely vertical - so it's quite fitting really.

I also used the flash on this occasion which with hindsight was an error, so please forgive me!

The dress!

Outfit 1

The first look is a smart/casual look -  Fine for some at work, for going out for lunch or for a day shopping. I have put the dress with a trench coat (ideally the dress shouldn't show under the trench but for today's purposes I used my own trench, so it did), a cream slouchy bag from Warehouse and cream stacked heel shoes from M&S;

Here is a closer look at the Stella & Dot necklace which I also put with the dress.  This necklace was used in Vogue recently in a feature about the Great Gatsby look which is so big this season.

This necklace wouldn't necessarily be right for anyone with a very curvy bust but otherwise it is a flattering length, with the contrasting cream against the purple background giving greater definition to the V - shaped neckline and elongating it. The detail on the end of the necklace also draws the eye in to the centre of the body.

Outfit 2

This is more of a work outfit. I have styled it with a silk scarf from Monsoon which reflects the traditional Paul Smith print but in a different colourway, a bolero from Hobbs and LK Bennett court shoes (Sledge). 

Note how the bolero nips in at the waist, emphasising the shape of the dress, rather than hiding it which is so often the case with longer more square cut cardigans. The sleeves are also a flattering length, finishing just below the elbow which allow a pretty cuff or bracelet to be shown off  (I think that the scarf has undone itself between me tying it and taking the shot but you get the gist.)

Outift 3

Here the dress is styled as if going for an evening out, with a sequinned scarf from Oasis which I have probably had for ten years now.  Zara has some sparkly ones, which you can find here - they come in three different colours and at £9.99 are really good value.

Here's a closer look at the sparkly scarf - these are full on sparkles, which I love!

And these are some grey patent wedge shoes from Reiss with a hint of snake print on them..

Outfit 4

A slightly more modern look. I have styled the dress with a cream leather jacket, Zara scarf with greys and purples in it and the Hobbs Georgia slingback.

Here's a closer shot of the jacket and scarf...

and the shoes.....

My fifth outfit was going to be with a white shirt underneath and a black blazer with it but I ran out of time.  Equally the white shirt could be swapped for a printed silk blouse and the black blazer for a grey or navy one, depending on the colour palette.

I suppose the point is, irrespective of whether you like the above outfits or not, the aim when buying an item is to imagine how versatile it is.  Think about what you can layer under an item (a coloured cami, a shirt, a printed blouse, a breton top), or over an item (a knit, a jacket, a trench, a blazer etc) and how you can accessorise it - so think about which shoes will work with it and which pieces of jewellery - can it carry a necklace or is the neckline too fussy? If so, what about a cuff instead, or a cocktail ring, or some statement ear-rings. Thinking through these items when buying will help you build a versatile wardrobe and when you have done that, that's the time to chuck in something which doesn't really go with anything but which you love anyway!

On the Run - A Friday Jeans Look

The bags are still packed from last night's style event, which is why I'm not yet able to bring you more photos of the pieces that I had there.  I didn't get home until 11ish and then I was up and out early this morning, off up the motorway to style another lady. Anyway, I will try to bring you some more pictures over the next few days.

It being Friday and all that, and having been dressed up last night, I opted for jeans which I dressed up with a white shirt, turquoise boden jumper, together with a long necklace and statement ring.

As you can see, I also wore my new Hobbs shoes which are getting quite a lot of outings. Being closed in at the front and fairly covered too, they are OK even in this less than sunny weather.  Our four year old was totally bemused when I was putting on my "pop socks" on - I don't think that she could get over the fact that whilst they looked like tights they were socks - or may be it was because they looked like socks but were tights, sort of. 

This was the necklace that I wore - a nightmare when with children or doing jobs around the house but great otherwise.

And here I am, wearing a pink front door, or so it would appear.

Kathy, who featured in "Sunday Best" last week has very kindly offered to go and try lots of pairs of jeans on, photograph herself in them and report back to me, whilst on her trip to London next week. So I look forward to passing all of that information on to you.

Tale of the Day from the Terrible Three comes courtesy of the youngest, who asked me the other day whether I had any hip-hop music and then proceeded to dance in a hip hop style.  Apparently she had seen it on Angelina Ballerina. Seems that AB is clearly getting with it.

On the Run - The rise on jeans Part 2 : Topshop

Today's post is all about - you guessed it - jeans.  Many of you contacted me after the last post so I thought that I would do another one, this time concentrating on jeans from one particular brand - and this time it's Topshop.

Once many ladies get to a certain age, they no longer dare step over the threshold of Topshop - or any of the perceived "younger" brands. I guess it can seem quite intimidating but I am sure that the people working in there are far too wrapped up in their own thoughts to pay much attention to anyone else  - or their age so I encourage people to go and have a look around. Even if it's only the accessories you wander to I am sure that you will spot something that you like.

The great thing is that Topshop jeans go up to a size 16, they also do a tall range, albeit more limited and a petite range too.  They sell millions of pairs of jeans a year and some swear that they are as good as other brands which cost five times as much.  So really, they do know what they are doing. 

To keep it simple I chose four pairs of jeans, all in the same size, and took four pictures of me wearing each pair:

• A close up to show you the height of the rise (using a "I run with the wolves" sticker which I found. I have no idea where it came from let alone what it means!)
• A close up shot of the jeans;
• A full length shot straight on;
• A full length shot sideways on.

The Leigh Supersoft ankle grazer: cost £38: composition 65% cotton, 31% polyester, 4% elastane

Favoured by many a star, including Kate Moss, I was never sure about these...until now! I often say at styling events that the aim is to look totally polished and stylish whilst feeling as though you are wearing your tracksuit bottoms - and these jeans achieve just that. 

They feel fairly unsubstantial to the touch but when on they feel divine - soft and with 4% elastane they stretch with you. If you are new to the idea of skinny jeans I would definitely give these a try.  If you don't like the feel of anything other than cotton and elastane in your jeans, the addition of polyester means that these may not be for you.  However the trade off with the softness and comfort may be one worth making. Although they are meant to be ankle grazers, the 34" leg turned them into full length ones on me.

 

Kristen High Waisted Skinny: Cost £40: Composition 98% cotton 2% elastane

If I thought that the Leigh were good these were amazing.  Just look at the high rise on those babies -so comfortable! I fear that it is all downhill for me from hereon in. You will soon find me skulking around the Granny pants in M&S! If you prefer only cotton and elastane in your jeans these may well be for you. They aren't quite as soft as the Leigh but they are firm and supportive - probably a bit like a 24 hour girdle - remember that advert?

Baxter Skinny: Cost £40: Composition 98% cotton 2% elastane

As you can see, the Baxter are the style with the lowest rise so far.  They do have a little more room at the bottom of the leg - a bit of a kick if you like - and whilst I would probably have loved them had I not already tried on two amazing pairs, these were less comfortable and flattering than the Leigh or Kristen - but that is probably just down to my shape and preference rather than anything else.

Jessie Flare: £42: Composition 99% cotton 1% elastane

These are the most expensive of the jeans but still a reasonable price.  I have a pair of these which I wear with flats and they are great. They are the only flared pair that I have shown and they are definitely worth a try if you are in the market for a new bootleg/flare style.  The ones I tried were black.  Not too low slung they are comfortable but they have less elastane in than some so may take a little more breaking in and may need to be washed slightly more often (inside out of course) to maintain their shape.

So, that's me done for the evening with the jeans.  Hopefully I will have some photos for you tomorrow of the event last night and the pieces on "the rail!"

On the Run - Shots of pieces I found on my shopping trip today...

I want to say a big "thank you" to everyone who asked me how I was after yesterday's post - it was really kind of you all and I am pleased to report that I am back on form.

I started my day today by styling a lovely lady for a wedding she is attending. I had put all my eggs in one basket - largely because there weren't any other decent baskets into which to put any other eggs, but it all worked out well, which was a relief.

I then went on to shop for an event that I am doing tomorrow night in the centre of Birmingham. Here's a snapshot of the pieces that I bought. I am really looking forward to it as I will be covering all sorts of things - 10 classic pieces with 10 on trend alternatives, how to style one dress several different ways, the eternal problem of jeans, showing how certain pieces do a great styling job, 10 key pieces for the season.....I will try and bring you some more pics tomorrow.

On my whizz around Birmingham I also took a few snaps of things that I liked - even though I wouldn't necessarily wear them myself -such as these paisley shorts in Oasis. Paisley has had a huge revival - a great alternative to florals these will look amazing on the right person - which as I say isn't me!

This was the view that greeted me on walking into Oasis - I just thought that it was so pretty and colourful with these 1950's inspired dresses - a really nice contrast to the dull day outside.

In contrast, this was the rail in Cos, which also made an impact because of its simplicity. They have released five of their best selling white shirts in celebration of the fact that they have been in existence for five years. If you look closely you can see the tags on shirts 1 and 5.

I saw this dres in Betty Jackson Black and liked the flattering style of the v-neck, the draping and the print - all of which are good for curvier ladies.

A sucker for a smart coat to wear to a wedding, I also photographed this navy coat at Betty Jackson. I like the idea of wearing a smart coat for the wedding part of the ceremony with more of a party dress for the evening do.  The three quarter length sleeve is flattering, as is the lack of fuss at the neckline and the tie waist.

I also bought a stack of Topshop jeans so I hope to bring you another jeans post tomorrow, or over the next couple of days, together with some outfits from the event.

I have learnt two things today from our children:  From our eldest, that the word "studying" has the word "dying" in it.  Think that shows how she feels about exams right now.  From our youngest: That you shouldn't wear too many clothes as you can't scratch your bottom.  Right. Fab.

On the Run - The way I look today I shouldn't really have posted but....

I probably shouldn't have posted a picture today as I look so dreadful and it's enough to put anyone off anything!

I have been suffering from migraines over the past few days and feel the same as I look - totally washed out.  A good friend of mine was very lovely today though, describing me as pale but in a porcelain type of way, as opposed to my daughter's comment the other day that I matched my mac - sort of biscuit coloured and a bit yellow.  She was right though. That brings a whole new meaning to matchy matchy!

Anyway, to be honest there was very little thought about my outfit today because I was just concerned with being comfortable.  All that I can say is that today's outfit is the same colour scheme as yesterday's but obviously much more casual and it had stripes instead of spots.  I do like coral and navy together - it's an all year round colour combination that just seems to work.

Anyway, don't let it be said that I only bring you photos of when things are going well!

We did however manage to catch up on Doctors from yesterday in which our house was featured. There really is something quite freaky about seeing a room on TV which you are actually sitting in at the time of watching. Later on we also made it to see a production of the Tiger Who Came for Tea. Pretending to be a Tiger was great fun not least of all because it caused maximum embarrassment to our ten year old son (who was embarrassed enough at having to be there in the first place.) So looking on the bright side, the day wasn't all bad!

Today I am wearing

An odd coloured face, H&M striped jumper dress, Gap skinny jeans, Jigsaw shoe boots, Cocinnelle bag

On the Run - In a spotty dress as seen in Red Magazine

Today I was up in Cheshire and because the occasion demanded that I dress up a little, I wore this spotty Hobbs dress which I bought a while ago.  To brighten it up a little I put it with a skinny pinky red belt.  I also carried my newly found tote which I haven't been parted from since it was re-discovered in my husband's Wardrobe. I have no idea what it was doing there - it's not as if I have pinched at least a half of his Wardrobe for my clothes or anything.

 

As this is quite a pretty dress, with its ties at the bottom of the sleeves, at the neck and with the frill around the bottom,  I chose my shoe boots to stop it from looking either too girly, or too dated.  Before I left the house, I asked my husband to choose which shoes he preferred.  He looked at them and said that they looked great - so great he hadn't even realised that I had different shoes on different feet.

Here's a closer picture of the belt which was also from Hobbs - please forgive the fact that I have not positioned it to cover the seam on the dress. You can also see the frill at the bottom of the dress which was given a name by Grazia the other week - it was a play on "peplum" and could have been pep-hem, or hemplum or something like that. Apparently they are the height of cool at the moment which, as you can imagine, is obviously why I bought the dress in the first place.

This is the same dress that was also featured in this month's edition of Red Magazine - it's on page 30 and they show you how to style it four different ways. I like their ideas but I think I'll probably make my own ideas up as I go along.

On Saturday I said that I was going to make another three tiered chocolate cake with our son - well here was the result.  As you can imagine, it doesn't look much like this now.

I was gutted to have missed today's episode of the TV series Doctors as our house featured in it, as do many of the houses around here.  I did catch a clip of it at the end of Friday's episode though. Seeing a man standing on our doorstep dressed up as a woman was something again. I fear that this may be as interesting a story line as some of the others which have included a murder, STDs, extra-marital affairs - you name it, it all goes on behind the pink front door!

Today's outfit: Hobbs dress and belt, Jigsaw shoe boots, Coccinelle bag

Sunday Best - A lovely curvy lady in a Boden Tunic

For Today's Sunday Best, I am bringing you Kathy, a lovely lady who sent this photograph of herself through to me in response to my request for photographs of curvier ladies. 

Kathy has styled herself in this Boden tunic which is a great shape for her figure.  The v-neck is very flattering to her, as is the contrasting band which also runs under the bust, highlighting the narrowest part of her body. The vibrant print keeps the eye on the move and the sleeve is flattering to her too. 

Kathy asked me whether I thought that the tunic was too short for her and also whether her tights and boots were too heavy.  Kathy works hard to stay fit and she is well toned so I thought that the length of her dress was fine on her and her opaque tights too are flattering. 

My only suggestion to Kathy was that  she may also like to try a shoe instead of a boot because not only would they give a different look but they would provide a more stream-lined look.  The top of a boot cutting horizontally across the leg can just interfere slightly with the look so experimenting is always worth while.

Many, many thanks to Kathy for sending her picture to me and also to her husband for taking her photograph - I am very grateful and I am sure that others will be too.