On the Run - Life Begins at 40 (Part 1)

I read a really interesting article at the weekend about the former tennis player, Annabel Croft.  It was about how her daughter, Amber, took control of her Wardrobe, which was stuck in the 1990's.

This is what Annabel said about her clothing:

"For a good 10 years, after I had three kids, I got used to throwing on a uniform....I suppose I went into a bit of a tunnel and a lot my friends did too.  It wasn't until my children started growing up that I discovered I was completely out of the loop with fashion.  I'd forgotten that it could be fun, and I lost faith in my own judgment."

Having worked with so many women who find themselves in this situation, I found her last comment really inciteful. A lot of women have a really good innate sense of style but having not devoted any time to themselves, have just lost confidence. Once we re-ignite that dwindling flame, there's no stopping them!

She also went on to say: "Looking back, I can see that my look had got locked in the 1990s, before I 'd had children. I'd had the same shoes for seven or eight years and wasn't updating them. So, thank God Amber spoke up, or I'd still be wearing my Dynasty suits now."

Once her daughter took control, she taught her Mum how to layer things and to mix high street and designer pieces.  She styles designer pieces with something clever from Topshop or Zara and looks to brands such as Elizabeth and James (designed by the Olsen twins), Acne, LK Bennett, J Brand, Issa (a favourite of Kate Middleton) and All Saints. 

Having the figure of a former tennis player and probably a relatively healthy clothing budget makes it easier for her to look amazing but nonethelss, the point remains the same.

So, where to start if you have reached that stage where you finally have a little bit of brain space, and time, to devote to yourself?

Without wanting to do a "capsule wardrobe post" these are the items that I would look to add to a Wardrobe first to give it a new lease of life:

A good pair of jeans - and by good I mean well fitting, not necessarily pricey. I like these high waisted flared jeans (below) by Jaeger which at £35 in the sale are a great buy. I would also look to Not Your Daughter's Jeans, Hobbs, J Brand at Shopbop or Levi's,  curve ID as all are cut for women's figures.

• A good trench coat. Why? Because it covers a multitude of sins beneath and whilst also looking stylish.  I like this one from Aubin and Wills which is reduced in the sale from £325 to £150.  Made in the UK, it's of great quality and will last for years. It also comes in navy. It isn't too long so will look equally good with jeans and trousers as well as with a dress or skirt.

                             
Shirts or blouses. Why? Because they are so much more forgiving and flattering than T-shirts or clingy tops. Shirts with darts are particularly flattering and ladies with curvier busts will know to avoid breast pockets. Zara always has a great selection. I particularly like this Loas print blouse from Monsoon which is now £22.50 in the sale. It's a blue and turquoise delicate animal print.

I also like this pink Esther shirt also from Monsoon, together with...

this Suzy colour block sandy shirt also from Monsoon.

                                                           

             

Add in a blazer to add a bit of structure such as this NW3 boyfriend jacket reduced from £179 to £89 (and likely to be reduced further).

Zara always has an excellent selection of blazers and if you already own a plain one, then an embellished or tweed blazer is a great option.

                                                     

     

Some wedge shoes such as these Kara 2 strap espadrille reduced from £119 to £59, which also come in navy would be comfortable yet stylish.

  

                                                           
  or these LK Bennett Star Sandals (£45 instead of £125 or Embassy Sandals (£65 instead of £125) Even though they may not be available on line, I have seen plenty in the stores.


                                           


An A-line day time skirt such as this one from Boden reduced from £45 to £33.80 (Cos has similar) would work wonders and is a flattering shape...

and a day time printed dress is always a useful addition to your wardrobe.  This dress, also from Boden will lend itself to being put with lots of different colours.

Everyone's needs and demands will be different, as will their budget and bodyshape. However, with the addition of a few other pieces, such as a couple of knits - I love this one from Orla Kiely reduced from £265 to £132.50 which also comes in navy.

 

a breton top such as this one from Boden...

some day time sparkles and perhaps a lace skirt you would be well on your way to kick starting your wardrobe.

Tomorrow I will look at those all important accessories which will complete your wardrobe, making sure that you are the glamourous 40 something you deserve to be.

On the Run - A round-up of leather jackets that are in the sale

It was a long time before I owned a leather jacket but since owning one, I can't imagine life without it. I wear it over evening dresses, to dress things down, to dress things up, to make them more up to date and most importanly, it's warm without being bulky.  In fact, due to having worn it quite a lot, it has gone for a trip to the dry cleaners - so it won't be featuring on the blog for a while.

In its absence, I have taken a look at the leather jackets that are on sale - some of which I have tried on - and here is a selection of  jackets of different styles, and prices, below.  Some of them are showing limited stock so if you like any of them I would advise you to go ahead and order one - remember, it doesn't count until you decide to keep it!

This is the Chic leather Boden biker jacket in bark reduced from £350 to £210. Although described as brown, it is more grey. I used this jacket for a style event some while ago and it is a very flattering shape.

This Leather Biker Jacket in black reduced from £350 to £175, is also from Boden. Obviously a different style to the one and due to its length, less easy to style with little flippy skirts and dresses but it's a great jacket to wear with jeans, trousers and long skirts.

                                               

This is the sky leather jacket from French Connection, reduced from £320 to £182.50. I have tried this one on and it's lovely. Not as harsh as black but slightly more practical than cream, it's a great fit. Also good for those who tend to wear more navy than black as a base colour.


  

    
                          
       
This Milly pale blue leather jacket is from Reiss and it is reduced from £350 to £175.  More distinctive than either black, navy or cream, if you are looking for a coloured leather jacket this is a great option and at a good price too, for Reiss.


                                                         
The Joseph quilted leather biker jacket is  in a league of its own. Reduced from £945 to £567 it is by no mean inexpensive but this is a fantastic reduction for Joseph.  A true investment piece, it would last for years. 



                                                
             



This is Isabella Oliver's "the Leather Jacket" and it is reduced from £299 to £209.30.  Isabella Oliver is known for its style staples and is always a good option for those hard wearing pieces that we all need in our wardrobes.  They do a leather jacket, or two, each season.  The lack of collar on this jacket makes it more flattering for those who either don't like collars or who don't have a particularly long neck. The sleek line and lack of breast pockets is also good for those with a curvier bust.


                                 

The Zara leather jacket reduced from £149.99 to £99 is a fabulous jacket at a good price. It's showing as out of stock on line but you may find some stocked in your local store still.


                                   
          


This is an alternative to the jacket above.  The Zara leather jacket is again reduced from £149 to £99.99 The metal work is possibly slightly on the yellow side but it may be a compromise worth making for the price and with time, it will dull.


                                                  
 
Finally, this Jigsaw washed leather belted jacket is reduced from £495 to £295 A beautiful practical jacket, nipped in at the waist and with plenty of pockets for those all important pieces we carry, there's no need for a handbag. If you factored the cost of a bag into the equation, it really is a bargain (OK, it's not, but we can pretend.)

So, I hope that you have enjoyed the round up of these leather jackets. I also checked out Warehouse, Topshop and Oasis but didn't think that there was much on offer. If anyone has come across any others, please feel free to share them with us all.

On the Run - in Liberty for Nike trainers

Always eager to try out something a bit different but comfortable in the footwear department, I was excited to receive this box from Liberty this week...

...which contained these imperial purple liberty print free 5.0 trainers by Nike.  One of several styles, you can see the rest of them here.  They are part of a range of heritage and modern Nike classics, which have been remixed with Liberty's iconic lagos laurel print. Having loved liberty prints for as long as I can remember, and being a fan of trainers too - although more often in a sporting kind of way - for me they were a match made in heaven.

The first thing I noticed was that the laces and the toe details were slightly off centre - which took a while to get used to. However, never one to be put off by things that are slightly different, I grew to like them.

Unfortunately they were a tad on the small side for me and Liberty have sold out of the next size up, so I guess that it just wasn't meant to be.  However, were they to become part of my wardrobe, this is how I would wear them - very simply with navy trousers and a breton top.

In the colder months I would also add a sleek tailored crombie style coat and a smart handbag.  They would have been perfect for the days I spend a long time in the shops - comfortable but a bit quirky.

Hopefully it won't be too long before there is an A/W collection out. This time I just need to be quicker off the mark!

Today's outfit - Cos trousers, FC jumper, Liberty trainers

On the Run - Oh hec, who cares today?

When I woke up this morning to the sound of rain AGAIN, I just knew that it was going to be a jeans day. I tried really hard earlier in the week to wear a skirt but had to abandon my plan by lunchtime as I was so cold - so I wasn't going to make that mistake again.

Some of you may recognise this as a Boden tunic from years ago, It is so old that the print  has probably been archived by now. Some of you may even have it yourselves.

Anyway, I still love the tunic - both the colour, and the print, and despite my ponderings on the subject, I still haven't managed to part with it. It's great for a day like today when I am based at home but have eight trips to various activities in the evening (none of which are mine)! I can stick it with jeans and converse and not have to think any more about it all day.

Before I headed out of the door this morning in my mac, I grabbed this animal print scarf with a pink trim - which I left there all day. I like a bit of mixing of prints so was happy to keep it on - but then I would have been happy to keep it on whether it went or not, so long as I was warm and comfortable.

As you can see, trying to find a corner in the house without anything in it in which to take a photo proved difficult today.  But, there's a story with the ice skating boots. Contrary to my fear a few weeks ago that having a daughter with the same sized feet as me could be a bad thing, in fact I think it could be a huge advantage.

You see, there are one or two pairs of boots that I have spotted recently which I would like to buy.  Secondly our eldest also could do with a pair or two of boots. So, here's the plan - I officially pass to her a couple of pairs of my older boots which she has virtually adopted as hers anyway, which leaves both wardrobe space and a justifiable argument for me to have some new ones.  Oh, and I would also like to have a couple of ice skating lessons, so it's handy that she has some boots already.  Never let it be said that I'm not a glass half full kind of person.

Whereas before I was hoping that her feet would either be too small or too large to fit my shoes, I now hope that they stay exactly as they are - it's my passport to (certain kinds of) new shoes! (Why do I feel guilty writing that - as if I am using her for child labour or something? I don't actually want her to do anything at all - other than not grow any more - and then it's only her feet.)

Just one other thing before I finish.  I have been asked by Britmums to do a monthly round up and review of fashion blogs.  So, if anyone writes a fashion blog and would like to give it some additional exposure via the Britmums blog please get in touch and I will see what I can do.

Happy Friday!

Bringing you Allium B - and an interview with Clare and Mary Burgess

When I was asked by Sophia at Dee Vesali PR whether I would like to do an Interview with Clare and Mary, the Designer sisters behind the range Allium B, I jumped at the chance.

Clare and Mary Burgess live in Brighton and named their brand, Allium B, after their favourite flower and the first letter of their surname. What a lovely picture of the sisters - they look so happy and relaxed - as if they have the whole work-life balance thing sussed.

With successful careers in fashion, the sisters spotted a gap in the market for beautiful dresses, made from gorgeous fabrics with respectable hem lengths at a good price.  Clare and Mary ensured that no stone was left unturned when it came to those all important details, which is what makes Allium B so special. 

When were the seeds for Allium B first sown and how long was it before you had your first finished dress?

We both love dresses and as we've grown up have found it increasingly difficult to find dresses we love at prices we can afford. Alexandra Shulman of Vogue convinced us there was a gap and we should go for it when she wrote in her Editor’s letter in July 2010 “It is a depressing truth that in terms of fashion, there remains an enormous gap on the retail scene for clothes that older women really want to wear. While the high street goes from strength to strength at providing trend led, affordable pieces, they are, in the main, aimed at a younger audience comfortable in short lengths…. Then there is a huge jump into the sensible look that seems to be considered appealing to women….”

We went to India in September 2011 to start developing the range and we launched in March this year

Are you able to tell me a little bit about Allium B, together with the market at which it is aimed?

We share a passion for dresses, but as our styles have grown up, we’ve found it increasingly difficult to find grown-up but affordable options to match – dresses that aren’t too young, too old, too short or too long.

With two children each, we don’t have time to waste – we want perfectly-cut, versatile pieces we can throw on with a piece of statement jewellery and flats or heels for a fabulous instant outfit. 

Having worked for big companies for years, we loved the idea of filling this gap by creating a niche business based in Brighton, where we live. So Allium B was born. We’ve created a collection of simple but statement ‘forever dresses’, designed for women, not teenagers – at prices that won’t have you hiding the receipt but still allow us to produce beautifully-made products. 

Do you have a list of criteria for your designs, and if so, what are they?

We try to think about every detail – from Liberty prints and hand stitched buttons to linings, which mean you’ll never get nasty bra show-through with any of our designs.

Our dresses come in natural fabrics, ranging from pure silk to georgette, and take inspiration from vintage touches we love – beaded Peter Pan collars, intricate embroidery and lace, reworked into modern silhouettes.

 When deciding if a dress makes the final cut, we always ask ourselves – ‘do we love it?’  If the answer’s yes, it’s in.

Although you both had careers in retail, with Mary being head of buying and Clare being head of merchandising at Topshop, were there any issues that you came come across in creating the range which you hadn’t anticipated?

Yes loads it's very different launching a start-up to working for a big established company with teams of people. It's very exciting and we have learnt so much in the last 6 months, you have to be prepared to get involved in everything.

You must have been so excited to see Kate Garraway wearing one of your dresses on TV – how did that feel? Was it a surreal moment?

Yes very exciting, she has worn 3 already and looked lovely in them all. The best thing about creating a range is seeing women looking and feeling fabulous in our designs.  

Can we expect to see Allium B expanding into other areas of clothing or is it your intention focus on dresses for the foreseeable future?

We intend to focus on dresses and establish Allium B as a must-have dress label. 

Do you have any plans to have Allium B stocked in stores or are you planning on keeping the business on-line only?

Our plan was to keep the business on line but we have had requests from stores to stock Allium B so it's something we are considering for S/S 2013. We have done some Pop Up stores this season, which have been very successful, and we love meeting our customers.

How soon can we take a peek at your next collection?

Autumn Winter 2012 is in production and will be on line at www.alliumb.com in August. 

What advice do you have for all those busy Mums juggling careers with a family?

Be organized have a family timetable!

Finally, two questions to you both:

A walk on the beach or a walk in the Downs?

Brighton Beach is always a family favourite

Montezumas or Hotel Chocolat?

It has to be Montezuma’s giant chocolate buttons

Montezuma's giant chocolate buttons? Now, these are my kind of ladies - especially if they buy them in jars! If you would like to see more picures of the dresses above, and more besides, nip over to Allium B to take a look. 

On the Run - Alternatives to the Acne Pistol boot

Following on from yesterday's post, several of you have been good enough to contact me with alternatives to the Acne pistol boot. I know that under normal circumstances, looking at boots in July would be considered a little odd but there's not much that is "normal" about the weather at the moment. And anyway, it's good to get ahead of the game.

Although I could quite feasibly see myself kicking against something that I "should" be wearing, I do quite like the style.  I think it's the fact that they are sturdy, have a bit of a heel - most of us like to feel a little bit "raised" - and are pretty versatile too.  So, here goes:

The Cream Zip Cowboy Ankle Boots for £19.99 from New Look.  Thanks to Bare Faced Cheek for bringing these to my attention. Great price!

Next up, we have the the Sam-Edelman-Louie-Fringed-Ankle-Boot reduced from £200 to £81 Thanks to Joanna from Poppy's Style for that one.  Apparently Joanna wears them in the US with her shorts - cool chick!

                                               

Following on from those, Michelle from Mummy Rates It told me about these Mighty black leather zip boots from Topshop, for £45. Thanks Michelle!

                                                            

Finally, I saw these boots in Zara today. Reduced from £79.99 to £29.99 I thought that they were a bit of a bargain. I can't find them on the Zara website but the stores seem well stocked - or at least the Birmingham one was.

You may also remember the Kurt Geiger London boots [Sweep]which I featured yesterday.  Reduced from £195 to £99, there aren't many pairs left in the company - so if you are tempted, you may need to act fast.


                                                       

There will be lots of other versions available, so if these aren't for you, but you like the idea, it shouldn't be hard to find some to suit.  And thank you to everyone who contacted me with these alternatives to the - oh so pricey even in the sale - Acne ones. (Can't say I'm impressed with that name for a brand. Does it mean something else in Swedish?)

On the Run - A challenge for a swimwear brand!

I am going to be touching on a delicate subject this evening, so anyone who is a little squeamish may want to look away now.

Swimwear.  That's the delicate subject.  Or rather my swimwear in particular. I don't know what has happened to my swimming costume recently but it has all gone rather wrong. For a start it has faded and the elasticity has gone slightly.  But even worse - and this is nothing to do with the swimming costume - I have misplaced the extra padding for the bra area - and here's where the problem lies.

[H&M dress, Gap jeans, Dune shoes]

Swimming on my own isn't too bad as I don't need to reveal myself between getting in and getting out the water - and then a strategically placed towel does the trick. However, when swimming with the four year old, that's a different matter.  It seems that I have to get in and out of the pool several times when we are together, either to get a towel to wipe her eyes, or a tissue to wipe her nose and then the towel again to wipe her goggles - you get the idea. 

When those situations arise, I have to glance furtively around to check that no-one is looking and then when I get out of the pool, I have to place my arms in such a position to cover myself, that it looks as though I am praying - because of course there is always some 18 year old male lifeguard there, just for good measure.

To convey the gravity of the situation (and gravity has had no small part to play in this delicate subject) imagine.... well actually no, don't. It's just too horrendous.

So anyway, if there are any brands out there who would like to get a 40 plus Mum of three to put one of their swimsuits to the test then I would be more than happy to oblige. In fact, it would be music to my (spaniel) like ears.

p.s. I was going to call this post "A Tale of Two [something that rhymes with "Cities" but which begings with a "T"] - but I thought that was a bit rude!

On the Run - Are you too cool for school?

I was really pleased to read in the Style section of the Sunday Times today that when it comes to parenting, "getting it wrong is the new getting it right".  For once I am way ahead of the current trend - by about 13 years by my calculations. 

[Mango jeans, Topshop blouse, Oasis jacket, Carvela shoes]

Today's article was all about the "Death of the Yummy Mummy" and how "the Mums of Middle England are turning their backs on smug perfection and chintzy prints" and instead are having a hip makeover.

Essentially the article was telling us why the image of the modern day Stepford wife is no longer aspirational but rather, outdated. The article is really one (although quite an interesting one) in a long line of articles telling us what's cool and what's not. No more cupcake baking for us ladies - it's rock cakes all the way from now on! And if you like Cath Kidston - well you are so uncool (that's me then!)

As well as telling us what's cool and what's not, a lot of these articles involve making judgments, largely negative, on the choices that other women make and they often cite brands either in support of, or against, the point they are trying to make.

Boden came in for a bashing last year.  Seen as the brand representing "Yummy Mummies" someone on Mumsnet commented: "When I look at Boden ads I want to say 'Stop looking so bloody smug.'"

I was very excited to read that because someone on Mumsnet said that about me too. I wonder if it was the same person and if so, what a claim to fame. In fact I was referred to as being "smug and London-centric" which I would have thought was a bit tricky for someone living in Birmingham but what do I know? Anyway, I got in touch with the woman involved and it transpired that she was actually OK.

According to the Sunday Times article, Acne, Joseph and Isabel Marant are OK, as are Maje and Sandro.  Apparently there's a new wave of cool Mums "led by the Alexander McQueen - wearing Samantha Cameron." Great. And from which of those brands, exactly, can you get an item, let alone an outfit, for anything less than three figures?

Reiss, J. Crew, Peter Pilotto, Thu Thu and sunglasses for £295 by Cutler and Gross are all OK. Floral Hunter Wellies, Farrow & Ball, Cupcakes and Cath Kidston prints apparently, are not. Right, that's us told then.

[Mango jeans, H&M cardi, Jigsaw necklace, Carvela shoes]

There was one postive thing to come out of the article though.  As you could probably tell from yesterday's post, I was quite pleased to have ironed my husband's shirts for the week ahead. I have now done it two weeks in a row, having had about the last four years off from that task. However, given that running the perfect home is now passe - I will immediatey desist with my efforts - so there you go Mr SG, that shirt ironing job is now yours again. Great article. Fantastic.   

On the Run - It doesn't count until you decide to keep it...

Having had a hectic Saturday, I haven't really had much time to devote to clothes - other than ironing my husband's shirts for next week - but I can't really create a blog post out of that.  Well I suppose I could, but not right now.

A few days ago I read a comment that had been left by someone who had read one of my earlier posts - and she liked it!  Having taken a look at it again, I see that only about four people have read it.  Given that three of them were probably in my family and the fourth was the lady who left the comment, I decided that I could probably re-cycle it without feeling too guilty - so here it is:

It doesn't count until you decide to keep it ...

No, seriously, it's official. Incidentally, who first coined that phrase and what does it really mean? Who decides what is "official" and what isn't? Bizarre. Anyway, enough of that. I have decided that it's official that, until you decide to keep something ("something" being clothes of course) it doesn't really count (in the bank department).

Unlike food, which can't be returned and which therefore does count the minute that you've paid for it, it is possible to buy clothes with wild abandon and until you decide that they are yours, you haven't really spent the money. That's my philosophy anyway.

Take today as an example. Today I was good to my children and took them to a soft play area.  We made sure that we left the house on time so that we were second in the car park - even though we had to go via the local newsagents so that the eldest of the two who were with me could nip in and buy the latest copy of Grazia for me. Poor boy, imagine being 8 and having to go into the newsagents to ask for the latest copy of the magazine his Mum wanted. I had to stress the importance of it being the latest copy as sometimes they are a week behind - tut tut.

Anyway, the soft play area was relatively civilised. I even managed to read the said magazine, with half an eye on the children and at the end of it, I decided to try and work out how some of the functions worked on my phone - particularly the "notes" section as I wanted to make a list.

When I tapped the icon I realised that one of the children had already worked out how to use it before I had. It transpired that our eldest, who was 10 at the time of the entry, had written "Buy Flo iPhone for Christmas". Yeah right. Not only had she beaten me to it but she had beaten me to it by nearly 8 months.

Anyway, I finally worked out how to enter the heading for the list, which unsurprisingly read: "Shopping List A/W 2010". Beneath it I made 8 entries.

Now, lists are made for one purpose and one purpose only, and that is for acting upon (unless they relate to jobs you have to do, particularly in the house) in which case the purpose of a list is to add to the bottom of it the things that you have already done, just so that you can cross them off and feel as though you have achieved something, even when you haven't.

Finding myself with ten minutes or so to spare - oh yes, ten minutes - even after hanging out the washing and doing the lunch, I decided that I really did need to act upon the list or what was the purpose in making it? 

And herein lies the crux of the matter. Those Whistles trousers that I ordered, those items from Next (more about those in another post!) and those several Boden items, some in two colours and two sizes - none of them count. I haven't spent a bean. Not only have they not been delievered yet (although apparently the Boden ones are on their way - yippee) but even when they arrive, I still won't have spent a penny and nor will I until I make that fateful decision that they are to be mine. When they enter my wardrobe, that's when I have to hold my hands up. Until such time I had a very pleasant, guilt free, half hour (I know, I said ten minutes but that was a little exaggeration) shopping without the crowds, the travelling, the parking or the children fighting and I didn't even spend a penny. Result.

On the Run - At last, the White Jeans get an outing!

I spent most of the day inside today, working away listening to the thunderstorms and the rain.  We had to go out this evening though to look at prospective secondary schools for number 2 so I thought that I had better swap my skinnies and converse for something else.

The thing is, that when it gets to that time of day, unless I am showering and starting from scratch for a proper night out, I don't really feel like putting a dress or skirt on. I feel a bit like I am wearing fancy dress.  In any event, the white jeans haven't had an outing yet this summer and I do like wearing them because there's always a Liz Hurley joke in there somewhere. Seriously, that lady must own every pair of white jeans known to man.

Speaking of Liz Hurley, that whole Shane Warne thing is getting way out of hand.  He looks more like a waxwork of himself than a waxwork would, with that shiny complexion and those overplucked brows.

The jeans are from H&M, the shirt Gerard Darel and the gold T-bars, Carvela.  Given their capacity to shorten and widen, I prefer to wear white jeans long, flared and with heels. Having said that I do have some skinny Gap ones which I wear with flats but their days are numbered because when I bend down, they slide down - and that is so not a good look!

On the Run - In those shoes? Standing up is hard enough!

You know those heart stopping moments? I had one of those today. Our youngest had been swimming and we were in the changing rooms, where she observed a woman getting changed.  When the words "Excuse me?" came out of her mouth, I froze. What was it going to be? My mind went into overdrive thinking of how I could interrupt and deflect the possible insult that was on its way.

Fortunately, she said "I like your swimming costume." Which, being as it was flouro pink and spangly, she would. The young woman was suitable flattered, giggled approvingly and thought how sweet she was. Oh how different it could have been.

I was off down to Warwick today to do a Wardrobe Consultation, which had been given to a lady by her sister as a birthday present. I love meeting new people and we spent a great few hours together.

After that it was swimming, followed by collecting the older two. These photos were taken whilst waiting in the heat for our eldest to return from a school trip. How hot must she have been in her cut-offs with opaque tights.  Remember those days? Definitely an early '90's kind of outfit!

I haven't worn these Jigsaw shoes for a long time but enjoyed wearing them with my Gap high rise skinny jeans, White Stuff blouse, Topshop belt and La La Rocks bracelet.

What utterly, totally ridiculous shoes to wear when having to walk around the edge of a slippery swimming pool.  There's something about them which make them really hard to walk in. It could be the rigid sole because they're not that high - but they are definitely precarious. I pretended that I was holding our youngest's hand for support but really it was the other way around.

Now that I am home, I am wearing my favourite "Waynetta Slob" outfit of PJ bottoms, vest and trainers. That should frighten any cold callers off!

On the Run - Where did those cheeky numbers come from?

So, how is everyone? Are you enjoying Wimbledon - or the fact that, for us at least, the football is now over? 

I had another busy day in the shops today, hence the flat shoes. I wear my navy Cos trousers at least once a week and today they had their outing.  As with yesterday, the weather looked unpromising so I wore my leather jacket with this Minnie lace blouse from Monsoon underneath it. It was the first time that I had worn it but already it's in the sale! I also used my pink Russell & Bromley bag, largely because I didn't have time to change it.

                                                             

 Monsoon Minnie Lace Blouse

On another note, when I was trying on some Whistles trousers in the sale the other day, I noticed something unusual about myself. You know how men have man boobs (moobs) and there's such a thing as a muffin top or a double chin?  Well the things I'm talking about aren't any of these but possibly a combination of all of them. They can best be described as "bum boobs" or "double cheeks" or "bottom creep" and are that additional bit of flesh at the top of your legs (or the bottom of your bottom)! 

Some hours later, when getting changed, I pointed them out to my daughter and said "You see these, these are made from Toblerone and ice-cream" to which she said "Shouldn't they be in the shape of  a triangle then?" Perish the thought! Bridget Jones knickers, here we come! (ps Does anyone else suffer from this affliction or is it just me?)

On the Run - Running around House of Fraser!

I had a very pleasant three hours this morning in House of Fraser (formerly Rackhams), Birmingham, styling a lady for her 40th birthday.  We have worked together previously and because of that, and because she was short of time, I had the luxury of spending an hour choosing twenty plus dresses, and several pairs of shoes for her to try when she arrived.

Anyway, we managed to stretch the need for one dress into two, and then into three and two hours later, we left.  After a quick trip to a shoe store to find the right shoes, our task was complete.

I don't really feel that any of today's shots are worth sharing but then I wouldn't be playing ball, so share them I will in any event.  By the time we got home everyone just wanted to get inside (not that I blame them). Our eldest had the joy of taking the photos and, in true teenage fashion, she delights in taking them whilst dancing around.  This is the girl who also regularly nearly blows up the chemistry lab at school - so you can see what I am up against.

The forecast was good for today but I didn't dare brave the whole full on summer dress experience so instead I opted for a heavier weight cotton A-line skirt from Cos, Jigsaw breton striped top, leather jacket and statement necklace. I was so pleased not to have gone the whole hog on the dress front as it was freezing first thing but fortunately it brightened up later on.

I am now making a tiny plea as I don't like asking for help.  However....nominations will soon close for the Cosmopolitan blog awards.  If you would like to nominate Style Guile, and haven't done so already, it would be great if you could do so .It doesn't take a minute and a nomination can be made by clicking on the pink box with "Cosmopolitan blog awards" written in it on the right hand side of the page. It would mean a lot to me to get as far as a short listing.  Being a part-time blogger, who has to fight for the use of her lap-top and with a daughter who dances whilst taking photographs, I don't fancy my chances of getting very far - but I would love to give it a go. Thank you! (Again!) Oh, and by the way, I am in the "Best established fashion blogger" category.

On the Run - A BIG Thank You to you all!

I decided that I didn't want today's post to be about me, but rather about all of you instead.

I was delighted to find out, some weeks ago now, that Style Guile was a finalist in the "Style" Section of the Bibs (Brilliance in Blogging) Awards, which are held by BritMums. 

BritMums is the largest and most influential network of parent bloggers in the UK, and it receives over 17 million page views per month.

As some of you will know, Friday and Saturday saw the arrival of the BritMums conference, with the Bibs Awards ceremony being held in London on Friday night.   

The lovely, and utterly deserving, Amanda Start from the Online Stylist won the award.  It was only as a result of seeing an article about Amanda in Woman & Home, two years ago this August, that Style Guile was born  - so I am ever indebted to Amanda for that.

Anyway, I wanted to take this chance to stop for a moment and to say a big "Thank You" to everyone who nominated, or voted, for Style Guile - to anyone who leaves comments and to anyone who takes time out of their busy day to read the posts. I really do appreciate your on-going support and I just wanted to say "Thank you!" I don't always get an opportunity to respond to comments as quickly as I would like, or as in as much detail as I would like, so I hope that you will forgive me, knowing that that they are all read and thought about during my day.

On the Run - In flowery jeans (part 2)!

It had been my intention to take the jeans that I am wearing, below, back to Primark.  I went in twice but just couldn't face the 20 minute wait each time in the queue - so in the back of my car they remained - until today.

I saw these jeans (below) when I was in Selfridges the other day. They had been massively reduced from over £200 to somewhere in the region of £70/80, I think! It reminded me that I still had my £13 Primark ones in my possession and with a grey day dawning today, I thought that it was the perfect day to wear them.

 

Here is a picture of the jeans as they appeared on the blog back in May when they weren't particularly well received. I have to say, there is something slightly unsettling about posting a picture of an outfit which you know in advance is unlikely to be well received!

Someone went as far to say that they thought that they were pretty bad and asked whether I would wear them if they weren't in fashion. I was also asked whether they would be in the photo album of shame by Christmas. Ho hum.

Well here are the jeans, both in, and on, the flesh! For what it's worth, I really liked wearing them - although that could have partly been due to the fact that, being from Primark, I went up a size - so they were uber comfortable!

I started off by putting them with a white shirt but in the end opted for a very plain grey Jigsaw top and cream brogues from Dune, just to tone it all down. Our youngest said that my flowery legs were "lovely" and that I could take them to gymnastics with me if I liked. Granted, she's only four but you can always rely on children for an honest opinion. Our son didn't comment either - and he's normally the first one in there with the "Mum....I don't really like...."

Ultimately I don't think that the overall view was as bad as our score in the Eurovision song contest!

I think that my husband is slightly miffed with me. For many years now, we have only had one TV between the 5 of us - and you can guess who never gets a look in, So, after all this time, I had a cable installed into the kitchen so that we could have a TV in there.

Today we went off to get a TV and not only is this one (which my husband refers to at "your TV") newer, slimmer, bigger and more technologically advanced than the family one but it is going to be installed in time for tomorrow's England game - and my husband hates football! I do actually feel quite sorry for him as he loves his TV - whereas really, if I'm honest, I just like to make a fuss about never getting to watch any!