Mum on the Run - on a trip down to London via Liberty, Anthropologie and for a real life meeting with fashion bloggers I have met in a virtual world

Today I nipped down, whizzed around and scooted back from London all in less than ten hours. A group of blogging friends were meeting and a last minute change of plans on my part meant that I could join them.

 

With an hour to spare before meeting up with everyone I headed, predictably, to Liberty for a look at their flower display...

 

....at their hats which I was hanging my nose over last time I visited....

...and of course their clothes, via a wander through their bag department where, once again, I hung my nose (good job it wasn't runny) over the Sophie Hulme bags.

The appeal of Liberty to me, aside from the beautiful building and great layout, is the fact that rather than stocking designer brands at a few thousand pounds a pop, the brands that they stock, whilst out of my price range, could possibly come within it with a good sale, a fair wind and with a bit of capital injection for a Christmas or birthday present. It's a kind of aspirational/dreamy/in an ideal world expedition.

I have often spied Tucker in the Harvey Nichols 70% off sale. I love the colours and the prints of the pieces.

Carrying on from where I left off with the quilted jackets a couple of days ago, this one is by Isabel Marant, as are the two below.

I'm not quite so sure about the checked one - it looks a little like the acquascutum print, which although I like on some things, this isn't one of them.

I liked this Day Birger jacket though. As with all patterns, it's very subjective but I liked the colours and the geometrical aspect to it and I think that it would be a little more versatile in terms of what you could put it with, than the quilted ones.

I love the brand A.P.C. for its casual French style. With a mixture of stripes, prints and textures in relaxed styles, I could see myself wearing any of these pieces practically any day of the week (in my dreams).

After Liberty, I had a wander down Regent Street to Anthropologie. Lovely colours in the window! They were so spring like, despite the snow that was falling outside.

I have had my eye on a lace fronted sweatshirt for a while now. Topshop, Zara and this one from Anthropologie are all contenders. I like the idea of the practicality of a sweatshirt but the lace appeals to my liking for pretty things too.  Hmmm, I feel a blog post coming on!

I took this photo for my Mum, who loves garden birds. She hates collars on herself but loves birds, so there you go Mum, this one is for you - although I do like it too.

As to the meeting itself, I think that it's fair to say that we were all a little freaked out by meeting the actual, real, 3D people behind the blogs that we read. There's also that feeling of knowing people quite well, without really knowing them at all.  I think that it was most eloquently summed up by Avril from School Gate Style who said that it would all take a while to process.  It was so lovely though to get a chance to chat to everyone. Mostly we just chatted about our families - as is always the case when you get a group of Mums together. We went slightly off piste with a few other subjects too, once the wine had started flowing but some things are best left, for fear of causing embarrassment!

Due to the amount of chatting, eating and drinking that was going on, we didn't really take much by way of photographs but here's one of Natalie (left: Glam Rosie) and Avril (right: Schoolgate Style).

Here's Kat (left: Does my bum look 40 in this) and Fiona (right: Avenue 57)

Followed by Helen (left: The Flaky Fashionista) and Joanna (right: Poppy's Style) Sorry to Sue (Susie So So) and Marlene (Chocolate Cookies and Candies) for not getting photos.

With my attendance being a bit last minute, I had a quick flick through my wardobe last night to see what I could come up with. I had already decided on trousers, flats and of course layers and warmth were obligatory.

This is the print of the Zara blouse that I wore. I picked it up in the sale in the summer but hadn't worn it, so now seemed like the perfect time. It wasn't until I got it home that I realised that it had little gold skull buttons - but I quite like them.

With the photos being taken as we all piled into the car to take me to the station, they were a bit hurried. Actually I don't know why I put that as they always are - but I think that they just look it today!

 

So, here goes as to what I was wearing:

Shoes: All Saints, Trousers: Cos, Fur gilet: Primark (first outing), Leather jacket: Oasis (probably its 101 st outing!), Zara blouse; Orla Kiely bag; Gloves (present).

 

Some of the blogging ladies still won't be home yet. In fact three of them have to go home via aeroplane - two to Ireland and one to the US, so I  must admit to feeling very un-exotic, tucked up as I am back at home. Thanks for a great day out fellow fashion bloggers!

 

 

 

Mum on the Run - in double H&M, double Zara, Gap and Mulberry

Yesterday's post was a bit of a mammoth one in terms of the time that it took so this will just be a short one. 

 

Oh but first I must tell you about my most spectacular wardrobe malfunction today! Actually, I have changed my mind on that. Having drafted a paragraph with all the details, I decided that there was just too much information so instead I will confine it to a few words and you can join the dots - swimming pool, swimming costume, boobs. There you go, you can guess the rest. Fortunately only the youngest and I were in the pool. Not sure whether the lifeguard got an eyeful but I prefer to think not. 

 

So today's post is just an outfit one. I wore this yesterday when we went into the Bullring so that Flo (14) could style her brother (11). She's totally in charge of his wardrobe.  Listening to them in the changing rooms at H&M was very funny. At one point she said to him "Arggh Freddie, you're slower at getting dressed that Matilda (5)." I think it's a boy thing.

 

Having not worn it for a while, I gave the Val Doonican jumper (Jaeger Boutique) an outing and put it with an H&M shirt and neon necklace, Zara boots and coat, Gap jeans and a Mulberry handbag. Being so cold I appreciated the warm jumper and coat.

 

I'm off to London tomorrow to meet with a group of lovely fashion bloggers - I fear a lot of chatting somewhere just off New Bond street. As to what to wear - I have absolultely no idea but I do know that in typing this I have just trashed my freshly painted nails. Ho hum.

 

 

Quilted jackets - a collision of interiors with fashion and old meets new!

Quilted jackets have been around for eons now. I can hear my friend Sal snorting with laughter as she reads this, thinking to herself (probably like many others) that she remembers her Granny having one which she wore whilst sitting up in bed having a cup of tea.

 

In fact, in the name of comprehensive research for this post, I have even looked at sites which stock traditional quilted bed jackets. I have to say that I am now very concerned that, if my computer is ever seized by anyone in authority, I will be convicted of crimes against fashion for even looking at those sites.

 

More quilted jackets are definitely creeping into the stores. With all things "Isabel Marantesque" being the height of cool, anything with a touch of bohemian chic is much sought after.

 

For me they are a great transitional piece, adding colour, texture and warmth whilst lightening things up a little. They will be fantastic with slightly beaten/faded/slouchy jeans and boots whilst the weather is cooler and can then be worn with converse or sandals when the weather warms up. I don't think that I would wear one with a dress or skirt for fear of looking a little too "house on the prarie" but if it was the right one, you never know.

 

I already own a couple of quilted pieces but sadly they aren't jackets. No, rather they are, ermm, quilts! I have always loved the print on this one which is from Laura Ashley and which now resides on the eldest's bed.

 

 

This one I bought from Cologne and Cotton, one of my favourite bed linen stores, when our son was born. I think it would make a great jacket!

And whilst I love this one, sadly it is for a 5 year old. So I think that it might be a touch on the snug side.

However taking a look around, there are several available, at a wide range of prices.

This one is from Anthropologie (£118). Anthropologie is stocked full of quirky and interesting designs, both clothing and interiors and is definitely worth taking a look at. Predictably I like the blue and white print of this one and the pretty detailing across the shoulders and the back.

Another option, also from Anthropologie (£118) this has a more distinctive design than the one above. It's less of a "blend in" piece and more of a statement so arguably better for someone with the right kind of personality to carry it off.

I love this River Island paisley print bed jacket (£30). I have no idea why we are seeing the backs of these jackets but there we go. This one has been in stores since September so is largely on its way out now, although there are some in the Liverpool store still.

New Look is getting in on the act with its black floral tapestry jacket (£29.99) which I am slightly less keen on, probably due to the darker colours. I see them more as a piece to lighten up your wardrobe, colourwise, after the winter - even if they do still have to be layered under a heavier coat for now.

As an alternative there's the New Look cream tapestry jacket (£29.99). I think that it would be better without the heavy black heavy trim but some will prefer its presence as it does a good job of toning down the full on floral effect.

The Hobbs NW3 Keats jacket (£129) is a real cutie. It would look good with muted colours layered underneath it, or with a brighter colour to bring it to life a little more. Either way, I don't think that anyone would feel too conspicuous wearing it. I can also see how to start with it may have few friends but I have quite high hopes for this one!

You may have seen the Zara printed cardigan (£59.99) on Kat's blog (Does my bum look 40 in this) and in Sue's (Susie So So). They both looked fantastic in it and for very different reasons. The background is a bit pale for my colouring, although it would look amazing on Yazury, who I featured yesterday.

Predictably this navy blue Zara jacquard cardigan (£59.99) is one of my favourites because a) it's navy, b) it's navy and c) it's navy - with just a few colours worked in there as a trim. Sadly it's not available yet but I am sure that it will be any day now.

So, that's what I have found so far. I also checked out Oasis, Warehouse, H&M, Mint Velvet, Mango and Banana Republic - but these seem the best of the crop so far - unless anyone can tell me otherwise. Would you or wouldn't you? I will be!

Another Mum on the Run - Yazury Goodrham - yes, another Goodrham, but one who is far more exotic than this pale one!

I don't know if you've noticed but there's something a little different about me.  You go to the beauticians to get your eyebrows done and come out looking completely different....

 

This is my sister in law, Yazury.  Originally from Venezuela she has braved the UK winters for over 14 years now, knowing that at home it 30 degrees plus. How she does it I don't quite know. Well I do really. It's all in the name of love.

 

 

More than anything I would love to have Yazury's skin colour.  She always looks so healthy and can get away without wearing socks/tights as soon as the weather warms up slightly, whereas old blue legs here definitely needs the assistance of fake tan which is often a bit stinky, which gives me a runny nose and which brings me out in a rash. Never a good look.

On boxing day there she was, all body-con taupe and black lace short sleeved dress and there was I in about 500 layers. Theirs is the only house that's too hot for me, which is saying something. It's positively tropical in their house in Leeds - which somehow doesn't sound quite right.

When Yazury came to see us the other day I asked her for a quick snap. I loved her combination of a quilted parka, French Connection breton top, printed Next trousers and Zara bag. It's a good mix of the colours black, green and burgundy plus stripes, prints and quilting and it all just works so well together.

As well as speaking too many languages to mention, she is a jewellery designer and runs the blog Yazury's Rocks which is definitely worth dropping by some time so if you have a moment some time, please feel free to do so.

Style Guile never was meant to be about the perfect outfits or the perfect photography - and here's the proof!

"If you want me to take your photos today, the rabbit has to be included. Deal or no deal?"

 

These weren't the exact words of little Miss Chatterbox this morning but that was the gist. So the rabbit was included and here are the results! Well dodgy by anyone's standards I think.

 

The soft play area was calling this morning so armed with this week's copy of Grazia and a bottle of Diet Coke, off we went. I think that there were some children included in the trip as well. Three, or maybe four. Anyway, there were a lot of them.

 

Given that those places are always cold I wore my uber (un)sexy brushed cotton checked shirt from Jack Wills and put it with a Whistles scarf in a similar colour palette. The burgundy cords (GAP) picked up the burgundy in the shirt and the blue in the bag (Kausar) picked up the blue in the scarf. So it all kind of worked in a non-matching, mashed up, matching kind of way. Which is officially a new technical term, you know.

 

 

 

I thought it only fair that a better picture of "rabbity" was included because that was the deal, after all.

 

 

Not wanting to miss out on the act, here's Jamie in the making, making one of his spectacular chocolate cakes. He was bored and wasn't sure what to do so made a cake, which I guess is a whole lot more constructive than irritating his sisters, at which he is also very proficient.

The final article, with the word "skill" piped in chocolate beforehand and chilled - oh the modesty of youth!

I am very honoured to have been invited to speak at a magazine launch tomorrow at which PR Directors, newspaper and magazine Editors, Fashion Designers and Influential bloggers will be present.

In desperation I dragged the children to the beauticians get my mono-brow turned into a single brow. I have painted my nails, sketched the topics I would like to cover but as yet I have absolutely no idea what to wear. I really need to pull a rabbit out of the hat on this one. Now where has that flippin' rabbity gone to?!

Holly's wish list and a little pondering of the comments made by Vivienne Westwood about the Duchess of Cambridge

Following on from Natalie's wish list, it's now the turn of Holly. This is what she said when she got in touch:

 

"I love your idea so thought that I would send my list. It's not that long so I hope that's OK.

 

I'm 41 just, a mum of two based currently in Woking and I am a stylist for Stella & Dot. Firstly I would love a really good pair of dark denim jeans that hold me in and fit perfectly. I am not as slim as I strive to be and know that a great pair of jeans can really make a difference. The problem is I have yet to find the right ones for me.

I also love boots but have yet to get a pair of Uggs. I know there is a love hate thing going on with these but I am into comfort and one day I will push the boat out and indulge.  These look perfect."

 

 

When it comes to jeans, Holly didn't really mind whether they were bootcut or skinny. My advice to Holly (if she would like it) would be to take a look at the following brands. Hopefully you will all have something to add too!

 

Cos - they do in between sizes too and they have a decent rise on them. I particularly like these dark wash skinny jeans £59;

 

M&S five pocket jeggings - good price and a decent rise;

 

I have had success with the H&M straight regular jeans £29.99 in a dark denim blue. I like them for the fact that they have a regular waist and that they come in in between sizes. A straight jeans can also be a good half way house for ladies who like a skinny leg but who feel that a boot cut is balances their proportions better. The GAP real straight are a good option too.

 

Hobbs - great dark wash and cut to fit the more mature figure, I like the Aurelia Jeans (£85);

 

Oasis Scarlet - a bootcut jean which is fantastic for dealing with a gaping waist. One of their best sellers and designed for the over 40's.  GAP curvy are good for dealing with the gaping issue too, although sometimes their bootcut style is better.

 

Oasis also have the high waisted Cherry skinnies. Both the Scarlet and the Cherry retail at £48 but they are often in the sale.

 

Gap high waisted skinnies - good colour, nice rise and a good price - when they do them!

 

Not Your Daughter's Jeans - supportive tummy panel and good colour although some say that they don't last too well given the price;

 

J Brand - ditto;

 

Topshop indigo Kristen high waisted jeans which go up to a waist 34" so they're not just for skinny minnies!

 

Salsa jeans are available at House of Fraser. They are slightly more expensive than Hobbs but have amazing pull in, push up technology and they look fantastic on, especially on curvier figures. They do several different styles in different washes, so are worth a look.

 

I could go on forever but finally, the Benetton skinny ones that I tried last year were great. Lots of pull in technology too. At £37 they are a great price but the rise is fairly low on the skinny ones and you will probably need to go up a size.

 

However if anyone feels that the High Street doesn't cater for them and they want to make a one off, significant investment in the perfect pair of jeans, I would suggest heading to Donna Ida in London/the South East - the jean guru if ever there was one!

 

Thanks to Holly for putting her suggestions forward. Please keep them coming!

 

It's a veritable media circus in this house. Actually remove the word "media" and that would be about right. Having been on the radio at 7.50am, I was invited on again this evening, between 10.30pm and 11pm.  The inspiration for the story has come from the comments purportedly made by Vivienne Westwood about the Duchess of Cambridge's clothes and the fact that it would "be good for the environment and send out a very nice message" if she wore the same clothes over and over again.

 

I don't think that we were really meant to be focussing in on that in particular but in my pre-show call I ranted so "impressively" about the comments made by Viv (not you Mum, though you do share the same name but fortunately little else) that we may be discussing them after all.

 

Whilst Viv's viewpoint isn't without merit, telling someone who can't answer back to buy fewer clothes and re-cycle them, just because that's her current "thing", despite the fact she has spent the last few decades flogging as many of her designs as she can to as many people as she can at not insignificant prices, is a little dis-tasteful. And anyway, one of the biggest criticisms levelled against the Duchess of Cambridge is that she wears the same clothes too often.

 

On the other hand, maybe she should be applauded for commenting on the Duchess of Cambridge as opposed to anyone else - at least she got the coverage she wanted for a cause in which she believes. In any event I think I'll be too tired by then to string a sentence together anyway so it's probably all academic. It's all the half term activities you know - cooking, painting, going to the park, playing games (with a dice which equals a proper game as you have to give it your full attention) reading stories and baking. Holidays are tiring and I need a rest!

 

 

 

 

 

Mum on the Run - 4 days of outfits to cover the snow, ice, a day out and everything in between (as long as it involved jeans)!

Well that didn't go to plan did it? Eight and a half hours at a cheerleading competition, with only 2.5 minutes being taken up with watching our daughter compete, should have left me with eight hours and twenty seven and a half minutes to:

• prepare, in advance, blog posts for the week ahead (unheard of);
• respond to client's emails (necessary now that it is half term);
• update my website testimonials (important given that people have been good enough to send them) and;
• draft up the outline for my next workshop (time is slipping by).

But it was not to be. When it came to the lap top I needed a password for the wi-fi, the dongle was playing silly whatsits and all the while I watched the life drain out of the battery. Realising I was on to a loser I gave up.

 

However, looking on the bright side, it meant that I got to read the paper properly - as in really properly (something I probably last did on the 21st Jan 1999 - the day before the first baby Goodrham arrived)  and not just a quick flick through with a promise to go back to it, which never happens . Thanks to the ipad, I also got a chance to read, and comment, on other blogs.

 

I always feel so guilty that I don't find as much time as I would like to look at other blogs, so today I dropped by Lottie's Interiors, Does my bum look 40 in this, the Flaky Fashionista, the Online Stylist, Susie So So (loving the Zara jacket), School Gate Style, Style at any age, Poppy's Style and Heart and Soul.

 

Unfortunately I don't have time to insert links to all of the blogs but you will be able to find links to most of them under the "blogs I love" page at the top. However, I still didn't get around to finalising our thank you cards, despite starting them on boxing day!

 

So, this is a quick whizz through of the things that I have worn this week - all trousers I am afraid but generally for a reason. Here is what they are all about  - in as much as my outfits are ever "about" anything!

 

 

It's all about the scarf: Last Sunday's outfit for ice skating: With the risk of going bum up on the ice, it had to be jeans!

Jeans: GAP high rise skinnies, Jumper: Jesire, Boots: KG London, Scarf: Jaeger Boutique

School run last Monday: With snow on the ground and the risk of going bum up in it (see the pattern - snow/ice/me - not a match made in heaven) it had to be trousers again.

This outfit was all about the mix of prints and keeping warm! Jeans: Proably either GAP again or Hobbs, Bumper boots, Jumper: Hobbs, Scarf and coat: Zara, Bag: Boden

 

This outfit was all about the bright sweatshirt. Because I am without socks the snow must have gone. Also, with the "falling on bum risk" gone, I have also worn wedge heels.

 

Jeans: Gap boyfriend, Denim shirt and suede wedge boots: New Look, Sweatshirt: H&M, Belt: Topshop.

 

 

Today's outfit was about the bags. One needs a to take a lot with them when out for a whole day!

 

Jeans (practical/warm/comfortable and the last thing I took off last night!): GAP, Jumper: H&M, Jacket: Oasis, Scarf: Lola Rose, Large bag :Orla Kiely, Small bag: Kausar, Shoes: All Saints.

 

I am speaking on the radio first thing tomorrow and given the choice of a 6.50am or 7.50am slot I went for the later one. I side stepped the option of going into the studio, choosing the telephone option instead. I fear that the outfit that I will be wearing at that particular time in the morning, especially as it is half term, is one best kept  hidden!

Mums on the Run - In wide stripes and H&M necklaces

Last Friday I posted a pic in which I was wearing a new necklace from H&M. It was a bright coral statement necklace which I wore against a coral sweatshirt. I also had it in mind to wear it with black, grey and navy.  Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be online - although it could be me.

 

Since then a friend of mine, Sarah, got in touch to let me know that she had bought the same necklace and that she had worn it for her son's fourth birthday party. Here is a great picture of her wearing it complete with a striped top (Gerald Darel) and a rabbit jelly, for a colour block effect. Loving the spotty top in the background too!

 

 

 

I wore my necklace again during the week, strangely also with stripes. When it comes to stripes this season, it's all about the width  - the wider the better. The jumper dress is also from H&M and I bought it last summer.  By sheer fluke it's bang on trend for the season but I'm wearing it  because it's hugely comfortable and great for those days when you feel like letting it all hang out without anyone knowing!

 

 

If it's stripes you're after - and I know they're not for everyone - GAP has a couple of blazer options, which I think is a nice way to wear stripes. Blazers pep up a pair of jeans or a plain dress a treat.

 

The GAP striped ponte academy blazer (£54.95) is a traditional blazer style with a v neck which is a great shape for anyone with a curvier bust, or wide shoulders.

Alternatively, the GAP striped zipped twill jacket (£54.95) is more of a varsity/bomber style jacket, so probably more "the shape of the season".  I've seen this one in store and I have to say, for me it's a bit of a winner. For anyone thinking updating their wardrobe this could be a really good place to start.

Hope that your weekend is shaping up nicely. Me, I'm off to a cheerleading competition on Sunday. Unfortunately there won't be a pom-pom in sight but I'm expecting lots of hairspray and giggling girls. Oh help.

"Boden my Way" feature Part 2 - some more great looks from the staff at Boden

Yesterday I was diverted from the post I meant to write by the gems that I spotted in Topshop. So here is Part 2 of the "Boden my Way" feature which the social media team will be running on their tumblr blog

As I mentioned on Monday, seven members of staff, all with very different styles, chose an outfit of their own into which one, two or sometimes three Boden pieces were worked.

 

Ashley went for a vintage look, mixing a dress from Rocket vintage with the Boden floppy felt hat £39 which is an internet exclusive. It looked amazing against her long dark hair and the addition of these sunset sixties slingbacks (£99) completed the look, adding some colour. However the black or sand version of these shoes would give it a monochrome look, which is so big for the season.

Beta, who is a web-designer, looked to the men's collection for her shirts. Nice idea and one which I might pinch! The shirts don't come up too huge either, so that opens up another option. As does Johnnie B, which is really popular amongst the Boden staff - their shoes in particular.

Beta is wearing the jean shirt (£39) in a medium and the zip ankle skimmer in guava (£49), together with the pointed slingbacks in rose gold metallic. I really like the colour of these - they tap into the metallic trend and have a real warmth about them. At £69 they are a cheaper option than the Michael Kors rose gold watch!  OK so they might not tell the time but that's just a minor detail.

For her second outfit, Beta wore the Bloomsbury printed shirt in ecru spot. I love the floral stripe version too - it's very Cath Kidston and would work really well on the beach in the summer with denim shorts and a big sun hat. Anyway, off I go again - dreaming.

Beta's trousers were from GAP, her necklace from H&M and her shoes were the Boden casual loafers (£69) which have a very slight brothel creeper look about them.  We also used the leather folded clutch (£59) which is a great bag in that it's a good size, really versatile and it comes in a range of colours.

Sarah from the press team worked the modern pencil skirt in metallic jacquard with attitude! She wore it with her own grey t-shirt from Urban Outfitters, leopard print boots from Topshop, the Boden  skinny belt in yellow and the colourblock bag, which we used without the handle as an oversized clutch.

Sarah's bright turquoise ring was from YSL. Loving this look - it's simple, elegant and the skirt has a good length - for those who don't want to reveal too much.

 

For the last outfit of the shoot, Sarah wore full on sugar sweet brights, putting the the Boden bistro crop trousers in pink tile and the button back jumper in bright carnation with her own shoes from KG.  

 

 

So that completed our shoot - Seven members of staff, each of whom had very different styles. Boden was mixed with brands which were vintage, designer and high street. Pieces were chosen from the current collection, the men's collection and the summer collection.  For me, the Social Media team achieved what they set out to do which was to demonstrate the versatility of Boden. In fact I think that it came out of it looking pretty damned fine!