So long skinnies!

Skinnies have reigned for a long time now. Raw hem, ripped, coated, patched, printed, patterned, coloured...we've seen them all. Both boyfriend and girlfriend jeans tried to give them a run for their money but nothing knocked them off their number one spot. But now? Well I'm starting to wonder.

I'm wearing the GAP Authentic 1969 vintage straight jeans which were in the process of being reduced to £14.99 when I bought them. Then with an added 30% off they probably became the cheapest jeans that I've ever bought. So I bought a pair in another colour too. Well, it would have been rude not to.

I like these jeans for a number of reasons. First, being straight they've got a bit more room in the leg. The button up fly reminds me of 501's - in fact the whole shape is a bit 501 ish. And as they're not quite full length, it's still possible to do a bit of ankle flash and when it's colder, it will be nice to see a bit of boot. They just feel fresher than my skinnies and have given things in my wardrobe a whole new lease of life. How is that a £14.99 pair of jeans (less 30% - can't do the maths whilst watching the Bake Off too) can do that?

For the avoidance of doubt, these straight legged jeans are really different to the real straight, which I've had for years. Funny that even a straight legged jean can change in style over time. How can that be?

As to the sizing - it's generous. I'm wearing a 25" whereas normally I would be a 26". I think that the GAP sizes have become even larger recently. The pair of jeans I bought before these were a 24" which is crazy because really, I don't have a 24"waist.

For those of you who have been following me for a long time, you may well recognise these shoes. I've had them since 2010 (the box was stamped when I bought them and I still keep them in it). They were a Kurt Geiger special which I loved for their red, shiny patent and frilly fringy bit on the front. Rather like lots of shoes that are out there now, over 6 years later. Isn't fashion a crazy thing?!

To give you an idea, this is what the jeans look like on the model. Give them a whirl and see what you think but be warned - try them with shoes. Mine looked really pants without! 

You're never too old to follow your dreams...(even in fashion!)

So I know that one or two of you saw me on TV on Friday night, presenting a new range of activewear on QVC.  Thank you, by the way, for your comments and words of encouragement that I read as I left the studios. I really didn't have a clue as to how it had gone, how it had sounded or anything else so something to anchor my thoughts to was really helpful and encouraging.

I hadn't really said too much to the wider world about what I was up to, just in case I fell flat on my face both literally and metaphorically but as people have been so kind and expressed an interest, I thought that it would be good to fill you all in.

I was first approached at the back end of the summer to see whether I would be interested in auditioning to join QVC as a guest presenter. It's something that I've wanted to do for a long time as I love the presenting work that I do with M&S, which is very similar, plus I love all the behind the scenes goings on. After several auditions, trips to London and meetings, I made it.

The brand that I was working with was Pure Lime, a Danish brand which was established in 1995 and which is inspired by the healthy, outdoor lifestyle of Scandanavia, with the range containing both leisurewear and activewear.  It was a little bit of a departure for QVC so it was great to be part of something new and exciting. Fingers crossed, if all goes to plan, next week I will be involved in the launch of another brand on QVC that many of you will have heard of. I will be doing about 5 or 6 shows over an 18 hour period so I'll keep you posted! (Note to children: now is not the right time for another one of you to go and break your ankle. ps Really I am very sympathetic.)

As you can see from the above photo which was snapped just before we went on air, I think that I am quite possibly wearing the brightest, loudest piece from the range. It's fair to say that the prospect of wearing bright, horizontal striped, skin tight, pink leggings on live TV (which is known to add pounds) scared me more than doing the show itself, especially as there was a risk that the camera would pan from the models, to me, Say no more!

In an effort to avoid the dreaded camel toe on live TV, I also had to pull the vest low, which shortened my legs too. But you know, I loved wearing the range which really is fab quality, plus presenting whilst wearing trainers was a dream come true!

If any of you should feel in need of a giggle and want to see clips of the show, you can do so by clicking on this Pure Lime link which will go through to a page of the pieces we featured. Click on any of the pieces and just under the image is a thumbnail which can be clicked on to start the clip. I've watched a few from behind a cushion!

Thank you again for all your comments. As with anything that's new and exciting, there's always a certain amount of trepidation so it's comforting to know that people are routing for you. I know that some of you have followed what I've been up to for quite a few years, so lots of love to you all in particular.

Bravo for Bravissimo - and a lovely discount too!

[Cleo breeze bra - lovely but not for me. I loved trying different styles though!]

Now of course we all KNOW that we should go and get our bras fitted regularly and we (well at least I) pretend to myself that I do, however nothing could be further from the truth. Partly I think that I feel guilty in spending the time doing it, as it always takes quite a chunk of time, and also in spending the money. Why that is I'm not quite sure, given how many hours we wear our bras, what they're required to do and what a difference they can make to our shape and how our clothes look. Crazy really!

Many years ago, just after I had finished feeding our now 8 year old, I found a bra that really was the best of a very bad job (even Selfridges in London gave up on me in despair) and since then I've just bought the same style on repeat. But when I was invited to go along to the new Bravissimo store in Birmingham for a bra fitting, I took courage in both hands and popped along.

Gossard super boost lace t-shirt bra (£30) - hey bingo, it fit!

So first off I met the lovely Kat who was absolutely brilliant. She was ample of bosom so understood what she was talking about, she knew her stock like the back of her hand and had a brilliant personality to boot. If anyone was even vaguely shy about having their bras fitted, she would put them at ease in a jiffy.

In a nutshell - and as I knew was the case - my bra was too big around my back, so obviously it wasn't doing much supporting round the front - and quite frankly that's not good. Bravissimo's bras start a 28" back, which can be almost impossible to find.

Refined glamour bra by Wonderbra (£30) - my second hit of the day!

Without even measuring me, Kat took me down from a 32" back to a 30" back, up a couple of cup sizes and hey presto, things definitely started looking up. I must easily have tried on 30 bras ("nope", Kat would say "Freya isn't for you, take it off ") and after an hour or so we had discounted all but two - but I'm delighted with those two and I will be ordering both in different colours now that I've worn them and know that they're comfortable. And I know that without Kat's help, I wouldn't have found those two as for me, finding a bra that fits is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

So the moral of this post is this: if you want your clothes to look better and for your boobs to be in the right place (or if you fancy a new, more voluptuous chest) go and get your bras fitted properly. It looks a whole lot more natural, and is a whole lot cheaper, than the surgery route. And if you're in Birmingham, do head to Bravissimo (next door to Jigsaw) and ask for Kat. She's a bra superstar!

Finally, just so that you know, I was gifted a bra and pants set as part of my invitation to see the new store, but irrespective of that I am genuinely delighted with my new acquisitions. Bravissimo have kindly offered a 10% discount in the Birmingham store which can be obtained by quoting "Love Brum", It's available until 16th October on full priced items. Happy shopping!

Warehouse midi printed dress...

Tonight I nipped out to a party to celebrate 50 issues, and 10 years, of "Style Birmingham" Magazine. And the great thing about a party? It's a fab chance to rock a new frock. I'm wearing the ink rose midi dress from Warehouse (£59) and LK Bennett zebra print shoes - plus a neon glow.

For a brighter take on the dress, see below....

The best flat, comfortable, boots out!

A few weeks ago I treated myself to these grey suede boots from Zara. I'm still not quite sure what it was about them that appealed to me but I really liked them. Maybe it's because I haven't seen them around that much so they felt quite fresh - but I suspect in reality that it was the grey that got me. Plus the white soles - and the fact that I can walk in them.

Try as I might, I can't find them on the site but I've come to realise that I'm quite often rubbish at finding things online after I've bought them. If anyone likes them enough to hunt them down (with success) do let me know!

I appear to have a cow on my shoulder!

The Dotty P floral midi dress...

We all know that the world was inundated with floral midi dresses during the summer - and it hasn't stopped there. They are everywhere but it's only really this Dorothy Perkins floral midi dress (was £45 now £34.20) that has made me want to commit. There are some great ones around and I'll share my favourites in another post but what sold this one to me was a) the colours b) the fabric (it feels like silk, not like nylon) c) the band around the neck which has that sporty nod to it and which stops it from feeling too "Grandma" like d) the fit - it's not like a nightie (or a maternity dress) to wear, which is always my slight concern.

I wore this dress last night to an event that I went to with the White Company and boy did I stand out - not only like a sore thumb but like an entire sore fist. Frankly I'm surprised that I wasn't asked to leave for spoiling the neutral aesthetic of the store. I'm off to London on Friday so it's coming with me there on a trip. I'm quite interested to see what mischief we can get up to together.  Have a great weekend, if I don't see you all again before then. x

Three ways to style the "slip" trend into the Autumn...

[Layering up the M&S slip dress that I bought in the summer with a pussy bow shirt and a silk bomber jacket]

So you know how there was this whole slip thing going on in the summer? Well it's continued on into the autumn too. Slip dresses are great because it's easy enough to layer something underneath them, such as this black ribbed turtleneck from H&M (£24.99). I love a turtleneck, in fact I think a black ribbed turtleneck was the first thing that I ever bought from Jigsaw when I was 21. And as you get older, they're great because there's less for your chins to rest on, compared to a polo neck :)  Equally a chunkier jumper can be layered over the top of them, so they're pretty versatile little numbers.

Now, I currently have my eye on this Zara silk feel batik dress (£49.99). I first saw a couple of weeks ago and I had another look last week. Next week I might actually try it on. I like the idea of it with the black turtleneck underneath it on Christmas day. A bit dressy but not too dressy and with a pair of ankle boots or biker boots, it would be good for everyday too. Then when the spring comes I can wear it with a white t-shirt underneath, Stans and off we go again into another season with it.

Another option that might be a little easier to imagine wearing, is this M&S lace trim skirt (£35 but with code SEPT16A12 there's a 20 per cent discount). Again it would work with the black turtleneck, a chunkier short cream jumper, a blouse, or a cami top for an evening out. I think that I will be wearing mine with a denim shirt and leather jacket rather than more dressed up - but we'll see.

And then for those who prefer the idea of something "slip like" on the top half rather than as a dress or skirt, there's this M&S  sleeveless lace trim camisole top (£22.50 which again has a 20 per cent discount with the same code). It could be worn with boyfriend jeans, a white t-shirt and chunky loafers for a weekend feel, maybe with a chunky cardi thrown over. Or I fancy it with smarter navy tapered trousers, ankle boots and a navy t-shirt.

So, will anyone be slip sliding their way into the Autumn with me in something of the slip variety? 

A cheeky little Zara knotted top

OK so I'll hold my hands up before anyone else comments. Those of you with eagle eyes will have noticed that there is some white vest on show in these photographs. In my defence it was cold this morning and as I hadn't worn the top before I didn't know how everything would hang together (or hang out?) Anyway, badly, would seem to be the answer. Now I've run, showered, and replaced the vest with a blue one I could re-do the photos but hec, I'm off to see Bridget Jones' Baby tonight and there's the dinner to be cooked, another school run to do and a gym trip to do before then, so white flashes of vest it is. Will you forgive me?!

I bought this Zara poplin top with knot (£29.99) a few weeks ago now but it's still available for anyone who likes it. It's one of those tops that falls into the "accessible fashion" category. It's easy to wear (unlike off the shoulder tops which ping all over the place and as soon as you move your arms your armpits get cut in half) it goes with lots, it's a simple style so it shouldn't date too quickly, plus when it gets chilly, I can layer a long sleeved top underneath.

Staying with the knot theme, there's also this striped top with knot from Zara, also £29.99. Blue and white stripes are still everywhere so this is a good option for anyone who wants to update their twingy, pingy, striped off the shoulder tops which dominated this summer.

Or for something a little different, there's this gingham blouse still with a knot and also from Zara, which is £25.99.

So, hopefully that's an easy update idea for your A/W wardrobe. Hope that you are all having a super weekend!

ps. I've now seen Bridget Jones' Baby and it was brilliant. If you're not sure, do go and see it. It's so funny. I haven't laughed so much in ages!

The M&S side striped trousers

As with each new season there are lots of different trends on the scene but as we all know, the quickest, most cost effective and most workable way to update a wardrobe is not to buy a "look" or a "trend" from head to toe - but to tap into a few pieces in the shape and style of the season and which work with what you own already.

Last A/W saw the arrival of side stripe trousers in some premium brands. This season they have filtered down to the High Street and so far I've seen them in Zara, H&M and M&S. The ones that I'm wearing above are from Marks and Spencer (£25) in navy with a black and white stripe. I have to say that I'm hugely impressed with them. The fabric is quite lightweight so if it's a full on winter trouser you're after, these might not fit the bill but for now and for the next couple of months I think that they will work fine. I find the cut and the shape really comfortable and the fabric drapes well so for £25 they absolutely get my vote. One thing though, they do come up unusually long and at 5 ft 6" I'm wearing a short length.*

I've never had a side stripe trouser before (well at least I don't remember them being around in the 80's but please correct me if I'm wrong!) and despite it only being a small detail, it's quite refreshing plus unlike some trends and looks, it's really accessible. Suddenly all of those plain tops and crew knits have been given a new lease of life.

For those who might be interested, these trousers also come in black with a sky blue stripe. 

On another note I just really wanted to thank you all for your good luck wishes and messages that you sent before I did the Great North Run. They meant a lot and when I found the going tough (about miles 2 to 13.1!) they kept me going. So a huge thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to get in touch. Also huge thanks to the locals who sprayed hosepipes over us and offered ice pops - only about 20 minutes or so after the end of the race did I find the one that I'd shoved down my bra. Oh and apologies to the family for taking the coke that they were offering, only to realise that it was Newcastle Brown Ale and throwing it away. I think that it might have just tipped me over the edge.

*since drafting the first part of the post, I wore the trousers on the school run where I got caught in the hugest rain/thunderstorm going. BUT I'm glad to report that not only do the trousers roll up to thigh height quite nicely but when they roll back down they're not in the slightest bit creased and they dry really quickly. A bonus if ever there was one.

The Oasis Boyfriend Blazer

This is just a quickie because in a couple of hours we're heading up to Newcastle as tomorrow I'm running in the Great North Run.


Sad as I am, I'm really excited. I love the atmosphere, the crowds, listening to the bands as I run round, eating M&S chocolate flapjack and I can't wait to see the Red Arrows fly over.  Plus I'll get to see the sea, which is always exciting for someone who has always lived in the middle of the country. I'm making it sounds like a walk in the park aren't I? Did I mention that there is a the little matter of running 13 miles involved? Oh well, I deal with that only when I have to!


So I hope that everyone has had a good return to school/work/traffic jams after the summer holiday. I had a Style Event on Thursday night so on Wednesday I hit the stores with glee, scooping up armfuls of clothes in M&S (a current favourite for this season), Zara (ditto), H&M, New Look, Warehouse, Oasis, Mango and Dune.


I think that I've got a fairly good handle on what's out there at the moment and I'll bring you some of my favourite pieces a bit further down the line. But for now I wanted to talk about this boyfriend blazer (£45) which I saw on Alex of The Frugality on a huge photo on Oasis and which she was wearing as part of her Autumn by Alex campaign with them.

I'd identified a while ago that a boyfriend blazer was missing from my wardrobe and I'd taken a look at some but I wasn't feeling the love enough. Then when I saw (and tried on) this one which was navy (big plus), lined (big plus), £45 (super big plus) and felt as good as far more expensive makes (super, super big plus) - I was smitten. I'd always been concerned that a boyfriend blazer would shorten my legs but on first glance I don't think that as look as though I've shrunk too much and I'm looking forward to seeing how I can wear it. I think that it's just what my wardrobe needed to give at a new lease of life for the Autumn. Has else made a recent purchase for the Autumn which has turned things around and shaken things up a little? I would love to hear about them and in the meantime, have a super weekend.

Hush comes to John Lewis, Birmingham

We knew that Hush was on its way to John Lewis Birmingham and on Friday it arrived! And how fabulous was it to see it all laid out, to touch it, to see how it could all work together and to chat to the enthusiastic staff about it.

I had two smalls with me so my capacity for trying on was limited but tomorrow - well that's another story, as they return to school and I will be there like a shot!

For now, here are a few of my favourite pieces that I spotted on my travels...

Starburst t-shirt (£40) - This charcoal grey colour works better for me than a lighter grey colour. Throw in some stars, particularly gold ones, and I'm there. Although it's called a tee, unless I imagined it, it has long sleeves which are perfect as we head (slowly, hopefully) into the colder months.

Love jumper (£79) - Who doesn't love a "Love" jumper? I've had a New Look one for a very long time now and I've loved wearing it, so I know that this wouldn't just sit in the wardrobe looking pretty.

Rita printed shirt (£59) - Shirts can be tricky. Too formal or corporate and they don't always work but equally something too evening like can be limited in its versatility. This one however could be worn however and whenever, so it's on my list of Hush loves.

Claudia dress ditsy print (£99) - This dress comes in a knee length, or a full length option. The full length option has a deep side split, which makes it more edgy rather than more "Little House on the Prairie." I can't wait to try this one on.

Eskimo parka coat (£170) - There's something about the blue fur that got me as soon as I saw it. I also had a good feel of it as well though and it has a good weight and lots of warmth to it too.

C'est Si Bon jumper (£49) - Great for those who love a slogan sweatshirt. And see the leg in the background complete with pink sparkly trainers and Marshmallow the Build-A-Bear? That's one of the smalls I mentioned earlier.

Josie jumpsuit (£75) - I have the summer version of this jumpsuit but if I didn't, I would definitely buy this one. I've loved wearing mine as it's so versatile and comfortable too - (double whammy!) It's great for casual with trainers, for work or for an evening event. This is me wearing mine recently...

                                         Anyone fancy coming to Brum for a visit?!

Lipsticks and bracelets

Wearing: Franklin off the shoulder striped dress from Baukjen

A few weeks ago now I thought that I would use the service offered by Boots to find out which lipstick colour their colour match system suggested for me. I usually buy something with the word "Berry" in it, but I have veered across colours from paler nudes to hot pink, occasionally with a bit of red thrown in.

They start off by using their little machine to find out which colour foundation suits. When the machine came up with "warm ivory" I started to feel a little more confident about the whole process. Quite often I buy an ivory colour (it's normally the second palest!) and I know that I have a warm skin tone, so that all added up.

Having identified the foundation colour, the machine then suggests different colours of lipstick, from paler pink to brighter pink and red. In all honesty a lot of colours were suggested but I knew that I was after quite a bright pink and out of the 4 that were suggested, I liked the idea of rose berry moisture drench lipstick (£9.95). 

Having bought one, I have now gone on to buy 4 more as I'm terrified that they'll stop making it. However using various vouchers that were available, I only paid for two. I've been asked quite a few times on instagram which lipstick colour I'm wearing, so here it is. I wouldn't hesitate in going back to get some more colours and I would definitely recommend the service - but I would be interested to hear what others think too!

And for a really long time now I've been meaning to thank Annabel at Bella Jane Jewellery for the gorgeous bracelets that she sent to me this time last year to wear. I absolutely adore them and wear them day in day out. I've linked to the selection of bracelets here - which is huge! Annabel also does sells necklaces and rings as well as making bespoke pieces, just so everyone knows. They make a fabulous present!

So I hope that you have all had a fabulous bank holiday weekend and that the prospect of some more warm weather is keeping everyone happy :) x

Coco Bay Beach Dress

Coco Bay embroidered maxi dress

I think that one of the lovely things about being properly "grown up" is having a few nice beach dresses to go over your swimwear. For me it was one of those things that arrived in my wardrobe later on in life (like about three years ago) along with decent swimwear, properly fitting bras and nice pjs, rather than an old t-shirt. These are the sort of thing that as a student you wouldn't think twice about but which now take on a much greater significance.  

This black and white embroidered maxi dress was kindly sent to me by Coco Bay to wear whilst on holiday. I wasn't sure whether the weather would warrant a beach cover up - other than a tent and a wind break - but we've been lucky and with the sun shining, I've had the chance to wear it.

This dress actually feels very glamourous for a day time dress, quite possibly because of its bandeau top, full length and because it is black - but it doesn't feel too OTT.  It could also quite easily be worn in the evening as well as the day with the addition of accessories. What I really like though is the fit of the dress. The gathered waist gives a little definition without being tight and it has a lovely column shape about it which is flattering without being restrictive, either in terms of movement or what you can eat when wearing it - which is always a bonus on holiday. I love the embroidery on the back too, which is so pretty and the cotton that it's made of is light and soft.

For anyone contemplating a last minute holiday or a winter cruise, I can definitely recommend this dress. I really love it and would have no hesitation in making it work really hard as part of a warm holiday wardrobe.

For anyone tempted, remember to quote BETH20 at the checkout for a 20% discount. The team at Coco Bay really do know the ins and outs of all of their stock and give a really personal service, so for swimwear or beachwear queries just give them a call. (I know that sounds like something from an advert but it really is true. And as I've said before, I hate swimwear shopping so I'm very happy to describe my requirements and for the team there to tell me what will work best for me!)

A sparkly flamingo t-shirt, shorts and a camo shacket...

Oh my golly it's been hot here today (as I think it has been in lots of places!) It was properly, swimming in the sea hot, like it hasn't been for ages. During the day it was bikinis all the way but in the evening Mr SG and I went for a walk along the south coast cliffs.

It was still warm so shorts and this new flamingo tee from H&M* seemed to fit the bill. I took the camo shacket for when the sun went down and wore trainers because the cliff paths are, unsurprisingly, high and a little uneven.  The Saywhatyouc bag held essentials, just in case we came across an ice-cream kiosk that was open. We didn't.

*I can't find the flamingo t-shirt on the UK site, even though I only bought it on Friday. It was a one off so I suspect that it is pretty old stock. It's probably not very helpful but I've linked to the US site for its composition, further details etc.

The Sea Folly Denim Block Bikini from Coco Bay

Last summer, the team at Coco Bay asked me whether I would like to wear, and write about, one of their bikinis. Having provided them with an idea of my individual requirements/issues, they suggested a bikini which seemed to fit the bill perfectly - and it did. For anyone who is interested, that post can be read here.

So when this year they asked me again whether I would like to review another bikini, I didn't hesitate in saying yes. Of course not only is it lovely to receive new swimwear but the hassle free option of sending through your sizes, the team knowing their stock and styles, advising on the best bikini and then sending it out in super quick time to try on at home, is hugely appealing. 

After checking their records from last year, Rosie at Coco Bay suggested that I might like to try the denim block bikini from Seafolly. It's new in and it is simple and un-fussy, with a sports luxe style. The bikini top has a little zip up the front which really appealed. Zips are starting to appear on sports bras too, so they are obviously becoming a bit of a "thing". I've linked to the whole range of denim block bikinis as there are a few options to choose from in terms of style but I'm wearing the bandeau bustier and the hipster bikini pant.

As to sizing, I wore a size 10  in both the bottoms and the top. The top is slightly padded and also underwired too, so it's great for anyone who needs a little more support in the bust area (I'll let you all read between the lines on that one!) It also has an optional strap. I wore the top today as a strapless bra under a dress and it didn't move an inch all day. In fact it's a much better fit than my "proper" strapless bra.

I remember when I used to read in magazines about spending more on swimwear and thinking how daft it was and that it couldn't possibly make a difference - but with these bikinis it does. True there isn't a lot of fabric in a bikini or a swimming costume but what there is, is firm, supportive and equally importantly, it stays in place. It's like there's some proper engineering that has gone into the bikini, especially the top with its padding and boning and the bandeau bustier top really does make a difference where other tops frankly, just fail (especially deep V shaped ones, which most seem to be). For anyone who spends a lot of time in swimming pools, the fabric also lasts better.

The cost of some clothing is extortionate. I never spend much on jeans but over the years I've come to the conclusion that I would definitely spend on swimwear. In fact to be honest it's just lovely to find a style that makes the best of what is left after three children!

In conjunction with Coco Bay I'm offering a 20% discount code.  Just enter the code  BETH20 at the checkout until the end of September and if you're even vaguely tempted I would say just try them. The returns are so easy and the team so helpful that it makes swimwear buying a really pleasant experience.