Re-visiting the Acne pistol boot - a definite wardrobe hero...

Recently I received an email from someone I've worked with for many years, who told me that she had finally treated herself to some Acne Pistol boots. She had coveted them for many years and in line with her New Year's resolution of buying fewer things, but things that she really loved, she had at last taken the plunge. I work with many women, some who are so desperate with the state of their wardrobe and their body image that they are close to tears, so it's always lovely to hear from someone who is thrilled with something that they have bought.

Acne Pistol boot

Coincidentally on the same day, I had decided to wear my own version of the Acne Pistol boots, these being the Sweep by Kurt Geiger (now so old they don't make them any more!) 

I realised that I hadn't worn them all winter and that this year I had instead been wearing black boots a lot, probably because I have quite a lot of grey jumpers. However I fancied a brown and navy combination and on wearing them I was reminded of why they are such a good style. The shape of these boots is flattering on the foot, with a nicely rounded - but not too rounded - toe. The heel is solid and a good height, getting that perfect balance between leg elongation without tottering. And whilst now is not really the time of year to be writing about boots, people wear them well into the spring and summer with shorts and pretty dresses too. Plus the weather is still pants and I can't think of wearing much else on my feet other than boots. Or perhaps flippers. 

So as to some other options which are currently available, should anyone feel the need to add a pair of ankle boots into their wardrobe, as opposed to sandals or flip flops, or indeed flippers.

The Kurt Geiger Tanga are currently reduced from £150 to £89. They don't look significantly different to the Sweep style, other than perhaps being slightly less chunky. 

The Dune Pollie (£99) are also a good choice and they come in navy, tan and burgundy as well as black.

The Dune Phillie (£135) are my current favourites. They have a lovely texture to them. Slightly beaten up and a bit scaly/reptile like. Selling them well aren't I? But seriously they are worth a closer look. They are from the Dune Black range which has some real gems in there. They also come in tan but the finish on those is a flat leather, rather than a textured finish.

For my money, the Pistol boots have earned their fashion stripes and despite detractors who felt that they wouldn't be here to stay, I think that they will be. The reason? As with many other classics such as breton tops, cashmere jumpers, trench coats, loafers, cigarette style pants, skinny jeans, diamond studs, a well cut white shirt, the list goes on....they just work. And after putting my (copies) back on after a year or more off, I could see that - or more probably feel it - as plain as day.

• 
  

  
• • 
    

    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
• 
  

  
• 
  

  
• 
  

Smartening up the pink front door and two practical, but lovely, sandal options reflecting the orthopaedic trend...

I've had to abandon today's planned post because technology is not playing ball as it should. However instead, I'm bringing you this photo of the pink front door having its annual tart up. Each year I canvas opinion from the family as to whether we should change the colour and each year I receive the same answer. A resounding "No", even from the boys. So pink it will remain, as it has done so for the past 11 years.

Instead of any outfit shots, I thought that I would bring you two things which I'm currently coveting and which reflect the colours on the front door.

The two brands that I've featured below are favourites of mine due to their good price and fab styles and if you haven't done so already, I would recommend taking a closer look at them.

Miss KG pink sandals (£55) - chunky and slightly orthopaedic but still with that element of pretty/girlie which I can't help but be attracted to.

Aldo Draedia sandals (£50) - again chunky and orthopaedic but this time in silver (OK so we don't have a silver front door but the postbox and lock are silver(ish)) which, predictably, appeals to the girlie/magpie in me. The good thing about Aldo shoes is that the 4's and 5's - and maybe a few others, also come in half sizes.

I'm liking the thought of these sandals on a number of levels - comfort and price included but also because they will give some much loved items that I already own a bit of a facelift. And we could probably all do with one of those from time to time!

A couple of M&S beauties (including some nightwear) and a compliment....or not?!

Following on from my last post, I didn't get an opportunity to get a photo of what I wore on Saturday whilst working with M&S but the only thing that I substituted was the top and I wore this Kimono top (£29.50). It's a lovely silky fabric, not too clingy, not too long, lovely wide sleeves and a pretty print. It also comes in the M&S blossom print (£29.50).

The top comes up on the generous side but I managed with the size 8. It's a great top to throw on to smarten up a pair of jeans or to wear to work without the need for a fussy blouse or the faff of ironing a shirt. If you feel that it might be limited in its appeal because of its wide sleeves, which might make wearing a jacket tricky, rest assured, you can get plenty of layers underneath it!

Whilst perusing the undies and nightwear section, I came across this lovely range of nightwear...

This is the M&S neon embroidered short set (£25) - which I might just have bought. I love shorts and a top for the summer and as this is 100% cotton it will keep me cool on those boiling hot summer nights, which are of course on the way now that the clocks have changed (!)

The range also contained this M&S neon embroidered chemise (£17.50), together with a wrap which doesn't appear on line but which is definitely in store.

This range also appealed to the navy fan in me...

M&S ikat print short (£12.50) - I didn't see a printed top in store or on-line but I recall that they were being sold with a navy vest top.

There's also the M&S Ikat print chemise (£16)

And the M&S Ikat print wrap (£19.50). It's easy to neglect our nightwear but one or two new pieces can make your wardrobe feel complete. Of course it's much easier when you find something that you would be happy to wear as outerwear too - either because of the print or colour - and for me these tick that box perfectly.

So, recently I've had a couple of conversations that have got me thinking about getting older - not that it bothers me I hasten to add, I just count myself lucky to still be around. Both conversations have made me smile. Both were meant to be compliments. But I think that one was slightly more successful than the other.

First conversation:

I was taking our eldest to an interview for a sixth form place at a local grammar school. On walking in, the receptionist looked at our daughter and asked her to sign in. She then looked at me and said: "Mom, it is Mom isn't it? I didn't like assume because you look too young to have a 16 year old daughter. Can you just wait here please?" Now that was a good compliment.

Second conversation:

This took place with someone who was working on the loyalty event with me at M&S this weekend. She told me how she had been for a casting with QVC to sell a range of clothing but that she hadn't been successful because she was too young and too glamourous. And then her exact words to me were: "You would be perfect for it though." Hmmm. The conversation then turned to my age and when I told her that I was 44, she commented that she really was surprised to hear that I was quite as old as that. Once again. Hmmmm.