Featuring the perfect shirt dress - the Claudette dress by Allium B in a bespoke Liberty print...

Many of you will be familiar with the brand Allium B which is run by sisters, Mary and Clare, both of whom previously had successful careers in fashion.

After being convinced that there was a gap in the market for dresses aimed at those ladies who wanted that all important extra length and close attention to detail, in September 2011, Clare and Mary started developing the range. Allium B was launched in March 2012 and has gone from strength to strength in the intervening years.  Nearly three years ago now I interviewed Mary and Clare, asking them about the philosophy behind the brand and for anyone interested, you can read that interview here.

Over the past few summers I have featured Allium B dresses on Style Guile and I have loved wearing them all. I wrote about the Eliza (£95) dress here , the Hannah dress here and the Audrey dress here and when I was asked to feature the Claudette shirt dress (£125), one of Allium B's new styles, I didn't hesitate in saying yes.  A shirt dress is one of those wardrobe workhorses that will serve you well over the years in so many different ways.

The Claudette shirt dress is particularly special because Liberty commissioned a bespoke print especially for Clare and Mary, which has the Allium B flower in the design. And their dresses are now available for sale in the Liberty store, which must be hugely exciting for them.

The Claudette shirt dress comes with a fabric tie belt, three quarter sleeves and lends itself to being styled in a number of ways. Although I have opted for the more obvious dress route, it would work really well as a beach cover up, or as a tunic style top over skinny jeans - either undone or done up.

For anyone who would like to treat themselves to a lovely dress from Allium B, there's a 25% discount available to readers of Style Guile, using the code BESPOKE, which is valid until 20th June.

In the above photos I have styled the dress with a thin gold Reiss belt, Topshop shoes and a Jigsaw bag and sunglasses for quite a modern "City" look. Below I have swapped the bag to a Kausar one and the sparkly sandals are from Aldo, which gives the outfit more of a laid back summer look.

An outfit of 50 shades of blue, plus gems from a large ironing pile!!!

And for last night's evening out with Mr SG, out of the wardrobe of blue came ..... an outfit of blue! Now there's a surprise! The plan was to walk to the restaurant but it was drizzling slightly and because Mr SG doesn't do rain, or mud, for that matter, that plan was abandoned. However at least it meant that my trainers weren't lurking under the table in a plastic bag which they would have been otherwise - classy! The reason for my open toed shoes, despite the rain, was because a friend of mine and I went for a ridiculously long run in the rain yesterday and my toes were too sore to put any kind of going out shoes anywhere near them.

The only really current pieces from this outfit are the Lena jersey jacket from Whistles (£95) and the silk front sweater from Jigsaw (£89). Other than that I wore my New Look (magically expanding to fit any shape you are) skinny jeans and Mango block heeled shoes - I've seen similar ones all over the place this year to include Clarks (£49.99)

and Boden (£99) which also come in gold, tan, hibiscus and navy. The good thing about the Clarks ones is that for anyone who is uncertain about wearing an ankle strap, depending on your skin tone, they blend in pretty well so you avoid that leg chopping off effect. But then again I do love the blue ones from Boden.

I've said it before and I'll say it again but getting to the bottom of the ironing pile (or cupboard in our case) opens up a whole new wardrobe.  Today I re-discovered all manner of things I had forgotten about so whilst obviously there's now more blue in my wardrobe than there was before, there are also some other colours too. And some things have been there for so long that, having gone completely out of fashion, they have now come back in again. Result! (I might just do a whole week of posts on outfits that I found in the ironing cupboard!)

Printed Zara scarf - taking a winter outfit into spring!

 

I'm not quite sure how it came about but I decided to mix camo print GAP trousers with several layers, a Boden jacket and then a bright Zara scarf. Because the print in the trousers is fairly subtle, and because the colours in the scarf (apart from the bright yellow) are the same as those in the trousers and the bag, it just about got itself under the radar of fashion crimes.

This was the first time that I had worn the new Zara scarf and I really like it - it's huge and a bit wafty and soft - so very spring like - and you can see how much brighter it makes the whole outfit.

Here's a closer look at the layering that went on - an essential part of my everyday life until the thermometer hits at least 20 degrees! First on was the long cobalt Jigsaw top, followed by a slightly shorter black Zara jumper, followed by an even shorter Boden jacket - a sort of stepped approach to layering - and it really doesn't matter that the jacket is the shortest of those steps!

Today I spent the day walking around the Touchwood shopping centre in Solihull, choosing outfits for a two day style event that I am running there next weekend. Please do come and say hello if you are in the area. For anyone who likes chatting about clothes it will be the perfect opportunity to do so, plus the PR Company have come up with a great idea on how it should all look, so it's quite hi-tec and interactive.  

Anyway, here's something to leave you with which I read in the 6 year olds R.E. book at parents' evening - it made me laugh:

"Jesus gave up his life for everyone. I wud give up costud (custard) for Amelie."

I'm not sure that it is quite the same level of sacrifice but I think that the intention is good.

How to pull together a bit of this and a bit of that to make a new outfit (plus the 25% discount code for Whistles)

Today dawned vaguely sunny so I decided to wear a dress - which I then wore as a skirt, which kind of defeated the object but never mind.  Anyway, because it's so versatile I wore my Pia jersey dress from All Saints (no longer available but the Marilla dress by All Saints (£88) is pretty close) with a striped GAP top, cobalt blue GAP jumper, Kausar cobalt blue bag (sadly no longer available), Whistles scarf and M&S leopard shoes.

With a very fitted bottom half, I wanted a looser and more relaxed look on the top half, so this jumper fitted the bill and the cobalt blue in the scarf and bag tied the outfit together - but hopefully not in a too matchy-matchy kind of way. I like it when a variety of random items comes together to make a new outfit - it's a bit like conjuring up a new recipe for dinner -sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but I was happy enough with this ensemble.

Forgive me for bleating and tweeting about Whistles again but I just wanted to let you know that the Grazia offer has finally arrived and there's currently 25% off. If you're buying online, just quote the code WH25SS14. If you're buying in store, you will need the voucher from the magazine. If what you're after is showing as sold out, don't panic. Whistles has the most fabulous customer service department. Just email them at enquiries@whistles.co.uk with your query and they will let you know which store has the item you are after. You can then call that store and purchase over the telephone. A friend of mine has already used the service today with great success.

So far I've heard of people buying sweatshirts, tops and bags. What bargains (in the loosest sense of the word of course) have you bagged? I'm off to take a look now.....

The 12 outfits of Christmas - Day 12 - The animal flouro print shift dress and pom poms!

Rather than wearing this Warehouse printed shift dress with a jacket (a bit too smart) or a cardi (a bit too casual), today I wore it with my furry Primark gilet, which was very toasty and comfortable. When we went out I also wore Jigsaw shoe boots and this bright blue bag from Kausar (which is no longer available online but there is an email address for Kausar on her site, so she can always be contacted that way.) I like the size and shape of this bag, just because it's a little bit different.

I don't usually include pictures of the house but this scene made me smile. I was sitting down, my sister-in-law was reading mags and the boys were taking charge in the kitchen. I hasten to add that it was only a snap shot of the day and we did contribute significantly in other ways. For a start we ate the lunch!

The Christmas tree was decorated by the eldest, complete with tinsel and fake snow and she did such a good job. The first time that we did it, it was all a bit random - so one evening she took everything off, including the lights, and started again. Her individual efforts were so much better than our joint ones!

 This was a pressie to my husband last year. Ah, bless him.

It's pom-poms galore in our house this Christmas. They are so pretty that I would like to keep them up all year round. Selfridges in London had a whole floor devoted to them. I have no idea how many people they must have had to fluff them all up and how long it must have taken - but it must have been weeks. They are tricky little beggars - but the White Company "open the packet, unfold them and clip them round the back" ones are much easier - although not quite so much fun.

Hope that you are all still having a great Christmas. I'm starting to feel a little full....

Mum on the Run - New red shiny Topshop shoes and a story to make you all feel better....

Today's post was meant to be the "how to wear naturals" post but I'm interrupting it to bring you the news that I definitely should not be allowed out of the house. To anyone concerned about themselves, I am sure that this will make you feel better!

Today was one of those surreal days. It started off with us having to abandon the car to get to school because there was a fire on the High Street and all of the roads were cordoned off by the police. That in itself was odd for around here - the fire, not the roads being shut - although come to think of it, last time I went in to that particular shoe shop they didn't have much stock as it had all just been stolen. Say no more.

Then I when I was in Birmingham doing the returns from last week's event, I realised that I couldn't find my receipt for Zara and with nearly £500 worth of clothes to return, that had the potential to cause me some difficulty. I had visions of asking my friend to put it all on eBay for me to try and recoup the loss.  However the Manager, Leanne, really put herself out and having pleaded with head office they agreed to give me a full refund, which was astonishing. I said that I felt like hugging her but that would be in a little inappropriate but she said to go ahead anyway, so I did. So that too was all a bit surreal.

Finally, and this is the point at which I really felt like I had started to lose the plot, I found myself in the "Build a Bear Workshop" standing in front of the racks of clothes, debating which outfit to buy for our daughter's rabbit for our weekend away. Such was the pressure (self inflicted) to get it right, I nearly had a melt down. I'd far rather source a whole wardrobe for a client than choose an outfit for Daisy the rabbit .  Having spent more on a set of PJ's, slippers and a beach outfit for this rabbit than I have ever spent on our real, actual, proper, children I told the assistant that it was officially time to section me.  How I have managed to make it home, collect the children from school and cook their dinner, I have no idea.

Whilst all of the above was going on, this was what I was wearing - minus the new red shiny shoes which I bought today from Topshop - without incident I hasten to add.

NW3 blazer that I have had my eye on since last summer and which I recently bought in the sale at a drastically reduced price;

GAP high waisted skinny jeans which I fear are on their way out now - too comfortable, they must be losing their shape!

H&M neon T-shirt - a bargain at £7.99

Whistles scarf

Kausar cross body bag - required to keep receipts/credit cards etc safe and within easy reach whilst shopping!

 

Now, as to the shoes...

 

 

 

These are Topshop clog sandals (£45). I've always loved wooden soled shoes and had my first pair from Freeman Hardy and Willis (remember them) when I took a size 13. The pair after that were never as good as those first ones.

I've also had some pink Scholls but every time I tried to walk fast I walked out of them and did myself an injury. Anyway, I've had my eye on something like this for a while and liked a style that Topshop did a couple of years ago, as well as the range by Swedish Hasbeens for H&M last summer. None of them were quite right though but I loved the colour of these as soon as I saw them. The fact that whilst they have a heel on them they are easy to walk in is a real bonus for someone who would like to be just that little bit taller.

Mum on the Run - A Friday wish: Please, when will it be warm enough for me to wear this without freezing to death?

I just want to say a big hello and a big thank you to everyone who came along to the event last night in aid of Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer. It was a great evening with lots of chatting and laughter. I would imagine that there were probably one or two sore heads this morning, which is always a sign of a good night out.  

 

Crikey, it was cold today. These photos were taken just after we had arrived home from school, having run all the way back to get warm. We were due to go straight out again but not before the youngest nipped up to her bedroom to get her fleecy hat and gloves, which she needed as it promptly began to hail.

 

The sun lulled me in to a false sense of security before I went out for this afternoon's school run. Thinking that it would be fairly warm outside I wore a mac but that didn't cut the mustard at all and it will be relegated to the "not quite warm enough to wear yet" pile when I am packing for our weekend away in Brighton (which is what I should be doing now so I will quit wittering soon and get on)!

 

As to the rest of the outfit - having had two late nights in a row (I know, rad or what?) I felt that a walk to school would be good so really it went from the trainers northwards, to Hobbs jeans, a couple of lighterweight (ie not warm enough) jumpers, All Saints mac, Gap scarf, Kausar bag.

I think that the late nights were reflected in my pallor - either that or the new make-up that I have bought is too pale for me, which is a near impossibility, so I felt the need for colour, hence the scarf/bag/trainer combo.

Right, I had better go and get on with that packing now. Cheerio and I hope that you all have a lovely weekend.

Mum on the Run - Navy, sparkles and cobalt blue for a sunny spring day

After reading Trea's post on her Treasures n Pleasures blog on Friday, I was inspired to wear my Mango lace pencil skirt. I used to wear it a lot but haven't done so for a while, so it was time that it got an outing.

 

 

I stuck to an all navy scheme, the reason for which I can't really remember now but I suspect that it was something to do with it being easy. And warm. And comfortable. Sooooo predictable but then again I'm not a fan of being cold and uncomfortable - so I guess it works on some levels at least.

But then I wore Zara sparkly pumps and the lovely cobalt blue Kausar bag that I was given - just to stop it from being too flat.

I also wore a Reiss pea coat and Cos roll neck jumper. Really I just want it to be warm though so that I can wear all the summer clothes that I have in my mind to buy. It's a long list - a very long list - and in total a very expensive list, so perhaps it's better if the weather stays just as it is for a while longer. Or indeed forever, or else I think that I might have to start selling things - either bits of myself, or things on ebay. Who knows, perhaps other, even more, drastic steps are required. Drat that new Atterley Road brochure.

Mum on the Run - This one's electric (blue)! A beautiful bag from Kausar

There have been a lot of "oooohs" and "aaaahs" in this neck of the woods today, I can tell you. "What a lovely colour," "Is it both a clutch and a handbag?" "I bet you could fit an ipad in that" (you can - I checked).

 

The bag responsible for the "ooohs" and the "aaaahs" is the Electric blue Fenix bag from Kausar (£144) and I must say, all of the compliments are well deserved. The shape is fantastic and the colour stunning - in fact the colour is so great that the rest of your outfit could be totally pants and you could still get away with looking as though you had made an effort/it was intentional.

 

 

 

With the emphasis being on quality rather than quantity, Kausar makes a limited number of each style of bag and they are all designed in house. Because of that, the dimensions and colour can be varied upon request - which is handy for a handbag!

 

 

When I went out last night, I used the bag clutch style.  Oversized clutches are great to use and, strategically placed, they can hide a multitude of sins too.  The leather is beautifully soft and the bags are light.

 

Today I used the bag casually, cross body style. Up until now I haven't had a bag in this colour but I can see how versatile it will be. In this outfit it picks up the blue in this Whistles scarf but it will also work with darker winter coats - grey, navy, black, tan - take your pick.

This is another style of bag which I also really like - the Tiffany (£202.30). All of the bags have velvet inner linings and leather trim throughout, which makes them feel really special. Additionally, 10% of revenue from the bags is donated to a children's orphanage.

Kausar is looking to be stocked in stores and boutiques so if you are running a boutique and are interested in stocking these beautiful bags, please contact info@kausaronline.com

Now, Kausar have kindly said that I can keep this fantastic bag. However, I feel that it would be unfair to keep it just for me so, as with all things that are gifted to me, if anyone would like to borrow it - whether to blog about it or to use it for an event or just because they fancy trying it out - please let me know and I will send it over to you.