My favourite faux fur scarves...

I think that it's safe to say that there's some cold weather on its way. We've had pre-emptive letters from the schools warning of early closures and our son is positively ecstatic at the prospect of the trains not being able to run due to snow.

Over the years I have tried many items/coats/fabrics in the fight against the cold and what I can't work out is whether it's my imagination that tells me that fake fur is one of the best, or whether it's actually true. Does it so closely represent the real thing that it is actually really warm - despite being man made - or is it because it's quite heavy - or am I just making it up in my head?

There's one item that I own and whenever I wear it, people ask me where it's from. And this is it - a £16 fake fur grey scarf from Miss Selfridge which I bought when we still had a Miss Selfridge store.

I find that if my neck is warm, it helps with everything else too and it's definitely warmer than lots of scarves that I have. So here's a few of my favourites that are out and about.

First of all there's this White Company grey faux fur stole (now £49.30 instead of £69). I went and had a look at this one in the store yesterday and it's lovely. Really soft and long too so definitely one for the Christmas present list.

The other place that I have seen some gorgeous ones is Jigsaw

They have this Seraa faux fur scarf (£70) which also comes in a lovely cream colour and also in grey. Going off piste slightly, there's also this fabulous sheepskin scarf in Jigsaw (£98).

This is one of those pieces that's just really fun. It's hard not to put it on and smile at its slight craziness. And for something bright, look no further than Oasis for this amazing faux fur tippet (£25)

which also comes in navy (£25)

Oasis also has a faux fur scarf in grey (£25)

This Ted Baker scarf (from John Lewis £89) is only what can be described as "snazzy". It's a real eye catcher and the perfect way of brightening up darker winter coats and jumpers. I quite often wear mine in the house if I'm chilly - but it's not a good idea to go too near to a naked flame in them.

As an alternative to the one above, there's this bright blue scarf from New Look which is a brilliant price at £10.49. It also comes in pink too (below) - for those who don't want to blend into the background.

Hello - now that's what you call bright pink! 

Clearly I could go on all night with my faux fur scarves. I love them for their warmth, glamour (even when wearing scruffy jogging bottoms and a sweatshirt at home) and their pure snuggliness on a cold day.

Because Christmas is all about giving....or is it?

Christmas is all about giving and I understand that, really I do. But you know, if you're on your travels and you see a little something for yourself, or if you feel in need of a little addition to your wardrobe to perk it up for Christmas, then maybe I can guide you on your way. So far these are the things that I have bought for friends and kept for myself  think some of you might like....

I love these low court shoes with frill from H&M (£14.99). They won't break the bank and if you don't walk too far in them they probably won't break your feet either. They have such a cute block heel and I would wear these around the house at Christmas time instead of slippers. So whether I was in my trusty Me & Em joggers or beaten up jeans, I would still feel ever so slightly "put together."

Even if you're not a big fan of sparkle, a sparkly top coat of nail varnish is always fab over any colour - and it makes your nail varnish last longer too. Barry M diamond glitter from Super Drug (£2.99)  is brilliant. Another idea is a glittery liquid eyeliner. Topshop sell them (although not online) and I love putting mine over the top of my ordinary eyeliner. It's an easy Christmas make-up update.

I love these rings from H&M (£5.99). They can be worn on the upper and lower part of the finger. Sometimes it's just nice to try something a little bit different but which doesn't cost too much. Things like this give me a little "whoop whoop" in my stomach at least!

I love an ear cuff too. It means that you can have all the fun of an additional ear decoration without having another piercing. Claire's Accessories have a really great selection which I've linked to here but in particular I like this gold star cuff (£4.50)

And these are currently my most favourite socks EVER. They are the glitter star wars socks from Topshop (£3.50). I'm rubbish with Star Wars - I don't understand it and fall asleep when watching it but I feel that with these socks I'm no longer the Star Wars outcast of the family.

Some of my favourite presents have been ones that are personalised and I love giving them as gifts too. A great place for personalised stationery and notebooks is the aptly named Papier. They do a great selection of notebooks, such as this flamingo travel notebook (£12.99)

Or I really like leopard notebook (£12.99)

And finally, what more could a girl want than a pink fluffy bag? This one is the one that featured on the blog yesterday but it reminds me of the whole "pink fluffy pencil case" scenario in the Daisy, "Eat your Peas" books, which both of our girls loved. This bag is from River Island and costs £20

Or there's this navy blue furry bag from Skinnydip at Topshop (£28)

Oooh but before I leave, whilst we're on all things furry, how about some ugg sheepskin innersoles from Schuh (£18)? Whilst they seem the ultimate in the wholly unexciting and practical present, if you have a pair of wellies or trainers that are too big, or you own boots that are fine with thicker socks but not with tights (that might be me then) - these would be heaven. 

And finally, this is something that I have my eye on and absolutely love. It's the ultimate star from the White Company (£42). It's sold out online but I've seen plenty of them in our local store. And for me this wouldn't just be for Christmas - it could stay out all year round.  As one who has been looking at wall art for a while now, I have about 75 places I would love to put it! In this picture it's had some fairy lights woven through it but it's made of glass beads so it will catch the light without them.

We give so much to others at Christmas - both physically and emotionally - that it's important that we nurture ourselves too. And if that's not a fabulous excuse for treating ourselves to a pressie or two that we can wear/make lists in/look at whilst tidying the house/cooking the food/doing the washing etc - then I don't know what is!

They weren't a favourite and now they are. Fringed bags. Are you with me or not?!

When fringed handbags first came on the scene, I really didn't like them at all. They just didn't do it for me but as is sometimes the way with these things, they have steadily grown on me and now I'm on the look out for just the right one. Personally I prefer the softer shades of grey and camel - again I don't really know why that is but somehow I find them just a little less harsh than black ones.

This leather tassel hobo bag (£65) arrived in Topshop only this morning and the colour is gorgeous. The slight downside for me was that although the handle could be lengthened, it still wasn't long enough to be worn as a cross body bag. Also, whilst the fringing is 100% leather, the bag itself is made from nylon, which for its £65 price tag is not entirely surprising but I did feel a little bit conned when I rummaged under the tassels only to find grey nylon.

Now I've had my eye on this fringed suede bag from Mango (£69.99) for quite a few weeks. Today, whilst in Birmingham, I found it in our new Mango store. I gave it the good once over but decided to look a little further before making a final decision, namely at this one from....

....The White Company which is £129 (and which a friend expressly told me NOT to look at as I would fall in love with it. She may just be right.)  Although it's described as a clutch bag it also has a strap, so it can be worn as a cross body bag - and I do like having two hands free. It also comes in stone too, making it doubly lovely.

Mint Velvet has this gorgeous fringed cross body bag for £99 which is also a contender, although looking back over the photographs, I think that I prefer the ones with the flap over them.

And finally on my hit list, there's this equally gorgeous Jigsaw fringed cross body bag which is £98. I haven't yet seen this one in the flesh but I'm sure that it's only a matter of time.

So, I'll keep you posted. There are fringed bags anywhere and everywhere right now so do let me know if you spot a gem somewhere on your travels. Beth x

One of my favourite looks and how to recreate it for the spring....

I wanted to do a round up of the "luxury joggers" that are available at the moment - as opposed to the sweat pant variety. They are a really great trouser style, lending themselves to both a more dressed up look of a blazer and heels, or a casual look of trainers and a sweatshirt, or into the summer, sandals and a pretty blouse.

This style trouser is a really accessible trend to many and let's face it, there aren't that many variations on a trouser theme really are there?! The fact that they have some width in the leg makes them more flattering to those with curvier hips than, say, a skinny jean. However the fact that they nip back in at the ankle stops any of that wafting business and keeps them looking fresh.  So if you haven't considered them before now as an option, now might be a good time to do so. 

This is a photograph from December but it conveys the look fairly well and there's no point in reinventing the wheel.

I spotted these crepe joggers from Topshop (£40) earlier in the week. They are the same style as the ones that I am wearing above (and featured below) and what I like about them is the flat waistband at the front. Those with a gathered waist band can sometimes give the effect of a little pouching in the tummy area - where of course really there is none! They are a good, heavy fabric too, which I like.

I thought that I would also show you a rear view because, having a slightly higher waistband, they can give the impression of a larger bottom. The obvious thing to do is to have a top which comes half way down your bottom, effectively cutting it in half. So what I'm saying is, don't be put off if you just try them on with a vest. Get hold of a top with a bit of length at the back, grab some heels and have another go - or try them with a blazer.

For a top with some length at the back, something along the lines of this peony print jumper from Warehouse (£42)...

...or this floral print jumper from Warehouse (£42) would be a good bet, if you didn't want to go down the blazer route.

These are the tailored joggers from Topshop (£38). Again they are a good weight fabric and look much more expensive than their price tag. Being darker, they may work better for some than the lighter pair above. Also the bottom issue may be less of an issue in a darker colour!

For a printed version, there's these floral joggers Topshop (£35). They are great for those who prefer the attention to be directed towards their bottom half and again have the versatility of being able to be styled up or down.

The blurred neon print trousers Warehouse (£35) have a good splash of yellow in them, so they may be attractive to those who have a bit of a yellow thing going on at the moment. I've seen these in real life - not tried them on - but I am interested enough to go back for a closer look when I have the time.

These silk joggers The White Company (£120) are obviously a more expensive option but it's nice to know that they are there if there's a special event that you have in mind. I really think that they could make a nice option for a spring/summer wedding, just by way of a change.

This gives you an idea of how the White Company has styled them for a smarter look. I love it - it's simple, stylish, sophisticated and relaxed and it's such an easy look to re-create without being too try hard.

 

I think that this is one of those looks that's quite exciting in that you might look at and think: "I like it but I couldn't, could I? Or could I?" Well, the answer is yes, give it a go! It's one that could work for so many age groups and body shapes.

On the Run - Some Serious Saturday Style!

Today my lovely friend, Vicky, came to visit me and kindly agreed to let me take a photograph of her for Style Guile.  I met Vicky the first day that I started work in Birmingham in 1995 and we had many, many great lunchtime shopping expeditions before she eventually moved to Newcastle about nine years ago. However, we still meet a couple of times a year in Leeds for a shopping/eating/chatting day out and I look forward to those days so much.  Fortunately we have one coming up in May, so we are both very excited.

Vicky has the most incredible Wardrobe and is the Queen of Chic! She has a fabulous knack of mixing designer with high street and always looks totally polished and amazing.  She is an accomplished sale shopper and has a great eye not only for a bargain but also fantastic pieces.  She always has a very clear idea of what suits and what she is looking for and she doesn't settle for second best - if it's not exactly what she is after, it stays on the shelf.

The beautiful bag  that Vicky had with her today was from Patrick Cox but she also told me about a new site she has discovered from which she recently bought an orange leather bag for £40. Last summer she bought a linen suit for work from Primark and swapped the buttons for some John Lewis ones and I can imagine that she looked stunning in it. Her shoe collection is pretty impressive too and today she told me about her new Michael Kors ballerinas and also some pretty Dune flats too. 

Tomorrow I will be bringing you "Sunday Best" from the Wedding Show - I am very excited about going as I love weddings.  As our eldest was at our wedding, 9 months old and with a virus so crying constantly, I would love to get married again - to my husband, naturally!

Vicky's outfit today was:

Skinny side zipped jeans - Reiss
Top - Newcastle Boutique
Cardi - White Company
Shoes - Can't remember!
Bag - Patrick Cox
Scarf - Malene Birger

Mum on the Run - Red shoes

Another Monday, my favourite day of the week.  Our youngest and I did "the balls" followed by seeing a friend, pottering, cooking, going to ballet and getting the other two from school (all very mumsnet!)  I had put these red shoes away for the summer, but it was such a dull day that I thought a splash of colour wouldn't go a miss.  I layered a white shirt under a bat wing v neck jumper, added some straight jeans and I was done.  Not an accessory in sight but not to worry.

Shoes Kurt Geiger, jeans Gap, Shirt Zara, Jumper White Company

Mum on the Run - the pink Mulberry gets an outing

Oh what an evening!  Our disorganisation at getting the union jack bunting for the wedding tomorrow meant that we ended up with the stuff that no-one wanted - the England flag - and now our house looks like it is inhabited by football hooligans. 

Our eldest made red cupcakes for our street party but ran out of red food colouring so they are pink.  She wanted me to take her out to get more food colouring but as I had had some gin I wasn't going to drive - and come to think of it nor was it too bright a thing to do prior to going to a yoga class.  On returning from the yoga class I had to tidy the kitchen which I swear had every bowl, implement and utensil known to man all over the worksurfaces and the floor is somewhat sticky.  Her and that flippin' balloon whisk again!

Our son had a friend round whose Grandma happened to have won Wimbledon some years ago.  On asking him whether he was any good at tennis he responded to the effect that he would be if his Grandma could be bothered to get her finger out, stopped walking the dog and gardening and taught him how to play tennis.  Well it was a concise answer I suppose.

So to the clothes - it was suprisingly cold this morning so I layered a silk printed blouse with a bow under a bat wing jumper and added navy trousers and gold wedges.  I also wore a trench coat which kept the chill out until it warmed up. Having finally braved treating the pink Mulberry it too came out for an outing.  Its size and strap length are really good when shopping.

In answer to last night's "thought for the day" I decided that I am really lucky and that I don't need either more or less of anything - but if I could only look how the mirror in French Connection (Birmingham)makes me look then I would just be a tinier bit happier.  It just stretches me out a bit! Go take a look some time.  Have a great day tomorrow.

Mum on the Run day 30 - Pinky but not so perky

I knew that today had the potential to be tricky.  After too many late nights I am tired (and it shows!) I had a meeting first thing and although I didn't need to be overly smart as it was a work meeting I wanted to make an effort.

I hadn't planned what I was going to wear but as I fell asleep last night I had the words in my head "keep it simple".  So I did - navy trousers, navy long sleeved top layered under my navy v neck bat wing jumper.  Can't get much simpler than that! Then I stuck on a long necklace, a bright coat and added my heeled ankle boots and Marc Jacobs bag - which I ought to swap but I love it and anyway I didn't have time!

Now that I am home for the afternoon with our youngest I have swapped the trousers and boots for jeans and converse and the necklace has long gone.

Outfit: Trouser and long sleeved top Cos, Jumper White Stuff, Boots Oasis, Necklace Jigsaw, Coat Benetton, Bag Marc Jacobs

Mum on the Run day 20 - High Jinx

What a beautiful day it was today and for me that can only mean one thing - being outside.  Monday is my day off with our youngest, so we can usually be found swimming, at the park or at home baking.  We did the baking but today swimming was abandoned in favour of the Botanical Gardens and later the park.  This was followed by a trip to ballet and then walking to school to collect one of the other two.

There was a lot of pressure on today's outfit - I needed to be able to walk a long way comfortably; I needed  to be cool enough after pushing the pushchair up hills but warm enough to walk back from school at 5.00pm when the temperature had dropped.  I tell you, those stars in LA have it easy - constant temperature plus never walking anywhere!

So the footwear had to come first and I felt that it was time to dig out the faithful pink converse.  They have served their time but they are still a firm favourite.  Gap jeans together with two long sleeved tops layered on top of one another (one pink stripes, one plain grey) a navy v-neck jumper and my cream leather jacket did the job for me today.  I also added a spotted scarf (which double up as mittens for the youngest on the way home) and a cocktail ring -which is completely out of sight!  I got as far as taking off the jacket whilst walking but the rest stayed firmly on.  Nothing could persuade me to lose another layer - not even the people wearing shorts!

Outfit: Shoes: Office, Jeans Gap, Striped top Gap, Grey top Jigsaw, Navy jumper White Company, Jacket Oasis, Scarf Boden