A Lotta Love

I am really in love with my Lotta From Stockholm clogs.  I bought them last summer, but didn't feel confident enough to wear them very much.  However, in the last few weeks, whenever the sun has popped out, I've decided to wear my clogs and they are quickly becoming my "Happy Shoes".

I think what has most surprised me about these clogs is how comfortable they actually are.  They are slightly differerent to walk in due to being made from wood - obviously they don't flex when you walk.  So, you do have to walk in a more "clompy" fashion.. but it isn't hard to do, and honestly, they are some of the most comfortable shoes I own!

I wore them all day on Saturday.  We walked from our house to the seafront and back again - a good 45 minute walk each way and a lot of standing up in between.  My feet were fine.  No rubbed toes, no achy legs.  I wore them again yesterday, walking around Bristol.  Again, no pain afterwards.

Lotta From Stockholm

They are now my favourite choice for the school run as long as the weather is dry.  They lift my spirits and make me feel less drab.  I certainly don't feel like a slummy Mummy in them!

If you've ever considered a pair but been worried about how wearable and comfortable they'd be, I'd say don't worry, go for it.  You can wear them all year round -  it's not that warm at the moment so I'm wearing them with tights.  Personally, I think they look best when worn with tights for an even bolder look!

Linking up for Real Mom Style and What I Wore Wednesday.

Clouds go away, Clogs come out!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Breath deep! Breath it in! Can you smell it? Nooooo! Don't be disgusting!  I know I have three males in my house, but NO! I'm talking about Spring.  Can you smell it in the air?  It may be only March, but "officially" it's Spring and today it really feels like it.

The clouds have blown away, the sky is blue and the sun is out.  It's not warm.  Of course not.  But, I can feel the sunshine on my face, smell the sweetness that comes with Spring just around the corner.  Hurrah!

To celebrate, my Lotta From Stockholm clogs have been on my feet for the school run.  I adore these shoes.  For me, these are heels.  I don't really do heels.  Despite being short, I just prefer flats or small heels.  I like to be able to walk and stay comfy.  That's what's so good about these shoes though.  They are surprisingly comfortable.  I say surprisingly because, well, clogs always look quite heavy and clompy.  You won't believe me until you try some though!

Lotta From Stockholm

Something I really love about these clogs is how good they look with brightly coloured tights.  Something which is great for someone like me who has more pairs of tights than there are raisins in a Sunmaid multipack!  I think coloured tights really make them pop.

I've also been rocking my new coat from (shhhh) Tesco!  This coat looks waaaaaaaaaay more pricey than it was. Half price in their sale at £25 but with some clubcard vouchers, it cost me less than £10!! Total bargain.  I love how it looks - it's very striking.  I wish it had pockets though.

Lotta From Stockholm Clogs.  Tesco F&F Coat

Hat - Charity Shop

Coat - F&F Tesco

Dress - Primark

Tights - New Look (very old!)

Clogs - Lotta From Stockholm

I do love some bold colours and patterns!

I'm linking up this post with Thrifty & Chic Mom for the Real Mom Style linky and Transatlantic Blonde for WIWW.

Caitlin Charles-Jones for George at ASDA

Buying your clothes in the supermarket.  It's not glamerous, is it, but it's very handy!  These days it's much improved as well and you can really pick up some fantastic stylish bargains.

I was shopping at ASDA online last week, needing a new step stool for the Ethan to use, and I thought I'd take a look at the latest clothing.  I came across a knitwear range by Caitlin Charles-Jones who had won the knitwear award at the Graduate Fashion Week.  Her collection jumped out of me - very bold colours and simple designs with a geometric flare.  ASDA listed some amazing knit dresses, but unfortunately, they didn't have my size.  I decided to plump for an orange jumper and a black panel dress.

On picking up my order from my local store, I excitedly rushed home - the clothes did not disappoint!

I've worn the panel dress once, it was comfy and looked fantastic with leggings.  Today however, I am rocking my orange jumper.  I love it.  It's a perfect mix with my zigzag leggings and it really lifts my mood.  It suits the sunshine that has popped out today!

I hope Caitlin brings out another range with ASDA or they get more stock of the dresses - one thing is to sure, she's on my "to watch" list!

Linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde for What I Wore Wednesday.

Keeping warm with Joules

Sometimes, I think the designers at Joules live in my head.  They have such a way with pattern and colour, it really speaks to me!

I'd love to be able to buy a whole heap of clothes from Joules, but unfortunately, we're on a limited budget.  I recently sold a heap of baby clothes, shoes and some of my old clothes on eBay and once my profits were happily in my paypal account, I decided to treat myself to some winter essentials from Joules.  If I can't afford to buy dresses, socks and tops from them, I can at least get my winter essentials from them!

So, what are my winter essentials?  Well, I love a good pair of wellies but my pair from last year are still going strong (they were Joules actually, pheasant print.  Adore them!).  I have a warm coat.. what I needed was a new gilet/body warmer.  I have always loved the ones sold by Joules, so I knew that was going to be my first purchase.  Then, to compliment and update my winter wardrobe I decided some knitwear would be a good idea, a new hat and maybe some gloves.  Want to see what I chose?

Charmwood Gilet - £79.95

Calin bobble hat - £17.95

Chocoway gloves - £19.95

I asked for opinions on Instagram at first with regards to the gilet.  I loved the colour, a nice bold mustard yellow and the contrasting blue & white stripes inside the hood, but I wanted to make sure people thought it looked OK on!! The consensus was good though.

I love the new hat and hand warmers.  The hat is really snug and looks cute on.  Love the pompom detail as well.  The hand-warmers tie the look together.  What I really like about hand-warmers is that you can put them over other gloves for an extra layer.  I find they work really well over leather gloves because leather gloves aren't too bulky but sometimes they benefit from some extra warmth!

There are so many more items I could pick from Joules, but my budget is limited!

Are you treating yourself this winter?  What are your winter essentials?

Linking up with Rachel and Lena for the Passion for Fashion linky.

Staying stylish in pregnancy

It's damn hard work, staying stylish in pregnancy.  For one thing, you are often tired and body confidence isn't exactly at it's peak.  Secondly, maternity clothing doesn't tend to be very varied.  Thirdly, often being in anything other than a loose dress or leggings can be uncomfortable.

I have some beautiful maternity clothing, but some of it is too special to be worn day to day (a couple of dresses for example) and some of it looks fantastic but feels uncomfortable when on (maternity jeans seem to fit into this catagory).  Day to day, from a  point of practicality and comfort I end up in layers of maternity tights/leggings and a long top or skirt and top.  It's not very exciting and I am getting a little bored!! It doesn't make for very exciting style blogging either!

Any maternity clothing companies out there reading? HELP ME!!!! I would LOVE to find "the perfect" pair of maternity skinny jeans.  I've got loads of pairs but all of them fall down throughout the day and pulling up jeans all day just drives me mad.

This is literally what I'm wearing right now, these photos taken when I got back from taking Ethan to preschool:

Jacket - Joules (non maternity - thankfully still fits over bump!)

Bag - Marc Jacobs

Beret - H&M

Purple top - Topshop maternity from 2009

Skirt - H&M non maternity, a few sizes bigger than normal

Tights - H&M Mama

Socks - H&M

Boots - Wrangler

It's a darn good thing I can still fit my rain coat over my bump.  It's my "practical" rain coat... My beautiful patterend Boden rain jacket doesn't do up over my bump.  I miss it!!!! This one is quite warm as well as being waterproof and it's very very handy seeing as it's been super rainy over the last few days.  That's the other thing that doesn't help bump-wear.  The weather.  It's cold and it's wet so I have to wedge myself into soooo many layers.  If it were warm I'd be swanning about in a maxi dress and birkenstocks.  Now that would be comfy!  Roll on spring...

I popped into Asda this morning and spotted this cute little top for £2 so got that for baby two... Well, it was only £2!

Baby top - Asda

Jewellery - All from Stella & Dot which you can buy via me!

Before I sign off, I just want to mention my linky Trendy Tuesday.  If you've not heard about it before and you're a style blogger with trendy children then this is the linky for you!  It's held here on my blog every Tuesday and all you have to do is link up a blog post showcasing your trendy children.  Simple!

I'm linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde & The Pleated Poppy.

Isabella Oliver Maternity Wear

When I was pregnant with Ethan, I lusted over Isabella Oliver but never got round to treating myself to any.  With this pregnancy I was planning to remedy that.  As it turns out, I got very lucky and Isabella Oliver offered to send me a top to flaunt around my blog.

My word.  I'd always heard good things about Isabella Oliver maternity wear, but  I can honestly say that it is with good reason!  I opted for a fairly basic looking top in an army green type shade.  Nothing in your face.  I was tempted by the well known wrap tops that made Isabella Oliver famous but having read up on them, whilst they were no doubt very flattering, most women commented that they were a little high maintenance and best used for more special occasions.  I wanted something that could be dressed up or down.  I chose a v shaped neckline because I already have large boobs and don't want them to look any bigger (which a higher neckline tends to do).

When I received my package (which was received very quickly) it was beautifully wrapped.  It does make you feel a little special!  These little touches do help!

This is a top that definitely says more on than it does off.  But once it's on.  WOW.  I can say hands down that this is the most comfortable maternity top I've ever had the pleasure to wear.  It clings to your curves and bumps but only accentuates them.  The ruching affect is incredibly flattering serving to hide bumps and lumps.  I can see how this top would grow with you as your bump grows.  Despite clinging to my body, it doesn't feel restrictive.  It really stays in place as well.  My top covers my bum which is very handy, I feel comfortable wearing it on it's own with leggings.  The best thing is that it just stays put!  I can relax and not feel I have to keep tugging it over my bum.

Isabella Oliver Maternity "Poppy Top" in khaki green - RRP £55 but currently £33 in the sale

I honestly did not expect to be this impressed with what essentially looks like a basic top.  I will be sad when my bump is gone and the top too big.. what I'm hoping though is that it'll still come in handy (hello, Christmas dinner!!).   I think due to the v neckline it'll be a handy breastfeeding top.

Isabella Oliver, you have rocked my world!  Any pregnant ladies reading, get yourself over there, there's a sale on at the moment!!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Lily Among Thorns, Not Dead Yet Fashion & Sunday Style.

WIWW - stripy bump

Does anyone else find maternity trousers/jeans uncomfortable and annoying?  No matter what style or where I buy from I seem doomed to pulling up trousers all day long.  Whether they are over the bump or under the bump, it's all the same.  It's starting to drive me mad and I'm only half way through this pregnancy!!! Can anyone recommend a brand?  I've got maternity jeans from Topshop, ASOS, Next, M&S, H&M.  They all do the same thing. Grrrrrr!!!

On another note, I'm getting on much better with maternity tops, they are much more comfy!! I got myself a new "basic" from H&M this week, along with a pair of maternity "treggings" (before you ask, yes they are falling down).  Love the top, it's a nice fit and stripes are a firm fave of mine.  Love the colour of the treggings.  Don't love having to pull them up all day :(

Top - H&M Mama

Treggings - H&M Mama

Coat - Red Herring Maternity (Debenhams)

Uggs - Cloggs.co.uk

Necklace - Stella & Dot (you can buy Stella & Dot via me)

If it weren't for the "pulling up" issue with these trousers, this would be a perfect maternity outfit for me.  As it is.. it's not bad I suppose.  Love it all in theory.. could just do without the discomfort.  This pregnancy is uncomfortable enough as it is!!

Linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde and The Pleated Poppy.

18 week bump - definitely showing.

A quick quick post.... I'm 18+4 now and there is no way you can fail to notice... This week was the first time I ventured out without a coat/jacket covering my bump and as a result my neighbours have started to notice!!! Funny.... Yes, the secret is fully out, the bump is on show.

I think once your bump pops out a bit it starts to get a bit easier to dress it... before that you're stuck in a no mans land where you're a bit too big for your normal clothes, but your bump isn't showing enough for it to be obvious that you're pregnant so you just feel kind of dumpy and don't know what to wear.. I think I'm coming out of that phase now.  I'm still wearing a mixture of maternity and non-maternity.  Generally speaking, I need maternity wear on my lower half, so it's mat jeans and tights.. Many of my dresses and tops still fit over the top quite happily.  It's quite a nice halfway house.  This is my fave look of the week so far... sorry I'm in the loo again!

Tights - Mama @ H&M

Boots - Kensington Uggs via Cloggs.co.uk

Dress - Primark (last year)

Cardi - New Look (earlier this year)

Belt - ebay

Snood - Primark

Hat - H&M (last year)

I've loved finding this dress at the back of my wardrobe... I didn't love it on me before being pregnant (despite adoring the print) but I feel it works really well over the bump, even if it makes the bump look bigger!! H&M Mama tights are a staple... they aren't toooo expensive and seem to be great quality.  I have 3 pairs and layer them up when it's cold.  Best of all are my Uggs though.  I really do love these.  I cannot believe how well they are coping with rain, they haven't stained and have remained watertight.  LOVE them. Comfy and warm as well....

Linking up with the lovely Transatlantic Blonde today :)

Bump Fashion - week 15

Slowly I'm getting over this horrible cold and finding a little more energy to dress nicely again.  Thought I still feel like living in PJs really..  I can't bring myself to drop Ethan at preschool or do the food shopping in them though!! I've seen people who do and I'm not a fan... Anyway, I digress.. Today I'm going to show you the other pair of skinny jeans I got from ASOS:

Stripe vest top - Asda

Plain vests - H&M

Batwing top - New Look

Maternity Jeans - ASOS

Kensington Ugg Boots - Cloggs.co.uk

Necklace - charity shop

I love the colour of these jeans, just as I love the green pair.  It's so lovely not to feel drab and dowdy when pregnant.  The only issue I have with both pairs is that they tend to get baggy and fall down.  I'm not sure if that's because I need a size bigger because the legs are quite thin/tight so maybe not staying up as well as they could.  I used the adjustable sides to make them as tight as possible at the top which helps a little but they aren't perfect.  Perhaps I'll buy another pair and try the next size up just for comparison..  For £11 though I'm happy with them.

What do you think of this top?  It's not a maternity top.  It is a bit of an odd item I think, a bit like a net bag or string vest.  I like it enough though.  It's working quite well with my bump I think because it's baggy.  I can wear it over tight vests/tops but not feel like I'm shoving my bump in everyone's face!  It was only a fiver so worth it.

Again I'm rocking my Kensington Uggs from Cloggs.  I am really really loving them.  Over a week of wearing them and they are so comfy and so cosy.  I was wearing them today walking to and from preschool and was very glad of my toasty toes.  They are coping well in rain showers as well.  Love them.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde today :)  Thanks for reading!

Bump makes an appearance

I am so relived that we've been able to tell everyone our news this week because I have been having a hard time disguising my bump!  It's almost impossible now, unless I have a baggy top or coat on.  This being my second pregnancy, things are popping out much sooner and MY BOOBS ARE VAST!!!  They aren't small normally, but they are crazy now.

I'm struggling a lot with the comfort virsus style factor at the moment.  I need the help of pregnant fashionistas (or failing that, ASOS Maternity to take sympathy on me, sponsor my blog and offer me a few gorgeous outfits to stomp around in - beg beg!!).  Talking of ASOS, have you seen their maternity selection?  I am in serious lust.  Most places offer a few pairs of skinny jeans (standard denim blue and black) some leggings, a pair of tights, some bump bands, a couple of basic tees and maybe a dress.. that's about it!! ASOS have normal fashionable clothes but with bumps in mind! Love it...

These are on my want list:

                  

                  

I could go on... there are so many items of clothing I love on there.  This is the kind of maternity wear that makes me feel excited about my changing shape.  Most maternity wear makes me want to close my eyes whilst running off a cliff shouting "lalalalalalalaaaaaaaaa".  I am going to be getting at least one pair of bright maternity skinnies for sure.

Anyway, in the meantime, I'm making do with what I have.  I don't love much of the mat wear I have from last time.  Just a few pairs of skinnies and a few tees.  The rest of it mings a bit.  I'm trying to stretch normal clothing (haha) as far as I can for now...

I won't be able to for much longer though.  Thank goodness my Mum has given me my Christmas money early.  I'm broke and I need a maternity coat and a few other essentials SOON!!

Dress - charity shop

Cardi - New Look (last year)

Belt - ebay

Tights - H&M Maternity

Shoes - Matalan

Bling - Stella & Dot

Broach - from a street sale

Linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde and The Pleated Poppy.

Thanks for reading!  Don't forget that I'm planning a giveaway when I hit 100 subscribers, so if you want to be in with the chance to win some Stella & Dot bling, subscribe away!!

Cosy Winter Hat - WIWW

Hello there style buddies!! Are you keeping warm?  I got myself the cosiest winter hat the other week and it's been very useful ever since.  It's not quite so cold today, but we had a frost the other morning and whilst we were away at the weekend, parts of the UK were hit by a snow storm!  We missed it by a few miles only, just got hail instead, but it was still very much hat weather.

Do you like my new shirt.  It's not "proper" new, I got it on ebay, but I'm pleased with it.  I like the pattern, quite timeless, but also very in at the moment!

Hat - M & Co

Coat - ebay (a few years ago)

Shirt - ebay

Vests (underneath) - H&M

Belt - New Look (old)

Jeans - Primark

Boots - C.A.T

Charm Necklace - Stella & Dot

I still love my faithful winter duffel coat, it's bright and cosy, but I think this year might be the year I get a replacement.  Or at least something new.  I'm not quite sure yet.  I was looking at Modcloth, but I'm worried about paying a huge customs charge (a postie told me recently that all packages coming in from the USA are being lumped with big customs charges). So... I'm not sure, I'm looking around.  Ideally, I want something bright, an orange, purple, green or blue.  Something like that!

I've reached 71 subscribers via google reader now which is fantastic - just a little reminder that when I get to 100 I'll be doing a Stella & Dot related giveaway!! So, if you want to be in with a chance, subscribe!! :-D

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy & Transatlantic Blonde.

What I Wore Wednesday - New (old) boots

On Friday Ethan and I were in Nailsea visiting my parents and decided to trawl through all the charity shops there.  We found some fantastic bargains, but I think the best find was a pair of Wrangler boots for £4.99.  Suede and in excellent condition.  I had to snap them up!  They have a heel but are actually very comfortable to wear.  I wore them all afternoon on Sunday and they remained comfortable.

Dress - MOST by Smafolk via bebaboo.com

Necklace - Olivia Bib Necklace by Stella & Dot

Cardigan - New Look (last year)

Belt - New Look (old)

Leggings - Asda

Boots - Wrangler via charity shop

I really do love this dress.  It looks like a sack unless you wear a belt, but with a belt I love it.  The print on it is sooooo cute.  I think it worked really well with my new (old) boots.  I do think it needs a statement necklace thought!  I think this outfit is quite smart for a Sunday doing nothing much, but it was all very comfortable, so I was happy :)

As you can tell from my photos, I was "haunted" by Ethan the helpful ghost.  Bit freaky isn't it!  Must be because Halloween is around the corner.

Have you snagged yourself any good second hand bargains lately?  I couldn't do without charity shops these days - about the only place I can afford to shop!!

Linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde and The Pleated Poppy for WIWW.

Getting back into the swing of things..

Blogging has really taken a back seat over the last few weeks.  Obviously I took a planned break when we were at Centerparcs, but when we got back, I was ill and this week Ethan has been ill.. with all that illness and a few other things thrown into the mix, I'm afraid I've been very slack and have been neglecting my blog.. even my emails are going a bit crazy.  I'm trying to get back into things now.

I'll start off with something nice and simple.  What I Wore Wednesday.  This is literally what I wore today.  We didn't leave the house much, just for a stroll after lunch to retrieve Ethan's wellies from preschool.  I went for a nice warm Autumn look...

Jumper dress - New Look (at least two seasons ago)

Gilet - Joules (last year)

Leggings - Asda

Socks - Primark (last year)

Snood/scarf - Primark

Boots - Sugar Shoes

Kalahari Bangle - Stella & Dot

This jumper dress is an Autumn/Winter staple of mine.  Very cosy and snug, it also has a gorgeous Nordic style pattern which I love.  I'm afraid you can't really make out the pattern on my socks, but it's very similar, just different colours!

I found this snood in Primark at the weekend.  I was queueing up to buy a few pairs of PJs I'd spotted for Ethan when I noticed this had been dumped by someone else.  It cried out to me "Pick me up! Take me home with you!"  As I had robins around my neck, I thought I'd bring out my birdy/owl boots.  These boots have been with me for years now.  They are a little tired, but I love them.  The print has to be one of my favourites EVER.  Just soooooo cute!

Can you spot my Stella & Dot bling?  I recently invested in a Kalahari Bangle which comprises of two zebras.  I like to think they are kissing!! Love it.

Linking up with all the usual suspects today, Transatlantic Blonde & Pleated Poppy.

Hopefully this is me getting back to my usual blogging form now... fingers crossed!

Styling the School Run with Lands' End

The fabulous people at Lands' End contacted me recently and asked if I would like to take part in their Bloggers Style Project.  Of course I said yes!  I couldn't type out my reply quick enough!

Lands' End asked me to choose a dress from their Autumn dress range to showcase on my blog.  I have to admit it was difficult to choose.  I could have gone for any of the gorgeous dresses on there.  In the end, I decided to go for something with a bold pattern.  I love bold patterns, I'm pretty much "known" for them.  Can you guess what I chose?  I went for the floral print jersey wrap dress.

Image source: Lands' End website

The customer service was excellent and my dress arrived quickly.  I was chomping at the bit to get to it, so it's just as well the dress arrived quickly!  Once my package arrived and I opened up, I wasn't disappointed.  At first look, the pattern just jumps out of you.  On first touch, I fell in love.  This dress is so soft and comfortable!  I couldn't have been happier.  The idea of this challenge was to choose a dress suitable and versatile enough to become the linchpin of a "school run" outfit.  Something you would be comfortable and happy in, something you could style in different ways but a dress in which you would still be stylish.  For me, this dress has all boxes ticked!

It has to be said that perhaps it isn't as versatile as some of the other dresses Lands' End stock, due to it's length, shape and pattern, but I still feel you can change your look.  Different shoes/boots, different jewellery, a jacket, a cardigan, a bright pair of tights for a flash of colour.  I feel this dress could easily become evening wear as well.  Something stylish yet comfy to wear to a dinner party in I feel!

I have worn this dress several times now.  I mostly team it with a pair of boots, I think that's how it looks best, though I have worn low heeled pumps and flats as well.  I feel this dress really needs a belt and preferably a big one.  It helps to emphasise your figure!  Important when there's a whole lot of pattern going on. Talking of pattern,  I love the way it contrasts with my autumn jacket and my statement jewellery works brilliantly with it.  Time and time again though, I'm just bowelled over by how soft and comfy it is to wear!  I've washed this dress a couple of times now.  It washes well, retains it's shape, dries quickly and looks just as good as before.

Couldn't get Alfie to stay out of shot...

When wearing this dress, I have received compliments, particularly about the pattern!  My Mum mentioned that I "looked lovely" in it.  I'm very very happy with this dress - I bet that's clear now!

Thank you so much, Lands' End, for involving me in this project, I've enjoyed it and can say, hand on heart, that this is a new favourite dress of mine that has already made it to the school dates twice since the start of term!

If you want to see some other Lands' End dresses "in action" then check out these other bloggers!

The Online Stylist
ClaireJustine
The Life & Times of a Working Mum
School Gate Style

Other outfit details:  

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

Ring - H&M

Belt - New Look

Earrings - eBay

Pumps - Matalan

Boots - Art

Jacket - Jasper Conran

Bag - Marc Jacobs
Umbrella - Love Umbrellas

**I was sent this dress by Lands' End for review purposes and have also been compensated for this post, but all views expressed are honest and genuine**

Bold stripes at the school gates

This week has seen me stomping back and forth from Ethan's new pre-school.  You can read all about that here.  I want to be comfortable for all that walking, and also in what I think of as "easy to hug in" clothes..  I know that might seem a strange requirement, but some of my more funky/adventurous looks involve more delicate clothing or massive amounts of jewellery which don't really work well when you want to hug and kiss your three year old - which obviously I want to be able to to unhindered when dropping him off at pre-school!  Sooooo... I've been in comfy outfits.  I don't want to look dowdy or boring though!  This is where this dress comes up trumps.

I adore this dress.  I actually fell in love with it when it was stocked in H&M a few seasons back.  I'm not sure whether it was last year or the year before, but I loved it from afar.  I never tracked it down in my size though, and eventually forgot all about it.  Until I stepped into a branch of Oxfam last week and saw one on the rack IN MY SIZE!! Whoop whoop!! I tried it on and was so happy.  It looked like it had hardly been worn at all, so without hesitation, it came home with me and we've been the best of friends ever since.

It's so comfy and yet so bright.  I feel happy, happy, HAPPY when I'm wearing it.

Dress - H&M via Oxfam

Uggs - Macy's

Bag - Marc Jacobs

Bracelet - H&M

Sunglasses - TKMaxx

Earrings - eBay

Necklace - Stella & Dot

It was so chilly here on Tuesday morning I teamed it with my precious short Uggs (bought on honeymoon in America 4 years ago almost exactly!).  I'm not sure they are the best footwear for this dress, but again, they are comfy and make me happy.  I don't think I'll ever be able to throw these Uggs away.  The fact I bought them on honeymoon, that they travelled through 9 states in America with us and then all the way back home. Nope, I'm never parting with them!

Someone pay for me to go back to America - I want to go back soooooo badly!

Linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde & The Pleated Poppy.

Feeling a little Autumnal..

Is it me, or is it getting a little Autumnal?  I don't think we've really had much summer in the UK this year.  There's been the odd week and a few days here and there, but not all that much sun.  Perhaps, like last year, we'll have a freakishly hot week in October.  I don't know... Whatever, I'm over summer now, I'm bringing out the Autumn colours again.

I'm pretty fond of "Autumn" colours. They are bold, but not neon.  Classy.  I think my favourite combinations are mustard yellow, teal and maroon. Lurrrrrvely!  This is what I wore yesterday.  My first outing for my F&F Tesco skinnies.  I think they are fab.  I've worn them all day and they haven't gone saggy like some jeans do and they feel very comfortable.  Well worth their bargain price!

T Shirt - Primark (past season)

Jeans - Tesco

Cardigan - New Look (past season)

Earrings - Home made

Bangles and ring - New Look

Necklace - Stella & Dot

What do you think?  I found this to be the perfect outfit for running around after Ethan all day whilst not feeling dowdy (accessorising always helps I feel!).

The second outfit I'm going to share with you is a bit transititional.  Verging into Autumn via summer.  The skirt is vintage, I picked it up in Hackney when I was visiting my friends at the weekend.  We found a vintage clothing shop which had a "everything for £10 sale" on.  We got pretty excited.  I came away with two skirts.  I was being restrained!!  This one dates from 1973 according to the label.  I really love it.  I've decided to wear it as a high-waisted skirt over the top of a vest.  It is such a satement piece!  I've teamed it with my bargain Nine West shoes (picked up for £2.50 in a charity shop the other week).  I wore this outfit on Monday and felt smart, bold and very happy.

Vest - H&M

Cardigan - Room31

Skirt - Vintage (from Dirty Blonde, Stoke Newington, Hackney)

Shoes - Nine West (via charity shop)

Ring - Stella & Dot

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Do you like my new dressing gown in the background?  £2.50 from Ikea, and my Mum bought it for me!!

As it's Wednesday, I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde and The Pleated Poppy.  Happy Wednesday all!

xx

WIW - Stella & Dot

I've not really worn that many exciting outfits over the last week, and I've not taken outfit photos either.  What I have been wearing a lot of (and photographing a lot) is all my Stella & Dot jewellery..

When you sign up as a stylist for S&D they encourage you to wear your samples.  It makes sense for many reasons, you need to get to know the jewellery, figure out what it looks good with, different ways to wear it etc.  Also, it helps get you booked for trunk shows as people are bound to ask you where your statement necklace is from!

The quality of the jewellery really is excellent and I'm loving wearing it.

So.. a few more pics of my samples in action!

Charms on a chain.. my favourite so far I think..

Stunning and eye-catching Odyssey ring 

Mixing and matching - easy with complimentary colours!  Charms again and a Calliah necklace

The cuff in the middle is Stella & Dot - it really compliments my other bracelets.

What do you think?  Do you own any Stella & Dot jewels? I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde & The Pleated Poppy.

WIWW - Weekend style

Hello lovelies!  For this weeks WIWW I'm going to share my outfits from the weekend just gone.  They aren't out there, they aren't too in your face.  Just comfy with a edge of style (I hope).  Let me know what you think!

First up, Saturday.  It was quite hot on Saturday still (though windy!) so I decided on a short skirt.  I didn't want to go down the denim skirt route though as I often do that, it's too easy.  It was still too hot for leggings underneath as well, so I picked something that although above the knee, wasn't too short.  Personally, I was happy with the outfit, it's quite laid back, but not just thrown on without thought.  I wanted to make sure there were interesting details to attract the eye, hence my belt and long blue beads.  The only trouble with this  outfit is that the skirt is a little restrictive.  There's not much give around the band at the bottom of it.  This isn't too much of an issue though, I can still walk in it, just not extremely fast or with long strides!

Please excuse my stupid face here.. not sure what I was doing. Catching flies?

Sunglasses!

Sunglasses - Cerruti via TKMaxx £24.99

Vest - H&M - part of a two part set £5.99

Skirt - Primark £4

Belt - eBay - from ages ago, cost very little

Bag - Marc Jacobs - £you don't want to know....

Shoes - My comfy Berkenstocks £19.99 from TKMaxx two years ago

Beads - My Mum's from the '70s

Bracelet - Troll beads and various charms....

My next outfit is from Sunday.  It was raining when I got dressed, so I opted for jeans.  I have to say it felt weird being back in jeans after 8 or 9 days in skirts and shorts.  Kind of restrictive!  Got used to it quickly though.  At least these jeans are comfy.  This outfit, while comfy, was pretty dull to look at so I had to funk it up with my accessories.  I went with a cute deer broach, my bright beads and coloured bangles.  I think you have to do that really.  If your clothes aren't exciting, funk it up with your accessories, and vice versa (a bit like the cleavage and legs rule I suppose!!).  Sorry for the image quality, these are from my phone which is only a lowly 5 mega pixels.

Cardigan - Room 31 £3.99

Vest - H&M

Jeans - JBrand, ASOS £175 (these have gone up to £190 now!!)

Shoes - Jessica Simpson via TKMaxx £35.99

Necklace - Gift

Broach - Bought from a suitcase sale in Bristol £3

Bangles - New Look £5.99

I like this outfit.  My JBrand jeans are a funny thing.  I love them but hate them at the same time.  I bought them as a treat when I came into a bit of dosh because I thought it'd be fun to own a pair of expensive jeans. I do like them, they are comfy and they do hold their shape very well, buuuuut... do I think they are worth £175 (or £190 as they are now).  Errr... nope.  The colour has faded quite a bit.  Are they vastly better than my £9 pairs of Primark jeans?  Not really...  Does anyone ever notice I'm strutting around in high-end jeans? Don't think so... Will I buy expensive jeans again?  I'm not sure.  Knowing me, probably.  I quite fancy trying a pair of 7forallmankind..!  Anyone recommend those?

Linking up with the gorgeous Transatlantic Blonde