Mainly Monochromes

I didn't manage to to do my outfit roundup (or bag post) last week due to various work things, namely working late and a Christmas work do - the latter being the more enjoyable one of the two. Anyway, so here is the week before last, which was all about monochrome and a couple of pics from last week.

So let's start with the monochromes:

The challenge for this week? Monochrome! Maybe that explains the grumpy face - I'm starting to miss my colourful patterns! (Don't judge me if i break at some point during the week!)

Dress: Zara

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Boots: something Italian that I bought in Germany...

What is she doing?! I dunno, but I'm gonna stand just like her! Monochrome look number 2, with and without jacket. And I snuck a pattern mix in!

Blouse: Miss Selfridge

Skirt: Reiss

Jacket: Warehouse

Boots: Zara

Awkward pose alert! Monochrome week continues with separates - and another print. :)

Top, skirt & boots: Zara

Jacket: Warehouse

And now on to last week's "randoms"...

 The skirt is the fashionably raggedy star in this. A reference to a Dickensian street scene was made, and I then thought of the bit in Pygmalion, where she sells flowers. "Wouldn't it be loverley..."

Top & skirt: Zara

Jacket: Warehouse

Boots: Office

No outfit challenge planned but we're continuing the Victoriana theme (though one of my colleagues referenced Adam Ant yesterday). The locket is actually genuinely Victorian. It was a present from Mr G and holds a picture of little M. :) 

Blouse and jacket: Warehouse 

Skirt: Topshop 

Boots: no idea... 

Locket: proper old

Old Skirt, New Outfit

Part 2 of my catchup. And another item that has been hanging in my wardrobe, pretty much unloved and close to being popped into the charity bag: this black pleather skirt has received a new lease of life by being teamed with this monochrome top and (another 'old' find) necklace duo.

Old stuff - new combo. I almost got rid of the skirt and the necklaces must be about 18 years old! Just goes to show that I shouldn't get rid of anything. Maybe I'll KonMari in my next life. *sigh* 

Top & skirt: Zara 

Necklaces: (I think) Accessorize

Boots: Office

Beetlejuice pants! I think so far I had only worn them with sweatshirts, so this feels reasonably 'dressed up'.

Shirt: La Redoute

Jeans & necklace: Zara

Jacket: Warehouse

Trainers: Converse

Bit of a leftover from a few days ago but I didn't feel very well the last couple of days and pretty much just hid under my duvet...

Dress: Boden

Cardigan: H&M

Boots: Hallhuber

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Still felt under the weather yesterday - can you tell? I felt like a right numpty with my jeans that are a tad too short. At least you can't see my pink socks in the pic. Just to show that I have off days too!

Jumper: Topshop

Jeans: Next

Trainers: Boden

Goodbye Summer

The weather is changing and I am moving away from 'summer' and into 'transitional': more layers, more knit. Soon enough I will have to try and remember what I wore last year - especially when the sheer tights go away!

Fluffy jumper weather is here! Blues and greens always work and this necklace kind of does the work for me. 

It was a bit too wet for converse, otherwise I'd have thrown in my blue hi-tops for an additional blue hue.

Jumper: Primark 

Skirt: Warehouse 

Trainers: Kurt Geiger 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Can you call it a clash even if it kind of goes? Because I think that describes these patterns out together... (Because I was a complete numpty and went over on my ankle again, I wanted to wear something to hide my bandage, thus a bit casual for a weekday.) 

Jumper & jeans: Zara 

Trainers: Converse

A couple of days behind as I was off and then working from home for little M's start into school life. 😂 If I was drinking, I'd say "hand me the wine." Anyway... Summer seems to be on it's way out and every outfit in sheer tights may well be the last one before the opaques have to come out. I thought we were promised an Indian summer??? 

Dress: Zara

Boots: Marks and Spencer 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Feeling pretty meh about this outfit as it's just too autumnal. I'm not ready for summer to be over! 

Top, skirt & necklace: 

Topshop 

Cardigan: Boden 

Boots: Marks and Spencer

Summer Sale Bargain

We definitely had some proper summer days last week, which meant, I could even ditch the sheer tights. The Herve Leger style bandage skirt was a complete bargain that I snapped up at the Harvey Nick's summer sale. It really is amazing how it pulls you in in all the right places!

1. It's been a while since I tied a knot in my top! Brings back memories of the 80s. Ok, 90s in Germany... 

2. Mermaid shoes. 

3. The skirt is a Harvey Nick's sale bargain. 

4. New Stella & Dot necklace! 

T-shirt: & Other Stories 

Skirt: Bcgb Max Azria 

Shoes: Kurt Geiger 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Nothing quite like a new pair of Converse "Chucks" - let's see how long they'll stay this clean. Also: What's with the pointy bum though?! Looks like a shaved a bit off my side - but I don't do anything with my pictures. Must have a pointy bum then... 

Top: Boden 

Jeans: Next 

Trainers: Converse

Another warm day (was that out summer?), another t-shirt/skirt combo. And that new necklace again. :) 

Think the skirt will have to go though, it just doesn't look right anymore... T-shirt: Topshop 

Skirt: Miss Selfridge 

Trainers: Converse 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Slow Start to Summer

Can you believe it's the summer solstice today?! This year just has been flying by! And besides that, it feels like summer is only just starting. 

Last week we had a couple of days, which I would actually describe as t-shirt weather! Let's see how long it lasts...

It felt like summer yesterday. Time for a proper summer outfit with some florals. And a zesty bag! I am also still trying to decide which one(s) is going to go, so am determined to test drive loads of them and make a decision! 

Top: & Other Stories 

Skirt: Boden 

Shoes: Zara 

Necklace: Topshop 

Bag: Mulberry

It was warmer than I expected it to be yesterday. This outfit always cheers me up because I love greens and blues together! :) 

T-shirt: Topshop 

Skirt: Boden 

Trainers: Converse 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

It still felt like jumper weather yesterday - and opaques. So I added a bit of colour! 

Jumper & boots: Zara 

Skirt: Rumour London at Wolf & Badger 

Necklace: Oliver Bonas

I was running so late yesterday morning, that I didn't even have time to add a necklace to this outfit (which is becoming a bit of a staple combo). 

I didn't want to cheat in the evening when I took the pic and just add one... 

Shirt: La Redoute 

Skirt and boots: Zara

Belt: Reiss

Something Green and Something New

This week you're not just getting all my outfits from last week but also a sneaky peek at my Victoria Beckham X Target purchase before I actually wear it out.

So what do you think of my VB dresses? I do love the mint one - and the quality is amazing for £40! The dress on the right is actually a girls' dress in size XL. I probably wouldn't put it with black tights but, regardless of that, I am not so sure about it. It's just a bit of a funny shape on me...

Trying to coax out spring with some greenery. Remember that Chanel inspired black and white skirt I have and never wore until recently? Well, this is the same one in green. [incidentally "das gleiche in grün" is a German saying but let's not get sidetracked.] I've been waiting to pair it with something and found a plain top just too boring, so I tried this new sweatshirt. Too green? Kinda like it...
Top: Next
Skirt: River Island
Boots: Zara

More florals for spring, though the colours have a distinct autumnal feel - as does the weather at times. The skirt and top are a fairly recent Topshop sale purchase, both were a bit of a bargain - though I'm not that sure about the top...
Top & skirt: Topshop
Cardigan: Boden
Boots: Marks and Spencer

Boden prints: when they're good, they're really good! Still love this dress, which combines flattering shape and striking print to something just that extra bit special.
Dress: Boden
Boots: Zara

You know when something seems like a good idea in your head? Like that outfit you think you're gonna pull out of the wardrobe and you mentally put together as you're waking up. Then the shirt is suddenly a bit too short as a dress, so you add leggings. And, for some reason, a belt. And you're suddenly in territory you didn't really want to be. Especially if 2 of our colleagues wear denim dresses the same day and look fab in them. 😂 #outfitfail 
Shirt: Sainsbury's 
Leggings: Topshop 
Boots: Office
Belt: Reiss 
Necklace: Stella & Dot

New Outfit Combos

Short work week as I was out of the office on Thursday and then we went into the glorious Easter weekend. A few new combos, though you may well have seen individual items. My favourite outfit is definitely the first one, I think I will give that another go, maybe with a different necklace? But then again, how could I not love the last one, with little M being so cute about it?

  I (almost literally) dreamt this one up when drifting off to sleep the night before. 

Seemed a bit random in the morning but I didn't have time to change anything... 

Top: Miss Selfridge 

Skirt: Rumour London at Wolf & Badger 

Boots: Zara 

Necklace: Freedom at Topshop

What that picture doesn't show you: one of the boots kept sliding down and made my outfit look a tad lopsided. #outfitfail 

Waistcoat: Warehouse 

Skirt: All Saints 

Boots: Miss Selfridge 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

It usually into sparkly appliqué tops, kind of ordered this on a whim in the Next sale and was almost going to return it. Then little M saw it and loved it. Asked me the next morning to wear it: "Mama, i want you to look beautiful." Ah, how could I not keep it? 

Jeans & jumper: Next 

Boots: Marks and Spencer

Cold Spring

Colder weather meant back to warmer pieces, though I kept it looking and feeling transitional - maybe with the exception of the Topshop skirt outfit. Oh, and a new item: the sweatshirt in the last outfit is actually teen size. Totally in love with it and will see what else it goes with!

Don't like that pic but it was the best out of a bad bunch. And I did want to show you my lovely pop of colour necklace...
Top: Mango
Skirt: Boden
Boots: Zara
Necklace: Warehouse

It's still freezing (especially in the morning) and yesterday it was chucking it down but I'm continuing with the spring theme! I don't wear this dress often enough, very simply because it is done up on the side with tiny pearl buttons. Need help with that and it takes ages, so this is an outfit that requires planning and assistance. #firstworldproblems
Dress: (Hoss) Intropia
Top worn underneath: Topshop
Cardigan: H&M
Boots: M&S
Belt: Mulberry

Spring seems to be taking a break - so my spring wardrobe is too: back in opaques...
Top: Zara
Skirt & jacket: Topshop
Necklace: Stella & Dot

Semi-spring outfit - just add a fluffy jumper for warmth (and yes: back in the opaques). 
Top: Primark 
Skirt: Boden 
Necklace: Marni @ H&M

This is my 'casual Friday' outfit from last week. After long rejecting the notion of buying 'jeans with holes' I love those now. Unfortunately I also ripped one of the artfully worn down sections, so that there is now in fact a hole. #yournotgoingoutlikethat
Sweatshirt: Zara
Jeans: Next
Boots: no idea...

Come on Spring!

Spring is definitely in the air - and I feel like wearing colour! It also means my black boots will slowly get relegated and I can dig out other footwear. And then I will have to remember or figure out Spring/Summer outfits. Can't wait for it to be Spring every year - and then it still comes as a surprise!

I love this skirt (yes, it's new and current and available here) and paired with the belt it's the perfect "I have a waist!" cheat!

Top: Karen Millen

Skirt: Rumour London at Wolf & Badger

Boots: Office

Belt: Reiss

Necklace: Aarikka

How lovely is this necklace?!

Worth adding: As I usually commute into work via train and (living in Manchester) a exposed to a fair bit of rain/wind/cold weather, I don't tend to coordinate my coat with the rest of my outfit. I usually wear whatever the weather demands, something functional, with a hood and warm lining at this time of year.

As I was driving in that day, I indulged and wore a jacket that has been hanging in my wardrobe for years and big scarf.

Some groundbreaking florals for spring. And a bit of a story: I believe it was in SS14 when Boden brought out their best prints in years. Beautiful florals. I ordered way too many items because I couldn't decide - and was then pretty ruthless when they arrived, only keeping a couple. This skirt went back. I've been hankering after it for a while and just managed to find it on eBay (of course). Happy me. Have you ever done that?

Shirt: Laredoute

Skirt: Boden

Trainers: Converse

Had completely forgotten little M was supposed to wear something green today. #mumfail Not sure my own green dress from yesterday makes up for it? And yes: I'm wearing the necklace wonky and only just realised this when assembling the pics. *sigh*

Dress: Mango

Boots: Marks and Spencer

Necklace: Accessorize

It's getting milder, the sun is peeping out every now and again - spring is definitely around the corner. (Oh, and did I mention hayfever?) Time for a bit more colour. It's not even a conscious decision, it just kind of happens. Do you find that you're automatically picking more colourful clothes when winter starts to go? 

Top & skirt: Warehouse 

Trainers: Kurt Geiger 

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Is Winter Over Yet?

Looking back at last week, my outfits still feel distinctly 'winter': monochrome, knits, woolly textures... It may well have been the last week of 'proper' winter outfits - we shall see how this week pans out.

Worth mentioning: I really don't like the last outfit. Top doesn't work with skirt. And actually, I find the skirt too blah. And too similar to other skirts who do that look better. Will see if I give it one more go or give it the chop alongside some other items I've sent off to eBay or Depop.

Can't wait for spring - but it will mean no more black tights, so I will have to remember what to wear with nude ones... 

I love this dress and don't think it will work without the black tights, so this might be its last outing...

Dress & boots: Zara

Necklace: Stella & Dot

I know: I keep showing you things that I pulled out of the back of my wardrobe but this skirt is actually new! 

The picture doesn't do it justice, it's much more swishy. :) 

Top: H&M 

Cardigan: Boden 

Skirt: Rumour London at Wolf & Badger 

Necklace: Topshop

One day (when I think I won't lose my cool if Me G takes my pic) I will show you the back of this dress. Only by then I might have built it up to be something so wondrous that you'll be disappointed by the two tie-like appendices. "That's what she was on about?!" We shall see... 

Dress: Jesire

And then there are the outfits that just don't really work... nothing terribly wrong but the skirt is blah, the textures grate on each other and there's no real detail of interest. Admittedly rushed in the morning (well, I always am) but back to the drawing board with this one... 

Top: H&M 

Skirt: Hallhuber

Something Old and Something Blue

Nope, nothing to do with a wedding. At all. Just something old (a skirt that had been hiding in my wardrobe) and something blue (my trusty denim shirt). Do you have pieces hiding in your wardrobe? What do you do with them when you find them? Wear, chuck, put away to hide for another couple of years? I am trying to be ruthless: wear or chuck! Or wear, then decide...

"Denim shirt that goes with everything..." she hums... Actually really glad I wore this skirt with it and not my little tartan one, as somebody else wore that one yesterday - and she looked amazing in it!

Shirt: Laredoute

Skirt: Topshop

Necklace: ZARA

Another magic trick out of the "create the illusion of a waist" box: slim fitting dress with loose, cropped top. This dress does it all for me! :)

Dress & necklace: ZARA

Here's a skirt you haven't seen before. But you guessed it: been in my wardrobe for years! Keep or not to keep? 

(Note: have the same one in a different green fabric...)

Top: H&M

Skirt: River Island

Jacket: Warehouse

Necklace: Stella & Dot

There is that "I can hide in the garden" print again. And a slightly more severe haircut... 

Top: H&M Skirt: Boden

Late Winter Favourites

More old favourites. Reasons? 

1. I don't have time in the morning to faff around and decide on an outfit and therefore tend to default to a few trusty combinations.

2. I'm trying to be good and not spend money, buying new stuff. 

3. I'm trying to wear the stuff I own - and to cull the pieces I don't wear.

 ...ok, I *am* trying to change it up for you guys...

  Remember that power shoulder top from last week? Here it is again in a purply blue. 

I thought this was just the right amount of colour clash for the mustard skirt...

Top: Karen Millen

Skirt: Boden

Jacket: Warehouse

Boots: Zara

Necklace: Oria

I still love this Boden print. I also regret not having bought more of their gorgeous floral prints one spring summer season - think it was SS14? I gotta confess: not feeling the love at the moment for their prints. Normally I buy at least this skirt in an update but nothing that excites me AW16 or SS17. So you'll have to bear with me parading my "old favourites"... 

Jumper: Topshop

Skirt: Boden

Boots: Zara

Necklace: Sainsbury's

Seen this before? Not surprised, I do wear this print a lot, be it this dress or the skirt. 

Still love it! 

Dress: Boden 

Necklace: Marni for H&M

Not worn this dress in a while, bit of a wild theme going on - too much of a tedious link with the necklace? 

Dress: Topshop

 Necklace: Stella & Dot