Wardrobe Staples, H&M Low (not very) Skinny Jeans & Converse

Monday 11 March 2013


I'm sorry. I'm very sorry. I wish I had some exciting outfits to show you of me twirling around in lovely new season spring wear but with the the weather being rather ghastly at the moment, I have taken refuge in my current wardrobe faithfuls of Converse, jeans, jumpers and cardigans. Yes I have frozen my tootsies off wearing the old Converse despite the thick socks but I am so bored of skinny jeans/jeggings and boot combos that I am prepared to suffer this hardship. I have to say the wearing of Converse has been accompanied by my new favourite H&M low (not very) skinny jeans - the two are a match made in heaven, think Adam & Eve, Laurel & Hardy, Wintour & Vogue, Sue & Shopping.

I did a quick appraisal of what I've been wearing for the last few weeks. No sparkly outfits here - just regular daywear featuring the two most hard working items in my wardrobe currently. Or rather - me working my tomboy best.

Outfit 1.


Paul Smith Shirt, Hacket Scarf, Uniqlo Cashmere Cardigan, Topshop Coat

The Paul Smith shirt finally got an outing. Yes I bought it a fair few weeks back but I have only just worn it. I do that - I buy something and I put it away for a while. Sometimes it's a few weeks, sometimes it's a year. It gets worn eventually so not to worry. It was a cold day when I wore this because what you can't see here is the thermal vest and the Uniqlo grey cashmere cardigan which is quite well hidden by the Topshop coat. I'm hard and all that but I'm not that hard. Okay - I'm totally nesh :o) Oh yes and the purple and green school style scarf - that's a Hackett one snaffled off the Grumps - he was a little put out but first come first served and all that.

Outfit 2.

 

Aubin & Wills Jumper, Topshop Coat, Jigsaw Bag

I was allowed a whole day out shopping all on my tod one day during the half term. So I wore something easy to take on and off as I knew I would be spending silly amounts of time playing with clothes in changing rooms. Woo hoo! So just a jumper and jeans combo for this excursion. The Aubin & Wills grey and teal houndstooth check jumper is a favourite for the simple fact it looks like an old man's jumper. But it is the most gorgeous soft merino wool. No scarves, no accessories except for a trusty Jigsaw leather messenger bag. And lots of shopping stamina.

Outfit 3.


Barneys Faux Sheepskin Coat, Boden Must Have Jumper, Jigsaw Bag

I'm good at this variation on a theme. Just change the jumper and coat for a different jumper and coat and ta dah. Another easy peasy, no fuss, getting down with the kids type of outfit. I've got the marmite Del Boy faux sheepskin jacket on with the grey Boden must have jumper. I have to give the coat it's dues - it is toasty - maybe not as toasty as a real sheepskin coat but hey, it's infinitely lighter than a real one and cheaper too.  I didn't even bother to change the bag. I go through phases where I carry the same bag for a couple of months and then switch to another ... eventually. It is all down to sheer laziness and nothing else.

Outfit 4.


Paul Smith Shirt, Florence & Fred Cashmere Jumper, Topshop Scarf

Hmm. Layering. Shirt under jumper. Nothing really new for a lot of people but a very alien concept to me - I don't normally do it. Partly because I feel rather bulked up by the number of layers and not all shirts lend themselves to being worn under certain jumpers. This combination actually worked. The shirt is the perfect length for peeking out under the jumper and the charcoal cashmere jumper is the perfect not too baggy, not too tight shape to wear with the shirt. The jumper is one I bought from the men's dept on one of my late night Tesco supermarket shops years and years ago. If I recall correctly, it was one of the those slightly surreal shops at 11 o'clock at night when most normal people are tucked up in bed and snoring. The jumper has been "Alexa Chunged" as Miss Sophie from Les AntiModernes puts it after I mentioned my jumper having shrunk and taken on the texture of boiled felted wool. But it's none the worse for it and is the perfect tomboy fit on me now. I popped on an old berry scarf and the altered grey coat (not shown) and off I went.

Outfit 5.


H&M Sweatshirt, H&M Trend Scarf, Maison Scotch Pea Coat


Have I bored you to tears yet? I did tell you that I have lived in the same jeans and Converse for the last few weeks. This time I wore the cheap and cheerful blue marl H&M sweatshirt with a H&M trend scarf and finished off with a Maison Scotch pea cot in an interesting berry shade at least. The sweatshirt is beyond comfy but I have a gripe and it's my own fault for not looking at the fabric content as it has a degree of polyester content which has meant it has started to pill in certain places. I can't complain too much though as it was a meagre £3.99 and I won't look too close if you won't. The grey marl version is a cotton/viscose content and if anyone has one of these, can you tell me how yours is wearing? I would really be interested to know because things like that bother my small brain. And it will help me decide whether I should go for the grey one.

So that's a few of my everyday outfits worn over the last couple of weeks. That's it. No designer items, no thrillingly expensive buys, no high end pieces. Just a couple of good wardrobe staples I discovered that work well for me.

But what works for you? What are the pieces which get worn religiously in your wardrobe?




44 comments

  1. Loved catching up on your outfit posts. As always, they are perfect on you. That Paul Smith shirt with the grey jumper is perfect and the Maison Scotch coat stands out for me too. Love a bit of burgundy. I'm definitely doing the jeans thing too. Have worn only two different pairs of trews over the past wek and every day bar Wednesday, I wore my grey Zara coat! Old favourites :) x

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  2. Pants....Google Chrome ate my last comment! Basically, what I was rambling on about was the fact that I love your new Paul Smith shirt and your Maison Scotch coat and that I am finding myself wearing the same jeans this week too...apart from my straight leg break on Thur. I blame the weather for sure. Depressing! Keep warm today and have a good week Sue, Avril x

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    1. I had a break from the Converse today and stuck on the Aldo wedge trainers - more shoes you're not keen on! I hadn't worn the Maison Scotch coat for a while and stuck it on and it's amazing what a hit of colour does for you. After all the greys and browns - the berry/burgundy was like a breath of fresh air.

      Really hoping the weather picks up soon. I've had enough of the cold. You have a good week too Avril.

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  3. Love the Paul Smith shirt (both on it's own and under sweater) and love the Aubin & Wills jumper. I think we're all pretty much the same these days .. jeans, jumpers ... thermals! I'm sick to the back teeth of my puffa jackets, yet they're the only things that are keeping me warm when I go outside. Roll on Springtime ... I'm soooo over this weather now!

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    1. I've done quite well this winter staying out of my Primark padded coat. I think since starting the blog, it's done me some good to take a look at what I actually have and start wearing some of the stuff instead of letting it hang there. It's really easy to stick with the same old, same old.

      Roll on Springtime like you say.

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  4. Hi Sue-these looks are perfectly casual chic and it goes to show that a few well chosen style basics really work wonders to produce some lovely outfits, I love your Maison Scotch pea coat, the Paul Smith shirt and Aubin & Wills jumper. Perfect styling for horrid weather!!

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    1. Hi Sharon. The Maison Scotch coat seems to be getting a lot of thumbs ups. Probably because it's a bit of colour in amongst all the grey and browns. I have to admit, I just want to go out without having to think about which coat to wear even though I have the luxury of so many. Or even just switching to the lighter jackets would be good - just for the change.

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  5. Oops I think my comment went off into web hyperspace. I think it's brilliant you have your own style and I love seeing wearable, flattering outfits. Yay - so happy you tried the layering! Maybe not with your fuller blouses but definitely crisp shirts and silky blouses. The PS shirt is the perfect colourway and length. Love your Topshop and Maison Scotch coats best!

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    1. Forgot to add, my H&M grey sweatshirt is fine so far but it creases easily.

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    2. Mine creases very easily too, and has shrunk a bit already. The blue is much softer and snugglier, imo. I can see me wearing the blue at least once a week and keeping the grey for sunday afternoons when I HAVE to get dressed to walk the dog.

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    3. I think I get a bit stuck in a rut sometimes over the winter but this years stuck in a rut is different from last years at least.

      Good to hear back about the grey sweatshirt and interesting to know that it actually creases easily. The blue marl one doesn't seem to crease that much but that may be because of the polyester content but then again, the down side is the pilling. You win some, you lose some!

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  6. Hi Sue, I really like your sheepskin coat, it looks really warm and (I think) stylish! x

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    1. Thanks Kat. It's one of those love it or hate it coats. They did similar ones in Topshop a couple of years back and I couldn't make my mind up about them then and then they sold out. When I saw this one on Asos - I thought - here's my chance and I'm glad I've got it. I actually feel quite fun when I wear this which is a bit strange but it is one of those coats which is a little less "serious". But very comfy.

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  7. You have a great collection of coats, I'm "well jel" and also slightly envious of that Jigsaw bag.

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    1. And you have a great collection of bags - I'm "well gel" too. If you ever get bored of the Anya Gracie, I can offer it a good home!

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  8. Love that houndstooth sweater, never gets old for me. And the sweater over the shirt thing looks totally natural on you, hard to believe it's not a staple combination for you! Nice too that the Paul Smith shirt is a little bit long, I like it peeking out from the bottom like that. And yes, like everyone else says, that burgandy peacoat is a wonderful thing. Oh also, I have a few cashmere sweaters that have gotten boiled and felted in the wash like that, and I kind of love them that way! Some were fitted to begin with and now are ridiculous looking, but I have two that were once oversized and have shrunk down to normal, and they feel like fuzzy armor somehow. Love it. (oh and yes, you'd think I'd learn my lesson about washing cashmere in the machine (gasp!) after one shrunken sweater, but nooo... )

    www.nomadicd.com

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    1. I am far too lazy to wash anything by hand and I have stuck all my cashmere jumpers in the washing machine. I have also had varying degrees of success and the one shown here is the one which has obviously objected to the treatment. Strange how the same material can react so differently when washed the same way.

      The houndstooth jumper is definitely one of my favourites - it's just so easy to wear and at looks more happening than the rest of my stripy or plain jumpers hanging up in my wardrobe. And it's a great weight - more like a man's jumper than a woman's.

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  9. I LOVE the faux sheepskin coat, its lush. I can't do shirts under jumpers, v necks don't suit me at all. I love the houndstooth jumper though. Are the jeans straight leg or skinnies? I like the ankle fit.

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    1. The jeans are "low skinny" jeans or at least that is the description H&M have afforded them. However they are no way skinny especially at the bottom but that is why I like them. I would classify them more as a tight straight - there's nothing like making up your own names is there? Not many sizes left on line but there were plenty in store. I originally picked up the 28 waist, 30 leg but could not breathe in them or that's how it felt. I swapped them for the 29 waist 30 and they are just the perfect relaxed fit now - they have loosened up a fraction but not in a bad way.

      I'm still not a shirt and jumper girl. It looks great on other people but I feel all wrong in them. However, I do have to say - it is a lot warmer to wear a shirt and jumper like this than a long sleeved top and jumper. Strange but true.

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  10. Was this the burgundy Maison Scotch pea coat you wore the first time I saw you? It's absolutely gorgeous. You've reminded me to branch out to burgundy/maroon more. Remember that hat you saw me try on that day? I'm still thinking about it.

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    1. I was expecting to see you in that hat sooner or later so I'm surprised you've still held out.

      Yes this is the same coat. I don't wear it very often as (1) it's quite a heavy wool and (2) I have to roller it every time I go out in it - it is like a swiffer cloth - a magnet for all dust and hairs. Drives me insane. But I do love the colour.

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  11. look absolutely great - I love each of the looks even though they're similar they're also different.

    I never thought I would be bored of skinny jeans but I'm (insert Nicole shirtswinger finger swaying 'thing') OVER THEM

    Fiona

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    1. Oh yes - I am so bored of skinny jeans and boots too. If this weather keeps up for much longer, I'm going to have to stop doing outfit posts as people are going to be bored to death of my outfits.

      I want to wear sandals and shirts and happy clothes. Soon!

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  12. Great post! I'm tempted to pop to M and S and get a XL men's lambs wool jumper and boil wash it....love the look!
    I have the H and M cheapo sweatshirt in grey marl. I've worn it a lot ( but not washed it yet) no bobbling at all. Will keep you posted but o far so good and I'm FUSSY!!!!
    P.s freezing here isn't it ?-5 tonight in N Yorks!!!!

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    1. As long as there is no bobbling - that's the important thing to me. And I know - it was freezing last night but surprisingly nice today. But not nice enough. Hmmph.

      My jumper was a happy accident - strange that none of my other cashmere jumpers shrunk - just this one. It should be an interesting experiment should you undertake such drastic action. Be sure to report back though if you do do it!

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  13. I'm afraid it's jeans and jumpers and yet more jeans and jumpers for me- anything warm! Can't let go of boots yet, my toes were blue with the cold yesterday - definitely need to get my circulation going! Like the Paul Smith shirt under the jumper - I need to do more layering stuff like this instead of reaching for the nearest thermal vest and jumper (see jumpers again!). I do that thing of buying things and putting it away and getting it out months later - also I change my mascara more often than my handbag - so much rubbish and the kitchen sink in there I just can't be bothered to swap it all over! x

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    1. There was a smattering of snow on the ground today and I gave in to the padded coat and biker boots. Besides I'm sure there won't be much opportunity to wear these things for much longer (yay!). I live in one particular grey cashmere jumper - it's a big slouchy thing, hides many sins and is just far too comfortable. If I didn't have this, I would be in a fleece. Credit to myself, I have laid off the fleeces a bit this year - much to the hubs delight probably.

      By the way - I don't even have a mascara.

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  14. In fact I'm so cold sat typing this that my fingertips have gone white and numb - getting ridiculous! Going to the gym later to get my blood pumping round again! :)

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    1. Try painting and decorating. I've been doing that the last couple of days - gets the circulation going for definite.

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  15. Looking at your outfits make me yearn for Winter to hurry up and come! Although it's officially Autumn here in Australia, the weather says otherwise and it's pretty much Summer. I want to bring out the knits and coats and layer up!

    Anna @ FEED ME NANA xoxo

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    1. That must be so strange - you're probably having heat waves and here I am shivering with cold and wishing away the winter. I always find it strange to read blogs from the other side of the world experiencing their summer whilst we are in winter. The question is - does Zara have the same stock over there as over here? You won't be wanting winter coats in March if the temperatures are soaring.

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  16. You always look incredibly chic though - and warm and comfortable - which I think are two of the most important ingredients of chic. My fave - and I love them all - is the blazer, very cool with the cross body look. I just wear one of my biddy bid cardies with my old boots and wet hair.

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    1. Jody - you are the most unbiddy person I know. And you are the epitome of chic. You carry off everything in such an easy elegant way. I've seen your latest pictures and even in an a big cardi - you still look fab.

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  17. Love your outfits, Sue! And I have to check out those H&M jeans, I have been looking for a pair of non-skinny skinny jeans for ages :)

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    1. Hi Maja. I love my H&M jeans - hence the constant wearing of them at the moment. Despite being labelled as skinny jeans, the ankles don't taper in too much which works much better for my legs. I just like having jean options to with my shoe options :o)

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  18. I love that Maison Scotch coat on you, it looks fab! I live in my skinnies too, best thing for a school run IMO. I wish I suited converse, they just don't work on me :( x

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    1. Thanks Natalie. I think I may go back for another pair of the jeans but size down for a more skinny look. These seem to be the perfect skinnyish not skinny jeans. Mine loosen up in a nice way for dressed down day time, so the smaller size might be good for going out in.

      Shame about the Converse - they make life so easy at the moment.

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  19. I love the touch of purple on your shirt and scarf. I like to wear grey and purple together - a change from all my neutrals!
    PS I enjoyed your last post with Charlie's Angels. I used to love that blond flicked out hair!
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Who didn't love the Charlies Angels hair. I used to obsess over flicky hair but never quite achieved it. But if we had the tools then - I'd be flicking away.

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  20. I always buy stuff "to wear later" and it's a terrible habit of mine I think, because I have mild ADD and tend to forget I have something if I don't have it in my immediate field of vision. Super love the tiny houndstooth jumper, and the preppy shirt-jumper combo is very tomboy and that's why I love it!

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    1. I think the houndstooth jumper is proving to be favourite. It's just a very easy jumper. You put it on and you already look like you've tried a little (but not too much). Just like the "masculine" colours about it.

      And the preppy combo is a definite newbie for me.

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  21. Love that Paul Smith shirt, was wondering when we'd actually get to c it on, really nice with the jumper too. Really need to get myself a cashmere jumper.

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    1. Yes - I do tend to buy and squirrel away. I can't help it. But it came out eventually!

      Definitely get yourself a cashmere jumper. Only problem is, once you've got used to the softness, there's no going back to lambswool.

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  22. This was almost exactly what I had been looking for. It's very stylish and I think it's fairly well built and I'm happy .
    Shearling Coats For Women & Sheepskin Jacket

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Susie So So