Bringing My Wardrobe Up To Date & A Lot of Hashtags & A Lot of Disclaimers.

Friday 31 October 2014


Well, I've read and absorbed all the fashion advice of what trends are current this year and I've chosen to go along with some of it and blatantly ignore other bits. Some trends I'm adapting like the fun fur trend - I think it's all a matter of it's got to suit you and your lifestyle. So to bring my wardrobe up to date for A/W 2014, I have decided to go with the following :


Faux Fur

Right, so I'm passing on the turquoise fur coat which makes me look like Sully and infact I'm avoiding faux fur coats all together as they basically make me look mahoosive. I did try and I failed spectacularly. Instead, I have an inky blue pom pom dangling off my bag which makes me smile .....




... and a faux fur snood thingy which seems current and fun but isn't some scary colour which gives me panic attacks and doesn't add pounds on to you. It does however swivel around a little so if you end up with one of these, don't forget to cut off the inside tags or they will eventually end up on the outside and annoy you.



Patchwork Jeans

I can't afford the MiH Phoebes - I'm not sure I would buy them even if I could because if truth be told, I have a total love hate relationship with my existing pair. I just think I have more flattering jeans but then again, I don't have many pairs which are as comfortable. You with me? For some reason, they just look like a pair of baggy jeans on me and on everyone else, they look great. Hmm. But back to the patchwork jeans - I like them as they inject a little something to the normal pair of blue jeans. They add interest. You've already seen my own diy pair below.


Jigsaw Silk Shirt, Zara Jeans (patched up), H&M Shoes & Bag


Skate Pumps

I had the cheetah pony hair skate pumps from Next last year and I've gone for the ASOS felted wool skate pumps this year. They're grey - they blend seamlessly in to my dishwater coloured wardrobe. Enough said.




Adidas Stan Smiths

This is my autumn footwear fad following on from the summer Birks footwear fad. Sometimes, you have to acknowledge that having the right pair of shoes just pulls your look together and makes you look that little more current. Let's also factor in the major comfort factor and that they somehow miraculously seem to go with everything. Love.


Big Cardigan

Mine is a cheapy from Primark. I scoured various shops but many were too big, too bulky and basically did very little for me. I chose mine on the grounds that it was neater fitting around the shoulders and I went for the smallest size they had. It's not too long, it has pockets and I'm happy. However, mental note to self not to wear it on Bonfire night #firehazard as it is acrylic. But in it's defence, it works for me, it's light, it's warm and it gives me the look I want. When it pills like crazy, it will become a housecoat for those cold winter mornings and besides I'm not allowed the heating on just yet. 


Primark Cardi, Uniqlo Shirt, Mih Paris Jeans


Blanket Scarf

Popular last year and popular again this year. I picked up a cheap and cheerful from Primark this year. and it probably won't be the last I pick up this season. Mine's acrylic but it was £5. I looked at the equivalent in Zara and they are £20+ and also acrylic. So I figured, I can spend £5 on my scarf and I will beat myself up less when it looks truly awful at the end of it's shelf life at which point I will donate it to a friend as cat bedding #upcycling


Primark Scarf, Hush Goldie 2 Jumper


Pointy Statement Shoes 

Pointy toes are still going strong so I nabbed my Office Kaos pair on in the summer when they went in the sales - one benefit of having hay fever preventing you from sleeping at 4am in the morning! Some people have gone with the Office Vibrant and New Look Aquazurra lookalike lace up lovelies - I've gone with witchy poo shoes #Halloween


Office Kaos Shoes, Will-I-Am (neighbour's cat)


Hat

I actually really like hats. But I don't like wearing them that much. Some make my forehead itch and because I have a fringe, this usually gets pushed down over my eyes and I end up looking Cousin Itt. But I still buy them and I still keep trying but I just don't spend a lot on them. They usually add a little flourish to an outfit and take it from boring to less boring.


Primark Fedora (similar here)



Puffa Jackets 

I'm not going for full on puffa wuffa style - I'm sticking to the old tried and tested Uniqlo Ultra Light Down jackets. I have my existing black collarless one which has been pulled out again and is dragged on morning, noon and night currently. This has definitely proved to be one of my best buys .... and my sister facetimed me from Hong Kong to say she had bought me a navy collared one as well which she is bringing me back as a present #lovesisters  By the way, these are so light and squish down so well, they are brilliant for layering under inadequate but fashionable winter coats.




Plaid Shirt

This is technically a replacement after handing over an old one to my god-daughter as it no longer fitted me. #ohwheredidmywaistlinego? Mine is from Uniqlo and I've basically replaced like for like in terms of colour. This is my shirt alternative when I don't fancy wearing one of my regular blue ones besides plaid seems so right at this time of year.

Uniqlo Plaid Shirt


Burgundy Boots

I just fancied a pair of burgundy boots. I've done the beige suede ones for the last few years, I don't particularly get on with black ones, so a happy compromise in my books is a pair of burgundy boots. Apart from the colour, they looked like they were a heeled boot which I could actually wear and walk around in comfortably. The sole is quite cushy which makes them a pure joy to walk in and the slightly banana shaped heel also helps me look a little taller. And the leather? Oh you should know  by now how much I like shoes which are made of squidgy soft leather and these are most definitely that. Basically, I like them for their slight quirkiness. I found these on Yoox - I spend far far too much time on there browsing shoes #dangerous.


Web by Gaimo Boots (sold out)


Grey Jumper



Grey jumpers - they're basically a wardrobe staple but not all grey jumpers are the same and so I can justify this one because I don't have one that looks like this. Besides which, I wear them all the time and I never tire of them!  And this one is gorgeous and soft which was a very welcome surprise as it didn't look like it would be. I like the moss stitch front with the contrast sleeves. It's on the right side of slouchy without overwhelming. I can't tell you how well it wears and washes as yet as it is a bit of a newbie and I'm going easy on it ... because I love it. And you will see it a lot on this blog as and when I blog as I have just realised I have not blogged for nearly 10 days #lazybones

And I think that's it! Oh yes ... and a few outfits which I've worn featuring some of the mentioned items.


Hush Jumper, Zara DIY Patchwork Jeans, ASOS Dialog Plimsolls

Uniqlo ULD Jacket, Adidas Stan Smiths

Primark Blanket Scarf, Hush Jumper Burgundy Boots

Primark Fedora, Adidas Stan Smiths

ASOS Dialog Plimsolls

Uniqlo Plaid Shirt, Adidas Stan Smiths


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And the things which I'm passing on (or rather I'm not having much luck or have decided it's not for me).

  • Faux Fur. They don't really suit me or I've just not found the one. (Disclaimer - I have the right to retract that statement should you see me in a faux fur jacket/coat).
  • Culottes. I don't know how to wear them when it gets really cold but I'm not sure they are really me. I know knee high boots are one way round how to wear them and can look fab but realistically speaking - I don't have the energy to go there. (Disclaimer - I have the right to retract that statement should you see me in a pair of culottes).
  • Pleather/leather jeggings/pants. I've not found a flattering pair yet. (Disclaimer - I have the right to retract that statement should you see me in a pair of pleather/leather jeggings/pants).
  • Pointy Boots. The ones I like are too expensive. So I'll leave that one alone. (Disclaimer - I have the right to retract that statement should you see me in a pair of pointy boots because I caved).
  • Statement Coat. Not bothered. (Disclaimer - I have the right to retract that statement when it turns up).

Last thing. Before you go with a trend or get sucked in to buying a garment that you love which you have seen on someone else, take a step back and breathe. I have one thing that I do before I hit the button usually, I picture myself in the said garment sat at home and picture myself objectively and say "does that look like me?". "Is that me in a pink dress/yellow coat/cowboy boots/neon jumper sitting there sipping my Earl Grey (insert preferred beverage)?" If it's not .... walk away. It's saved me from a couple of unnecessary purchases.

Or you could buy it and return it after you've realised it's not you. Which is also what I do :o/




45 comments

  1. I love your last tip. I'll try my best to follow it!! Although I have a very rich imaginary life and I often have no problems thinking I would wear said "pink dress/yellow coat/cowboy boots/neon jumper" every single day of my life (Sophie Kinsella would add: and everyone would start calling me "the girl with the pink dress/yellow coat/cowboy boots/neon jumper ")...

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    1. Ah I could be a total Shopaholic if I wanted - freezing the old bank cards sometimes does seem like a really good idea and would indeed be a fab deterrent against pink dress/yellow coat/cowboy boots/ neon jumper yearning! I can give out the advice ... but I don't always do what I say which is why I love disclaimers also.

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  2. So true, re getting 'sucked in' to the latest 'must have item' - desperate for a new coat, tried umpteen 'boyfriend' styles before I admitted that they're just not me!
    By the way did you change your buttons on the H&M peacoat??

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    1. Ooh Miss Eagle Eyes! :o) I did indeed change the buttons on my H&M peacoat. That was a recent change but I didn't think it warranted a whole blog post on its own. And yes, these trends and fads - some can be a little challenging to say the least. I love boyfriend coats and cocoon styles but I find that the more structured more streamlined shapes are so much more flattering on me but sometimes my heart rules my head in which case I just tend to go with the most flattering of the unflattering styles if you know what I mean. But I am defeated currently with the faux fur!

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  3. I do love your outfit photo's and you have really spoilt me today haven't you! I must admit I wouldn't go for the Stans, still loving the NB's which I have now started to wear again despite today being Haviana weather! I am after a check shirt but am trying to be good, a bit close to Xmas to buy much x

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    1. I'm on lockdown now - it's the 1st of November and it's Christmas shopping time. I think I've got most of the things I need to keep me going through the next few months .... apart from the dratted winter coat. I have had a new coat each year since I don't know when but this year, it has proved to be pretty challenging. And I've been after a check shirt as a replacement for my old one for some time but this year there seems to be a glut of them similar in colour to the one I was trying to replace so I just went for it as I seem to having such a shirt love-in at the moment. You could squirrel a little bit of money here and there and before you know it, you might have one in the bag :o)

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  4. Love the Hush jumper on you, Sue. I bookmarked it ages ago as I like it a lot too but can't justify the price, even with the current 10% off. Good to know it feels soft as I'm very picky when it comes to this aspect. I shall be patient and hope it'll be included in their Christmas sale and won't be sold out in my size!
    A quick question - is your Uniqlo shirt flannel? The reason why I'm asking is because I've had one (not Uniqlo) flannel cotton shirt and it bobbled madly (I'm very funny about pilling/bobbling) so am wondering if your one is behaving well on that front? I'm eyeing one flannel shirt from them so thought I'd check with you re this if your one is also flannel of course.
    Good to see so many outfit pictures of you btw, you spoilt us today ;) Best, Irina

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    1. It took me a while to decide on the jumper and I eventually got there after returning a number of items which I wasn't totally happy with and decided to go with one nice thing instead. If it goes in the sale later, I might bag the other colour as well if my size is still available - it's just one of those sling it on jumpers but stops itself from being too boring with the moss stitch front and the different sleeves.

      And the Uniqlo shirt - it's a light flannel - but doesn't seem to pill. I know what you mean, some of the heavier flannels/brushed cottons do pill - I've noticed that on some checked shirts before. I've washed mine twice now and it comes up pretty pristine so I can recommend on those grounds. Mine is only just loose enough and I'm wearing a size small and I'm usually a size UK10. If you plan on layering with tees underneath - a medium might be better. If you like layering with a jumper on top though, then probably your usual size is fine.

      And thanks for your lovely comment on the previous post and here - I'm glad you are enjoying the blog.

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  5. Lovely outfits! I absolutely love the Hush jumper! Very tempted. I really didn't think I'd made a dent into my winter wardrobe, but I seem to have somehow acquired most of the categories above, some old some new. Oh and I gave in and bought the phoebe patch jeans, I knew I would. I held out longer than I expected though. :D

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    1. Thank you - I sometimes worry about posting outfit pics because they're not very exciting because it really is me in day to day stuff rather than really fashionable stuff. But I always think if they want more edgy stuff, there are other people who do that really well and look the part and they can take that from those blogs instead. What I do like is finding something on someone's blog which I can afford and can see slotting in to my own wardrobe or just see how someone else wears something which I already have and can take some ideas from - I'm constantly looking to see how people wear all their MiH jeans and how they style them up. And you caved on the MiH Phoebes! Well if you still wanted them after three months or so, then you know you really wanted them! Now how long, I wonder till you get the Hush jumper?

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  6. Love them all, but especially the Hat ( you really suit it), the puffa coat and the Hush jumper. I have been considering ordering that jumper, I should get a move on as they have 25% off this weekend. Great post Sue. xx

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    1. The jumper isn't in the 25% off at the moment unfortunately - isn't that always the case?

      And the hat - it takes a little getting used to and to realise the fact that no one else is looking at you in a hat. I wore my baseball cap for football recently and because I did it last year, I didn't think anything at all about getting it out again this year and besides the more you do it, the more people get used to seeing you in hats. You're good at wearing yours and it looks very chic how you pair it with your outfits.

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  7. Ooh a feast for the eyes Sue, love everything particularly your witchy poo shoes which I take I you'll be wearing tonight. I know exactly what you mean about hats, if it hadn't got a purpose, it feels a bit odd to me (only on me though, not on other people) x

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    1. Guess what? I did not wear the witchy poo shoes last night as I stayed in. I was on door duty handing out the sweets so I stayed in my Uggy slippers.

      And re the hats - like I said to AnnMarie above - it's about getting used to them isn't it until they become part of your uniform. Easy to say ... much harder to do.

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  8. Lol Sue! Your last comment has been me this week as I have got v.carried away with all these discount codes! 5 parcels delivered, 4 went back the same day! At least I have also scratched the itch of some of these trends!! I feel another order coming along though....I never did get around to getting those ASOS skaters and they are definitely calling me now!! I am also off into Bristol tomorrow so I'll need an hour in Primark to hunt down that scarf and fedora! Reading your post is going to cost me this weekend, just as well all those parcels went back I reckon ;0) xx p.s I am also ordering the Jigsaw pom pom....not for me though, I thought it would make a great Christmas pressie for one of my friends!!

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    1. Honestly Michelle - we were separated at birth. I have had a lot of deliveries and I have returned a lot of deliveries too. In fact one of the couriers said to me ... "see you tomorrow ... to pick it back up". LOL.

      And I'd be interested to see which trends haven't worked for you too - will that be a future post? I hope so.

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  9. The only *trend* I've jumped aboard this year is the sneakers/plaid shirt thing, but it's been my uniform of sorts for years, so maybe not being trendy at this point? Seeing you in a hat makes me want one, but I look a bit of a berk in one :-(

    Very fashionable and classy, Sue. You put the younger girls to shame.

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    1. I'm not even sure plaid shirts are particularly a trend, they seem to come out in autumn/winter each year, it's just that I chose to finally get another one after handing my old one over to my god-daughter. I just liked that it injected a little bit of welcome colour in to my colour lacking wardrobe.

      And it's taken me a while but I have learnt now to buy clothes which I want to wear and WILL wear rather than what is fashionable for the sake of it though I do get distracted by a lot of trends. I also think it helps me from feeling past it.

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  10. Brilliant post Sue!! Especially love your Hush jumper & Primarni Fedora (I've been looking for a grey hat so will be hot-footing into town to see if our local has them...tried on some black ones in H&M but black isn't a great colour on me!). I'm with you on the fur coat trend....it's a very hard one to pull off so the pom-pom is the perfect solution, love it! x

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    1. I tried on some black hats too but they're not good on me - they get lost against my hair so I need the colour contrast. But for £7, it's worth trying to find the Primark one to have a play and see how you feel with hats in general. If you like them, you can invest in some better ones but to be honest, the cheap and cheerful ones seem to fit and suit me better :o) Bonus!

      And fur coats .... yes well.

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  11. you've nailed all the key looks for this season, i get a list emailed to me as part of my job description (which I still find very weird) The only one on the list that you are missing is a sequin skirt, pair with casual jumpers and trainers or pointy toe flats. Would you go for it?
    ps None of these looks really suit me as I am 'man shaped' and nearly 6 feet tall (with hindsight the newly short hair may not help), so i read with interest, but will never get away with them myself. Still trying to work out what to wear when our endless summer finishes!

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    1. You actually get a list emailed to you? That would save me a lot of trouble working it out but then again it wouldn't be half as much fun and I usually need some time for some of the trends to filter through my subconscious. The sequin skirt - don't worry - I've got a navy one on my wish list and has been for a few years but I've not found it yet and besides, I've only got one Christmas do this year so I don't have much opportunity to wear it. But I will keep looking .. I'll know when I've found it.

      And you are very far from man shaped - tall yes, but not man shaped. I would say you have a fabulous frame for clothes actually!

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  12. Epic post - thank you! I'm now hovering on the buy button for a pair of Stan smiths!!
    By the way I'm laughing at the pic of you with the pointy shoes & the cat...it looks like you just killed him with your fabulous footwear! Ax

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    1. Normally I would be saying "do it, do it! buy them, buy them!" but you've just bought a house and so I am being good by not leading you on.

      And Will-I-Am just wanted to get in on the shots. He comes around and falls over at your feet for a tickle - he's da bomb.

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  13. Such a useful post - thank you! I've been mulling over a uniqlo jacket for so long and so glad to get more info on it, and even though I had thought against the stan smiths, in your pics they really do go with everything. Actually, they look great with everything. Have you any recommendations on the best "secret socks" around to wear with them?

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    1. I do actually really like my little Uniqlo jacket. It's just useful and just takes the edge off on those cold mornings. I've always said I think I should have sized up as it doesn't fasten well on me - I have the XS but somehow it still seems to let me squeeze layers on underneath without me feeling squished as long as I don't try to fasten too many of the buttons.

      And secret socks ... hmmm. Let me go through mine and I will tell you in due course.

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  14. Fab post, Sue. Love this! Love your blanket scarf and our pointy shoes in particular and I'm still dithering about patchwork jeans! Lynne xx

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    1. Are you coming round to the patchwork jeans Lynne? I feel a bit of a dither there ;o)

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  15. Sue, you're brill. Love all of these looks on you. ESP love the home made jeans...tempted to do the same. X

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    1. Come on Claire - you can easy knock yourself up a pair. I know you have the skills. Get on with it and send me the pic!

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  16. Sue you are so right, just go with the trends that actually work for you. Actually everything you have bought are classic pieces anyway......So glad you didn't go with the turquoise fur though!! p.s. bought that Primark cardi too! Helen xx

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    1. I've got that Primark cardi on as I type. I should go and buy a spare - it's so comfy and warm.

      And I think you can take what you like from the trends and what people tell you - if they don't suit your own personal style, there's no point taking them on. However, if you can adapt them to suit, that's brilliant. I don't think I've gone for anything trend led here particularly apart from the Stans but the rest of it is quite wearable from year to year (including the patchwork jeans where I can remove the patches when I get bored) and that's what I'm aiming for.

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  17. This is simple. I love everything. A momentous post Sue. xx

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    1. I haven't actually taking on that much - I've just bought what I liked and will wear :o)

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  18. You have ticked every trend in your signature cool, classic way. I would have every single item on this list (i have ticked off a few) love the grey sweater and plaid shirt, in fact love it all and the introduction of a pair of burgundy boots I didn't know I needed till now!! Very very cool Sue, you have your eye on the 'trend' ball and are nailing it xxxx

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    1. I know you have quite a few of these items Frances - I've probably taken some on board after looking at some of your feeds! But I don't know if burgundy boots are really in or not - I just liked them!

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  19. Sue, can you stop being so God damn cool and sharing stuff I want pleeeease?!!? Seriously though, that fur Zara scarf, the Uniqlo puffa and shirt and that hat - you look fantastic in it! Oh and I'm now trying to get to Sainsbury's tomorrow to try and get that bag you put on Insta. You're my style hero xx

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    1. Oh Natalie - you've met me - not cool at all but thank you for the vote of confidence. I don't actually know what I'm doing in real life - these are just a few of the things which actually made it in to my wardrobe after much trial and error i.e. buying and returning. And yes, get thee to a Sainsburys and bag yourself a bag!

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  20. Wow...that's a hell of a trend roundup. I like it.
    I'm passing on fur coats and jackets too. I had one last winter and yes...it made me look massive and it didn't look all that hot once the season was over. So no fake fur anything for me this time around. Ditto pointy anything. My foot is...erm...opposite of dainty and I believe nothing flat and pointy looks good on them. Heeled and pointy is another matter altogether, of course. I'm definitely getting a blanket scarf and I'm still debating culottes.

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    1. I'm not even sure it's a proper trend round up - I've missed so much a long the way but really it's just what's come in to my wardrobe to give it a lease of life. Fake fur is so hard to do and I've really tried ... I've still a few months left so never say never. And you are right about pointy shoes and when they are flat, they can make feet fatter. I envy those people with nice slim feet who can wear some of these elegant pumps. And are you getting your blanket scarf from Boden - there's a lovely blue and red and cream tartan one on there. And you need culottes - you look like a culottes girl!

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  21. Total Zara faux fur snood LOVE Sue - that suits you so much. So does your hat lol, even after my recent hat post. I am being serious it looks lovely on you. I need to go and try some on. Faux fur and leather leggings I've bought into, major Office Kaos pointy shoe envy, this is something I'm gutted I missed out on. My affections have now also moved onto the pointy boots - the Toga Pulla's but I have got a hope in hell because as you know, I've recently joined you in the burgundy boot department instead :-) x

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  22. This is a fantastic post. I'm very fond of your plaid shirt look and will be thinking of ways I can copy your look. I have tried the faux fur look and even bought another one from warehouse that looks ridiculous on me and is going straight back so quite frankly I am giving up.

    Now culottes are another trend I'm not sure about Giving that some thought.

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  23. okay i'm going to seriously consider the stans now. been after a white sneaker for ages but can never make up my mind - i only want to buy one! enjoyed this post susie - it's a nice little insight to your wardrobe and i'm glad to see you're getting lots of wear out of those felt slip-ons!

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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  24. I love this post and am so happy to discover your gorgeous blog (via Avril of School Gate Style). I've been thinking of getting one of those Uniqlo plaid shirts and think seeing it on you has convinced me. Also wondered about wearing their down coats under another one - sounds like it could be good for my son's rugby matches!

    Nic x

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Susie So So