Favourite Friday ...........
Friday, 14 September 2012
Hope you don't mind but I'm going to put a bit of a hiatus on the old Favourite Friday for a bit. I did say at the start that I didn't know how long this would last but I'm going to put it to rest for a while. I've found that I'm not very good at tying myself down to things. It makes me want to not do them. Boy, I'm a rebel.
So an early night for me as I'm heading off to Whitby tomorrow and back to a more normal week next week. See you around!
So an early night for me as I'm heading off to Whitby tomorrow and back to a more normal week next week. See you around!
Have a good weekend everyone!
Bonjour!
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Indulge me....
Bonjour mes amis. Je m'appelle Susie So So et je suis avez au beaucoup de jolie fun joue avec le photo editing suite a la Pomme. C'est la raison pour les noir et blanc photos.
Translated : Hello friends. I am called Susie So So and I am having a lot of fun with the Apple photo editing suite. It is the reason for the black and white photos.
That's really bad schoolgirl French and you'd never guess I actually have an O'level (Grade B) in it. But it has been about 25 years since I had to utter a single French syllable. I actually just wanted to show you my new jacket/coat from Mango and I dug out some shoes with a heel! and voila! we all go a little Left Bank. It's not very expensive at £39.99 but it's not lined either but good for Autumn and it's a little bit of fashion ooh la la which we all need.
Black Muji Jumper
Black Primark Necklace
Jack Wills Skinny jeans
George Asda (yes - George at Asda) Black Patent Courts
In an alternative reality, I would be a youthful 20 something, strolling along the banks of the Seine carrying a baguette and an armful of flowers in the morning sunshine. However I am here on my landing doing what I usually do - prancing around on my landing taking happy snaps.
Anyway, back to the cleaning. We have guests. Well - one guest but I have to behave for a few days now before he thinks I need to be sectioned for taking photos of myself outside his bedroom.
Au revoir por maintenant!
P.S. You really don't need to correct me on the appalling French. I know it's really bad.
School Uniform
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Ben has a red jumper and grey trousers - there's not much to say about it apart from it's sourced cheaply and it fits. I like to buy clothes for my kids which fit them now and not in one year's time. If I buy them clothes for when they are a bit bigger - they wear them when they are a bit bigger. I know this is a bit of a luxury but Ben goes to the local non fee paying school and his uniform is rather homogenous and all the supermarkets supply his school colours. I appreciate not all people can afford to do this but this is my one of my indulgences. Thank you to all the supermarkets who help me with this little luxury.
This leads me on to say I do actually practice what I preach - I like my clothes to fit too - sleeves not too long and trouser/jean lengths where they're meant to be. If it requires a stint at the alterations lady then that's where they go. Clothes do not have to be expensive but ideally they should fit. Clothes that fit will make you look much better, more groomed and feel happier. End of witter. Actually not end of witter - that little witter is because of my being a short bum and in my early years - shops didn't appear to be so geared to catering for "petite" people. Finding well fitting clothes was quite difficult especially good suits for the work place and I was delighted to find petite ranges eventually filtering through in the last 10-15 years. Nowadays I don't need suits but I still appreciate a shop who can provide a petite length in jeans. Saves me a session taking them up. End of witter.
Anyway I digress and this isn't about Ben's uniform - this is about mine - my school uniform. I took a photo for each of the days I did on the school run last week. The one constant I noticed was .... jeans. Well that's a surprise .... not.
So in the spirit of Eric Carle's The Hungry Caterpillar ......
On Tuesday, I wore this.
On Wednesday, I wore this.
On Thursday, I wore this.
Well I'm not going to win any awards for blazing a fashion trail at the school gates but it's easy on the eye and comfortable and perfect for my current role as SAHM. And it just goes to prove I'm really quite a "conservative" dresser or putting it in a different way - a creature of habits. Occasionally, I stray in to dress territory (hotter days) and chinos (when I think I should get my moneys worth out of them) but it's rare. Since starting this blog way back at the very end of April, I have noticed that most posts have featured my boyfriend jeans which have been worn to death but are all the better for it. The proper skinnies will no doubt feature more once it gets to boot weather but for the time being, my legs look all the better for not looking like carrots unless they have boots to balance them out. Anybody else suffer from carrot leg syndrome - big on top and slim at the bottom?
And when the air turns nippy, one of my many many coats will surface. And the obligatory scarf.
So what's your daily go to uniform? Same as mine or are you a little more daring? Wouldn't be hard would it?
P.S. You're not reading this blog for fashion and style tips are you? Wrong blog, mate!
This leads me on to say I do actually practice what I preach - I like my clothes to fit too - sleeves not too long and trouser/jean lengths where they're meant to be. If it requires a stint at the alterations lady then that's where they go. Clothes do not have to be expensive but ideally they should fit. Clothes that fit will make you look much better, more groomed and feel happier. End of witter. Actually not end of witter - that little witter is because of my being a short bum and in my early years - shops didn't appear to be so geared to catering for "petite" people. Finding well fitting clothes was quite difficult especially good suits for the work place and I was delighted to find petite ranges eventually filtering through in the last 10-15 years. Nowadays I don't need suits but I still appreciate a shop who can provide a petite length in jeans. Saves me a session taking them up. End of witter.
Anyway I digress and this isn't about Ben's uniform - this is about mine - my school uniform. I took a photo for each of the days I did on the school run last week. The one constant I noticed was .... jeans. Well that's a surprise .... not.
So in the spirit of Eric Carle's The Hungry Caterpillar ......
On Tuesday, I wore this.
French Connection Top (old)
and a pair of
New Look Slim Boyfriend Jeans (old)
On Wednesday, I wore this.
Zara Cream Top (SS12)
and a pair of
Falmer Heritage Skinny Boyfriend Jeans
On Thursday, I wore this.
Jack Wills Shirt (SS11)
and a pair of
Falmer Heritage Skinny Boyfriend Jeans
On Friday I wore this.
Hobbs NW3 Owl Tee (SS12)
and a pair of
Jack Wills Skinny (but loose) Jeans
And when the air turns nippy, one of my many many coats will surface. And the obligatory scarf.
So what's your daily go to uniform? Same as mine or are you a little more daring? Wouldn't be hard would it?
P.S. You're not reading this blog for fashion and style tips are you? Wrong blog, mate!
I really like .....
Sunday, 9 September 2012
....... Laura Bailey.
The above picture kind of jumped out at me from a mag the other day where she was advertising Radley handbags which I have actively avoided since day dot due to the rather childish Scottie dog designs. You can shoot me now but I don't like the overly cute Scottie dog designs, in fact I find them just a little bit twee and annoying - only school girls should have cute doggies on their bags .... not grown women. But I know they've been revamping themselves and credit to them ... Laura is basically doing a fab job because she just looks fantastic in their campaigns. I really love the outfit above but this is one of those contentious looks which few can carry off well. When worn by a regular person, the chances are it will fall into the "gran/frump" category. This is a look the other half will hate unless you look like Laura Bailey wearing it ... no forget it ... they will still hate it.
Another shot from their Autumn Winter 2012 campaign. This is so starting to get me in the mood for Autumn.
And from the Spring Summer 2012 campaign :
But this post is not about Radley handbags, this is about Laura Bailey. A lady whose style is simple, sophisticated yet has a little vintage twist. She doesn't seem to get as many pages dedicated to her style compared to the usual fashion suspects such as the two Kates and Alexa but I really like her English quirky cool.
She rocks a contemporary blazer and tee look just like that .....
And then makes a Topshop jumper eminently covetable :
and then switches on the girl charm the next minute :
So Laura rocks .... which is probably why she is Cultural Ambassador for the British Fashion Council but I also like the fact that she is also an older model - someone closer to my age group - she's 40! And on some of the photos I've seen her in, she even has a few fine lines which is quite refreshing as she's not been airbrushed to death. She's just a normal woman ageing well and fashionably.
So a little off the beaten track for me and something almost tantamount to a little heroine worship. Just a little post about Laura. London girl about town.
Who's been inspiring you lately?
No doggie in sight - hurrah!
The above picture kind of jumped out at me from a mag the other day where she was advertising Radley handbags which I have actively avoided since day dot due to the rather childish Scottie dog designs. You can shoot me now but I don't like the overly cute Scottie dog designs, in fact I find them just a little bit twee and annoying - only school girls should have cute doggies on their bags .... not grown women. But I know they've been revamping themselves and credit to them ... Laura is basically doing a fab job because she just looks fantastic in their campaigns. I really love the outfit above but this is one of those contentious looks which few can carry off well. When worn by a regular person, the chances are it will fall into the "gran/frump" category. This is a look the other half will hate unless you look like Laura Bailey wearing it ... no forget it ... they will still hate it.
Another shot from their Autumn Winter 2012 campaign. This is so starting to get me in the mood for Autumn.
Still no doggie in sight - hurrah!
And from the Spring Summer 2012 campaign :
Nop - still no doggie!
And it was all going so well ... spot the doggie!
But this post is not about Radley handbags, this is about Laura Bailey. A lady whose style is simple, sophisticated yet has a little vintage twist. She doesn't seem to get as many pages dedicated to her style compared to the usual fashion suspects such as the two Kates and Alexa but I really like her English quirky cool.
She rocks a contemporary blazer and tee look just like that .....
I looked rubbish in this - I know ... I tried it on.
and then switches on the girl charm the next minute :
Bed head. Cool.
Picture Credit : JemimaDaisy
I like the fact that all three looks are actually wearable - you just tweak and adapt to your own personal style... and I also like that she has been described as "the thinking woman's fashion pin up" which almost makes me feel very intelligent.
So Laura rocks .... which is probably why she is Cultural Ambassador for the British Fashion Council but I also like the fact that she is also an older model - someone closer to my age group - she's 40! And on some of the photos I've seen her in, she even has a few fine lines which is quite refreshing as she's not been airbrushed to death. She's just a normal woman ageing well and fashionably.
So a little off the beaten track for me and something almost tantamount to a little heroine worship. Just a little post about Laura. London girl about town.
Who's been inspiring you lately?
Favourite Friday - APC Bag
Friday, 7 September 2012
No flunking out this week. This Friday, my APC Camo Leopard bag is making an appearance. The print is camo leopard which is the latest thing - an amalgamation of camouflage and leopard print, designed to confuse people so they don't know if it's camo or leopard and hence two trends in one. Okay, I fess up .... I've just made that bit up but its the only description I could come up with to describe the print on my APC bag. It's technically leopard print but I think it has a touch of the camo about it (humour me) so I like to think I'm a happening momma when I carry it. I don't use it that often as it has a pale background and made of canvas i.e. not good around kids. But I like it when it comes out to play. Grrr.
This is more a Summer time bag because of the colours. But now that Autumn is banging hard at the door .... the APC bag may have to make way for this little number :
APC Leopard Print Bag (SS12)
Pale Leather - nice clean stitching
Little little logo
Camo Leopard - You heard about it here first!
I ummed and aahed over this bag for quite some time and watched it slowly come down in price on the NAP site. And I pounced at the very last minute. However, when it arrived, it was another bag that I was undecided about as the practical side of me said - it's cream, it's canvas - it will get mucky! But I liked it too much to send it back and to be honest gone are the days when I regularly bought a handbag .... infact I think this is my only handbag (cue gasps from bagaholics every where) purchase this year. Nowadays the grey tatty bag goes everywhere with me and when I can be bothered, I have a switch just to make life a little more interesting for the more redundant ones.
This is more a Summer time bag because of the colours. But now that Autumn is banging hard at the door .... the APC bag may have to make way for this little number :
Another camo leopard offering! This time from Mango in an Autumn colourway. It's grey (hey!) with the nice splodges of mustardy yellow (yum!) and affordable too at £34.99. There's a cardigan version too if anyone is interested. And a pinky background one for the girly amongst us (not me).
Don't be surprised if this makes a blog post in the near future. Like the old MacDonalds saying "der na na na na.... I'm loving it!"
Jack Wills Outlet - Teeny Bop Heaven.
Thursday, 6 September 2012
.... and mine. Hang head in shame. I know, I'm probably a little bit older than the average Jack Wills customer but I've got a young and immature head on my shoulders (I said it before you did).
I received an interesting email in my inbox a few weeks ago about a Jack Wills Outlet being opened in Dean Clough in Halifax. Not too far from the God Parents actually. An engineered trip was in order. The seed of suggestion was sown into my God daughter's brain and it rooted quickly and before I knew it, I was heading to Dean Clough with Kirstie, her family and George Dude for a browse.
Not knowing where we were going and bearing in mind I haven't been to Halifax for probably nigh on ten years, I found myself short cutting through the Dean Clough art gallery at break neck speed (George was leading the way) before we found our shopping goal.
And the record for navigating through an art gallery in 3 secs goes to ... George!
The only picture I managed to take of any artwork and it looks a bit rude.
I'm not sure what I was expecting but I knew I wasn't expecting this. When someone says outlet to you, you imagine a little shop, a bit of dim lighting, a little bit tatty around the edges but this was impressive. Jack Wills basically have taken over a former boiler room of the old Crossley Carpet factory. And it's a big boiler room at that!
It's huge!
Welcome! All major credit cards accepted.
Being an outlet, this is not current stock but given the nature and styling of Jack Wills clothes - that shouldn't really matter. A preppy shirt is still a preppy shirt, this year or next - we just change the print a little. A sweatshirt or a hoody is exactly that - we just change and tweak the logo a little but overall - same shape, different colour. And that's one of the good things about Jack Wills clothing - it doesn't date that much and it's quite formulaic - a glance through their lookbooks will confirm this in more ways than one. It's posh university preppy. British style. As Jack Wills proudly boasts about itself over it's registered trademark "Jack Wills - University Outfitters".
I would imagine most parents would be happy about their kids wearing this kind of look - what's not to like about your child looking like a posh thing in casual wear. Skinny jeans for the boys with a nice fitted check shirt. Pretty (liberty) print dresses for the girls most of which are of a bum skimming length. But the big big thing here is you're not really a Jack Wills'er until you have one of their hoodies or sweatshirts (hang head in big shame between knees - I have one .. err two).
So first floor for the men's wear (not interested) and second floor for me .... err I mean Kirstie. I already have access to the Jack Wills outlet website so I knew what to expect and what price range things would be set at. Apparently having access to the online outlet is a bit of a privilege and by invite only. I think I did a mad splurge online one year and they thought - easy prey that Sue there and they were right and passed me on an invite.
This is two floors of clothing heaven for teeny boppers and probably two floors of purse hell for parents.
Lovely original beams and structure
Living the J Wills brand (if you want to)
Great place for hide and seek!
Prices when full price at Jack Wills need a bit of thinking about. Prices when they hit the end of the sales are pretty good though. I managed to acquire a sweatshirt for £14 one year - cheaper than most high street retail brands. Most of the JW pieces I have, I have managed to pick up in the sales over the last couple of years and and the pickings have been pretty good. And believe it or not, though their hoodies and sweats are logo'd and these seem to be the favoured items for teens, some of their items do not have Jack Wills logo emblazoned across them. For instance, they do a lovely line in shirts for women. I know, I have three of them. They do nice little summer cotton tops. I know, I have three of those too. A little floral jacket, a couple of cardigans ... and so the list goes on but nothing in your face and if I wore any of them, I don't think anyone would say "Sue, you really shouldn't".
Can I just say - the changing room I had was brilliant. It was huge, airy and even had a mattress on it for George to chill out on.
Lovely big changing room space
George in his luxury cell.
I was tempted by the cute blouse below (I love a good silk/cotton mix) and even thought about a check shirt and I even made the SA go and look for my size for a number of things but I didn't buy. What's wrong with me? I must be ill. Even the Grumps was surprised to find out that I hadn't bought anything when I told him later about my little excursion.
Wish I'd bought it now. Drat!
However, this is still a lovely outlet and I still really like their clothes. What does really surprise me though is the choice of location for this Jack Wills venture. I'm not complaining - it's nice to have something which is almost on my doorstep but why the north of England and especially Halifax a little old textiles town which is not really on the map for a lot? If anyone knows - do tell - I am curious with a capital C.
---------------------------
Final Note.
- If anyone from Jack Wills/Aubin & Wills is reading (fat chance) - any chance of opening an Aubin & Wills outlet here too? It would make me very happy.
- If anyone from Hollister is reading (fat chance) - any chance of getting your lighting sorted out in your shops so I can actually see the merchandise? Make like Jack Wills and get some brighter bulbs at the very least. I walked out of your Trafford Centre store as I couldn't see a thing in there and it made me very grumpy. How can I tell what colour something is if I can't see it? Go on - do it now! I'll even donate you a few bulbs if it helps.
- That's it. Getting off my soap box now. Thank you for reading.
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