Friday Five : 27 October 2017

Friday 27 October 2017



Crikey, Friday has come round really fast and I thought I had a few hours more to put this together but I've been out and about all day (half term and kids to entertain) and now we're off out shortly so I thought I'd try and see what I can pull together quickly for you. 

Friday Five (1 of 5) New Shoes


Right, I can honestly say I would have done stupidly ridiculously bad on the #nospendoctober challenge if I had taken part in it as I bought let me see - three or was it four pair of shoes? But it's not all bad because I have worn them and they give me joy and that's what it's about isn't it? And they didn't cost me the earth, especially my two pairs of ballet pumps (the leather gold ones which I mentioned here previously for £11 and then I picked up a cute little velvet pair in H&M for £3 (seen here) which are amongst my favourite things currently. And I just took delivery of those ASOS Lea strappy ones up there too. I have a witchy version of these in leather from Office from a couple of years back but they are very witchy. These are less so with the rounded front and I like the chunkier straps - they remind me a little of the Vivienne Westwood Roman shoes which I covet wholeheartedly but never seem to manage to save up for. Well I can scratch that itch here and now with these. 

Friday Five (2 of 5) Ouch



Crikey, I've been up ladders decorating and doing all manner of housey things and I was going to make the dinner when I thought, the hubs can do it for a change. He's not made anything for a while and I can crack on and get my decorating done. Hmmm. Not long after he started, there was a "Suuuuueee! I need a little help here" and I thought "Streuth!" but duly trotted down to find him holding his hand aloft with kitchen roll wrapped round his thumb and looking rather faint. "I've cut myself ... badly". The things some people do to get out of cooking! Anyway, he had taken a chunk out of his thumb and after he was dispatched to the sofa looking rather faint, I made the dinner. He went to the Minor Injuries unit the other day and came back with a rather badly bandaged thumb and a few big plasters. Now a few years back, my eldest son was a bit gung-ho with the safety scissors at nursery and whipped the top of his thumb off. At the Minor Injuries unit, the nice nurse there taught me how to cut the plasters to fit neatly on top of a thumb because as you know, they are rather awkward to apply neatly. If you want to know how ... watch this video. All I can say is, I've spent the rest of the day going "Boom!" to the hubs and sticking my thumb up at him!

Friday Five (3 of 5) Skirts

Skirt picked up in store in H&M

Well it's 15% off currently at H&M if you're an H&M Club member and whilst in store this week, I picked up this floral pleated skirt. It has a pleated top mesh layer and doesn't crease - I hate it when you wear a pleated skirt and the pleats at the back do their own thing and iron themselves out when you sit down. This one doesn't. However ... I had already ordered a polkadot jacquard one from the site (before the 15% offer came on) and in a size 10. It arrived yesterday and I love it but I'm worried that I can't eat in it as it's quite a neat fit which I can just about get away with but my sensible head tells me to check out the size up too. So I have now ordered a 10 and 12 with the discount and we shall see. I love the frills at the front. Ole!

(losing light here so apologies for grainy pic)

Friday Five (4 of 5) Not A DarkSide Girl

Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue

I've been wanting to go over to the dark side for some time - well since 2015 which is when this picture was taken and I wanted to paint a room in Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue. The hubs finally let me loose in his study and I painted it. I hate it. I didn't sleep because of it. I need to go back to the light side - I just don't do dark rooms. I'll repaint when he's next away. Don't tell him. 

Friday Five (5 of 5) Dustpan & Brush



Yup, my little brush with the rubber bristles finally gave up the last of its bristles and I had to buy a new one. I could have picked up a lovely looking wooden one with natural bristles and which was aesthetically pleasing to the eye but instead, I picked up this grey and orange number from Amazon and I love it. I find the rubber bristles grab bits off the floor a lot better. So that was me picking function over form for once. I'm getting old. And yes, I'm taking the mick with my flatlay of my new dustpan and brush.



Have a good weekend y'all!




Changing My Leopard Scarf Spots

Wednesday 25 October 2017




ASOS Jumper (can not recommend - bobbles like a rabid rabbit)
Uniqlo Grey Tee (just seen)


This was going to be a quick OOTD post the other day but I never got round to sharing it. In fact this was from a few days ago when I still looked relatively sane and was not in my decorating clobber and I didn't have white emulsioned hair - I've been painting a ceiling and sometimes you forget when to stop going up that ladder until you bang your head on that freshly emulsioned patch that you've just done. Brings a new meaning to white hair.

Anyway, I mentioned briefly a few posts ago that I was in the mood for scarves again this year and this leopard one from Black.Co.Uk is my latest addition. This is the only leopard scarf I own - I know it's a staple in a lot of ladies wardrobes but I just never got there till now and I have to say I rather like it. I'm funny with scarves - I've been a lot more picky over the last few years as I've been culling them like a mad woman (they fell out of favour big time) so whenever I did buy one, it was thoroughly tested for it's tie-ability or it's waft-ability. Some were too chunky and some too short, some mummified me and some only had the pattern printed on one side - they were all left behind. I have to say, this one is very soft (silk and merino wool content) and extremely easy to tie (once, twice or thrice round the neck is fine) but it still has a nice slight weight to it. This one makes the cut. 

And I don't know about you but are scarves making a bit of a comeback this year or am I imagining it? Hmmmm.


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A couple of other scarves caught my eye on the Black.Co.Uk website and these are actually from the mens section - I quite often browse the mens accessories departments for scarves and hats as (1) I have a big head and (2) the patterns are not so frou frou.


  • 1. The black and beige striped scarf - I love how graphic this is and just adds a bit of coolness to an outfit.
  • 2. The Vans. I've been toying with a pair of coloured trainers for ages and it's always been between pink and burgundy but I've just ordered these ginger coloured ones after admiring them on Alex and Jane and then the final nudge came from Grazia this week. I am such a sucker.
  • 3. The Haworth bag, I stuck in there as I basically have this and I thought it might pare well with the ginger Vans coming my way - I like creating montages usually with a little something from my wardrobe so I can see how new looks come together.
  • 4. They call this burgundy on the website- I think they should have called it Blackberry. Sounds better already doesn't it? And it's a colour that I can wear happily - it doesn't have that redness about it which can "date" some burgundy shades, but a more purpley tone. This is in a herringbone weave so has a little texture too. Lovely.
  • 5. Cowboy boots! Yes. I've been eyeing these up for yonks. I'm not sure they are me but I still love the detailing on them. Not too in your face either but just a little detail to take them up a notch.
  • 6. I just like the detailing on the bag. Sometimes black bags are just a little too black and need a little something to lift them especially if the rest of your outfit is relatively plain. 
  • 7. Those are the slim leg jeans I'm living in currently. Just a nice relaxed fit as I'm just not feeling the skinnies at the moment. I popped a pair on the other day and it was like "oooof" and couldn't wait to peel them off again. So a looser cut for me for now.
  • 8. I spotted this black fur jacket on the Next website and it reminded me of the Matalan one which I've been wearing for the last few years. Mine has been such a good buy and I love the way it just gives you that immediate "I look like I made an effort" vibe.
  • 9. Black cashmere jumper. Go on, you're worth it! I'm worth it. I have three black ones at last count.


* Scarf c/o Black.Co.Uk



Fake It If You Can Make It

Sunday 15 October 2017






Jumper (my design) on Woolovers Jumper
MiH Jane Jeans (old)


You know how at the beginning of the year, I was all over the Lingua Franca jumpers till I made my own here? Well then I moved on to the Hades jumpers. After seeing Julia from Stylonylon wearing her Unrequited Love one, I decided to make my own. Well there is no way I can embroider like that but I know a man who can!

So I mocked up my design .....



And took it to the embroidery man along with my Woolovers merino cashmere jumper which I'd ordered for the purpose. I showed him the picture and although he only had two script fonts, luckily one of them was suitable. And then he told me to go and disappear for half an hour which I duly did in to the nearest H&M as it was just opposite. I'm going to be honest, I was pooping my pants incase this turned out bad but as it was, it turned out brilliant. Cue big beaming smiley face when I saw it. 

And it cost me £10 for the embroidery. WELL WORTH IT.

So do you like? I'm chuffed.






But if you don't have the time or inclination or know a man who can embroider, here's a few of the nicest ones around - from the expensive to the affordable Sugarhill Boutique ones.





I'm rather liking the Ille de Cocos one - do you think I could make that???


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Last Note :

  • I used Kustom Stitch for my embroidery. If you want a font which they don't have on site, they will need to create a new plate to do the embroidery and that will cost you a lot. I'd go with what they have if I were you! 



Friday Five : 13 October 2017

Friday 13 October 2017


Hi, it's that fun Friday time again!

Friday Five (1 of 5) Sezane Jumper of Dreams


I ordered a top from Sezane a couple of years ago and sold it on as I had to admit it was a little neat on me. I haven't ordered anything since till now. My Leopold jumper arrived this week and this was one of those makes you squeal type purchases when you open the box. I'm in love. I'm in big love. I'm not returning this.

Friday Five  (2 of 5) Supermarket Superstar


Following on from last week and the above purchase, as you may or not have guessed, I'm on a jumper bender at the moment. They've been flying in and out of SoSo Towers like I don't know. Just as I think I'm committing to one, something else comes along and another gets returned to make way for the latest in favour item. Anyway, I had to try this one on that I spotted as I sped through Sainsburys. I just loved the colours on the yoke - it's a great jumper for dressing up and down. Perfect for country walks with jeans tucked in to a pair of wellies or boots. Sassy with a leather mini and opaques. And dress up with a pair of straight cut jeans and a pair of heels and a natty clutch - a bit like I how I styled a few years back below.

Dec 2014

Friday Five (3 of 5) Working Out My Style


I'm thinking of getting this book. Is it any good? Do I need this book? Anyone got it? I think I sort of know my style and what I like but I do like to read other people's thoughts on being at one with yourself and what works for you. I hear there's a chapter on flat shoes - I think that will be a good one.

Friday Five (4 of 5) Pink

Primark Pink Dress (instore)

Anyone spotted this in Primark yet? Yes it's Primark! Is pink your thing? Pink can be my thing but not this shade of pink as I found when I tried it on. I have to say, it was pretty pukey on me but I know on the right person, this is going to be stunning. If you find it, if you buy it, if you look amazing in it, tag me and let me know eh? I'll live vicariously through your pink hued dress dreams.

Friday Five (5 of 5) Pound Coins



Don't forget to get rid of your old pound coins before Sunday as that's the official date for when they will no longer be accepted. I went round the house today and rounded up 30 of the little beggars after a quick turf of every drawer and handbag and coat pocket. That's a new purchase right there! Actually it went on this skirt as I had to spend the coins right? Anyway, if I recall correctly from the morning news at the beginning of the week, I think Poundland will still be taking in the old coins till the end of the month. Last chance.



Quick OOTD : 12/10/17 Basic

Thursday 12 October 2017



H&M Skirt (old but linked similar below)



Pretty basic.


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I thought I'd wear a skirt today as the sun was shining in the lovely blue sky when I looked out of my window. And then I went out on the school run and I thought "Pfft - fooled again! It's blumming freezing!" But I did it and then changed back in to my joggy bots pretty pronto.






Just throwing up a few looks there around how to style the tube skirts for casual wear. I've got my eye on those pink Nike Internationalist trainers because it's another year down the line and I'm still hankering after pink trainers. I should really just get on with it. And for anyone who likes the OTT glamour of some of the Gucci sneakers out there, ASH do a slightly more modestly priced version which could give them a run for their money.








Quick OOTD : 09/10/17 Berry Stripes

Monday 9 October 2017




Topshop Mohair Jumper (old)
H&M Velvet Ballet Pumps (in store)



I have a cold and a cough. You just can't tell from a photo can you?


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The Esprit jumper is the closest I could find to my jumper in colours but I love that it's got silver lurex trims which just jazzes it up a little. And that Orla bag - I love the colours on that!


Friday Five : 06 October 2017

Friday 6 October 2017



Friday Five (1 of 5) The Colour Purple


& Other Stories Leo Jacquard Jumper (wearing a small here)


I've not been in & Other Stories for a while and the one in Leeds isn't huge actually, it carries a lot less stock than say the Manchester one which I visited earlier this year. And I shouldn't complain because at least we do actually have one in Leeds now but all the things you see on line? Can't find them. But I did find this black and purple leopard jumper which I was strangely taken with. It's a little bit punk isn't it and I am so not punky at all. Actually I don't think punky is a real word - the spellchecker is having a fight with me over it. Now I've bought it in the medium because I was thinking it might be nice a little slouchy but having looked online, the models wear it a bit neater. So now I might have to go back and swap it. Pfft.


Friday Five (2 of 5) Nanna




Heel Foam Cushions from Poundland (the glamour)


I'm such a nanna. As in Gra-nanna. And I prefer to have a little bit of cushioning in my shoes these days since I started with some heel pain which I mentioned some time back. It's almost gone now - something to do with me doing a lot less walking and I can manage my ballet flats again but I'm still a bit wary of exacerbating anything, so I found myself looking for things to cushion the impact of when my heels hit the floor. And I found these little cushion wedges in the pound shop. I just pop them in and they just take the edge off a little when I'm pounding pavements. I have fleecy insoles in some shoes and these wedges in others. Just so you know, you are highly unlikely to find them in my flat lays in general as they're not that aesthetically pleasing to the eye. But because we're friends, I thought I'd share. Just this time.


Friday Five (3 of 5) Jigsaw Outlet





Jigsaw is a little on the pricey side for my budget at full price but when the sales happen, you can nab a bargain or eight.

The pyjamas - these are £19! £19 I repeat. In a lovely soft grey melange yarn. Your winter nights just got that much cosier. And if you're not a pj girl - well think ahead to Christmas - present for anyone? I had to throw in that navy jumper too - a big cosy navy jumper just waiting to give you a big hug. It comes in at less than Topshop prices now that it's in the sale. And the belt - all those midi dresses which need a little definition around the middle - now isn't that a nice belt to do the job. You're welcome.


Friday Five (4 of 5) Sweatshirt 




I love a sweatshirt as you know but did you know I don't have a pink one. Do I need a pink one? Do I need that one up there? For the weekend? Mulling it over. Mulling it over. I don't really need one do I? But I don't have a pink one. Mulling, mulling, mulling. 


Friday Five (5 of 5) Mid Life Crisis




I bought some make up today. It's the first eyeliner I've bought in two years. Azure plum. I blame it on buying that purple leopard jumper.






Village England Jewellery

Wednesday 4 October 2017





I don't normally say much on IG. Infact I say very little as I feel too weirded out talking on my phone and never think I sound normal or natural. But I did do a little spiel a couple of weeks ago to talk about my new Fencote earrings from Village England. Yes, Village England who make handbags, have also started doing a nice little line in jewellery. And they're a little bit different aren't they? I've been meaning to get in to wearing a little more jewellery because sometimes you just feel that little bit "nek-kid" going unadorned and need that finishing touch. The size and style of these Fencote earrings are just perfect. Not too big but just statement enough. 





I've been wearing them on and off and I have to say, the Fencotes are very me. Thy're not too in your face and don't catch in your hair and normally when I put a pair of earrings on, I become an earring fiddler extraordinaire but not with these. But if they're a little too shy and retiring for you, you need to have a look at the rest of the designs. If you want statement, you go for the Everleigh Large Sail Earrings below. Those are  perfect for a chic pared down look - think Sofia Coppola on a night out in a black tux jacket and a pair of these on her lobes dancing around her handbag. (or maybe you can forget the dancing around the handbag bit) but you get the picture ;)


 


Anyway, hop over here to have a look at the rest of the collection - it's lovely. Would I lie to you?



* Earrings c/o Village England

Black Velvet

Monday 2 October 2017



F&F Velvet Blazer (old)
Zara Top (old)
M&S Petite Slim Jeans
Mulberry Camera Bag (old)


Sometimes when I'm in a need of a bit of retail therapy at the weekend, I say I need to do a bit of a food shop and I make some excuse that I can't get the branded cereal that the hubs likes at the Aldi and that I have to wander further afield to a bigger supermarket. Like the big 24 hour Tescos which also happens to have clothes. Anyway, on one of those food shops last year, I came across my black velvet blazer. Whoop a whoop and an extra whoop! Now the whooping is because I have always had a little black velvet jacket in my wardrobe but my existing one was a little shorter in the body and I wanted a more blazer style for everyday wear. Hence the whooping when I found it. And cue more whooping because autumn is here and it's the perfect season for velvet blazers. Look how easy they are to wear - Alexa loves hers!







Source : Pinterest (Various)



If you need any more convincing about the merits of a black velvet blazer, see below. I'd like everything on here please!






That white Monsoon shirt actually has some military frogging details which just makes it a little different from the Victoriana styles around and gives it a little edge. Oh and I love my Mulberry camera bag and I never tire of the design but I'm always on the lookout for another which I can have as a backup - mine's a good few years old and I just want to go a bit easy on it. The Rebecca Minkoff  looks to be a similar size and has a whiff of the Balenciaga City Bag about it without the price tag. That's no bad thing.





Susie So So