I’m a bit of a “bah humbug” type but can no longer resist with Christmas literally on the horizon. However I do stand my ground on the Christmas jumper craze which seems to have taken over in the last few years. Don’t get me wrong I am happy to contribute to charity but I refuse to wear a travesty of a jumper doing it. So if you feel the same as me, I have collated some jumpers that whilst may not officially fit the criteria of Christmas Jumper I think you can more than get away with and not compromise your sartorial sensibilities.
Label Lab, House of Fraser – £35
With slogans tees not going anywhere they I think are a good place to get involved without being ridiculous – I draw the line at #ELFIE but I feel that this House Of Fraser number fits the vibe perfectly and also prevents people asking why you haven’t gone to town more.
Oasis, Sequin Tinsel – £38
For those of you who like sparkle this time of year, how about Oasis’ sequin tinsel – suitably Christmassy and will work well in your festive wardrobe from parties to cooking the turkey.
If you like your sparkle slightly more subtle try these sequin tassels.
River Island, £35
Be a pearly queen with statement sleeve to boot or how about some angel wings to show santa you have been good (available for local types from Lilac Rose boutique).
Make a statement with colour – flirt with withmulti-coloured sequins
Zara, £37
or go full on festive with the colour of the season – Red (which gives a double hit of trend and Christmas) –
H&M, £17.99
Here’s me in my favourite of the bunch, which I think I can just about slide into the category because it mentions booze and it sparkles (it also comes with reference to champagne or prosecco).
Our Design Journey – £35-£40
What’s your take on Christmas Jumpers – love ‘em or loathe ‘em?
Tis the season and all that and whilst I just may have a blog of all the lovely stuff that is out there in the shops up my sleeve I also wanted to do a quick piece on why, when faced with occasion dressing of the Christmas variety, you could find the answer in the most unlikely of places – your Summer wardrobe.
Yes you did hear correctly and yes I probably am directing this post at those of you whose internal mercury runs higher than most (I suspect there are quite a few of us ladies). Let’s face it, most “do’s”, parties, shindigs end up being warm affairs whether on the dancefloor, packed bar or in the kitchen at house parties. I had a christening to go to last week so needed to be church and then gathering at a friend’s house as well as weather appropriate, I came up with three options and at least 2 of them included slightly unseasonal items.
LK Bennett
First up this LK Bennett number, clearly I am not mad enough to think this would be warm enough in the face of frost and whilst I contemplated layering a fine knit or similar underneath it I decided to carry the blue from tope to toe by adding a brighter blue jumper over the top. Easy to discard once your event warms up, looks great with a statement necklace and by dressing in multiple shades of blue with the finishing touch of the M&S Cinderella shoes you will most definitely be ready to go to the ball.
Rhapsody in Blue
Of course even I needed an outer layer option. My top tip here is to go for a luxe fabric –velvet is a great choice I went for trusty black blazer (last winter from M&S) but there are some great coloured versions this season. I also think a sequin goes a long way and this River Island one gets my vote.
Left to Right – Topshop, Karabo Clothing, River Island
Another option was the Reiss dress, that is probably the most complimented dress in my wardrobe, so what better excuse to get more wear out of it? It’s already earmarked for a destination wedding next year but was surprisingly easy to adapt for Derbyshire in December.
Reiss
The secret – a great pair of knee high boots with metallic detailing and again finished with luxe velvet. If this is too light on the layers for you, layer over a fitted turtle neck.
Just add suede boots
Ultimately I went for my trusty tweed. The wool fabric keeps everything toasty but the bare shoulders created by the bandeau style neckline give it a bit of edge. For warmth add the trusty blazer and bring it all together with a pop of colour with the shoes and bag.
So before you dash round the crowded shops for your Christmas events – take a look in the back of the wardrobe. What about you? Do you need more warmth or do you like the idea of getting more wear out of those underused seasonal pieces? I’d love to see what you are updating for midwinter.
If rummaging in your wardrobe is a daunting prospect or you’d like some tips dressing for the party season get in touch to book your wardrobe reshape or your express shop.
In the first of a mini series on the blog which will be featuring what I love from the shops right now as we get involved in Autumn. I am talking those few key purchases that will give your wardrobe an updated fresh feel. This week’s faves are from good ol’ M&S who keep bringing their A-game to affordable fashion.
Straight in at the top of the lust haves is this gorgeous grey jumper dress. There is a bit of nostalgia involved due a gorgeous brown (yeah I know) jumper dress I had when I was 18 that made me feel like I was so sophisticated.
Seamless Wonder – £45, M&S
However this piece is more than that, it has no seams! This engineering feat along with the side tie detail and the cosy but not chunky merino equals a flattering dress to anchor your Autumn wardrobe. I’m seeing it with prim shoes, trainers but most of all boots, ankle or over the knee preferably in a shade of red or Oxblood. Which leads us on to the next fave……
Red Alert -£79 M&S
These red ankle boots with metallic heel detail, look much more expensive than their £79 price tag, and will work beautifully with dresses, jeans (particularly the straight crop style that Autumn is ushering in) and even a faux leather legging which are not going anywhere (but more on those for next week’s Five Faves).
Tasseltastic – £35, M&S
Sticking with shoes, tassels have not deserted us but they have graduated from blouses and earrings to shoes. These heels tick the key colour trend red but also come in black for those who prefer a neutral.
Check Out – £30, M&S
A nod to tweed and the suiting trend these trousers will bring texture and interest to your new season wardrobe and make a great alternative to your navy and black neutrals. Pair with a classic white shirt and some Oxblood courts for a smart look or red boots and a slogan tee for a more casual affair.
The Updated Parka – £79, M&S
Last but not least – THIS jacket it’s a parka yes but it features shearling and camo which bring this staple bang up to date. Pair with pretty much anything but black denim and a statement ankle boot will see you from the school run through to gin o’clock.
What’s caught your eye in the early Autumn drops? If you don’t know where to turn, think about booking a seasonal update session with me. It’s a mini wardrobe edit focused on the key trends for the upcoming season, quote “Five Faves” and get this service for just £70.
One advantage of the distinctly unseasonal weather is that I am already actively plotting my new season wardrobe, Usually I would be glossing over such things because I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to look at them in any form of heat
I’ve spied a few things recently that I believe qualify as anchor pieces. Specifically those pieces that allow you to segue effortlessly into the new season because they work just as well for now in this transitional period as they do for new season proper. To avoid disappointment I won’t be looking at soft suiting which is a key trend for next season that I can’t quite get on board with. I think it’s something to do with coming of age in the nineties when going out out in a suit was the thing! I had a pretty amazing silver suit from Warehouse which was worn on repeat including to celebrate my 21st birthday. It was still hanging in my wardrobe when I met my now husband, where he promptly dubbed it my spaceman suit!! I had clear early warning that he would not always understand my sartorial choices but I digress.
First up is this vibrant trench from H&M. They are calling it red but for me it’s very much fiery sunset orange. Either way it is the perfect slouchy silhouette and is heavy enough to be worn through even the chilliest Autumnal days. It also looks way more expensive than its £59.99 price tag which makes it a shrewd now buy. Plus it’ll keep some of this endless rain off.
H&M Trench Coat – £59.99
If you are a fan of this sunburnt orange then may I recommend this French Connection dress. Still summery enough to wear now as a dress, later you can throw over your favourite pair of jeans with a biker jacket or blazer.
French Connection, £85
Pleated midis are not going anywhere but they have got bolder. For an instant update add pattern, like Louche’s floral print version (which I may have just picked up at one of my favourite local boutiques Lilac Rose). If you aren’t a floral lover then try Next’s midi with its geometric print.
Skirts earn their place as a transitional anchor because they can be worn now with a simple tee and sandals or trainers, just add boots and sweaters for Autumn proper. If pleats aren’t your thing or you want to make the skirt your centre piece (it’s going to be mine) just go for print or patchwork. I am coveting Second Female’s navy gold spotted version.
Also on my wish list is Numph’s suede zip front skirt, somewhere between slate and a softer hue. I can see me wearing this now with a slogan tee (yup they are still here) and with a jumper and boots for leaf kicking later. Both Second Female and Numph are available from another local favourite boutique, Karabo.
H&M Hot Pink Slacks – £12.99
Block colour is still current to make a statement. I’ve opted for these slacks (slacks?!?! I know I was pondering who on earth who still used the term slacks the other week and now I know, it’s H&M). Brilliant fit and stretch plus a side zip is always more flattering for those of us wanting a smoother, flatter tum.
H&M also has two more of my wants/must haves. The first I picked up this weekend and have already worn twice. It looks like a tee because of its soft cotton body but the addition of statement balloon sleeves compete with tie, in a cotton/poly mix elevate it to so much more. It’s a proper top with interest, pair it with jeans and some jewellery and you are ready to take it almost anywhere. It’s also great to give balance to pear and apple shapes. Please please can you do it in some more colours H&M?
H&M Balloon Sleeve Top – £17.99
The other is this hot pink cotton jumper, weighty enough for cooler days but still able to wear now for those rainy summer days.
H&M Hot Pink Sweater – £34.99
This kind of jumper always make me hanker for a beach house somewhere and imagine myself in white cuffed skinny jeans, on the beach with a dog, you know Jennifer Anniston rom com style. Just me?
So to footwear. I have come to the stage where almost all of my staple, waterproof shoes have given up the ghost at the same time, but I find buying more sensible shoes slightly dull and I am definitely not ready to crack out the boots yet, it is still officially August. Enter the T Bar shoe, which are going to be everywhere. They bring polish and poise but with a bit of fun and look great dressed up or down.
All the transition – H&M Balloon Sleeve Tee + Louche Skirt
Here’s me in the bolder pleat and paired with the statement sleeve tee, proving their transitional fashion points. What are you most looking forward to updating your wardrobe with?
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