Wednesday 22 May 2013

New life into an old Gap dress

Another day, another hand-me-down. This time a navy and black Gap dress from my lovely big sister. It's a perfect length for work and although it's sleeveless - and I know lots of women aren't fans of sleeveless dresses - a blouse and cardigan solves that issue!

A marginally warmer day meant the woollen coat was ditched in
favour of a Miss Selfridge mac, though I still couldn't risk
a scarfless day! (this one from the Barbara Hulanicki
range for Topshop)


A close-up!

The blouse is actually white with a black studded collar &
cuffs...bought for £8 in a charity shop that was selling new
but slightly faulty clothes from the gorgeous brand
Dahlia. The only fault I can spot is that some of the
studding isn't exactly the same distance apart...&
that's it! Full price the blouse was £58!

My trusty Topshop ballet pumps

Tuesday 21 May 2013

A Whistles hand-me down

There are many emotionally significant benefits to having a sister - love, support, advice, understanding, comfort...a whole plethora of wonderfulness. There are also fashion benefits, otherwise known as hand-me-downs.

Just this past weekend, my lovely sister bestowed on me two dresses from Monsoon and Gap and this gorgeous skirt from Whistles. All in perfect condition, hardly worn and now hanging happily in my wardrobe.

Floral Whistles skirt worn with a jumper from one of the
original Autograph ranges at M&S. It's so old, it pre-dates
my decade-long relationship with my husband!

As much as I'd love to be wearing the skirt with bare
legs & a t-shirt, at least the freezing weather allows me
to wear my gorgeous pink Exeter coat.

Pink & floral teamed with a bit of leopard print!

A close-up of the print...& a Lola Rose ring

The Clarks Yarra boots...which are always on my feet

Thursday 9 May 2013

Zara shoes - too many to resist!

Today a colleague, rather cruelly, showed me a feature she'd spotted in a magazine on the amazing shoes in Zara for under £30. Cruel, because she knows I'm trying to restrain my urge to shop and that my will-power is teetering on the edge! I took a deep breath and looked on the Zara website...

Spring/Summer 2013 is a triumph in the Zara shoe department. Heels, platforms, wedges, flats, sandals, all a joy to behold. These are my top ten - alas, not all under £30 but still all reasonable prices.


If I could walk in heels, these would be the heels
I'd be walking in all summer long - £59.99.

With these a close second. They're incredible.
Ankle-breaking but incredible! £69.99

More likely to be on my feet - £39.99

Patent sandals with ankle straps - £69.99

Perfect heel height and love the open-toes - £39.99

High heel court shoe with ankle strap...for £29.99!
I know, ludicrously cheap!

It's impossible for me to not include an animal print!
£59.99

I love this colour...though was considering this for my front door.
Not sure that's a good reason to buy a shoe?! £59.99

Neon sandal - £22.99

Sorry, more green! Sandals - £22.99

Tuesday 7 May 2013

& Other Stories


I’ve spotted a few things in magazines recently from a new brand called & Other Stories. Lovely little leather bags in bright colours. Tops in soft, draped fabrics. Dresses with interesting detailing. And then I walked past the new shop on Regent Street and knew I had to investigate!

I’ve not had time to go into the shop yet – I was power walking to the tube station on the nursery run – so had a look online instead.

& Other Stories is a new brand from H&M – it’s a bit more grown-up and design-led than H&M, but a bit more fashiony than the higher-end COS line (which I love!).

I read some of the background to the brand and I’m not sure I totally get it. I think the idea is that they’re telling fashion stories – selling total looks, so you can get the whole get-up in one place. I think most savvy high street stores do this already. I also don’t know many people who do buy complete looks in one place. Most of my friends like the individuality of not wearing an entire outfit from one shop. But then I guess perhaps the idea is just to offer inspiration and to show you how you can put looks together.

Anyway, regardless of the brand spiel, it does actually stock some lovely stuff. I’m not sure whether it’s like H&M and has only a fraction of its stock online...I'll have to go into the shop and report back. But these are some of the lovely bits and pieces that caught my eye online...


Silk top with raw edges - £39

Leather patch sweater - £55

Cape dress - £65

Gathered dress - £45

Leather & brass bangle - £25

D-frame sunglasses - £39

Mini leather bag - £65

Leather flats - £55

Leather sandals - £65

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