Tag Archives: Accessories

The Fashion Clinic #8: Favourite Flats

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Before I had children I never wore flat shoes. Ever. Since becoming a mum, however, I seem to wear nothing but flats, even though at 5′ 2″ I need all the extra height I can get. But let’s face it, heels aren’t exactly practical when you’re running after a three-year-old on a scooter, who is determined to keep up with her big brothers. So until they are old enough to make their own way to and from school, my beloved heels will only grace my feet on special occasions. Luckily, flat doesn’t have to mean frumpy and I’ve rounded up what I think are some of the prettiest around at the moment. In my dreams I would have those Chloe ballerinas in all three colours…

For some reason I never wear lace up shoes or trainers unless I’m going to the gym. I do have a pair of Converse stashed away in a cupboard and I like the look of them on other people but (in my mind at least) they don’t suit me or my style. I am, however, very tempted by these Ash trainers in shimmering gold. Practical AND glam – now that’s something I can really get behind.

The best flat shoes

1. Virgo gold glitter trainers by Ash; 2. Darcy Snake ballerinas by Oasis; 3. Asos Last Dance pointed ballet flats 4. Leather Ballet flats by Repetto; 5. Metal-heeled leather ballet flats by Lanvin; 6. Lauren metallic leather ballet flats by Chloe; 7. Toms Moroccan cut-out flat shoes

Dreaming of Chanel

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Chanel Collage

Tonight, my dear friends, I am dreaming of a classic, quilted Chanel flap bag. Nonchalantly thrown over the shoulder it would be the perfect accessory to set off my spring wardrobe. I like it best when it’s paired with a casual outfit like the ripped jeans or slouchy sweater in the pictures above – the juxtaposition of polished and dishevelled gets me every time…
The price tag may be steep (to put it mildly!) but a classic Chanel bag will always be in style. And if your appetite hasn’t been sated by these pictures, there is of course a Pinterest board with even more inspiration – check it out here

Which accessory would you love to own if money was no object?

Five on Friday

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Nars 2

{Some of you may remember that I was lusting after the Narsissist eye palette by Nars a few weeks ago. Alas it was not to be – I had planned to buy it with my Space NK vouchers but as the eye palette was exclusive to Selfridges here in the UK, I didn’t feel I could justify the £55. So instead I bought the Narsissist cheek palette which was stocked by Space NK and comes with a blusher, highlighter and bronzer.}

Coffee table books2

{I’m loving my coffee table books at the moment. They make great home accents and I like to flick through them for inspiration. My most recent additions are the Alexa Chung book ‘It’ and a beautiful Chanel book filled with images to drool over.}

The best laid plans as they say…

This week hasn’t turned out quite how I wanted. On Monday Casper came home with a sore ear and he hasn’t been back at school all week. We went to the doctor who diagnosed a viral ear infection so antibiotics wouldn’t help, all we can do is try and reduce the pain with Nurofen and Calpol. It’s not too bad during the day but at night it is very painful as the fluid in ear builds up and he has trouble sleeping. So pretty much everything has been cancelled this week – from playdates and after school activities to my hair appointment and lunch date. While I hate to see him suffer, it has been really nice having him at home. With three children it’s not always easy to find one-to-one time, especially with the boys as they are at school all day. He has had to amuse himself with Lego and the iPad while I’ve been working but we have also had time for nice chats, board games and baking.

Hopefully his ear will improve as we head into weekend. The weather is set to be lovely – with temperatures of 17 degrees forecast for Sunday! – so I’m looking forward to sitting out in the garden with a cup of coffee to soak up some rays.

Hope you have a fab weekend! X

Clutch 1

{The clear-out at my parents’ house continues and this week I saved a silk clutch, that my dad bought in Japan for my mum in the late 70s, from going off to the charity shop. It’s not my usual style but I think it will look good with a cream summer dress or just jeans and a simple tee, with gold heels and jewellery.}

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{Cameron looked great in his Sherlock Holmes costume for World Book Day yesterday and I’m happy to report that my Burberry returned home unscathed.}

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{It’s been a busy week but I managed to take a few minutes out to read the interview with SJP in this month’s Harper’s Bazaar. And of course, you can’t have a proper break without coffee and chocolate biscuits!}

Five on Friday

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I went on a spending spree at Space NK and used up the vouchers I got for Christmas and my birthday last autumn. Love that shop! I will do a separate post on the things I bought next week.

Kitchen file

I started putting together a kitchen inspiration folder ahead of our planned renovation later this year. Between that and my Pinterest board I don’t think I’ll be stuck for ideas.

Jewellery

This jewellery tree was on sale for only £10 in a local boutique. Having some of my favourite pieces on display on top of my dresser will hopefully encourage me to accessorize more.

Unisa boots

Honestly, I am not a shopaholic but I had forgotten about these Unisa boots that I bought just before Christmas. Now that I’ve found them, I can’t stop wearing them as they are so comfortable. They remind me of my favourite pair of boots that I had at school.

Star jumper

I’m also somewhat obsessed with my Star sweater from Hunky Dory (another Sale buy) – accessorized here with my ten-year-old son’s beanie, which I keep stealing – much to his embarrassment I should add (I just tell him it’s pay back for all those toddler tantrums he used to throw in the middle of the supermarket to embarrass me!)

Happy Friday everyone! I hope the weekend is all you want it to be – and more! X

Linked In

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Linked in

1.In the end, happiness is what we all strive for. Here are ten habits that will make us happier

2. Save up to 30% on Shopbop with the code BIGEVENT14 (Valid until tomorrow). I love this Juicy Couture necklace

3. Make your own original headboard with this DIY guide

4. Put a spring in your step and drool over the latest styles just in at Selfridges from Isabel Marant, Nicholas Kirkwood, Acne and Tods

5. A new book with helpful strategies to help kids cope with sensory overload in today’s hectic world

6. Pancake Day is just around the corner: here is a foolproof recipe for perfect pancakes

My Spring Wish List

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Spring Wish List

As the first day of spring is less than four weeks away, I think it is perfectly legitimate to start thinking about updating the wardrobe for slightly warmer weather. Here in the UK, we’re not likely to get any really hot days until June at least so layering is the name of the game when it comes to trans-seasonal dressing. In many ways this is my favourite time of year: when you can dispense with the heavy winter coat and warm boots in favour of a light jacket and ballet flats. Just make sure you’re carrying a bag big enough to hold both an umbrella and sunglasses!

Here are some of my favourite pieces for Spring 2014:

1. Printed leather ballet flats, £325 by Miu Miu at Net-a-Porter

2. Grey lace hem skater skirt £20 from Topshop

3. Embroidered Nerine top, £98 from Anthropologie

4. Table Cloth Scarf in Lite Chalk, £149 from Odd Molly

5. Jacket in a textured weave, £29.99 from H&M

6. Grineeh printed bag, £199 from By Malene Birger

7. Zippy Knit in pink ash, £149 by Hunky Dory

Linked In

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Links 2

Hope you’re all having a lovely Saturday. After last night’s raging storm, we had rain and hail this morning which finally cleared away to leave us with a glorious sunny afternoon. Right now, a roast chicken is cooking in the oven, the children are playing quietly (probably up to no good but I’m prepared to ignore that for the moment) having been outside to burn off some of their energy, and I’m feeling virtuous after my workout at the gym this morning.

Here is a quick roundup of some of my favourite links from around the web this week:

1. Twelve things every home should have

2. Fourteen foreign films that will make you believe in crazy true love

3. An essential tool for all bloggers/Instagrammers: Take your selfies to another level with this Muku Shuttr iPhone camera remote control

4. The best street style accessories spotted at New York Fashion Week

5. Maybe it’s because I’m on a health kick at the moment but the mere sight of these banana cupcakes with cinnamon frosting on Pinterest made my mouth water

6. See all the latest home trends for spring 2014

7. Get the low-down on how to dress like one of my all-time favourite style icons, Sienna Miller

8. Stickygram comes up trumps again with this neat idea to transform your photos into magnetic jigsaws

Want to follow me? The easiest way is via BlogLovin – you can find me here

Wrap it up

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Scarf2Collage

Scarves in all different colours and patterns are an essential part of my autumn/winter wardrobe. Not only do they keep me warm but they also instantly update my “boring” uniform of skinny jeans and baggy jumper. I already have a rather large collection of scarves tucked away in my wardrobe but on my Christmas list this year is a warm, tartan scarf to snuggle up in when the really cold weather hits (typically in January/February). A classic Burberry scarf in the softest cashmere would really hit the spot but I have a feeling that Father Christmas will be on a budget this year, so a nice one from Zara or Topshop would do just nicely.

{In the picture above, clockwise from top left, is just a small selection of my current favourites: Grey and white star scarf from Danish brand Becksondergaard; Pink with stars from another Danish label Kudibal; Black & white leopard print from Swedish brand Ester Elenora; Flowery tube scarf from H&M; Another favourite from Ester Elenora; My favourite winter wrap-around in grey and white, also by Ester Elenora; Classic Alexander McQueen skull scarf; The perfect summer scarf in the softest pink with tiny white hearts from Becksondergaard.}

Currently Coveting #14: Vivienne Westwood x The Cambridge Satchel Company

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I’ve been looking for a bag that is both practical and stylish – and, most importantl, not black – for quite a while now. A couple of days ago I stumbled across this beautiful satchel by The Cambridge Satchel Company and I think the search is officially over. To celebrate its fifth birthday, the brand has collaborated with iconic British designer Vivienne Westwood to produce a limited edition range that combines the classic satchel with the queen of punk’s infamous squiggle print. The design also incorporates the pale tan straps and buckles which first featured in Westwood’s Pirate collection from 1981.

The bags, which come in two sizes and three colourways: yellow and black, white and red, and brown and black, retail at £195 for the 14″ size and £165 for the 11″ version. They are sold exclusively at Vivienne Westwood standalone boutiques and The Cambridge Satchel Company stores in central London, so I think a trip up to town is on the cards for me if I want to get my hands on one before they sell out.

Westwood

The Fashion Clinic #6: Fall Essentials

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Autumn Collage

One of the best things about Autumn has to be the clothes – cosy cashmere jumpers, lots of colourful scarves, thick ribbed tights and ankle boots. Don’t get me wrong, I love balmy summer days when you can just pull on a sundress and slip on a pair of flip flops but unless you can afford to escape for the whole summer, how many outings is that strappy dress really going to get?

A quality piece of knitwear on the other hand will see you through until April or even May (at least if you live in the UK). If my past experience of the English weather is anything to go by, a light jacket or heavy cardigan will usually suffice as a cover-up until mid November. I’ve had my eye on the Fortuna cardigan (8) by Swedish design trio Dagmar since I first spotted it in a store in Gothenburg two years ago, but the hefty price tag forced me to walk away. So when I saw it reduced by 30% on Farfetch I was quick to snap it up and it’s now hanging in my closet waiting for the temperature to drop.

Odd Molly’s Knit Jacket (6) is another design that I never tire of. The fit is universally flattering and it looks great teamed with skinny jeans or an A-line skirt which are two of my Fall/Winter staples. When it comes to denim, I tend to stick to the shapes that I know suit me and these Skyline Ankle Peg jeans by Paige (5) have been my go-to style for the last couple of years. With a 29″ leg measurement they’re the perfect length for a shorty (5′ 2″) like me.

“Any colour as long as it’s pink” proclaims the cover of this month’s Vogue and who am I to argue? I love this pale pink sweatshirt by Clu with feminine ruffles along the bottom (2). H&M’s take on the dressed-up sweatshirt (1) is a snip at £29.99 and the imitation leather skirt (9) from the same store is one of those versatile day-to-night pieces.

Also on my wishlist this season are these fab go-with-everything black ankle boots from Whistles (7) and a checked shirt with crochet detailing on the shoulders from high street fave Topshop (10). And let’s not forget the accessories – I already own about a zillion scarves but this neon pink one by Becksondergaard (3) would brighten up any dull winter’s day. I discovered Stella & Dot last year when they had a stall at my son’s school Christmas fair and their jewellery is amazing and not too pricey. At the moment I’ve got my eye on this Renegade Cluster bracelet (4) which is apparently a favourite of singer Katy Perry.

What’s on your shopping list this fall?

Flicking through the September issues of the fashion glossies for inspiration is an Autumn ritual for me. Above: British Vogue, Swedish Styleby and British InStyle

Flicking through the September issues of the fashion glossies for inspiration is an Autumn ritual for me. Above: British Vogue, Swedish Styleby and British InStyle