Perfect Jacket Weather: Lust List

The thing i love about this time of year is that its the perfect time to pull out all the jackets and blazers. Through winter i do love me some coats, and as the weather gets nicer its all about the blazers and light weight jackets. I love a simple basic top, jeans and a great jacket thrown on top, simple easy and pretty much my everyday routine. As i simplify my wardrobe i seem to add more jackets..go figure?! lol!
So as you can imagine i have been doing a lot of window shopping over the past couple of weeks looking for the perfect additions to add to my jacket collection, there are just so many good options. So i thought i'd break it down; Neutrals, Stripes which are practically a neautral in my book, and statement... strap in folks here goes:

First up the neutrals

 Classic Mac 

Denim Trench

I've said it before and i will say it (probably many more times) again, every girl should own a great classic mac/trench. Perfect for all seasons, goes with everything and makes you look pulled together in an instant. The above classic trench was made for breton tops and tailored trousers to channel parisian chic. 

The denim trench is a great modern twist on a classic, plus extra style points for double denim;)

Navy Mango trench 

River Island Beige Cropped Trench 

I recently invested in a navy trench (worn here and here ) and i love love love it, again classic and goes well with so much, super easy and simple to wear. 

I am currently crushing on the River island beige cropped trench, i can just imagine wearing it with some ripped skinny jeans and a white cold shoulder top.. think this needs to be mine!

Mango Black frayed blazer

Mango grey neoprene bomber jacket

The classic black boxy jacket vs modern neoprene bomber jacket

Timeless or edgy, which do you prefer?

Next up; An almost neutral is the stripe.. 

Lord knows i love me some stripes. 

Instant outfit maker!

 Zara Striped jacket and Zara green and cream 

The black and white striped blazer is the perfect amount of stripes, plus its velour meaning super comfort levels and great amounts of possibilities. The green and cream stripe in a sort of boucle adds an interesting twist to the usual stripe, i've been looking at adding a bit of green to my wardrobe (random thought i know) and this looks lovely.

 River Island Fall Away Striped Jacket and River Island Structured Striped blazer

Waterfall style jacket or a structured box blazer, one more easy going the other more formal. Either way stripey perfection.

Next up is the more colourful statement jacket. 

I love easy but great outfits, you know the ones that pack a punch, all by just adding on a stonking ggorgeous show stealing jackets. The choices are wide and varied, from abstract prints, to aztec, take a look

 Pink Waterfall  and Red Floral Duster Jacket

Pinks and reds are always on my lust list, these are great for adding some colour in to neutral outfit.

Mango beaded ethnic jacket and embroided jacket

Beaded, fringed and embroided, Aztec is always a great summer choice.  These two Mango beauties are gorgeous,uugghh i think i want both. Ripped jeans a little cami and one of these jackets could be perfection.

The Wild Cards
What's a lust list without a few wild cards thrown in for good measure... River Island is on point with their jackets this season. All of the below are RI and i have to say i really love them all. Particularly crushing  on the embellished long kimono, the whole outfit and styling is gorgeous... If i were to part with my cash could this be the one? My problem is i just can't decide!

 Aztec embellished long kimono and Tropical Print Blazer

Checked draped jacket and Khaki crepe jacket

So there we have it, jackets a plenty. 
What are your thoughts? 
Do you love structured blazers or draped jackets? 
And do any of these take your fancy?

Jumping in to Jumpsuits

After experimenting with the relaxed trouser (see here and here) I have turned my eye to jumpsuits, which to be quite frank is completely out of my comfort zone. My friend and i were discussing how playsuits (the short variety) feel kind of odd on and make me look (feel?) like Sponge Bob square pants.. Not a look i would be generally aiming for.
But the jumpsuit has been catching my eye more and more of late and i feel myself wanting to try this trend. But what do i go for? Plain black or patterned. Sleeves  or no sleeves..
I really think this may be one of those items that will need a trying on session to see the fit and how i feel in them.
So far these are my favourites..

jumping in to jumpsuits by rachel-the-hat featuring jumpsuits & rompers
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

To me the black is the safer option. I really like the idea of throwing on a black jumpsuit, some statement heels and a gorgeous necklace and heading out the door. Simple, easy but effective.
I know i may be over thinking it here but i wonder if less material on top ie straps rather than full on sleeves and closed in neckline, would look a bit more flattering on me, raising the eyes up away from my bottom heavier pear shaped parts.
Having said that number 2 is probably my complete favourite.
Then I've thrown in a few cute options, especially the red tropical print as wild cards. Can you picture golden sandals and a beach wavy hair and that looks like a grat summer evening outfit to me.

Do you own a jumpsuit and do you have any great tips on where to get one?
Or are they a big No-No to you?

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

capsule wardrobe by rachel-the-hat featuring high rise jeans

Dress, $165 / Mango black blouse / Zara coat / Capri, $160 / Zara high rise jeans / Zara skirt / Short Sleeve Breton, $36 / Zara high heel sandals / Color block shoes, $98 / Michael michael kors handbag, $365 / River Island hat, $36 / Christian Dior pink lipstick / OPI nail care / Dorothy Perkins Black Stone Collar

The whole #100shoppingban has got me thinking about fast fashion v's classic pieces. I have to say i am a culprit of buying into something if i've perhaps seen it in a magazine or on another blogger.
Normally my thought process is;
"Oh wow that looks amazing, ooh oh ooo i must try that and look totally awesome and my life will be complete and all will be right with the world", or something along those lines. Then once purchased I find it does not fill all my hopes and aspirations, I feel a bit meh about it and it goes to the back of the wardrobe...So it goes.
The amount of times i've thrown things away/given to charity new or barely worn items is actually quite scary. The spoilt brat syndrome of the modern world is not a good quality i hold and I'm not afraid to admit that.
So with nearly 100 days of no shopping nearly under my belt (27 days left and counting), it got me thinking about what i will buy once D-day (or S(hop)-day) finally arrives.
The simplicity of a timeless, classic capsule wardrobe appeals to me. All the pieces above are interchangeable, to make different outfits which would be suitable for any given occasion.
As a 'style blogger' just having the same few items may get a leetle boring after the first initial few blog posts and i know i'm definitely not 'cured' from ever buying the latest this or that, but i think when the time comes i will be buying key pieces, items that can be worn and remixed and worn again.
To me those things are:
Classic red dress
Trench coat
Good quality & size black bag
the perfect Breton top
Floral trousers
Chiffon Skirt
Simple black shirt
Boyfriend jeans
Statement necklace
Black Statement shoes
Leopard print pumps
Statement necklace
Fedora
Red lips & Nails

What do you think about capsule wardrobes? 

What would you have in yours?

Brand Crush: Zara

Spring with Zara by rachel-the-hat featuring a surplice dress

Zara surplice dress / Zara oversized top / Zara blouse / Zara pink coat / Zara jeans / Zara print skirt / Zara sandals / Zara pointed shoes / Zara purse / Zara purse / Zara geometric necklace / Zara hat / Zara chain belt

I know i'm a little late to the game on this one. Hell, most "fashion bloggers" have a wardrobe filled with Zara pieces. But only now am i seeing Zara for the wonderful brand it is.
Take the new S/S14 range.. perfect yellows and pastels with interjections of blue. It's pretty awesome.
Over the course of a few weeks i found i had pinned most of these pieces individually, but when put all together they make the most fabulous Spring capsule wardrobe, don't you think? Perfectly encapsulating casual weekends, drinks with the girls or a fancy occasion. All in a matter of 13 items.. not bad right?

Is there a brand you're currently crushing on?

Ps Passion for Fashion is on tomorrow, don't forget to come by and link your fabulous self up!

Birthday Wishlist & Passion For Fashion LINK UP

birthday wishlist by rachel-the-hat featuring Marc Jacobs

Topshop pink cap sleeve dress / Topshop tear dress / Purple long sleeve dress, $29 / Dress, $36 / Kohl dress, $24 / Zara cardigan / Red plaid coat, $21 / Satin thong, $11 / Shoes, $73 / Red short boots, $18 / Felt hat, $29 / Red shawl, $16 / Marc Jacobs fragrance / Crepe Tee Shift Dress, $73 / Buy Leopard Print Leather Fold Over Across-The-Body Bag from the Next..., $73 / Kelly Brook Green Sateen Eyelash Trim Plunge Bra, $24 / Kelly Brook Green Eyelash Lace Trim Satin Suspender, $13


Things have been pretty cruddy over here in the Turone household, what with illness sweeping through and lack of sleep our lives seem to just be merging from one day to the next in pj's and just about coping (sobsob i know) But after what has been a fairly rubbish week, i'm looking forward to seeing the back of it and *hopefully* having a corker of a week, starting this weekend.
On Tuesday i turn 29....!!! 29 people. is this too early for a mid life crisis? as i feel one coming on. Lately i've been looking at myself and i feel frumpy and mummsy. 2013 has been such a crazily tough year, one of the hardest i've ever had. Needless to say i'm saying goodbye to 28 with a few more wrinkles, a lot more worry lines and way too many grey hairs, but looking forward to a happier place and a fabulous 29th year.
So above is  my birthday wishlist to make me feel all shiny and new (and non mummsy and frumpy !) And if the birthday fairies do exist anything on this list would sure make this birthday girl happy!
Being a December baby has its advantages, this time of year is doubly exciting!!

So, Here's to an excellent december folks!!

Leopard Lovin'

I have never been a huge fan of leopard/animal print.. but i've come to realise that worn in the right way it can be such a fabulous wardrobe staple (like these gorgeous Lotus shoes!!).
A little hit of animal print in a shoe or a scarf looks so chic, and never seems to leave the fashionistas radar, returning year after year. So i have decided to embrace a little of the animal print and go for it!

Leopard Lovin' by rachel-the-hat featuring MAC Cosmetics

What do we think? 

Are you an animal print lover? Do you often wear leopard prints?

Day to Night with Lotus Shoes

This month i have teamed up with Lotus Shoes to show you  some of my favourite picks from the wonderful array of shoes, boots and sandals.

This week i have been on my feet a lot, with work and an evening event i have been looking for chic/smart/comfy and theses would be just the ticket:

Lotus Black Suede Wedge Ballet Pump

I am in love with fashion lately. Maybe it's the time of year (blogger cliche, yes autumn is totally and utterly my favourite!!!) but i can't help but love some of the current styles.

Biker jackets, window pane trousers, cobalt blue and gold accessories, all topped off with a pop of red...i am in love (and really want to shop all of the below!!!)

Smart Office outfit with Lotus Shoes by rachel-the-hat featuring black and white pants

I can imagine these Lotus wedge shoes going with so much of my current wardrobe, great for going from day-work, to evening -social!!

Vero Moda top
$48 - veromoda.com

Biker jacket
$80 - newlook.com

Dorothy Perkins black and white pants
dorothyperkins.com

Lotus suede wedge pumps

Zara clutch
zara.com

Kate spade bangle
katespade.com

Bracelet
target.com

H m jewelry
$11 - hm.com