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?

Sales, sales, sales: My top buys

It's already that time of year when the the shops are gearing up for the next seasons lines and the mega sales are in full swing. Being a rather cheap shopper this pleases me immensely. I'm not one for scouring through racks and racks of clothes, but in the comfort of my own home, sat with my tablet or laptop, i will often peruse the sales sections and find some bargains.
This year here in the UK it appears we are actually having a summer! (the shock!) Which leaves me completely unprepared for such weather. I never buy many summer clothes knowing i don't get much chance to wear them with our normal crazy weather patterns. But this year it appears we are actually having a true summer season, which in my eyes permits me to shop a little for the correct clothing (right?)
The sales are perfectly timed for this and some bargains are out there to be had.

So here are my top sales buys i am either eyeing myself or may have already purchased!
(the co -ords below were £8 and £3! it felt rude not too ;)

Dorothy perkins sales buys by rachel-the-hat featuring strappy sandals

Left to right

Pink Midi Skirt & Teal Heels

Leafy Maxi and Tan sandals

Orange Maxi and Blue wedges

Cami top dress & navy pumps

Co -ords top & Skirt & Black caged shoes

I am having a thing for maxi dresses at the moment, i just love how comfy and relaxed they can be but also how easy they are to dress up and appear smart for an occasion! I am loving the orange maxi, but having similar in black, green and blue i have thought maybe i should get some wear out of those first. But how gorgeous is that colour?! Paired with the blue slingback wedges you have an outfit smart enough for any summer doo , but pair it down with the sandals or pumps and you have a perfect sunday casual outfit.
The co-ords as i mentioned above are so dirt cheap i just couldn't refuse. £11 for the both means i can try the co-ords without shelling out too much money on a trend i'm not sure will suit me.

New look sales by rachel-the-hat featuring a blue blazer

Dr Pepper Vest top, Denim Mid Shorts & Leopard embellished sandals
Stripe midi cover up and Aztec wedges
Floral Maxi & Gold embellished sandal
Floral blazer,  Coral Shorts and colour block heels

Being the summer holidays here which means lots of parks, beaches and fun play stuff, i've been needing some casual outfits for running about in for my mum duties. Dr pepper is my most favourite drink (how awesome is Dr Pepper Zero!!) so i totally love this vest top, and the shorts look perfect for park days.
The cover up is something i've purchased, at £4.00 i thought it was worth a shot. Its called a cover up for beach wear but its actually a really lovely dress and for 4 quid its really lovely.
Then another maxi, strapless this time! and a beautiful blazer and shorts combo.

River Island by rachel-the-hat featuring a pink dress

Cold Shoulder dress, Blue rimmed Sunglasses & Pink Bag
Shirt, Shorts, Shoes
Playsuit & Hat
Waterfall striped Jacket & Eva Jeans


Ahhh River Island, you have been a constant source of great clothes for me this year. And your sales never fail me. I have wanted another cold shoulder dress since my first one which i totally fell in love with. I have just ordered this tropical summery one for £12! The pony hair pink bag and sunglassesd would look so good with it!
The check blouse is set to still be a very key print this autumn so a great transition piece. Add in teh shorts and shoes and you've got some great pattern mixing!
The playsuit is a new one for me, having tried a jumpsuit not long ago and loved it, i have decided to give the short option a go too,
And finally.
The waterfall jacket is £10!! a tenner people.. that is amazing! Not great for hot days but imagine it for autumn.. so so good.
Plus my favourite cut of jeans, the girlfriend Eva jeans in distressed black are on sales also. awesome!

So there we have it folks, my sales picks/buys!

Have you bagged yourself anything amazing in the sales? Do share!

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?

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

Biker jacket, Black And Red

 I feel a style progression happening lately. I mentioned back in april that i was going through a bit of a transition, and i guess really you never stop changing, and that to embrace the change and go with it. That is definitely more of how i am dressing lately. I don't think im sticking to one particular style, or limiting myself (as i have been known to do that previously) but opening my mind to trying new styles and im actually enjoying picking new clothes and styles out for myself. It makes for a more interesting collection, rather than just a row of floral dresses (which i have a TON of!)

Something i had never really dabbled with before is the slightly edgier look, and sleek lines. I was alll about the girly twee previously, which i still like but im excited to try different ways to wear items. I am loving biker jackets, studs, and i don't think i've ever been so in to black, which feels bizarre for me as i used to be allll about the colour, but lately, black with the right accessories feels gooood.

Do you have a particular style? Or do you dabble in a varied way of multiple styles?

 Hubby bought this jacket for me last week, and we actually bought my step daughter nye on the exact same one, i went to put the jacket on just before leaving to go for yummy indian food with the girls from work and the jacket felt a wee bit tight and the sleeves were up my wrists. It did not fit like that in the shop... it actually took hubs to say  "you have Mia's jacket on!!" before i even realised, haha! I'm such a dope! But on a plus note Mia and i will totally be ble to share clothes soon as that age 11-12 almost nearly, fitted. Heehee!

This is also the last outfit before my hair cut (which was today) i've had a fair old whack off the length and lots of layers put in. I like it, it feels lighter and easy going which is what i am all about! Im looking forward to trying some different styles for shorter/mid length hair, any one have suggestions?

Jacket & Blouse: F&F Tesco

Biker leggings: River Island Sales

Shoes: Primark

Bag: Dorothy Perkins

Ps also, leggings as trousers, controversial non? Hit me with your feeling on this as i know its like marmite, like or loathe!!

Pay Day Treats

With a the End of January nearly in sight, it can only mean one thing... PAYDAY!! Woohoo! I'm not sure if you're like me, but January is one heck of a long month, especially when you get paid early for Christmas (which now feels like an age ago...yikes!!!)
So with my self induced shopping ban since well before Christmas i think it's only fair, you know as a reward for getting through a toughie of a month, that i have a little pay day treat!

Pay Day Treats by rachel-turone featuring a brown sweater

Don't get me wrong i don't think i'll be buying all this, but i sure do like a lot of it.
I have this urge to try different things outside of my comfort zone. Yes this shopping list has the usual culprits for me on it, i.e, the pretty dress and cute duck printed skirt, but i fancy trying out an edgier look with a khaki jacket and a pair of boots and a slouchy beanie. We shall see i guess!!
What are you fancying at the moment? And are you having  a little pay day  or a 'Well done you made it through January' treat?