Planning the Key Pieces For My A/W capsule with Lyst

With the turn of the new season means a whole new capsule for me.
Not all new clothes, I will be taking a lot of what I already own and making it work for the coming months. But it is of course a bit exciting to blend in a few new pieces to breathe life in to older items and to gel outfits together.
It's at this point where i sit and start to really think about what style I would like to work towards this season.
What colour scheme will work best (see my colour inspo post here ) with the items I already have,
and what pieces I want to add in and spend my well earned cash on.

These pieces are well researched before buying as they have to be able to work hard for me and be good value for money.

These are my key pieces which will make up the base of many outfits.

I've mentioned Lyst lots of times before.
Lyst is the perfect shopping tool for researching and purchasing.
Over the past couple of weeks, whenever I've had a thought of something I would like in my capsule I've gone over to Lyst and searched for the item.

For example, I know I would like a faux suede tan skirt this season.. So i popped that in the search bar and i was hit with a number of great results.

This way I develop a great Key Pieces List and a great source to look through whilst I make my decisions.

I found some great options instantly and saved to MY FAVOURITES list for when I'm ready to go back and potentially make my purchase.

Rust colour skirt

Light Tan skirt

So far for my Autumn capsule I have a few clear thoughts as to what I want

Vegan Biker Jacket

Left: Blank Vegan Jacket 

Right: Nasty Gal Vegan jacket

So becoming vegan is a topic that deserves its own full blog post (which will probably be of epic proportions as it's a lengthy discussion to have) But with my lifestyle choices that have changed of late it reaches out in to all parts of my life. Not buying leather (for me) is a part of that.

Lyst proved to be fantastic for sourcing tool which was brilliant, as I found brands and products that i was unaware of before and opened up some new shopping avenues for me.

Both of the above jackets are Perfect with a capital P, great price point for both and the biker style that i adore.. choices, choices.


Next up, I really want to master The Denim Shirt

Something i am yet to master, but I know will be endlessly useful. I had one, but just didn't feel comfortable in it. It was too big and the denim colour was too similar to all my jeans, making it not a great look. After doing a little research I'm thinking a much lighter denim would work well with dark jeans, black jeans, the suede skirt and faux leather trousers.
What are your thoughts on making a denim shirt work?

More shirts next, and again something I haven't been able to master... ever!
Checked/Plaid Shirt

Left: Paige 

Right: Blank

The plaid/ checked shirt is something I try year upon year and fail miserably at. For some reason ( and i've said this before) I just look like a lumberjacks mate, instead of cool and relaxed. Why? who knows. But this year I think if i find the right kind of check then maybe i will be able to rock this never-going-away style.
It can look so  great with a biker jacket, with skinny jeans, or flares. Its a great little weekend piece that can be layered or even tied around the waist (y'know 90's 'My so called Life' style.. which incidentally  I am so not cool enough to pull that look off, but i'm sure you all are ;)


Next up, Of course, its my trusty Denim Dress

Left: Pepe Jeans

Right: MIH jeans

Now, I don't need one as it's a piece i already own, but oh do I love it. Its the one piece that i got asked most about in my Spring Capsule. Versatile, comfy and fun, the denim dress is a worthy investment piece. Both of these are gorgeous and would work hard in anyone's capsule/wardrobe I'm sure!

Lastly, a great Black Cardigan

Right:Pinko

Left: H&M

I am always cold. Always. Cardigans are like my little lifeline to keeping me happy, 'cause if i'm cold, i'm miserable, and no one wants to be around miserable Rachel.

A black cardigan will work well with oh lets see know.. everything. The H&M cardigan is top of my buy list for winter.

So those are my key pieces so far that will work well through autumn winter. 

Great items that will work hard for me and remix well.

All made easy thanks to Lyst, which took me a fraction of the time it would have to scour all the websites looking for pieces!

Do you use any great shopping tools?

And have you thought about any key autumn pieces yet?

An InLinkz Link-up

Spring-Summer Bag Edit

With the  Spring season literally upon us, I know, I know it doesn't quite feel like it is upon us what with this delightful weather gracing us, but my mind is for all intensive purposes in the floral's and pretties zone. I'm done with dark and dank and layer upon layer of fabric. I'm craving splashes of bright colour and pretty prints and a touch of fun that only comes with sunshine (winter = no fun).

I find with simplifying my wardrobe the best way to inject some oomph is via the accessories. Fun, easy and can be as cheap or expensive as you can afford.

It's a lovely easy way to update any outfit and bring it up to date. Plus accessories shopping is the best.

Bags don't judge if you've gained a few pounds and they fit regardless.. thank god for lovely bags I say, as this body is faaarr from bikini ready. And when I say far I `actually mean never. Never ever ready.

With an update in mind (that's especially not bikini shaped, no surey bob) I got to thinking and a looking as to what kind of bags I would like in my life this spring and summer, the practical, the fun and everything in-between. I set off to my usual stamping ground of Lyst for some inspo and ideas. Great place to read up the bag edits and to see what's 'in' for the season.

So after much (way too much) research, here we have my Spring Summer Bag Edit.

Starting with the crossbody

My favourite type of bag, as it enables the all important hands free when out and about. 

Crossbody bags are vast and varied. you can have slouchy or structured, neutral or pop of colour.

For me this season is all about the pop of colour with my crossbody.

I absolutely love with all my bag loving hear this Rebecca Minkoff Mini Sofia tassel bag. 

Tan neutrality which is perfect for summer, but with the added magic of the tassels for that little fiesta of colour... Isn't it divine?

 I will also be constantly using my Red DKNY mini bag which I love for adding a pop of my favourite colour. People will often think that red is a winter colour (or save it for festivities such as Christmas or valentines) but it's such a great trans-seasonal colour, it works well all year round. 

If you don't fancy red, orange is a great alternative, I have a beautiful bright orange Fossil bag I pull out each Spring and love, pair it with khaki, denim, all the neutrals, and pretty much anything. It just works.

And finally the trusty black crossbody. When all else fails you, a classy chic little black number will never fail you and of course you'll get years of wear with it. My absolute favourites are by Marc Jacobs  and Kate Spade, soft leather, unstructured and a little slouchy.. Lovely!

Next up we have the Large Bag

Here we're talking holdall's for weekends, tote bags, backpacks and shoppers, general carry everything bar the kitchen sink around with you, type bags.

I've said it before and I still am yet to invest, but this year I will be sporting the backpack. Yes I am returning to my youth with sneakers and now the backpack. Full on Dora the explorer style (to the point where all I can hear in my head is that irritating song "Backpack Backpack" a la Dora) But yes for practical reasons, summer holidays etc, I am investing in the backpack. Wet wipes, snacks, random lego can all be chucked in and my hands can still be free to grab small children and assist where needed. Why have I not thought of this sooner (and previously rammed way too much stuff in to an inappropriate cross-body bag)? 

Again my preference is the Rebecca Minkoff Black Julian (Rebecca Minkoff is KILLING it on the bag front!) which is the beauty above. Julian, you shall be mine!!

Other bags for the season include a pretty blush tote that would be a lovely addition, the idea of blush as a summer neutral is such a great update, Kurt Geiger has some pastel pretties that really just scream Summer at the top of their pretty little voices.

Lastly the all important 

Clutch Bag

Now, if I were to live off beans for the foreseeable and I possibly wanted my husband to get really really mad at me, I would go for the beautiful Floral Alexander McQueen De Manta clutch, slightly pricey for a clutch that you may drag out a couple of times a month, but wow... What a piece right?

Its like a piece of art.

On the more purse (or clutch ..snort..) friendly price range, a little jute number is summer personified, add some embroidery and a tassel and you have beach to bar perfection. Mango Clutches are wonderful for this and they have a vast array or colours ans styles that I hope to bag (ha, I just can't help it) for myself this summer.

House Of Fraser also have an array of lovely clutches too.

So there we have my weapons of choice for the summer.

I shall be investing over the next few weeks!

What bags will you be buying this summer?

A/W Boots- The 6 pairs of boots you need

Oh yes.. its nearly boot season!!
Officially ( according to experts: that would be google..) Autumn (Fall) officially starts on September 23rd (apart from my antipodean friends, who will be looking forward to spring of course)
Welcoming Autumn means welcoming 100 denier tights back in to my life, along with a plethora of knitwear, faux leather and of course, the obligatory boots.
Ankle, knee-high, OTK, shoe-boots, biker.
Flats, heels (block or slim heel), wedge, wellies.
Quite frankly i could quite easily own hundreds of boots and be like a pig in proverbial poop.
But with me streamlining my clothes, comes streamlining of the shoes, and that unfortunately means boots too.. darn it.
If i think real hard, i could limit my boot collection to a handful. Not gunna lie, its gunna be hard, yes i know this wreaks of #firstworldproblems, but as a person with clothing OCD i like need a certain shoe, boot in this case, to go with a certain outfit, or my brain just goes in to melt down. True story.

So, over the past few weeks i have started mentally compiling a Boot list.
Taking in to consideration what i *plan* to wear this winter with my colour scheme in mind(this could obviously all go horribly wrong if i start buying literally everything and anything again) , shall go in to that in more detail another day as today, it's all about the boots.

To limit the boot collection i have whittled it down to a few pairs. A few being 6, but lets not split hairs.

1. Black day boots
2. Black evening/smart boots
3. Tan/neutral day boots
4. OTK boots (black)
5. Knee high/riding style boots (tan)
6.Wildcard- Leopard ankle print boots

That's its!
6 Pairs as opposed to 56 pairs.
I think with 6 pairs of boots I could quite easily take on autumn and winter in style and comfort(not including wellies here, 'cos quite frankly that comes under the necessity tab like knickers and bra's, especially if you live in the northern hempishpere  wetter than wet Wales) .

Now comes the good bit.. lets shop.
I started at my usual haunt of Lyst, bloody marvellous way to search for items that you're not sure where to start with but know the general style you want.
I started with Womens boots and my god, what a treasure trove. 6 boots alone was obviously going to prove difficult. Thankfully you can make you own Lyst which is a fab little tool, great for coming back to (plus point also, if you've added something to a lyst, when it goes on sale they email you.. i've had some amazing bargains thanks to that! Plus it saves you cyber stalking a pair of boots at least!)
My full Autumn/Winter boot wish Lyst is here (I can't stop spelling it as lyst now, lyst/list)
But here are the few i'm thinking could be the ones.

Starting with
1. Everyday Black day boots.
I'm thinking small heel or flat, suede finish and ankle height.

 H by Huson £100

These are the 'Goes-with-everything' Boot, the walking, shopping, school run, you name it boot.

Casual with jeans- skinnies or flares. 

Great with a little faux leather skirt and tights, and equally pleasing with a dress. 

Potential is great in this one (for some reason i said that in a Yoda accent.. i'm such a geek)

And at £100 they're not the cheapest boots, but cost pe wear would be at a guaranteed low after just one winter. Plus H by Hudson boots have always been of a great quality and durability.

Next up 

2.The smart/evening boot

I don't know about you, but when the cold weather rolls in, the thought of going out in shoes- without socks, instantly makes me want to cancel my plans and stay in with my slipper socks tucked in to my pjs.

Yep i am a wimp with the cold.

So the only way i am going out is if these tootsies of mine are warm (as can be of course).

Ankle boots in winter are my saviour. Last year i established that i definitely had a hole in my collection, for something a little smarter, i'm thinking skinny heel rather than block, and maybe a pointed toe.

Wallis Fringe Boots (24% off for 24 hours, so only £57 at the mo but shop quickly!)

I recently saw these on Kat's blog and fell head over heels (ha, 'scuse the pun), Gorgeous low cut front (that i could still sneak some sock action in to), fringe detailed back and not too high a heel. Love. Great with skirts or dresses for an edgy vibe that's not too girlie, great with coated jeans or with some faux leather trousers. Perfect night out booties!

3.Tan/neutral day boots

River island £65.00

Gorgeous tan suede and a block heel. This colour of boots is great, they go so well with all denim colours and i love the contrast between the tan boots and a pair of black skinnies. All round great day boot with a fab price. To be fair i find RI really good quality for your high street buys.
So yep, tan day boot, sorted.

4. OTK (Over The Knee) Boots

Sam Elderman £210

These became big last winter after a bit of an 80's revival and this winter are set to be everywhere.
Last year I looked all season long for a great pair, but to no avail. I find them a really tricky product. There's a fine line between Pirate and Pretty Women.
To big at the top you look swashbuckling and then (in my opinion) skinny heels just blatantly reminds me of Pretty Woman (the lift scene where she cocks her boot cladded leg up and looks for the runner in her pantyhose- classic!)
For me, they have to be flat and fairly tight. These Sam Elderman boots are my favourites after a long and arduous hunt. At £210 they're not for the faint hearted.  But trust me when i say, i have looked and looked and looked. These for me are the best.

5.

Oasis Rachel Riding Boot £85.00

These boots are called Rachel. Need i say more?!

Ok so if your names not Rachel, they're still ace. 

Great weekend wear, previously i've worn mine with a indigo jeans, chambray shirt and a big oversized cream thick knitted cardigan. Lovely countryside chic. Plus ultimate comfort levels as i can actually tuck my best chunky socks in there too.

These will work hard all winter for you. 

6. Wildcard: Leopard Print Boots

River Island £65.00

If i'm totally honest, i'm not sure i love these. They were the best i found on my hunt, but i think i like my leopard to be a little lighter (that could just be me being uber picky). I do like the block heel though and they height on the ankle (hmmm maybe they're a grower).
The thing with leopard print is its become like a modern day neutral. It ties outfits together and implies effort was made. Which on lazy days, an all black outfit with these could prove priceless on the style front.

So there we have it
6 boots for winter!

Just a couple of additions. I'm actually stepping away from wellies this winter, i find them too much of a pain in the backside: they're cold in winter and a nightmare to take off, probably because of the thickness of my socks, but when hubby's away trying to pull your own wellie boot off is in equal measures hilarious and frustrating.
So there's two additions to my boots that i am adding.
They're life necessities (especially dog walking)

Sorrel Boots

See? Winter necessity. Waterproof, snow proof, dog proof, life proof. Think i need these most!

Plus with the laces it means easy removal (unlike those damn wellies of mine)

And of course, my winter wouldn't be complete without

Tall Ugg boots

I just have to. Call them fugly, i don't care. I lived in mine the past 2 winters and on a cold day there is nothing better. Stylish they may not be, but yep they are a definite life essential for me.

And that ladies rounds up my 6 (which ended up being 8) Autumn/ Winter boot must haves.

Do you agree or would you have anything to add or change?