Autumn capsule inspiration: Colour Board

When I start to look at my next seasonal wardrobe I always start with a colour scheme. Usually this will be one or two particular colours and then it will be what blends and works well with those colours.

These are the filler pieces that will fit around my great key items and basics, and add that fantastic flourish.

This season for me I think will be about Blush and Bordeaux, or pink and burgundy if you prefer.
These two colours are fantastic with each other as well as navy, black cream and khaki.

The first thing that gave me inspiration was actually this beauty: the style, the colours and the detail all made me swoon. Esprit seem to have some rather wonderful pieces that fit nicely with my whole seasonal colour palette

It was then that I looked back through my summer capsule and realised I'd really quite like to continue down the bohemian style road i've been walking of late. It's easy, it's relaxed and really suits my way of life.

There's no point filling my capsule with trousers and office attire when i sit at home infront of my laptop most days.
Making it work for you is absolutely key

Undoubtedly the capsule will still hold some standard stripes and blue jeans as these are inevitable go-to's of mine, and a sort of mum-uniform quite often. But for the days when I want to be styled, I'm thinking of the above pieces.

Shall we take a closer look?

Find these Here & Here

The Blush sweater was another major pull for me on the colour scheme, paired with an ever present (in the winter that is) khaki parker. Casual yet put together. 

Flares and Tee

The flares are back big time for me. I love how flattering they are on us ladies curves! Have you tried any flares? I highly recommend. The tee falls beautifully in to my colour scheme also, and a bargain. Shall make a great layering piece too.

Boots & Corduroy Skirt

For me a pair of mid-low heeled ankle boots are absolutely imperative. I live in them. I like a pair i can shop, school run and look smart in. These from New Look really look the part.

The corduroy skirt is for me a casual take o the black faux leather a-line skirt.. now this could be just me, but sometimes in my small little town in the sticks, wearing a faux leather skirt in the light of day looks a tad over dressed. Never one to be terribly deterred by standing out at such, but also choosing to be comfortable is important to me. This a-line skirt I think fits perfectly in to my day-wear category without being to out there for the small town folk that see me tottering about, doing my shopping.

People Tree Dress

Esprit Dress

Add in a couple of eye catching yet, re-mixable dresses and you've got the basis of a great capsule working out for you.

I love the simplicity of both these pieces and how the will work with a Parker or a biker jacket, which makes them perfect capsule dresses.

With my colour scheme down, I just have a few key pieces to tie down and I will be bringing the key pieces instalment to the blog very soon.

So, colour scheme.. what do you think?

If you were to pick yours what would it be?

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?

Spring Wardrobe Update

Well, it's literally just started sleeting outside as I type this. Spring where the heck are you? I got woken up by a crazy storm last night and then attacked my golf-ball sized hail stones on the school run.
Spring has not sprung here I can tell you that.
But I for one am done with winter, come the end of February I am ready to shed the thermals and start looking towards lighter layers, weather permitting or not, sometimes you just gotta do what you want. Granted no bare legs just yet, but adapting some Spring pieces and adding them in now sounds like a plan to wet the spring-wear appetite.
So transitional pieces it is then.
I'm kind of in love with all the pieces I've chosen below for the simple fact of wear-ability.
If I were to finally take the plunge and commit to a capsule wardrobe (and I am so so tempted, but i keep nancying out like a big scaredy cat) this would be a large portion of the capsule.
Style is most definitely simplifying for me, but I am actually the happiest I've been in years.
Simple to me means great pieces, just less of them.

(side note: Hells bells, I thought my house was just going to blow away.. A huge gust and those blasted golf ball size hail stones attacking my window.. evil, evil weather!!)

With Shopbop's Super Spring Sale now seems as good a time as any to treat myself to some much yearned after spring wear.

Clothing:

The throw-on Khaki Jacket ,
Beautifully cut Ankle Grazer Jeans(Loving the brand Frame),
The Wear everywhere Dress,
The perfect Kahki chino's,
The obligatory stripe top,
Dress up or down black skirt,
and the handy slogan swetashirt

Shoes:

Bright red pumps for fun kicks,

Sandals in-case it gets warm enough

And a block heel for smart-casual

Bags:

Keeping it simple with a much lusted after, rather trendy Backpack

and a classic leopard print clutch for a smarter look.

I love , love ,love all these pieces. The reason they're all from Shopbop (apart from that I love that store, I swear their deliveries from America arrive faster than some of my British orders, it never fails to happily surprise me when the UPS man knocks my door a mere 2 days after ordering, its like magic!), is because their sale works on the more you spend the more you save. Plus with a good pound to dollar rate, it can be save save ;)

Spring Sale details here

Is there anything you like up there for Spring? And have you started your Spring shopping yet?

Living Room decorating with my Top Tips

Lounge by rachel-the-hat 

As part of My plans for 2016 my main living room is top of my agenda.

I am here ALL DAY LONG, looking around at these four walls and thinking about how i can get this teeny tiny house to work for me as an office, family home and just a generally enjoyable place to chill.

The sofa, as I've mentioned, is the tippy top of my agenda. Scatter cushion backed sofas, let me warn you, are a holy hellish nightmare. If you have kids, do not buy a scatter back cushion sofa. The cushions will inevitably live more on your floor than anywhere else, and you will spend 80% of your day picking them up and putting them back to where they are supposed to be.

They also go really flat and floppy and just always look messy. 

It was the first proper adult sofa purchase I had ever made so I'm marking it down to a life lesson.

From that at least I know what I want.

And I think I've found the perfect sofa! The sofa that dreams are made of..

The Heart of the Living Room

Finding a sofa that will comfortably seat at least 5 people, a dog and add in more possible guests, is a hard sofa to find. 

I checked the usual haunts for a sofa, but they all seemed way to small and cursed with the scatter cushion backing *shudder*.

So whilst looking through new to me websites I found Oldrids & Downtown and this beauty above.

Ugh.. its so perfect I want to cry.

Tip One: Shop for furniture with a knowledge of what you need rather than buying what looks pretty.

Go in to it with your sensible head on and don't be seduced by the colourful scatter cushions that look great on show.

I now know I need a large corner sofa, a complete secured cushioned backing and stain resistant fabric. Don't fall in to the trap of buying what you lust over what will work for you and your situation.

Lighting

My living room has a dark side, not in a Yoda v's Darth type way but in a lightning needs sorting type way. 

Spot lights would work best for creating a zone filled with consistent light throughout. Then a key piece as centre stage and also lamps.. Lamps are so great for adding decorative focal points as well as extra light to dull areas.

Tip two: Check you can get suitable light-bulbs easily for your fixtures. I once bought a lamp that was notoriously hard to find light-bulbs for, meaning it usually didn't get changed once it had gone. I  now get all mine at Bulbs2go which is so much easier than standing in the supermarket wondering which bulb you were meant to get, only to be faced with a dozen different types (then committing to one, buying it, getting home and it being the wrong one.. argh.. anyone else do that?) 

Workspace

If you work from home, like me, or even just at your computer a lot, like us bloggers are, creating a workplace environment that is enjoyable to be in is conducive to getting your work done well.

I spend A LOT of hours at my desk which is in our living room. It works well  for me as when the family are home as I'm not segregated from them (although sometimes lord knows I wish I was somewhat separated) and it means I can keep an eye on everything and still reply to emails and get stuff done.

I'm currently working hard on making my space a positive happy place for me to be in. The more positive the space the happier I work.

I found a desk and side tables at Aram that are absolute investment pieces. These will stand the test of time and really make a statement in my living room as well as being practical.

Tip Three: Invest in yourself. Buy a good desk that you love and want to sit at, making your space a positive happy work environment will make for positive happy work.

Also if its in your living room, like me it also helps to be easy on the eye.

Soft Furnishings

I love me some good cushions and throws. I could shop for them all day long, much to my husbands dismay as i will often return from a shopping trip with new cushions (they're my Achilles heel). They really do make a difference in a room.

My colour preference at the moment is a soft duck egg blue with cream. I'm kind of thinking chic meets countryside style (that's a thing right?).

Tip Four: Stick to a colour scheme that you love, that you can add too and easily interchange furnishings. An estate agent tip would be can you imagine that room at Christmas? Can you imagine it cosy in winter and cool in summer? If you can say yes, then you know you are on to a year round beautiful room that you will love.

Are you decorating or adding anything to your home this year? I would love to know if you have any tips or recommendations?

Shopbop (sale!) Wish list

Ohh i LOVE a good discount sale so when i got the email from Shopbop to say they were having a 3 day discount sale, well i headed straight over to my favourites list and had a look what purchases i would perhaps treat myself to.

First up

 I have a new found love for Free People. 

I first started looking through their collections last month as their shoes are to die for, but after swooning over their shoes i found myself looking at their clothes. 

There are so many good items. 

My favourites are the above maroon Tree Swing top, the Sleepin' in Stripe shirt and the Herringbone Coatigan. 

How sweet would the little swing top be with some faux leather trousers? Ugghh Love!

Next up is Equipment.

The star blouse had me hook line and sinker as soon as I laid eyes on it.  Equipment is renowned globally for its modern well fitting shirt, and well.. it has stars all over it. What's not to love?! Wear on its own with some leather trousers and heels or layered under a marron sweater and dark wash jeans. 

Then a firm favourite for me. Zoe Karssen.

The bat motif sweater. Contemporary day wear. My favourite type of clothing.

I'm sure it would be well worn and loved this winter and make me a firm favourite in my sons eyes, haha!

Next up.

Rebecca Minkoff Bags

I have been banging on about Rebecca Minkoff bags for months now. I feel like they're only just gaining momentum here in the UK but mark my words, i think they will become really, really popular here. Great styles and colour ranges, excellent quality and good price point for an entry level designer bag.

I'm also in desperate need of a nice new purse.. the black stud wallet is divine.

And finally some footwear: 

Ash Sneakers

Sorel Boots

Splendid Navy booties

I think these three boots could quite easily see me through autumn and winter.

Ash sneakers.. perfect for the school run

Sorrel boots: Snow? No problem, plus perfect for doggy walks.

Navy boots. I have established lately i have a navy boot shaped whole in my wardrobe. A number of outfits lately could have done with being finished off with a navy bootie. These Splendid boots would work perfectly.

Don't forget your code.. (you can click the image to take you through.. yes i know, i'm a terrible enabler, but if i'm shopping,. i'm taking all of you with me ;)

So there we have my wish list...
Can you guess which items i've bought? Let me know in the comments below!

Is there anything you're lusting after? 

With 25% off it would be rude not too, right?!

The Great Trainer Debate

the Great Trainer Debate by rachel-the-hat featuring converse trainers

Trainers (or sneakers if you're from across the pond) have fast become the fashionables favourite choice of footwear, swapping heels for comfort and pairing them with everything from girly dresses to boyfriend jeans.

As an avid shoe lover i have to admit it has taken me a long time to actually liking the thought of a pair of trainers in my shoe arsenal, i spent most of my teenage years in trainers(lots of the above

infact!)and the thought of returning back to trainers felt like i was somehow shunning my beautiful shoes and returning to the practicality of my youth! But when you see trainers been rocked and looking awesome everywhere i started to think, maybe there is something in this for me? As you all know i am a mum who often spends weekends and summers in big parks and play gyms and generally non-heel pleasing places. I hate to admit it but i have spent many a morning wondering what shoes to wear trying to stay stylish and myself and also practical for that hike with the kids and the dog, often opting for a not -very-comfy, blister inducing ballet pump. Well not anymore. With the inspiration from some of my favourite bloggers and pintrest i have now decided that maybe a great trainer could be the answer to all my weekend dilemmas. 

And once i started looking, well,  i literally couldn't decide which would be best to go for.  The choices are vast and great. But i've narrowed down a few of my favourites . here goes

Adidas Stan Smith
£64.99

very  popular with the fashionable, the Stan Smith offers a comfy white trainer with a pop of green. Classic trainer orginating from the 70's making it great for rocking a bit of that 70's trend.

New Balance Trainer
 £64.99

Going for a more classic trainer shape, NB look like they could be slippers they're so comfy looking.  You could quite easily break out in to a jog in these and be in the perfect shoe, although jogging isn't really at the top of my must-dos (except for when Cassy, our dog, makes a run for it across the field to go play with another dog/person/random object, which literally leaves me dapping it full pelt across the field after her every time.. entertaining for anyone watching i assure you, as i scream her name and she blatantly just ignores me... the little madam!)

Adidas Gazelle

£66.99

I owned a pair of gazelle's back in the 90's when i was a teen rocking frayed jeans down at the skate park. I still really love these, they definitely have a masculine air to them.. i actually think Neo would rock these.

White Converse All Star 

£44.99

The classic Chucks, i have a pair in red that are really really well worn. I have been fancing upgrading my oldies to a new crisp white pair. Worn with ripped jeans a white tee and a black blazer they can look chic, or with cut offs and a summer vest top for perfect weekend wears. Converse will forever be a favourite in my household, with both my son and step daughter wearing theirs regularly.

Adidas

 Superstar Black & White

Superstar in mono

Pharrell Super colour

And lastly the Superstar or what we used to call them; The Shell Toe. I wore these back when i was 15/16 which in my mind feels like only a few months ago (crazy time, where have you gone?!)

I remember loving them back then and nagging my mum constantly for a pair. I first had them in white with red stripes and then for my second pair i had baby blue stripes.

I have to say 15 years on i still think the shell toe Superstars are my favourites. The black and white are totally rocking my world and now i can't help but think how perfect they will be for all the dog walking/child-friendly days out. 

Pharrell recently launched a whole super colour rainbow shoe theme too, so they now come in practically every colour imaginable. But for me? I think it's the classic black and white. And i think i may have found what i have been looking for.

Here's a few of my fave bloggers that i'm inspired by:

My BBFF (blogging bestie friend forever) Catherine  styling up her chucks with a vintage skirt; genius right?

Francis showing us how Stan Smiths can look tres chic

Kat knocking it out the park with all white cracked leather Stan Smiths and a breton top...love!

Jane   showing us that trainers are not just for with trousers, they also look UH-MAZING with dresses.

So there we have it i am totally converted. 
And i *think* i may have to invest in the Superstars.

What are your thoughts on trainers? Are you a fan?

The want for grey boots

The want for grey boots by rachel-the-hat featuring leather boots

Grey boots / Tall boots / River Island grey boots / Leather boots / ALDO grey boots / Ladies / Macay Halle D Fit

I have been on the look out for the perfect grey boot to complete my grey obsession for some time.
Pre-spending ban, i hadn't quite found 'the one', or pair as the case may be,
so i have continued my search. Granted at the moment i can't actually buy any, its still nice to feed my shopping obsession with bit of window shopping... (what would i do without window shopping.. thank god it's free is all i can say;) 
So here are a few of the best i have found so far...
My problem is i don't know what i want, tall or short, high heel or low heel, pointy or round tow. Ladies, the choice of womens shoes these days is endless.. and i couldn't be happier... except for my lack of ability to make a decision and stick with it.
The shopping ban isn't the only thing that stops me shopping apparently i was born without the decision making gene..its a disorder i tell ya.

So tell me, if you were to buy a pair of grey boots, 
which would you buy?

Daniel Footwear Giveaway.. My top picks and last few days to enter

Daniel Footwear.. Top pics by rachel-the-hat featuring red shoes

UGG Australia tall boots,/ Red shoes,/ Lulu Guinness accessory,  / Michael Kors Aileen Brown Leather Riding Boot, / K&S Grey 61 61060 Women’s Ankle Boot,  / Sam Edelman Burgundy Sandy Women's Ankle Boot, 
Daniel Black Weapon Ankle Boot, / Daniel Chorzio Black Reptile Slip On Pump,  Michael Kors Fulton Crossbody Leather Bag, / Michael Kors Leopard Elisa Pump Women’s Court Shoe, 


Hey Guys

I just wanted to show you a few ideas of what you buy if you win the amazing Daniel footwear £100 giveaway! I seriously have this company bookmarked and there is normally a tab or two open with things in my virtual cart. their designer shoe range is unbelievably awesome. I have complete shoe (and bag!) envy and want SO MUCH!
There's still a few days left , so be sure to enter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For the full t's & c's be sure to go read here

GOOD LUCK!!!