My Basics (&Passion4Fashion linkup)

If you've been around reading (or just looking at the photos, 'cos lord knows i do ramble) then you will know i have a few basics. By basic i mean items that i fall back on time and time again. They're my go-to items, the no effort or brain power required, running off 5 hours sleep because you have a Netflix problem that you just can't quit,  type-outfits.
But d'you know what? They're normally my favourites. Amongst my favourite things (stripes, leopard print, the colour red) are my new (faux) Birkies or Birkenstock style sandal should i say.
Yep after contemplating whether they were fabulous or just plain fugly since last summer, they have now made it to my most beloved items list.
I mean, holy moly they are comfy, and as much as its probably not quite warm enough yet, i have been taking them out for a few spins round the block to get them worn in all nice and comfy for summer. Thats a good excuse right? Because honestly, they didn't even need wearing it they're that good. Plus its May which surely means it legit sandal weather in theory.
Another thing i had totally forgotten about (i blame netflix again.. its rotting my memory i tell you) is these Gap trousers i picked up last year. the insanely comfy, confidence boosting (they're a size 6....wtf indeed) trousers that gives me a nice break from constant jeans wearing. The ankle skimming length just makes it for me, i do love a nicely cut pair of trousers and these are in desperate need of some more air time. I'm thinking my new grey waistcoat and these should become friends soon, no?
And lastly.. the jacket, its new and its amazing. Red is always my pick me up colour. If i'm looking tired of peaky, it instantly brings a bit of colour back to me as if i've miraculously had an 8 hour sleep. This red jacket drew me in from a rather wonderful window display at Next. I saw it on the mannequin and it was instant attraction. So in i went. And so i bought it.

Red Biker Jacket & Sandals: Next

Trousers: Gap

Stripe top: F&F Clothing

Leopard print Scarf: Yosa

Michael Kors 

Has a window display ever drawn you in to buy anything?

Don't forget to link up below ladies.. AND great news i have my wonderful co-host back in the linkup game with me from next week, so don't forget that you can link up here or with Lena from next week! Yay!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Khaki Love Continues and using the Wallis Style Advisor

When i shop i like to shop alone, i know i know, that sounds really anti-social and as a woman we normally attack our prey (a pretty dress in our case) in a pack. Not the case for me. Don't get me wrong i will shop with friends and family, i'm not that mean where i banish anyone within 20 feet of me when in a shop, no no. But for me the enjoyment and the best purchases are normally done alone. Its my therapy, whether that be in an actual shop or online browsing.
However because i like to shop alone, sometimes i do miss out on those valued opinions of others. Sometimes i do get it wrong and i end up making a completely useless purchase that will end up living in my wardrobe, tags on, never to see the light of day, which makes me sad:( and feel like a bit of a twonk.
A little bit of help in the form of a style advisor wouldn't go astray now and again to stop some of those rogue purchases.
So when Wallis introduced me to their new Style Advisor App i thought hey, this is something i could use.
You see, sometimes in my head i still think i have that 20 year old, pre baby body who could wear anything.. obvs not the case.
By going through all there lovely little diagrams and making myself a profile which included my shape (im a big ol' fruity pear), your colouring, your personality when dressing and lots more lil bits about you, you then get presented with some good honest facts about what is best for you and your shape and then some suggestions as to what might look good on you.

I have to say i love a good app that helps and presents pretty clothes to me. And Wallis were spot on  with their choices; look at those shoes above... swoon! and above that, patterned trousers...yes please!
You may have noticed that i am pretty obsessed with Khaki right now.. well from inputting my details and interests, what d'you know a bit of khaki was recommended to me (quelle surprise), in the form of this gorgeous dress... i love it (thanks Wallis great recommendation!). As well as clothes they have all the accessories to go with, making up full outfits has never been easier. I went for a new fave colour combo, lime and khaki.. how good are they together! I don't know why i didn't think of this pairing before, they are both from the green family so are close siblings that on paper i thought wouldn't work, close siblings that argue shall we say, but i love it! Clashy-contrast can be so so good.

Khaki dress

Shoes

Bag

Necklace

All thanks to Wallis

Do you ever like a bit of style advice to help you on your shopping way?

Puppy Steals the show (& #passion4fashion linkup!)

Shall we just gloss over the fact that i'm allll about the ripped jeans and blazers right now? Like thats all that i'm wearing, pretty much non-stop of late. Don't get me wrong, the blazer varies and sometimes the jeans do too (although these Topshop ripped ones are my faves), like this new coraly-pinky-drapey one. Tis pretty no?  I actually wore this outfit last Saturday and this outfit saw me through a morning of shopping with the 12 year old step daughter, a 4 year old birthday party in a play gym, cooking dinner for the fam then out for impromptu cocktails with my friend. We  actually went out for hot chocolates but Starbucks and Costa had both closed so we headed over to Chiqutos where we ended up drinking Pina Coladas at the bar... impromptu cocktails are the best haha! So yes This outfit did me well for a wonderfully busy day. Granted if i knew i was going out for cocktails i may have swapped to some heels but heels-schmeels, I had a wonderful time anyway.

But enough about that, can we just pont out the elephant in the room, or the puppy in the photos rather? This little one is stuck to my side lately. It's funny, i've always liked dogs, and considered myself a dog liking person.  But now i totally get it, she's like having another child. She's part of the family and i can't imagine not having her.

For a while there were discussions of the possibility of another baby as a sibling for Neo, but i have to admit i'm totally smitten with the puppy.. no nappies, can be left alone for a few hours, she is ALWAYS pleased to see you and unlimited snuggles... its definitely puppy love.

With me, Salvatore (hubby), Neo, my two step children Mia and Talyn, a cat and a dog i would say we are pretty much packed to the rafters.

Would i have it any other way? No, although ask when i'm doing the washing and ironing i may answer differently.

Blazer: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes: New Look

Bag: Kurt Geiger c/o McArthur Glen

Jeans: Topshop

Fineknit sweater: F&F

Scarf: Yosa

Do you have a go to outfit like my blazer and ripped jeans option?

An InLinkz Link-up

The Search For Skirts

I haven't been a big fan of skirts until the last couple of years. After having a baby and carrying my weight right across my midriff  (as well as everywhere else!) I could never find a flattering cut that didn't look like it was cutting me right across my worst part. But with some patience and some trial and error i have now come to love a good skirt and have proved to be useful thanks to their mixing options with different tops jackets, with or without tights etc.
I just don't have many of them (not something i say often)
I have firmly planted myself in the faux leather skirt loving camp for 2 years now and i have worn it on numerous occasions (see the remix post here), to the point where i'm sure you're all bored to death of me banging on about it. So to put you out of your misery (winky face) i've decided to invest in maybe a couple more and expand my skirt collection this summer.

Above

Faux leather skirt: Matalan (2years ago)

Shoes: Mango

Bag: Zara

Breton top: F&F

Shirt: New Look

Necklace: Yosa

 Ok so lets start with my absolute favourites shall we? Similar to my black skirt above, these two warehouse beauties below are just skirt perfection. I love both, but think i may swinging towards the grey suede, what with my penchant for grey lately, this could be pretty perfect.
However the tan A line avec pockets (always a bonus..pockets, yay) holds a number of great potential outfit options.. decisions decisions.
So it appears i need both.. Bummer.

A little more detailing on these, the  blue obi style tie belt on the navy skirt is a nice addition and lots of tees/blouses /vests could be tucked in nicely. I do like to tuck in, i hate having a drafty back (I know I know, i sound like i'm 90, but if you ever met me when I was cold you would understand, i'm a complete misery guts, also the same when hungry (always carry snacks if you're with me).

So if you like high rise (aka muffin-top hiders) like me then this could be a great skirt option. 

The cream lace hemmed detail is just super super pretty, could be gorgeous with a black blouse for a strong contrast, but for day to day wear it probably isn't my first option and i'm not speeding to the checkout so, moving on...

Denim options seem like a good idea too. My heart is loving the wrap style skirt perfect with a breton and classic trench. But the popper front skirt is hot hot hot right now, with that 70's style detailing it could look fabulously retro with some wedges and a floppy hat.

A bit of colour now to add some variety. I have had my eye on the floral beauty for months..
It could look great with tights and boots in winter or some sandals, a cream blouse and a denim jacket in summer. Me likey.
 Alike with the tweed skirt, the colour keeps it fresh for spring but could easily be worn with tights. Multi-seasonal items always get my vote.

Then finally back to classic black.

The wrap black skirt is similar (but better) to what i have, I admit i am totally crushing on the flattering style of the wrap once again. 

The green suede almost khaki (which i'm pretty obsessed with also) is stunning! I mean look at it.. absolutely bloody gorgeous! 

But if i had to make a choice, i think i would like something that could be worn with trainers as well as smart flats and heels. The length for me just wouldn't work with flats (id look like a hobbit) but alas, it is beautiful!

So yes, options are there.. There are A LOT of great skirts out there, its just finding the best one that works,ie can be used for multiple outfits and for all seasons.. i'm not asking a lot really am i ?!

Which is your favourite? Do you have a skirt that works really hard for you?