Looks I Love this Winter

Do you ever have a mental image of an outfit that you would love to wear?
I do.
In fact i do it a lot. My mental images could be pintrest actually, but the image is stored in my mind, so we'll go with that.
Sometimes things just really stick. It could be a particular style, outfit or colour.
This winter i have a few items in mind that i just have to get my clothes loving paws on.
Now, the things in mine are quite specific.
The hunt has been long and arduous and pretty much to no avail. Seriously, anyone would think i was searching for the actual Holy Grail.
Until...
I looked at Esprit this week and hit the jackpot.

Its fair to say they are well and truly ticking all the right boxes with the collection they have this season.

On to more specifics.
Here's what i've been looking for in particular:

• A camel fine knit sweater
• A berry coat with but with a masculine cut rather than a fitted feminine style
• A drapey Black cardigan- the type that goes with everything

Here are the looks i'd mentally stored in my head for this season:

Esprit by rachel-the-hat featuring a bucket bag

It's a lot of monochromatic looks, ie, the same colour but in different shades.

Camel on camel, berry on berry and a bit of grey and black for good measure.

I love these looks, they are all buzzing around in my head, and what's even better, now i've seen them laid out on paper (uh.. computer screen), they would all intermingle and remix so well with each other.

Inadvertently i've just made a pretty nice winter capsule.

Lets look closer at the key pieces

Firstly a Camel fine knit roll neck sweater. On my shopping travels i had found multiple v-necks, a couple of thick knits but none of the aforementioned. It was like the holy grail of knitwear. I just could not track one down for love nor money.
Yet here it is, the perfect thickness, high neck and shade.
This works perfectly for the camel on camel look i was after.
I added in some indigo flares and a little leopard print too.
But this would also work well with the faux leather trousers, the boyfriend jeans and also under the berry coat (berry and camel is just the most delectable colour combo.)

Knitwear

The Boyfriend fit Berry coat was next on my hit list.
The large lapel, the heavy hang of the fabric, this is just a beautiful cut. Bordeaux is the colour (berry, bordeaux, wine.. all the same thing relatively speaking). I've added in some  boyfriend jeans and a crew neck sweater in berry for a lovely rich tonal outfit.
Again, this coat will work with the above jumper, the faux leather trousers and would also look great with a breton top. Love.

Coats

The Black cardigan.. Something every woman should own. Come winter i always have a cardigan hanging on the back of my chair (like a little old lady, i do hate getting a chill). I wanted something that could go over a dress, skirt and jeans. This drapey option is gorgeous, I just love the leather toggle to the side of this one to fasten it, so can be worn open and flowing or done up.. i like that a lot.

This is perfect with a stripe breton top, or the pretty star top above. Add in some faux leather trousers and some grey boots and this may be the cardigan for the winter. 

Again though, this is a piece that will work hard for you all season. A simple winter essential i'd say.

Knitwear

Well done Esprit you really have done well this season.. of to go spend my hard earned £££ 

Do you have any winter essentials for the coming season?

Biker Boots with a Faux Leather Skirt

Man oh man do i love these Steve Madden Biker Boots. I chose them as i thought they would be versatile, and they have not disappointed. 

I've teamed them today (which was actually Sunday btw)with my trusty faux leather mini skirt, a chunky knit cardigan and a plain blouse. I loved the outcome. 

Because my lifestyle is pretty laid back, ie no high flying meetings or office attire, my day to day look is now very casual, which could mean i easily slip in to wearing joggers and a hoody territory. But i'm not going to let that happen. I love getting dressed every morning (saddo that i am). I see it as a perk of having to wake up.. that and coffee. God bless coffee.

What i love about these boots is how they dress-down the mini skirt. They take it from being overly dressed for a simple day out to the shops, to casual but put together, which is the look i now aim for most days.

Its funny how when life changes so does your wardrobe. I don't have much call for skyscrapper heels anymore, but i'm actually really happy with that. Me and my biker boots can conquer anything i'm sure.

I'm always acutely aware that when i wear a black bottom and a white top that i could be mistaken for a waitress, anyone else fear that? When walking through the harvester being accosted for some breaded mushrooms is always a tad embarrassing, hopefully the chunky salt and pepper coloured cardi detracts from the archetypal waitress attire.

I forgot how quickly it gets dark at this time of year. I turned to Salvatore at 3pm and said we'd better get a jiggle on for these photos. Within half an hour it was already grey and by 4.30 it was getting dark.. blogger woes ay? This time of year most certainly has its challenges doesn't it!

But least my biker boots are awesome.. wahahaha :)

The Triangular Outlines necklace is back in stock too ladies. It sold out after Beth wore it on her blog/IG but its back for now (limited stock) so i'd say snap it up whilst its available. 

Its super lovely and goes with so many outfits. Great over a crew neck sweater or dress or blouse.

Shop The Look:
Best Biker Boots Ever! (ha) Via Cloggs
Similar skirt
Cardigan
Similar Blouse
Sparkle clutch
Necklace

Do you have a favourite pair of boots this season?

My Birthday Plans...

Its a month today until my birthday. Now i LOVE birthdays, i know some poeple try to forget them or don't like to celebrate them, but i'm of the mindset of each and everyone should be commemorated in some way that makes you happy, because who knows how many you may have left.
Life is a funny old wonderful thing and i think a Birthday is a great way to celebrate another year passing.
So the 3rd of December will see me celebrating my 31st year.
Each year i like to plan something a little bit lovely. What with kids and very little childcare to hand it usually means me and hubby don't get much time off at all. Sometimes its nice to just be you, rather than nose wiper, referee, dog walker, cook, cleaner and bum wiper extraordinare.
What better day to be just yourself for a while, than on your birthday.
So on the 3rd December I'm thoroughly looking forward to a day of indulgence.

Now you're probably thinking it's still a month away yet Rachel, why so far in advance?
Well with Neo and my step kids it does take some careful planning and gentle (-read manic-) organising to make sure everyone and the dog is covered. Anyone else feel like you're carrying out a military precision operation when it comes to organising a weekend away??

Last year i had a wonderful break to the most gorgeous stately manor house Ston Easton Park, which was chosen due to my Downton Abby obsession (it didn't disappoint by the way i highly recommend it for a weekend break, it was divine and just like walking on to a Downton set!).

And of course this year i have a few tricks up my sleeve.

I'm craving a little indulgence, a little shopping and a some wonderful food.
Where else to get all of the above than the bright lights of London.
I haven't been to London in a while and i miss it. I especially love it in December with the Christmas lights and the festive buzz.

With some careful consideration my plan of action is coming together nicely.

Starting off the day with an early first class train from Cardiff to London.
Outfit wise, I'm thinking comfy, practical but still pretty.
White dress is a-go as no children/dogs to smear anything across it (myself however.. well, i can pretend to not be Mrs clumsy for a while ay?). I've chosen my favourite comfy biker boots, i just love the edge they bring to a dress, definitely a current favourite combo. And a thick coat for if the weather is a bit brisk, it is December after all. Add in a bit of leopard with the scarf, and a sweep of red with the nails and lip and finished off with my Michael Kors, holds everything bag.
Outfit sorted.

On arrival in to London, without kids in tow, we pick up a quick coffee and then head straight for Harrods where I am in my shopping mecca.

Ain't she beautiful?
There's a few places i want to hit up whilst I'm here.
I'm thinking the makeup counter for some Charlotte Tilburry, then on to the Shoe Saloon to lust at all the magnificent beauties, before moving on to the Christmas goodies to purchase a few special baubles of the tree this year (not only do i love birthdays, i also love love love Christmas.. i think its being a December baby, it makes me extra extra festive!)
Finally finishing in the handbag hall, where i possibly make a birthday purchase as a present to myself. Possibly a new MK bag? But if i was really making the ultimate wish list here then i think it would have to be the Pashli metallic satchel in Ivy green... that is one gorgeous bag. What would your bag of choice be?

Harrods images via

After exhausting myself with shopping but staying in Harrods, I would head up to the divine Urban Retreat The Moroccan Hammam for a complete spa indulgence.
I saw this on a blog recently and i was captivated by this video:

How absolutely stunning does this look? The ultimate pamper session. I would opt for the Ceremonial massage, which sounds heavenly, before chilling in The Moroccan Hammam Lounge experience.

After experiencing a little slice of heaven its time to come back down to earth and grab some much needed subsistence.

My favourite place to head is Covent Garden, I absolutely love this place at Christmas, the stalls selling festive goodness, the street entertainers, the mulled wine.. Sheer happiness.
Now my restaurant of choice isn't a fancy one, more a sentimental one.
Giovanni's is one of the first places my husband took me to nearly 10 years ago.

Image via

Giovanni's is a tiny restaurant that is packed with Sicilian charm. The food and atmosphere here is delicious. And there's nothing nicer on a cold day than popping in for a hearty bowl of their delicious pasta. I'll never forget the best Pumpkin Raviolli I have ever tasted was in fact here. So i would order me a bowl of goodness, followed up by some Rose wine and some Tiramsu.
(I've just been reading their menu again and oh my god I'm now hungry.. my lord i need to get back there asap!)

After a cold evening walk around Covent Garden, we'd then head back to the station where we would catch our late train back home to Wales back to the kiddoes and Cassy the dog.

Now to me that sounds like the perfect way to celebrate one's birthday.
What do you think?

How do you like to celebrate your Birthday?

Seven on Sunday 0.7

Sorry for missing last weeks Seven on Sunday folks, i was on a lovely date with the hubby and time flew away from me, plus its half term here, so it means my usual routine is thrown out of sorts completely! As much as i love having Neo and my step kids home for the week, i have to admit, its nice to see school roll back around again and for my usual routine to recommence.
Blogging with little people talking in your ear constantly can be make things that much harder. But its been nice, and i can't complain. We've had a blast. Plus knowing that i haven't got the impending early morning wake up call for the school run means i have had more than a few late night Netflix marathons.

Back to Seven on Sunday, with the things from around the web this week that i have loved (heads up its a lot of fashion this week.. i just LOVE clothes at this time of year, its my most favourite season to dress)!

0.1 We all know i have a love for Great Plains, right? (its not endorsed or even sponsored..! I just love their simple cuts and lovely prints)
Well this week they have 30% off their autumn range (CODE: GPBBE30)
Sooo i may have just picked myself up this beautiful stary night top, to go along with my star print obsession, and also these checked trousers. I really feel like i could do with a break from jeans and  leather trousers, i mean i love both, but sometimes a trouser would be nice for a change. I wore my Gap black slim trousers last week and it was a nice change from the usual, so yes, checked trousers are winging their way to me as i type. Plus how they've styled them.. love! Shall be trying to copycat that for sure.

0.2 This GORGEOUS and versatile dress from Travelling Bazzar. Great monochrome palatte, would look amazing dressed up with some Yosa jewellery or with some biker boots. I love it!
The beautiful Frances introduced me to Travelling Bazzar as she was recently wearing some pieces on her blog. Do you follow her blog? She has amazing style, oh what i'd give for a rummage in her wardrobe!

0.3 I have just bought my first blender.. I am trying to eat healthier. Now i'm home more i am cooking a lot more healthy dinners and soups for lunch, but i am desperate to start on the smoothie bandwagon for brekkie.  Do you have any yummy healthy smoothy recipes?

0.4 The new lovely Leopard print bag's at Yosa are Uh-mmaazzballs. I'm so so pleased with them and they're selling like hot cakes.

0.5 I placed an order from the Mango Outlet this week, i love this scandi style knit that is just perfect for christmas without being tooo christmassy and also this sweater, because its one of my favoruite words to say, it absolutely is.

0.6 I've hear really good reviews about these eyeshadows . I have a penchant for Chanel make-up so i would love to try this is a silvery-grey.

0.7 Lastly and probably the best (ha) i bought this Christmas tree decoration! Isn't it the absolute cutest? I just had to get it as it reminds me so much of our pup Cassy. I'm more than a smidge excited for the festive season.

{All images from my Instagram account, come follow along!)

What have you been loving this week my lovelies? Anything i should be looking at?