Rachel the Hat

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

Shirt Dress and Biker Jacket

Oh I do love a good shirt dress, in fact it seems to be all I'll wear of late.
I think it's the comfort they bring and the non necessity to suck it all in, as at the moment I can't bear the thought of anything clingy.. it could be to do with the winter pounds I just can't seem to shed, or that in my 30's I am opting for comfort more than ever.
Working from home and being a mum means most of my clothes these days need to be comfortable and practical. But that doesn't mean staying in my pj's all day, nope I still love getting dressed each day but am orbiting the more relaxed vibes. Shirt dresses like this one and the one from Fridays post are exactly what I'm after.
This Madewell dress is brilliant for transitioning nicely in to spring and summer.
Its still single digits temperature wise at the moment so paired with a layer underneath, and thick tights and boots and its totally wearable now. And then when the temperatures rise it will be awesome for easy sunny days with some gladiator sandals and a denim jacket.

You've probably noticed I've been banging on and on (and on and on and on) about buying pieces that transition seasons well and also things that work well remixed.
Well I have been curating a bit of a capsule wardrobe.. and I am very close to having approx 36 items that I would happily live in for the season.
I'm excited to try this, and also a little bit scared.. the thought of giving up the rest of my wardrobe and the variety is scary!! But I've found that week after week I've been reaching for the same items anyway, plus with a fixed palette or neutrals with the odd side of colour, they are easily worn in different ways.
It's just something I'm seriously considering at the moment. I guess one of the things that makes me super apprehensive is the weather. The weather here in the UK is so temperamental that having a varied wardrobe is kinda vital. It can be torrential rain one moment, then a blazing heatwave the next, especially through April and May, our Spring months. But that doesn't mean it's impossible, just harder. Plus if a heatwave hit then swapping some sandals in to the mix is acceptable I'm sure.
So yes, capsule wardrobe, 36 items.. Am I ready? Argghhh I don't know. I shall keep you posted.

Have you ever considered a Capsule Wardrobe for a season?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

Biker Jacket: Mango
Madewell Dress: Shopbop
Fossil Bag & Watch
F&F boots

My Favourite Dress (& #Passion4Fashion Linkup)

About a month ago i mentioned the dress i had been cyber stalking in hope that i would get my grubby little mitts on it, and my stalker skills paid off as it ended up being mine.
And for once I am so grateful for my website lurking expertise. I have worn this dress twice a week since i got it. I just love it.
Comfy, neutral so easy to remix with other pieces and it has pockets..
is that or is that not the most perfect dress? It is for me, so much so that I have also ordered the Khaki version to wear the life out of as well, 'cos quite frankly this one needs a breather (and a wash) so the khaki will be added to my rotation.
I'm looking forward to wearing it with bare legs come the warmer days, but for today i mixed a little navy with this Laura Ashley trench and navy boots. I've also worn it with my biker jacket, with a long maroon cardigan and with a long black coat... I wasn't lying when I said I've been wearing it a lot.
And when I invest in a dress I make sure I get my monies worth.. so far so good anyway.

Dress: Whistles
Boots: F&F
Navy Trench
Bag: Michael Kors
Necklace

Have you invested any dresses lately?

An InLinkz Link-up

A Classic Case of Camel, Stripes & Leopard Print

Spring to me is definitely stripes, camel and leopard print.

Who am I kidding, I am stripes, camel and leopard print all year round. But for this fine weekend we just had it worked perfectly. As much as the sun was shinning it was still rather chilly, which I can totally deal with of course, as its a marked improvement on the gazillion shades of grey we've had for God knows how long.

But camel seems to be one of those amazing colours that works all year round. Granted I ( hopefully) won't be needing such a thick coat come summer (she scoffs.. probably will in reality.. this is Britain after all) but the colour just works regardless.

People in my local town got a bit sun happy this weekend, I think it was delirium from actually seeing that thing we all had forgotten about, and whilst people instantly discarded their coats, i hung on to my camel number, and I was pretty smug too.

I felt spring dressed yet I wasn't freezing my goosebumped flesh off either.

That is a weekend win in my books.

Also... Leopard print loafers. Need I say more? You know when a mother has children and she says my heart doesn't split between them, it grows.. well that's how I feel about ma new pretty shoes.

Michael Kors Bag
Leopard print loafers (love these Penelope Loafers, if you're in the US buy them and show me how gorgeous they are please!)
Love this Camel coat
Similar Girlfriend Jeans
Stripe Knit
Scarf

Are you venturing in to Spring wear yet?

Leopard Lovin' (& #Passion4Fashion Linkup)

I do love a little bit of leopard, my darling husband hates it.Walking out the door to take these photos he asked,

"Are you sure you want to take photos? Y'know 'cos that jacket its horrendous".

Cheers love.

Of course my reply was "Yes, its fabulous, I love it, now take my God damn photo!" (I'm an angry model ;)

I love leopard print, man-repeller or not, I don't care, I just bought the most amazing pair of leopard print loafers, I have scarves, bags you name it. Its a neutral in my books, but a neutral with a bit more oomph. Bringing the jazz hands to any outfit nicely even in a neutral.

I saw this jacket recently in my local Sainsbury's and just thought it should be mine. With the Blue short sleeved knit it just had a retro feel that I just really liked. I finished off with the necklace I can't seem to stop wearing as it's just so good and one of the new blue clutches.

Ok, So enough of the outfit, are well taking a collective sigh of relief that its Friday? I now I am. Wine is chilling, and the takeaway may as well be pre-ordered as I am so ready to kick back and switch off .. well switch off as much as you can when you have children.. hence the wine, 'cos that always helps.

Also sidenote: Did you notice that strange, bright shiny light in these photo's? I know.. I'm as shocked as you are, the sun came out for a whole morning and I nearly died from exposure. No, but seriously it was such a mood lifter. Needless to say its gone again now and the murky, grey that we all know and not love has resumed. Twas nice whilst it lasted.