Slides post number two.

Then, as per flipping usual I had a nagging thought about a pair I had seen and dismissed when the whole slide idea was at embryonic stage. Obviously, everyone else's thoughts had, by this time, become fully fledged ideas as the very essence of Isabel Marant Holden slide at Dune had gone (in black). The nude  / pink looks pretty good too but I need to mull it over. 

It is usually at this point I throw down the gauntlet to myself.  I start manically searching all possible websites and in store stock for the " out of stock" item that as I came so late to the party there is no chance of my being able to find. I see the words " sold out " as a personal challenge. 

I used to have a Whistles habit. I still buy stuff from Whistles but I am no longer a walking advert for them... I digress. Suffice it to say when it came to a certain floral silk t shirt I hunted it down, not believing my luck that I finally got my hands on the top everyone else said was " sold out ". 

I think that this time I have been beaten 

Here is the real deal. The Holden slide. 

Here is the Dune Jolene version. 

You would have to study them like a spot the difference puzzle in a kids comic to tell them apart. 

The question then to be answered is ... Do you settle. That is, you know the black version is really what you want but is the pink version good enough for you to call off the hunt. 

Then there is the Dune marketing departments insult to injury. There's a discount offer on until  midnight. No pressure then. 

Off out tomorrow with my eldest for a little bit of mother/ daughter shopping, chatting and lunching.  I will report back on whether my growing slide repertoire has been increased or whether it's time to think about something else. 

Slides .....Swings and Roundabouts.

First question. Should you wear some slides. Yes definitely. Even if you are approaching 50.
Second question. Should they be fugly, you know, the tick soled , sporty Birkenstock versions. Maybe. You may be mistaken for requiring rather than wanting comfortable footwear though. 

This time last year or even last January would I have thought that wearing a pair of chunky Birkenstocks, a pair of flat cross over pony skin mules or a pair of chunky " Clarks in the seventies" version sandals was de rigeur, a must, a wardrobe essential. 

Well, yes actually, knowing me, sort of. I had spotted that Phoebe Philo as usual was ahead and where Phoebe goes we tend to follow like proverbial lambs to the .... And then Isabel Marant  prepared the ground with a cross over version. 

So yes sorta knew I would be drawn to slides but no, didn't think they would actually apply to me until a couple of months ago

I am now going through the usual processes. Look online, look on the high street , buy try return, then buy try keep. Part of this process involves checking out magazines and blogs. 

I've bought a couple of pairs of these. Arizonas from Birkenstock. They are the ultimate fugly sandal.The first from Topshop in leather and a cheaper version from amazon.

Birkenstocks Arizona in black 

Look the same to me  though, and on the basis that this is true fashion victim territory as, I admit,  that until about two months ago , I didn't know that I er hum.. needed ( checking temperature for feverish behaviour)  a pair of these, I wanted to make minimal commitment to this style. The cheaper the better.  

Then there is the cross over slide. I spotted these in various magazines and I bought this pair from Topshop  in patent black,  tried and returned in March. It was just too early in the season to commit to a footwear concept but I now I notice that they are practically sold out. They do come up small so you could size up and larger sizes are available. 

HULA crossover sandal £20

Thais Ancient Greek sandals 

 Then the pony skin Ancient Greek Sandals cross over came into view.  Thais; even the name appealed.  Love them but how can I justify £145. Well I can't but with a discount  code that was pinged to me from Matches means that I just "might". 

They are very elegant, the opposite of fugly Birkenstocks but as footwear styles go, I love them both equally, like children. 

Fash n chips blog made me look closer at a white pair.  Check out her blog for a similar looking pair in White from H&M. 

This has got to stop so I need to make a choice.  Help me !

Fugly Arizonas  

Or ........

 Pony skin Thais

 Over to you the jury.  All comments gratefully received.

I tried to put my slide dilemma into perspective with a trip to the pictures with my youngest on a rare day off, to see Angelina Jolie in Malificent today. I loved it, I think the little girls did as well. It's so nice to see a movie that we all wanted to watch. 

Here is what I wore.  

Phoebe Jeans. - MiH

Split hem t shirt -Whistles 

Black blazer - Paul Smith Black (old)

Skate shoes - Kurt Geiger

Lace scarf - Lily and Lionel  

You can tell it was drizzling all day as my curls were in full effect  

Hope you are enjoying half term, for me it's lovely to be coming home from work and not having to then taxi children to after school activities for a whole week. Bliss   

Seventies Hustle Part Two ....The Wrap (dress)

Then Amy turns up in these amazing Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dresses. These are a classic and Amy  (as in Amy Adams playing in the film, American Hustle) wears her selection of wrap dresses with real sass. 

See what I mean.  Here's Amy in the movie in her vintage version. 

Suffice it to say it got me thinking.  Always a dangerous mode for me to be in when the subject of my contemplation is a dress.  

I have viewed these dresses from afar. Because A. They would have to be a special purchase or a well reduced sale purchase and B. I always thought you needed a decent sized chest to look good in a wrap dress. 

But no, no, no. It turns out I've got if all wrong and in fact these dresses don't require pneumatic standard boobs to look good after all. It is the received wisdom that these dresses accentuate a slim physique and make the most of a curvy one. Who knew?  On that basis I think I can get away with joining the wrap dress club (should ever the right occasion or the funds miraculously present themselves). 

A little research never did anyone any harm though, did it?  And if you haven't seen the movie you must. Not because it's a great story but the clothes are amazing and the music isn't bad either. Amy's clothes are very sexy even when she is not wearing the slashed to the navel ensembles. 

Matches have always offered a rich seam of DVF to chose from so that's where I'm starting my quest - just for further inspiration you understand.


DvF new Jeanne two dress £339

Patrice dress £292

This iconic DvF and in a special 40th anniversary print. Now that I've seen this one I'm going to have difficulty getting it out of my head so it's a good job it's sold out.  Could it be sold out because a certain person wore it on her trip Down Under in recent months. 

On the hunt for something identical but without the eye watering price tag I came across a myriad of plain coloured wrap dresses. The sort that Kate Middleton wore for those engagement photos. They are great but to capture the essence of Amy it has to be a geo print. Anything else is , dare I say it a tad boring. 

John Lewis have done their own version. 

John Lewis version 

Fenn wright and Manson version on offer at JohnLewis £65

If I manage to lay my hands on a DVF wrap dress (and I think eBay might be my hunting ground) I'll share, I promise, but in the meantime tell me do you like the classics and is this the dress that is so so flattering that everyone should have a version? 

 And to finish. The lady herself on the front of Newsweek in that dress. 

Seventies Hustle.

 I'm having a nostalgia trip and it seems so is the rest of the world. Films like American Hustle and the fabulous Italian Fashion exhibition at the V & A, both with more seventies clobber than you can shake a cheesecloth shirt and maxi dress at, are just two of the examples that have managed to  filter through my usually clogged with a "things to do" list.  Before long,  I can't escape the feeling that every time  I'm out shopping, or knowing me, online, I'm pausing at anything with more than a whiff of patchouli oil about it. Wedges everywhere,  smock tops with woodblock print in Monsoon, silky shirt dresses in House of Fraser and of course flares. These flares are my favourites.

Dreaming blue Marrakesh flare from MiH jeans £174

They are from my new best denim friend MIH. Let me tell you J Brand must be feeling the pinch as I now have divided loyalties when it comes to jean labels.

 It doesn't help that when I leave Him Indoors on his own for a morning he has been searching out seventies vinyl and by the time I get home the whole house sounds like it's been turned into a suburban version of Studio 54.


This is my seventies inspired hit list 

First, you have to have the flares. Either Marrakesh by MiH or 
JBrand Lovestorey versions.

Next you need the smock or cheesecloth top and look no futher than Mango or Monsoon

This one is in my wish list but I'll bring you more affordable options , just couldn't resist showing you this one.


Joie Calonice embroidered top £260 also with 25% off right now

Ethnic embroidery blouse by Mango £44.99

Athena smock top Monsoon £55

 

I tried these on in my local Monsoon today.
 On other blogs I've seen some of the same versions at New Look. I'm not a New Look shopper as a rule, for me it's the place that my daughters go for fast fix fashion, the disco leggings, acid wash dungarees and the best novelty (gingerbread man in a Father Christmas hat) jumper EVER (worn I hasten to add by my youngest on everyday leading up to, including and post Christmas) so to say I was surprised to find some seventies influenced tops that would go very nicely thank you with my flares was felt with a tinge of a disappointment, that I had been proved wrong by the younger versions of my family. Humble pie being eaten as we speak or type, in this case.

Hang on a minute ...just look at this. A rival to any of my folksy, embroidered tie at the neck smocks above, again from my new found high street hit.

The title on the website says something like three quarter red and black tie front top - nope, not doing it for me either. But look beyond the dry description and I think you will have found the very essence of the seventies influenced top I'm waxing lyrical about for under £20.

Embroidered folksy smock top. My better I think title for £17.99 at New Look

The pic could be better but I couldn't see it in the shop so this one will have to do. 

But but. but. but.... if ever a shop was underestimated it is New Look as this came into view as I walked through the door. Its an "ever so useful, not quite what I had in mind" top that I could not avoid when I first went in and then I ran out of the shop as I think they must have got it wrong when they asked me for £9, yes £9 when I went to the till... they told me that I couldn't return it... er like that is something I needed to worry about as A. Can't tell you how pleased I am with it and B. I can't believe my luck.

 

To cover up when it's chilly, look no further then Isabel Marant inspired  jackets or, if you favour something more lightweight, try this from Monsoon.  Might be taking the seventies hippy look to a different level but it's the perfect little jacket. 


Monsoon Seventies artisan jacket Rawnie £89

 

On your feet. You will need wedges or stacked or wooden heels. 

Having checked out most of the wedges available I have to say. That these are my favourites.
 

Russell and Bromley Stuart Wietzman wedges £225

 

Not in your budget? Me neither,  so I went for these in Clarks
instead.


orleans Jazz wedges in Clarks for £39.99

There are other colour ways but I think I like the Tan version the best

But you can't go wrong with a pair of Swedish Hasbeens for true seventies footwear nostalgia. 

Swedish Hasbeens Suzanne in black £155

 

I think you need a pair of big sunnies or aviators to add polish and if you can add a string of beads on a chord such as these you will really be nailing the whole look. H and M multi strand boho necklace

Hope you like my seventies influenced edit. 

Taking a look at my wardrobe it appears that this is not the first time I've felt this love for all things seventies inspired. I have not one but three pairs of flares. My favourites are my JBrand not a Love Story pair as these are more, what I used to refer to as, Loons - tight to the knee and then mega flared to the hem. They are actually called Babe, I kid you not(I appreciate its quite a stretch of the imagination). My Monsoon top and the one that is a cheeseclothy from Joie are more than a nod to seventies when paired with super high wedges and platforms, a pair of aviators or even better some large framed sunnies and the finishing touch,  a pair of hoop earrings. I would also add my glass heart pendant on a string but I'm on the lookout for something more Isabel Marant in style. Then found it in H&M for under £7.

Here is my own wardrobe edit of this look. No purchase necessary. Cut off my head and my shoes - its quite a talent if you can manage both but I was wearing a pair of wedges I've had from Karen Millen for about a decade or more now. 

 

 

So out for lunch yesterday at the local seafood tapas restaurant, not what we had planned but turned out to be a good choice.

Wearing my pre sale - sale purchase of Vanessa Bruno Athe top with MiH Phoebe jeans.

Then today, feeling the seventies vibe for a coffee and then a dash to retrieve two very tired children from the IoW ferry in my amazing bargain of a new top.

 

 

Babe Flares - J Brand (old)
White cut out top - New Look
Stacked Heel sandals - See by Chloe (old)
Green and Gold necklace - H&M

 

 

 

Sale preview wish list

The summer is over. It's official. Well, it must be because I don't know about you, but I'm already getting discount codes posted to my inbox. My favourite online retailers have told me that I can take advantage of their pre sale. SS14 is finished. That must have been it. I am referring to last weekend's - blink and you've missed it weather. 

But the good news is that this gives me the perfect excuse to go wish list shopping. 

 And there's nothing I like better than to browse their lovely websites with a glass of wine (or gin with slimline tonight as I'm trying to be good. Yes, that is my definition of good) in hand and a discount code in my sweaty mitt. I must be a marketing department's dream come true but never mind because this is the perfect opportunity to look at the items I've been lusting over during spring / summer 2014, and check out if anything is left and still available in my size   My list would include Chinti and Parker Cashmere, my favourite ancient Greek sandals and of course, the M I H jeans (Paris in white), another shirt dress (if that's humanly possible) and anything Stella McCartney as I can't afford it full price but could stretch to it if it's well reduced as a special purchase. 

To start the ball rolling I bring you my favourite Birkenstocks but in Navy this time. I think these are sold out but I put them in my wish list anyway as Matches will tell you by email alert if they are back in stock. Still pricey even with the discount. 

Birkenstock Arizona in Navy

If I can't have the birkies I love these Ancient Greek Sandals. Perhaps they could be better than the birkies paired with "my" white jeans,  that'll be the ones futher down the wish list.  

Thais Ancient Greek Sandals

To deal with my Stella McCartney fettish I had to include this skirt. Which I'd wear with the cashmere jumper or just a white shirt.  I could add my new pony skin slides (see above). 

 Stella McCartney Daisy Jaquard Skirt

 If, I mean, when I find the Stella too much for my budget I might have to seek solace in this super substitute. Worn with the white shirt that I've already got in the wardrobe. 

Max mara studio Armada skirt

 The navy cashmere would go fantastically well with the Stella skirt though don't you think? Also navy cashmere looks great with white denim. Those lovely white Paris jeans would definitely come in handy. 

Freda navy cashmere sweater

MiH Paris jeans in white

 Now, I'm in holiday mode. Thinking temperatures in the 30s or 40s. Stateside by the pool or on the beach and so I "need" this beach cover up then I won't have to make do with my oversize white shirt (that I must have had a decade or more now). 

Des moiselles broderie anglaise volume top

  And of course, my swimwear is showing its age.  Appendix and caesarean scars be damned, I am not yet ready for a one piece even of the magazines tell me I am. I require two things of a bikini. First no plastic fasteners. The sea salt deteriorates them and they snap. Believe me, I don't put the fastenings on bikini tops under any strain, so it can't be that and yes, it's embarrassing when the fastener gives out at the top of the slide in the local waterpark.  Second, I don't like those tops that have those awful little pockets in which you stuff a small flesh coloured piece of, what looks remarkablyp like flattened chicken fillet. No thank you. Just double thickness Lycra and if possible no halter neck styles as well because unless you untie the straps you get those lines showing every time you wear a scoop neck top for the rest of the summer.  The bikini below ticks all these boxes. And it's not got skimpy bottoms either.BUT the price is eye watering, so I'm hovering over the " purchase now" button. 
Amanda Wakeley khaki and coral bikini

Work, work and more work this week and so I won't bore you with an edit of what I've been wearing but I have got some photo opportunities coming up. Shopping in Winchester with a couple of girlfriends and then off to my favourite fish restaurant where I definitely plan to wear my pre sale purchase. 

Getting Shirty

I'm a serial repeat buyer of shirt dresses.  Over the years I have owned a few and they are most definitely the hardest working item in my wardrobe.

They don't date
You can dress them down. With flats and a tan belt  - oversized and twisted.
You can dress them up and get your pins out but not too much leg and wear with chunky heels and wedges.

In my head I am heading for the door in my shirt dress looking like this.

......and of course I'll be needing a nice blonde wig, a face lift and a stone off to come close but you get the picture.

As I've been writing the last few lines I have been totting up the number of shirt dresses I have and I knew I had a shirt dress habit but I didn't realise how bad it had got. I obviously have a shirt dress

problem. Some of my shirt dresses are super old. See, I told you that they don't date.

To fess up.  There is the navy cotton from Barbour, the silky safari style from Karen Millen,  the 
burgundy and paisley print bib one  from Sandro, the denim one from Whistles and my current favourite from Rag and Bone that I picked up in the sale in Saks 5th Avenue (if you please) last 
summer. Hats off to my eldest who swooped on it with strategic precision on the basis that she knew I would let her off tidying her room as I would be so pleased with her for finding it for me.  I've owned about three others that I stupidly have consigned to the jumble sale ( do those still happen

or am I still living in the seventies)  on the basis that they had been worn to death. A black one and a
khaki one from Karen MIllen. Although it might have been on account of my going off all the silver
hardware that Karen MIllen used to nail on everything.

So I have been stalking this one from Atea.  I haven't bought from them before but I think the minimalist take on things is right up my street.

It is shirt dress perfection but I fainted at the price.  Could I justify it on the basis it's going to last me

through the next decade. Probably. But then I can just about justify anything if I put my mind to it.


I have seen this lovely shirt dress from Mango and it's in budget.



Mango cotton shirt dress in red £29.99

And a bit like My navy one

It also is in A really safari esque sand colour

This one is also a super soft and super wearable from Baujken. Dressed up with some wedges like my cork black patents from R and B or flats or even..... Drum roll ... My new Birkenstock Arizonas.

I'm also all over the current MyWardrobe SALE. Yes it's that time already. And I'd be lying if I hadn't been tempted to increase my shirt dress repertoire with this one because this one is a bit silky so it's

posh daywear, lunch or BBQ or evening dinner with friends combinations. Also it's the exact same one that is the styled photo I shared at the start of my ramblings on shirt dresses.

I'm not super sold on the gold buttons   - just sayin' .

Back down to earth 

How about this one from Pepe found at Asos. It's more mid range but might take my repeat habit to new heights


Pepe shirt dress Asos £85

Whilst looking at Asos I found this one that I really like,  "fond but not in love" as Radiohead once said, though as I'm not sure that the floral collar is for me. Quirky I can do , but not pretty, geeky kind of quirky. That's definitely best pulled off by someone with a 1, 2 or 3 in front of their age.


Paul by Paul Smith shirt dress at Asos

This denim shirt dress is so simple and I would wear it as it is shown with some flat tan sandals.

Zara Denim shirt dress £39.99

So to finish.  My Boilersuit outing last night turned out to be a thumbs up   We were meeting friends, having curry and spending the rest of the evening at the local live music venue.  You do get comments when you wear something a little different in a small coastal town though. 

 

Chambray boiler suit - MiH Jeans
Tan sandals - See by Chloe