Day 142: Pinstrip pretty

• Pinstripe skirt
• White T: Next
• Black cardi: Debenham
• Wedges: Clarks
• Blue beads: Primark

This skirt has been in the back of my wardrobe for quite some time and I don't think I have worn it, probably in years. It is made of lycra and the material is vey thin which means whilst it drapes well the lack of structure makes me feel a little vulnerable. Looking for something new I tried it on this morning and whilst this is not a particularly sassy outfit I felt comfortable and smart all day and not at all worried. What made it particularly different for me was that I chose to wear it with the T shirt tucked in. This is something I just do not do as I prefer to cover up the lumps and bumps but it worked today and may actually have pulled off a cleaner and smarter look.

Day 141: Morning Monday!

• Pink cardi: Debenhams
• White T: Marks and Spencer
• Black skirt: H&M
• Tan wedges: Clarks
• Wooden beads: Primark

Not much to say today. It seemed like the whole world was on holiday except for us. I am trying to encourage the summer to come back by wearing this outfit even though rain was forecast - actually we had a hail shower!

Day 140: Sunday Inspired

It is Inspiration Monday again, although I am taking part on Sunday, again. Hosted by the lovely Megan and Nora at Two Birds Boutique, every Monday participants recreate or take inspiration from a celebrity look and this week American actress, Emma Stone, she of Easy A fame, is the chosen one.

Emma Stone

Lori

• Dress: Implicate Woman @TK Maxx
• Mustard top : Gap
• Black linen jacket: Marks and Spencer
• Tan belt: Dorothy Perkins
• Suede shoeboots: Clarks
• Bag: George @Asda

Now I must confess I am not really a fan of this look of Emma's. I think it has something to do with the short summer's dress and the bare legs which is pretty alien to me given the climate I live in. And, it just really is not me. However, that is the point of these challenges to open yourself up to new looks or a way of styling which takes you out of your comfort zone and pushes your boundaries.

So I wanted to capture the essence of the outfit and I knew straight away that I had a bag and the perfect shoes - must post about these properly soon (love them to death). I don't have a sundress but I wanted to emulate the colour and include pattern. I have never worn this TK Maxx dress before and actually had to remove the labels before wearing it today. I haven't worn it because it is not a perfect fit but putting this mustard top over it covered up its flaws and brought the colour I was looking for.

I am really pleased with how it turned out and the fab thing is that it would never have happened, even if I remixed my wardrobe for the next thousand years, without this look for inspiration. Clever Two Birds.

Day 139: Spring/Summer 2011 trend challenge - modern craft

I have yet again been neglecting my Vogue challenge to create all their key Spring/Summer 2011 trends from the clothes I already have in my wardrobe, since I'm banned from shopping.

As a reminder here are the season's key trends as identified by UK Vogue in their Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk report: colour blocking; smart sportswear; modern craft; blue; gathering; flowing; white; denim; fiesta; tangerine; eastern; layers; nude; nature; accessories; cover ups and 70s.

So far I have created these looks - denim, 70s, smart sportswear, blue, nude and cover ups and nature. Today I have gone for modern craft which is all about natural home spun looks - crochet, knits, tassles and fringing.

Vogue UK's Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk report

• Ponco: Marks and Spencer
• White lst: Primark
• Jeans: Gap
• Pink shoes: Primark
• Necklace: Topshop
• Bangles: H&M

I could have gone for a loose knit jumper but I remembered about this poncho which I have hardly worn and not for a long time. There is something about ponchos which are difficult to wear without looking dated but not in a cool vintage way. I did quite like the look I created and think it definitely has the essence of the key trend.

I think I have proven in the case of Lori's Wardrobe versus Modern craft that a look featuring one of the season's key trends can be created without a visit to the High Street.

Day 138: Electical storm

• Cream t shirt: George @Asda
• Blue cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Jeggings: marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks

This blue cardigan is the same as the one I wore on Day 135: Green must go and this too is looking too big. I do love the colour so am loathe to part with it as well but I really shouldn't be wearing items which are shapeless and don't flatter.

I was only in work this morning as had an engineer coming round this afternoon to fix my heating which has been broken for the last 4 weeks. As I have had a busy few weeks and been away I hadn't got around to fixing it and I had hoped that the weather would improve so it wouldn't be an issue. However it is nearly June and it is still bloomin' freezing! The engineer took about 2 minutes to tell me the pump had gone but that he had one in the van. He had it fitted 5 minutes later and was then on the phone to the HQ passing on my credit card details and was then out the door! It was like a hit and run by heating engineer. Still the house is nice and toasty and I don't have to run from my bed to the shower in the morning any more!

I am behind on my posting (I am writing this on Sunday evening) as I have also had a problem with my computer since Saturday morning. I lost my connection to Windows and it just wouldn't behave. I eventually phoned my internet supplier to check my connection and get some advice. They asked me lots of complicated questions about the version of Windows I had and the type of anti virus software - am I the only one who doesn't know these answers and without a working laptop I can't find them out? I then relayed a message I was getting and he immediately said you have a virus, you need to take it back to the shop and get it fixed and then call us back - goodbye! He made me feel as if he was scared of catching it just by talking to me on the phone! It was a bit like a doctor telling you there is no hope - how rude? Anyway I have since been tinkering about with scans and all sorts of things to try and sort it and discovered I could restore it back to how it was a few days ago before the infection hit! It seemed to work. Thanks for nothing (un)Help(ful) Line!

Day 137: As luck would have it

• Olive top: Gap
• Black trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Black camisole: H&M
• Scarf: M&Co
• Black boots: Clarks

I really like the shape of this top as it is a good length, fits well without being too tight and has a flattering seam detail which cups the bust but I have always had a problem with the olive colour. I hate the cop out of matching a colour with black as whilst you can just about get away with it is lazy and never makes the best of the colour. Looking for inspiration this morning I spotted this top and wanted to wear it but went for the easy option of black trousers. As I was about to leave the house I thought I should put on a scarf as there was a nip in the air. This was the first one that came to hand and I put it on without thinking too much about it and lo what a triumph. The colours match in so well that it almost detracts from the black trousers (which, I note, are looking far too long and need hemmed). I love it when an accidental choice ends in success!

Day 136: Good hair day

• Stripey blouse: Marks and Spencer
• Black cardi: Gap
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks

Today was a good haIr day. Now it might not be entirely clear from the photo but my hair had body, volume, bounce and kept a curl all day. My fringe did not become flat or separate as it is prone too yet strangely enough I didn't do anything different from my normal beauty regime. Why does a good hair day come around so infrequently with no explanation so you can't replicate it at will?

Day 135: Green must go

• Green cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Flowery: George @Asda
• Gey skirt: Marks and Spencer
• Shoes: Marks and Spencer

This cardigan is just too big and it seemed to become more and more shapeless as the day wore on. I think it needs to go so once it has been washed I will have to be strict with myself and put it in the recycling bag and not back in my wardrobe!

Day 134: Monday blues

• Blue top: George @Asda
• Grey cardi: Matalan
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks
• Beads: H&M

The first day back at work after a week off is always hard and today was no exception. The early start came like a shock when the alarm went off this morning but I'm sure I'll be back in the routine of the daily grind before the week is through!

Day 133: Sunday Inspiring

It is Inspiration Monday again, although I am taking part on Sunday. Hosted by Megan and Nora at Two Birds Boutique, every Monday participants recreate or take inspiration from a celebrity look and this week it is more about the look than the celeb. We have to take inspiration from the menswear styling of Annalynne Mccord.

This look also ties in with the Bloggers do it Better prep school assignment which I am joining in with for the first time today.

Annalynne Mccord

Lori

• White blouse: Gap
• Black linen jacket: Marks and Spencer
• Grey trousers: New Look
• Patent sandals: Clarks
• Purple scarf: Coin, Florence

I have three ties in my household, all school ties. Two of which are primary school ties and the third is my high school tie. The primary school ones are made to fit a 5 year old and are so tiny that when tied barely reach my chest. I did contemplate the high school tie but as it is blue, gold and white stripes it can in no way pretend to be anything other than an old school tie and just didn't work. So, I improvised with this silk scarf I bought in Florence and which I have worn as a tie before.

This is the first outing for these shoes in a while and whilst I like them very much I have barely worn them as I feel they look a bit too sexy! This might sound like a strange thing to say. Can a pair of shoes ever be too sexy? But I think it is to do with the height of the heel and the patent leather. I don't have many places to wear them where they seem appropriate and they feel a bit too racy for work. Still, I am happy with how they look in this outfit and am not going to be ashamed of my provocative little shoes any more!

Day 132: Spring/Summer 2011 trend challenge - Nude

Here is Round 6 of my challenge to create all the key Spring/Summer 2011 trends from the clothes I already have in my wardrobe, since I'm banned from shopping, as launched in my FBFF Spring into Summer post.

Today I am recreating the nude look and these skin shades are a direct contrast to the bright colour blocking trends.

Vogue UK's Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk report

• Pink jumper: Gap
• Beige trousers: Matala
• White lst: Marks and Spence
• Pink shoes: Primark

I don't own items which could represent head to toe nude so this is my take on the look. These trousers had actually been consigned to the recycling bag as are just too big but I had to go hunting to create this look. I know, I will never throw anything out if I don't break this habit. So I cinched in the waist with a belt and was good to go. I could have done with some accessories with hindsight.

I think I have proven in the case of Lori's Wardrobe versus Nude that a look featuring one of the season's key tones can be created without a visit to the High Street.

Day 131: Homeward bound

• Pink jumper: Gap
• Leggings: Gap
• White t shirt: Next
• Scarf: Gap
• Necklace: Primark
• Boots: Clarks
 

We headed home today after packing up, doing a bit of shopping and taking some flowers to the cemetery. We stopped off en route at Loch Morlich near Aviemore to have a picnic where it was my Dad's turn to play Mario Testino. The only problem was he didn't have his glasses on so a couple of attempts didn't even have my legs in them! You can see the Cairngorms behind shrouded in mist and still with some snow - no wonder it is so chilly!

So the down side of coming home from a trip away, apart from it all being over, is the washing. As predicted I didn't need all of the items I took mainly due to the weather being  showery and on the cold side, around 13C (56F) every day. Here is a reminder of what I took and I have highlighted in red the pieces I didn't wear.

• Outerwear - black fleece, cream and navy waterproof jacket, black linen blazer, stone coloured trenchcoat.
• Bottoms - blue jeans, blue jeggings, grey jeans, red jeans, black leggings, black skirt.
• Tops - pink camisole, black camisole, white t shirt, flowery t shirt, cream t shirt, white lst, black lst, stripey lst, pink jumper, beige jumper, black hooded top, grey cardi, white blouse.
• Dress - black maxi dress.
• Shoes - walking boots, black boots, silver pumps, tan cut out wedges.
• Accessories - pink and brown scarf, flowery scarf, grey scarf. Variety of necklaces and earrings.

So obviously I did take too much stuff with me but there was no predicting the weather and it's better to be over prepared than under prepared. I did actually wear the red trousers and silver pumps for a morning but changed when I left the house as needed something warmer. The hooded top, whilst never pictured was a great cover up when in the cottage and acted as a dressing gown too. Was there anything I wish I'd taken that I hadn't? No. Would I had left anything behind? Probably not however I didn't accessorise as much as I planned and actually only wore earrings twice. The two camisole tops were worn pretty much under everything I wore in an attempt to keep the cold at bay. All in all I was quite happy with my packing prowess!

Day 130: This is my own, my native land!

• Stripey top: Gap
• Grey jeans: Marks and Spencer
• Scarf: Gap
• Necklace: Gap
• Boots: Clarks

As you can see the weather has not calmed down any for our last full day away.

My mum finally persuaded me to let her have her David Bailey moment which proved tricky in the biting wind. This was taken right outside the cottage so you can see the lovely view we have enjoyed all week. She snapped away shouting directions such as 'I can't see your left arm'  and I yelled back  'I don't care'. There was actually a road between photographer and subject and my worst fears over public photo shoots were realised when a car stopped to let my mum take one of the many shots. She was completely oblivious whereas I was all too aware of the couple looking on in high amusement! Cringe!!!

We spent the day touring around some of the  small fishing villages along the east coast and popped down to the beach too. We also headed to Johnstons of Elgin which is one of Scotland's finest producers of traditional cashmere and they have some of the most beautiful clothes. It was a bit like taking a diabetic to a sweet shop with me not being able to purchase anything. A lot of the items are just a bit beyond my price range anyway but a very happy couple of hours were spent browsing and I felt inspired with some of their looks.

This is my own, my native land!

We went out for a lovely dinner and then to a local viewpoint as the sun went down, a fitting end to a lovely day.

Day 129: Windy Wednesday

• White blouse: Gap
• Black leggings: Gap
• Grey cardi: Matala
• Scarf: Primark
• Tan wedges: Clarks

The weather hasn't improved and whilst showers are scattered the wind is up which makes it cold even in the sun. I fear the t shirts I brought won't be required.

We spent today doing some site seeing and visiting some old haunts.

Day 128: Happy Birthday Dad

• Stripey top: Gap
• Scarf: Gap
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Tan wedges: Clarks

This was actually my second outfit of the day as it was my Dad's birthday and I wore this out to dinner. We were joined by my uncle (Dad's brother) and my aunt and it was lovely to see them.

 

Earlier in the day we drove north to Chanonry Point to go dolphin watching. I would love to say that they put on a great show but they didn't and we only saw one which was quite far out, although a number of seals closer to shore. We had lunch at the golf course where they spoke of a great display that morning which we missed. Still the scenery is spectacular at the Point so well worth the trip.

Day 127: In full bloom

• Beige jumper: Marks and Spencer
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Black camisole: marks and Spencer
• Wooden necklace: Debenhams (gift)
• Boots: Clarks
 

I'm adopting my stork pose again so you can see my shoes only I forgot I wasn't wearing any - doh!

I did a bit of work today as had set up a couple of meetings for when I was up. How is that for dedication and on my holidays - you hear that employers!?!? Anyway the meetings were useful and much appreciated by those I met. I walked back to the cottage through the dunes and the gorse was in full bloom as you can see. It was incredibly peaceful as was sheltered from the wind and blooming lovely!

Day 126: This is the life

• White lst: Matalan
• Grey jeans: Marks and Spencer
• Pink camisole: Marks and Spencer
• Scarf: Gap
• Walking shoes: Peter Storm (Blacks)

The temperature was around 13C (56F) so layering was the order of the day. I remedied the fact that in my photo spot I can't get my feet in the picture by posing like a stork on one leg!

 

 



We spent the day walking on the beach then back in the pub for the football and a hearty lunch. My sister was only staying the weekend as has work tomorrow so it was sad to see her go. We had a quiet night in sitting in front of the cottage's picture window just watching the sea roll in - this is the life.

Day 125: Traveller's tales

• Beige jumper: Marks and Spencer
• Jeans: Marks and Spencer
• Scarf: M&Co
• Necklace: Next (gift)
• Sunnies: Dorothy Perkins
• Boots: Clarks
• Trench coat: Gap (not shown)

This was the first day of my week away up north at the cottage and it was a lovely first day. I got the train part way and then my folks picked me up so I took a picture of me on the train en route. I was actually trying to see what my sunglasses looked like as I'm not a glasses wearer and there's not much call for sunglasses round these parts so I always feel a bit self conscious in them. My sister called me Jackie O and they are a bit 'hiding from the paparazzi'!

Although everyone offered to take my picture I still feel very awkward posing in public for my blog picture. This is a real shame and a missed opportunity as I could get some outdoor shots for a change and in beautiful surroundings. Maybe I'll work up to that as the week goes on.

So, we had a lovely first day (well evening by the time we got there) and had a fun dinner out in the local pub. 

Day 124: Packed to perfection?

• Brown blouse: George @Asda
• Trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Cardigan: H&M
• Boots: Clarks

Apologies for the uninspired look, I'm still saving everything in case I decide to pack it. I also blame Blogger which was down for most of the last 24 hours and deleted my last two posts and it's thrown me of my stride. It wouldn't let me complete this post and because I tried to redo one of my last posts it wasn't reinstated when they finally fixed the problem. This is a big disappointment as it was my Paper Doll Project post so I am going to have to go back and have another go at sorting it as I don't want to lose it for ever. I can't believe how bothered I was when Blogger was down and it made me appreciate how much I have come to love my little blog and I felt like a worried mother when it was gone and has come back with slightly grazed knees!

This black cardigan came straight off me and straight in the bin when I came home from work. I struggle to throw things out yet I have know for a while that this item is out of shape and looking a bit tired. I caught sight of a worn through elbow in the miror in the ladies at work today and knew it was time to part ways.

As I mentioned I am going away for a week so my posts will all appear next weekend. So what have I packed? Well baring in mind I need to be prepared for every weather eventuality as well as producing a different outfit every day here is what I have got:

• Outerwear - black fleece, cream and navy waterproof jacket, black linen blazer, stone coloured trenchcoat.
• Bottoms - blue jeans, blue jeggings, grey jeans, red jeans, black leggings, black skirt.
• Tops - pink camisole, black camisole, white t shirt, flowery t shirt, cream t shirt, white lst, black lst, stripey lst, pink jumper, beige jumper, black hooded top, grey cardi, white blouse.
• Dress - black maxi dress.
• Shoes - walking boots, black boots, silver pumps, tan cut out wedges.
• Accessories - pink and brown scarf, flowery scarf, grey scarf. Variety of necklaces and earrings.

I know this sounds like a lot of items but I decided layering was the key and if it is really warm then the jumpers and jackets won't get worn and if it is cold (most likely scenario) then the t shirts won't get a look in. I have worked out a number of different outfits and some alternative options and the rest will be worked out depending on the weather, occasion and mood.

Goodbye little blog, and dear readers - I'll miss you and see you in a week.

Day 123: Prepared to prepare

• Top: George @Asda
• Grey trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Scarf: Bazaar, Turkey
• Boots: Clarks

I am going to be away next week and am doing that thing where I've done all my washing yet haven't quite decided what I'm taking so I am trying to create outfits from items I am pretty confident I won't be taking with me. This is leaving me with very few options as I keep thinking maybe I will decide I need that particuar top or those trousers.

The real issue however is being prepared for whatever weather is thrown at me next week. I know this is inching close to becoming a weather watch post, AGAIN, but it is a huge concern. It is that mid point between seasons where the weather is as likely to be freezing cold and rainy as it is to be really warm and sunny. How do you pack a relatively modest suitcase which provides gear for active pursuits such as hiking and messing about on the beach, as well as sight-seeing, shopping and dinner out in all potential weather conditions? And all with the added pressure of having to create a different look every day?

I am a list maker and I will try and plan out the basic items I am going to need such as walking boots and outdoor gear as well as some smarter outfits and then see how everything else in between can be mixed and matched. I'll let you know how it goes. Any advice gratefully received?

Day 121: Spring/Summer 2011 trend challenge - cover ups and nature

As I have been busy with my kitchen refurb (have I mentioned that?) I have rather neglected my Vogue challenge to create all their key Spring/Summer 2011 trends from the clothes I already have in my wardrobe, since I'm banned from shopping.

As a reminder here are the season's key trends as identified by UK Vogue in their Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk report: colour blocking; smart sportswear; modern handicraft; blue; gathering; flowing; white; denim; fiesta; tangerine; eastern; layers; nude; nature; accessories; cover ups and 70s.

So far I have created 4 looks - denim, 70s, smart sportswear and blue. and today I have gone for a bit of a double whammy - cover ups and nature.

The catwalks were showing stone coloured transitional trenches.

Vogue UK's Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk report

• Trench: Gap
• Trousers: Marks and Spencer
• White lst: Marks and Spencer
• Silk flowery scarf: Primark
• Boots: Clarks

Trench coats, they say, should be a staple of any women's wardrobe but I've never been entirely sold on this. The thing about trench coats is that they tend to be double breasted and as anyone with womanly curves knows a double breast is not always our friend. When browsing in Gap last year I came across this coat in their sale. After trying it on I was taken by the cut of it as it felt and looked expensive and classic. It was however slightly tight and at £29.99 I was disciplined enough to walk away realising that if it wasn't right then it was not worth buying at that price. A fortnight later I was back at the store and it was still there - reduced further to £19.99. As it had originally been £84 I just couldn't walk away from it at that price. Whilst it is still slightly snug I have never regretted this purchase and it has absolutely become a staple of my wardrobe. My one criticism is the belt doesn't quite cinch in as I'd like and slips loose.

The designers were also embracing decorative flora and fauna.

Vogue UK's Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk report

• Cardigan: Matalan

This scarf is my nod to the flora trend and has enabled me to join in with floral day over at Everybody Everywear. I know this is not the best of efforts so florals is something I am certain to revisit over the season. Please go and check out how everyone rocked the look.

Day 120: In a tight spot

• Black linen jacket: Marks and Spencer
• Dress: Gap
• Blue cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Shoes: Clarks
• Wooden beads: Primark

I definitely cling to my black opaque tights like a safety blanket and swapping them for tan tights today left me feeling slightly exposed. I can't quite explain why although I suspect it had something to do with the length of my dress which slightly rides up when I walk. I am certainly not ready for bare legs so may need to persevere and not scurry back to my heavy tights and trousers.

Day 119: Sunday Inspiration

This is what I love so much about Inspiration Monday. I would never have put together this look myself without being inspired by the look chosen by Megan and Nora at Two Birds Boutique . Every Monday participants recreate or take inspiration from a celebrity look and this week it is Nicole Richie. Again I'm a day early!

 Nicole Richie

                                                                  Lori


• Flowery blouse: Marks and Spencer
• Denim jacket: Gap
• Grey trousers: New Look
• Gladiator sandals: Primark
• Sunglasses: Principles

With most of the looks I have participated in I have taken quite a literal approach but that just wasn't possible with this look as there was no way I was parading around in a floral romper suit. I have been meaning to get my denim jacket out of the very back of my wardrobe for quite some time but haven't yet got around to it. I actually haven't worn it in years and this gave me the push I needed and I was relieved to see it hasn't dated and looks as classic as it ever did.

These shoes are a major disappointment because whilst they look cute they are faulty as one of the ankle straps is too short and I can only buckle it if I can put up with cutting off all circulation to my foot. I just grabbed a pair when I was in Primark and bought them without trying them on. If there is a dodgy item on a rack or shelf then you can be assured I will be the unlucky fool who will buy them. Aarrggh! I would have taken them back but it would have cost more to return them travelling on the train than they actually cost!