Day 264: Reality bites

  

• White blouse: Gap
• Black skinnies: Marks and Spencer
• Linen blazer: Marks and Spencer
• Beads: Topshop
• Gold shoes: Baratts

I smartened up today's skinnies with a white blouse and linen blazer. I know what kind of a look I was going for but the jacket is a little too short so how it looks in my head isn't quite how it is in reality.



Day 263: Casual Thursday

• White T: Als
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Grey cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Silver pumps: Primark

The jeggings are probably a bit too casual for the office but the lasting warm weather gave me an excuse, the boss was also out for the day and I had no meetings! I still think I look more stylish than Tuesday's outfit disaster. As you can see I still have not let go off my cardi. If I could go out and buy a replacement it would be easier to let go but without that option it is just too darn useful!

Day 262: Turn up the heat

• Striped T: Gap
• Grey skirt: Marks and Spencer
• Grey cardi: Matalan
• Black wedges: Clarks

So despite being in the A/W tights a few days ago the heat we longed for all summer has suddenly shown up. I was out at a meeting for most of the day and it was so warm I had to put my hair up as it was like a hot blanket around my shoulders.

Day 261: Hair 1 Outfit 0

• Purple top: George @Asda
• Pink cardi: Debenhams
• Grey trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Black pumps: Clarks

This was one of those outfits which you know is wrong almost as soon as it is on. As I left the house I felt uncomfortable, I felt frumpy and it just affected my mood for the rest of the day, and there is nothing that can be done. I just seem to have fallen out of style with my work trousers. In saying that my hair was working for me at least!

Today was the first day of a dressmaking course that I am taking over the next 18 weeks. I am a frustrated fashion designer and an avid Project Runway/Catwalk fan so I have high aspirations.  I often have ideas of clothes I am looking for and can never find so if I can create my own clothes then that would be amazing. I also want to be able to tailor my clothes and adjust them so I can make my wardrobe work harder and once I am shopping again open up the world of vintage shopping. I took a similar short course a couple of years ago but for various reasons did not learn very much or gain any confidence to go for it by myself. I did however meet a lovely kindred spirit and we amused ourselves greatly by examining each others work and saying 'Talk to me' in our best Tim Gunn impersonations.

I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Day 260: Tight spot

• Black lst: Matalan
• Purple cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Grey tights: Primark
• Mary Janes: Brantano
• Beads: Primark

I am back in the opaque tights and coloured ones (well gray) at that, which is one of my most favourite things about my winter wardrobe. I can't wait to get back in to the tights, boots and scarves - accessories, accessories, accessories!

Day 258: Flowery troos

• Black lst: East
• Harem trousers: Matalan
• Shoeboots: M&S

Day 257: Losing lilac

• White lst: Matalan
• Lilac cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Black trousers: Gap
• Black flats: Clarks
• Beads: East

I haven't found this lilac cardi to be a particular versatile item in my wardrobe and as summer slips away it is unlikley it will get many more showings this year.

Day 256: Loving leopard

• Maroon top: Marks and Spencer
• Skinny jeans: Marks and Spencer
• Black cardi: East
• Leopard print scarf: Next
• Heart necklace: Next (gift)
• Black wedges: Clarks

My reluctance to wear black 'work' trousers seems to have thrown me into a bit of a reliance on my black and blue skinny jeans. I will need to make sure this doesn't become a full time habit.

Day 255: Get shirty

• Shirt: Marks and Spencer
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Navy cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Wooden beads: Primark
• Tan wedges: Clarks

This was a bit of a preppy look today although it had a casual twist with the skinny jeans.

Day 254: Sky blue

• Grey T: Gap
• Jeggings: marks and Spencer
• Blue cardi: marks and Spencer
• Silver beads: Primark
• Black wedges: Clarks

I have worn a variation of this outfit a number of times over the last few months and I do like it but have nearly exhausted all the possibilities.



Day 253: Purple princess

• Flowery shirt: Matalan
• Purple cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Black skirt: Gap
• Black wedges: Clarks
 

It is nice to know I have a week of relative calm ahead this week after last weeks events.

Day 252: Biking heaven

• Brown wrap top: Marks and Spencer
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Necklace: East
• Silver pumps: Primark

I spent most of the day out on my bike as the weather was good and I know the days of good cycling weather are dwindling. I did a 30 mile round trip which was quite an acheivement for me as I haven't yet gone that far. I was shattered by the time I got home but had a great day.

Day 251: Shopping party

  

• Pink top: Marks and Spencer
• Black cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Black skinnies: Marks and Spencer
• Wedges: Clarks

I was back at the shops again this morning doing a bit of browsing with my mum. I now find shopping with someone much more enjoyable when I am not looking for things for myself. Before my shopping ban I preferred to shop alone as was normally on a mission to buy but these days I can enjoy the experience for what it is and am happy to look for someone else.

Day 250: Resistance is possible

• Mustard top: Gap
• Black leggings: Gap
• Black cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Black wedges: Clarks
• Necklace: Topshop

I was out and about again today, through in Glasgow at a meeting and I couldn't help but have a look round the shops after I was done. After such a stressful couple of days I was actually prepared to buy something to wear to reward myself. I headed to Primark as there isn't one in Edinburgh (although it is coming soon) to see if there were bargains to be had. And you know what, I had no trouble in resisting temptation. There just wasn't anything that I wanted enough which was worth breaking my shopping ban for. I am not sure what I would have done if there had been something perfect but I think I might just have been able to walk away.



Day 249: Take a memo Miss Jones

 

• Grey skirt: Marks and Spencer
• White blouse: East
• Black cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Black wedges: Clarks

I think I was going for sexy secretary today and this is a look which I swear was better in the flesh than on film. I am also rather perplexed by my fringe. If this is how springy it was by the end if the day heaven knows what is was up to at the beginning of the day? Ho hum!



Day 248: Work it out

• White T: Als @Blacks
• Black trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Black wedges: Clarks
• Red woolen jacket: East
• Scarf: M&Co

Work headed out of town today for our annual awayday and the event is being held in the area I have responsibility for so no pressure there then.

I needed an outfit which was warm, comfortable and smart and I decided that the jacket needed to do me for both days away too. This is the first time I have worn the jacket since last winter so the seasons are definitley a changing.

Day 247: To tuck or not to tuck

• Flowery T: Primark
• Navy cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Navy trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Tan wedges: Clarks
• Wooden beads: Primark

Although this flowery top actually doesn't have any blue in it, it toned in well with the rest of the navy in the outfit. These trousers also look better, I think, with a top tucked in so the shape is balanced rather than a layer on the outside covering the waistband.

Day 246: Big week

• Striped T: Gap
• Blue cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Grey skirt: Marks and Spencer
• Tan wedges: Clarks
• Bronze pendant: East

So I have a pretty big week at work this week and I am going to barely have any time for blogging. I will try and catch up when I can so apologies ahead of time if there are delays.

Day 245: Sunday inspiration

I am joining in with Inspiration Monday, although yet again I am taking part at the weekend. 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 the look belongs to Rachel Bilson.

Rachel Bilson

Lori

• White blouse: East
• Jeggings: Marks and Spencer
• Tan wedges: Clarks

This was quite an easy look for me to create today as it is not a million miles away from what I often wear, minus the pooch, of course. Although not much of a stretch having a style similar to mine chosen as an inspiration look makes me think I must be doing something right.

ps If the Two Birds or Tammy are checking out my post I am sorry but can't leave a comment on your blogs, for some reason although I try every week.

Day 244: Cord capers

• Grey cords: Uniqlo
• Purple cardi: Marks and Spencer
• White T: Gap
• Shoes: Clarks

I got these trousers in London at Uniqlo last year and have barely worn them. They are very comfy but the look is very casual and there is really no way of smartening up cords to create a glam look.

Day 242: Scarf ace

• Black T: Gap
• Pink cardi: Debenhams
• Grey trousers: Marks and Spencer
• Black pumps: Clarks
• Scarf: M&Co

It feels like it is time to start reincorporating scarves in to my wardrobe and this one is a particularly bright specimen. I miss my scarves during the summer and they are a great accessory for the colder months and can really tie a look together.

Day 241: Loafing around

• White T: Als @Blacks
• Purple cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Grey trousers: New Look
• Loafers: Clarks

I had forgotten all about my black patent loafers and then I saw someone in the street wearing a pair and I had a lightbulb moment. I can't believe I had forgotten about these preppy, versatile and very on trend accessory. I am delighted to have remembered and welcome them back in to the fold. Still, it does remind me that I need to get on with some wardrobe clearance if I am overlooking key staple items such as these.

Day 240: Heartbreak

• Striped pussy bow top: Marks and Spencer
• Grey cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Black skinnies: Marks and Spencer
• Boots: Clarks

I feel very sad that this cardi is on its last legs.

We've had some good times together haven't we? Your colour is versatile and flattering, your shape is forgiving and your button detailing is so cute. But, these days you are fading, your sleek texture has given way to shininess and you have lost your shape. I think it's almost time for us to part ways. But do you know what, this is hard and having thought it over I think it's me, not you.

Day 239: Belt up

• Green T: Marks and Spencer
• Grey skirt: Marks and Spemcer
• Wedges: Clarks
• Tan belt: H&M
• Black cardi: Marks and Spencer

I attempted to overcome my aversion to belts today by wearing this skinny woven tan belt over the t shirt but under the cardi. I think that a looser skinny belt is less likely to make me look like a cinched in sack of potatoes and the colour tied the look together, so good news all round.

 

Day 238: Scarf Sunday

• Purple T: H&M
• Jeans: Matalan
• Scarf: H&M
• Silver pumps: Primark

I have been mainly wearing skinny jeans lately so it was quite a change to be back in a looser fit. They certainly create a more casual look but that's fine for a relaxed Sunday.

I was out on the bike for most of the day again today, trying out the new padded shorts and boy did they make the derriere feel so much better. I did about 17 miles along the river path and most of the route out was up a steady hill. I had quite a workout but it was worth it especially as I got to go downhill all the way home. It was a beautiful day too and lovely to be out in the fresh air.

Day 237: Lazy girl!

• Jeans: Gap
• Converse
• Grey lst: Primark
• Necklace: Primark

I had such a lazy day today I am almost embarrased. I barely dragged myself out of bed and out of the pjs and in to real clothes. I snoozed, I read, I watched tons of TV and I loved it! 

Day 236: Cycle attire

• Green patterned T: George @Asda
• Black skinnies: Marks and Spencer
• Denim jacket: Primark
• Silver wedges: Dorothy Perkins
• Heart pendant: Next (gift)

I spent most of the day in my cycling clothes so this outfit only featured for part of the day and saw me to the shops to do some messages.

I had the day off work as was due some time off in lieu. The cycle shop where I got my bike offer a free service after 6 weeks to check the bike is working ok. I didn't want to be without the bike at the weekend so made an appointment to get them to do it while I waited. It was a little adventure getting there as it meant going off the cycle path and on to the roads for a bit. It is also 5 miles from the centre of town so a good run for me. All was well with the bike and I got some gloves and padded shorts whilst I was there. Now I don't think that they actually count as 'buying clothes' as they aren't for fashion purposes and more for comfort, you may beg to differ.

Day 235: Colour catcher

• Peach T: East
• Purple cardi: Marks and Spencer
• Grey trousers: New Look
• Silver pumps: Primark
• Beads: Topshop

Pinch, punch first of the month - ouch, how rude!

Can you believe it is September already? We have just not had a summer this year and to be honest I feel cheated. Ok,so we have had the odd good day but its never lasted more than a couple of days and not long enough to get that light happy feeling that the sunshine brings. This morning I decided to ignore the month change and dress optimistically but in this I felt I was alone in the world. When I stepped off the bus this morning I was surrounded by women who had definitely got out their Autumn wardrobe. I saw lots of scarves, woollen jackets and everywhere I looked were knee high boots. A work collegue commented on my bare footed bravery but just a week ago no one would even have noticed.

I am also proud of the colour combo today and I am definitely showing good progress.