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Yesterday I was at a Christmas fair (selling this time!) in Chelsea. Don’t get me wrong, there are very glamorous girls everywhere in London and the UK (diplomacy rules!) but in the square mile of SW3 – there is an intimidatingly huge amount of super stylish gals who breezed pass me and I had to force myself not to stare.  There were three main things that they all had in common…

1. Textures other than denim – fur, leather or animal print.
2. Flipping cool boots or shoes (a lot of shboots – will elaborate later)
3. Large chunky jewellery

Think Millie Macintosh…

and Lucy Williams as the new ‘Sloane Ranger’ with no sight of a pearl!

So I have decided to head over to trusty M and S, who can usually cater for all my desires at a fraction of the cost of what I imagine most the attire they were wearing cost!

ON TOP 

Textured Animal Print Jacket £35 

This will instantly glam you up and the pillar that comes from a black top and bottom head to toe, will elongate you.

Leopard Print Coat £89 

I actually think I saw a few of these yesterday. They looked less Pat Butcher than this potentially could so keep the rest of your outfit quite low key.

Fur Gilet £59 

The modern staple of the yummy mummy. Warm body and unrestricted arms means you can still chase little Timmy about and swipe him up before he swipes all the olives from the delicatessen counter  😉

ON BOTTOM 

Faux Leather Skinny Trousers £25

As long as your top or jacket (the gilet above would be perfect) is long enough – these skinny trousers are a very useful addition to your wardrobe.

Striped Tights £9.50 

Add some texture your outfit via your tights.  These striped ones draw your eye down and change the focal point – great if you have had a big night before – just don’t forget your skirt!

Tiered Skirt £49.50 

If you want to wear a skirt but hide your legs without going down to the ground, this midi skirt is pretty and practical.

Gold Faux Leather Skirt £27.50 

If you are brave, bypass the M and S black version of this skirt and go for gold! Flat boots though please…

ACCESSORIES 

Suede Zip Ankle Boots £65 

Can I just be clear, this is not a one outfit post – the aim is to give you ideas – I am not suggesting you wear these boots with the gold skirt… but with the leather skinnies it’s LOVE.

Buckle Boots £75

Slightly more classic than the Chloe ‘copies’ that are in every high street store at the moment. And these would look good with the gold or tiered skirt! Avoid any possibility of looking grungy with red lips and brushed hair.

Leather Milly Leopard Bag £89 

Who doesn’t love a leopard bag. But only one piece of animal print per outfit otherwise David Attenborough might come after you!

Gold Hoops £9 

These are an absolute steal considering how expensive they actually look. I love the bezelled edge.

Statement Gem Ring £9

Love a statement ring. Just don’t forget that manicure if you are drawing attention to your hands.

I have left out tops as its winter and during the day you can’t see them but a black or white t shirt or shirt is de rigour with the above and maybe even silk.

I hope this has helped and if you are keen on this look don’t over do it and use every fabric and texture under the sun, choose three and work with them. Ultimately, remember less is more so before you leave the house – take something off – just not your skirt!!

If it isn’t for you – stay with me, I haven’t forgotten you.

Have a lovely weekend ladies xx

A Royal wedding! Squeal. It is enough to make the sternest of hearts melt. The traditionalists are wondering what Meghan’s title will be (looking like HRH The Duchess of Sussex), the internationals are wondering where they will live (Nottingham Cottage in the Kensington Palace vicinity) so they can buy close and the fashionista’s are wondering what she will wear on the big day itself!

Kate kept us guessing right up until D Day and went with a quintessential British brand and designer (Alexander MqQueen by Sarah Burton) and I have no doubt Meghan will go British too. After all, she is becoming an official Brit.

However, there is plenty of time to delve into the possibilities of who will be dressing her, dressing the bridesmaids (maybe Pepa & Co like her sister-in-law?) & even what the Groom will be wearing (if anything, I think he should go for Deakin & Francis Cufflinks), not to mention where the reception will be and who will be the guests (I know best friend Millie Macintosh will be a definite, otherwise I am stumped… !)

What I love about MM, other than her effortless classic style, is that she is always supporting small businesses or those that are up and coming.  Let’s hope she can stick to it and scatter as many British business into her repertoire as possible.

At the moment, it is a promising mix from around the world.

However, first it is staunch British.

Barbour & Hunter 

Dressing in the quintessential English country attire of Barbour Jacket and Hunter Wellies, she is giving these quintessentially British fashion houses a huge injection of glamour to link them to the younger generation.

Mother Denim Jeans 

Crafted in the States, this online store, Mother Denim, is also a favourite of Reese Witherspoon. I can see why, the website is awesome and inspiringly easy to navigate and the jeans look like they would shave a size off you! See below! (Not that she needs it – have you seen her legs!) envy.com

Roland Mouret 

After ‘that‘ dress that did the rounds a few years ago, Meghan will no doubt put his flattering designs back on the map if she continues to look like this in them!

Nisha Nonoo 

A personal friend of Meghan’s, she helped her friend gain notoriety by looking gorgeous in her ‘Husband Shirt!’ Perhaps we should have read the signs…  Who doesn’t need a classic white shirt?

Finlay & Co

Continuing on from there time spent together at the  Invictus Games, I was thrilled to see her wear these wooden framed Percy glasses! Started by a couple of guys from my old church in London, they have now opened their own bricks and mortar store too.  I am sure it would have happened anyway without the ‘Meghan effect’ but perhaps it accelerated it!

Natalie Marie Jewellery

This Sydney based jeweller has always been a firm favourite of MM. Marie’s wedding bands would look stunning stacked – if you could afford the price tag… if not, surely one for a wedding band would do.

Line The Label 

This gorgeous winter white belted coat is from Canadian brand Line The Label. As you can imagine the website crashed as soon as news of where the coat was from!

P.A.R.O.S.H 

Her green dress is from Italian label Parosh.  Formal enough to be respectful – high neck noted, but tight enough to still show the world she won’t be tamed – yet!

Aquazzurra 

I hadn’t heard of this brand before but I am sure it will be at the forefront of many womens minds now. It is always hard finding the appropriate shoes for your outfit and the time of year, but Meghan nailed it with these nudes ‘Matilde‘. And they were on sale (although completely sold out now!) she is frugal too! This brand is strong contender for the big day as they also do ‘Bridal‘ (and don’t get me started on the baby shoes!)

So, which brands are going to be lucky enough to get in on the Meghan Effect – I have no doubt she will continue to give a platform to small business and unknowns but which route she goes is anyone’s guess!

If only I could get some TLM Edit goodies in front of her? xxx

Ok peeps, I wouldn’t tell you anything unless I thought it was worth it. I used to Black Friday as a massive con. Businesses increasing their prices before Black Friday to make their deal look good, all the crumb bum stuff left, never your size in stock etc etc. However, I believe the purpose of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Advertising rather than Sales. If you draw people in with a good discount/deal and they have a good shopping experience, you potentially have a new customer for life.  (And they might buy something that is full price..)

Anyway, that’s what my plan is on TLM Edit (where I am doing 20% off with BFCM) but let’s not talk about my business, I want to give you a summary of what’s out there and from whom.

I was considering including toys, menswear and electrical, but I know my lovely reader and I feel on a day like this, you really want to know about clothes. Please tell me if I am off the mark!!

First, I want to mention a few other small businesses who can get lost in this Christmas Shopping Weekend as we scramble to the bigger outlets.

SMALL BUSINESSES 

Willa & The Bear Muslin Blanket £45 – £33

30% Off HOLIDAYS17

Poppy & Honesty Shopper £15.50 

This Liberty print shopper is gorgeous.

Free Shipping!

Glamrags Rainbow Necklace £15 

20% off with BLACKFRIDAY at checkout!

Catapult Clothing Lightning Bolt Washbag £20 – £15

These are made of up cycled Bouncy Castles!!! How cool is that.

Enter YOOHOOBLACKFRIDAY at Checkout

Crystal Cuffs 

These handmade leather cuffs in all colours and variations are so cool!!

Use BLACKFRIDAY at Checkout for 30% off

PJ Pan

10% everything with BLACK at Checkout

Anna Cox Cushions 

20% Off BLACK20 at Checkout

Big Cat Clothing Fur Gilet £95 – £76 

20% off (discounts already applied)

HIGH STREET

There is a definite party theme here as all that is on my mind in terms of dressing at the moment, is what to wear to things in the evening! Hence why the rest of this post is slightly dark and opulent…

I haven’t put the code for the big hitters as you can see it everywhere on the websites!!

Topshop Velvet Lace Midi Dress £46 – £29 

Mango Contrast Seam Jumpsuit £59 – £45

Topshop Krown Studded Boots £49 – £25 

Topshop Shearling Parka £79 – £55 

Mango Fantasy Shoulder Sweatshirt £29 – £21

Topshop Twisted Sequin Trainers £29 – £15 

All Saints Leather Jacket £318 – £226 

Mercy Delta Mrs Robin Electric £190 – £150 

Finery Forever Blouse £59 – £47.20

Mango Monochrome Jumpsuit  £59 – £41.30

Biba Jacquard Dress £99 – £69 

Biba Velvet Mesh Dress £119 – £83

Maison De Nîmes Black Skinnies £45 – £33

Hush Leo Trainers £170 – £160 

Zara Printed Blouse withRuffled Neck £25 – £20 

La Redoute Dress With Satin Stripes £25

Me + Em Lace Cotton Shirt £159 – £109

Scotch & Soda Blended Wool Coat £199 – £159 

Zara High Heel Sling Backs £69 – £55 

Didn’t I say there was so much good stuff to be had? I really hope this has helped! I slightly feel like I have FOMO and that other people know about more deals – so please let me know.

Anyway, I could go on and on but I have to go and get wrap all the orders TLM has had for Black Friday!!

Have a great weekend xx

Last week I visited the new Boden on the Kings Road (Sloane Square end opposite Peter Jones to give you a geographical perspective – much better than a number don’t you think?) Anyway, mustn’t diversify… We all (well most women in London and beyond) receive the Boden catalogue. We ear mark what piques our interest, then we hop over to the website with our short list and make our purchases. Bingo. Works well. We love it. It’s what we know and Boden are soaring online as a consequence.

However, the new store offers something else.

It is a real experience.

There are friendly, smiley staff on hand to help you choose the right size.

The lay out is spacious and grouped in ranges such as casual and evening.

And there is a lot to see that you may miss online.

I love the Icons Range. Slightly more expensive but real investment pieces with luxe fabrics and intricate embellishment.

And let me tell you about downstairs… (the smattering on the wall on the ay down the sweeping staircase is something else!)

Other than being confronted by this gorgeous display…

The kids wear looks even better in  real life.

I love this little coat standing to attention.

There is also loungewear section downstairs – I was totally tempted by the Robin T Shirt!

The fitting rooms are fun and spacious and make light of a normally arduous task – trying on clothes.

I was really impressed.  Boden done good as they say.

Make a special trip – go on, although be prepared not to leave empty-handed!!

And for those that can’t get there, here are my current Boden picks…

CHRISTMAS PARTYWEAR

Suki British Tweed Coat £250 

This wool coat caught my eye as soon as I walked in. It feels gorgeous and the adjustable tie was will make allowances for too many nibbles at the office party.

Red Paper Bag Trousers £80

This was love at first sight. How utterly striking are these. And they are high-waisted. Flattering!!

Wilfred Midi Dress £280 

I saw these on Marina Fogle at an event last week and we couldn’t believe it was Boden (no offence) It is divine.

Virginie Sequin Shirt £65

This has my name all over it. I love that it isn’t black but the navy is still smart (and dark) Pair this with lashings of mascara and a little sparkly eyeliner and you will be the belle of the christmas party.

Zooey Blouse £150 

Another show stopper. A winter version of a summery Bardot top. LOVE.

Virginia Blouse £170 

If you have warm skin (yellow based rather than blue) and dark colouring, I urge you to wear this rich mustard colour ALOT. (and buy this multi tassel mustard bracelet to go with it!) So unusual.

Alexa Heeled Boots £150

I love this style. I call them my shboots as I feel like I am wearing a high heel but I am much more stable on my trotters (especially after a few glasses of mulled wine) than I would be in a stiletto.

Stable without looking frumpy I might add. Aren’t these fab. With thick black tights or skinny jeans. Lush.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

Robin Breton £35

Last year, there was a fair bit of Robin embellishment around but none for the adults, so when I saw this I thought it would be rude not to get it – perfect for lounging around in after a huge turkey dinner! (FYI my surname is Robins, I am not bird obsessed!)

Love Breton £35 

I also love this, a slightly subtler nod Christmas.

Suzie Jumper £70

I love the star sequin patch on the elbow not these jumpers. A great present too.

Keepsake Pouch £35

Always so useful. Especially as we get older!

Cosy Woven Pull Ups £30

Not too glaringly Christmassy but a nice little nod and would make the stocking opening first thing in the morning a bit more atmospheric.

Hot Water Bottle £35

You know I love a pom pom!

KIDS

Fairisle Cardigan £32

Fairisle jumpers and cardigan are the epitome of Christmas and this one is so sweet & festive.

Applique Party Skirt £35

Move over Christmas jumper, it is all about the skirt. No words.

Chelsea Boots £50 

I am being very patient, Boden, waiting of these in adults sizes. Please take note!!! But for now, the funster will have to take the helm and adorn the coolest boots not the block.

Pocket Crew Jumper £30 

I love the knight popping out of the pocket. I haven’t seen this sort of style before.

Dude Ulph T Shirt £20 

I love this and I defy any young lad not to too!

With free delivery and returns and up to 30% off this weekend (code N6D5), you should at least have a look!

www.boden.co.uk

All photos from in store credited Photographer Ben Broomfield
benbroomfield.com
@photobenphoto

I promise I haven’t made it up! When this word ‘Coatigan’ first danced crossed my eyes I thought here we go, another marketing ploy to make us think we don’t have something and we need it. That was the cynic in me but the truth is, I secretly think it is a genius term and a much needed staple during these fuzzy months when a coat makes us feel too hot and a cardigan – well feels a bit passe.

When To Wear One

We all have those times when we need to nip for some milk in our pjs, the postman catches us unaware or we just don’t want to look so done – like the school run.

This is where the coatigan comes into its own.

To give you some inspiration and to put the look that I am going for in context, I have taken some images from Pinterest… and scoured House of Fraser who sell a multitude of Coatigans.

Not promising you will look like Rosie when you don a beige coatigan, but if you have warm coloured skin and golden hair – you can pull of beige and look fab with it.

Loving the two tone coatigan on Olivia Palermo and with leather trousers!

Grey is everywhere at the moment and layering greys always look tres smart.

Layering 

Wallis Double Faced Coatigan £40 

Sophisticated 

French Connection Oversized Cardigan £110 

Practical 

Jigsaw Heavy Rib Cacoon Cardigan £175 

Love the flattering mandarin collar.

Inpractical (but we all need some impractical) 

Wallis Waterfall Jacket £45

So pretty and feminine.

Biker Chick

All Saints Dahlia Cardigan £138 

Statement 

Studio 8 Nancy Coatigan £75 (was £125!) 

This is my pick. I love the colour. The length. The neckline. The 3/4 sleeve. Yes, I am going in.

Classic 

Hobbs Penelope Coatigan £139 

Ok, your mother might steal it off you – but after all the years of you taking her clothes it’s about time. And you know the quality at Hobbs is excellent!

So is this look for you or you going to wear a jumper until coat season?

xx

Gone are the days of frumpy salopette’s and monstrous snow boots the size of your leg (that you had to wear on the plane as not enough space in the luggage – thanks folks!) Now there is choice, choice, choice everywhere from the supermarket to the high end department stores.  Personally if I am only alpine 1 week a year, I can’t justify ‘designer’ (not that I ever really do) but on the other hand I don’t want the seams to split when I am half way down the piste…

Good old Marks and Spencer have just brought out a ski range and it is really good! I am buying now before it sells out when the snow hits…

Leather Side Zip Snow Ankle Boots £65 

I have only even seen this type of style sold for £400 plus so I am getting in there – quickly. Just not showing any of my family as they really won’t get it.

Round Neck Jumper £27.50 

Bargain price and gorgeous colour – this won’t just be seen on the slopes.

Colour Block Funnel Neck Jumper £27 

Wow, this roll neck is nostalgic. I am sure my father used to wear one like this – which must mean it is back in fashion!

Aha, look what I found – partially covered but you get the look that is inspiring me. Check out the goggles!!

Ponte Skinny Leg Trousers £25 

Ok, not strictly waterproof but they are the look I am going for and if you are a ninja and don’t fall over (!) you can risk it!  These are for apres ski with the boots above!

Apres Ski T Shirt £12.50 

M and S are rolling out fantastic price points – this T Shirt included.

Colour Block Jacket £59 

If you need a break from red, this vintage inspired jacket is pretty cool – as long as you are looking properly chic (red lips, polarised sunnies, fur head band) so it avoids the 80’s kid ski look (as above!)

Metallic Padded Jacket £65 

If you aren’t sure you can pull off the vintage look, this metallic Stormwear jacket will add the necessary bling to your look. Just go easy on the accessories – this jacket does enough!

Quite fun with a bit of winter white?

What’s your ski look? We are going for the first time this year in March and I am already thinking about it, so this will be the first post of many as I look together the kids kitted out (and the husband updated too).

Let me know if you have any recommendations! As long as it isn’t an orange all in one…

xx