Fashion

Despite Thursdays midi skirt post being rather popular (the denim and polka dot skirts in particular) there has been a little cry of – but I don’t suit mid length skirts – what about maxi’s? Don’t worry – I hear you! If you are on the taller end of the height chart – Maxi’s are for you. They also work a treat disguising particularly wide calves.

What Do You Wear With Them? 

• If you are going floaty maxi (the only type of maxi surely?) keep your top half fitted.
• A tucked in T Shirt.
• A tank.
• Not a blouse or shirt!!!
• If the skirt is patterned keep it plain, please!

I stumbled across a lot of maxi’s yesterday and so here are my favourites.

First of all I have to mention the brilliant Australian blogger Constance Hall’s sideline – Like a Queen. She has invented long skirts called MumTum. Basically a REALLY wide elastic waist holds everything in.

I have a black one and have just bought this floral number for the summer.

You have to pay postage from Australia but totally worth it. True to size too (and Australian sizing is same as UK i.e. 12 is a 12)

Ok, let’s take some inspiration from the following skirts…

Wonderful Pattern 

Scott & Soda Tiered Maxi Skirt £124

This skirt screams expensive. I am sure it is the sophisticated autumn colour but it is a welcome alternative to candy colours that are blasted every wear at the moment (although in the summer, personally it has to be bright)

Incredible Detail 

Stella Jean Maxi Skirt £475

Ok, you aren’t exactly going to buy it – but I included it for inspiration. Flat front panel and gorgeous and unusual embroidery.

Truly Feminine 

Wiggy Kit Peasant Skirt £395

I love a stripe and red and white is up there with blue and white. The buttons and the tiered panels – ooh la la.

Statement Tiering

Gucci Tiered Yellow Skirt £2690 (yes you read that correctly – 4 figures)

I included this to see if anyone would actually click on it. I now you guys are far too savvy to buy something like this – although I do love the yellow!)

And now let’s look at some high street alternatives!!!!

French Connection Yellow Maxi Skirt £95

I told you – and it also has a pretty pattern!

Boden Colour Block Skirt £75

Red and pink together is so hot right now – and for a reason- it is a total showstopper together and if you aren’t brave enough to experiment on your top half – do it on your bottom half!

Mint Velvet at House of Fraser £89

Such a gorgeous blue and a flattering shape too.

La Redoute Skater Skirt £103

Pretty and easy to wear. Pick one of the many colours on this skirt for your top half (i.e. red as in picot or blue, yellow, coral or dark grey)

Zara Jacquard Skirt £49

Arguably not a full length maxi, but too good a price point to be petty.

Zara Ecru Maxi £69.99

Zara strikes again. Just loving the waist band. So much more flattering than a slim elastic band.

Marks and Spencer Drop Waisted Maxi Skirt £39.50

Love the wide panel of this skirt. The white will go with ANYTHING including a white top. Be sure to accessorise so you don’t look like you are trying to channel an angel!

Hope this has given you some ideas.  Maxi skirts work when it’s cooler too so all round they are a win win. Which one are you going for?

xx

On the school run this morning, there are the haves and the have nots. Some will don shorts at the first sign of plus 15C, not needing to do any squats or exfoliating in preparation.  Then there is the majority who will just about wear a pair of shorts at a push at the end of the summer, and that’s only to do the gardening (me!)

Obviously there is the in-between too (before I am slammed for massive generalisations)

This post is for those who want to wear a skirt but don’t feel confident YET to bare all.

So, What Is The Answer?

The Midi Skirt.

It isn’t exactly a new concept but it is really on trend this summer.

What’s So Good About It? 

• Mid length so not too daring but not frumpy as flashes a bit of leg.
• Can be longer the back and shorter at the front (come on – no ankles are that bad)
• High waisted so no muffin top.
• Patterned so you can really have some fun.

How Do You Wear Them? 

• I am allergic to sandals. Sandals with heel and a midi skirt to me screams total middle age. Trainers (for some suggestions have a look here) or wedges, espadrilles (My Fashion Tribu has a great selection of Espadrilles – will do more later but if you can’t wait…)
• If in doubt what to wear on your top half – go with a white T shirt. I am on the hunt for the perfect White T so will revert when I find (I have been recommended Primark and Great Plains so far…)
• A denim jacket is super versatile. Or there are lots of pale leather jackets around at the moment. I am wearing a Zara blazer with my midi below – I don’t love the look and would have been happier in denim but I needed to look a bit smarter hence the blazer.

This is my skirt debut for this year!

It’s from ASOS and only £32… A real winner in my eyes (and Polka Dots are so in this summer).

Here it is up close (on a model!)

Another skirt I have just bought is this pleated Midi skirt also from ASOS.  Thank you so much to Helen at 40plusnotgivingupyet on Instagram for the inspiration.  I love it!

Here are some others I have my eye on

River Island Green Jaquard Tie Waist Skirt £38

Pitusa Peruvian Skirt £80

How cool is this skirt? And it’s on sale? Ok, it may not be the total school run skirt but dress it down and it’s a winner!

Mint Velvet Caroline Printed Maxi Skirt £89

Ok, not strictly midi but its not a full on axe either die to the split up the middle. I put this on my isntastories as I love it. See what I mean about these skirts with a denim jacket?

BA&SH Talo Embroidered Midi Skirt £155

Love the embroidered high waist panel. So useful etc etc

8pm Asymetric Peplum Hem Skirt £121

If you reckon you can keep a white skirt clean, this is gorgeous.

Marks Frill Denim Skirt £29

I love this! In fact, I am going to buy it right now as all the size are in and I think it will be sturdy and you will be able to wheel it out on loads of occasions throughout the summer.

If you have a bit of a healthier budget than the suggestions above Isabel Marant Etoile has a gorgeous range of ruffle and assymetic skirts, both midi, mini and maxi.

If you are looking for a Denim Jacket, so as pale as possible. I love the Hush one.

Hope you enjoy the sun! (The girls at Not Such a Model Mum have just done a post on the best SPF for your face which is VERY useful…)

Lots of love

Lucinda xx

Each season a look will catch my eye.  The look that keeps catching my eye on social media (aka Instagram) this Spring is jacket, skirt, sneakers and cross-body bag. I am calling it Feminine Relaxed Chic. Not sure that will cotton on but it’s pretty, quick to throw on and comfortable for racing around and if you get it right – very cool. (Yes I was born in the 80’s so cool is my default word. I understand the word to describe cool now is ‘sic’. Just isn’t going to happen. Can you imagine if I started describing things as sic?)

Start with the skirt. Nothing says Spring like a skirt and a full length or mid length is a good way to ease you into sunnier months before you have a tan.

The Skirt

Full Length Maxi Skirt 

Fun, flattering and hides a multitude of sins.

I am loving this one.

Maison Di Times Embroidered Maxi Skirt £59

Love the elasticated wide waistband.

Hi Lo Skirt

This is low at the back, high at the front – perfect to cover up the back of your legs and to show off your ankles and footwear)

Yumi High Low Floral Skirt £45

Great with a tucked in white t-shirt.

Coast High Low Skirt £99

Mix up your fabrics and wear this organza with a cotton top and sneakers for a glamorous low key look.

Metallic Creped Midi Skirt 

An easy way to wear metallic if you fancy it but feel it is too much near your face.

Yumi London Crinkled Midi Skirt £25

This rose gold skirt is a versatile colour and also comes in grey. A price that allows you to buy as an experiment!

The Top 

A plain T shirt if you have a loud skirt.

Whistles Short Sleeve Linen Tee £45

Slogan/Logo T Shirt 

I do love a slogan tee. (BTW a Logo Tee has the brand on it and a Slogan has a picture or words not branded… You probably knew that already – it has only just clicked with me!)

True Religion Tee £70

Quite Gucci inspired.

Jane Norman Sassy T Shirt £16

Simple but sassy… 😉

The Jacket 

Denim Jacket 

Jessica Alba nails this look by adding a fitted denim jacket. It not only gives a bit of structure but will also keep your warm if the temperature drops.

Oasis Denim Jacket £45

This is a good length (to hip) and quite stretchy.

Leather Jacket 

I would personally find it hard it hard to wear a leather jacket in any colour other than black, although there are a lot of cream and pale pink jackets at the moment. (Mint Velvet is a good start if that’s what you are after)

Oasis Authentic Leather Biker Jacket £168

For the style and quality – this is a steal. Loving Oasis jackets at the moment!

Sneakers 

I am so pleased this look works with sneakers. Flats could look a bit mumsy and boots just need to be consigned to the back of your wardrobe.

Kendall & Kylie (yes Kardashian!) Flatform Trainers £169

The yellow! Platformed! Height and colour = love!

Aldo Nydoilia Trainers £70

Ok, not for everyone, but did feel they had to be brought to your attention as they are so fun!

Kurt Geiger Lace Up Trainers £99

These are classic and versatile. Not everything you wear has to be a conversation starter!

Bags 

It has to be a cross-body bag! Keep your hands free to hold little hands and grab one of these.  I love these colourful ones.

Kurt Geiger Richmond Disco Bag £99

Calvin Klein Saddle Crossbody Bag £110

Lulu Guinesss Lip Cross Body NOW £180

Hope this has given you some ideas. I am looking forward to putting away some winter clothes and experimenting with this look!

Lots of love

Lucinda xx

This post was written in collaboration with House of Fraser however everything featured was chosen by me! The full length images are taken from Pinterest.

Aren’t there just Summer Sales and Boxing Day (January) sales? Now there seems to be sales dotted throughout the year, whenever the individual retailer fancies (Guilty as charged – I have a permanent ‘Special Prices‘ section on TLM Edit!). When I popped into Marks and Spencer’s yesterday, some of the items that I had bought full price last week, were now in the sale! I thought I would share some of my recent purchases that I have bought to add some versatile pieces to my wardrobe that are perfect for layering up in-between the seasons.

Here is what I wore to my Press Lunch last week.

The Satin Tunic Top Was £27 and is now £18

Nice and long so I could tuck it in and the neckline was flattering – not showing too much chest but enough.

Red Chinos £25

These are a good length and flattering although size down as they really give by the end of the day!

Wedge Espadrilles in Almond £45

I bought these as I knew my size would be pretty much sold out by the time I really needed them. A really versatile colour and you can wear with darks and lights too.

Here are the red chinos that I have teamed with a classic white shirt I was drawn to the large silver buttons down the side and on the sleeves (sorry it is out of stock now in every size but here is another alternative if you are looking for a classic shirt with a bit of interesting detail – this one with cute frill cuff)

I was also magnetically drawn to these ankle grazers and bought them in black (obviously). They are true to size and hold their shape.

For a more tailored look, I would put them with a stripe Breton. This red and white one  is only £8.50 so I also bought it in the blue and white!  They would also look great with a white shirt.

If you want to smarten up an outfit instantly, a blazer works a treat. Although this is one item that will have to be put away when the sun appears it is definitely a wardrobe staple.

I think this One Button Black Tux Blazer that is in all sizes and reduced from £69 to £34 won’t be around for long!

The weather is set to pick up just in time for the Easter holidays, so whether you are sticking around or jetting off to sunnier chimes, I hope this has helped xx

I’m calling time on the cold and defying the weather by putting away my winter footwear and bringing out my trainers once again. Have had a break from them as it’s been too cold to bare my ankles, but am overcoming this superficial problem by alternative between pop socks (not very sexy but my staple) and if the temperature stays the same (cold) it’s time to grab the ‘fun sock’ trend and put them on display.  There are so many about!

Here is some inspiration that I have taken from Pinterest.

Rainbow stripes are always going to lift your mood!

Topshop Rainbow Socks £3.50

The next big thing are sock tights. Don’t say I didn’t tell you!

Jazz Ankle Socks £6

I also love these to keep your tootsies warm.

Topshop Embroidered Star Sporty Socks £4

ASOS Pink Glitter Flame Sock £3.50

So, thats your socks sorted, lets move on to the bread and butter.

Anthropologie Treton Carry 11 Trainers £88

I am often envious of my kids velcro trainers – they are so neat and there is no faffing with laces.  (Although silicon laces are a game changer if you are still a lace up kind of person!)

Rose Rankin Corney Low Top Velvet Lip £80

Designed by Rose in London and made in Portugal, her sneakers are all lust worthy. These velvet ones are not only gorgeous but an amazing price for a smallish brand that is stocked in Selfridges.

Saucony Vintage Trainers £75

I hadn’t heard of this brand but when I was doing my research on ASOS, the colours, style and price jumped out of me. Purple is one of the biggest colours this year and this gives a little nod in the right direction.

New Balance Shoes 373 £37

If you want full on purple, my favourite brand (yes I said it – they are, officially my favourite trainer brand) New Balance once again get it right with these purple and white 373 with a slick of turquoise.

B4 Ballerinas Leopard Print and Red Trainers £148

These gorgeous trainers that are made and PERSONALISED in Italy are mega. You should also see the raffia yellow ones too.  Not strictly wipe clean as they are made of horse hair – but too good not to include!

ASOS Didi Strap Trainers £22

Air and Grace Copeland Neon Trainers £149

In an ideal world I, these Rainbow Leopard Print in collab with Dress Like a Mum would be top of my list, but they are sold out so these neon colour pop trainers come a very close second. If you want to veer away from pin, they also come in Neon Yellow.

Hush Majestic Star Trainers £179

I won’t ever get move on from stars. Some say they are 2017 – I say they are now a classic.

Boden Hollie Trainers £75

Avoid looking like Mr Tumble’s spotty bag by keeping other colours in your outfit to a minimum. These are original and with a skirt would look ace.

Veja Neon Magenta Leather Trainers £105

Veja coming up trumps again with glitter blue and pink combination.

Dune Edris White £60

Trying to find turquoise trainers is hard but these appliqué star sneakers from Dune are pretty and feminine and will sate my turquoise love for the moment.

Hope this has been helpful and give you a little hope that the end is in sight!

Have a lovely weekend

Lucinda xx

I know it’s a cliche, but when else in the year are you supposed to wear red, other than Valentine’s Day.  Despite not knowing anyone who actually goes out for supper on this date in February, I am using it as inspiration for todays post. There are so many striking dresses out there with flecks of red and pink in, it’s a great excuse to share them with you.

With Spring around the corner, there is also no point buying another black dress (although I am a big fan of black dresses in the summer, tanned shoulders, bare legs – it’s good look) but why not buy something you can wear now with tights and a jacket that will also work when the weather gets a little balmier?

Ganni Wrap Dress £150

A huge fan of this new label (well, it’s new to me). The prints are bold and the cuts are great.

Bardot Shift Dress with Cut Out Sides £115

I love the shoulders on this neat little dress – the width will make your waist look smaller than it actually is and the cut out sides are subtly sexy.

Isabel Marant Vicky Lace Shirt Dress £395

I am not entirely sure about the stitching across the chest, but as it is Isabel, I am trusting that it looks as good on as it does on the peg. Perhaps for those with smaller chests…

& Other Stories Summer Fiesta Print Dress £89

& Other Stories has some beautiful dresses this season and this one has caught my eye. The pattern and colours are so different and concur up lovely thoughts of rose in the sun.

& Other Stories Ruffle Tie Wrap Dress £79

Pretty ruffles and the mid length that goes up n the middle makes it understatedly sexy.

Warehouse Leopard Print Shirt Dress £46

Va va voom! There won’t be any more messing around in this punchy red leopard print dress.

Masscob Indian Cotton Dress £300

So feminine and ethereal – I want to float about in this on the beach this summer, but I think an advance purchase would work well now, toughened up with a chunky scarf and biker boots.

Mint Velvet Julia Print Kimono Wrap Dress £119

There is a lot of print this season and I am embracing it. The general rule of thumb –   the size of the print should reflect the size of you – small ditsy print on petites and larger prints on stronger frames. Same goes with size of sunglasses, handbags although o add drama, size up one thing!

French Connection Drapey Dress £180

It’s the Vera Wang esque black tie that drew me in to this maxi dress. If it wasn’t quite so expensive, I would be all over this.

Mango Striped Midi Dress £29.99

No round up is complete without a dress from the high street boss – Mango. This dress wouldn’t suit everyone, but if the lines and colours work on your body shape and colouring, it’s a total knockout.

Marks and Spencer Ruched Waist Tunic Dress £65

The triple band on this floaty ruched waist tunic dress is  great disguise for Christmas bellies if you still haven’t shed it and the long arms are great for those that haven’t quite had that much needed  kiss of colour.

So, do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day? I think it will be Silent Witness and a takeaway for us, as we are having our first night away in about 2 years the following weekend.

Do I sound excited?

Have a lovely week and don’t forget – keep it pink or red!

xx