Day Fifty four - the end.

So we come to the end of my first blog's life. It's a little sad but I am thoroughly relieved.
Here's the list of the sad, lonely, forgotten pieces that I could not find ways to wear. Well.. I ran out of bottoms that fit me to be precise. You didn't want to see me in a top and pants did you.

Striped long sleeved top by Ella Moss
Kimono sleeve knit by Reiss
White shirt by Theory
Pair of grey striped Margaret Howell trousers
Khaki Prada sport skirt

The rest - and there is more - I will save for some sort of summer experiment. I am working on an exciting challenge at the moment so watch this space and I will be blogging again in the future. Special thanks to those that followed me.

Day Fifty Three

The final day! Yippee. So I have to wear brocade down the playground. You knew it would happen......
Shirt Margaret Howell, leather jacket French Connection http://www.frenchconnection.com/ , brocade skirt Miu Miu, tights M&S and shoes LK Bennet.

Ooh and a bit of body con for the evening out with my 'Mum' friends. Again I forgot I had this beautiful Chloe cardi - shame on me. It was packed away in a trunk in one of my more organised 'putting away the winter wardrobe' moments last Spring. It's so soft and sheer and such a pretty pink. It does make me look a bit paler than usual but it's worth it.
Knit by Chloe http://www.selfridges.com/ , necklace by the V&A shop, skirt by Vince http://www.selfridges.com/,
John Lewis tights and you guessed the shoes. Should've bought two pairs hey.

Day Fifty Two

Can't beat a shift dress - just as useful as the shirt dress. Easy and all that.
Outfit is Margaret Howell dress, Topshop jersey, Cos necklaces and Jigsaw patent shoes http://www.jigsaw-online.com/

Day Fifty One

So I can just about go to a music class with the boys and not feel tooooo stupid. We are coming to the end what a relief! I won't know quite what's hit me. I'm disappointed I could not stop at day fifty - it would have been nice and neat. I have a couple more days to go yet......
I am attending a work talk this evening though so there are two outfits for today. Here's the low down - Scarf by Dianora Salviati at Liberty, Top underneath by Et Vous http://www.featherandstitch.com/, Jacket by Farhi http://www.nicolefarhi.com/, trousers Margaret Howell and shoes by converse.
Evening outfit - Jacket Margaret Howell, top Whistles, skirt Margaret Howell and shoes by Proenza Schouler - so gorgeous they deserved their own spot http://www.proenzaschouler.com/

Day Fifty

Day fifty!!! How did that happen. I won't know what to do with myself this week!! Darn it's chilly.
This feels fun and flirty. I shall maybe work in the cafe this morning just to get out of the darned house. Wi-fi is a wonderful invention. When will the hair fuzz end? I can't stand it I look like I am permanently being rubbed up against a balloon. Grrrr.
Ok - here it is.
Shirt/jacket Prada, dress H&M, tights from Rue du Bac and the trusty nudes from LK Bennet

Day Forty Nine Sunday

Yep - you can't really see this can you? It's just a black blur. So I have done a close up for you to feast your eyes on the luscious frills. I relish a ruffle I really do.
So Sunday and the boys are back - they are not allowed to touch me today (I am only joking before someone calls social services) Actually this Topshop gem is washable silk - at least I hope it is! Needs must though as I am down to all my evening bits and bobs.
Black top (worn underneath) Rozae Nichols http://www.shopbop.com/, Slipover knit Margaret Howell, dress Topshop Unique http://www.topshop.com/, ribbed tights John Lewis and shoes LK Bennet.

Can you see the detail any better???

Day Forty Eight

So for a day at a posh country hotel I thought I can dress up proper! A ruff being perfect for the Tudor great hall we spent most of our time in. It was so much fun sashaying about in this - reading the papers, lounging on squashy high backed sofas and general loafing. When we embarked on a country walk however I came across a few issues. It was fine until we encountered a trail through the forest replete with brambles. I had to hitch up my raw silk mauve skirt and try not to catch it on overhanging branches. The husband was sniggering away and stated that 'Only you would be dressed in such a way - evening skirt and a pair of wellies for a muddy hike' Tsk. No photos unfortunately - left the camera in the room!
Anyway I have lots to do now I am ensconced back in the family home. Needless to say when Sam vomitted all over himself on the way home I was unable to bundle him up sufficiently. Vomit in a faux fur collar is to be avoided. Outfit stats - Top Margaret Howell, ruff by Marni, skirt by Miu Miu http://www.net-a-porter.com/, coat by Reiss http://www.reissonline.com/, tights asos http://www.asos.com/ and shoes by Prada.

Day Forty Seven

So today and tommorrow we have packed the boys off to cause mayhem at the in-laws. We are off to a hotel for a night and a day! Very exciting to have been handed such a golden dressing opportunity. Not a moment too soon I can tell you. I was going to have to wear this for art class etc and would've probably had to say I was off into town or some fib to justify such inappropriateness. Phew. I adore this dress and am ashamed to say I had forgotten it's existence...It was hiding under a coat I don't wear much. Anyway it's by Diane Von Furstenberg - Queen of the frock (well her and Westwood) and I so wish I had bought the magenta version as well. It's wool so it's warm and I just put a sneaky thermal on. Looks great with boots but you can't put anything over it because of the kimono sleeve. A friend bought me this pretty necklace from the V&A shop - it's brilliant for jewellery - check it out.
Dress by DVF http://www.matchesfashion.com/, Necklaces by V&A shop http://www.vandashop.com/ and Cos, shoes by Robert Clergerie.

Day Forty Six

Off to see a friend for the day with the kids. Woah I am cold! I seem to need at least one more layer on than everyone else. Anyway no time for chit chat. Today's offering is this - Margaret Howell bow check shirt and belt, A Common Thread cap sleeve cardi, Levis midi denim skirt http://www.eu.levi.com/ (I look like a librarian if I wear flats) Top Shop tights and Russell and Bromley boots...um again.

Day Forty Five

Another frosty morning! This is one of those jumpers that comes in handy if the boiler breaks down. Seriously I have never owned anything this warm. It's like a down jacket in the form of a knit. One has to be careful with the neck as it can look like you are wearing a neck brace. I tug at it periodically to prevent this. Maybe I might get a seat on the train though if I ham it up a bit and don't move my head. Will let you know. It also adds a bit of girth but the office is sooooo cold I would rather be toasty and plumped up. As aforementioned jumper is super insulating I can wear a lighweight mac. This was my first purchase with my Selfridges discount card - oh how I miss that piece of plastic joy. Knit by DKNY, trousers and shoes Margaret Howell and mac Calvin Klein http://www.calvinklein.com/,

Day Forty Four

One of those days I am afraid so posting late. Cross at having to wear 'worky' trousers but made them more casual with the loafers. I love this knitted cape but to be worn 'as it was intended' you need a slim jean ideally. Sigh.
Ok so the cape is from Bilali http://www.bilali.com/, Stripey top by People Tree http://www.peopletree.co.uk/, belt from Margaret Howell, trousers by Australian brand Body http://www.body.com.au/, shoes by Patrick Cox.

Day Forty Three

Working in the frost.  I really like this skirt - the colour is great and the fullness is perfect. However, it has a kind of paper bag waist - there is a gusset on one side with ties which you pull the skirt together with. Only hitch is that it does not stay up so you feel it gently lowering itself and a rising panic that you won't get to the ties in time! I have remedied this with a trusty elastic snaffle belt (look at that! Snaffle and gusset in the same paragraph) It spoils the silhouette somewhat but that can't be helped. Skirt is by long time favourite Marni http://www.marni.com/, top by h&m http://www.hm.com/ - it's dangerous to have them online! Ruffle knit by Margaret Howell, belt by Cos, tights by Wolford http://www.wolfordshop.co.uk/ and shoes by LK Bennet

Day Forty Two

Set the alarm for 6am (the husband is away) and got dressed turned off the light and got back into bed. Seconds before Sam jumps on my head - I managed an extra twenty minutes horizontal, albeit with a snotty face inches from mine. The smart-athon marcheth on. This is the 'in the house' bit shirt and skirt (with trusty thermals -only on the top mind, I am not wearing long johns) and then I am going to throw on a poncho for warmth. Only annoyance is that it doesn't have the ease of a cape because there are no armholes. I am contained in a cable knit straight jacket! Argh! I need to get my seamstress to make some escape holes for me. Shirt MHL, skirt DKNY http://www.selfridges.com/ , Boots LK Bennet http://www.lkbennet.com/ and Falke tights. Poncho DKNY http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Day Forty One

When will it end...I so want my jeans! Sorry I look like I have been up all night - it's because I have. For some reason my children seem to know when I have been out drinking. Aha - she has been out having fun - let's wake her up super early. So not only have I been up before the lark but I am reduced to wearing knitwear in lieu of dresses. Clearly I won't be running about the playground very fast in my boots but I will try. If the weather doesn't stop coming across all 'Bladerunner' then I will be forced to put on my Hunter's for the park. Btw wellies can be miserably cold so invest in a pair of furry fleece welly warmers, Hunter do them in loads of colours. http://www.hunter-boot.com/
Outfit details - Joseph v neck long knit http://www.joseph.co.uk/, Day Birger et Mikkelson necklace http://www.shop.day.dk/ , Acne chunky knit coatigan http://www.acnestudios.com/, Falke tights and those trusty Russell and Bromley shoe boots.

Day Forty

Forty days. Feels like more than that to me. There is a sorry looking pile of unused pieces to make into outfits. I hope they are fit for public consumption. I feel a bit buxom in this - not something that happens to me often. In case you are worrying about my being cold this is very heavy cotton and quite warm. Just to be cosy though I have layered a thermal underneath.
Dress by MHL, necklaces by Cos, belt by By Malene Birger, M&S tights and Rupert Sanderson pumps.

Day Thirty Nine

I am getting a little bit smarter each day..... Not my IQ (unfortunately) - my clothing choices. As the options become more limited I am almost out of child rearing gear.
So here's the lowdown - APC bold stripe jersey with bright orange tipping at the cuff, http://www.apc.fr/, John Smedley black cardi (slightly misshapen after a mishap with the washing machine) Paul and Joe shorts (dry clean only so I am praying the boys are kind to them) http://www.paulandjoe.com/ French grey tights, Rupert Sanderson pumps.

Day Thirty Eight

What is so genius about a polo neck? Well if you have a neck like a giraffe, as I do, then it can disguise it if you rough the neckline up a bit. I have added a scarf, because I felt like it and you cannot wear a coloured shoe if you don't have some colour near your face. Otherwise everyone would be just looking at my shoes and where would that get us? A slight nod to the Seventies here and I lurve this skirt shape. Really pronounced and guess what? it's made of moleskin which is naturally waterproof so no worries about it spoiling in a downpour. Only slight issue is that it is, shall we say, rather fitted which could make eating difficult. Right so the nuts and bolts.

Scarf Margaret Howell, Polo neck knit Gap, Skirt Margaret Howell, Belt Margaret Howell, tights falke, shoes Prada.

Day Thirty Seven

Getting shakey on the outfit choice now....I think we are heading into the final death throes. Hmmm. A small problem with these jeans is that they are so tight they cut off the circulation to my hips - needless to say I don't wear them much, or even never. Still they are good for a seventies feel as they are super wide and all that. Not totally ideal for attending a playgroup in the rain with my boys. The bottoms picked up so much water on the way there that I may as well have been wearing concrete boots. Also totally unsuitable for the chaos of the aforementioned playgroup is my  alpaca sweater - I wouldn't normally don Prada for any activity involving children but I had no choice. I feel a bit silly and overdressed. Anyway - High waisted wide leg jeans by Notify, Knit by Prada, Scarf by Uniqlo  and shoe boots by Russell and Bromley and there you have it.

Day Thirty Six

I look a bit pasty today I blame the kids. Goodness isn't it chilly! My little toes are getting frosty in my horses hooves but I will persevere. Feeling a bit crochety again about not having access to all my clothes. It's torture! Anyway I am sure I will survive a little longer and worse things happen at sea. Now I do like a collarless shirt but you have to be careful, at best they can look a bit ecclesiatical and at worst 'footballer trying to look smart'. I fold the collars back so there is no danger of me looking like either. Re. Earl Jean skirt- those guys were huge in the first days of the L.A jeans brand domination of a few years ago - they just didn't keep ahead of the competition. Apparently they are re-launching after shutting down in 2005...so maybe we will see them again in the UK. You can't give them away on Ebay...
Boyfriend cardi by Cos, collarless shirt by MHL, necklaces by Cos and Anthropologie, cut off denim mini by Earl Jean (was a maxi skirt but I looked like a darlek with no feet) shoes by Ash.

Day Thirty Five

Another slightly seventies feel with the a line denim skirt. Good for a Sunday spent visiting old friends. Bit colder so wheeled out some more wool. Look consists of Margaret Howell knit and belt, Paper Denim and Cloth denim skirt http://www.paperdenim.org/, M&S tights and Russell and Bromley shoe boots.

Day Thirty Four

Cardi coats or coatigans (whichever you prefer) are so useful - I sometimes look a little bit Henry the 8th but it adds to the charm. Battered old 7 for all mankind jeans, Jigsaw socks, Jigsaw patent low heels, Gap striped tee, Cos necklaces and cardi coat By Malene Birger http://www.featherandstitch.com/

Day Thirty Three

OK - so today you will have to excuse the fluffy hair - it met with some precipitation and the result is never pretty. I wonder if one of those Brazilian blowdry treatments is the answer? Not sure I want poker straight hair though. Will consider my options. Curls are such a hassle. Anyway back to frocks. Today I went for a light weight number as it's sooooo mild. The long line shirt with drawstring is by Margiela http://www.liberty.co.uk/ paired with an ancient Allen B mini skirt from my days as a denim buyer. Comptoir Des Cottoniers tights and Russell and Bromley shoe boots. What I then did was add a bit of colour to combat the gloom outside. Clearly I should have worn a hooded coat to protect the hair - but style over practicality won. This cotton coat is a great, easy shape and I always forget how much I like it. It may be the fear of being mistaken for a 'refuse facilitation officer' puts me off - but I am happy to run the risk. It's also from Comptoir Des Cottoniers http://www.comptoirdescottoniers.com/ It reminded me of Marni shapes so I snapped it up. At least the boys will be able to spot me across the playground - no hiding from them today.

Day Thirty Two

Do I look tough? Can't go wrong with leather as it adds a certain edge to a very classic look. Am loving feeling so good in such a simple, easy outfit. Any hoo it's by the wonderful Laundry Industry http://www.laundryindustry.com/ who sadly are no longer with us in the UK. I used to buy it in Amsterdam eons ago. It's such an interesting colour almost sagey green or dark olive depending on the light.You can't see it but the lining is a bright turquoise with huge purple flowers that you can flash at unsuspecting passers by. Oooh la la.
White shirt - the first of many variations - one can never have too many of these! Margaret Howell, trousers Margaret Howell, socks by tabio www.tabio.com/uk and those LK Bennet nude little darlings.

Day Thirty One

I realise I am standing legs akimbo but otherwise I look like I have uni-leg. It's so dark I have to have the flash on so that's my excuse. A favourite pair of shorts in black silk with a dropped crotch by the fabulous Acne label http://www.acnestudios.com/. Spot on for dressing up or for city wear! They are teamed with the equally wondrous T by Alexander Wang http://www.selfridges.com/ , cardigan by Miu Miu http://www.net-a-porter.com/, necklace by Anthroplogie and shoes by Prada http://www.prada.com/. For the inclement weather I thought a mac - Margaret Howell mac and belt. It's even made me smile at the camera.

Day Thirty

You can't go wrong with a knackered old pair of jeans - I have had these for ten years and as I was not wearing them I had them altered from a boot to a straight leg. Feels like a new pair! Plus you get all that softness and battered look instead of paying for it 'new' . Weather is mild again - no need for major woolness. Today's knit is John Smedley http://www.johnsmedley.com/ , Cos necklaces, Seven for all mankind jeans, Topshop socks and Rupert Sanderson pumps http://www.rupertsanderson.com/ again.

Day Twenty Nine

 Not alot to say today so I will just talk you through the outfit.
Margaret Howell stripe breton, Dries Van Noten top worn as a skirt http://www.selfridges.com/, Day Birger necklace http://www.featherandstitch.com/, Falke tights, French sole pumps http://www.frenchsole.com/
It got alot colder in the afternoon so I threw on this short wool checked jacket - Margaret Howell of course.

Day Twenty Eight

Four weeks people!!!

So this is a casual kind of muck around look. Actually worn for looking round a castle and loafing on the train home. I realise I look a bit like I should be working in the ER but I like to look like I could be useful in an emergency. It's a bit summer really but still mild this weekend so don't knock it.

Outfit consists of MHL s/s shirt dress, Topshop tee (just seen), Margaret Howell slim belt, M&S tights, Rupert Sanderson pumps.

Day Twenty Seven

For Saturday with my favourite girls - a lie in, country walk, gastro pub lunch and a spot of shopping. Anyway back to the clothes. BIG, big big stripes.You know by now my penchant for a striped item. I wanted the Isabel Marant knit, I really did, but the coffers didn't allow so I plumped for the lovely Topshop version. http://www.topshop.com/ BTW they are genius to order from online - if you order over £100 worth delivery is free AND you can return to any store. Brilliant when you have no time to try anything on (and no wish to be pitted against a teenager with smooth thighs in a roasting changing room) So an outfit homage to Topshop as I'm sporting their little crop jeans too (v old but bang on for now) with Falke socks http://www.mytights.com/ and Margaret Howell fabric shoes.

Day Twenty Six

Firstly -sorry I have been away with the girls for the weekend so I am behind with my posts....Here you are.

Now then, to avoid sausage leg I like to try and ruch a little bit at the knee. It does prevent tubbage from oozing out into the fabric. I hope I have managed it sufficiently for you. As ever - always wear volume with slim - in this case a large oversized denim shirt by Gap http://www.gap.eu/, Cos (yep again) necklaces, Topshop Jamie jeans, LK Bennet nude courts http://www.lkbennet.com/ -they often surprise with some really great pieces. I like to think that these are a little Louboutin-esque and they are definitely lengthening for the leg. While I am gushing - I also love that they are using real customers in their ad campaign . It's not new but it pleases me nonetheless.

Day Twenty Five

Oh the glory of a shirt dress, no fuss, no frills, just slip it on and off you go. A surprisingly mild day so nice to have just this and tights on. I slightly regretted this choice when I had to attend to my boys in a 'pretend' sand pit. The sand is tiny chips of orange rubber which gets everywhere so I will be hoovering it up all week. Anyway - I was not pleased when I had to sit in said sandpit and try  not to flash a ribbed wool gusset to all and sundry. Trousers you see are a Mother's friend at such times. Oh how I long for some.
Right best get the dust buster out.
Dress MHL, Tights - Paris store as before and the invaluable converse www.Office.co.uk/Converse+Shoes

Day Twenty Four

The many wonders of leather - I have three leather jackets and this is the first to be wheeled out. Hope you like it. It's super soft and lined in cotton so you don't get too hot. Such a lovely hue don't you think? Am feeling a little bit 'golfer' in the trousers.
Leather jacket - A Common Thread (I fear the brand is no more but I found this lush jewellery brand with the same name - check out those crochet necklaces!) www.a-common-thread.com, Gap knit, Marc by Marc Jacobs wool trousers http://www.marcjacobs.com/, Jigsaw socks and Robert Clergerie stompers http://www.robertclergerie.fr/

Day Twenty Three

A miserable day of rain so some stripes should cheer it up. Just realised the boys are both in stripes too..hmmmm. These are scraping the barrel jeans - I have three pairs left now and they are all old. Anyway without further chat - todays outfit is - Seven for all mankind jeans, Cos socks, MHL breton top with glass buttons (yep got two of these), Cos necklaces, Camper shoes http://www.camper.com/

Day Twenty Two

Brrrr frosty. A working from home day so I dressed for the occasion. Shame the windows outside the 'office' were being painted so I literally froze. I decided some old Topshop leg warmers would be better use as arm warmers so I added those to my 3/4 sleeve knit. I do love a full skirt.
Outfit is - ancient Missoni scarf, Margaret Howell crop knit http://www.margarethowell.co.uk/, Cos belt http://www.cosstores.com/ , You have to be quick to get all the wondrous accessories that Cos has to offer - hunt around the store at the level of a toddler and you might just discover a gem lurking there. MHL skirt http://www.margarethowell.co.uk/, Tights from a wonderful little sock shop on Rue Du Bac in Paris (from my glamorous days), Boots Russell and Bromley http://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/. And there you have it. I decided to give you the web addresses of my favourite places to shop.

Day Twenty One

Sunday and I have reached 3 weeks with a different outfit every day...Phew. I fear for the next two weeks but I will try to keep things interesting.
Today's outfit - Vanessa Bruno cable knit tunic from http://www.theoutnet.com/, Velvet by Graham and Spencer dress http://www.selfridges.com/,  Necklaces by Cos and Anthropologie http://www.anthropologie.eu/, M&S tights, Russell and Bromley boots.

Day Twenty

I feel a little Elizabethan in my voluminous shorts so I decided not to wear my ruff today. I am bemoaning the lack of jeans - seriously missing them now. At the weekend, especially when required to throw oneself on the floor at any given moment or leap over a train set, you need the security and durability of a denim. I may have to start wearing more clothes from now on so I can get back into my denims!
This look comprises MHL shorts, Gap cardigan http://www.gap.eu/,  Cos and Anthropologie necklaces, John Smedley knit, Comptoir Des Cottoniers tights http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/ and Patrick Cox loafers -Now he does know how to speak to us - a new cake and shoe emporium no less www.coxcookiesandcake.com

Day Nineteen

Off to art class so thought I would be a bit avant garde on the old colours. My husband said ' morning daisy'
Anyway it's Margaret Howell scarf, MHL sweat, M&S thermals (it's winter you know) MHL skirt, Falke tights and Rupert Sanderson pumps (or pump - you can only see one)

Day Eighteen

I accidentally shrunk this knit but I can just squeeze into it and it keeps me warm. It needs to today it's brassic.
French breton top (from a service station somewhere in Brittany) Miu Miu knitted waistcoat, Margaret Howell belt, French connection trousers, M&S socks and Rupert Sanderson pumps. I have so many tops I could run this blog all year. Not sure how long the bottoms will last though....

Day Seventeen

No work today. Sun is shining and boy is it cold!
Not sure why I am standing cadet style. I guess it keeps my boys in order. Along with a paper bag waist I also adore an elasticated belt. Especially with a snaffle fastening - such a lovely word. So useful for cinching in a variety of fabrics thick or thin. Thin in the case of this Cos tent dress. Good for a chubby tummy day.
Cos dress, Wyeth top, Indian necklace, Falke tights and Rupert Sanderson shoes.

Day Sixteen

It's a bit nippy out there so it's on with the ribbed wool tights and a knitted waistcoat. I actually like the whole layering thing in Winter. An excuse to use more clothes...let's see how many more weeks I can last.
Missing the skinny jeans and simple shirts already.
This outfit is - Topshop jean shorts, Falke tights, H&M shirt, MHL knit and Robert Clergerie platforms. The shoes are in a wonderful shade of mouse - go with everything. Shame they make my feet look like longboats.

Day Fifteen

Off to work. Hi Ho. Don't know why I said that. Anyway - I do like a paper bag waist and you will be seeing at least one more on these pages before long. Only downside being the man bulge in the trousers so I often find myself smoothing myself down so to speak....all in the name of fashion.
Shirt - Margaret Howell (well she does do the best ones in the business) Sheepskin gilet - Burberry, Trousers MHL, socks Cos, shoes Camper.

Day Fourteen

Sunny cold Sunday. Oh the cradling of a hot cuppa in the park whilst Dad looks after the boys. I may even sneak a peak at the papers.
Uniqlo scarf and skinny jeans, Chloe cable knit, American Vintage top, Pied A Terre pirate boots.