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.

Day Thirteen

Saturday! Sorry sorry.
Weekend wear for a cool Autumn day.
Dianora Salviati scarf, MHL grey knit, French connection tee, J brand lovestory jeans, converse...Comfy and cosy. Getting slightly nervous now I have used all my favourite jeans.

Day Twelve

Ok so this is Friday but not posted til Sunday - life I am afraid, got in the way. Apologies. Hmmm feel a little schoolgirlish but I do love a sock. Hope I don't have to bend over at any point as these are over the knee and creating a very unseemly double thigh...not a good look. Better than furry legs scaring the littluns mind.

MHL chino skirt, Margaret Howell linen knit, Notify denim jacket, Jigsaw socks, Patrick Cox loafers.

Day Eleven

Mum duty. Let's see how long I last in these cork wedges - may look utterly ridiculous tottering about in these but will give it a shot. My boys like them anyway - well enough to smear some jam on.

Diesel mens jeans, Margaret Howell shirt, Kate Kuba wedges

Day Ten

Work - seriously when does a girl get a break? Can't go wrong with a shirt dress really.....

Margaret Howell dress, ribbed tights Comptoir des cotonniers, horses hooves as before...Off I clop.

Day Nine

Off for a playdate....Still roasting.
MHL cream sweat top, J Brand jeans, Marc by Marc Jacobs pumps and onyx necklace. Also for wind chill factor I threw on a duster coat. I like to look like I might kneel down and polish a floor any minute.

Day Eight

Phew work again. Actually I am in the office so bit more polished. A little bit warm for this but no time to change it now!

MHL trousers, Margaret Howell knit (no need for jewellery with this crazy neckline) and Marni wedges. Am pushing six foot in these babies.

Day Seven

Sunday sunny Sunday. Firstly I have to admit to being at a loss without the legging option. They may be officially shelved this season but they are way too useful to be relegated yet. I have used my two pairs this week already....
So I reached for the jeggings and am very comfy and happy with this look. A bit Marni with attitude I think.

MHL elbow sleeve dress, Indian market necklace, grey jeggings, Rupert Sanderson leather flats.

Day Six

It's the weekend! So today's outfit is leaning towards lesbian chic but hey - I love it and it's spot on for kicking up leaves in the park. It's unseasonably warm so still in summer-ish clothing.
Margaret Howell striped breton, Cos necklaces,MHL khaki chinos, converse. Had my hair chopped off - feel lighter now.

Day Five

A (long)day with the kids...
Checked long shirt Margaret Howell and low waisted Diesel black jeans with, you guessed it, LK B pumps.

Day four

Clearly a mumswear day!

MHL pale grey shirt, Topshop slim straight jeans and LK Bennet lizard pumps. I told you I had limited shoes options. Heels I have, heels I have alot of. But you can't wear heels when you are chasing a supersonic small boy on a scooter.

Day three

A work day - in the proper office!
Navy ruffle neck shirt, high waisted trousers and ochre belt all Margaret Howell. LK Bennet nude courts on 65mm heel. Feel very 'put together' in this.

Day Two

This is a strictly Mum day. I will probably have to put my hair up shortly as it will get porridge in it otherwise.
Today's outfit - Whistles navy tee, Cos necklaces, MHL khaki mini skirt, Topshop leggings and LK Bennet lizard pumps. Comfortable and easy for playing in the park!

Day One of the challenge

Just to be clear. This blog is simple - I have way too many clothes. I am not after my 15 minutes of fame - just a workout for my groaning wardrobe. I want to see how long I can go without wearing any of my clothes more than once. I don't own enough coats and shoes (unfortunately) to include them and I will re-use jewellery too - but the clothes mountain simply grows. I have worked in fashion for 15 years as a buyer and consultant- I have two large wardrobes, one enormous chest of drawers and two trunks full of garments, many of which never see the light of day. So they are all coming out of their storage to see what really works. I know this is a common and modern phenomenon but I want to really understand which my favourite pieces/outfits are so I can save time, effort and money! I am running out of room and my husband is running out of patience. So let's see how I get on......




Today is a work day - I was working from home but, call me old fashioned, I still like to dress for work even when I am only going up the stairs to my home desk. I have two wardrobes you see. My 'proper clothes' which may be dry clean only and my 'Mum' clothes which need to work hard and be super washable...I so love to wear my work stuff - it's kinda like dressing up these days.
Today I am going with a  seventies vibe. A rust orange cord shirt dress by MHL (Margaret Howell's second line) a pair of Whistles black leggings, Ash one bar open boots (I call them my horses hooves) and Margaret Howell slim scout belt.

The challenge begins

I have decided to make my life more difficult than it already is. With two boys under four, working part time and trying to house keep I don't have much spare time. Anyway I am setting myself a challenge. I have more clothes than I can possibly ever wear. After 15 years in the fashion industry and still going I need to seriously address the clothes mountain. So here it is.
I agree not to wear the same thing twice with two exceptions - shoes and coats. Let's see how long I can go for!