Hunters or heels?

I've always loved my wellington boots, maybe because they gave me more freedom as a child... with wellies on I was allowed in puddles, mud, beaches in the winter, rock pools, playing in fields, generally being outside I guess. Plus I felt they made me look a bit more like Paddington bear/ wonder woman (they were red).
Not much has changed, I still feel like I'm going to have an adventure when I wear my Hunters, even better when you need to wear them in the summer with a little dress I feel like I'm six again.
However, not everyone wants to look like they are ready for a festival, just because it's pouring with rain does not mean we all need to don our boots and splash about in puddles (tell me you are not tempted right now), there is a fabulous alternative...Melissa!
The Brazilian brand has exploded globally, thanks to their partnership with Vivienne Westwood and the variety of styles means there is something for everyone flip flops, ballet pumps, heels & cowboy boots all in bubble gum scented plastic, what's not to love? Ok, you might get wet feet in some styles, but you never have to worry about ruining them in the rain!

Rainy days and Mondays...

Never fear Zara is here! I do enjoy a good trench coat when the weather requires, but it can be tricky to avoid the 'Inspector Clouseau' look. Zara have the perfect antidote this season, a beautiful tailored trench with studded collar and puffed shoulders - c'est magnifique!

Maison Scotch

I love their unique styling and details (check out their dandelion motif on the pocket zips), it's all so cute and effortlessly cool.
Okay, it might also be that they are based in Amsterdam and due to my partly Dutch blood I got a little over excited when I first discovered them. I found a bargain on ASOS with this sweet sweater (message too subtle?), and then found a local boutique that stocked them... Très dangerous.
I really wanted a pair of the gorge berry red leigh jeans in Topshop, but they had sold out of my size so instead I found myself heading towards the boutique!
I only went and bought this seasons must have...cords in dusky pink. They look great with a 1940s style chiffon blouse tucked in, and with a pair of nice long military boots or the new style Chelsea. I layered with a white vest underneath & a fitted cream cardie, topped off with a leather biker jacket (also works well with a cream/beige cropped faux fur coat)

Pheww mid-season crisis averted and an injection of colour into my otherwise denim autumn wardrobe.

Fashion neglect!

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted! The shame! I have had some rather important & exciting work to attend to... well am still attending to said project, but hopefully normal service will resume in the next week or two.
So... It's that crazy time of year when we never know what to wear, 'will it rain or can I wear my new suede boots', 'will I be to cold without a coat?', ' can I still walk to work wearing my Ray Bans without looking too 'spesh' if it's not really that sunny??'
In other words I'm having an in between season crisis! Aghhh!
I was so into dresses this summer & now I'm lost in a fashion void... which really means no fashion! SCARY!
Two things have perked me up in the last week... I can finally wear my homage to Henry Holland granny square scarf - oh yes!! You don't need to break the bank, but you do need to learn crochet (OR find some lovely relative that can!) it's perfect to pass the time on the tube, train or bus and what's more it will fit in your handbag! You just make a square at a time so it's really simple (once you know how!!).
Be warned it gets addictive, but you will be in good company as I know a few rather well known models & actresses that take their knitting & crochet on shoots & castings.
If that all seems like too much bother and you want your fashion to be instant it's £189 & a click away at ASOS x

Bad day at work? Buy new shoes!

We have all been there, spilt coffee over your keyboard, got in late and forgotten about a meeting that started half an hour ago or had your boss rant at you because you're just bloomin' useless, whatever the reason by lunchtime you just want to go home.
It's the perfect day to spoil yourself with some powerful "don't take crap from anybody" heels and the best part about it, these shoes only cost £15 so you don't have to feel too guilty.
They look like they have popped right out of the Emerald city in the land of Oz, if the citizens wore totally fabulous wedges that is. They are in the Office sale, grab a pair while you can. They are perfect for colour blocking, but they will go with pretty much anything. I guarantee you will get loads of compliments and feel more confident when you stride back into the office after lunch. Wedges that don't cost a wedge - we love them!

Must-have dress

I spotted these dresses in Urban Outfitters a while ago but convinced myself I didn't need yet another dress. However, at just £20 in their sale I decided that I really did need a vintage inspired dress that would work on sunny days (when we get them), as well as rainy days teamed with some black tights, leggings or skinny jeans. I recommend replacing the belt with a plain brown leather one (Topshop do some great ones). Wear it with a grey blazer and top the look off with a brown satchel. Very Alexa Chung/ Keira Knightley. If you are feeling more adventurous they have the same style with a different print in mustard - very cute!

Summer nails

Even with the crazy weather, you can brighten up the darkest day with some vibrant nail polish. I'm totally loving Barry M's nail paint in coral (296), a steal at £2.99, it makes me feel summery whenever I look at my toes! I've finished them off with some Rimmel Pro Matte finish top coat (£4.59), which really does help the polish last a lot longer, maybe not the 10 days that it claims, but then I should use gloves when washing the dishes if I want to look after my nails. You might want to try a tester of the top coat next time you are in Boots/Superdrug it takes a bit of getting used to if you love shiny nails, but its so cool!