Day 18 - no spending

Should I be embarrassed that it's day 18 and I have not struggled in any way, shape or form to not buy anything AND to wear something different every day for the month of June so far? I think I will be absolutely fine to do this challenge for the 100 days I set myself.

I do love looking back at my own outfits on Avenue 57 and I will be doing that more as the days go ahead and I struggle for inspiration.

I'm very excited to be joining Avril from School Gate Style at the BritMums Live conference this weekend and I KNOW we are going to have lots of giggles at the awards ceremony as we will be joined by Marlene from Chocolate Cookies & Candies, Kat from Does My Bum Look 40 In This? and Emma from Fashion Mommy. I am GUTTED that Joanna from Poppy's Style is unable to get a ticket, she's flying in from the US and even that didn't get her the ticket she wanted/needed/deserved. We will raise our glass to her for sure.  Are you going to Britmums this weekend? Let me know, I'd love to meet up and say Hi. In the meantime I have a talk to prepare for about blogging as I have a 10 minute speech to give - eek!

So, what have I been wearing these past few days?

Saturday we had a party here for 20, the wonderful husband cooked in the rain outside whilst I drank wine. We started at 1pm and the last guests left with their children at midnight. Guests were dancing in the kitchen to 80s tunes and I may have taken part in a headstand challenge against the 5-9yr olds in the house. I WON TOO - wahoo! (fortunately no photo evidence!).

Top - Avenue 57 (currently sold out in green but coming back in stock this weekend, other colours are available like this stunning orange)
Jeans - Zara (old)
Shoes - LK Bennett (old)

Sunday was fathers day so I got up early with a banging headache and headed on over to see my folks for lunch in Christchurch - I felt vile all day and went to bed like a good girl at 9pm! 

Top - Tesco (old)
Jeans - Matalan (current)
Shoes - TK Maxx (old)

Love this photo of my dad and I - he's a great guy :-)

Monday came round far too fast and it said it was going to be warm, it was not, hence the winter like outfit.
Jumper - Mint Velvet (old)
Jeans - Primark (old)
Necklace - Avenue 57 (current)

And here we are on Tuesday already! I decided to dress down today, some days I just can't be bothered with tight things and heels and all matchy matchy samey samey so it's a simple tshirt, jeans and scarf with converse sneakers (all old apart from the scarf)

Are you as exhausted as I am after reading that? Do you have dress down days? If you are going to BritMums Live let me know!

Fiona

xoxo

Me + Em = love

Sometimes a brand catches your eye when you are least expecting it and it's often then that you fall in love the deepest. I came across ME+EM only a couple of months ago and I am so in love it's a bit obsessive.  If I could buy everything they hold in stock I would. They have dresses, bottoms, tops and knitwear. I was sent this amazing maxi dress in navy (comes in olive too) and as soon as I unwrapped the tissue paper I knew I'd fallen head over heels in love. It's hard to describe sheer luxury but take my word for it, this dress is above and beyond worth the £98 price tag. 

I always want items in my wardrobe that I can mix and match and/or I can dress up and dress down.  This dress is perfect for that. I've styled here in a few ways to show that it's really a dress up or dress down item. I didn't put high heels on because at 5ft 9 I figured I would look like a giraffe!

Simple cream necklace and ballet pumps - just look how flattering it is around the middle!

I know you might think 'look how long it is' but it's really a dress that will fit any height because you just pull it up accordingly and create a feature in the middle. It skims the hips and then hangs so well to the ankle.

Back view for those that fancy a Pippa Middleton style bum shot?

If I were going to a wedding or evening party I would team with a statement necklace and pashmina. I would also keep to the flats for comfort.

So, what can I wear with the dress to play it down for more everyday wearing? Denim jacket, converse shoes and an accent scarf of course!

Any scarf will totally make this outfit. Any colour will go with it too.

I am so thrilled to have this dress in my wardrobe - you will be seeing it again on Saturday as I'm off to the Brit Mums Bloggers Conference and I am going to wear it casual with converse and denim.

To view the dress in detail online at ME+EM click here. It comes in navy, olive and black.

A quick sample of other things I NEED are:


                              A Line Shift Dress    Cashmere Throw   V Neck A Line Dress

If you like what you have seen here then jump on over to their website. They are also on and on Twitter and Facebook.

Here is my friend in the dress too - she wanted to buy it for a wedding but they were out of stock so I gave her mine to wear and I think she looks fabulous. She's camera shy hence the head chop off!

What is your favourite item from their website? Also how would you style this differently?

Fiona
xox

Clothes really affect your mood and ...

vice versa. Yesterday I woke up in a foul mood, the weather was crap and I was TOTALLY uninspired with what to wear. I was doing nothing other than a few chores in town with my 6 and 9 yr old boys and it was cold, wet, windy and down right miserable.

I love the jeans/trousers I am wearing, they are super soft and stretchy and I wanted to wear this jumper (bought last year, never worn) but together it just matched my mood - bleurgh. Check out my miserable face!

Jumper - Sainsburys - old
Jeans - Sainsburys - old
Ballet Pumps - Debenhams - old

I took the photo and posted on Avenue 57 but after 5 mins I HAD to get changed, I felt horrid! Bit of a better pose but still sodding miserable.

Jumper - H&M - old

So today I was determined to make an effort - brighten my day by dressing in something that made me feel nice and good and happy. I bought this vest top in Tesco and it's ace - it's super long in length, has a secret support panel and makes my boobs look bigger than they are!

Top - Tesco - current
Jeans - Sainsbury's - old
Shoes - Deichmann - old
Necklace - Avenue 57 - current

I wanted to wear heels today, I'm getting better at wearing them (2 years ago I didn't wear them ever) and I love a bit of neck bling during the day.

So are you affected by the clothes you wear, the mood your in and how the two can affect each other?

11 days in and still I haven't bought anything and I haven't worn the same outfit twice - go me!

Fiona
xoxo

Time Flies When ...

you're busy. Yet again I am totally snowed under with work work, children (on another 3 day break) and weekend partying (not complaining but chores are totally ignored during these times). The week ahead looks set to be manic too.

I started my own 'challenge' about a week ago. I was not going to buy anything new (I can be given things as presents though) for as long as I could manage. Week 1 under my belt and it was a doddle. I have loved looking for different things to wear and with our weather it crosses all seasons in one.

A summary in pictures of what I've been wearing over the past few days

Thursday was a day in the office, sun was shining but there was a nip in the early morning air.

Maxi - Sainsburys
Necklace - Avenue 57
Denim Jacket - TK Maxx
Sandals - UGG® - current

Outfit on the left was for picnic we had at school with my youngest but it turned out to be very cold so I added snow boots and an aran cardigan!

Outfit on the right was for our big annual school sports day event. I took the scarf and jacket off for about 1 minute - it was FREEZING COLD (wind) but sunny

One of my most favourite outfits - the top is so easy to wear and I love my dark denim jeans and the shoes speak for themselves. We were heading into London to stay with family over night. LOTS of drinking and LOTS of eating, it's a wonder I'm still alive!

Top - Matalan (current but not online)

Jeans - Mango (old)

Shoes - TK Maxx (old)

The boys in the family all went flying in the morning (as you do on a Monday) and so I had a morning to myself. I worked out I was very close to where I buy stock for the shop so I put on the first outfit as that is what I'd packed to wear but it was cold and threatening to rain so I hitched it up and wore it with my jeans instead!

Dress - Ax Paris - current

Shoes - Converse - old

Scarf - Hobbs - old

Necklace - Big Bertha - A57 Shop

Head on over to Avenue 57 for some fabulously dressed women. If yo ulike nice things at a good price then head on over to the shop where I just stocked up on some fab scarves and one of my favourite slouchy jumpers EVER!

Fiona
xoxo

UGG® - not just fluffy boots

Years ago I wanted a pair of UGG® boots so badly. I actually bought some but found out later they weren't the official UGG® boots just some sheepskin boots that came from Australia! Since then every woman seems to have a pair and there are cheap copies everywhere in the winter.  So when UGG® asked if I'd like to review something from their summer collection I was dreading having a look online. Fear not, it's not at all what you are expecting. Summer sandals galore that look stunning and don't even get me started on their gorgeous bags.

UGG® have quality items, I knew they would because of the brand they are but also the prices of their items so when my gift turned up yesterday I was super excited. I love the recycled brown box the sandals arrived in.

I was not disappointed when I got the sandals out. The grey was dreamy high quality grey, the snakeskin detail is subtle and oozes class, the sandals themselves are made from the softest leather and are, without any shadow of a doubt, the comfiest sandals I've worn. The 'thong' is made of the same super soft leather and so it just feels comfortable instead of a hard plastic 'thong' which can be uncomfortable in some cheaper flip flops/sandals.

I love the gladiator style and the support at the back helps.

I was torn between the ones I chose above and these beauties (£60)

And I could have chosen any of the ones below - check out the Lucianna!

Left to Right

Lucianna - £120     Toura - £125    Nyssa Stripe - £85    Assia - £135

 How did I wear my new sandals today? With a simple dress - let the shoes do the talking!

What's caught your eye on the UGG® website today?

Fiona
xoxo

ASOS and Primark to join forces

What fab news to read this morning - 2 of my favourite places to buy on trend, low priced clothes.

I've been a BIG FAN of ASOS for over a decade now - starting out as a smaller online retailer selling clothes that matched those of the stars (you know ASOS stands for As Seen On Screen right?). And I've loved Primark for a very long time. I do hope that ASOS continue with their free delivery and returns policy because I've found that with Primark clothes you have to pick well - not ALL items are the best of quality but equally there are some tip top gems to be found if you look hard enough and choose well.

The sun is still shining and I'm continuing on with my no repeat days - it's easy in the begining but I am wearing things I wouldn't normally reach for. I figure if I go for non comfort items now by the time I end the challenge I'll be able to quickly grab my fail safe outfits without thought.

I played around with this top in, out, belt, shoes, bag etc - here are the results.

The top has a really pretty back to it
Phase Eight - 2 years ago

White pencil skirt - H&M 2 years ago
Green shoes - Faith - 10 years ago (!!!)

Green bag - Esprit - recent but cannot find online
I LOVE the pink lining

I prefer it tucked in with the green belt to match the bag

So, are you happy to see ASOS and Primark join forces?  Let me know.

Fiona
xoxo

Heavy Weekend

Man alive I need to dry out! Started drinking rose in the sun on Saturday afternoon, fell asleep on my youngest bed (with him) at 8pm bedtime. Stumbled half asleep back to my own bed at 11pm and then I did the same again yesterday! At least I've been getting lots of sleep!!!

Fun weekend with lots of drinking and eating and having fun with friends. The weather is GLORIOUS here in the UK and I'm totally loving the warmth.

I wanted to get my legs out to catch some colour yesterday but as I sat at a table with legs covered underneath I didn't achieve this! Slapped on some false tan this morning!

I don't like my legs - they're old and my knees 'have gone' but I am determined to wear these shorts more as they are ridicuously comfortable (not the most stylish, I appreciate that!). Still loving my Sainsbury's smartie belt and I added the denim shirt for a layer of warmth whilst food shopping for a BBQ

Finally I can get into these super pink jeans - they were £5 in H&M a couple of months ago - they're a size 12 and a bit tight but I have a baggy waisted top on and a scarf. I added a denim jacket for the school run but couldn't hang around taking photos because behind me in the bed was a poorly 41 yr old!

Hope everyone is enjoying the sun and don't forget to slap on the sun cream if you're out!

So that's 5 days, 5 different outfits and 95 more days to go!

Fiona
xoxo

Simple is as simple does

Day 3 of the no repeat challenge, this is fun! I know it's only day 3 and I've not swam the channel or anything but still it's 3 days of I am hoping at least 90, if not more.

Talking of swimming the channel, my two boys, along with some other boys from their school, took part in a charity swimathon. They wanted to see if collectively they could swim the length of the channel - approx 1300 lengths of the 25m pool they have at school. At 10.15am they started and they concluded at 12.15. Each child swam the amount of lengths they could and then got out. Together, as a team the swam the equivalent of England to France, France to England and BACK AGAIN from England to France - the target was 1300 lengths and they SMASHED IT with over 3900 lengths swam. My 6 year old swam 60 lengths and my 8 year old managed 82 - to say I am proud is an understatement!

Right then, what did I wear? It was forecast hot  but that's not always the way at 9am so I went for a simple maxi dress (£19.99 from New Look), denim jacket and statement necklace. My husband said (when I didn't have the jacket on at first 'oh you're a bit dressed up' and I think this is why some people shy away from maxi dresses - they do not have to be considered smart or dressed up at all. I used to think this until 2 summers ago I just wore mine, and then I bought and wore another and another etc - the more you wear the less 'dressed up' you will feel. Even with the necklace on I didn't feel 'dressed up'.

Maxi hate or maxi heaven? How many do you own? Do you wear them any day or do you save for special occasions?

Fiona
xoxo

Day 2 - style challenge

As you know I'm doing a style challenge for myself - buying nothing new but wearing what I own already. I have been waiting for today all week because the weather people said it would be hot and sunny - yeah right. I woke at 5.30am (no idea why) and the sun was no where to be seen. It's 8.56am and still it is yet to make an appearance. However, I sorted my outfit out yesterday (I do this often to save time in the morning) and so I was going to wear it come what may!

I bought the jeans in Tesco a couple of weeks ago - £7 in the sale! I love the faded light denim and they remind me of 70s jeans, except they are not flared, just a straight leg jean.  The yellow top is also a new Tesco purchase but is totally a Zara/Mango esque look - £12 currently available online. The shoes were New Look last year and I loved them - man alive they're high though for me. I was also reminded today why I don't like sling backs .. after 10 seconds of walking one of the straps always falls off and I end up shuffling along like a walking weirdo.

I couldn't decide if I should roll the jeans up or wear them down straight

I opted for rolled up in the end

This photo reminds me I need my hair cut - it's lank, it's thin, it's wispy and bleurgh. In my next life I'd better have good hair!

So, day 2 complete and all is going well (remind me of this in 100 days when I'm struggling!)

Fiona
xoxo

Day 1 - making it work for me

Right, off we go - Day 1 of not buying ANYTHING until I have exhausted what I already have. This challenge of mine will exclude any presents/gifts/free items (good get out clause I think!).

Today the weather is predictably boring and so I grabbed my favourite winter dress. Bought in TK Maxx late last year (DKNY £50 bargain) I have worn it a few times, always with tights and boots but thinking I could do a bare leg and ankle boots. Not today though, it was lashing down with rain at 8am for the school run and now it's just dull and not warm. Apparantly tomorrow it's going to be warm and sunny - yeah right, I'll believe that when I open my eyes at 6am.

So here we go - it's nothing exciting but it does what it does - cover my body, keep me warm and comfortable (a staple as I work from home).

Dress - DKNY via TK Maxx - £50
Necklace - Avenue 57 Pop Up Shop - £15
Boots - Duo Boots - a must for skinny legs like mine - made to measure and fit like a glove - £140

Already thinking tomorrow might be a white and yellow day ... thinking .. thinking .. thinking

If anyone else is up for the challenge of buying nothing and making what they already own work harder for them then join me on Avenue 57 to post your daily looks.

Fiona
xoxo