A Merry Christmas To All…

…And To All, A Good-Night!

Right, that’s me done for Christmas, so I’ll see you all in the New Year!

Have a good one!

They Said There’d Be Snow At Christmas…

(They didn’t actually, but that’s one of my favourite quotes from a Christmas song, coupled with the 3rd line – But instead it just kept on raining – far more likely if you ask me! And since this blog is about fashion and weather, I had to get this in somehow didn’t I?!)

Anyway, all I really wanted to tell you is what I’m wearing today:
Black sparkly skirt – Lecomte
Black cotton rib polo neck sweater – Marks & Spencer
Black Tights – George
Black shoes – Faith

My Boot Namesake!

These boots are destined to be mine – they’re called Fickle Fí!

Outfit: In The Grip Of This Cold December…

(spot the song there?)

It's actually cold and frosty out today, just the kind of weather I like in December. Clear blue sky, sunshine, and frost.

Dark brown linen jacket – Next
Dark brown linen skirt – Next
Red acrylic sweater – Dorothy Perkins
White shirt – Oasis
Brown tights – Topshop
Brown suede boots with cream faux fur trim – Roberto Vianni (Debenhams)

Outfit: It’s Coming On Christmas…

Trying to get a little more festive each day this week, as well as staying warm! Will have to break out the Santa boots again shortly!!

Purple wool round neck cardi with tiny sequins and beads all over it – Per Una at Marks & Spencer
Grey wool A line skirt – Gap
White square neck t shirt – Dorothy Perkins
Black tights – Unknown
Black knee high boots – Century 21

Outfit: It’s Getting Colder!!

And of course, I’m hoping for snow this time next week but that’s not likely to happen as I’ve never seen a proper White Christmas. Ever. (And my shoe choice for the big day won’t cope with snow.)

Grey pinstripe wool mix wide leg trousers – Dorothy Perkins
Grey pinstripe wool mix wide short fitted jacket – Dorothy Perkins
Lilac v neck acrylic cardi with faux-fur collar – Pilot outlet
Black cotton vest – Topshop
Black brogue style kitten heel pointed courts – Dolcis

Sorry, no pic of these shoes. Am still hoping Santa will bring me a camera so I can post pictures…!

Outfit: Casual Friday

Grey cowl neck sweater dress – Tall Girls
Black leather belt with silver rimmed holes – Local boutique
Black Argyle pattern tights – Boots
Black knee high boots – Arturo Chiang (Century 21)

So I'm looking pretty similar to this picture really!

Outfit: Windy Thursday

Black and cream spot pattern wrap dress – Dorothy Perkins
White vest – Dorothy Perkins
Black cardigan – Long Tall Sally
Black 100 denier cotton rich tights – Marks and Spencer
Red shoes – Next (these should have been my ‘mostly be wearing’ item for yesterday, I’ve worn them 3 days in a row now!)

Further Christmas News

Following on from yesterday’s madness, the world has now officially gone insane. With an average waist measurement of 47” in department stores, Santa is clinically obese.

Christmas Party

So, it’s my work Christmas Party tonight and I have to say, I’m more excited about the fact that I can wear my new shoes (the blue metallic ones) than the choice of venue: Pizza Express. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Pizza Express, they make good pizza. It’s just that it’s a Christmas party. And well, pizza isn’t very Christmassy. I’d much rather be going to some dressy affair like most of my friends seem to be but as I work with a bunch of lads I guess this is as good as it gets. So whilst everyone else buys a new dress or digs out their sparkly frocks, I get to don my jeans and a sweater and eat pizza. Great.

Oh For Goodness Sake!!

Bureaucracy & political correctness in this country has gone mad! First on December 4th, an article appeared about the people of Embsay village in North Yorkshire who wanted to arrange a Christmas party for the village and got this response from Craven District Council when asking permission to use the car park outside the village hall for the party.
‘Organisers of a village Christmas party have been told they must carry out a risk assessment of their mince pies - or their festivities will be cancelled.
Council bosses say posters will have to be displayed at the party in Embsay, in the Yorkshire Dales, warning villagers the pies contain nuts and suet pastry.
The cocoa content and temperature of the hot chocolate must also be checked.’
Read the full story here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6207970.stm

Then, many employers banned Christmas decorations in the workplace for fear of offending people from other faiths:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6210532.stm

And today, it is apparently no long safe for those on stage a pantomime to throw sweets to children for fear of triggering allergies and Worthing Bough Council have advised them not to do it:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/6176201.stm

Sorry to deviate from fashion but things like this really make me mad!!!

This Week I Will Be Mostly…

…wearing my new Tall Girls sweater dress
…reading the January issue of Cosmopolitan.
…watching re-runs of Friends at breakfast time. Apart from Neighbours at tea time, that’s about the only chance I’ll have to watch TV this week
…eating pizza! It’s the office party tomorrow and we’re off to the ever-exciting Pizza Express
…shopping for nothing. Hopefully. No more purchases til after Christmas.

Tall Girls Purchases Update

Well my things arrived yesterday and they are fab! The trousers feel a wonderful quality and they are super long (well I did go for a 38” inside leg length!!). The dress has the longest sleeves ever and will look great with boots and tights. I can’t wait to wear them and will definitely be ordering more from this fantastic site!
http://www.tallgirls.co.uk/

Outfit: Red and Black

Black cord flare trousers – Topshop (Tall)
Black soft knit acrylic v neck – Dorothy Perkins (Tall)
Red cotton vest – New Look
Red Shoes – Next

Outfit: Sparkly Monday!

Black skirt with glittery, sparkly bits in the fabric – label says Lecomte, bought from a Local Boutique
Black vest – Topshop
Black v neck cardigan – Long Tall Sally
Black tights – Silkies (mail order)
Black knee high boots – Aturo Chiang (Century 21)

It’s Chrisssttttmmaaaaassss!!!!!

Well, almost. 2 weeks today people! That’s just 13 days away! To say I am excited would be an understatement. I am probably totally annoying the Young Man and my work colleagues but I really don’t care! I will be excited if I want to be.
But now the annual question – what to wear on Christmas Day? It has to something suitable for all activities – church, lunch at the Young Man’s sister’s house (and possible playing on the floor with his 18 month old niece) – whilst still looking stylish and gorgeous. I have a red cashmere sweater, purchased recently from George at ASDA so that will be quite festive. Then there’s the red satin shoes I wore when I was a bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding in September, that I have been waiting for another special occasion to wear again. So it better not rain!! (Oh look, another reference to the weather!) I’m thinking I’ll team these items with black trousers or jeans.

Clothes, Shoes and the Weather

That’s how a friend described the contents of this blog the other day. And I suppose she’s right. But when you think about it, the three are inextricably linked. I have already posted about my method of how choice of footwear leads to the rest of my outfit, (see Shoegal: Choosing An Outfit) but surely weather also plays a part in the choices we all make everyday about what to wear. If it’s freezing cold outside, you wouldn’t go out in a summer dress without a coat, or go to work in strappy sandals without tights. Equally, on a hot summer’s day you wouldn’t wear your winter coat, thick sweater and boots. So I will expand my method of getting dressed to include the weather. As well as determining how far I need to walk in the day, I will also check whether it’s raining. Clearly, suede or open footwear will not be suitable for torrential rain, but neither will jeans with flat shoes which will allow the water to be soaked all the way up your legs (don’t you hate when that happens?!). So yes, I suppose it’s fair to say that this blog IS all about clothes, shoes and the weather.

Outfit: Friday Boots!

Pale blue Long and Leans jeans with flower embroidery – Gap (customised by me)
Brown cotton v neck sweater – Dunnes
Pink leather belt – H & M
Pink leather boots – Bertie (BT2)
Pink bangle bracelets – Gift from friend
Silver hoop earrings – Claire’s Accessories
Brown silk scarf – Mackays

Outfit: Christmas Wrapping!

Yup, that’s what I’ll be doing, along with my little sis tonight! I’m getting quite excited about Christmas now. I had choir practice last night and we spent 2 hours singing carols in preparation for the concert in a week’s time.
Beige roll neck ribbed cotton sweater – Gap
Brown/beige long shorts(!) – H&M
Teal v neck tank top – Next
Brown tights – Topshop
Teal calf length boots – Faith
Teal/green/turquoise zig zag skinny scarf – Per Una at Marks & Spencer

Tall Girls Purchases

I just ordered this dress and these trousers from www.tallgirls.co.uk - I've never ordered anything from there before so I hope they get here quick and are OK. I'll let you know how I go on.

This Week I Will Be Mostly…

…wearing something cheery to combat the wet & rainy weather!
…reading the January issue of Company. I have long wondered why magazines work a month ahead of the rest of us. Anyone know the answer?
…watching ‘The Snowman’ & ‘Father Christmas’ that I just bought on DVD. If you have not seen these wonderful animations go and get a copy from Amazon.co.uk immediately!
…eating more mince pies and chocolate biscuits at work – I have all male colleagues and they are a Bad Influence!
…shopping for gift wrap & tags so I can wrap all those presents I bought last week. Also for stamps to post my Christmas cards

Outfit: Rainy Wednesday

Cream angora & wool mix v neck sweater – Oasis
Brown check wool mix A line skirt – Next
Brown tights – Next
Brown suede with cream faux fur trim – Roberto Vianni

I got these boots in the sales in Debenhams in the summer, £20 down from £110!! Someone commented this morning that they are very festive. I think they would be Santa boots if they were red. They have lacing up the side which you can just about see in the picture.

Christmas Shopping

So I just need to buy one more thing which I should be able to pick up tonight, and then it’s all done!! I’m feeling very virtuous! Off to my sister’s later in the week to wrap everything, then I’ll be ready for the big day.
I did buy a teensy treat for myself whilst out on Thursday, some brown leather gloves for just £18 from New Look. They have long wrists which is good as my arms are so long that short gloves sometimes leave a gap between them and my coat sleeve.
Also, these are a Christmas present to myself:

Oops, I Nearly Bought Shoes!!!

I am trying really hard not to buy any more shoes this year, but when Office have 25% off everything at http://www.office.co.uk/ it’s really hard!!! But I am being good!! I am remaining strong! (But you don’t have to so go take advantage of the discount!)

Outfit: Wednesday

Grey wool mix pin stripe trouser suit – Dorothy Perkins
Grey wool roll neck sweater – unknown, bought from a chain store seconds store
Pink suede and leather Mary Janes – Clarks

This Week I Will Be Mostly…

…wearing lighter weight things than recently – the frozen North has thawed somewhat and it’s mild again. Not at all Christmassy, how annoying!
…reading the December issue of Cosmopolitan
…watching Tripping Over, new Aussie drama on Channel Five. I love Aussie dramas as you can always play ‘spot the former Neighbours/Home and Away/Flying Doctors star’ (and when watching old Flying Doctors episodes you can play ‘spot the future Neighbours star’!). Tripping over features, amongst others, Emma from FD and Joel & Anne from Neighbours.
…eating healthy stuff, or trying to, it’s hard when people keep bringing mince pies and cake to work
…shopping for Christmas presents (and maybe a little something for myself if I spot a bargain)

Christmas Shopping!

So tomorrow is the day. I’m taking the afternoon off and heading to the Meadowhall centre (huge shopping mall) at Sheffield with my sister in an attempt to get it all done in one go and before the end of November. Wish me luck! I do this most years as there’s nothing worse than facing the city centre on a Saturday in December when it’s so, so crowded. One year I went to Meadowhall with my sister and we were there 12 hours!! I think that’s my most mammoth (and impressive) shopping spree ever! I’ve made my list and it’s in the geeky style of a spreadsheet with columns for each person and another column to tick off each item once it’s bought (can’t believe I’m admitting in public I’ve done this…!).

Outfit: Casual Friday

Pale blue Long and Lean Jeans – Gap (customised with blue flowers embroidered across the bottom of the legs)
White square neck t-shirt – Dorothy Perkins
Pale grey round neck cashmere cardi – Marks and Spencer (ebay)
Blue suede shoe-boots – New Look

Happy Thanksgiving!!

To all my US readers!

A Question

I am going out for a meal with a friend on Friday night and am planning to wear this dress and these boots. My question is: what colour tights should I put with it? The options are:
Brown
Cream
Bright Blue
Natural (flesh coloured)

Tell me what you think!!

Outfit: Wednesday

Navy cotton rib v neck sweater – Gap
White shirt – Topshop
Grey rib knit full length skirt – Mackays
Grey tights – We Love Colors
Navy patent leather shoes – Magrit

I have had this skirt for years, around 7 or 8 I would think. I had forgotten I had it until I rediscovered it in my old room at my parents’ house a few weeks back. It’s grey and knitted so fits in perfectly with the grey & sweater dress trends of this year.
The tights were a thank you gift from We Love Colors for giving their site a plug. Turns out? I can be bought!

Cheaper Boots!

Don’t you just love it when you spot something you already own, selling at a higher price than you paid? These boots are currently available at Dorothy Perkins for £35. I have a pair, practically identical (the toes are slightly more rounded on mine), that I bought about 3 months ago from Priceless Shoes for a mere £20. Those of you who know me will know I love my blue and so there was no way I was going to pass these up, even thought it was the hottest day in August. Just as well really, I snagged the last pair of 8s in the shop and am loving them still (even if the young man does say they look like slippers – he’s so rude at times!).

This Week I Will Be Mostly…

…wearing patent leather navy blue heels
…reading ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ which was THE book to read about 3 or 4 years ago but I just picked up a copy secondhand last weekend. The young man promptly hid it (why do boys do stuff like that?!) but when I remember to fish it out I’ll make a start.
…watching Bjorn Again! Went to see them last night in concert and if you love ABBA, you’ll love Bjorn Again!
…eating mince pies (yes, it’s nearly Christmas!)
…shopping for a birthday present for my father. And saving my money for a mammoth Christmas shopping spree with my sister next week.

Black Friday

As I have been reading more and more fashion blogs this year, I have come across a term I had not heard before: Black Friday. (Evidently my education of all things US through SATC and Friends has let me down!) I had gathered that it is the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is this week, but why is it black? So I thought I would investigate further on behalf of my non-US readers.

Good old Wikipedia to the rescue (I love that site!):

Origin
The first use of this term to describe the day after Thanksgiving is not exactly known. There are two popular theories as to its origin.

Accounting practice
One theory is that retailers traditionally operated at a financial loss for most of the year (January through November) and made their profit during the holiday season. When this would be recorded in the financial records, common accounting practices use red ink to show negative amounts and black ink would show positive amounts. Black Friday is the beginning of the period where they would no longer have losses (the red) and instead take in the year's profits (the black).

Stress from large crowds
Another theory comes from the fact that shopping experience on this day can be extremely stressful. The term is used as a comparison to the extremely stressful and chaotic experience of Black Thursday or other black days. According to The Word Spy:

Earliest Citation:
Christmas decorations around Tampa Bay started going up in late October, and business has been brisk since then. And while Friday--known as Black Friday for the legendary hordes--will be the biggest shopping day for many area stores, others ring up the greatest sales the Saturday before Christmas.—Marilyn Marks, "Retailers expect good sales this Christmas," St. Petersburg Times, November 27, 1986

There exists an earlier reference, speaking to the Friday after Thanksgiving:
A BLACK FRIDAY.There have been many Black Fridays in recent history. Most of them have been days of financial panic. There has been none of blacker foreboding than last Friday. And the blackness is not loss or fear of loss in stocks and bonds.New York Times (1857-Current file).New York, N.Y.: Dec 3, 1922. pg. 38, 1 pgsISSN/ISBN 03624331

Employees of retail stores have for years referred to Black Friday in a satirical way, to note the extremely stressful and hectic nature of the day. Heavy traffic and customer demands added to the long hours make it a difficult day.

So now we know why this Friday will be black!!

Outfit: Wrap Dress

Black & Cream wrap dress - Dorothy Perkins

Black T-shirt - Dorothy Perkins

Black opaque tights - Silkies

Red shoes - Next

Men & Holes

What is it with men and clothes with holes in? The young man has a t-shirt that has 7 (small) holes in the back of it (I counted!). I asked why he didn’t throw it out; he insists there’s nothing wrong with it. He has underpants with more holes in than should be there too. And again, won’t throw them out. I did throw out a pair that were beyond help. This was 18 months ago and I still haven’t heard the end of it! A friend of mine dated a guy who still wore pants labelled age 12-13 years. He was 20. Turned out his mum had always bought his pants and when she stopped, he just kept wearing the ones he had. Are men allergic to shopping? Or just incapable of deciding when something is past it and throwing it away? And are all men like this or just the ones I know? Comments please!!

Outfit: Brown and Cream

Brown linen jacket – Next
Brown long skirt – New Look
Cream v neck fluffy wool/angora/nylon mix sweater – Oasis Brown tights – Next
Brown shoes – Roberto Vianni

These shoes were yet another sale bargain in Debenhams, they were £19.50 I think. And were purchased with the gift card I received from the Young Man’s parents last Christmas so not even real money!

I Think There’s Something Wrong With Me

I have buyer’s remorse. But before I buy! Not only did I put back those shoes on Tuesday but I just spent ages on the LTS website (they have an up to 75% off clearance sale on but the site is going VERY slow) and got to the checkout with a ‘thunder’ colour trouser suit and then didn’t buy it. This is not like me. I am worried.

This Week I Will Be Mostly…

…wearing shades of brown – very Autumnal
…reading December’s Happy magazine, and Christmas gift guides from all the stores (still not made a list of everything I want to buy people as gifts)
…watching Love Actually (it’s 5 weeks to Christmas now actually, which is when the film actually starts!)
…eating mini apple pies with custard baked inside them
…shopping for no more shoes! I actually put 2 pairs back on the shelf yesterday and walked away from them. So I do have willpower! Who knew?

The Most Expensive Belt in the World...Ever?

It's gold, it's from Selfridges and it costs £20,000!

Outfit: New Boots!

Beige/blue/black check skirt – Charlotte Halton
Black cotton rib polo neck sweater – Marks & Spencer
Black 100 denier tights – George at ASDA
Tan boots – Faith

I’ve had this skirt for about 10 years – does that count as vintage?! I think it as from River Island but the label just says Charlotte Halton Contemporary Designs.

Bargain Cashmere at George

Yes, the rumours you have heard are true! George at ASDA are now stocking 100% cashmere items. I went to my local store last night and it’s obviously proving popular as there were only 3 sweaters left! One of them was in my size though so I picked up a bright red v neck long sleeve sweater in 100% cashmere for just £22. Yes, £22!! For some reason the ¾ length sleeve sweaters are £28 but even that’s a bargain.

Size 9 Shoes at Topshop

Topshop recently redesigned their website and one of the improved features is that they are now stocking all their shoes and boots in a size 9 (42). Yes I know this is not a true 9 but it should help some of us ladies with larger sized feet by providing more choice when it comes to shoe shopping. My particular favourites are shown at the side.

Outfit: Pink and Brown

Brown linen skirt suit – Next
Pink acrylic v-neck sweater – Dorothy Perkins
White square neck t-shirt – Dorothy Perkins
Natural tights – Boots
Brown & pink slingbacks – Faith
Pink bracelets – Gift from friend
Pink hair flower accessory (worn as brooch on jacket lapel) – New Look

I have put a pair of the Insolia insoles in these shoes which has vastly improved the comfort of them. Also, my feet kept sliding forward in them, crushing my toes in the point and making the straps fall off my heels. All of this is solved with the insoles as they are rubbery therefore ‘non-slip’ and my weight is more over the heels now too.

The Shoes That Got Away

Two weeks ago I ordered these beauties from Office online.

At £20 for real suede, in a 9 and in my favourite blue, I thought that was a bargain too good to miss. But this morning an email arrived in my inbox telling me that these shoes would never be mine – they are out of stock and Office will not be getting anymore in (so Office why is your website telling me they are still available??).

But all is not lost. Last week I was informed that Faith have a sale on and these were reduced to almost half price.

So I bought them to replace a horrid synthetic pair I’ve had since my student days and gave to the Oxfam shop today (one woman’s trash, right?), and once they arrive I may get over my loss!

All The Tights You Could Ever Wish For!

If you love tights, check out http://www.welovecolors.com/ for a huge range of tights, socks, fishnets, dancewear, you name it! They even have a few fancy dress costumes. There are a range of 45 colours to choose from so you’re bound to find something to match your new shoes or outfit. Heck, there’s even a blog. What more could a girl ask for!

This Week I Will Be Mostly…

…wearing a hat, scarf and gloves. Winter is here in the frozen North!
…reading December’s Company magazine, and Christmas gift guides from all the stores
…watching the American Pie trilogy as the Young Man bought a box set at the weekend (and I was going to get it to in his Christmas stocking…grrr!)
…eating jam roly poly and custard
…shopping at Faith online, check out the 20% discount!

Talking Walk In Wardrobes

Like many women, I dream of one day having a walk in wardrobe. But I look at designs like this one and I wonder ‘where do the shoes go?’




Step forward Crowne Closets of Las Vegas. Now you’re talking!

Shame it costs $18,000 eh?!!

Outfit: Grey & Blue

Grey wool skirt – Gap
Grey wool pinstripe jacket – Dorothy Perkins
Grey wool rib polo neck sweater – Chain store seconds shop
Blue velvet waistcoat – Primark
Grey long rib socks – Sock Dreams
Blue suede shoe-boots – New Look

My Shoes Are Creaking!

They are! I don’t know why. They are from Faith and I got them in the sale last winter. Another example of a Faith 8 fitting me when some of their 9s don’t! Anyway, I haven’t worn these for a while even though I do like them very much. And now they’re creaking!

Further Musings on Fall Fashion 2006

Earlier this week I posted on the influence the final season of ‘Sex and the City’ had on the trends for Fall Fashion 2006. Well I would just like to further that by adding this picture, the final shot of all 4 women together and look what they’re wearing: plaid, houndstooth, a belted mac and, why, Ms Bradshaw, is that a sweater dress? (OK, not sure it’s a sweater dress the other three are bang on for this season!)

Outfit: Furry Boots!

Now that the weather has turned officially cold, it’s time to bring out the faux-fur trimmed boots! These beauties are by Roberto Vianni and are dark brown suede. They cost me just £20 in the Debenhams sale this summer, marked down from £110 (it pays to shop for winter things when it’s hot people!). With them I am wearing:
Beige/brown check wool skirt – Next
Beige cotton rib polo neck – Gap
Beige cashmere v neck sweater – United Colours of Benetton
Beige cuffable scrunchable thigh high socks – Sock Dreams

This Week I Will Be Mostly…

…wearing something warm, it’s gone freezing out all of a sudden and we had the first frost this morning
…reading November’s Elle magazine (still, it’s big and I didn’t finish it the other week)
…watching Hocus Pocus, top non-scary Halloween film!
…eating Morrison's Break bars (supermarket own version of Kit Kats), I'm addicted!!
…shopping at Office online, it’s fast becoming my new favourite shoe store!

Office ‘Betsey’ Swivel Strap Shoe

Remember those shoes you got when you were a kid that had a strap that turned round the back of the shoe so you could pretend you were wearing slip-ons? Just me that did that then? I had a pair in black patent leather and thought they were fantastic! Having promised my parents I wouldn’t wear them as slip-ons, m me & everyone else in my class at school would all turn the straps round for the day once we were safely at school. I credit these shoes (and Clark’s Magic Key shoes) as the start of my shoe obsession! Anyway, this is all a very roundabout way of telling you that you can once more own the swivel strap style of shoe! They’re £49.99 from Office in what the website lists as ‘tomato’ and they also come in black. (This picture makes them look patent but they're not, it's just Paint doing strange things to the photo.)

New Site For Big Shoes

I just spotted an ad for Adiva Shoes http://www.adivashoe.com/ in Glamour magazine. Seeing that they stock only sizes 9-11 I got very excited and rushed on over there and found…a total of 12 pairs of shoes, none of which I would wear. But the prices are reasonable so if you’re in to flats and tiny heels in slightly bizarre patterns, check it out. It does say that boots and international shipping are coming soon (UK only at present) so it will definitely be worth another look in a few weeks’ time.

Faith ‘Celina’ Patent Red Brogues

Looking for an Autumn trend shoe in a bright colour? Look no further than these red brogues from Faith. Not only do they pick up on the brogue trend, but also the patent leather trend and they are in red which is still a very popular colour at the moment. I see them under a pinstripe trouser suit at work for the ‘wow, look at your shoes!’ factor, or with jeans at the weekend. They come in a 9 too so that’s great for girls like me who can struggle to find shoes that fit. And at £55 for three trends in one, that’s what I call a bargain!

Outfit: New Shoes!

I got these shoes a couple of weeks ago on Faith’s Pink Day (20% discount!). With them I am wearing a pale grey wool pinstripe wide leg trousers and matching waist length jacket from Dorothy Perkins and a darker grey wool polo neck sweater from a seconds store. It’s getting cold out now!

Fall Fashion 2006

I have a theory about the fashion trends of this season. The designers didn’t come up with anything new. No, what they did was all sit down together and watch ‘Let There Be Light’, episode 13 of season 6 of ‘Sex and the City’ and stole all of the outfits! In this one episode, Carrie can be seen wearing:
Ankle boots (in grey no less!)
A knitted cardi
A beret
Arm warmers
A plaid jacket
Shorts
And she is seen layering too. All of which are big trends this season. Charlotte is seen in a very masculine shirt, tie & waistcoat combination and Samantha sports a bright yellow voluminous coat. Even the background was used for inspiration: when Carrie and Charlotte are in Barney’s, Charlotte blindfolded in an attempt to understand what it is like to be blind, the display behind her is houndstooth!
This can’t just be a coincidence, surely?!

Outfit: More Pink!

It’s casual Friday again and this week we’re doing a special one to raise money for Breast cancer Research everyone was encouraged to wear pink. My department is all male so needless to say, very few are participating in the pink thing, but I think I’m making up for them! I’m wearing:
Pink ribbed polo neck sweater – Next
Pink long sleeve t-shirt – Gap
Dark skinny jeans – Gap
Pink boots – Bertie (bought from BT2 in Dublin – see Monday’s entry for a picture)
I went over to the reception here and one of the ladies there said I am a style icon. Praise indeed!

Insolia In-Soles

Today I am testing out the new Insolia In-Soles that I bought from http://www.insolia.com/
They are small gel cushions (similar to Party Feet) but these go in the heel end of your shoe/boot and magically transfer your weight off the ball of your foot. The website says:

Solving the Problems of High Heels
§ Invented by Dr. Dananberg to ease his patient's pain.
§ He determined that padding and cushioning don't reduce pressure - they only mask it briefly.
§ He discovered that shifting weight to the heel reduces the pressure and prevents the pain!
§ Insolia Inserts shift weight off your forefootand back onto your heels - where it belongs!
§ Comfortable high heels are now a reality,thanks to Insolia!
§ Insolia Inserts vanish in your shoes!
§ You can wear any style of high heel with Insolia!

I haven’t walk far in my boots yet, but just standing up in them feels different and more comfortable. The inserts come in 4 sizes and cost $8.90 for one pair and $17.80 for 3 pairs. Some shoes manufacturers have started manufacturing shoes with Insolia built in. In the UK this is just Marks and Spencer and DKNY so far, but surely others will catch on and follow suit as comfort will be improved no end.
And look, they're good for your posture too!

Outfit: Autumn Browns

Brown check wool skirt – Next
Beige cashmere sweater – United Colours of Benetton
White shirt – Topshop Tall range
Brown tights – Next
Brown boots – Faith

This Week I Will Be Mostly…

…wearing those pink round toe court toe shoes from Faith
…reading November’s Glamour magazine
…watching nothing, so far this week I’ve not been in to watch TV
…eating porridge with stewed apples
…shopping online

Outfit: It's Freezing!

How cold would it like to be today?! I think the warm Autumn is over. It’s freezing cold outside today. Yes I am in the frozen North but still. And it’s raining. I am wearing much the same outfit as yesterday (which I never do, but I took the easy option last night so I wouldn’t have to change shoes or bag as I was busy) but have swapped the grey polo next for a bright pink one from Long Tall Sally that matches my shoes, and the socks are the ‘Long Cuffable Slouchable’ style from Sock Dreams that seem to be staying up better.

A Sensible Shoe Purchase

I am contemplating purchasing these boots. They are Doc Martens and are therefore very sensible purchase as I will be able to wear them for walks, and general purposes, as they will be very comfortable. But my young man is threatening to put me on a shoe-budget of £10 per month. I told him that didn’t scare me, I’d just go to Matalan, Primark and George more than I do now, and still be able to get a new pair each month for that price. He said that wasn’t the idea, I was supposed to save for quality and a good stout pair of shoes. So he should approve of these boots as they look very stout and as I recall, DM soles were resistant to everything – fire, petrol, oil and a list of other things.

Outfit: Shades of Grey

How many shades of grey can you wear at once? Well I’ve managed 4 today. With some pink shoes added for good measure.
Grey A-line skirt – Gap
Grey ribbed polo neck sweater – don’t know, the label is cut out, purchased from a chain store seconds shop
Grey chunky knit long cardigan – Warehouse (pictured)
Grey Super M long socks – Sock Dreams
Pink court shoes – Faith
Pink Birkin-esque bag - Next