Long Tall Sally Spring/Summer Wishlist

I have managed to cull my shopping habit in recent years, but that doesn’t mean I can’t look. Long Tall Sally have got their spring collection on their website now so I thought I’d take a look and tell you what I would choose, were money no object.

Long Sleeve Breton Stripe top, £22
Because everyone needs a striped top in their life, especially a cheerful red and white one for spring. What’s that, Mom? I don’t need any more striped tops in my life wardrobe? Yeah, you’re probably right, but a girl can dream (and this one would fit me properly with its oh-so-lovely tall length sleeves).

Textured Biker Jacket, £75
I love me a good jacket, and if it’s a biker style with lots of zips? All the better! This style is really classic and it’s nice to have a fabric that isn’t leather (or pleather) for the warmer months of the year.

Daisy Ballerina shoes, £15-30 (depending on colourway)
I am showing you these in the leopard print, but I would also take the snakeskin, the lapis blue and the black sparkly versions. I love a pointy toe flat and these are no exception.

Denim Shirt, £40
I have a denim shirt, but it isn’t a tall one so the sleeves aren’t quite the right length. I’d love to replace it with this one.

Leather Biker Jacket, £225
Can I afford this? No. Would I spend £225 on a jacket if I could afford it? No. But as I said at the start, a girl can dream and a jacket in this gorgeous shade of red leather is certainly a dream of mine.

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Review: Esprit EDC Top

I wore this striped top yesterday and I wanted to post a quick review of it – so excuse the photographs which I snapped late last night. I’ve included the one from the Esprit website too which is much better quality.

I bought this top from Spartoo back in April or May, using my birthday money and a voucher I had for the site. I knew Esprit clothing was good quality and you can never have too many striped tops, right? Turns out that maybe you can as Sunday was the first time I wore this! I love it though – so much so that I wore it yesterday too. The fabric is about 18% polyester and about 5% elastane which means it doesn’t stretch out in that annoying way that 100% cotton tops tend to do. The length in the body is amazing and the ¾ sleeves are actually ¾ length on me, and not above the elbow as is usually the case.

Checking the Esprit website the top is still available but it says it’s 100% cotton, so either the website is wrong or they’ve changed the fabric composition, which would be a shame. Either way, it’s also available in a navy stripe with red print if you prefer.

This post is not sponsored though if someone from Esprit or Spartoo is reading and would like to send me payment or goodies that would be OK with me!

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Bessie the Bus – Oasis’s Travelling Fashion Bus

One afternoon last week I needed some toothpaste and shampoo, so I stopped off at the large Boots on the retail park on the way home. Imagine my surprise to see a large, pink bus parked up in the car park:

On further investigation it turned out to be a sort of ‘pop up’ Oasis store – called Bessie the Bus. Bessie is a fully functioning Oasis store that is travelling the country and setting up shop (as it were) in places where there isn’t a branch of Oasis close by. The nearest ones to where I spotted Bessie are about 20-30 minutes drive away so the retail park is the ideal location as the high street stores permanently located there attract many, many shoppers. Bessie was on site for three days before travelling on elsewhere.

The lady I spoke to on the bus said that they had been travelling around for the past 9 months or so, and you can click here to see whether she will be anywhere near you in the coming months.

Formerly a mobile library that had been abandoned, the bus has been transformed into a miniature store, complete with fitting rooms. The inside is kitted out with hanging rails, shelves and a kitchen area – that houses more clothing and accessories!

I think this is a really novel idea and will certainly generate interest in the brand. Look out for Bessie at various events around the country this summer!

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Primark Jeans Review

I love me some denim and as I just got three new pairs of jeans I thought I’d do a bit of a review of them.

Now we all know that Primark is super cheap but how do their jeans stand up?


Skinny Jeans
 

At just £10 these jeans aren’t the cheapest that Primark have to offer (I believe they have some at £7 or £8) but these are certainly super stretchy and very comfortable to wear. They are well designed and are flattering on the bum, and they come in varying leg lengths – my pair are labelled as a 34” inside leg but as they wrinkle up at my ankle I would wager that they are actually longer than that.


Push Up, Push In Skinny Jeans

These jeans are a little more expensive, but at £13 they aren’t going to break the bank. I love the acid wash of my pair – not something I would otherwise have chosen I don’t think, but I loved how this style fits. The pockets are well placed on the back, there is clever seaming to give the impression that your bum is being lifted and shaped. For £13 you’re not going to get actual pull in denim or internal suck you in panels, but the denim has plenty of stretch and is very comfortable to wear, as well as looking great.


Boyfriend Slim Jeans

I bought my regular size in these jeans and they’re not exactly a boyfriend style on me, but I guess sizing up would give them a more relaxed look if that’s what you’re after. I love that the distressing on these isn’t actually on the knee (although I suspect it’s supposed to be a lot nearer the knee than is on me as my legs are so long). The denim in these is more rigid than the other two pairs, but they are still 1% elastane so there’s some stretch to them.

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It's Official...

... I'm too old to shop at River Island.

Review: Boots from tReds

I was contacted last week by a company called tReds to review their footwear, in exchange for a free pair of shoes. Never one to turn down free shoes, I said yes please.

I have an abject fear of being without a pair of tan boots in the autumn/winter/spring/wet or cold summer – basically all year round, so I chose the Kaitlyn boots from tReds own brand to add a(nother) back up pair to my collection.

The boots have leather uppers and are currently in the sale for just £19.99, which I think is a real bargain. There are plenty of other bargains to be had in the sale section too, so go and check it out.

tReds started as a shoe store in Weymouth in 1996 and has gradually expanded along the south coast, moving north with a total of 33 stores today. Their furthest north store is Nottingham though, which would explain why I had never heard of them.

Their website is available all over though, and alongside their own brand shoes they stock big names such as Blowfish, Dr Marten, Hunter and Fitflop, to name just a few. They also stock a small range of clothing.

With prices as low as they are, and free UK delivery on all orders over £29.99, this is definitely a website to keep an eye on.

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My Favourite Tall Fashion Sites

When you are tall people will often say ‘oh I wish I were as tall as you’, or ‘how lovely to be so tall’. To which I respond – ‘yes, until you have to try buying trousers – there’s one high street shop near me that I can get trousers long enough’ (Topshop). Don’t get me wrong, I do like my height but shopping for clothes can sometimes be a nightmare. Thank goodness, then, for the internet.

The internet not only lets you buy things that are not necessarily stocked in the bricks and mortar stores (Next, New Look, I’m looking at you) but it also gives you access to those stores you wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach. Since my local branch of Long Tall Sally closed down in 2005 I am stuck with either driving to York or Manchester to visit an actual store, or relying on their website. Which is fine, but sometimes you just want to be able to buy something in a shop.

However, one advantage of online shopping is that you can shop from stores located overseas. One site that has long been on my radar is Long Elegant Legs. The good news is that they ship to the UK and I love the huge range of items on their website. For example, their tall tops all come in several different colours and look how long the sleeves are!

Their jeans all have a 36” inseam too.

Gap have also started shipping to the UK from their US website. The UK site has some tall options on it, but at the moment it’s mostly short sleeved t shirts and cropped pants. We don’t need specifically cropped pants thanks, regular length ones will be cropped on us tall girls! The US site also gives you access to Old Navy’s tall sizes too which is awesome.

So, tall ladies, if the UK’s high street isn’t meeting your needs have a look online where there is so much more choice to be found.

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T.M. Lewin Autumn/Winter 2014

If I said TM Lewin to you, what would spring to mind? Shirts? Perhaps ties? But definitely menswear, right? Wrong. T.M. Lewin now has a range of gorgeous womenswear as well as the men’s collection of shirts, ties and suits.

The collection comprises smart knits, tailored dresses and sassy jackets. And a couple of weeks ago T.M. Lewin contacted me and kindly offered to send me a couple of pieces from the new autumn/winter collection which is now available on their website. You can check out the whole collection here – there’s a video to watch too.

I chose the Iris Striped top (which doesn’t appear to be available online right now) and I wore it on Friday. I love how the stripes taper in at the waist creating a slimming optical illusion. I also like how it’s different from most other striped tops in that the stripes are only on the front and shoulders. It just sets it apart from other striped tops I think. The fabric is a lovely soft knit cotton blend and is the perfect weight for cooler spring/summer days and will transition well into the autumn.

I also chose the Shani Coral Jacket, which you will find here.  I styled this with the sleeves cuffed to show off the striped lining (I do love me some stripes). The jacket doesn’t button which makes it easy to wear casually or to the office – buttoned jackets can sometimes be restrictive, don’t you think? The bright orangey coral colour is a great one for the summer, and a jacket is always a good layering piece when the cooler weather arrives.

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Deichmann x Caroline Blomst

It’s always great when brands recognise the talents of us fashion bloggers, and that is just what has happened to blogger Caroline Blomst of Carolines Mode. She is collaborating with shoe brand Deichmann and has created a line of shoes which is available from today.

There’s something for everyone, from on trend slipper flats to a pair of pixel print sneakers which even I think are cool, and I am NOT a trainer girl.

My favourite pair is these pointed, studded heels. They’re navy blue which I love, and the heel is cute and walkable.

If peep toes are more your thing there are two pairs of booties and a pair of courts to choose from. The lace pair will be hot for spring (and also, cool, literally).

The final pair in the collection is these three strap Mary Janes. They are also super pointed and would look great with some cuffed jeans and a leather jacket.

I have several pairs of shoes and boots from Deichmann, and they are definitely a brand I would recommend. The brand is well priced and every pair in the collaboration comes in at under £28. Can’t say fairer than that!

You can check out the entire collection online here, or in a Deichmann store near you.

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Shoes and Boots at Brantano

When you wear size 9 shoes, like I do, it can be difficult to find shops that stock shoes that will fit you. One place I have never had this problem though is Brantano. They can always be relied upon to have a selection of size 9s and even some size 10s which, in the UK, is a very rare thing indeed. So I had a look at their website to see what was on offer this season.

I narrowed my search down by size and found a total of 55 pairs of women’s shoes and women’s boots. The choice included these adorable glittery party shoes (or, if you’re like me, a random Wednesday shoes) by Emilo Luca X

And these military inspired boots.

They also carry one of my favourite brands, Hush Puppies. How about these lovely classic loafers?

Brantano have 68 stores all over the country but their website has also been transactional for several years now. If you see something you like you can buy them online for free collection from your local store. Or home delivery costs just £2.95 and is free for orders over £50.

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Ultimate Autumn/Winter 2013 Shoe Checklist

With the cold weather already starting to bite, make sure you're ready to face the elements and step into the
next season in style with some glamorous new shoes. Certain staple designs should be in every wardrobe,
so stock your closet with these tried and true styles, and the hardest decision you make this autumn may be
which pair to wear first.


Biker Boots

Weatherproof, tough and trendy, the biker boot is an autumn/winter must-have. Even if you've never been
near a motorcycle this boot lends a cool edge to any look. Whether you're strolling through city streets or
piles of leaves, biker boots are functional, fashionable and a real style statement.


Metallic Flats

Re-invented for this season, the classic pump has got a shiny new look and gone metallic! A silver or gold
hue is surprisingly versatile, working as a neutral to flaunt fancy party wear. Couple your metallic flats
with a deep purple or jade blouse to enhance their shine.


Lovely Loafers

Who says loafers are solely for gents? Feminine colours and details like tassels ensure you won't confuse
your pair with his. Dress up jeans with these smart shoes, and try a pair crafted in softer fabric for a more
casual look from.


Platform Wedges

For ladies who prefer a heel, this season's towering style of choice is the platform wedge. Open or peep
toed, buckled or strapped, this shoe can be a strappy sandal or a cosy boot.


Glam Mary Janes

We all remember these from our childhood and it’s time to rediscover this school yard staple – you can find
plenty of classic Mary Jane styles in the range of Clarks shoes at Littlewoods. Higher heels and modern
detailing like patent leather take this dependable shoe to glamorous heights, while maintaining its cosy and
comforting roots.

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Long Tall Sally – 25% off jeans 'til Thursday

There’s 25% off all jeans (excluding brands) at Long Tall Sally until Thursday, so if you need a new pair now is a good time to treat yourself!

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25% Off Jeans at Long Tall Sally

Long Tall Sally have 25% off all their jeans this week. The discount will be applied at the checkout so go and treat yourself to some new denim, you lovely leggy ladies!

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Fall Fashion Wishlist: Next Tall

Continuing with my picks of the Tall collections for the new season, this week we turn our attention to Next. I really like Next’s Tall range because unlike most of the high street tall collections that are for a height of 5’7” and over, Next design theirs for people 5’10” and over – ie. people who are actually tall! That means the sleeve and leg lengths are always good and the prices are reasonable too. Now if only they would stock the collection in store...

Anyway, my picks for the new season are as follows:

Heart sweater, £32

Long Sleeve Dress, £32

A dress with long sleeves! This is definitely on my wishlist. It comes in navy, red, teal and black, all of which are available in tall.

Zip Detail Skinny Trousers, £28

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Wedding Shoes at John Lewis

Are you planning your wedding at the moment? Are you going to be a bridesmaid for a friend or relative? Do you need a pair of shoes that exactly match a particular colour dress and are proving impossible to track down? Yes? Then check out the selection of wedding shoes at John Lewis. Prices start from £34.50 (for clearance items) so there’s something to suit all budgets.

Most of the styles on offer are cream, white or silver but did you know that you can have satin shoes dyed to a custom colour? This is something I learned several years back (I almost wrote ‘a couple of years back’ just now, but then thought about it and realised that 2006 was 7 years ago!) when I was a bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding. Being a size 9 my shoe options are limited anyway, but finding a pair in the right shade of dark red to match my dress was proving impossible. Then I found out you can have satin (but not polyester – the dye doesn’t take on polyester) shoes dyed to whatever colour you like. I sent of my shoes with a swatch of fabric and they came back a perfect match.

There are plenty of options with added sparkle too, in the form of diamantes, to add a touch of glamour to your special day.

I particularly like this silver pair by Kurt Geiger, though I know a lot of brides/bridesmaids would not want to wear such high heels all day. John Lewis have every base covered with heels heights from just a centimetre or two, to several inches. For a low heel try this pair by Rainbow Club:

The shoes I mentioned above that I had dyed were by Rainbow Club and almost this exact style, so I can vouch for their comfort levels personally. If you want to go higher (and I wish I had, I don’t wear my red shoes much now as they’re such a low heel for a dressy shoe) there are mid-heels such as these Dune bridal courts. I love the pretty diamante detailing on these:

Or you might be a heels girl through and through in which case what about this d’Orsay pair? Dye them pale taupe and you have pretty much a dead ringer for Carrie’s stolen Manolo Blahnik’s in the A Woman’s Right To Shoes episode of Sex and the City:

If you prefer something more classic, you can’t go wrong with a plain pointed toe court shoe. Dune have this one in white:

Or Rainbow Club have a slightly lower heeled one in a satin finish:

Finally, for brides who are wondering how they will dance the night away in their high heels, there is always the option to switch to flats for the evening reception. This fabulous jewelled pair by Dune are just the job!

All the brands mentioned above are available at John Lewis in their wedding shoe department.

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