fashion wish lists

When you spend as much time on the computer as I do, you can't help but take a break sometimes to browse new arrivals, especially when your mailbox is constantly bombarded by email alerts updating you on sales, discounts and money off offers.

Just as you can window shop on the high street sometimes, I'm usually window shopping online, adding all my favourite items to my wish list which makes it easy to find if and when I do decide days later that I simply must have it.  I'm sure there are times when you come across an item online which you don't buy immediately but days later its still on your mind.  When you decide you're getting that must have item you can spend many hours of desperate searching trying to find it. Annoying isn't it?

Here are my picks of the week which I have added to my wish lists

Desigual, one of my all time favorite designer satisfies my desire for the eclectic, colour and unique designs.  This desigual top "nadia" is certainly on my wish list.

Perfect for summer (if we ever have one) is this printed tunic dress from french fashion catalogue La Redoute.  Read the reviews though if you are interested in ordering this fabulously flirty flowered tunic as it is advised to order 2 sizes down from your regular size.  Can't beat the benefit of reviews so make sure and leave one when you buy online for the next shopper.

fleece plum throw

Buying fabulously fashionable summer coats, ponchos and rain macs to keep warm and dry outside is not my only concern this summer.  When I'm at home i just want to snuggle up in front of the tv looking at all those feel good christmas movies that I've just discovered on one of sky's  movie channels.   Don't have to wait until christmas apparently though I wish the same were true for roasted chestnuts.  

For that brief moment while it thunders with rain outside, I want to believe in the miracle of christmas and warm my heart with tales of santa and what could happen if we just believe even if it is just through the realm of my television screen.  

I've just popped my much used and much loved fleece plum throw in the wash : my favorite tv snuggle up time blanket.  The kids just love to pile in and cuddle up with me while I'm taking in these Christmas movies, not that they are so interested in the storyline but they grasp their opportunity to start whispering their christmas wish list in my ear.  Can't say that they don't look out for number 1 - themselves!!!

Summer skirts and dresses

Today after picking the kids up from school I simply had to head home before taking them to their activity. At the risk of being late for tennis my detour home just could not be helped as i was sweltering in jeans and long sleeve tee shirt. my legs were screaming for some ventilation so a skirt or dress was just what i needed.  having just moved house neither were readily available as my summer wardrobe was still packed away in suitcases chaotically lodged in the garage.  Didn't think I would be needing it in a hurry considering the weather we've been having.

There I was having to rummage through the garage to find the right suitcase first of all and then pull out a dress which smelt as musty as anticipated having been packed away since winter.   Did I care?  It was simply too hot today. A change of underwear was also necessary as my white underwear is a no no for me under a light cotton dress.   I'm simply not a Sex and the City kind of girl when it comes to that. 

Sitting here waiting on the kids to finish I'm relieved that I made the effort to pop in and change first as if you think it's hot outside, the body heat generated from other waiting parents the body heat is really starting to take it's toll. Note to self - unpack summer wardrobe tonight including flip-flops and summer sandals.   You just can't have enough summer skirts and dresses.  Must try on as i unpack as I know I am a little more rotound than last summer.

don't get rained in

Rain drops keep falling on my head is the tune I was reminded of all of last week as it rained and rained during the half term last week.  Other than play dates at friends' houses all I could manage was cinema with the kids to see Epic and IronMan 3.  Be warned Epic does challenge your emotional realm as it borders on being a bit of a romance movie at times.  Imagination wise, it makes you want to venture out into your back garden in search of this ultra insect universe.

Can't say that I enjoyed getting wet from the car to the cinema though the kids certainly didn't mind.  On any other day we could have walked to the cinema but I didn't fancy getting there looking like a drowned rat.  There should be somewhere to check your wet coats, water proof ponchos and umbrellas at more public places, don't you think?  Especially given the fact that the weather is usually 90% unfavorable in the good old United Kingdom.

I wasn't always adverse to a bit of rain.  Like the kids I used to love walking in the rain and was always happy to get caught in the rain especially when on my way home from school.  Bathing in the rain was always a particular favorite.  My siblings and I would done our swimwear and play in the rain for hours.  Redirecting the guttering over a drum used to collect the precious rainwater to position it over our heads to feel the powerful gush of water cascading over our bodies was simply priceless.  Obviously can't go out to play did not apply to us when it rained.

Why we complain so much about the rain when we get older must be a result of our diminishing spontaneity and our increasing role of responsiblility.    Like anything else it is a matter of dressing for the weather.  Some say that there is no such thing as being too cold but just a case of not dressing warmly enough.  So too when outfitted for the rainy weather in our wellies, rain macs, ponchos (and I'm really starting to like the water resistant ponchos as it covers so much more of me) the pouring rain does not feel so bad.  Me I've started looking forward to warming up with a hot cup of tea or soup once i get to where im going.  It's all about perspective.

By now you may have realised that I wrote this article months ago as the half term is long gone but the topic of rain is still so very current as those of you attending Wimbledon, 20 20 Cricket, Sports Meets at Crystal Palace and the Alexander Stadium are well aware.  Once you've bought you tickets for these events you are pretty much committed so get yourself a ponchos and stay dry.

Checked coat with wool

I spotted my friend Sally in this coat yesterday and thought what a fab coat.  Simply had to tell her that I liked the coat to which she promptly blurted out that it was from Marks and Spencer.  I was quickly reminded of the news a few weeks ago which reported that clothing retail sales from M&S had declined while sales at Primark was booming urging me to write a blog post on Quality vs Quantity Fashion.  I said to her that one Primark shopper interviewed about their preference for shopping there remarked that Marks and Spencer was for "ole birds".   We both had a good laugh and resolved that we both must be old birds then as I have several coats in my wardrobe from M&S as well.  

I have to say that the online picture of this checked wool coat really doesn't do it justice and I would not normally go for a grey coat but the subtle burgundy colours in this woollen coat really lifts the coat and I simply love the furry texture of the outside -  lovely to look at and gorgeous to the touch.  Because the sleeves does not reach as far down to the wrist  you can team with a roll neck long sleeve in burgundy which just picks up on the coat's colours.  In fact Sally wore hers with a burgundy layer and a grey felt hat.  Most important to me and as I said to Sally, "I'm sure that I'll be seeing you in this coat for many winters to come".  

Christmas partywear with a shine

First Lady Michelle Obama is not the only one who recycles outfits.  I do it every year especially at christmas time with all the festive parties with my name on it. More and more though I find that sometimes outfits that looked smashing one year ago are not as flattering now.  Maybe because I've put on a bit of weight or the novelty has worn off or maybe I've just gotten a little older and wiser -  I don't know.  Now I make sure and try on my outfits way in advance to avoid hitting the high street a day or two before a party to panic buy an outfit.  When I look at outfits bought in desperation I usually shake my head and wonder "what was I thinking!". But vanity masked as desperation can make us ladies do strange things.

I especially want to get it right for the office party so no harm in having a few backup outfits.  This year I want to stay clear of black party wear as this colour is simply starting to dominate my wardrobe as far as cocktail dresses .... so enough with the dresses. I'm going for a fancy top and casual trousers.  Less is soooo much more as this sheer metallic lace top with a lined body shows.  This look is simple, chic and so fabulously feminine with the ruffles at the neckline - perfect if you are going straight from work to party.

Christmas gifts for him

We constantly blog about gifts for her on this blog and don't pay much attention to gifts for him.   Let's rectify that now because with Christmas soon upon us I know I am in need of some ideas myself.  This 100 % cotton howick multi stripe robe is a superb gift for dad, husband, partner or boyfriend.  What's great as well is that they come in a variety of colour combinations so you won't be spoilt for choice.  

By default clothes is usually the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for him maybe because I shop so much for myself.  When I want to mix it up a bit I go for technology accessories as men never tire of their boy toys and I know my limits when it comes to choosing electronic gifts for my husband. Who knows better than them exactly which type or model of phone or laptop they need.  Boy toys accessories includes iphone case, laptop bag which are much cheaper options for me anyway. Think practically about his needs and I'm sure you'll come up with even more ideas.