New Shoes

I'm indebted to Tamera Beardsley who wrote a few weeks ago about her search for the perfect pair of shoes. She found them with a quirky London brand called Poetic Licence.

I was amazed that I've never come across this brand before. They're really perfect for me. I'm always hunting for shoes which are a little different and don't look "grannyish" because I don't like high heels.

These shoes, above, are from Poetic Licence. They're Barnard brogues and come in several different colours. The shoe boxes are very cute too! It's my birthday on Thursday and I've asked for a a slightly different pair of blue ones. Sharing with the lovely ladies of Visible Monday.

Shoes, Poetic Licence; jumper, Pure Collection; skirt, Boden; necklace and belt, Marks & Spencer

Mid Calf Boots

Boots, Zara; jumper, Boden; trousers, Marks & Spencer

I adore ankle boots. I think they look really funky with coloured tights and fun skirts (to use a Boden-esque phrase). I recently bought a pair of black shiny mid calf boots (Zara) but I'm a little flummoxed about how to wear them.  Samantha Cameron got no end of stick when she wore the same pair with a dress and no tights.

The challenge is that mid calf boots cut off the leg at the chunkiest part.

The elastic "Chelsea boot" part of these boots unmercifully cuts into your calf flesh, so with tights or bare legs, this is only flattering if you're very young and very thin. It looked amazing on the models in the Red fashion spread on coats, with all the models wearing ankle and mid calf boots.

I have been wearing them with trousers, although I think it's a look that possibly shouts "Captain Kirk" or "Beam me up Scotty."

Cobalt Blue

I've had a hankering for cobalt blue. I found this Havren dress in John Lewis but didn't buy it because I was in a rush. The next day, regretting that decision I bought it from them online. It was the last in my size and had reduced in price overnight! Serendipitous.  Sharing with Not Dead Yet Style and Visible Monday.

Dress: Havren at John Lewis; shoes: Clarks; necklace Topshop

Monochrome

Black and white continues to be a fashion mainstay. It's always popular with me. I love this dress from Marks & Spencer: it has a slightly retro feel and it's in the very flattering fit and flare style. I bought it about four years ago. The two-tone ankle boots are from River Island. Sharing with Lena B's Passion for Fashion link up.

Violet

It was a beautiful day in London yesterday and I put on a new outfit to go to a restaurant for my husband's birthday lunch.

Violet was the colour: I have always loved violet and was thrilled to see that Kettlewell Colours have quite a few garments in violet this autumn/winter.

Skirt, camisole and top: Kettlewell Colours. Tights: Tightsplease. Necklace: Marks & Spencer. Boots|: Asos.

Happy Monday to all the lovely ladies at Visible Monday.

Mother and daughter special

My mum came to stay this weekend - she lives quite a long way away, in Devon, and it's a long journey when you're 81. She is however full of verve and energy.

Hello Sailor

I have rediscovered vintage! I bought these 80s inspired tops from Asos Marketplace. I love the sailor look. The trousers are by Jovonista from Asos. Linking up with Visible Monday.

Relaxed Holiday Wear

Trousers and flip flops: M&S; t-shirt: Next; sunglasses Ray-Ban

When you're out sight seeing on holiday, you need something relaxed and comfortable. So I reach for three-quarter length or capri trousers, a t-shirt and my glittery flip flops.  The trusty "bum bag" (or fanny pack, as you call it in the US) was a present more than 10 years ago, and came from Marco Polo. I use it on nearly every trip. Sharing this with the lovely ladies of Visible Monday.

Holiday Essentials

I'm on holiday now and sunning myself in Greece.  Here are a few of my holiday essentials, in terms of jewellery:

Orange

Dress: Marks & Spencer Speziale; necklace: Top Shop; wedges: M&S

I've a bit of a thing for orange so far this summer.  This is a great dress for smart occasions at work, or just smart occasions in general. I love the perspex orange daisy necklace.  Sorry the lighting is a bit weird --- I am still trying to learn the functions of the camera!

Shop the Look

I'm very excited to see "shop the look" widgets appearing in magazines and on blogs like Not Dressed Like Lamb.

What do you wear to work?

Top: A Wear; city shorts - M&S; shoes - Boden; belt - Madeleine

I work for a big US tech company headquartered in Silicon Valley. In the US and in our UK office, the dress code is casual with people wearing mostly jeans or chinos and t-shirts / sweatshirts. And tro be honest, a lot of them look quite scruffy. I really can't abide the clothes featuring the company logo. Fine for an event, but in the office?!

Pink and white

It's hard finding well cut, slightly dressy white t-shirts and tops. Last year I left it to the last minute and couldn't find any for my holiday.

Dressing it up

I had my colours done a few years ago and am a Clear Spring. It makes sense to me because I naturally gravitated towards some of those colours. Peach and orange in particular are two of my favourite shades. Last year saw a peach bonanza:  suddenly the colour was everywhere!  This year it's the same with orange.

Beauty Heroes

I love reading the "best beauty products of the year" listings in the Sunday Times and various magazines. It's become a little indulgence of mine to watch the videos on Youtube where women of all ages discuss their beauty buys and review their "empties."

Red and white

There's a touch of "senorita" about this outfit, thanks to the gorgeous handmade felt flower necklace which I purchased from Anna Wegrowska's shop on Etsy.

My Secret Collection of Evening Bags

I'm going to let you into a secret. There's something I collect which I've never shared with anyone before.

Girly little evening bags.

New Shoes!

Mary Jane shoes from Asos

It was great to get a delivery of bright pink shoes on such a cold dull day!

I have no idea what I will wear them with, but when I saw them I loved them.

These block heels are a great trend ---- much more wearable than the vertiginous heels we have seen for the last couple of years.

Getting Ready for Summer

So here it is - my inaugural post!
My first post has to be about the summer clothes that I start buying in January, as soon as new season fashions start appearing and as soon as I've booked the June holiday.