Crazy Buys

Boom!

I've only gone and done it....and now I'm terrified!

Seriously - I never EVER thought I would wear dungarees, but I've admired so many bloggers wearing their long and short dungarees and looking so effortlessly chic and I just want a piece of this action!

What are the chances of me pulling this look off? At 42 and 5'2 and a bit am I going to look utterly ridiculous? I've sized up - fitted may make me look like a pastey Minion. I've not broken the news to Hubby yet - he'll roll around the floor laughing when I do.

So here are my choice - Topshop Black Denim Dungaree Shorts....They are due any day. I'll keep you posted and if all goes to plan, I may even dare to share a picture - please don't hold your breath!

Dungaree Shorts
£38 - Topshop

I've also ordered these for my eldest from the new Boden season. How adorable is the lining on the back? I am much more confident she'll be able to pull off the look, and I pinky promise I will not wear them at the same time she does (see - I'm even starting to talk like a teenager....)

Dungaree Shorts
£28.80 - Boden

Shoeporn

Whilst mentally debating the pros and cons of the Topshop dungarees, a couple of items made their way onto my wishlist. I really don't need anymore Summer shoes, but I think these green suede espadrilles are awesome - such a great shade of green, and with the on-trend angle ties (another trend I'm yet to embrace - will they make my ankles look fat?). If you've got a Summer shoe gap in your wardrobe - bag a pair now!

Kingfisher Espadrilles
£55 - Topshop

Like these too - would add interest to any outfit....

Kangeroo Espadrilles
£45 - Topshop

And whilst we're talking shoes - HI-5 for these that have caught my eye.....coincidentally called Hi-FIVE Wedges....

Hi-Five Wedges
£30 - Topshop

Arm Candy

I'm a sucker for a slouchy shopper style bag - these happen to be both shopper and slouchy....

Snake Effect Suede Shopper
£38 - Topshop

Slouchy Leather Shoulder Bag
£65 - Topshop

Not for me - but what a cool, crazy bag! Maybe 25 years ago....with a pair of dungarees...

Orange Juice Cross Body Bag
£25 - Topshop

Vault Couture

Space

I'm a well organised person by nature - a place for everything and everything in it's place - no exceptions. I drive Hubby mad with this disorder. Pre Christmas and birthdays I like to have a good clear out to make way for new offerings/tat. I can't help myself - it's just the way I'm wired.

My wardrobe is currently praying on my mind. It's almost at saturation point! I've had a clear out, then had another clear out for anything missed, and I just can't narrow it down any further. Hubby has suggested a simple solution to the problem - I stop shopping.

Help! My frocks & tops are suffocating ;o(

He's offered to put some winter clothes in the loft - how does that work when I'm still wearing jumpers in July? Maybe room under the bed? I've suggested we move house so I can have a walk in wardrobe? I couldn't possibly print his reply.

While I'm busy trying to come to terms with accepting this cramped space - I've read about an alternative solution to this problem....Vault Couture! I like the sound of that! It's a company who take away your surplus clothes, place them on flock covered hangers in individual suit carriers and all the clothes are stored at optimum temperature to keep the garments in tip top condition. Images of all the items you store are then catalogued on their website for you to browse through and order delivery as and when required. They also offer to alter, mend or even sell your garments - what a service!

The cost is around £4 per garment per month. It's a service used by the likes of Victoria Beckham (who spends a reported £25,000 per month on this service - I've just calculated - that's arond 6000 items!). My only niggle.... does a £45 Hush top warrant such treatment? I think not!

So my little problem lingers on - Big Yellow Storage? Back to loft suggestion? Stop shopping - hell no! What would be the fun in that?? I'd love to hear your storage suggestions - what top tips can you share? Does your wardrobe run a strict entrance policy equivalent to that of gaining access to The White House? Are you cut-throat when deciding what goes and what stays? Or do you hold on to prized buys hoping to catch the trend next time round?

Inside Out

Big excitement in the Scott household right now! New Disney Pixar movie Inside Out is due to be released ANY TIME! We've never been fans of Princesses in our house - but have loved every single Disney Pixar film. When my daughter was little - she was Woody, Grandma had to be Buzz. We haven't got any dolls, just Rex, Hamm, Slinky Dog and Mr Potato Head. My son watched Cars every single day (please don't judge me - I was busy tidying up....), and owns nearly all the cars from the movie - he used to act out the scenes for hours - literally hours!

We're really looking forward to watching this in the Summer holidays. Big family outing is already planned, which may include a stop at the Krispy Kreme theatre of dreams. OK - I'm no Barry Norman - take a look at the trailer to make up your own mind....

Hairy

I went to the hairdressers recently, read about the new hair trend and shuddered....

Miley Cyrus rocking pink pits ;o(

Underarm hair is trending again! Someone pass me a razor NOW!

Icon

Bardot

Anyone remember the scene from Educating Rita - the lady sitting at the hairdressers stating 'I want to look like that' pointing to a picture of Lady Di? Well I want to look like this.....

Screen Goddess Bridget Bardot

So in my quest to get the Bardot look, I've been on the look out for this seasons must have dress - The Bardot. I spotted this amazing stripy dress from Topshop a few weeks ago and thought it was gorgeous. I clocked Lisa Snowden wearing it on the daily sidebar of shame, and still didn't make a move to buy it. As always I'm trailing on this trend, and now I've decided to join in - what do you know? It's out of stock! Here it is anyway for you to admire from a distance, same as me....

Bardot Dress Topshop
Don't bother - it's OOS!

Also noticed this beauty during my search...

Embroidered Bardot Dress
£50 - TopShop

I love the embroidered detail and quite like the colour, it would look lovely for a special occassion - sorry not feeling the love for those shoes - I would probably wear with a pair of Palmairas Sandals.

This also came up on by Bardot radar from Warehouse - it's not for me - looks a little too fitted and I prefer a slightly looser, forgiving style. I do think it's a lovely dress - maybe you could pull it off?

Wavy Lace Bardot Dress
£52 - Warehouse

Last up - hot off the press - new in at Mango - their Ruffle Dress. Lovely casual and loose! Seems to be out of stock in a few sizes, but hoping more may come in...they also have this in a chambray blue colour if you prefer.....Looks pretty short on this model - won't be a problem for me though, probably more likely knee length!

Ruffle Dress
£34.99 - Mango

Rubbersole

A cheeky sale purchase to share! I quite like buying ahead for the next season in a sale - I'm not adverse to buying for AW now if it means I can save a few pounds a couple of months down the line..... I'm partial to Ash shoes and this season and last season Hush have been selling a pair of their Jess Boots for £159.

I've managed to bag a pair from Rubbersole in their sale for just less than £100 delivered. I searched online for a Rubbersole discount code and found one without too much trouble. They fit well and I think they'll get a lot of use when Autumn kicks in. I love the skull detail on the zip - very rock & roll ;o)

Jess Boots
£127.19 - Rubbersole

Reading

I've almost reached the end of my latest read - The Last Days Of Rabbit Hayes by Anna McPartlin. It's been a bit of a slow read for me (my new blog and Insta take the blame for this!), but a great read all the same. It tells the story of Rabbit Hayes as she spends her final days in a hospice. The tale is of her close-knit family, the lost love of her life and who will look after Rabbit's teenage daughter Juliet when the inevitable happens. Juliet's realisation that her Mother is not going to get better is utterly heart-breaking.

Yes as you would expect it's a real tear jerker, but it hasn't stopped me wanting to read on to find out what happens in her final hours. I love the subtle humour of the book too - particularly her 'Ma & Pa'. Has anyone else read this? I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you haven't read it and don't mind a weepy read - give it a go!

The Handbag!

Mulberry

I haven't owned that many handbags - it's true! I didn't really discover the delights of designer handbags until my early thirties - my first purchase was a Furla shopper bought in Madrid, followed by two more Furla bags that were given to me as gifts.

Then Mulberry came onto my handbag radar! I was lucky enough to receive their Alexa bag as a gift for my 40th birthday, followed by their Daria Satchel from Hubby last Christmas. Somewhere in between I was given a Mulberry purse, and next on my Mulberry hit list is a clutch - Santa if you're reading.....?

I posted this photo on Insta this morning for todays #mystylephotochallenge - Handbag.....a selection of my finest....

Scottish

I love a good clutch bag - makes me feel grown-up and elegant - something that doesn't come naturally to me! I always use a clutch on a night out, although now my children are growing up, I'm hoping to use them more for daytime too - pretty daring I know.

Top left is an old favourite. It cost around £20 and was bought during a Scottish break from a shop called Cureo - run by Caroline Marr based at Harestanes Visitor Centre near Jedburgh in the lovely Scottish Borders. She owns a little work shop in the grounds of the centre - packed full of lovely leather goodies!

The visitor centre has a fabulous outdoor play area and nature walk. When we visit Scotland I'm often heard asking the kids if they want to go with a picnic in my best Mother of the Year voice - oh, and maybe we'll have time for Mum to pay a visit to Cureo? My little suede initial clutch has enjoyed many a great night out - and I promise never to neglect it if Mulberry clutch ever comes to live with us....

Middle left and middle right are from Hush - this season, no introduction necessary. They add interest to any outfit, especially the pom pom bag - it looks brilliant against a black dress.

Danish

Top middle, top right and bottom right are from Skagen. OK - I'll come clean here. I bought all three during our recent holiday in Florida - from a Premium Outlet Mall no less. All three came to around £150 - they are amazing quality and I love the simple lines and classic design, typical of this Danish brand. View their range here - I give myself a little whoop whoop that I was lucky enough to find the Skagen store and bag these bargains - the odds were seriously stacked against me with two moaning children in tow....

French

Bottom middle - last, but by no means least is my Longchamps bag - a Christmas gift from my parents a couple of years ago. Such a brilliant, hardwearing bag - even folds up for storing! Used for everything from work to holidays - it makes a great travelling companion - doesn't scratch, and doesn't mind being shoved under seats on an aircraft. Great value too at less than £100. In fact, I wouldn't mind another of these in a different colour (Mulberry clutch first though please Santa...)

PS

The Mulberry Sale is in full swing - love this clutch! It's reversible! Two for the price of one!

Campden Large Clutch in Oxblood & Black Silky Leather
Was £750, now £450

Flipped over - now black!
Very clever

Twinset & Other Pearls

Twinset

Yep - it's back! The twinset! Lots of all important questions spinning around my head - What colour knit do I wear? Do I wear with pearls? Do I fasten the cardi? Do I drape the cardi casually over my shoulders? Can I wear with jeans?

Before I make another fashion faux pas, I think I need to research this new trend a little more...

Several searches later it's all clearer. Yep - I'm fashionably clueless. The new twin set trending is matching tops and bottoms. Nice. How do I crow bar this trend into my wardrobe and manage to look as chic as Victoria Beckham?

Love this take on matching top & bottom on VB

So, I've spent plenty of time scouring the internet in search of a suitable affordable version and surprisingly the only resemblance is this twinset from TopShop. At £160 for the set, I think it's pretty pricey, but unless you want to show off your midriff Taylor Swift style, the options seem pretty limited. Note to retailers: I didn't show off my midriff pre-kids, so it's certainly never going to happen post-kids.....

Striped Tee & Wide Leg Trousers
£160 - Boutique at TopShop

Has anyone out there managed to nail the twinset look? If you have, show and tell! Is the twinset here to stay? There needs to be more wearable versions out there for it get my vote I'm afraid....

Pizza Oven

We've debated the pros and cons of spending a crazy amount of money on an outdoor pizza oven for many years. This year Hubby spotted the perfect version in Costco for an undisclosed sum of money.

Given that most couples enjoy a child-free city break for a special wedding anniversary, we've justified our spend by not indulging in such frivolities for our 15th anniversary - who would want three days and nights reliving their pre-kids days anyway? (OK Me - but I'll settle on some home made pizzas for now ;o)

First attempt was a minor disaster, but second attempt was spot on - I think I could get used to this!

Fully assembled and fired up

Blazing with first pizza cooking

Didn't quite go to plan
- little bit charred, let's quickly move on....

Perfect crispy base - spot on!
 Think we've got the hang of this now!

Envy

A good friend and her Hubby have just finished their garden after several weeks of hard graft constructing decking, making and painting planters and generally making their garden look picture perfect. They held a BBQ today, and I have to say their efforts are pretty fabulous!

Corner sofa from Next, cushions from
TK Maxx and Homesense

Hand-made table & bench - clever clogs!

I wore this Hush Clovelly Beach dress for the first time - it looked pretty and was perfect for the garden party - until the heavens opened and we spent the rest of the afternoon looking out from under a gazebo - curse you British weather...you spoil all our fun.

Clovelly Beach Dress
Hush £55

P.S

Speaking of Hush - Great news! Their Summer Sale starts Tuesday 0.01am! Crazy time, but I'm happy to roll with it....Do I stay up and be amongst the first to shop, or take my chances and shop as I wake Tuesday morning? Clearly, I'll need to put some thought into this matter Monday evening...

Mr & Mrs

Hitched

In 1998 we decided we needed to do something memorable in the year 2000....the best we could come up with was to get married in our 10th year together, so we popped off to Mauritius (as you do minus kids with a job in travel ;o) and got engaged!

Two years later we returned to marry. Fuss free, a ceremony in the gardens overlooking a picture perfect beach - just the two of us. Hubby played golf in the morning, I chilled by the pool - left my lounger at 3pm and we were married by 4.15pm. Quick change of clothes and we were treated to the best table in the restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean - it was a truly perfect day and a truly perfect holiday. We planted a palm tree in the gardens - maybe we'll return one day and see how it's grown....

That's 15 years ago - 3rd July 2000. I'm not big on declaring my love and happiness to everyone and anyone who will listen, just to the person who needs to know. And he does. Here's how we looked back in the day - less muffin top for me and fewer grey hairs for Hubby!

The new Mr & Mrs
3rd July 2000

Dress by Anna Christina

Tray

Since vintage became trendy, I've always had my eyes peeled for a printer's tray. I'd checked Ebay many times, but wasn't sure what I was really looking for - some looked too battered, others looked too new, many were over priced!

I spotted THE perfect printers tray in a cool London corner cafe/shop. At £50 I thought it was a good deal, so bought it there and then. Once home I wondered if I had wasted my money - I always have grand craft ideas, but the fact of the matter is I have very little patience and I have very little talent  - I'm far better at sourcing from a genuine crafter and paying up for whatever I fancy - usually works out cheaper in the long run and much less fraught!

I spent the next couple of weeks ordering wallpaper samples online - some were free, some cost a few pounds. I cleaned up the tray, cut out the little shapes and used some of the kid's glue to stick into place.

Now home to our collection of Sonny Angels, beach finds and small artwork sent home from school. OK - I'm pretty proud of the results.

Printer's Tray
Home to our collection of treasured tat!

Peastyle

I love discovering stylish, cool, beautiful, individual shops - usually on holiday when I have the time to wonder round - strangely I also get that thrill when I discover a new, cool, stylish website. Peastyle.co.uk ticks all the above adjectives and then some.

Not just homewares they also have a lovely affordable range of silver and gold plated jewellery, and a great selection of one off furniture, also pretty affordable. My wish list is basket and jewellery - not that I need either, just want both ;o)

Seagrass Basket
From £19.50 Pea Style

Chevron Necklace
£8.95 Pea Style

Open Circle Ring
£8.95 Pea Style

The M&S Edit

I really considered my M&S days to be way behind me. Having once worked across the road from their huge Manchester store, I was a regular - panic buying in my lunch hour, queuing up at their returns desk the next day and generally drifting somewhere between mock tops in Per Una and wide legged polyester pants in their Classic Collection. My journey through M&S in recent years has been for one purpose - to get to Selfridges on the other side of the store, breezing past 1998 on my way.

However, I think I may have written M&S off earlier than I should have. Since joining Insta and reading online blogs, I've often raised an eyebrow in surprise when a blogger has showcased a particular cropped denim, a certain brown suede skirt (I could kick myself - I owned a replica of this from Coast in 2002 which ended up at the charity shop in 2006) or a beautiful classic silk blue shirt.

Let's face it - there are a handful of brilliant bloggers out there - and if they wear it, we want it (obviously forgetting they would look awesome dressed in a bin bag). I do believe this is why M&S seem to be enjoying a little revival.

So, I've decided to get in on the M&S action. How hard can it be to cherry pick some designs that will raise an eyebrow on Insta....?

Pleats

I love the look of chiffon pleats - there seem to be lots around this season. I'm thinking floaty, classic, Chanel chic and uber cool with a pair of Stan Smith by day or pointy stiletto's by night. It's down to two:

Pleated Knee Lenth A-Line Skirt
£35 M&S

Also available in Nude
(Forget the shoes - I think they kill it!)

Kimono

I'm usually very late to a trend party, but think if I get in quick, I might just make the Kimono party whilst it's still in full swing. Some kimono's are off the scale with fussy detail - flowers, sequins, fringe - who the heck can pull all that off? That's why I love this design - simple, good colours and a nice length - bad news for me is that it's plus size only. However, if this works for you, I'd bag one quick!

Plus Paisley Print Kimono Top
M&S - A bargain at £22.50

Patch

I've seen a few 'patch' denim jeans from various high end brands - so wonder if these cut the mustard?

Lulu Kennedy for Indigo Patch
Boyfriend Jeans - M&S £45

Pretty

Insta is awash with pretty blouses right now so it's only right to feature one in my M&S edit. I love the detail of this pretty applique top, and it gets the thumbs up for being soft white rather than stark white.

Pretty Applique Top
M&S - £35

Poppy

I love the jumpsuit trend - I think this is a good cross between a full on jumpsuit and on-trend culottes. Simple and elegant. If this was in black it would work well for a night out and I'd grab one now, but not sure about this poppy red?

Petite Culotte Jumpsuit
M&S - £49.50

Not a bad haul eh? I've tested Hubby out on the chiffon skirt. 'Frumpy' was his come back. Not a good start to my M&S return.....

Do you successfully shop at M&S? Have you got the knack of finding a future must-have? Surely I'm not alone in walking the wobbly line between retro M&S chic and just plain old frumpy? I'd love to hear your thoughts on our great British institution.....

Life's A Beach

My perfect day consists of a basket of food, comfy chair, parasol (I need my shade) and a good sea view. I won't lie and claim any beach will do. Given the choice I would clearly prefer the perfect shores of Florida, but a close second is Coldingham Bay in St Abbs, Scotland. We go there every Summer - it really is the perfect British beach....cafe, toilets (always a relief), golden sands, surfing, rocks for crabbing, the cutest beach huts and nothing else.

A floaty kaftan would look out of place in Scotland - usual attire is denim shorts and a woolly jumper, but elsewhere in the World I like to up my game. This is an area of my wardrobe that needs some attention. Here's my plan of action....

Kaftan

I bought a black kaftan from Hush earlier this year - very nice, very chic, but I think my next kaftan will be bolder and brighter. This week another new catalogue dropped through my letterbox - Aspiga. I've never come across their name before, so excited to hear about a new brand. Many of their supplies are sourced from small workforces in India and Kenya - supporting local communities and not mass produced. I love their Geo and Ocean Stripes Kaftans - they look perfectly styled with a bit of gold jewellery. Their range is well worth a look - I'm also tempted by the flattering claims of their twist swimsuits, the glamour of their beaded clutch bags and their stylish and very affordable Kikoy and Hammam towels.

Geo Kaftan - Aspiga £48
(Strangely couldn't find online....sold out?)

Me in Moontide Bandeau Swimsuit
£72 Aspiga (OK - just kidding!)

Pink Stripe Kikoy Towel/Picnic Rug
£20 Aspiga

Basket

There is only one beach basket on my wish list. This monogramed long handled basket from Rae Feather is beautiful, understated chic, perfect for carrying my beach essentials. An investment at £150, but I think a good investment that will service NS well for many years to come. It's just a matter of time and a few hints to set the scene.

Monogram Basket
£150 Rae Feather

Picnic

A crucial part of British beach life. I love a good wicker picnic basket - but carrying food plus enough sporting equipment to host my own Olympic Games - a wicker basket is just more weight that can't be distributed between me, Hubby and 2 lazy kids. This year I vow to ditch the Ikea laundry bag, and will WOW Scotland with a new bright, funky picnic range from one of my trusty favourites - Anorak.

Kissing Rabbits Lightweight Cooler Bag
Anorak £38

Kissings Rabbits Picnic Blanket
Anorak £36

Melamine Picnic Range
Anorak from £4.50
(Horse mad Daughter will love!)

Bring on Summer x