I’m so glad that January’s almost over. It’s such a strange month. In some ways it goes by in a flash, but in others it seems to drag on forever. Even though February can often throw brutal weather at us, it feels like spring’s just around the corner so is generally a much more positive time – helped along by all those beautiful Valentine’s Day flowers, gifts etc (ahem, might be living on fantasy island with that one!).

This month has seen a lot of basic outfits in neutral colours, typified by this work outfit of cosy grey jumper over the Asos dress we were sent for the Company magazine LBD challenge:

As an outfit it’s not going to set the heather alight but it’s good enough for the month when you just want to hibernate.

Have a happy, un-grey weekend.

xx

Jumper: Topshop / Dress: Asos / Ankle boots: River Island       

Sixty years after it was first designed, the desert boot has been given an update in the form of the Clarks Originals Rock Royalty collection, which features four limited edition styles – each one inspired by a different type of music:

Although I like the black boots, my favourites are the red, black and gold Sergeant Pepper pair:

These are my dream boots – roll on payday!

xx

I bought this cream blouse in H&M last week and absolutely love it. I love the collarless neckline, the uncuffed sleeves, the asymmetric hem and the fact that it looks a lot like (and is as comfortable and easy to wear as) a silky pyjama top I used to have:

The only downside is that the fabric is highly static. Not quite electric shock levels but not far off!

xx

Blouse: H&M / Trousers: Gap / Boots: River Island / Necklace: Cos

For this month’s Take10 challenge Zalando invited each of us to pick a pair of shoes from the Zign range. Here’s what we chose:

I can’t get enough of ankle boots, particularly when they have a slight cowboy boot shape and a cuban heel, so the opportunity to acquire a pair in red suede was too good to resist.

Worn here with black skinny trousers, a sheer shirt that I’d forgotten all about until a rummage through the ironing pile last week, a red studded bracelet that I picked up in the White Stuff sale (reduced to £6) and my gold necklace:

The boots fit like a dream and I like how they look. The only annoying thing are the side buckles, which feel quite flimsy and keep coming undone when I’m walking. They don’t actually serve any functional purpose though so a spot of Super Glue will soon set them to rights. (If I don’t post for a while you’ll know it’s because I’ve managed to glue all my fingers together. Don’t try this at home, kids!).

To view the other girls’ pictures in more detail visit Jen at A Little Bird Told Me, MJ at Dreaming Spires and Old Car Tyres, Sherin at HiFashion , Vicki at Magpie Girl, Paula at PinkBow, Sabine at Psynopsis, Susie at Take-Out In Couture and Harriet at Where Is Harriet?.

Thanks to Zalando for sponsoring the challenge and Jen for making the collage.

xx

Shirt: Next / Trousers: Gap /Shoes: Zign c/o Zalando / Necklace: Cos / Bracelet: White Stuff

This clutch bag is another of the goodies on loan from Folli Follie. It came in very handy for nights out over the festive period.

I’ve got black evening bags of my own, but like the quirky black and white lips detail on the front of this one. Worn here with my sequinned jumper and asymmetric skirt:

I’ll be sorry to see this one go!

xx

Jumper: Topshop / Skirt: Zara / Shoes: Carvela / Bag: on loan from Folli Follie 

My current favourite things. A minimalist matt gold necklace from Cos (£25) which seems to go with everything and is really comfortable to wear. It’s very light so you don’t notice you’ve got it on – and this from someone who has a real issue with things (particularly hands!) round her neck:

And a super-soft grey jumper from Topshop with subtle neck and waist detailing (reduced from £36 to £18 in the sale):

Looking forward to a relaxed weekend at home. Have a good one!

xx

On Friday morning I left my flat with a weekend bag, ready to head to Edinburgh straight from work. The reason for the weekend away was my friend Vicky’s big birthday do at the amazing Prestonfield House.

I’d packed my lace dress and the only thing missing were my black heels, which I thought were under my desk at work. Unfortunately on arrival at the office I remembered that the shoes were actually lurking at the back of the hall cupboard – doh!

Cue a Saturday spent shopping for a substitute pair, which I found in Topshop in the form of these black and green dotty heels  (reduced from £60 to £20 in the sale). Worn here with a more day-to-day outfit:

They’re very cute but I won’t pretend they’re comfortable. I had a great night wearing them though and managed to keep them on til 3am – until the opportunity for dancing in the whisky bar demanded that they were flung off!

Thanks to Vicky for a fabulous night and to Prestonfield House for not batting an eyelid at me running to the Ladies in my stocking soles!

xx

Jacket: Zara / Vest: Gap / Trousers: Zara / Shoes: Topshop / Necklace: Cos