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May 2018
... a bra!
I mean - HOW? How do you even do that? You wear a dress to the airport that doesn't require a bra and you forget to pack one.
You also rely on having boobs like fried eggs. I do appreciate though, from many of my friends and from all the comments on Insta, that so so many of you could not go braless in a million years.
So. This is a blog dedicated to holiday dresses that you can wear with bras. As pretty much every dress I have bought with me can be worn without a bra, nay, needs to be worn without a bra or a god awful strapless number, (they're no better if you've got no boobs by the way - they're just rubbish!) it got me to thinking that it must be pretty difficult to find a dress you can combine with a bra. That isn't full on sleeves. Or any sleeves for that matter.
Think FULL ON SUMMER NUMBERS. That will, however, also work at home. I don't want you to relegate these to the "holiday drawer", throw on with a denim jacket or blazer and let's just pray for wall to wall sunshine till September.
And I am starting with a couple that are new in from hush. I write as a freelancer for The Pool and they asked me last week, if I'd like to do a presentation at The Hamyard Hotel of the new hush Summer range (and some of their Spring favourites) with Frankie Graddon, their Fashion and Beauty Editor. It's the second year we've done this together and it's a rather lovely evening. Cocktails and clothes.. what's not to love?!
I've personally worked with hush for 7yrs now and know their clothes really well. SO - whilst some of these may look a tad tent like, please please believe me when I say they hang perfectly - AND YES - on people who are bigger of bust too.
Panel Maxi Dress from hush £59 in marble
And the same in the Woodblock Baby Blue £59
Hayley Ombre Dress £75 from hush
Alanis Dress in Star £59 from hush
And in black..
Throw on stripes at ASOS.
JDY Sleeveless Stripe Dress £15
Or the Ultimate Stripe Maxi also from ASOS £18
However I do appreciate that some people do prefer waisted dresses, so I've found some of those which will hopefully work too.
Wrap Detail Bamboo Midi at Warehouse £49
Pineapple Print Midi Dress from Warehouse £36
Warehouse stealing the show with the waisted versions...
Asymmetric Wrap Midi Dress £45
Stripes...
Stripe V Neck Maxi Dress from Warehouse £39
Create your own waist with a handy drawstring at Me+Em.
Flare hem drawstring dress from Me+Em £119
One that can be worn with or without a belt (it doesn't come with the belt)
Embroidered Chiffon Midi Dress from Antik Batik at The Outnet was £170 now £90
V Neck Dress from hush £99
The Marina Dress from hush (again.. I know... but they really do come up trumps on the Summer dresses for holiday!) £79
Or in the black again £79 (and with pockets...)
Black again at Warehouse.
Tie Front Dress £42
And not forgetting the navy lovers...
V Neck Cami Dress from Warehouse £28
Now this one, they've styled with heels but I would happily happily wear on holiday (and would wash on a hand cold silk wash). Also perfect for dressing up.
Shirred zebra print georgette dress from Ganni at The Outnet was £170 now £90
And if you are looking for an investment Summer dress..
Ary bead embellished dress from Antik Batik was £344 now £175
Or in the black - again was £344 now £175
And here I am with dresses from the first couple of days of holiday. Not all are sleeveless. But all are braless!
We are currently away with Scot Williams Villas, to review one of their villas. The villa has been gifted to us, but we paid for our flights, cars, food and excess baggage...!
Dress - & Other Stories (current)
Boots - Penelope Chilvers (gift current)
Bag - Rae Feather (gift ss17)
Top and skirt - House of Fraser (part of paid partnership current)
Sandals - & Other Stories (3 or 4 yrs ago)
Dress - Ridley London (gift ss17)
Sunglasses - Chloe from Very Exclusive (ss17)
Sandals - Forever 21 (5ys ago)
I am going to be doing a full review on the villa and the location (we are in Corfu - suffice to say it is idyllic!) early next week. Tomorrow, I will hopefully be back with my favourite holiday beauty must haves.
Hope everyone is enjoying half term xxx
So earlier this week, I was fortunate enough to work on a project with John Lewis Westfield White City to try out their new Style Studio (the trip was a paid project but writing a blog post wasn't part of the arrangement - this is just something I'm doing separately as so many of you have asked and I found the info so illuminating!).
And the aim of the game was to see if they could solve my huge mental block I have with skinny jeans. Actually it's not just mental. It's physical too.
They just don't fit properly. And if they do fit properly, they stretch to look like you're packing spuds after a couple of hours. Or they have to be so tight that you get the GAWJUS look of sausages about to burst their skin instead of thighs.
Not to mention the muffin. I appreciate I am not large by any stretch of the imagination, I really, really am not. But I've lived a good life and don't spent 24/7 in the gym eating chia seeds and energy balls so there is some lovage around my middle as a result.
Which happily makes itself known in skinny jeans when I stand up after sitting down. The Hitch. That unattractive hitching up of the jeans that we all can picture so well.
ENOUGH. I had got to the point where I thought maybe skinny jeans just weren't for me. Oh dear lord - had I reached the point of comfort over style?
And it seems it's not just a tall thing either. It's a universal problem. To really put them to the test at the Style Studio, I took my petite friend with me. Genuinely, we are little and large next to each other.
She has the same problem in reverse.
The live video that we took is still up over on my Facebook page (Does My Bum Look 40 - imaginatively titled...) - do go and have a look (and ignore the comments. Things we've learnt is that there are some very very strange people who tune into Insta Live and make some "interesting" comments. Which just adds to the bonkersness of it all).
BUT loads of people have said they found it really useful so if you dip over there (and do follow if you'd like - there is other separate stuff I put up there too!) you can see how we got on.
First up, I'm going to run through the guidelines that we were both given and worked for both of us, on how to find the perfect skinny jeans.
High waisted full stop. So. I have had many people saying that they hate high waisted because they're uncomfortable. This is definitely what my friend Lizzy said (the petite one..) - she says that she finds them too restricting and actually painful.
Sooo it seems that lots of skinny jeans these days have a LOT of lycra in them. So that they stay skinny. And stay up. However this is therefore akin to wearing Spanx. Which everyone knows aren't comfortable at all.
Which leads me onto talking about super skinny jeans (be them or be them not high waisted although these were the ones I tried on as it was Simon Cowell's all the way for me. Muffin be gone).
Hmmm. They're just so skinny. And so clingy. Being skinny jeans and all that.. doh. But I realised it wasn't a look I loved (as you can see over on the instalive!). The fact they do now have a lot of stretch in them - to me, they felt more like jeggings than jeans. Which really wasn't what I was looking for at all.
In the dark colour I tried, they looked very much like black leggings - seriously I felt like an escapee from a mime act.
If you are looking for very close fitting ones then these are an amazing fit. They WERE very flattering, the quality of the fabric meant that there wasn't that concertina effect on the legs that some do give. These are very dark - the Tonal Mona (that made me laugh - don't ask why but HOW did they come up with that?!) shade is a blue black which would work with anything. And they are SUPER long. They just weren't what I was looking for.
Paige Margot High Rise Ultra Skinny Jeans in Tonal Mona £200
And all the ones that Lizzy tried on from the more expensive brands were super long. Which meant they puckered, which meant we were back to sausages bursting their skins. Which isn't a look that anyone aspires to (do correct me if I'm wrong on that..!!).
I then tried on a pair of straight legs which were all sorts of amazing at the top but at the bottom... fine with heels - seriously fine with heels, but dare I say I want them for a day look. They weren't anywhere near a boot cut, but I think we're all been wearing skinnies for so so long, they almost had the impression of a teensy baby boot cut! Like I say - amazing with a pair of stilettos but for during the day with flats - oh dear lord - so not what I was looking for. And I need them to be versatile.
However if you do wear a lot of heels and are looking for an amazing pair of not cemented to the ankle - and want LONG - definitely try these.
Paige Hoxton Straight Leg Jeans in Nottingham £200 I also did love love the wash (Nottingham - describes it perfectly... ??!!)
We were determined to keep trying the skinnies and Lizzy was adamant that she didn't want a high waist so very nearly got these.
On a petite - the JBrand mid rise was almost a perfect high rise. Note - on someone tall, it's not so much a perfect rise, as a perfect muffin/thong displayer. Way too low cut. However I did like the hem detail on this - as in it wasn't super tight like a legging but Lizzy felt that they were *slightly* too long on her being super petite (5ft1).
JBrand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Jeans £200
So what is the secret to buying skinny jeans? Don't buy skinny jeans. Buy slim or slim boyfriend jeans. High Waisted. And buy Madewell ones. SORRY!!!! Which means you have to go to John Lewis Westfield White City which is the only place in the UK you can currently purchase them. Or, if you can wait till August, they will be rolling out into more John Lewis and will be exclusive to them. Or, take a trip across the pond....
However I do have some good news for the petite amongst you who I know are desperate for more ideas. First up - I am definitely going to be going shopping with Lizzy again. We will be looking for dresses and will report back but in the meantime, we have found the perfect tees!
These are the perfect tops to go with skirts and jeans and trousers and essentially everything. Lizzy really struggles with tops - she is blessed in the bust area but has a tiny frame. Not to mention everything always being too long in the body.
So first up, there were Madewell ones in linen which we can gloss over for the minute unless you can get up to Westfield White City.
But these.. stock up in every colour. They are the perfect tops for all occasions. Smart or casual.
Jigsaw V Neck Linen Roll Neck Top £50 in the XS
They also have it in the Grape online at JL £49 (no idea whey there is £1 difference between the two tops)
You can't get the grape at Jigsaw but you CAN get a yellow (they did have black, pale blue and saffron but they seem to be OOS as they were in the sale).
Linen V Neck Roll Sleeve Top from Jigsaw £50
Now I'm not sure people are aware of the Styling Services that John Lewis offer. All their stores have a one or two hour service - that is FREE of charge with no minimum spend. If you're looking to while away an afternoon with a friend, or are in need of a wardrobe overhaul, or have a special occasion coming up - it's something I would definitely recommend.
Refreshments (make mine a prosecco please...), large private fitting rooms and a wealth of knowledge that you can tap into - as well as a range of brands to suit all budgets.
Or you can buy a treat for someone (or pass the info to a loved one if you fancy it for yourself..) at the new Experience Desks which there are at some stores. Definitely Westfield - it may be an idea to check online to see if your local store does it (click onto your local store here).
Here, if you'd like to upgrade the complimentary styling session, you can purchase Fashion and Beauty Gift Experiences.
The Complete Beauty & Style Experience (£115)
Two hour in store Personal Styling Experience
Wash and blow dry and manciure at our &Beauty Salon
Makeover at one of our beauty counters with £35 to spend on beauty purchases
Afternoon Tea at The Cafe Bar by Benugo
The Beauty 7 Style Experience (£40)
One hour Personal Styling Experience
Wash and blow dry or manicure at our &Beauty Salon
Make up advice at one of our beauty counters
Drink and treat at The Cafe Bar by Benugo
Lizzy and I were very kindly treated to a blow dry and a pedicure at the &Beauty Salon at Westfield, not to mention a glass (or two) of fizz whilst we were trying on jeans.
To give you an idea of what sort of styling issues they can help with, they do encourage you to choose from one of the five bespoke style sessions.
Special Event - Wedding, black tie or family occasion?
Workwear - Dress to impress with workwear that gives you confidence
The Perfect Pair of Jeans - DONE!! Doesn't have to be skinny
Holiday - From City to Beach, we'll help you pack the perfect capsule wardrobe
Wardrobe Refresh - Reinvigorate your wardrobe and find pieces to refresh your style
Which pretty much covers everything I can think of. We did check and again, if you're looking for something specific like dresses, tops to go with dresses, the perfect Summer jacket - whatever you're struggling with, they can help!
Here are the results!
Me and Lizzy!! In the end, I have got on the High Waisted Slim Boyfriend Jeans in a 26 (size down) and Lizzy has the High Waisted Slim Crop in a 25 which are a perfect length on her.
Tee - Isabel Marant from My Theresa (ss17)
Jeans - Madewell from John Lewis (part of paid partnership ss18)
Blazer - Zara (ss17)
Shoes - Jigsaw (gift ss18)
And yesterday - officially loving the jeans.
Tee - hush (gift from project with The Pool current)
Jeans - Madewell from John Lewis (part of paid partnership ss18)
Blazer - Alexa Chung for M&S (aw16)
Loafers - Gucci (3yrs ago)
Bag - Hill & Friends (gift current)
So there we have the jeans edit and info on how to get some personal style info if you're looking for it. I do hope it helps, would love to hear your denim feedback!
... a top.
I know - how hard can that be to find? Well, the answer is very. The sorts of tops that every day you can just reach for. You can wear them with skirts, jeans and trousers. You can wear them out to dinner, you can them to work, you can throw them on to go to the supermarket.
Easy. Not expensive. Every day tops.
I'm going to come to the colourful ones. But right now, I am collating a collection of good old, faithful white ones. Some cream. Yes I seem to be going heavy on the cream/white right now but that's because if we're looking for just one or two new things to add into our wardrobe to give it a fresher feel - you can guarantee a neutral will work with everything. But fear not, I will be looking at some colour and print - just taking a little breather with some calming fresh numbers.
First up THS.
Textured Jacquard Print Short Sleeve Top from M&S £22.50
I'm also thinking this could be super useful too... Flattering over the tummy hopefully. I did try one on in Zara that was similar. Except there was a whacking gap just under the knot through which my muffin protruded. Not the best look...
Striped Tie Front Half Sleeve Top from M&S £29.50
Round neck again and I know that this isn't going to be for everyone - for me, the ironing would be a "no blooming way", I can't do a stiff cotton as it sort of wears me as opposed to me wearing it - but I know some will love the elegance of it.
Pure Cotton Ruched Long Sleeved Blouse from Autograph at M&S £39.50
This is MUCH more my cup of tea. A t-shirt with edge. Literally. A padded collar edge.
Detail Neck T-shirt from Mango £17.99
Embroidered with puff sleeve top detail at Warehouse £36
But then I know that so many of you love love the v neck. And I have to say - they've grown on me for the Summer. This one I adore.
Crossover Design Top from Mango £17.99
When a tee is so much more than just a tee...
Ella Top in White from Baukjen £65
When a shirt is not a shirt.. when it's a drapey, wearable jersey number. One of the major things that people commented yesterday that they couldn't wear but would love to, was a white shirt. ME TOO. I look like a sweaty coach driver in one. This though, being jersey, wouldn't crease, has the perfect drape, fabulous for work, ideal with jeans.
Eleanor Blouse in White from Baukjen £79
Or a sleeveless version. The Ellie also from Baukjen at £69
Another sleeveless v neck at John Lewis. Silky perfection to go with pretty much anything.
John Lewis Pleat V Neck Blouse £39
V neck at John Lewis in one of my favourite Summer fabrics - linen jersey.
John Lewis Gathered Yoke £35
Sleeveless scoop neck at Mango. This is a loose shape but looks like a very lightweight floaty fabric which is perfect tucked in.
Ruched Detail Top from Mango £15.99
Another scoop neck with ruched detailing in a silk mix from Boden - 6T2C for a discount of either 25% or 15% depending on when you order (free delivery and free returns - the 25% is off different things at different times. Clear as mud?!)
Ravello Top £55 pre discount
And a V Neck Version - The Ravello V Neck £55 (again pre discount)
This is the sort of skirt, that I wore today, that shouts out for one of these tops. I always make do with a tee. Oh and whilst we're on that subject, I will be exploring white tees very shortly. Where to find the best ones. If you have any you can recommend, do yell please!
Skirt - La Double J at Matches (sale ss17)
Loafers - Gucci (3yrs ago)
Bag - Loewe at Matches (ss18)
Tee - FWP by Rae (gift ss18)
Boucle jacket - Zara (about 4 yrs ago)
Yes I am on the HMS Belfast. Yes this was THE most ridiculous outfit to wear. DOH. I had a day with the 11yr old (the one with Asperger's/ADHD). He had an appointment in the morning (handily missing the swimming gala which is an annual disaster) and then this afternoon they were crowning Mary with flowers for May Day (spot the Catholic School). I used to LOVE this at my primary school but for an 11yr old boy, it doesn't hold quite the same appeal. He's also having a really tough time at school at the minute (yr 6). A combination of a lot of things but - as I'm sure any of you with a child who has ASD will agree with - sometimes you just need to break the cycle. A change from the status quo and a day away from everything which is getting to them.
So it was a Home School day. We played a lot of scrabble (can highly recommend the App..!) and then it was a whole afternoon aboard HMS Belfast. Which is AMAZING. I can highly, highly recommend. Actually it's something we wouldn't be usually able to do as it really is a squeeze in certain areas and when it gets busy, apparently it can be very tricky - even for neurotypical people.
We have come home with an Airfix model which he has spent the last two hours painting and I can just see the weight lifting from his shoulders. Just for one day - he has been able to be himself. And yes, I have had a little weep at having had such a great great day!
Over and out. xxxx
Bear with me.
As we've done this recently and most people thought they were ming a ring ding. However, I tried some on the other week in Topshop and got so many messages from people saying they loved them or they weren't quite right and could I find some more.
They also weren't right for me so I came home that night so on Sunday afternoon, I sat with a bag of crisps (healthy diet going well) and plundered the internet for info.
Well. What I did find was a plethora of gorgeousness plastered all over Pinterest. Seriously at times, does anyone else find Pinterest just irritating? Here are some PERFECT sandals. That you can't buy anymore. This is of absolutely ZERO help. I found the same thing we were doing our house (probably why it's not finished). Perfect rugs, perfect lamps, perfect pictures - that you can't actually purchase. Ideas, my friends, are not that blooming useful, if I can't replicate them. Can you tell I was slightly irritated by it?
I'm dragging you all down with me. Here are some perfect options we can't buy (these are what I'm looking for anyway)...
Vintage Uggs
Some absolutely "vile" Chanels (said no one EVER). I may even contemplate selling a kidney for these.
Isabel Marant *weeps*
Then these - which I know are too high... but...
Should be easy no? No is the answer.
I utterly heart those Isabel Marant ones above. I would swim to France for them.
But not to be. This is what I've found.
Free People Adelaide Clog from Yoox £128
Embellished.. close to losing the plot here..
Fendi Embellished leather mule were £730 now £365
I've gone slightly off piste as I was DESPERATE!
Michael Michael Kors £89
In for a penny, in for £630...
Gucci Marmont Fringed Mules from Net a Porter
There are other mule options but I'm not entirely feeling them...
Huntington fringe-trimmed mules from Tory Burch were £330 now £165
Then there are sandals.. (slowly losing the will to live here...).
Studded Leather Sandals were £300 now £150
But there is always navy... *rethinks entire Summer wardrobe*...
Studded Leather Sandals from Rag & Bone were £233 now £118
And then I found these.. which I tried on yesterday in John Lewis Westfield and LOVED.
See by Chloe Alex Block Heel Sandals £255
Which weren't remotely on brief. Which made me realise - what on earth am I looking for? I loved them, I really loved them. They are super comfy and they aren't as high as they look, but it made me think - when am I going to wear them? I have touched them all too many times, I have seen too many pairs, I am now officially confused and have gone so far off piste I'm up to my boobs in powder.
What AM I really looking for? I'm like a man without portfolio. Sounds vaguely less shallow than a woman who already has 20 pairs of sandals and really can't decide what on earth to wear with them. Vaguely.
NONE of the ones above are right. Which got me to thinking - when I am actually planning on wearing them and what with?
And there in lies the issue. I have NO idea what I really want them for. I appreciate I am just rambling but I can't be the only person who knows she sort of needs something to wear *as you wear sandals in the Summer* but doesn't really like them.
I get this question all the time from people.
"Why can't I find a biker jacket that I like?"
"What sort are you looking for.. and what do you want to wear it with?"
"I don't really know.. I don't really like biker jackets...but everyone looks great in them and everyone wears them so I sort of feel I should have one."
"AHA!! So don't buy one then. Buy another jacket that you love and that you will wear. Buy another denim jacket. Or another blazer. Or another military coat".
We can't all like all the things all of the time and heeled sandals - whilst I love them on other people (ditto the ladies with the biker jackets) I just never feel like me in them.
SO... DO ONE HEELED SANDALS.
Love me.
And here I am yesterday - loving what I love best - good old trainers.
Skirt - Mint Velvet (part of paid partnership current).
Tee - FWP by Rae (gift current)
Jacket - Zara (5 or 6 yrs ago)
Trainers - Ishikawa from Quattro Rish (current)
Bag - Loewe from Matches (ss18)
I can hear the people at the back asking - but weren't your feet hot?? Ok - yes is the answer. And what will I therefore be wearing in the coming months when the temperature is set to sore? Flat sandals. I am on the gladiator hunt (true child of the 80s/uni in the 90s.. can't hear the word gladiator without hearing GLADEEYAAAAY-TOOOOOORRRRRRR and seeing Ulrika, Hunter and Wolf rocking their leotards - the latter two - not sure Ulrika ever got down and dirty in a bodysuit. Did she have a thing with Hunter or have I just totally made that up?).
And mules. Give me all the mules. So long as they're flat. Out of interest, is there anything you think you *should* wear but have come to the conclusion that NOPE. Not me. Or are there things that you keep trying and should possibly admit defeat? Sharing is caring... come on...!!
