The Dresses!!!

Feeling brave this morning after walking the dogs and showering I thought I could delay no longer - I have to try on the dresses and get Rich to take photos.  God help us!  I was scared!  Dresses just don't suit me!  And now you get the living proof!!!  Go on . . . be honest!

Here goes - dress number one:

And now dress number two:

And number three:

And finally number four:

So there you go!  Now over to you!!!!
But I didn't stop there!  I had to take Rich into town for his retirement lunch. ( He's currently flat out on the sofa having drunk red wine, Guinness and Jager Bombs!!!! )  So I decided to wear a skirt!  I must be mad today.

Whilst in town I thought it was only right to have a browse.  I ended up trying loads of things on.  Obviously carried away by the fact that I was brave enough to try the dresses on.  I got led astray by the lovely Hannah - who works in Oasis - giving me a 15% off voucher. I will save my purchases for another day.  I will probably take half of them back anyway!

Wednesday outing - Neal's Yard Party

On Wednesday evening my friend, Heather, hosted a Neal's Yard party.  I was introduced to Neal's Yard at the beginning of 2011.  I was getting married in the April and went to see Sophie Chamings at the beginning of the year.  She was going to do my make-up for the Big Day.  She suggested that on the run up to the wedding I used Neal's Yard face mask, moisturiser and eye cream.  It was really good and kept my skin clear but I didn't carry on using it after the wedding because it was quite expensive - compared to the products I'd used in the past.

Then Heather announced she was hosting a Neal's Yard party and I was quite excited.  I liked the products but the shop, although lovely, was a bit intimidating,  I was glad to have the chance to have the products explained to me.  In fact it was even better than that.  Jodie who did the party talked about various products and allowed us to try them.  Then she gave any of us who wanted one a mini facial.  It was bliss.  Jodie was brilliant.  Everyone warmed to her.  And we got 20% off the products.

One thing she told us was that everyone should use toner.  I've never used toner.  I think only one person at the party used it.  Apparently it prepares your skin for the moisturiser meaning your moisturiser is more effective. 

Anyway, I wore tan leggings and long cardi from Primark, my lovely M&S boots and scarf from Forever 21.  I'm still working on the dresses.  I am going to wear one on Saturday.  I've tried some on.  Photos to follow tomorrow and then you can give me your feedback and help me choose one.  Claire - whose house I'm going to for supper - wears a dress so well.  In fact she always looks completely glamorous.  I have no idea how she does it.  I'm going to be keeping an eye on her to see if I can pick up some tips.

Saturday Night Supper

Last night I went to my friend Jane's for supper along with three other friends.  We had a fab evening, lush food, lots of wine and even more laughs!  I wore my burgundy/wine coloured Gok straight jeans - again - and my Joules hunting shirt.  Doing this blog has made me realise that the saying "you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time" is true.  I'm very aware now that I wear the same things on a regular basis.

I looked through my wardrobe last night and tried a few things on that I hadn't worn for a while but ended up going back to my favourites!

At supper Heather - who also usually avoids dresses - was telling us that she had seen a dress in Monsoon that she had coverted for weeks and finally went to buy it only to find it didn't fit her.  She was gutted because she loved the dress.  I know that feeling.  I saw Myleene Klass in the newspaper wearing a dress from her own range and just thought - that's so me - only to find that it's sold out in all sizes except size 20.  Gutted!!!

This is said dress.  I just love it.  Anyway in order to be more interesting with my wardrobe I have ventured into the loft and returned with four dresses.  My dresses live in the loft due to lack of use.  So they are currently hanging in my bedroom and I am determined to wear one next Saturday for supper at Claire's.  Now I've said that I guess I'm actually going to have to do it.  I'm feeling uncomfortable already.  I will try them on tomorrow and see if that makes me feel any better???!!!

I have to say the Myleene Klass range of dresses is really nice but others must agree as most of them are out of stock.  I like the following ones too:

I've had such a naughty week of eating and drinking this week so from tomorrow I'm off the wine, on the diet and out there running.  Wish me luck!!!

Wrapping up Warm!

With the weather being so awful there is little point in trying to look good so I guess you are doing the same as me - trying to wear something that keeps you warm and dry. Our neighbours houses have flooded. The river has burst it's banks and the fields next to our garden have become lakes.

This kind of weather curtails your plans. We were going out to dinner with friends tonight but due to the severe weather they have had to cancel.  So no getting out for running with Heather tonight! Hope the wind drops a bit!!!

We went down to Devon to stay with friends Monday and Tuesday.  We had a lovely time and ate and drank so much. The weather was not the best and walking along the sea front was an experience! It's amazing to see the ferocity of the sea though.

So no dressing up for me this week until Saturday evening. I'm going to supper at my friend Jane's house with our normal group of girls. Looking forward to that.  But in the mean time I will be snuggled up on the sofa watching I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

Running Goddesses!

Feeling tired after a busy weekend.  Yesterday had a lovely lunch with two friends at the Wine Bar in Winchcombe.  Super venue, excellent food - as always - and even better company.  I wore tan Top Shop skinnies, knee high flat brown and black Top Shop boots, beige cardigan with elbow patches from Primark and my tweed jacket.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a run with my friend Heather.  Even though it was a couple of hours since I'd eaten lunch it wasn't very comfortable running but we did it!

Last night Rich and I went to see the Spanish Riding School at the NIA in Birmingham.  I have to say I don't like the NIA its such a pain to get to, so busy, and even more of a pain to get out of.  The Spanish Riding School was OK but I'd probably rather have been at home watching X Factor.  It took an hour to get out of the car park.  Rich slept though the second half of the show and most of the way back down the motorway.  I was driving I hasten to add!!!!!

Today has been catching up on stuff at home and grocery shopping as well as another run with Heather.  We started running back in April.  I joined Cleeve Ladies 10 week beginner course.  The idea was you can run 3 miles by the end of 10 weeks.  In fact I'd done it by week 5 or 6.  Heather couldn't join the group but did all the practising with me between sessions.  We have tried to keep it up since then.  We have had the odd few weeks where life has got in the way but we haven't given up. 

This week we have run four times and each time about three and a half miles so about 14 miles in total.  We are going to up some of our runs to four miles next week.  I have done a few five and a half mile runs but it's time consuming and hard on your joints.  We very often don't feel like going out on dark winter nights but once we have done it we feel so good about ourselves!

In the summer we were also doing Kettlercise.  We really enjoyed it but I injured my shoulder and was advised by my physio to rest it.  I'd like to get back to it but there's only so many evenings you can be out exercising!

We were debating the benefits of joining a gym.  Especially one with a pool.  I think it would need to be somewhere that you didn't have to sign up for an annual contract.  I figure there may be lots of offers on in January.  I hate being tied in though because we all start with the best of intentions and a few months down the line those intentions have fallen by the wayside.  Usually in there place is a beautifully chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a bag of Galaxy Counters!

Obviously if you like clothes staying slim (ish) is important. Especially if you are like me and constantly beating yourself up about being fat.  I know it's crazy.  I have friends who wear a bigger dress size than me and they look fab.  Our friend Claire always looks amazing!!  I think she just knows how to dress for her shape.  And she is always immaculate!

I'm constantly on and off diets.  I hate that feeling when you go to your wardrobe and wear the same few outfits all the time because you're scared if you try something else on it might be too tight!  I hate the scales too.  I weigh heavier than people imagine so it can be soul destroying when the scales flash up some mammoth figure at me!

Running is really good exercise but it doesn't tone up your flabby, wobbly bits!  I think in January I'm going to have to address this!  I'm a size 12.  I tend to be a size 12 whether I'm feeling fat or thin!  I very rarely get into a size 10 and don't that often have to upgrade to a size 14.  But I do get those horrible rolls of fat that bulge out from every place where there's an escape route.  I have no idea where they come from.  It can't be the amount of Sauvignon Blanc I drink and surely has nothing to do with Galaxy Counters, Giant Buttons, Ripples, Milky Bars or my love of deserts.  It must be those greens Rich is always banging on about!

Friday Night Fashion

This is what I wore out to supper last night!  The complete outfit is actually from Gok's range at Sainsbury's!  The jeans are this season and the top is last season and they are paired with my favourite nude heels from New Look.  And I was actually told that I looked skinny!  Thanks Olivia!!! 
I have been trying to be good about what I eat and only drink wine once a week and I have been running with my running buddy Heather but each time I get on the scales they say exactly the same thing!  Anyone else have that problem?  Why can't they just lie and tell you what you want to hear??? If they did then I'd move them from their lonely existence in the bathroom to pride of place in the lounge!

So I had a fab evening.  Our friends live in the most beautiful house so it was a super place to be.  First plus point!  We were joined by their gorgeous daughter and her lovely boyfriend and another couple who we hadn't seen for a couple of months but very much enjoy spending time with.  Second plus point!  The food was absolutely delicious.  Third plus point!  And the champagne was flowing.  Fourth plus point!  And at this point I must add that it's a very well known fact that champagne contains zero calories when consumed with good friends on a Friday night.  I believe the same also applies for profiteroles!  And the fifth and most important plus point was Rich was driving so I could enjoy all of the above!!!!

Busy Week, Busy Wardrobe!

Wow this week has been pretty hectic.  I spent the day at the Women in Enterprise Conference on Wednesday.  It was my first time going and I didn't know anyone.  It was brilliant though and I met some lovely people.  I wore my Next butterfly blouse - which you have seen before - and some checked trousers, also from Next.  I felt appropriately dressed for the occasion and very grown up!  Get me!!!

Then yesterday I went to a workshop at Gloucestershire Enterprise Centre.  It was a computer based course so I was a bit nervous that everyone would be nerdy or techy except me.  But it was great.  The lecturer was so nice and made us all laugh and feel comfortable. Everyone was normal - well my version of normal - and we all learnt loads!  I wore my brown River Island skinny jeans with my M&S ankle boots, a Joules shirt that I've had for ages AND my Joules tweed jacket.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my tweed jacket and love it some more!

Returned home to change into scruffy jeans and wellies to walk the dogs with all of us, me and the three dogs, returning covered in mud!

Then had to get ready to go out.  Went to a pub quiz with the girls.  Our friend, Jane, talked us into it when we'd all had a few too many to drink at supper on Friday.  We weren't exactly keen in the cold light of day and even less so in the dark, damp evening chill as we headed to the pub.  But I have to say we had a really good evening.  We came last!!  We tried to get points for presentation but they wouldn't have it!  We laughed so much!  I wore my River Island black straight jeans with black ankle boots and the top and tweed jacket I'd worn earlier.

Today Rich and I have been to the Races. 

Lovely atmosphere and great trade stands.  A bit chilly though!  My racing attire is always the same - coat and boots from Really Wild.  Love the name!  Probably the most I've ever spent on clothes!  I've had them about 5 years though and they are perfect for racing.

And now it's into the shower to get ready for dinner.  We are having dinner with our friends tonight.  Can't wait!  We are going to their house and another couple are joining us.  They are all such lovely people so I'm really looking forward to it.

Tomorrow I'm out to lunch with my favourite pregnant instructor and another very good horsey friend and then off to see The Spanish Riding School at the NIA tomorrow night.  Busy busy busy.  So much going on, so many outfits to find.  Loving it!

My latest purchase!

Having missed a few days of blogging there's a lot to catch up on!!!  I went out to supper on Friday evening and as always we were served up amazing food by our lovely friend.  We all had seconds of the main course and then polished off a pavlova that would have easily fed 16 between 5 of us.  Luckily I went dressed for comfort so after dinner was able to kick off my boots and relax on the sofa.  I wore my Gok skinny jeans - very comfy, Next jumper and M&S boots.  The jacket is from Top Shop and I love it.  It's so soft and easy to wear.  I hate coats that restrict your movement.

On Saturday I went to an equestrian event called Your Horse Live with my daughter.  There were hundreds of trade stands - yay!!! - and I actually did some Christmas shopping as my daughter chose a few things she liked.  I treated myself to a tweed jacket.  I have wanted one for a while but couldn't find one in the shops.  I did see one in Jack Wills but I think Jack Wills is for teenagers! And not only that it was £199!  Extortionate!!!  I found one on the Joules stand.  I absolutely love it!  It feels so good and is just what I was looking for. And it was only £89 - still a lot I know, but because I bought my daughter a shirt for Christmas I spent over £100 and therefore qualified for £20 off.  Result!  Anyone who likes Joules - they have good offers on at the moment!
I also bought a couple of things which I have given to Rich to give to me for Christmas presents.  It makes his life easier and he's very happy not to have to shop himself.  I got a black v-neck jumper and a tweed waistcoat from the Rydale stand.

This is me ready to head for home after a good morning shopping!

I've also got on my mind that, as predicted, one of my friends has suggested that we are going to wear dresses on our New Year's Eve bash.  I haven't seen any dresses I fancy in the shops, magazines or online.  I did like the red dress that Myleen wears in the M&S advert but its sold out.  I'm actually worrying myself about the number of times I'm mentioning M&S!  That's so not cool!!!  Anyway, as I'm not a dress person I think I will just head up into the loft, where I have a wardrobe for my dresses.  They live up there because they get used so infrequently.  I must surely have one I can wear for New Year's Eve!

Another night out another outfit!

I'm off out again tonight. Yay! A group of us girls are off to a friend's for supper. Can't wait! She's such a good cook. I'm thinking that I will wear skinny jeans and heels.  But talking of skinny jeans - come on I need feedback.  What style of trousers/jeans is most flattering for middle aged ( in body if not in mind!) women? And is it ok to wear brightly coloured jeans?

Anyway on to a different subject.  Bras! I bought a bra from M&S last week but it didn't fit very well.  To be fair I didn't buy my usual size as I was feeling fat! I took it back the other day and exchanged it for a completely different bra but in my usual size.  It still doesn't fit very well.  This lead me to start reading about bra sizing and I found a really good blog.  I'm sharing the link with you.  Well worth a read.

http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk/high-street-fitting-challenge

Tomorrow I will share with you what I wore tonight and will show you my new cardigan which I'm loving! 😘

Last night's outfit!

Well I expected to be really stressed trying to decide what to wear last night but in fact it wasn't too bad!  I have got two pairs of trousers in a wine colour and I thought this blouse matched them quite well so decision made.  I tried on the first pair of trousers which are really flared and Rich - my husband - said I looked too grown up!  Shocker he rarely says that to me  I don't think he's ever said that to me!.  Apparently the people we were having dinner with were a lot older than me and Rich thought for some totally illogical reason that I should dress younger!  It just shows never listen to a man!
Anyway I wasn't sure about the flares so I ended up wearing the tapered ones in the photo.  They are quite baggy at the top but narrow at the ankle.  The material is silky and falls really nicely with no lumps or bumps.  I feel elegant in them - which believe me is virtually impossible!!!
And another admission to make - you have caught me out in another lie!  I said I don't shop at M&S and these trousers are in fact Autograph from M&S but I figure that doesn't really count!  The blouse is from Next.  It's not something I would normally buy but I like the fact that the body is stretchy T shirt kind of material but the sleeves are floaty chiffon.  I wore nude heels which I think were New Look but I've had them a while.
So I thought it looked ok but what do you think?  Be honest!  And do I look young or old?  Don't feel you have to be too honest on that one!

Trousers! And what to wear tonight?

Well like I said I do only wear trousers.  No skirts.  No dresses.  I did lie though!  I did say I don't wear elasticated waist trousers and I find that I have indeed got some!!!  I have just taken all my trousers out of my wardrobe and I have to say I have quite a diverse range. 

I have a loads of skinny and straight legs jeans in a variety of colours from beige through brown, black, wine and bright blue!  I also have several pairs of leggings and jeggings in a variety of colours.  And I have trousers ranging from tight and skinny, straight, ankle grazers and flares. The good news is there was only one pair that I couldn't fasten up.  Result!  A few more running sessions and maybe they will fit too!

I have to say that I'm loving my Gok jeggings.  I bought some last season and wore them to death so I bought a couple of pairs this season in black and indigo but they also do grey.  I find with leggings that I feel a bit vulnerable because they don't exactly provide much support.  Everything is free to wobble and believe me it does.  For me anyway.  But Gok's jeggings are different.  I feel supported.  They even make my stomach feel flat.  Miracle!!!
View link here: http://j-sainsbury.co.uk/media/798827/gok5.html

This season I've also bought two pairs of jeans from River Island.  Normally I'm a bit nervous of trying trousers on in River Island because they are made for skinny people who like to show their knickers above the waistband of their jeans.  I feel this is not the most fetching look for me!  Anyway, I tried these jeans on and they just fitted perfectly.  My knickers were discreetly covered - thankfully - and they are so comfy!  Love love love them!
This is the link to one pair I bought:
http://www.riverisland.com/women/jeans/skinny-jeans/Black-PU-trim-Taylor-skinny-jeans-623013

Trousers are tricky though.  There are so many types -  skinny, straight, bootcut and flared and which is right for you?  I always used to wear bootcut but now I don't wear them at all.  I like to wear straight cut with flats and skinny with heels.  I've discovered that wearing skinny jeans and heels makes me look thinner even though I had previously thought I was too fat to wear skinnies.  Now, needless to say, I wear them at any given opportunity!  I also like flares though.  Flares and heels can give a really nice silhouette as the swishy material is quite flattering.

However, right now I have to divert from my trouser tales to talk about what I'm going to wear tonight.  I'm going out with my husband, Rich.  We are having dinner at a posh restaurant with a business associate of Rich's and his wife.  I have never been to the restaurant before and I have never met the people we are having dinner with before.  So . . .what to wear???

I have pulled out 6 different pairs of trousers and they are on my shortlist but then I have to figure out a top to wear with them and shoes or boots!  I'm thinking - why am I writing this blog I should be upstairs trying to figure out what to wear!!! We leave in an hour and ten minutes!

But . . . what look do I want to go for?  And more importantly will it make me look thin?  Not much to ask.  Anyway, watch this space - photo coming soon of what I decide to wear.

Body Shape?

Hello again!

This is a picture of me and the girls taken earlier this year.  We range in age from mid forties to early sixties.  We all have completely different dress sense but more importantly completely different body shapes.

I'm sure we all watched Trinnie and Suzannah feel countless pairs of boobs and pronounce people a fashion disaster. And we are all supposed to know our own body shape.  And I do. I'm an hour glass.  Big boobs, small (ish) waist and big hips.  I go in and out.  If I wear loose clothes I look like a tent or pregnant.  Neither of which I find desirable looks.  So I have to wear fitted clothes that show off the smallest part of my body - my waist.  I have to wear scoop necklines so as not to accentuate my boobs - which I wish were smaller.  I have to avoid anything that's puffy or overly fussy on the shoulder as I have broad shoulders and it makes me look completely out of proportion.

The thing is knowing the rules doesn't help in choosing the right clothes.  You can still wear clothes that are designed for girls half your age!  And I do!

So, before I give you a glimpse at some of the things I wear I'm going to tell you what I don't wear.  I don't wear dresses more than once a year.  I don't wear skirts.  I don't wear smart suits.  I don't wear elasticated waist trousers - yet!  I don't wear puffy, lacy or flouncy.

What do I wear?  . . . Well, trousers.  Not very inspiring I know!  And quite worrying as the festive season approaches and one of the girls (who looks good in dresses) will announce - "Lets all wear dresses on our girlie Christmas supper."  Great!!!  Another shopping dilemma!

So tune in tomorrow and lets talk trousers! xxx

Am I really 50?????

Hello!

I'm 50!  Glad I'm typing that and not saying it out loud because no matter how hard I try I just can't believe it.  I don't feel 50.  Well, except when I'm having hot flushes! I feel more like 25!  I want to be young.  I'm sure I am young.  And then I look in the mirror and . . . massive reality check!  Surely that's not me?????

I have three children age 22, 20 and 17.  I'm married.  In fact I only got married last year so surely that makes me young?  I have three dogs and a cat.  I like riding and reading, socialising with friends, drinking wine - particularly a nice Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or Champagne.  I'm a chocoholic and a shopoholic.

I still listen to Radio One!  My children are always stealing my CDs so I must be trendy?!  I like chatting to my children's friends.  I like being silly!

But . . . what is it appropriate to wear when you are 50?  And more to the point - where do you shop?  I would love to shop at Johnnie Boden.  He regularly sends me offers and tempts me in with his 20% off and free delivery; addressing me as though we were friends.  But I just can't.  I look through his collection and think - "it's all for grown up, sensible people."  But I guess Johnie really is sending me offers because I'm his target market.  He thinks I should be grown up and sensible because I'm . . . not 25!!!

I like to shop in New Look, Top Shop, River Island, Oasis and Warehouse.  But do the shop assistants imagine I'm shopping for my daughter?  Are they gossiping behind my back saying, "What's she doing in here?" with that snarl of contempt that young people have when the can't ever imagine being . . older!  And how long can I continue to shop in these teen emporiums?  

Next is safe.  Anyone can shop in Next.  But where else can I indulge my shopping addiction?  Not M&S, unless it's for underwear, that IS admitting you're old!

And do I give in and wear classic shapes and designs or can I still follow fashion trends???  It's such a dilemma!  Can I wear the same styles as my daughter or is that 'mutton dressed as lamb'?  And where is Gok Wan when you need him?!!!