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!!!

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.

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?!!!