Wardrobe Space

I thought I would share this article with you.  I don't know about you but I constantly lust after more wardrobe space!  And what do you think about the list of clothes women own?  I definitely have more trousers, tops and shoes than the list suggests but less dresses.

Click the link to read the article.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2286578/Its-official-Women-DO-need-wardrobe-space-British-women-THREE-TIMES-clothes-male-partners.html

To Gok or Not to Gok???

As you probably know, I'm a big Gok Wan fan.  I follow him on Twitter.  I watch all his TV programmes.  I buy his books.  I buy his clothes collection from Sainsbury's.  So, as you can imagine I was excited to hear that his new collection was launching at the end of last week.

I saw a link online to a video clip of an interview he had done about the new collection.  I think he said it's his 7th collection.  He said this was quite a departure from what he'd done before.  This is what he'd always wanted to do but he had to win the public's confidence first.  You can find the clip by clicking the link below:

http://www.gokwan.com

On Saturday I set off to do my Sainsbury's shop knowing that I would be able to browse Gok's collection and perhaps even buy a few pieces.  And there it was - prominently displayed right at the front of the clothing section!!!

. . . But . . . huge disappointment!!!!  I didn't like it!!!!!  There is nothing about it I liked!  Check it out for yourself by clicking the link below:

http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/blog/2013/01/sneak-peek-gok-for-tu-spring-collection/

Actually I am exaggerating!  I did like one thing.  I bought a pair of black perfect fit trousers.  They do fit really well and are comfy too.

I don't know about you but I have been a big fan of Gok's latest series Style Secrets.  Gok has been helping single women who haven't dated for years to get back out there.  Whoever says that clothes aren't important is crazy!  These women transform when Gok shows them how to dress.  Of course he's also brilliant at boosting their confidence too but the clothes make a massive difference.

I think when people feel low they tend to wear the same old clothes over and over again.  They want to disappear into the background.  They don't want to be noticed.  They feel ugly.  They look in the mirror and the clothes they are wearing don't do them justice so it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.  Once someone (Gok in this case) shakes them out of that downward spiral and shows them how to dress suddenly they believe they look good.  Confidence emerges and they start to care about themselves and how they look.  People start to notice and tell them how good they look and hey presto! - A transformation takes place!!!

So if anyone tells you that you buy too many clothes - so long as you feel good in them - ignore them!!!

Take a look at Gok's scrapbook from the series:

http://scrapbook.channel4.com/experts/gokwan

I can't believe I'm doing this!!!

Second post of the day!  I've just come back from my friend Sarah's - she needed help eating the cakes she had made - I was completely selfless in volunteering to help.  Victoria sponge and coffee and walnut cake. Mmmmmmmmm yummy!  Anyway the talk inevitably came round to what we're wearing tomorrow night for our Girlie Christmas Supper.  It ended with Jane and I raiding Sarah's wardrobe and trying on her clothes.  I tried on two lovely dresses!

Anyway I thought I should come home and go through my own wardrobe and try on a few outfits.  And - stupidly and stone cold sober, although I have just poured myself a glass of wine - I'm going to post the photos for all to see.  I've got crappy underwear on (luckily you can't actually see it), my hair looks like I've been pulled through a hedge backwards at least twice and I have no make up on so go easy on me.

Here goes!!!

I actually tried this on and posted before - for supper at Claire's although I didn't wear it on the night.  I like it better today.  I think it's a contender.  It's Rich's favourite too.

I actually love this dress.  I bought it recently from Monsoon.  Oooohhhh get me!!! I think of it as a daytime dress but I really like it and it's very easy and comfy to wear.

I thought this would look nice but it doesn't really does it???!!!

I love this top but it doesn't look very nice in the photo.

Princess loves this outfit!!!  I like it too although it's not a very flattering angle.

So what do you think???  What shall I wear tomorrow night?  Or do I need to go back to my wardrobe and look again?!!!

Finally I go out in a dress!!!

So what do you think???!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who commented on which dress I should wear.  Actually it wasn't too bad.  I thought I'd feel really uncomfortable but it's a very easy dress to wear.  I've had it for ages; probably at least a couple of years.  I'm pretty sure it's from Primark.  My boots are also old.  I found them in the back of the cupboard.  As my son put it, "they're really old school".  Maybe I'll get some new ones in the sales.

It's inspired me to try dress wearing again.  Claire and Sarah also wore dresses but they are regular dress wearers.  We had such a lovely evening.  Claire's house is always immaculate but at the same time warm and welcoming.  Although Claire, like myself, is a reluctant cook she always gives us a lovely meal and is a wonderful hostess.  We had salmon in a cream sauce, roasted new potatoes and salad followed by trifle and of course plenty of bubbly and wine.

Yesterday was my day off my diet.  I really enjoyed the whole day but feel crappy today.  I'm not sure you realise how over indulging effects you until you diet then there is such a contrast in how you feel on diet and none diet days.  I still exercised yesterday.  My friend Paola picked me up at around 8.30am and we met some of the Cleeve Ladies at Pitville Park and went for a run.  The reward at the end of the run was coffee and cake at the cafe!  I also walked the dogs for over an hour. 

I'm actually glad to be back to dieting today but it's an exercise free day for me - unless you count walking round Sainsburys!  Tomorrow back to running!  Bring it on!  Oh and it's my day to weigh!!!  Prepare for me being devastated!!!!

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!!!

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!

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!