Today I am wearing my culottes again, and loving them!
Especially as they are helping me to rebel against the (unpredictable) autumnal weather, here in Scotland.
These culottes are easy, breezy and satisfyingly swishy, but a little bit too 'airy' for a cool autumn day, so I'm wearing my culotte slip and a pair of cycling shorts underneath.
Yep, plain cotton cycling shorts... from the kids department!
I'm not sorry.
Wearing these hidden warming layers helps me to enjoy wearing my grey sandals without freezing off a digit.
My body was so warm that my feet didn't suffer at all.
I love the fact that our modern lives allow us to mix and match our clothes (and accessories) to suit how we feel on any given day.
If you want to wear cut-offs and ugg boots, then go for it.
Ditto sandals and a wool coat, as I am doing here.
We are free to wear whatever we want!
This outfit started with my shoes.
I just really wanted to wear them, simple as that!
Even though my sensible head (and the weather) was telling me that a closed toe is a more sensible option.
Yeah... whatever!
However, as much as I would like to think of myself as a fashion rebel, I'm not really!
Comfort and warmth ALWAYS come first.
{Well, almost always... sometimes certain shoes are well worth the pain!}
So, with keeping cosy at the forefront of my mind I reached for this grey polo neck and a warm cashmere long-line waistcoat.
Sorted!
A bright orange coat kept me warm but didn't feel overwhelming, either in shape or colour.
Orange is one of these shades that looks fab across all seasons.
Perfect in gloomy winter as well summer.
AND, fabulous in autumn.
Especially against the rich colours of the season.
In fact, orange should be a wardrobe basic.... well, in my opinion anyway!
My cheeky magpie necklace and a fabulous snow leopard bag finished this look off perfectly.
Do you make style contradictions? What is your favourite way to mix things up? What about your idea of a basic colour that isn't one of the classics? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
SHOES: All Saints (old)... these are cool!
COAT: Hearts & Hands at Urban Outfitters... bought in the sale ages ago! (similar)
CULOTTES: Zara... these are nice.
POLO: M&S
BAG: Charity shop find (Why on earth someone would get rid of this is beyond me)... similar.
NECKLACE: Online.
Tucking in, there are so many ways to do it.
Check out this magazine article, and prepare to be as confused as me!
If you are small waisted and/or curvy, tucking in will probably be your friend and accentuate your fabulous figure.
BUT, if you are more of an apple shape (or an ironing board) you may feel that tucking tops in makes you look lumpy.
Tucked-in tops (especially in thicker fabrics) can add bulk, and the bump-factor.
No one wants to look like a folded up duvet!
If full tucking leaves you cold why not go for a half tuck, or a semi-tuck?
A half tuck works well with shirts, but can look a bit accidental and messy.
A semi-tuck (or a mullet tuck) is the easiest one to do.
Up at the front and down at the back.
A nice curve of fabric that creates a lovely line.
Tucking in tops can lengthen your legs, and hide a belly.
Hiding a belly?
That seems counter-intuitive doesn't it?
Surely pulling a top (or jumper ) down will lengthen the body and hide a bit of a paunch much better...right?
Well... not really.
Stretching a top over your tum highlights it rather than hiding it.
The simple art of tucking distracts the eye by creating a pleasing curve that draws attention away from the offending area.
Up and over!
Today's outfit started out untucked, and ended up semi-tucked.
{I had to road test my theory after all!}
The whole tucked/untucked look began with these fabulous shoes, which were kindly gifted to me by Kettlewell.
This company really appeals to my love of colour as they sell great basics in seasonal shades.
I often find myself loving the style of certain items in high street stores, but then the colours can often let me down.
Many 'collections' focus on a specific colour palette for that season, and these can sometimes leave me cold.
With Kettlewell, if you know your seasonal palette then you can find colours you love all year round... and even play around with some fun colour clashes!
{If you don't know your palette they they have a handy quiz to help you find out.}
Today I'm wearing a simple, subtle and understated outfit....
Well, as understated as a bright yellow jumper can be!
This jumper was calling out for my trusty navy velvet trousers.
Golden-yellow and navy is a match made in heaven, and this combo went perfectly with the pretty embroidered slippers.
I was also sent this tassel necklace and, although it is a pretty (and popular) item I felt a little uninspired with it hanging in it's usual way.
An easy way to mix it up a little was to double it over, and add a brooch.
Just a little bit different, and a great way to ring the changes.
A simple navy grab bag, and red lipstick, finished this look off perfectly.
Over to you... Do you tuck or are you tuck-shy? Would you rock a full tuck? A half tuck? A mullet tuck? Tucking confused? Hahahaha....Me too! 😝
Colour is such a powerful tool.
People assume things about you according to the colours you wear.
{See THIS POST for more details}.
Some colours can instantly transform our mood.
Making us calmer and more relaxed, happy and joyful, energised...or even hungry!
Unfortunately, brighter and bolder shades CAN feel quite overwhelming and intimidating to wear.
Something to be admired on others, but avoided.
We may feel that we stand out too much, or even look foolish.
Yellow is definitely one of those colours!
However, I firmly believe that harder-to-wear colours can be worn by anyone... you just need to break yourself in gently and grow your confidence!
If you're a blogger like me then page views are probably pretty important to you.
Unless it's a private blog, we all want a good number of unique users and plenty of clicks, don't we?
The thought of tens, or thousands (or even tens of thousands!) of like minded people tuned into your blog is a great feeling.
Lots of lovely people enjoying your content, connecting with you and supporting each other.
That's one of the great things about blogging, isn't it?
BUT...
What if your precious page views are just pie in the sky?
What if your 'Audience' doesn't really exist?
What if your blog is the victim of Bots?
What is a Bot?
A bot is an automated programme that has been created to perform a repetitive action many times... much faster than a real person.
Spambots, for example, crawl (or spider) your website looking for email addresses to 'harvest' ready to send those unwanted spam emails to.
Some bots can leave comments on your blog posts, and leave links behind that you may be tempted to follow.
DON'T.
If you suspect that a comment left on your site is spam, delete it.
If you suspect a link is not in keeping with the usual 'traffic source' to your blog don't click on it.
Check the traffic sources page in blogger and ignore any dubious referrals.
{I made the mistake of clicking through once and found myself looking at some pretty eye-watering pornography... and I'm no prude!}
These bad bots can also slow your site down and can even stop your genuine readers being able to access your content.
Now that sucks!
Don't worry though... All is not lost.
Google Analytics is a great way to keep tabs on your GENUINE followers and real page views.
Connect your blogger account to google analytics.
(See how to do that HERE)
As a rule of thumb, simply ignore your blogger stats and use google analytics.
(Although some bots can affect the those stats too... which is another matter... it's like opening a can of worms!)
If you suspect you are receiving dodgy page views then please make sure you report it to Blogger by clicking on the [Send Feedback] button (bottom right in your account).
Blogger help forums are also really useful, if you have any questions.
If you are in doubt about the validity of your page views (Like a few days ago when I had 10,000 extra views in the space of a few hours) just ignore Blogger's stats altogether and stick to what google analytics is telling you.
The numbers may not be as flashy, but they actually mean something!
(My 'blogger stats' monthly page views are over double what google analytics tells me.)
Much as that may seem a depressing thought it's more important to engage with real readers, right?
Big numbers are nice, but they're not the be all and end all of blogging.
Luckily the Web is stuffed full of help and, if there is anything you're worried about there will be a web page (or chat feed) that can help you:
This page explains how to stop them, and block them.
There are loads more out there to learn from too!
Have you been on the receiving end of over inflated page views? Do you do anything about it? Do you try and block spam? I'd love to hear about your experiences!
So today I simply added navy tights and these fab booties to my bottom half, and a blue shirt on top.
A belt and brooches were all the "extras" I needed to feel pulled together.
Outfits should be easy, shouldn't they?
This is such a comfortable, and 'appropriate' outfit.
When I say appropriate, I mean occasion appropriate of course.... nothing to do with age!
In fact, I think this is a pretty ageless look. What do you think?
Cheating.
We all do it from time to time don't we?
I'm not talking about the BIG stuff here, where people get hurt, damage done or laws broken...I'm talking about the little things.
The silly things.
The things that don't really matter.
Whether it's out of laziness, or just mischievousness, sometimes we just can't help ourselves can we?
Well, it's impossible to be perfectly behaved all of the time! 😇 ...😈
Today I'm a big cheat and loving it!
But don't worry, nothing serious...
It's just this outfit was supposed to be created entirely from my Autumn Capsule Wardrobe pieces BUT I couldn't resist doing a little swapsie.
Oh dear.
Naughty! Can you spot it?
My 'cheat' pieces are this green bag ... oh, and the checked scarf (oops).
I know it should have been easy just to grab a bag from the capsule BUT this bag was calling my name.
"Pick ME Sam!"
I couldn't resist.
However, I'm not ALL bad... These culottes are part of my Autumn Capsule Wardrobe and I'm so glad I chose them.
They are very comfortable, versatile and plenty of fun to wear!
An eye catching pattern (👀) in black and white goes with just about everything.
They also have that satisfying swish factor.
Pulling other pieces together from the capsule was easy and effortless.
Especially these heeled brogues.
I love them.
{My husband calls them my "Nanny McPhee" shoes... cheeky!}
GET THE LOOK
CULOTTES: River Island
JUMPER: John Smedley
BAG: Osprey
SCARF: Vintage
SHOES: Clarks
CARDIGAN: Boden
NECKLACE: Tatty Devine
Now it's Over to You...
Last Week the gorgeous Trina turned my head with her post about a particular pair of SHOES.... See them HERE.
I am a huge shoe lover so it's not surprising at all!
I'm the coo's tail today.
Or, to translate from Scottish slang.... running dreadfully late!
Can I please say a HUGE "Sorry!!!!" to everyone who has popped over to link up today.
I really appreciate your visit.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the #fakeituntilyoumakeit LINK UP will have to go live tomorrow.
Sometimes real life gets in the way of this wonderful world of blogging.
Please pop back tomorrow and say Hello... I would love to see you!
P.S.... I've disabled comments on this post but don't worry, everything will (hopefully) be back to normal tomorrow.
This outfit has been put together using pieces from my (Non-Boring) Autumn Capsule Wardrobe.
Who'd have thought a capsule-wardrobe-based-outfit could be colourful and clashy.... and also FUN to wear?!
This outfit is all about mixing, matching, clashing and contrasting.
Who says bright yellow trousers can't work in the cooler months?
{Nobody I'm listening to anyway!}
Bright yellow trousers work beautifully with lots of different bold colours, and are great for colour blocking (see HERE) but, they also work well paired with a neutral tone and some splashes of colour... like red!
Are leopard boots a step too far?
I don't think so!
A cute autumn leaf necklace, and a tonal scarf, say "Autumn is here" and finish the look off nicely.
What colours do you like to take from Summer into Autumn?
Monochrome is a word often associated with Black & White but, a monochrome outfit can mean one containing varying tones of any specific colour.
In this case my Monochrome outfit is PINK!
These hot pink trousers have been on the blog a couple of times... see them HERE & (my favourite) HERE.
Whenever I wear them I realise that their proportions are slightly 'off' for my short-waisted body (See more short-waisted problems and solutions HERE & HERE) and the colour is not really 'my' colour.
Ah well...
I still love wearing them!
They make me smile.
Wearing what makes you happy is always a good idea.
As if these hot pink breeks were not colourful enough I decided to throw on a slouchy, cosy and generally lovely jumper.
I adore it's cheeky bobbles, which go all around the back as well.
Don't you just love that!
Who else HATES it when designs, patterns, sequins and embellishments stick to the front of garments, and stop at the side seams?
This jumper may be shapeless and sloppy, but it's so comfortable and comforting.
Like wearing a big hug.
I wanted to keep piling on the pink, so my magenta bag was a must.
In for a penny, in for a pound!
A pair of t-bar shoes, in a plummy colour, kept things feminine and (almost) grown-up!
Pink lips and delicate earrings finished things off nicely.
You may have noticed that none of these items (bar the shoes) are from my recent Autumn Capsule Wardrobe post.... more on that next Monday at the #fakeituntilyoumakeitlinkup.
If you missed Monday's link, don't worry you can still join in HERE.
Can you handle the monochrome look? What's YOUR colour? Please share your favourite colour in the comments. I'd love to try it!
TROUSERS: Topshop (old)
JUMPER: Lindex... from eBay.
BAG & EARRINGS: Charity Shopped!
SHOES: Clarks
GLASSES: c/o Readers.com
37 Item Colourful Autumn Capsule Wardrobe, for Work
{That's a bit of a mouthful isn't it?}
I'm usually turned off by capsule wardrobes because they can seem desperately dull.
Loads of Black.
Maybe a little Navy.
If it's "Out-there" some Grey?
Mixed with White or Beige.
We're told to Keep it Classic.
Fallen asleep yet?
Zzzzzzz
{I'd be running to the shops on day one!}
In this Autumn Capsule Wardrobe each piece can be mixed and matched with the others for a total of (*attempts to calculate a number, and fails) ... let's just say PLENTY of potential outfits.
Please note that this Capsule does NOT include:
Underwear, including thermals.
Hosiery and socks.... this opens up a whole world of colour SEE HERE.
Jewellery.
Belts.
Gloves & Hats.
Waterproof coats, wellies or umbrellas (this is Scotland after all!)
Let's start with my favourites....
Shoes & Boots
Shoes are certainly a 'thing' of mine.
An accessory I love.
Shoes can make or break an outfit.
Show me a beautiful shoe and I just can't resist trying it on.
The fact that I managed to trim my footwear choices down to 5 pairs of shoes (and boots) was bordering on miraculous.
It did involve a lot of head scratching though... and A LOT of empty shoe boxes strewn around the house!
Culling shoes was the hardest part of this capsule process.
Only 5?!
I was seriously struggling.
How can anyone style multiple looks with only 5 choices of footwear?
After a little research I realised that many capsule wardrobes have as few at 3 pairs of shoes.
THREE!?
That would be torture for me.
Luckily, each pair I have chosen can be worn with (almost) all of the skirts, trousers and dresses so there is plenty (read:not enough in my book!) choice.
2 Pairs of Boots
2 pairs of ankle boots in Red & Leopard print.
Red and leopard are SO versatile and can be worn with everything in this capsule!
3 Pairs of Shoes
The navy booties are slightly more serious, and elegant, for days when it's needed.
The plum/burgundy t-bars are feminine, grown-up and very comfortable.
Tan brogues are a classic style that had to be included!
All of the shoes have a small to mid heel, and are comfortable all-day shoes.
Sore feet are not stylish!
Bottoms
3 Bottoms
Including 2 pairs of trousers and 1 pair of culottes.
None of which are dull, plain or 'classic'.
Yellow tapered trousers... yellow is surprisingly versatile and goes with ALL of the other items!
Navy patterned trousers are surprisingly versatile too, working with everything.
Black and White culottes practically make an outfit themselves and work with all tops (bar the leopard shirt... maybe?) and all shoes.
2 Dresses
1 red below-knee length dress.
This red dress is very versatile, and can be layered up with the tops and cardigans.
1 Charcoal grey (looks black here) mini-length dress, which can be worn over the trousers as a tunic (it's loose enough) or belted and worn with coloured tights.
In fact, both of the dresses can be worn alone or layered with under-tops (polo-necks and shirts) cardigans and/or coloured hosiery.
The world is your oyster!
2 Skirts
1 black, red and white striped pencil skirt.
Stripes are a great pattern for mixing with other patterns and muted (or colourful) plain items.
1 full-skirted red and navy striped skirt.
Again, great for mixing!
Both skirts look great with all of the tops and jumpers, layered together or on their own (the tops and jumpers, not the skirts!).
Tops
4 knitted tops
2 cashmere jumpers.
1 classic v-necked camel jumper, in a fine knit.
This piece is great on it's own, or layered.
1 rust crew-neck jumper.
Perfect on it's own or layered over a shirt, or polo-neck.
2 fine knitted tops in grey and cream marl.
2 shirts
1 leopard print in black and camel... a classic in my book.
1 shirt in pale blue, another classic that looks great with everything! 3 polo neck tops that look chic worn alone (but are also great for layering) in red, grey and cream/navy striped.
4 cardigans
1 wrap-over cardigan in black, which can also be worn alone as a wrap top.
2 classic crew-neck cardigans in jade green and cream... perfect over everything!
1 tobacco coloured sleeveless long cardigan, which is handy for changing the silhouette as well as adding extra warmth.
Jackets & Coats
1 short leather jacket in nude/blush, which is great for warmer days.
Or, when you just fancy wearing a short coat!
2 long coats... one in red wool, one slightly heavier in light taupe.
1 classic trench, in navy.
{A capsule wardrobe wouldn't be a capsule wardrobe without a trench or Mac, would it?}
All of the coats look great with everything else.
Even the red coat over the red dress!
{Full-on red is going to be big news this AW17-18.}
Bags
Narrowing my bags down to 5 was hard.
{Not as hard as the shoe situation, but pretty close!}
1 large red bag with tan trim.
1 large snow leopard bag with patent trims.
1 medium bag in black patent with a grey hounds tooth design.
1 small quilted bag with chain strap.
1 navy grab bag.
Each of the bags can be mixed and match to work with numerous looks.
1 larger and warmer wrap scarf in plain plum/burgundy.... which looks great with all of the coats and jackets, even the red!
Every item can be worn mixed and match with each other.
All you need is to pull colours together and add a few carefully selected pieces of jewellery, belts and hosiery.
Examples of Accessories
Belts
Red narrow patent belt.
Black wide patent belt.
Navy narrow belt.
Tan studded medium-width belt.
Hosiery
Navy tights.
Plum tights.
Black tights.
Grey socks.
Lurex socks.
Fishnet or lace socks.
Any bold jewellery would work well with this bolder, and more colourful capsule.
Think big brooches, statement necklaces and asymmetric earrings... not all together of course!
{Or maybe?!... It's your capsule after all!}
What do you think of creating a Capsule Wardrobe? Have you tried it? Did it work? Do you use a capsule for your work wardrobe? What about when you're travelling?
Please let me know in the comments. I would love to hear your opinion on this! XXX
