Wise ladies....step this way and Avidly share your most fabulous fashion finds .....

[notyummy]

Hello all!

Cake - come back we neeeeeed you to tell us about your holiday....

LTEC I'd go with "subdued" navy/grey. Navy Wallis dress and Helles suggestion of scarf is a good one.

I just took delivery of the boden merino roll neck dress in magenta. Purely for governors meetings (draftly halls etc). It is lovely. Warm, cosy, and a bargain at 15% off, if you consider the price of a separate top and bottom. Looks good over jeggings, and I imagine I could glam it up with opaques. Pleased.

hells, it wasn't me with the Tom Ford. I'm a rouge coco kind of girl!

rufus, have not succumbed to a cheese sandwich yet, or to toast. How's the dukan keeping up?

carciofi like your DD's coat

MrsJ v impressed with homemade bunting!

Cake agree with the others, re: perhaps another subdued colour but not black. All of this must be so so difficult for you.

Plum thanks for the lippy recommendation - I'll try it sometime as still haven't found my perfect red (and I've tried loads, but not MAC.

I've been feeling most strange today and got asked is I was pregnant (via email, not as a result of looking a bit lardy in the VWA dress I was wearing thankfully) as I've been a bit out-of-character forgetful - so here goes - the start of analysing every little twinge just incase it's a sign of pregnancy , which it probably isn't

See what I mean sorry MrJ the bunting comment was meant for Dolcee!!

blossoming forgot to say: congrats on governor's job. Dress looks cozy.

libra measuring bodyfat seems to be rather complicated. Have fun having your colours done!

I'm trying to work out a capsule wardrobe for the coming weekend where I will attend authors' conference in Berlin, including dinner at fairly smart restaurant. And then of course our trip to London next week. I always feel I have the wrong sort of clothes when it comes to packing.

LTEC - What an awful dilemma to have. I think your instinct to steer clear of head-to-toe black are right. Scarf suggestion also good.

Blossoming - Nice dress!

Libra - Thanks for getting back to me! You ask some sensible questions (of course!) I think if I am honest it is vanity - I would like my bottom and thighs to be a teensy bit smaller, and that is where I carry any fat. I also read in my research that a 'Fit' (as opposed to merely 'healthy'(slightly more fat) or 'athlete' (v low body fat) woman of my age would be around 21% - 24%. My scales - which I know are not dead on accurate - says I am either 24% or 25% depending what day I step on them. I would like to be at 22/23% to put me right in the middle of the 'fit' zone. I am sure there are alterations I could make to my diet. I eat well on the whole, but the occasional biscuit or piece of cake does sneak in (like at least one a day..!) I run 15-20 miles a week, do a couple of fairly hard circuit training sessions, 1 or 2 pilates or yoga sessions and a tabata session (recent development. Any suggestions for changes welcome.

Bunny - You look amazing! Neat with a lovely bump - and dd so cute!

And finally I must share two exciting things that have happened this evening. First of all I got home from work to be greeted with a parcel. Thank you Fritzi! The shirt is fab and I will be donating to Great Ormond St when I have finished this post. All wrapped in lovely pink paper with a card - just a real luxe delivery. Wow!

Secondly, DD and I have just done bedtime stories. She brought her first reading book and words to learn at the weekend and homework was duly done. She got a new one today, brought it home - and READ to me. By herself, by sounding out the words. I was gobsmacked and so chuffed! We have resisting trying to teach reading before school started as she was one of the youngest in the year anyway, but she has always loved books and pretended to read them. I was quite emotional listening to her - all this in 7 and 1/2 days

Thanks for all the lovely comments, Wise Ladies!! Very kind of you all. Sorry if wasn't clear, don't think am big all over, but my bump is so big that making life (esp the most important part - what to wear ) bit hard. And of course I agree that DD is adorable - she is sooo her father's daughter - a little lady mini me.

Cakey - the funeral of a child must be the saddest occasion one could attend. Agree that sombre colours are probably best, but no matter what you wear, the parents must be going through hell and will prob only notice that you are there, and be grateful that you are.

Bloss - nice wool dress! V snug but sleek.

Poor La Moss, I liked what she wore and think its OK as it was a memorial (not a funeral), and a memorial to AMcQ no less (think they were v close - he supported her publicly when the cocaine scandal was at its height). Yes, that was Daphne Guinness someone identified - I think she is incredible. Have read a bit about her and she is v independent style wise (did anyone clock her black and white skunk style hair?). £££ from divorcing a Niarchos can't hurt one's ability to select unbelievable clothes, either.

How exciting fritzi! how long are you in London for?
My recent experience in London required thin layers and a roomy bag to stash them in. And flats. I walked around on Saturday in a sleeveless top and pashmina, two top layers in my bag! Those shops and the tube are boiling!

dolcee, haven't read the books (currently reading Tasmina Perry), but love the films! Especially the werewolves in the second. Waiting for the third to come on SBO.

notyummy well done to your DD! Mine has been bringing books home to read too and is managing to remember the words (can't say she's reading yet) but she's enjoying it - her books only have a max of 3 words on a page. Like you I haven't tried to teach her prior to going to school. I still don't want to push it at all. She's still a baby to me and the youngest in her class.

Bunny yo do look really fab!

Supposed to be working so bye for now.

notyummy you're welcome! Glad the shirt arrived and you like it. Can imagine how sweet it is to watch DD read. How old is she? Here in Germany children don't start primary school/reading until they are at least 6 years old. There is a trend to let children stay in kindergarten as long as possible and some are even 7 . DD who is 4 is already asking me when she will start school as she is really keen on writing her name and pretends to read her books to her doll and cuddly piglet.

blossoming we'll be in London from Wednesday to Monday. I'm already very excited! I always go for layers as I tend to dress to warm and get hot on the tube/in shops.

sorry "too" warm...

Bloss no carbs today! Did have activia with my oatbran, but really want something sweet. Have my period as well, so am craving sugar. Think I will have to go to bed! Maybe I'll have one more activia, think I can have 2, though Mr. Dukan would prefer just the 1. Have you read his "exercises" yet? I was in knots! Love the dress, gorgeous colour.
NY very impressed with your DD. My DD just starting her 3rd year of school, only began reading in the last year, and DS1 who has just started has had no homework yet!

zembo - no bunting here! Keeping my fingers crossed for you that your forgetfulness may be significant!

Though talking of interior design I am really excited as tomorrow DH is collecting some lovely watercolours that a friend did for DD's room from the framers (it's only taken us 18 months to get them done . Can't wait to put them up.

NY - how lovely that your daughter is reading already - you must be really proud. And blimey you are fit I need to do more. Pre DD I was rowing, trampolining & playing football. I don't seem to have got back into the sporty zone ever since.

Blossoming -nice dress - very befitting for a governor.

dolcee - I devoured all the twilight books in about a week but can't say I really got the obsession that some seem to. I was a massive Harry Potter fan though

Rufus - well done on a whole day of dukan.

I'm not there yet MrsJ! This is my worst time, when I sit down, and watch tv with a cuppa.
Helles I think these are the perfect brown boot although I'm sure you've seen them already.
I am considering these. I want a runaround pair of boots, but I am very tempted by the Acne ones. Like you Helles I'll wear all the time, and get a couple of years out of them.
Hmm, getting a headache now. The carb withdrawal begins.

Last post form me!

Helles I also love these from anthropologie

Hopefully your forgetfulness is good news Zembo!

thank you all for your advice and kindness.

rufus I love those anthropologie boots

bloss is your birthday on Sunday?

Baby L's birthday is on Sunday.

can't believe my baby is going to be one

NY Like that black dress. I do think things have become a lot more relaxed in recent years. You do still hear some people banging on about floor length/cover your shoulders etc- but it really is not necessary any more. Thank heavens!

Bunny You look absolutely beautiful. As does dd!

LTEC I agree with others suggestions. I would probably wear a black dress or trousers with a cardigan in a lighter shade.

Blossoming I really like that boden dress, have been looking for more knitted/tunic dresses to wear to work so its under serious consideration. Congratulations on your appointment!

Tracey I like the leather mini style you linked to - I used to have a leather pencil skirt in my pre ds days and I felt like the bees knees in it.

Bunnymother you look fantastic. I love the photos of dd too.

Plum your blog is now nestling on my favourites bar next to The Frockaholic.
LTEC another one green with envy at your fabulous legs. I hope you find the right outfit for the funeral.

Rufus good luck with the Dukan-ing I have bought the book but am just not sure I can go that hardcore - its a totally different way of eating for me as I am used to eating lots of fruit and veg.
I love the boots you have linked to.

I have been trying to follow from memory the slimming world red plan but without any carbs at all. I did not realise that fruit was so bad re carbs and ate a banana for breakfast, grapes for lunch and an apple on the drive home from work. For my dinner this evening I had chicken with broccoli and savoy cabbage which was lovely but now 2 hours later, I am so hungry I feel nauseous. Sipping green tea isn't cutting it.

ltec, dc1 is 6 on Friday; I'm 40 on 5/10 and dd is 1 on 14/10. Busy times. I feel like I'm on the waltzer at the fair and I want to get off!!

Well hello I have missed posting here so much I dreamt about this thread last night

I have started college and am so tired I am going to be at 9.30 every night! I'm hoping I will adjust soon, but there just aren't enough hours in the day. I need to be more like NY I keep telling myself. The upside of being so busy is that I have NO time to shop, which is a good thing as I am stopping myself from buying anything until our trip to Paris next month, which I am longing for.Bonsoir any insider suggestions on things to do/see? We will be staying near Invalides.

I saw a woman yesterday, I'd say early 40s, fab figure, wearing Houlihans(first RL ones I've spotted) with shortish, sheepskin lined biker boots. She looked great. Of course as soon as I got home I was looking for them! these are the closest I've seen, but they don't have the sheepskin. I should have asked her.

LTEC what an awful thing to happen. So sorry for your poor friends, and for any sad memories being brought back for you.

bloss congrats on your new post, very respectable. You can't be carrying on like you were the weekend before last now you are a pillar of the community

NY how amazing is your dd? Mine started reading a few months ago and now reads me a bedtime story after I've read her one. It's a lovely way to end the day.

Tracey My minx arrived and I loved it, but I was ridiculously wise and sent it back as it just wasn't warm enough for me, I knew I'd only get another month of wearing it now before the heavy coats come out, and wouldn't wear it again til April, so I reluctantly brought it back to the post office

Zembo fingers crossed for you

Bunny you are gorgeous and your dd is adorable. I hope you sort your nanny worries soon. Every time I think of your twin baby girls I melt, you are so lucky

Hi to everyone else, hope the exams all went well Vin and Fritzi has a great trip to London.

Past my bedtime now

Verity I tried those on last week in BT2 and loved them. Decided to have a think and now am trying to get back to try again.
Cake they style those boots with a gorgeous lemon dress on the site, and the model put me in mind of you!

Verity, hope you are enjoying your course.

Rufus, my friend, whose party I am going to, is a scientist, think you are too? Her initials are DG and she has two little girls. Can't open your first link but love the Acne boots.

NY, wow, you must be so fit!

LTEC, so sorry about your friends' son. Agree with sombre colours but black not necessary .

Bloss, like the dress and was tempted to buy but they are all sold out in my size except for the green which would make me look bilious. I doubt you need to lose 2lbs. I love Rouge Coco, I have Mademoiselle but looking for a red one.

Fritzi, have a great time in London.

Zembo, fingers crossed! I am slightly concerned that I came home from France with more than my luggage!

My cousin is in London at the moment and my lovely friend has offered to take DD tomorrow afternoon so we can go out for a nice lunch and a bit of shopping in peace, yeeehaa!

Ooh la la carciofi Are you planning a second? (sorry if that's too nosey, can't help myself) v exciting!

Rufus really like the anthroplogie boots

Hi Verity hope you're enjoying your course.

Morning all!
Great to hear from you verity. Hope things settle down soon for you and your course is all you wanted it to be.
carciofi, have a lovely day out. What a great friend.

I've been asked to go into dc1's class and teach them the days of the week in French this afternoon. Very scared. Give me grumpy teenagers any day!