Mn Vogue vol. 2

[MarshaBrady]

For anyone who likes to talk about style, nice stuff that they've bought and so on.

Oh is it. Fabulous

Yes it is notoriously difficult to find online, hence that shot of a black one. I couldn't find any real links to the one I bought. But they sell it in Selfridges, is your friend near?

Shop I've seen lots of high street (high end high street) 2.55 inspired bags this season definitely worth looking around!

Shop I have a mini-Gracie which I love and the A/W colours are divine. Some of the ladies here have eveningified theirs by clipping on a chain strap too.

Dona work and life good thanks, slow off the mark last week, but the influx of emails over the weekend and today suggest people have realised I am back now! Looking forward to spending that pay cheque now and my return to work bonus, of which we shall say nothing in case DH gets wind and makes me put it in savings. Have been trawling the charity shops but major dearth of jackets - unless you want black polyester work blazers or pleather bombers. Saw nice Sergio Rossi courts in one today but too small for me. Might try the local dress agency where I found my CLs.

Went to 80s hen do at weekend - did Deseperately Seeking Susan-era Madonna in lace crop top, black high waist skinnies, lots of beads and crucifixes, lace gloves and obligatory bow in hair. My hair naturally wavy anyway so had to do nothing with it, which was handy. Got involved in ridiculous drinking game which ultimately led to me licking a stripper. All good fun.

It is a Celine trio, I believe...

ah yes good one Amber

Shop Celine infinitely cooler than a bag that says me-too!
Amber great - you hen do reminds me of these beauties - up for revival soon? Happy you are doing well and yes, shhh...

hehe great pic Dona

Revival? Did they go out of style then? Erm...

Thanks for the feedback on Hush Auld and Hopefully. I have filled a basket there!!! Going to wait a couple of weeks though as I have sworn not to spend at the moment as I am between jobs and need to confirm the next paycheck. Thanks for the offer to measure the dress Auld. I am definitely a vanity version of my sizes - I can fit a M&S 12 on the hips but Topshop declares that I am a 14 so from what you say I may need the Large in the dress. Being a pear is such a nuisance sizing wise - I find a lot of dresses if they fit on the hips are way too big on top hence I end up in A-Lines all the time when I long for a more fitted look.

Really enjoy this thread - will try and post occasionally. Feel somewhat self conscious as I never buy designer and even struggle with higher end high street - I could afford it occasionally but have had it drummed into me since childhood that such spending is wasteful and I really don't deserve it. I also constantly tell myself that I will lose weight when history should tell me that what I am currently is as good as it gets so I should dress for who I am now and not put off buying nice stuff in case I am thinner in 6 months time and it becomes a waste of money.

That said - all the stuff I get the best use off tends to be when I spend a little more money. I have a few Hobbs and Whistles things for work and they have definitely delivered better 'cost per wear' than some cheaper stuff. And I bought a Peony and Moore bag last Christmas and have used it every day for work and still love it.

I am currently trying to make the best of my current wardrobe so have a list of 'make do and mend' projects. Last weekend I dyed a cream crochet top black and I am so pleased with it. It was lovely in cream but cream does nothing for me so I will wear the black version much more. The yarn has a gold lurex thread in the cuffs and collar and this didn't dye and shows up better in the black making the top much more interesting as well.

Libertychick please don't worry about the designer thing. It's just nice to have people join who like talking about style etc.

That definitely includes things that you have altered to make better too. So it all fits in.

Thanks Marsha
I'm trying to challenge my 'beliefs' about clothes. I really love looking good and make an effort but somehow struggle to spend on individual items - if I took what I spend over a year it would probably make sense to spend the same but on fewer pieces. Hence, I have decided on a 3 month spending ban, am clearing out my wardrobe and writing down what I wear every day to see what I actually use. Then plan to treat myself so this thread is great for ideas and inspiration.
I have enjoyed your pininterest links BTW!

Liberty, the dress is 41cm across boob area ish.
45cm across at widest section, around midriff.

(Can you tell I'm not a seamstress?)

Measurements were taken on dress lying flat, there is quite a bit of give due to it being knitted fabric. And if you did have to get a Large to avoid clinging around the middle, it probably wouldn't bag out higher up the way a non-knitted dress might.

Meant to say re red Hush jacket, it arrived quite creased and crumpled, most uncharacteristic.

Have tried to read and absorb all today's posts, but am feeling tired and also vvvv guilty at recurrent shouty mum meltdowns at bedtime. Find it hard to see the funny side of giggling boys hiding under beds when it's time for bath/bed/teethbrushing (esp when I still have to get in another 2-3hrs work before I can go to bed myself). Shouting doesn't help, though - and it's definitely neither chic, relaxed nor elegant.

Libertychick In three months it will be the sales. Yes to thinking about what could be wonderful in the sales. And thanks! Are you on pin? that's quite good too. And also helps me not spend so much in a funny way.

Aww Auld I used to work at night after bed time is stressful. Good luck tonight and hope you get a nice break.

Thanks Auld - I'll measure a dress that's fits here and see how it compares. Sympathies on the bedtime and the work - I am working here too - winding up the last week at my current job and trying to tie up loose ends. I didn't bath DD tonight as I just didn't have the energy or patience to cope with her screaming and splashing me.

Marsha I am on Pin but haven't really pinned anything apart from two pairs of shoes yet. Once I am finished in my current crazy job I am hoping to have more time for that sort of thing and planning to use it then.

Morning! Am loving DH getting up early for work - am getting up too and having a cup of tea in peace and quiet before the boys wake (although one of them is totally up already, I am just ignoring...)

I have started to get back into Pin after a bit of neglect. Need to go through and pin my current wardrobe, that will help.

Auld I feel for you. Before we moved I was constantly trying to combine work and childcare, and it made me totally stressed. There is no easy way to do it.

Morning all!
Lovely and sunny here and getting colder. I love this time of year, although it does now mean my 40th birthday is looming!

Thanks for all the help last night. My friend is off to look at a Gracie (but change the strap) and the Celine and was amazed at the whole using Mumsnet for tips!!

Dona Caroline Issa photographed wearing leather sweatpants at NYFW. Surely that's taking jogging bottoms a step too far?!

Shop if you want to rock that trend, I saw Joseph leather sweatpants on Outnet (not that many takers I guess)

Liberty my mother indoctrinated me to be thrifty and she was always elegant on a shoestring (it's simple actually: good quality classic clothes - do not need to be designer but should be good materials - hers were usually from bargain basements - and stunning accessories - she never wears designer shoes or handbags, yet was always complimented for her looks). I almost never pay full price for designer clothes. I love -60% (and -80%) sales - case in point, my recent Yoox purchases. I think your 3-month plan sounds excellent and I should do the same: save up for the winter sales and even then stick to my list of missing basivs. Well done dyeing your blouse! I'm so happy with the new basics I've gained that way!

I've spent my Sept clothing budget already and should not buy anything further. Next month's dilemma - spend the entire budget on a pair of boots OR a wool/cashmere coat OR just wait&save up for end-of-the-year sales. Am actually thinking that I should take my old tall leather boots to the cobbler, give my old coat a good brushing over and wait...

Wore sky-blue skinnies, white vest, bright red blazer, old ponyskin leopard ballerinas and 2.55 (no time to change the purse) for the school run. The time for light denim is definitely over - also felt strangely self-conscious in skinnies (time to take them out of circulation). My ideal trouser shape is the Marlene Dietrich and am happy that they are back with a vengeance: saw lots of wide-legged floor-sweeping trousers worn with pretty manicures and wedge sandals and bodycon tops.

Lots of pesky detailed tasks in for today. Feel so uninspired...

Can I ask your advice please ? I've spotted two Hugo Boss trouser suits with 40% off, still going to be expensive though. One is beige and one navy, both feel beautiful but I wondered are they worth the investment ? I do have to look very corporate and have been promoted recently so could justify a treat but wondered if it is a wise buy ?

Morning lovely stylish ones

Dona your mother sounds wonderful. Mine indoctrinated us on colour and fabric from very young. Tag line being that's nice, oh you could tell it's French by the colour . But also I think the main thing is enjoy it. So whatever your budget think what would maximise my happiness. Lots often, or little.

Mosman how's the fit? Is it lovely do you feel great. Then yes good investment I say.

Hopefully I found that period difficult of mismatched cc stressful too. Hope you got it done ok Auld.

Mosman - it's really hard to give advice on workwear with so little information. If you feel fabulous in them they are probably a good buy, though I don't think of clothes as "investments" - they are consumables, that need replacing often!

Dona one nice thing can be nice. Boots or coat, whichever you find and love.

Dona - I have decided to wait on coats and boots until the sales. I need a really warm coat, but I can find that in the sales later in the year, and boots are always an easy find in the winter sales. I am in much more desperate need of tops - shirts, cardigans, jumpers, whatever - and will be able to wear a lot more of my trousers and skirts if I have some winter tops to go with them! Just go with your need!

Mosman I happen to have a navy/black Hugo Boss dress (bargain from a sale a year ago) and it is very good when I have to look really professional (ultraconservative but still a bit edgy - and also perfect for this fall's military looks). Great quality. Boss do a lot of basic corporate suits for men (and German brands like Boss and Escada are often great quality), but you should definitely try them on. I would also advise against buying multiples- buy either or or neither but not both. But as others said, does the suit fit beautifully, does it make you feel good, does either color flatter you / go with the rest of your wardrobe? If you answer no to any of these questions, move on & keep looking.

Courier dealt with, hotels, plane tickets, boarding passes, carry-on luggage sizes checked - will travel to Portugal tomorrow, so a bit jittery today. So many details...

Bonsoir and Masha - normally I always wait until the sales. Perhaps this time I'll wait till the end of Oct (=until I travel back North and retrieve my winter clothes - will then see whether boots or coat need replacing). But will need nerves of steel not to waste the monthly budget on small things - definitely need to save up for some biggies (coat/boots/one or two great long-sleeved dresses), will get the best CPW from them.