HOC winter thread. The cool and clear chat continues. Part 4.

[QueenCardigan]

Following on from part 3.

If you're a winter then come and join us for chat and links about clothes/bags/make up/hair....

did I'm ingenue natural so presumably fairly similar to you. I wear jeans every day and only wear trousers for evenings out. I wear blouses rather than tees.

I love my cons too but not sure I will wear them much this autumn/winter as they feel too masculine. Will probably just stick to ballet flats and boots. I've got dance ones too sorrell and they are lovely. Office seem to have loads more colours in this year.

Shoe wise for everyday in A/W so far I've got some Ash boots, Carevella black patent court shoes, some Jones' Black loafers with silver snaffle (I think that's what it's called!) and white Converse Dance.

The boots are going to have to make it through another winter but I've had them re-soled and re-heeled so they don't look too bad. They're probably a bit 'scruffy' in style for a R/C but I think they look good with skirts and jeans.

I could do with another pair of daytime heels and flats really but I'm (as you've probably realised) fussy and haven't seen anything yet that's inspired me. TBH too much choice in my wardrobe is not good for me so I may just stick with what I've got!

QueenCardigan I like the charcoal and the navy Dance.

I like this blouse. No collar which is good and a good price too. Do you think the grey looks 'cool' enough? I don't really want black. I tried on something very similar in a boutique in Plymouth and it was lovely but too pricey!

I'm so glad your cleavage is intact sorrel

I bought these shoes recently, I hate buying shoes I'm the fussiest thing imaginable. I actually stopped buying shoes for a few years because kitten heel and court shoes were out of style. I hate chunky and clunky.

www.marksandspencer.com/suede-strap-court-shoes-with-stain-away/p/p22309999?colour=BlackMix#bvHeader

Well, let's face it, I have a lot of cleavage to cover!

I'd wear those shoes if they were a bit higher. I like the look of kitten heels but they make my calves (one of my slimmest bits) look chunky.

I have really silly thin ankles and kitten heels tend to balance them out a bit which is good for me. I'm all bosom and skinny legs - I have a tendency to look like a parsnip if I'm not careful and I just can't do cropped trousers as my legs dangle from them like a scarecrow!

DidI I'm a natural romantic. Here's my Pinterest boardthat might give you some help.

I've just started following you. I don't know what my style will be, but I love practically everything on that page, apart from the jeans. I look rubbish in jeans, damn it.

I need to edit the board- I hate the jeans too! They were a moment of madness and they need to be taken off.

The key things are fitted tops and flowing skirts, things need to drape rather than sharp angular lines (think curved lapels etc) and patterns need to be medium sized and soft rather than sharp lines.

Interestingly I've always felt scruffy in jeans, even if they are good fitting jeans. I know understand why I gravitate to day dresses and skirts.

My jean guidelines are 'smart, dark navy/black'. However, I'm currently loving my pale wash, slouchy boyfriend jeans. Worn with heels though so not too rebellious!

Nice blazers MrPop - I don't have a navy one yet

Also like the Gap shirt - didn't look at shirts in my mega shop earlier. I like the cast iron (more grey!) but it may be a bit unstructured for me - I usually go for fitted shirts.

Sorrell I tried on that Uniqlo blouse in black. I found it a little too baggy especially when tucked into a pencil skirt which was how I was thinking of wearing it. But I do have narrow back and shoulders.

The material is lovely, and maybe another colour would be better. They only had black and cream at the shop I was in.

Thank you all for your comments - feeling a bit like this is possible now. As far as I get it things that men can wear I shouldn't ie no cons, boyfriend jeans/shirts etc. Only boot cut jeans. Fabrics and cuts with movement (this I get although I'm not sure it suits me yet). The positive thing for me is a hairstyle with movement (which I'm taking to mean messy not coiffured - of course I could be wrong). Of course I have a wardrobe of clothes to blend into a man's work place. Certainly not doing frills, lace, flowers or bangles ! The counting points to be well dressed was interesting - I'm clearly massively underdressed most of the time and while earrings and nail varnish won't be appearing anytime soon, I may actually buy a watch !

DidI I don't wear ruffles, I hate the bloody things and just because I am classed as a natural romantic, I won't start wearing them. Something to remember is it is feminine, not girly, and I think of a lot of those things you described above as girly.

Yes I love lace/flowers but I'm ingenue so am girly. I ignore the well dressed points system a lot of the time as some days I just cba with jewellery although I so ways have rings on and earrings in but even then I'm underdressed

I am going to focus on a few colour approved romantic shaped tops I think. I only own one dress (wedding dress!) and trousers with boots is my kind of thing. Your Pinterest board was great for ideas - thank you. I think the little and often shopping idea is an interesting one - I have a small wardrobe and have only bought one thing this year (and that was online). So I'm going to spend an hour surfing now and see what I find. I think black boot cuts maybe called for. Not sure I'm going to run to clip on earrings though !

Saw this dress on FB this morning. Looks great but I'm wondering whether the colour is 'winter' enough?

I think so yes - looks like a good match for raspberry :)

So tempted even though I have nowhere to wear it

Gorgeous dress Sorrell

I have a 1940s party to go to later this month but was thinking of going more for a land girl look. Maybe I should revise?

Ooh, I went to a NYE party year's ago in a sort of LA/munitions worker costume. Very comfy it was too and I kept my fags in my gas mask box.

I usually steer away from anything without sleeves, but sometimes that strapless/sweetheart neckline works for me. I love the idea of velvet too.

I think that's what appeals Sorrel the idea of being comfy at a party - reckon I can wear brogues, long woollen socks and some dungarees or breeches and be very comfy - a gas mask would be the ultimate accessory!

Well I've just gone from being on the point of signing up for the no spend thread, to buying two of the silk cotton Gap shirts that Mr Pop linked. I went for the two greys rather than the forthy aqua though toyed with it. There's a 30% off discount that ends today. I went XS so will let you know how it goes across the bust Sorrel

I love that dress Sorrel. The colour is stunning. They have this dress on that site, which I have bought from 20th Century Foxy for a lot more. Do you think that the green is wintery enough? I have the red and love it to death, and have wanted another, especially at that price.

Ooh those are lovely dresses! Seem very good value. Totally don't have any need for them so can resist but wish I did!
Grey with white polka dot fitted button down shirt today (old gap), 7/8th black jaeger trousers, rather mismatched navy suede office pointy flats for me today.

Slightly lusting after baukjen burgundy leather skirts (ridiculous price) and wondering if can recreate look with a vintage one from eBay...