MN Vogue Vol. 63

[libertydoddle]

Ahhhhh, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness...if for you that means the joy of cosy jumpers, retrieving your favourite coats and jackets from the back of the wardrobe and an excuse to buy new boots then this is the place for you . Come chat about clothes, make up and accessories, budgets from Primark to Prada. Lurkers, newbies and old hands all welcome.

Continuing on from here

£120 for a case didn't expect that, wonder if I can claim it somewhere.

Haha I like that quite too. Should be used somewhere.

Quote - rushing!

Safe travels Marsha

Morning again. Been pondering the style discussion whilst doing press ups in the mud. There's loads of things that don't suit-masculine, rock chic, full on boho. But the things I wish did suit are what I call quirky but is probably some sort of gamine/ingenue-tea dresses, flippy skirts, coloured tights, brogues/clumpy dolly shoes, quirky prints, long cardigans-similar to how I dressed at sixth form but would look terrible on me as a grown woman and I think you need to be petite to pull it off. Also love gamine/Parisian of boat neck Breton, cropped trousers etc and grown up romantic classic looks which are basicslly too womanly for me and make me look and feel like I'm dressing up.

Intetesting talk about mums too. I always loved ( and still do love) shopping with mine. We've got fairly similar tastes and I can always trust her to be honest. She doesn't approve of my endless handbags though and will sometimes raise an eyebrow at anything I buy which is expensive.

In terms of career I always knew I wanted to work with people and help in some way. At one point (about 11) I was really into beauty stuff ( probably more than fashion) and considered becoming a beautician. Then I wanted to be a dietician but wasn't good enough at chemistry. At sixth form I toyed with the idea of reading English but realised I woukdnt get the grades and I don't enjoy it enough and it wouldn't lead to anything I wanted to do. Then I somehow stumbled into nursing which shocked all my friends but I loved it. Now, who knows? I've applied for something but the closing date was a week ago and haven't heard anything so need to chase that up.

Sorry, that all turned into quite an essay .

marsha and novice enjoy your travels
blair where are you? You haven't beed around for a while?

my mum really didn't shop beyond getting you what you needed. it was something she was neither interested in or enjoyed. I prefer to shop alone if i'm honest, other people seem determined to crush my style and are constantly telling me my choices are horrible and awful and they suggest things i hate and i know would look terrible on me. it's a constant that i'm told i don't dress appropriately now i'm in my thirties and that i should basically be in sober and conservative clothing with no nod to my own personality. i'm absolutely sure that look works for a lot of people and looks really good on them but on me it looks ridiculous and like i'm a school leaver wearing their first interview clothing and it's not quite right on them

Good morning all.

Mara am still chuckling at your VB comments!

Shop It is never too late to be what you might have been. I think that's actually a CS Lewis quote but, regardless, it is so true.

Marsha hope your last minute dashing around abates soon and you can enjoy your trip.

WRT to the VB sequin jacket. I have something very similar in navy from Topshop which was surprisingly well cut & lined for the price. At the time, there were loads of cheap, polyester-y versions around. I bought it about 7 years ago but they often have similar styles on their site or you might find one on eBay. They style was called "Trophy Jacket".

The one style I cannot do is that beautifully tailored, grown-up dresses, trousers or jackets. I try occasionally, imagining myself all sophisticated but I always look frumpy and feel crap. Like a second-rate middle-aged office manager.

I also like the quirky style than QueenC described but like you Queen, I wore it as a student and so it no longer feels right for me.

Boho & Marant-esque relaxed dressing is my comfort zone. And, like Shop, if my arms aren't aching by the end of the day then I haven't worn enough bracelets

One it's strange people say that to you as I think you have a really clear sense of your own style and it suits you.

Notice no one commented on my Woolovers cardigan - too frumpy?

But anyway Fedup I also thought this one looked nice and may be what you are looking for?? It is really nice fabric.

Bernice. I like woolovers! I would buy the card I you got if they had more colours.

Will reply on the style question when I have more time. I feel an essay coming on too. Really enjoying reading everyone's thoughts.

bernice I must have missed your woolovers link. Cardis are never frumpy

Loving all the chat, great quote Mara. As soon as I saw VB, I thought she was copying Claire Underwood in House of Cards, there was one episode where she wore a white shirt under a black sweater that was almost identical, although Claire has better shoes.

I struggle with anything too structured or classic. I work much better as a bit of a scruff, and love a biker jacket. I'm not too good at the pared down Scandi style either although I'd love to be.

I bought a couple of things from Woolovers last season Bernice, a fisherman's jumper and a wool hoodie. I think I should have returned but ended up keeping as they were warm & cheap. I'd say good material but not great styling, now I just wear them kicking around the house.

Careers are interesting. I always wanted to be a writer but actually now that I am trying to do it, wonder whether I'm a better journalist. I'm not convinced I have the attention span for a novel.

thank you bernice I dothink i have a very clear idea of what i like, what works on me and what suits me. it's just that pother people seem to think i should basically be in twin sets or as one person says, fitted trousers and long shirts as thats whats appropriate for someone of my age, not comic book tees and tartan skirts or dresses and big boots. it's very much like they are trying to morph me into a copy of them as they are very set in their style and think its the only one there can be with all the matchy matchy all the time and stuff. i don't like it at all, it doesn't suit me, it hides my figure, it doesn't flatter me at all and i actually really just dislike it ON ME. it suits this particular person, it's very much a great look for them but it doesnt suit me at all and never has done. it frustrates me no end that they are always judging and criticising whatever i wear unless its something they like and then it somehow finds its way int o their wardrobe and i never get it back

Oh I dislike all that dressing your age stuff. The countless threads on here asking if over 40s can wear mini skirts.

Forget to ask - DH is in the states all week, recommendations for what I can get him to buy for me? I've had a look at Coach bags but wonder if they're a bit too structured? Possibly this small green one but not sure about the chain and may be too small for a kindle or the Swagger?

I like the shape of the small one stokey but the chain on both would bother me. Too uncomfortable on the shoulder.

one you need to, in the words of Robert Downey Jnr, 'nod, smile,agree, then just do whatever the fuck you were going to do anyway'.

Or else start giving them the 'up and down look', shake your head and tell them they can't come shopping with you as you really can't be seen in public with someone who dresses like they do.

one I love it when people have a very defined style. It may not be to my taste but I love it that people express it. Just ignore the haters. You look good, dp presumably thinks you look good so thats all that matters.
stokey I'm personally not that keen on either of those coach bags I'm afraid.

A friend of mine popped round today wearing these bad boys - they are lush

Love thise Gazelles 'Shop'I have worn mine a lot but as they are pale green suede they'll have to go into hibernation soon!
Think I'm going to order the Temperly heels, might order both and see, the ease of Waitrose click and collect!

When I was pre teen dm and I clashed big time over clothes - she had very fixed ideas on sensible brown shoes and fawn socks when all my friends had platforms and Bay City Rollers socks! (For those of you under 35, ask your parents!!)

However once I was a teen dm became more interested in clothes herself (and now dresses very stylishly) and is a dab hand at with a needle and thread so I had all sorts of weird and wonderful creations made to measure. We spent a lot of time in Habitat choosing fabrics for Bananrama style skirts and cropped tops. I also dabbled in the Lady Di ruffled blouse look too!

Shop have checked out the coatigans on The Outnet but they are both over £100 and I was hoping to keep under. However, I really like
this one so one to go back to if I can't anything else.

This coatigan is lovely too but will reach my ankles I think!

Thanks also for the Woolovers link Bernice - I am tempted by the gorgeous heather colour.

Stokey I am often guilty of wondering if I can carry off a look because I am 'too old' or even sometimes 'too young' - this is probably a sign of lack of confidence rather than being ageist. Definitely in my early to mid 40's I struggled to find clothes I liked for that reason. MNV has definitely helped in that regard though.

Crikey, sorry for the mega essay

Fedup that first one is the one I couldn't link but thought was good for you

Arghh another thing I can't wear are Stan Smith type trainers. I love the ones you all link on here but I can't see them looking good on me. Mine is more items I can't wear rather than whole looks.

One I think anyone who comments negatively on your styling is extremely rude. I would never insult someone's dress sense. Style is a very individual thing.

I got these trainers today. Love them. Also ordered an adidas hoodie - ordered a 10 because I wanted a bit of slouch. It. Is. Huge. Looks like I'm a toddler wearing my dads jumper. Back it goes!

One you need new friends. "Dress your age" at your age?

Stokey give him a comprehensive list,prefer e mail with links if he's anything like my DH waiting until before Xmas to sell the Apole I watch

So I did the Claire Underwood/VB without wet patch today. Black slim trousers, cream silk shirt under slouchy Zara black jumper, silver pointy flats. Felt great.

And why?why? Do Me and Em keep tempting me with their lovely brochures. So much I could buy.

And why can't I be as leggy as their gorgeous models? Showing off in their leather skinnies

lovely