September always feels like a new beginning … a chance to start over again .
Forget January 1st my new year starts on September 1st as the trees turn from shades of green to burnt oranges and reds, the nights draw in and we bask in the beautiful ambiance of candle light.
We wrap up in cosy over-size knit-wear complete with fluffy miss-matched socks and beanie hats. ‘Bag lady chic‘ I like to call it.
This may go down as the most obvious, toungue in cheek post I’ve ever written! Chinese Year of the Dog = Dog inspired fashion.
The Year of the Dog also happens to relate to my birth year – 1970. Yes I’m a dog. No jokes please.
The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12 year cycle. Those born in 1958, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 are also known as Dogs.
Apparently anyone born in an Earth Dog year will be communicative, serious, and responsible in the workplace.
Sounds absolutely nothing like me ! I don’t think those words have ever been uttered in regards to me …
EVER!
It’s funny isn’t it… The moment you stop looking for something up it pops.
In my case… the perfect dress.
Now I’ve not got my hands on it yet, and it could look like, or rather I could look like a sack of spuds in it. But on first sight, it was love… It’s everything I look for in a dress. Pretty, lady like and a beautiful cut and colour.
It’s got 3/4 length sleeves, it’s nipped in at the waist and midi. Ok so it’s not green sequinned but what’s that between friends.
Plus green sequins are so Christmas 2015, darling 🙂
So here she is in all her glory Light Blue Half Sleeve Dress
I spotted this shirt in M& S Limited Edition Collection on Saturday. I told myself I didn’t need it …
Turns out I did as it kept playing on my mind.
I went home, pondered around the house for an hour. Still thinking about it.
Had some lunch. Yep, still thinking about it.
Deciding I couldn’t live with-out it (I’m prone to be dramatic!) I placed an order for it on line. It’s new stock so all sizes were available and it’s currently priced at £29.50 plus £3.99 delivery.
It arrived today … Yay!
Hello everyone.
Firstly, I hope you’ve had a fabulous Christmas. Secondly I hope you got everything you wished for. Be that in the form of a fabulous gift, or just to spend some quality time with your loved ones.
We’ve had a grand few days. I think I’ve come out of it half a stone heavier but very happy.
I must say I was thoroughly spoilt this year. I’m a little sad it’s all over to be honest ; it goes far, far too quickly!
We had Christmas lunch booked at Marco’s – Marco Pierre Whites restaurant. Mum has had a shitty year what with her health and one thing and another. We didn’t want her fannying around cooking and getting herself all stressed out. She had also mentioned herself that she didn’t want to cook lunch this year. The general consensus was if I cooked it would be one big disaster. No offence taken on my part… I have (shock horror) in my 45 years on this planet managed to avoid ever cooking Christmas lunch. I’m not sure how, but I have!
Cooking is not my thing, my house is tiny…what can I say I’m not your everyday domestic goddess. I’m far from it! (Hangs head in shame). It was in everybody’s best interest that we went out. They wanted to see Boxing Day didn’t they!?
Marco’s was booked for 2.15pm, which gave us plenty of time to have a few drinks in the local pub before hand. To see who else was also having Christmas drinks, wish them all the best, grab some cheeky kisses. I love that about Christmas…how happy and friendly everybody is.
Grandad has grown a moustache (I like it) and arrived suited and booted looking very smart. As always wearing a shirt and tie.
My brother kept joking about his new ‘porn tash’. Grandad laughed though I’m not really sure he knew what my brother was going on about? Maybe a blessing in disguise really… The image building in my head of my grandad starring in a dirty porn movie was not a pleasant one!
There were just the 6 of us – Mum, Dad, Mark my little brother, Mike my fella and my Grandad.
Grandad Reg is the youngest 93 year old you will ever meet… He’s off to Eastbourne today with a group of other fun-loving OAP’s for a 4-day break.
The meal was delicious.
I had beef. Yep, beef ( smothered in mountains of Horse raddish) There was no washing up. Mum was relaxed and sat smiling a lot. (always great to see)
We pulled crackers and pulled faces at the rubbish jokes! Grandad worked his porn tash and more-importantly he gave Mike the seal of approval. Phew. ( it’s the first time they’ve met) I got merry on Baileys with ice. We laughed a lot. A Perfect Christmas lunch – a really lovely afternoon.
No turkey for me…its beef all the way!
Today’s the first time I’ve had chance to sit down and digest it all. You know get all my pressies out and have a good old inspection and a play . Like I said I’ve been totally spoilt.
Lots of girlie, girlie gifts…
Jane Shilton Bag
Soap and Glory Goodies… anyone would think I smelt with all the pampering products I received! I don’t do I?!
Ted Baker Lip-glosses, Makeup brushes from No. 7 and Real Techniques
Champneys Goodies ….
Black Leather Gloves … always come in handy
Along with my Olympus PEN camera and my Clarisonic Aria (I warned you I had been spoilt) another of my favourite presents is a book.
‘Love Style Life’ by Garance Dore is a fabulous read.
I can’t put it down!
It’s a book about style… In her own words ” Be warned: it’s going to be clumsy, imperfect, sometimes glamorous and mostly ( I hope!!!) hilarious ride”
I’m loving it. I’m hoping some of her impeccable style and wisdom will rub off on me!
Talking about style/clothing. I’ve got itchy feet to get out and purchase some new clothes. I’ve been a bit rubbish this year and not bought that much in way of new outfits. I HATE SALES I just can’t stand the thought of trying to park your car, battling through the crowds. Nightmare.
I never got the green sequin dress I had my heart set on. I ended up buying a burgundy dress from River Island, via Very. Its very plain and simple, no bling. I wore it on Christmas day…
Here’s a little run-down of my Christmas outfits, starting with:
Christmas Eve Drinks with the Girls:
Victorian Lace Blouse £28.00 from ASOS with my skinny jeans from Tu (Sainsbury’s) leopard skin jacket (my late Grandmas) and statement earrings from Black & Sigi
Christmas Day for Drinks and Lunch with the Family:
I’m trying to grow my fringe out and I cant decide whether to persevere or chop the bloody lot all off. It looks mostly a ‘buggar’!!
Burgundy Pussy Bow dress by River Island (via Very) wearing my best Stepford Wife face!! (Not sure what’s going on there?)
Boxing Day- Yet more drinks with the Family:
I’m wearing a top from French Connection (OUTLET SHOP) , with my flares from River Island and sparkly shoes from Next. Mums wearing a dress from Wallis. Cheesy Smiles are courtesy of Brandy & Baileys (together) Lethal but oh so moreish.
All my outfits were a bit last minute.
The dress actually arrived Christmas Eve! A bit too close for comfort for my liking. Thankfully it fit and I loved it. Phew.
I am now on the look out for the perfect New Years Eve outfit. I have no idea where I am going , or what we are doing (it’s a surprise) which makes it a little tricky . Idea’s anyone?
The quest is on…
But first I can feel a Bailey’s coffee coming on. I’ll need to wean myself of this stuff come January (I swear its coming out of my pores) but until then… Cheers!
Tracey xx
