Turning my Back on Black

(Image via Hobbs)

I have been wearing far too much black, for what feels like forever. And enough is enough. I am putting a 100% ban on buying anything black and a 70% ban on buying anything white (my other go to shade). Number one item on my colour wish list is this divine Hobbs dress. The colour is oh so slightly Burberry Prorsum, no? I want.

Shelter from the Storm

I've got one of these...

And the day is like this...

With a bit of this thrown in for good measure...

I would really quite like to be in bed...

But there are things to be done so up and at 'em I must go.

The thing to get me through? Dreaming about knitwear. Here are some fantasy items. Hmmm, snuggly! I almost feel better already!

Comptoir des Cotonniers

Hobbs

Jaeger

Whistles

(Images via Comptoir des Cotonniers, Hobbs, Jaeger, Whistles, Landmark Vistas, Scientific American, Frankly Penn)

Coat of Arms

(Image via Hobbs)

I know I said that I wouldn't be going down the pink coat route but this one by Hobbs is a real beaut and might sway me. The mannish shape and the vivid pink are an irresistible combination, don't you agree?

Under Cover

Comptoir des Cotonniers

I am a cardigan lover. I would say that I probably wear one most days. In fact I am sitting here typing in one right now.

I think they are so easy to wear. I like to wear a lot of dresses and a cardigan provides warmth without entirely masking what's underneath.

But I have started to feel that they aren't really smart enough. You know, for work. I bought a jacket last year, a stunning off white Comptoir delight. For the first few months I barely wore it, feeling as though it was too smart, but I think I have grown into it, and wanting to look smart and structured. Slinging on a jacket is such an easy way to pull together your look. So now I am obsessed with filling my wardrobe with great jackets.

For a first go I will take all of these. And, you know, a lottery win...

Hobbs

NW3

Whistles

(Images via Comptoir des Cotonniers, Hobbs, Whistles)

Out Foxed

(Image via Hobbs)

I adore this handbag with a fox motif from NW3. Just the right side of quirky.

Flat Out

(Image via Hobbs)

I think I have found the holy grail. These shoes are cute, add a bit of height and are super comfortable. Hallelujah!

Heads Up

It is just over a week until I will be jetting off to South Africa. Yay!

And it is going to be hot there.

And English Rose that I am I am likely to burn to a crisp within about two minutes.

So what I need is a jaunty chapeau to keep the glare from my porcelain skin.

As seems to be so often the case the main option is the trilby. I was about to go for this lovely one below from NW3 but I thought I would pop into Jigsaw on the off chance. And luck was on my side, because my fashion guardian angel whipped a few of last season's treats and a very reduced straw trilby was mine.

It is quite plain though, so I think I will find some pretty ribbon or a silk scarf to spruce it up a little.

(Images via Asos, Hobbs, River Island)

We Aim to Pleats

Oh my days I love this dress beyond words.

Isn't it just the very, very most? Pleats, chevron stripes, fitted bodice. Perfection. Love, love, love it!

Now all I need to work out is whether they would go better with the brown Ponds sandal...

 ...or the blue one.

(Images via Hobbs, NW3)

Cover all Bases

I am wearing my lovely Temperley dress to my even lovelier friend Amelia's wedding in South Africa in a few weeks.

And I have almost everything that I need to go with it.

The dress is cream with an orangey red decoration on it.

I'm going to be wearing my nude suede Clarks heels and a pair of gold and coral earrings, but what of the cover up in case it is cold and the bag?

I think I have three options (and probably more if I carry on looking, but I think I will solve dilemma one to start with).

One:

Sweet little coral coloured Hobbs cardigan and coral patent clutch.

I fear this may be too matchy matchy.

Two:

Oatmeal coloured cardigan and rust coloured scarf from Jigsaw with a cream woven clutch or gold clutch that I already own.

I think this may be my favourite option if the orange of the scarf and the orange red of the dress work together.

Or the same cardigan in a rose red, with a rose coloured scarf and heavenly rose red woven clutch, all again from Jigsaw.

Which would clash a bit but could potentially be a good clash... Maybe...?

But is probably just an excuse to buy this clutch which I LOVE.

(Images via Jigsaw)

So, fabulous fans, what do you think? One, Two or Three? Or keep looking. Please let me know in the comments. I'd be very grateful.