Earlier this week we had a hint of Spring, not enough to ditch the overcoats and the tights just yet, but a glimpse of what is to come. Hell, I even fake-tanned my ankles so I could go sans socks. (yes I only did the ankles, why waste good fake tan* when no-one will see it. Husbands don’t count). So with the warmer weather comes the lighter jackets. I sported a blazer twice this week so it’s time to add it to the series of wardrobe staples alongside The Denim Shirt, The Pleated Skirt and the Wide Legged Cropped Trouser.
Blazers are great, they will just automatically smarten up any old outfit. Every time I wear one someone comments ‘ooh, why are you so smart?’, no, I’m not interviewing for a new job or up in court, I’m just wearing a decent jacket, get over it. This week I wore the J Crew one I got on sale last month and a tuxedo jacket from Maje that I bought 4 years ago and have worn to The Brits every year since, because it makes my standard issue black trouser and fancy shirt look less daytime and more party-time. So easy and it’s paid for itself several times over.
A blazer will make you feel all grown ‑up when in reality you are a bloody mess. You’ve forgotten your pin number again. The washing pile is the size of a small elephant. You are on 2nd day of dry shampoo. The house smells like cat shit, as no-one but you ever cleans the litter tray and you’ve been working late 3 days in a row, (I mean does no one else smell this? FFS!) and the kids have eaten frozen pizza for dinner all week, as you haven’t had time to do the weekly shop. Never mind all that, pop a blazer on over your outfit and boom, a perfect facade of a grown-up smart adult whose life is perfectly pulled together.
So, without further ado, here’s some outfit ideas, Let’s start with the non-suit suit. Just wear the same colour trousers as your blazer for extra smart points.
1. Boden Cotton Blazer
2. Mango Printed T Shirt
3. Mango Loose fit Trouser
4. Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag
5. Boden Navy Backless Loafer
The very easy evening tux/ black trouser combo that I wore this week. First outing for my Stella McCartney shoes, definitely not the last. Love them, make me well tall though, had to keep bending down to talk to people, now I know how Peter Crouch feels, he must have to crouch a lot…
1. Reiss Tuxedo Jacket
2. & Other Stories Frill Blouse
3. & Other Stories Wool Culottes
4. Stella McCartney Flatform Shoes
5. Zadig & Voltaire Rock Clutch
With jeans and a T‑shirt, when it gets a little warmer, or for now just throw a trench coat over the top. Trench coats are everywhere right now, Love the colour of this one..
1. Joseph Crepe Navy Blazer — The Outnet- Topshop Embroidered Trench Coat
- Rag & Bone Slim Carpenter Jeans — The Outnet
- Nike Cortez Trainers
- & Other Stories Striped Jumper
Finally, how about a fancier blazer? maybe one with pattern or colour, some may say a ‘statement’ jacket. Just make sure if you are going statement to not buy from Boden, don’t get me wrong, it is great quality, but stick to the classics from there (like those shoes and blazer above), you don’t want to be one of those people who wears a ‘fun’ jacket from Boden. It’s only one step away from eyeing up the FootGlove range in M&S. Maybe save up and splash out a bit and go for some Viv Westwood…
1. Vivienne Westwood Black & White Jacket
2. Warehouse Boxy White Shirt
3. Gucci Marmont Shoulder Ba
4. Top Shop Ballet Tie Shoes
5. Warehouse Turn up Jeans
Fingers crossed we get some spring time soon, as I write, the weather has turned and ‘Doris’ has blown down the back fence (not a euphemism).
k x
On a totally separate note, I’m just listening to the new Stormzy album. I know as a middle class, middle aged Mother I’m not target market, but it’s really good. Not as shouty as you would expect, lots of tunes and at least one reference to how much he loves his mummy. I Recommend it. Quite sweary though, probs not suitable for those who don’t like a good swear.
*For fake tanning purposes I use the original Fake Bake, it’s the only one I have found that doesn’t streak on me, but it does come off on the sheets a bit as you apply at night and wash off in the morning, so I’m open to any new fake tanning suggestions.
