Camel Meets Leopard

Black Beanie: Topshop
Charcoal Cotton Roll Neck Jumper: Topshop Boutique
Camel Belted Maxi Coat: French Connection
Faux Leather Skinny Jeans: River Island
Leopard Print Chelsea Boots: Warehouse
Grey Striped Gloves: Muji
Alexa Bag: Mulberry

So today's Christmas tree day, finally! We've copped a feel, made sure it stands tall and picked our winner for this years festivities. It's now leaning proudly against our window while I type away, ready to burst out of it's wrapping and be decorated to the max. I'm a huge Christmas obsessive and get excited every time Decembers rolls around but this year I feel even more excited than usual - tonight I'm determined to continue the pre Christmas celebrations by putting on Elf (I can't stop saying 'Son of a Nutcracker') and start wrapping my gifts. It's beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas.

My camel meets leopard ensemble was something I lovingly threw together Saturday for a day of errands while Craig and his dad completed more renovations on our house (it's finally coming together!) There's a few must mentions in my get up and they go to my newly acquired camel maxi coat with faux fur collar, isn't she a beaut? I've been on the hunt for a new camel coat for ages so I was thrilled to find this one in French Connection, particularly on a day when they had 20% off. Other Cagney and Lace virgins are my leopard print Chelsea boots which are an absolute delight, I don't think I've ever bought a pair of boots before that didn't need wearing in - good shout Warehouse. A final holla must go to my charcoal roll neck which is so un-me it's fabulous. Who am I becoming wearing such monochrome outfits? I must confess it makes a nice change to wear less patterned brights and instead buy more basic yet lux pieces. One thing I really must stop wearing though is my black beanie, it really isn't the most flattering headwear around but it's so darn cosy.

Have you been getting festive this weekend? What do you make of my sombre ensemble?

Weekend Wishlist #2

Things have been a little quiet around these parts this week as I've been feeling under the weather - I'm talking days filled with bowls of Heinz tomato soup followed by a cheeky satsuma chaser, yes things have been getting wild. With today being the first day I've left the house (triumph) I thought it was about time to put together a collection of all the pieces I've found while I've been online window shopping. Say hello to the Weekend Wishlist...  

Foxy Faux Fur Detachable Coat £180 - So I may have already bought my first faux fur coat (isn't she a beaut?) but now I've got the bug. This berry hued wonder is seriously chic and would be just as cute with skinny jeans and pumps as it would on an evening out.

Duffle Coat £95 - Sensing a pattern? All the best coats seen to be out right now and clearly I'm not satisfied with the rail of outerwear I already possess. I'm seriously digging these Autumnal shades right now and have you seen how full and fluffy the hood is? 

Soft Leather Bowling Bag £69.99 - A little bit Gucci, a little bit seventies, take that into consideration and it's a real bargain at £69.99. Zara you've done it again. 

Metallic Leather Aline Skirt £65 - I've been keeping a keen eye on the Warehouse website for this metallic skirt to make it's debut and now it's here it certainly doesn't disappoint. Paired with an oversized knit and ankle boots I'll be the right side of a space cadet, right?

Sporty Panel Crew Neck Knit £50 - I don't know whether it's the oversized, slouchy fit or the mixture of camel, red and pale pink but this knit is doing it for me. Perfect with jeans or a faux leather mini and over the knee boots. Love.

Bear Motif Jumper £42 - Sometimes I like to resemble a five year old ok? Seriously though how adorable is this bear print jumper? Topshop I applaud you.

Printed Pleated Dress £59.99 - There's something about this dress that screams Autumn and I genuinely can't remember the last time I bought something patterned, who have I become? Zara are usually the queen of separates so I'm intrigued to give this a try.

Bryton Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots £124 - Oh Chelsea boots, the style of boot I annually covet but the ones I can never find to suit my tootsies. They're often too round toed or make my feet look like bargers, a downside of having size seven feet. Fingers crossed these beauties fit differently to every pair I've ever tried before.

What are you lusting after right now? Which of my picks is your fave?

Wednesday Wishlist #16

It's my birthday in ten days! Usually by now I'd be bugging the life out of anyone who'll listen but this year I'm surprisingly cool, calm and collected, must be a sign of getting older wiser. This year I'm planning a pretty low key affair spending the day with the boyf and family before going out with all my favourite girls in the evening. Another shock to those who know me dearly is that I don't have a birthday list (except a few cheeky skincare requests), cray I know! This year I'm just excited to have a relaxed day with all my faves although I wouldn't say no to any of the following or these...

1. Lyla Orange Daisy Dress £26 - It seems like an age since I went to the Pretty Little Thing blogger event and ever since I've been willing the brand on from the fashion sidelines. They now have the most amazing, easy to search website and this nothing-says-Spring-quite-like-it dress. One for my family birthday day meal?

2. Selected World Sweatshirt £45 - Sweatshirts and I have a unhealthy relationship - I buy them, they take up far too much room in my wardrobe but is there a better way to mark my birthday than with a newb? I think not. I'm instantly drawn to anything with a map on (yes as well as animals) so wearing the world on my chest works for me.

3. Selected Harti Skirt £41 - Ya'll know how much I love patterns so is it any surprise that I was attracted to this almost kaleidoscope print skirt? I think this would look spot on with a breton striped tee and some little espadrilles for a cute weekend look, one for my post birthday trip to Bath?

4. Selected Melis Denim Shirt £55 - ASOS are definitely to blame when it comes to my current Selected obsession, they just style everything so beautifully. I'm in the market for a new denim shirt (since spying this one that is) as mine is beyond stiff - this baby looks the complete opposite and I adore the lived in, mixed denim look.

5. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet £33 - I've been toying with the idea of giving the Vitalumiere Aqua formula a bash for a while but was held back by thoughts of over glowy skin, clearly the Chanel Gods heard my woes and launched this baby just in time for my birthday. Need.

6. Distressed Maysa Skinny Jean £95 - Oh Whistles, you don't half taunt me with your effortlessly chic pieces. I never thought I'd be calling ripped jeans chic but have you seen these? If only I can track these down in my size. A birthday gift from me to me? Maybe.

7. Wood Detail Sunglasses £227 - I fell in L-O-V-E love with these at Bicester where they were a fraction of the price but after my naughty Sandro splurge I refrained. I find it difficult to pick a pair of sunnies that suit my fair skin and light (ish) hair so these pale pink babies are the dream.

8. Reptile Shoulder Bag £55 - & Other Stories is the most swoon worthy store and it upsets me every single day that the nearest one is in London. This bag has got day to night written all over it and it's got some serious vintage appeal going on plus &OS are doing a gift with purchase right now. Race you to the site?

9. Fruity T Shirt £27 - Pineapples are everywhere this season and I for one am not complaining, how adorbs is this tee from French Connection? Me likey.

Are you diggin' my birthday wishlist picks? Which is your fave?

A Grey January Day

Fluffy Grey Beanie: ASOS
Berry Knit Scarf: Missoni via mywardrobe.com
Blue Parker & Snow Leopard Jumper: French Connection
Berry Boucle Shorts: Topshop
Black Cosy Tights: Primark
Black Wellies: Hunter

January gets a bad name if you ask me. Sure it's the month after (arguably) the best month of the year, which can feel like a bit of a come down but as a glass is always half full kinda gal I see January as the perfect time to regroup, refresh and tackle all those little things you've never quite got round to, the latter is how I spent most of my time this weekend. One thing I will say about January though is that it's a nightmare of a month to get outfit shots in - not only is it cold but the hours of sunlight are few and far between which means things have to get creative, anyone for an impromptu photo shoot on the Sunday Kez walk?

The boyf and I are incredibly lucky that we have such beautiful countryside just a stones throw from our abode making Sunday dog walks the best, although a little mud filled so my Hunters and huge but snuggly parker are a must. The piece de resistance of my laid back attire has got to be the fluffy beanie which I set my heart on after seeing the beaut Suzie rock it in an outfit of the day post. After discovering (and weeping) that it had sold out I decided to bookmark the page and repeatedly click on it until it was a) back in stock and b) half price in the sale...what a score. This is easily the cosiest hat I've ever worn and although I get a few 'is she really wearing a fluffy hat' looks I couldn't be more pleased with it, thanks for the fash warning Suz! A close second would be my boucle shorts which I've had for an age - I love how these add interest to a simple outfit with the textural mix of berry, black and silver threads. I would normally wear these with an oversized knit (a la today) paired with my black patent brogues or lace up boots depending on how leggy I want to feel. 

This week has been a bit of a blogging fail and I blame the bathroom - living without a shower under your roof doesn't half eat up your free time although lying in our new bath fully clothed almost makes up for it.

What do you make of January? How do you feel about my fluffy beanie? 

Snow Leopards & Leather Skinnys

White Embellished Collar Shirt: H&M
Leopard Jumper: French Connection
Leather Look Skinny Jeans: River Island
Black Ankle Boots: Hobbs
Black Ceramic Watch: Michael Kors

So I have a bit of an issue, I'm addicted to knitwear with animals on. Show me a snuggly sweater with an animal planted on the front and I'm likely to make a purchase, I wonder whether it all stems from my love of Sylvanian families as a child... This wool and angora mix jumper featuring a fetching snow leopard is one of my cheeky purchases from the French Connection sketch to store event where a couple of my friends, and a handful of mums (mine included) styled up the latest offerings from the brand. Rather shamefully I knew this jumper would be coming home with me as soon as I pulled it over my head.

Keeping things on the right side of fierce a long line shirt and leather look skinny jeans accompanied my semi-cropped French Connection pick. My leather look skinnys are a recent find from River Island, a shop I rarely venture into but with a 25% discount card from Elle magazine burning a hole in my pocket I may have been coerced into browsing, and my was I surprised. The fit of these pleather jeans is spot on and they're a fantastic price at £38, pre discount. Bringing some extra height to the party are my black ankle boots from Hobbs, I still can't believe I bagged these versatile babies for free.

While the leopard does the talking I decided to keep accessories to a minimum, adding a slick of my new fave lippie from Body Shop and my ever faithful Michael Kors* watch to proceedings - the black ceramic detail goes with absolutely everything, a super messy pony tail completes the get up. Last night I crossed the Pennines and payed a visit to Manchester for Vogues Fashion Night Out, there was a real buzz in the city and I got to stand inches away from Matthew Williamson - expect a post on Cagney and Lace very soon. In the mean time check out my Instagram video for Flannels here.

This weekend the boy and I are welcoming a few friends into our abode to say cheers to our new pad, I can't wait to play host and organise one of my famous spreads - just as soon as I decide what to wear...

Do you love mixing textures as soon as the cold sets in? What are your thoughts on animal printed knits?

*In collaboration with Market Cross Jewellers.

New In: Christmas Presents

A beautiful Jo Malone Wild Fig candle & a personalised Nails Inc polish 

A selection of beauty & blogging books including a personalised note book

A Hush gift set from the boy including hot chocolate, pyjama bottoms, a book & a tea pigs herbal tea

A Hello Kitty for Liberty gift set, a Topshop gift card & a pair of cream sequin touch screen gloves

A pair of UGG ear muffs/ head phones - I can't wait to try these out 

Our Christmas Day Table plus me rocking my new French Connection Christmas jumper

Happy Friday guys - I am seriously shocked and appalled by my lack of blogging over the Christmas period and for this I apologise. I had the best intentions of sharing all my Christmas festivities with you but what can I say, relaxation and now a stupid head cold has taken over. Since my last post on Christmas eve eve the past five days have been a blur of family fun, eating a grand total of three roast dinners and stuffing myself silly with more Celebrations than I'd like to acknowledge - Maltesers, Galaxy Caramels, Snickers & Twix' in case you were wondering. Oh and did I mention that yesterday included a trip to Manchester? All I can say is hello Space NK sale! 

I was well and truly spoilt this Christmas and I thought a fitting welcome back post would be to show you some of the wonderful gifts I received from my very thoughtful family, friends and boyfriend. How cool is the personalised nail polish from my best friend Gemma? It even says Cagney & Lace on the bottom! One huge surprise on Christmas day was a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC camera which my parents bought for me - I couldn't believe my eyes although I'm still trying to master the many functions it has but I'm sure it won't be long until my photography skills improve (fingers crossed!) Another beautiful gift I received was from the boy - after a recent traumatic time with my favourite Pandora ring I was gifted a replacement in the form of a yellow gold Astley Clarke ring with moonstones in, it may just be my new favourite thing.

I hope you're all enjoying the festive holidays, it seems crazy how New Years Eve will soon be upon us (personally I'm not a huge fan after a pretty disastrous party last year) so I'll definitely be the one hanging onto Christmas for as long as possible, having said that I've got a very good feeling about the year 2013 - one of my closest friends is expecting, another friend is getting married and let's not forget the boy and I may just go and buy a house! A new years resolution of mine is to be more organised and to keep my blog posts more regular so I know my brand new personalised blogger note book will help massively (thank you Lauren!) To see my other new years resolution  click here.

What were your favourite Christmas gifts?

I hope you all enjoy reading this post and don't feel like I'm bragging about my Christmas gifts. I for one am incredibly nosey and love to hear what you've got for Christmas so was I dying to do this post. I'm incredibly grateful for all my Christmas gifts and realise I'm a very lucky girl.  

Don't You Step On My Red Velvet Shoes

Coat:Zara
Sequin Eye Jumper: French Connection
Coated Jeggings: Warehouse
Red Velvet Trainers: Paul Smith

How bloomin cold is it today? I had the shock of my life stepping outside today, cue the arrival of my thermal vest (sexy!) One of the real bonuses of living back at my mum and dads is finding little gems in my wardrobe or under the bed which I'd completely forgot about, these red velvet Paul Smith trainers are a prime example. I remember begging and pleading with my mum one year to have these for Christmas, probably two wears later and at least five years on I find these bad boys under my bed- barely worn and in the original box looking all forlorn. Not only are they super comfy but they're a change from the black wedge trainers littering the high street at the moment- I for one haven't seen any red velvet hi tops with little rabbits on (look closely). Throw in my favourite black coated jeggings and an old knitwear friend and you have the perfect ingredients  for a chilled out Saturday outfit. I know I'll be reaching for these beauties throughout the Winter season and I promise you all that I won't leave these under the bed ever again.

I've spent the morning running errands, eating cupcakes (just the one I promise) and having a peruse around my local Joy store....a dangerous decision especially when I should be saving- there must have been at least 3 books I wanted to take home. My plans for the evening include huge slippers, an Indian takeaway and a good ol' perv on James Arthur. I hope you're all enjoying your Saturdays as much as me.

What have you been wearing this weekend? Have you been rocking trainers?