Showing posts with label H and M. Show all posts
Showing posts with label H and M. Show all posts

Hello April

Thursday, 13 April 2017

Nude Pink Bomber Jacket: Zara
Striped Embroidered Top: Maison Laiche via Smallable
Khaki Casual Trousers: H&M
Navy Gazelles: Adidas
Well hello April! My favourite month of the year is officially here and I couldn't be more excited, the lambs are frolicking, the blossom is out and my birthday is less than two weeks away - last year of my twenties, here I come. Like anything in life it's so much harder to do something when you haven't for a while, I can't tell you the number of times I've sat down to write this post then struggled to find the words so I thought I'd work on the premise of 'let's get rambly' in order to get my first blog post in a while out there. 

I don't know if it's the lighter nights or the warmer temperatures we've been having but April is always a time where I feel incredibly happy and not just because it's my birthday month, although that does help - life feels good right now and I feel as though this last year has been a real milestone, not necessarily in a this is your life, look what I've achieved kind of way but more in the sense that at almost 29 I know who I am, what I want in life and what's truly important to me. You didn't think things would be getting this deep did you? I remember being in my early 20s and reading articles in Glamour where women would say how their 30s are so much better than their 20s and I used to think yeah whatever but now I can actually understand what they're talking about - yes to less self doubt and more life living. While we're opening the honesty can of worms I have so many ideas for Cagney and Lace that I need to bring to fruition and just crack on with instead of putting my lightbulb moments into my iPhone notes and leaving them there, this is my space and I'm keen to put a few ideas into play pronto. 

Now we've covered the life round up let's talk clothes and most importantly the fact that I'm not wearing jeans. Jeans are the cornerstone of many a successful wardrobe yet more often than not I find them becoming a bit of a comfort blanket when it comes to not knowing what to wear, factor in an incredibly active toddler and sometimes you just need a break from the sometimes restrictive item of clothing - I know I'm not the only one who throws their joggers on when they know they're not going out again for the day. After seeing many of my favourite bloggers, namely Alex and Anna rocking khaki pants I raced to the fitting room when I spotted these All Saints (Pure Shores, Never Ever not the store) esque trousers in H&M. As you'd expect from a drawstring waist trouser with super soft peachy feel they're incredibly comfortable and a little bit effortless which always gets a thumbs up in my book. Teamed with Gazelles and a striped tee it's not exactly groundbreaking (anyone else thinking Florals for Spring right now?) but aren't the best outfits a bit basic? The oversized nude pink bomber gives a real sports luxe vibe to proceedings and had it been warmer I think a mule sandal like these I've just ordered from Next would have been just the ticket but hey, sometimes you've gotta put on the Gazelles and go to the park with the family. 

I hope you're all loving April as much as me and if you've got any thoughts on the whole nearly turning 30 thing I'm all ears.

The Morning After The Week Before

Monday, 6 February 2017

Wool Cashmere Coat: Jaeger
Striped Embroidered Top: Maison Laiche via Smallable
Pink Scarf: H&M
Raw Hem Straight Jeans: Topshop
Lace Up Trainers: Topshop
Long time no see, did you miss me? These past two weeks have been full on to say the least - let's just say everything goes to pot when my husband goes away skiing for a week, think a trip to a&e, matching mother daughter viral infections and minimal afternoon naps making one knackered me so I'm sure you can forgive my absence. It's not been all high temperatures, coughs and snot though as my mum, Sadie and I managed a rather luxurious stay over at Rudding Park in Harrogate which naturally included a spot of shopping, well I am my mothers daughter all. 

If you saw my stepping out of a style rut post you'll know I've been looking to add a blue blazer into the mix so I couldn't have tried this on quicker in Jaeger. Traditionally seen as a brand with a more mature customer base Jaeger have recently collaborated with some of my favourite bloggers to show their well made pieces to a new audience, much to my wardrobes gain. This wool cashmere tailored coat is as soft as our new puppy and made for those days where it's too cool to throw on a real blazer but you want to dress up those casual Sunday vibes outfits which is exactly what I've done here. For a brunch date with friends I attempted to disguise eye bags with stripes with a classic Maison Labiche breton, it may just be embroidered but more about that on my Insta. The real star of the show here though is one of the best pairs of jeans I've found in a long while, so much so I'm on the verge of ordering another colour or even the same shade again just so I have a back up pair and I'm never that sensible. Introducing the raw hem straight jean from Topshop - these fit true to size like a traditional jean with minimal stretch and have that wonderful mid rise straight cut that I'm forever searching for. With my ankles out I attempted to balance the skin exposure scales with my faithful pink scarf bringing a pop of pink to proceedings.

With over a week at home in the bag I can promise a few new items will be gracing the pages of Cagney and Lace so keep your fashion adoring eyes peeled. Time away from the blog has also got me thinking about a bit of a rebrand and maybe even a new name that represents me a little bit more, you might even have seen my poll on Twitter. I'd love to hear your thoughts? 

Chunky Knits For Life

Tuesday, 15 November 2016

Suede Biker Jacket: Topshop
Per Una Frill Jumper: Marks & Spencer
Stepped Hem Orson Jeans: Topshop
Soft Pink Scarf: H&M
Studded Western Boots: Topshop
For me theres just one item that epitomises Autumn Winter and that's huge, chunky as you can possibly get knitwear - there's just something incredibly comforting about getting super snuggly and toasty before stepping out into the chill and if you can't go out in your Rosie for Autograph dressing gown then a pullover is the next best thing. Sundays in the Wild household are all about big breakfasts and getting fresh air and this week was no exception. I've been so impressed with M&S lately and not just for their divine food and phenomenal thermal vests, 'cos it wouldn't be a Cagney and Lace post without me mentioning a thermal - they've been hitting it out of the park with their offering this season (I've been raving non stop on my Instagram) and something I had to pick up is this cream frill jumper which caused a double take enroute to the car park at the end of a shopping trip, not the easiest of things to do when you've got a bambino ready for an afternoon nap. There's something a bit Isabel Marant about this jumper and who doesn't love frills and a cable knit combo? I rest my case.

Jeans have always been a staple in my wardrobe, tell me I'm not the only one who struggles with what to wear on my bottom half when the temperatures start to drop? I picked up these straight leg stepped hem jeans when the weather was a tad warmer (outfit post here) but I must admit I enjoy them paired with an ankle boot. Speaking of boots I've got to mention these 'blast from the past' Topshop numbers which I bought over three years ago after hunting down one of the last pairs of size sevens. I love these just as much as the day I bought them and think they bring a seventies nod to a rather simple look. To round off proceedings it had to be my suede biker with the snuggliest scarf you could ever encounter from wooly accessory slayers H&M, those guys and girls know how to do affordable Winter perfect accessories.

I couldn't be more excited about this week as it includes a flying visit to London for a press day and because I had to factor my train around the obscene commuter prices there may just be a few hours free for shopping. My last trip to the capital was for my hen party back in April and before that to order my wedding shoes with Sadie and my mum so it'll be well over a year that I've enjoyed some solo retail therapy in one of my favourite places. Pray for my bank balance?

Have you been loving M&S this season too?

Mixing An Old Favourite With The New

Thursday, 20 October 2016

Leopard Print Coat: H&M
Red Knitted Turtleneck Jumper: H&M*
Castile Pencil Straight Leg Jeans: ASOS
Kendall Suede Taupe Loafers: Topshop
Hold the phone, an outfit of the day where I'm not wearing head to toe Topshop, no I can't quite believe it either. After weeks of scouring the shops for all of the knitwear I'm thrilled to have finally found some winners from high street stalwart H&M. Now I hate to use the term killing it 'cos I say it far too often but H&M certainly are and their knitwear is exceptional, especially for the price so it'll come as no surprise when I say how much I adore this turtleneck. The colour brings the loveliest flush of colour to my cheeks, the fit has that perfect borrowed from the husband vibe and the cotton blend means you don't royally overheat when you pop a thermal underneath. Usually I shop H&M online but I actually picked this turtleneck up and a few other pieces (stay tuned) from The Broadway in Bradford who kindly got in touch and asked me to fill my Autumn Winter boots with a rather handy gift card. The shopping centre is perfectly formed making it ideal for those wanting to spend with a toddler in tow - it's incredibly easy to navigate and did I mention the super sweet train which runs around? So cute.

While we're on the subject of favourites I've got to mention these straight leg jeans. ASOS has never been somewhere I've shopped for denim but after buying these I'm starting to wonder why, not only are they incredibly affordable but they fit well and feel very current - I literally haven't stopped reaching for these blue eyed wonders since I bought them. My final new arrival are these taupe loafers which I fell head over heels for as soon as I saw them, thanks to the suede make up they fit like a glove whilst giving a nod to Gucci. Pulling my look together is an old favourite, a leopard print coat. For me leopard print is a fail safe every Autumn Winter, a classic if you will so I doubt I'll tire of pulling this cover up out of my wardrobe and letting it bring some necessary pizzazz to a simple everyday look. I actually bought this coat two years ago (and blogged about it here) but if you fancy your own slice of leopard print action then hit the high street pronto - Topshop, River Island and ASOS all have grand versions.

I actually wore this look for what felt like the worlds longest Sunday thanks to Sadie waking up at an hour that Sundays should only see in the pm format. Even though the day was full of rain we managed to turn it around by going out for brunch at new favourite Show Me Joni and in the evening I finally got to see Girl On The Train with the girls which I found a tad disappointing as a lover of the book. Tell me what you thought if you've seen it?

What are your thoughts on leopard print? Do you rate H&M as much as me?

*Bought with a gift card gifted to me by The Broadway.

A Septembers Day

Friday, 23 September 2016


Striped Knit Midi Dress: H&M
Leather Jacket: Zara
Catseye Lace Up Trainers: Topshop
When you should be at work but nannas poorly the only thing to do is don your new dress throw on a leather jacket and go meet your favourite momma and baby duo Claire and Henry for a morning of fun. Now before you worry that I'm being a terrible daughter and not checking on my mum I can assure you its nothing major although she does have a crappy cough and cold which is definitely not something she wants to pass onto the Wild household and if you're thinking my employers are incredibly understanding you'd be right as I work with my family, so I'm lucky that I can work from home when situations like this arise. After a good old catch up with Claire which included a mini kitchen tour we headed to Remos, a local Italian cafe meets deli for a tasty salad and pasta combo (salad for us and pasta for the bambinos). Eating at Remos made me realise just how quickly my work trip to Bologna is coming around, I can't believe I go next week. I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension as its my first trip abroad without Sadie. I keep telling myself it's just two nights and my work jaunts are always jam packed so I'm hoping it won't be too painful. Any advise fellow mommas?

If you keep up to date with Cagney and Lace you'll know I'm trying to adopt a capsule wardrobe this season so last week I switched over my Summer garms for all those a touch longer, snugglier and/or sporting a sleeve, and along with a few new pieces things are almost there. One more trend led item I've added to the fold is this striped knit midi dress, it's the perfect length for running around after Sadie and I adore the slightly fluted sleeves. Whistles have created a more luxe version but as I don't see this as a wardrobe staple I was happy with the £24.99 price tag. For footwear there's another newb in the shape of these Adidas inspired trainers - I've been eyeing up a pair of white Stan Smiths and then white Gazelles for a while but after trying them on I just wasn't sold. Step forward these dupes from Topshop which are comfy and an absolute steal at £24. Finally a rediscovery from my wardrobe switch up, my trusty leather jacket which I got for my birthday many moons ago - it's truly stood the test of time, just as any leather piece should and I'm so pleased to have it in my collection.

An updated Autumnal capsule wardrobe post will be coming as soon as I've picked up a few basic jumpers 'cos I'm keen as mustard to show you what I've added to my wardrobe. Sadly the Gucci Soho Disco bag is still on my wish list as I can't seem to find it in stock anywhere, is this a sign? Answers in the comments please.

What have you been pulling out of your wardrobe in the seasonal switch up?

1970 Now

Sunday, 14 February 2016

Leopard Print Coat: H&M
1970 Navy Jumper: Bella Freud via Avenue32
Denim Button Down Skirt: Topshop
Black Opaques: Wolford
Black Petty Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman
Camel & Grey Scarf: Zara
Well hello there, how you doing? I can't believe how long it's been since my last post (thirteen days if you're counting) so I'm incredibly happy to be writing this. Last night I spent an hour reading my favourite blogs which is something I haven't done in ages and it made me eager to post. It's crazy to look back and remember how naive I was to think I'd have tons of free time to blog while on maternity leave, sure I may no longer work a conventional 9-5 but my days are more jam packed than ever. If I'm not tending to Sadie then I'm thinking about our wedding, Sadies Christening, work emails and finally ze blog. I get tired just typing it all! While I wouldn't change it for the world I do worry a blog post about finger foods and nappy movements won't be interesting but then I remember Cagney and Lace is here to document all aspects of my life - whether it's groundbreaking or the everyday so here's to blogging more frequently.

Whether you're the romantic type or not I personally love to acknowledge Valentines Day, even if you're single it's lovely to have a day where you celebrate sharing the love and whilst I know we should do this everyday sometimes we forget (aren't we a naughty bunch?) Today the family and I took a long walk to Endcliffe Park and back stopping for a marshmallow filled hot chocolate enroute, sadly I managed to spill half of mine just moments after leaving the warmth of Costa - fingers crossed you can't see the remnants on my well loved Sam Edelmans in these snaps. Maybe that can be my excuse to justify these beauties? It's really not been my week with liquids as Friday night my car interior was given an unexpected bath with homemade oxtail soup, while no one got to try the fruits of Craigs labour my car smelt delightful.

Today I'm sporting two new wardrobe additions in true 1970s fashion - say hello to my denim button down skirt a piece I've coveted since Alexa brought out that AG collection and my Bella Freud jumper which I picked up in the Avenue32 sale not longer after I had Sadie - a gift from me to me if you will. Worn together with my faithful leopard print coat (such a good buy) and super snuggly camel scarf, not forgetting the hot chocolate soaked ankle boots I love the simple colour palette of my ensemble. The only thing I'd change? The disheveled, wind swept hair but hey you can't win them all. 

Now before I type too much I'm off to eat a Valentines day meal where pie is the main, my husband to be is the best.

What are you up to this Valentines day? Do you fuse past eras into your everyday style?

1970 Now

Leopard Print Coat: H&M
1970 Navy Jumper: Bella Freud via Avenue32
Denim Button Down Skirt: Topshop
Black Opaques: Wolford
Black Petty Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman
Camel & Grey Scarf: Zara
Well hello there, how you doing? I can't believe how long it's been since my last post (thirteen days if you're counting) so I'm incredibly happy to be writing this. Last night I spent an hour reading my favourite blogs which is something I haven't done in ages and it made me eager to post. It's crazy to look back and remember how naive I was to think I'd have tons of free time to blog while on maternity leave, sure I may no longer work a conventional 9-5 but my days are more jam packed than ever. If I'm not tending to Sadie then I'm thinking about our wedding, Sadies Christening, work emails and finally ze blog. I get tired just typing it all! While I wouldn't change it for the world I do worry a blog post about finger foods and nappy movements won't be interesting but then I remember Cagney and Lace is here to document all aspects of my life - whether it's groundbreaking or the everyday so here's to blogging more frequently.

Whether you're the romantic type or not I personally love to acknowledge Valentines Day, even if you're single it's lovely to have a day where you celebrate sharing the love and whilst I know we should do this everyday sometimes we forget (aren't we a naughty bunch?) Today the family and I took a long walk to Endcliffe Park and back stopping for a marshmallow filled hot chocolate enroute, sadly I managed to spill half of mine just moments after leaving the warmth of Costa - fingers crossed you can't see the remnants on my well loved Sam Edelmans in these snaps. Maybe that can be my excuse to justify these beauties? It's really not been my week with liquids as Friday night my car interior was given an unexpected bath with homemade oxtail soup, while no one got to try the fruits of Craigs labour my car smelt delightful.

Today I'm sporting two new wardrobe additions in true 1970s fashion - say hello to my denim button down skirt a piece I've coveted since Alexa brought out that AG collection and my Bella Freud jumper which I picked up in the Avenue32 sale not longer after I had Sadie - a gift from me to me if you will. Worn together with my faithful leopard print coat (such a good buy) and super snuggly camel scarf, not forgetting the hot chocolate soaked ankle boots I love the simple colour palette of my ensemble. The only thing I'd change? The disheveled, wind swept hair but hey you can't win them all. 

Now before I type too much I'm off to eat a Valentines day meal where pie is the main, my husband to be is the best.

What are you up to this Valentines day? Do you fuse past eras into your everyday style?

The H&M Home Haul

Thursday, 5 November 2015




I was tempted to title this post three ways to rock a succulent but didn't think it'd have the same pizazz. I was never really aware of H&M Home until I started reading blogs and now I can't get enough of browsing the new in section, especially when most items are less than £10. With a need for somewhere to store Sadies toys my weekly browse turned into a checkout situation and after waiting for delivery (standard H&M online) I couldn't have been happier with the pieces that arrived at my door.

First up is the marble chopping board which I discovered in the sale section, winning. Now before you call me a blogger cliche I've been a long time lover of all things marble, particularly since my parents put freestanding marble topped cabinets in their bathroom. While I won't be chopping vegetables on it anytime soon I will be using it for displaying all my perfumes or maybe even putting more delicate pieces of jewellery on it. Pretty huh?

The main reason for my spree was storage and after eyeing up this standard goods box for ages I knew it was time to take the plunge. This fits perfectly on our built in shelving unit and houses all of Sadies brightly coloured soft toys. From storage I took a December themed u-turn to all things Christmas and fell head over heels for these super inexpensive tree decorations. I'd link them and share the festive cheer but they've sold out so get to your local H&M home store pronto if you fancy some yourself. Speaking of which did you know a H&M home concession has just opened in Selfridges Manchester Trafford? I'm planning my trip as I type.

Are you forever browsing H&M home? What do you make of my picks?

Leopard, Leather & Loafers

Saturday, 10 October 2015

Leopard Print Coat: H&M
High Neck Striped Jumper: New Look via ASOS
Leather Look Joggers: ASOS
Alexa Satchel Bag: Mulberry
Pink Suede Tasseled Loafers: River Island
I can't quite believe that this time last year I was days away from getting engaged and just a few short weeks from finding out I was pregnant, what a difference a year makes hey? I'm bringing you this post from the comfort of my sofa, hot chocolate with mini marshmallows in hand - things are definitely starting to feel a whole lot more Autumnal around these parts and I ain't complaining. Having Sadie has been one of the best things in my life but forgive me for saying blasted baby weight is not the one - no one tells you that after birth those extra pounds just stick around, I naively thought they'd just drop off. I'm determined to shift the additional weight but for now I'm embracing change and stocking up my wardrobe to suit. So say hello to two new pieces, both from ASOS - the faux leather joggers and high neck striped jumper.

Leather trousers have always been an Autumn Winter staple of mine so when I spotted this relaxed pair with their chic ankle grazing length they just had to be mine. Paired with tasseled loafers and a high neck camel and black striped jumper things have got a real beatnik inspired look and I kinda like it. Mixing patterns in the same colour palette is always a winner so completing the look with my leopard print coat was a no brainer. Holding all my worldly possessions is my Alexa satchel - five years in and my most used designer bag is still going strong, kudos Mulberry. I've also got to give my favourite Autumnal lipstick a huge shout out, Laura Merciers Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Tamara Red. In terms on hygiene it's probably a bit wrong how long I've had this sitting in my make-up drawer but it really is the perfect shade right now and the formula is so moisturising.

This weekend I'm look forward to trying out a few Madeline Shaw recipes and I wouldn't say no to a spot of brunch out and about, it's definitely my favourite meal of the day. Keep your peepers on my Instagram for all of the food snaps.

Do you enjoy mixing prints and textures come Autumn? What are you up to this weekend?

Styling A Striped Midi Dress

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

Lola Ribbon Fedora Hat: boohoo.com*
Morgan Stripe Midi Dress: boohoo.com*
Leather Jacket: Zara
Black Maternity Tights: H&M
Kendra Fringed Shoes: Topshop
Leopard Print Clutch: Whistles
Hands up who enjoyed Mothers Day? Sunday was my first Mothers Day as a mum to be and I enjoyed it just that little bit more than usual. Mums are a special breed (especially mine) so it seemed fitting that I wore my boohoo ensemble for the days activities as part of their 'My Special Place' campaign. While I have my own house with my wonderful fiancee to coin the famous Dorothy, there's no place like home, or to be precise there's nowhere quite like my mum and dads abode where these snaps were taken. It may not be my childhood home but I've got many fond memories of the house with the mint coloured door. Aren't family memories just the best? Mothers Day was also Craigs mums birthday so we had a real mum-fest hosting brunch at ours for the birthday girl before my brother and I took my mum out for Sunday lunch at Smith and Baker.

Boohoo isn't a website I hit up daily but that really ought to change, not only are their pieces incredibly affordable but they've got a pretty spot on delivery service too. My kinda website. As I'm no stranger to a stripe I couldn't resist this midi dress, by sizing up the fit is perfection for my growing bump and paired with this wine coloured fedora I'm feeling stylish and comfortable, something you've gotta consider with a baby on board - old favourites in the shape of my fringed shoes, leopard print bag and leather jacket complete the look. Without sounding incredibly vain serious props have got to go to my rather awesome blow dry, I only went to Volt to get my roots refreshed and came out with the most swishy locks around. If only I could wake up with hair like this every day #thedream.

What did you get up to this Mothers Day? Do you regularly peruse boohoo?

*Items were kindly sent to me by boohoo.com.

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