Pyjamas As Outerwear

Floral Pyjama Shirt: Topshop
Jamie Skinny Jeans: Topshop
Femi Leather Embellished Sandals: ASOS
Rose Gold Watch: Olivia Burton

This blog post should be titled spot-the-stains-my-baby-gets-on-me but that wouldn't be quite so reader friendly now would it? It's been far too long since I graced my little corner of the Internet and I've honestly missed bringing all the chat to Cagney and Lace but thanks to constant downpours and maybe a smidge of bad planning we are three weeks without content, apologies gang. Yesterday was Sadies first birthday, yes I really did just write those words. Craig and I can't believe that our baby girl has been with us for 365 days. It only feels like two moments ago since we welcomed her into this world and not a day's gone by where it hasn't been amazing, being a mum is the best and most rewarding thing I've ever done and I can't wait to continue watching Sadie grow.

Todays ensemble is the outfit I sported yesterday and the other day to work and when I say other day maybe I mean I wore this two days in a row, tell me I'm not the only one who does this? While I never seem to sport jeans on Cagney and Lace I can confirm they're on my pins nearly everyday especially these Jamie skinnies from Topshop. They fit like a glove, have a high enough rise to hide anything unsightly and they're the perfect ankle grazing leg length. As fast as these come out of the washing machine they're back on my derrière, no lie. While I adore skinny jeans (who doesn't?) I must confess I'm still on the hunt for the perfect straight leg jeans, any suggestions? 

Now you know I can't abstain from making clothing buys ever so it'll come as no surprise that I've added another two pieces to my wardrobe, first up is this pyjama inspired floral blouse. I'll level with you this is actually part of Topshops nightwear collection (I'm not the only one wearing it out) so not only was it a steal at £20 but it's possibly my wardrobe favourite right now. Just look at that print. Finally are these could-be-garish-but-I-absolutely-adore-them nude slider sandals, these would never have been a sandal I'd of chosen on my own but after spotting them on Jens Instagram I knew I had to have them and thanks to ASOS Premier they were with me the next day. These are beyond comfortable and I want to wear them with everything so fingers crossed you won't get sick of seeing them.

What have you been buying over the past few weeks? Do you enjoy the pyjama trend?

All Hail The Midi Dress

Louche Shanta Dress: JOY*
Frayed Crop Jacket: Hush
Willow Bag: Mulberry
Friendship Bracelet: Links of London
Ziggy Round Pendant Necklace: Monica Vinader
Trina Sandal: Sam Edelman via Daniel Footwear

Hold the phone, an outfit post without a stripe in sight - who am I? On a side note don't you think we should all say hold the phone more often? Thoughts in the comments please. With Bank Holiday weekend almost bidding it's final farewell (where is this year going?) I thought it was high time I brought you yesterdays rather glam outfit while sitting in a pair of joggers and a workout hoodie, I'm all about the juxtaposition don't you know. 

Yesterday Craig, Sadie and I headed off to my mum and dads for a family BBQ so I couldn't think of a better excuse to throw on my latest wardrobe addition. Say hello to my floral midi dress which is a dream for lazy occasion dressing and mums a like, double points if you're both. First let's talk about the beautiful flowery print, not only does it brighten your day but it's excellent for hiding food stains, have you ever eaten next to an eleven month baby before? Watch out for the hummus. Next is the length, a midi dress is the twenty something plus girls dream - it skims those areas you want to disguise, showcases your skinny ankles and there's no chance of any cheek being on show when you bend down to pick up your into-everything-baby. Finally the cami style top makes this dress appropriate for all of the occasions, dressed down with low sandals a la moi for a summer BBQ, sans shoes for a beach walk or add high heels and this dress is Summer wedding or races perfect. As Sheffield couldn't make its mind up weather wise I added my Chanel inspired frayed jacket to ward off the chill. Isn't she a beaut? A birthday gift well chosen, thank you mum and dad.

While tomorrow might be everyones Monday (yes I know it's actually Tuesday) I can't complain one jot as I'm off shopping with my mum because I'm craving more blue and white tops from Zara, this one is easily my most worn item in my wardrobe right now. My mission this week is to find a bunch of peonies, now before you call me a blogger cliche hear me out - they're not only the prettiest flower around but closed ivory ones featured in my wedding bouquet so I think I more than deserve an open posy. Right?

Do you have a penchant for peonies? What do you make of midis?

*I was kindly sent this dress by JOY, all midi love my own.

How To Print Clash

Navy Striped Top: Topshop
Floral Print Wrap Skirt: Warehouse
Mini Chain Messenger Bag: Zara
Rose Gold Bracelet: Links Of London
Rose Gold Watch: Olivia Burton
Vintage Western Sandals: Topshop

New backdrop, new ensemble, somebody sound the outfit of the day klaxon. It feels like forever since I brought some fresh threads to Cagney and Lace so I'm thrilled to be sharing a few new pieces with you all. Thinking about it around half my wardrobe will be new to this corner of the Internet as I bought so many garms for our honeymoon and haven't really stopped picking up Spring inspired items since I returned, whoops. Having a baby not only changes your body shape but also your priorities and ultimately how you feel about yourself. I'm almost eleven months in to motherhood and I finally feel like that fashion obsessed woman I was again (albeit one that's wary of white and anything that must be dry cleaned) which in my book warrants celebration in the shape of a hair cut (I wasn't sure at first but now I love it) and half a new wardrobe.

So print clashing, you either do it on the daily or contemplate it before retreating to the comfort and familiarity of block shades. I used to be the girl who threw all of the prints on, only to catch a mirror before leaving the house and deciding something needed to go. Over the past few years I've honed my pattern clashing skills and here's what I find works. Always stick to patterns and prints from the same colour palette - nine times out of ten this will be successful, I promise and if in doubt reach for a stripe, they will never let you down. That said playing with pattern won't always please everyone, I wore this ensemble to my nieces christening yesterday only for my dad to remark, nice skirt but I'm not quite sure about the stripes, maybe you should wear it with something more plain. With jewellery kept to a minimum, I couldn't put together this post without giving a shout out to my favourite bag and sandal combo, and yes they're both black. Now this might not seem unusual to you but for me black has always been a colour I reserve for mourning so it's been fun trying and actually enjoying a new neutral. 

I've actually been sporting this Zara bag so often that I'm thinking my next investment piece might have to be a black bag (my best friend will be gasping right about now) and after much debate over the Chloe Drew I think I'm going to stick to my guns and go classic with something from Chanel. I'm still researching and saving but as always you'll be the first to know when a purchase happens.

Are you a confident print clasher or more of a colour block kinda gal?

Styling S/S Accessories With McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks

I haven't been to a McArthurGlen outlet in years, blinded by the bright lights of Bicester Village I've been cheating until an email dropped in my inbox that is with an exciting Spring Summer accessory styling challenge. Armed with a generous gift card I was tasked with picking two accessories to style in five different ways. Question is, when am I not up for a styling challenge you? Craig and I were jumping in the car faster than you can say road trip. 

Visiting McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks is an absolute dream, seriously. The shops are on point, I'm talking Mulberry, Michael Kors, Reiss, French Connection... The restaurant choices are on the money and while it's absolutely huge (with awesome car parking FYI) it doesn't feel busy or crowded, even on a Sunday. Plus anywhere with a Krispy Kreme and a crepe stand is alright by me. 

After a full day of shopping, the first iced Costa of the year and a Pizza Express lunch break both the man and I had shopping bags. My two purchases? A red Mulberry purse and a rose gold Links of London bracelet. Now let's get styling...

The Everyday Essentials - Come rain or shine (well we do live in England) this purse will forever bring me joy, just look at that beautiful pop of colour. Not only is it super practical (with the textured, hardwearing leather) but it works effortlessly for everyday living and I'll never lose it in my handbag thanks to that ever stylish, pillar box red shade.

The Minimal Jewellery Look - Unless I'm going out, I rarely wear more than my engagement ring, Michael Kors watch and a couple of bracelets. This rose gold friendship bracelet from Links of London adds a real touch of sunshine without working too hard, I adore the coral string and how such a simple bracelet addition makes me look like I made an effort. Rose gold accessories are having a real moment right now and I for one am on board.

Running About Town - You know those times when you just need to dash out car keys and purse in tow to get shizz done? This is where the red Mulberry purse comes into it's own, small enough to fit in your palm but large enough to carry all those card essentials, I'm talking the Space NK indulge card and my debit card naturally.

The Night Out Necessities - Evenings out on the tiles might be rarer now I'm 28 weeks pregnant but I still enjoy dinners out with my man and friends. Don't you love how this purse fits in my go-to clutch bag and still leaves room for make-up and a hairbrush? Now that's versatility right there and it means no more rummaging around aimlessly for parking money anymore.

The Uptown Accessories - For those times when you need to look polished and a teeny bit fancy the rose gold slimline friendship bracelet pulls it out of the bag, not just to be worn with sun dresses, bikinis and casual dressed down looks don't you know? I think this wrist set up would be perfect for a Christening or even for a wedding. Minimal but chic all at the same time, don't you think?

How would you style up my new accessories? What would you buy from McArthurGlen?

I'd like to say a huge thank you to team McArthurGlen for my new goodies.

Ripped Knees & Maternity Stripes

Coral Coat: Reiss
Premium Soft Jersey Breton Stripe Maternity Top: ASOS
Pastel Statement Necklace: Anthropologie
Friendship Bracelet: Links Of London
Maternity Ripped Knee Jamie Jeans: Topshop
Leopard Print Chelsea Boots: Warehouse
Medium Navy Pashli: 3.1 Philip Lim

You know that feeling when you get your hair done and you love it that much you don't want to wash it? Yeah that. I know I've said it before but I'll say it again, how do hairdressers manage to get your hair so perfectly coifed? If only I could wake up with such a curly mane - I miss my four year old locks. Todays outfit shots may look like they've been snapped in a local park but this teeny peace garden is actually a stones throw from our house, literally. Must take more pictures here stat.

I'm sure if you look closely (and not even that closely) you'll spot my rapidly advancing baby bump - I can't believe I'm 23 weeks pregnant, where does time go? Dressing the bump is a doodle with Topshop maternity jeans by my side, I'm building quite the collection and my latest ripped knee pair could just be the best yet. While ripped knees may not be a fave with my nan I love them for adding a tough edge, the perfect accompaniment to my breton striped top non? I've been avoiding maternity tops like the plague until now - this ASOS number doesn't scream maternity and that's why I love it, ain't nobody got time for looking mumsy. Shout out to my Anthropologie necklace which I found in the sale just before Christmas. I'm obsessed. I'm also thrilled to be digging out my coral coat on ze blog, it's been a while since this baby made an appearance.

Tomorrow my bud Claire and I are heading to Nottingham for #BeautyChatLive and I could not be more excited, not only has it been a while since I stepped foot in Space NK but I finally get to meet two of my favourite bloggers, Lily and Anna who seem like the kinda girls that I'd be friends with in an instant. I'm far too excited for beauty chinwags and a Bills fish finger sandwich. Life priorities guys.

What do you make of my ensemble? Which bloggers would you love to be pals with?

The Snapshots, Sardinian Style

After eleven days of pure relaxation I'm back from Sardinia incredibly care free and ready to get back to life, and most importantly blogging. I genuinely can't remember the last time I went on holiday without any wifi and must say it was surprisingly refreshing to just switch off and really chill out without constantly checking Twitter, Instagram or my emails. 

Although it's been a shock to the system coming home (where's that 30 degree sunshine gone?) it's been lovely to have a three day weekend with the boyf, squeezing a wedding, a whole load of errands and a trip to the cinema in before things go back to normal tomorrow. Scary stuff.

Mint & Lilac Dress: ASOS Africa, Nude Studded Clutch: Oasis, Rose Gold Sandals: Faith c/o Debenhams, Friendship Bracelet: Links of London

Stripy Dress: Topshop, Bejewelled Sandals: Steve Madden, Rose Gold Necklace: & Other Stories, Red Lip: Nars Red Square

Blue Adrianne Dress: Whistles, Nude Studded Clutch: Oasis, Bejewelled Sandals: Steve Madden

If you ever fancy a trip to an Italian isle I'd whole heartedly recommend Sardinia, it's absolutely beautiful, as I'm sure you can see and has a real mix of unspoilt, more local spots as it does tourist destinations. We stayed in an awesome town house in a small village called Villaputzu which is around an hours drive from Cagliari airport. Just looking at these pictures is making me wish for 4 euro prosecco (yes really), heaps of gelato and giggles with loved ones. 

Ciao for now Sardinia, now let's get planning that Autumn wardrobe...

Have you ever holidayed in Italy? Which of my holiday outfits is your fave?

Borrowed From The Boy

Denim Shirt: Paul Smith
Jewel Drop Necklace: Primark
Leather Look Skinny Jeans: River Island
Pink Studded High Top Trainers: c/o Daniel Footwear
Willow Bag: Mulberry
Friendship Bracelet: Links Of London
Black Ceramic Watch: Michael Kors

Oh Sunday you're the ultimate babe, any day that consists of walking aimlessly through fields with my man and our pooch, consuming my body weight in tasty treats and watching Sunday Brunch is beyond ok by me. Speaking of Sunday Brunch did anyone see the rather gorgeous Kara Tointon on todays addition? That girl and my bud Scarlett are two ladies who make me want to go for the chop and embrace the bob, true story.

Sundays are usually the day where I find myself perusing the wardrobe, realising I have absolutely no clothes I like and announcing that I have nothing to wear. Today was unsurprisingly no different but instead of having a fit I decided to take the high road and be mature, so I raided the boys wardrobe. This denim shirt made by the legend Paul Smith fits worryingly well, baggy in all the right places with the only alteration being a quick sleeve push up, thrown together with my leather look skinny jeans I feel I just about pull off the boys threads.

Conscious of making my get up girl appropriate I decided on a slick of hot pink lipstick (Maybellines Fuschia Fever FYI), a pastel statement necklace and the piece de resistance, a pair of pink studded high tops* courtesy of the lovely folk at Daniel Footwear. Now I appreciate these might not be everyones idea of a good time but hey they sure are mine - not only are they extremely comfortable but they hit the casual note perfectly and tick off the pale pink trend that's going on right now, perfect for those of you who don't want to commit to a demure pastel coat.

My tip of the day? If you're having a wardrobe melt down take a sneaky peek through the man friends rail, you never know what gems you might find.

Do you find yourself ''borrowing'' clothes from your significant other? What do you think of my pastel kicks?

*My pink studded high tops were kindly gifted to me by Daniel Footwear.

Always & Forever, Said The T-Shirt

Slogan T-Shirt: Topshop
Navy Quilted Skirt: Hobbs
Jewel Drop Necklace: Primark
Friendship Bracelet: Links Of London
Electric Blue Sandals: Office
Cutest iPhone Case Around: c/o Iconemesis

Just as the suns takes it's final curtain call Sheffield got a random burst of heat so please excuse my now uber unseasonal footwear. You could say I wore my electric blue sandals to prepare myself for the next couple of days as I'm hopping on a jet plane to Italy with work! Even though it's a business trip (I'll be mostly dashing around appointments at an exhibition) it's fantastic to be able to go abroad and experience the beautiful country that's Italy. I bet you'd never guess that my mum is actually half Italian, sadly I didn't get her beautiful olive skin but instead have my fair-haired-English-rose-complexion-dad to thank but hey I'm not complaining. Another highlight to my Italian jaunt is that the boyf is coming too - we actually both work at the same company so I'm even beyond excited about travelling with my beau. 

I am in L-O-V-E love with this relaxed slogan tee - the material is super lightweight and soft to touch and don't even get me started on the typography, j'adore. I couldn't believe my luck when I spotted this in Topshop for a mere £14, not only is this a bargain by Topshop standards but it's actually a decent price when you compare it to similar offerings from brands like Wildfox. Taking the tee out of it's casual comfort zone I decided to pair it with a statement necklace, my aforementioned sandals and arguably the piece de resistance, my new quilted skirt from Hobbs. Doesn't this just have Autumn Winter staple written all over it? I'm a huge fan of how this skirt can go from lady like to casual with just a few easy changes and I can already  envisage wearing this with black opaques, ankle boots and a fluffy pastel sweater. Dreamy non?

The finishing touch to my laid back attire is my rather fabulous Fifi Lapin iPhone 5 case from Iconomesis*. It's amazing how you never really notice phone cases until you get your first one and then you're hooked. After swooning over the Fifi Lapin designs for longer than I dare to admit I was beyond thrilled when the lovely Ashleigh asked if I'd like one if my life, hell to the yes. This swoon worthy design has been hanging out with my iPhone for the last couple of weeks so I thought it was time to profess my love. Not only is it super cute, have you seen those rabbits but it actually protects my phone too. If you're lucky enough to order one of the new iPhone 5S' then you'd better get yourself over to Iconemesis who have some awesome designs, don't say I didn't warn you.

Have you been investing in staple Autumn Winter pieces? What do you think of my adorable iPhone case?

*My iPhone 5 case was kindly sent to by Iconemesis.