Christmas Wishing

Hana Pom Hat - Chic Stays - Inside Vogue - Black boots - Gracie Sheepskin Mittens - Maggie Ankle Boots - Cashmere Joggers - Camel Coat - Cashmere jumper - Faux Fur Blanket - Leopard Boots - Tempo Charity Bracelet - Little Liffner Bag

The most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching and I for one am starting to get just a little bit excited. It might not be our first Christmas as a three but that doesn't mean I'm any less joyous - our almost eighteen month old is talking, noticing and developing at such an alarming rate that I think Christmas and all the festivities that come with it will enchant her senses like never before which is something I can't wait to see. Whenever the festive countdown begins (clearly earlier every year if these blog posts are anything to go by) I grab a cup of tea, my snuggliest blanket and pen a what-I'd-love-to-find-under-the-tree/gift guide for females just like me so take note, get inspiration or simply enjoy this rather aesthetically pleasing collection of goodies.

This year I'm lusting after two pieces I'm itching to buy but can't justify namely a camel coat and a new pair of leopard print boots - both have been at the top of my wish list forever and I've finally found the perfect camel contender in my favourite M&S. With a blend of wool and cashmere I know this coat will transcend seasons making it an all year rounder and the gift that'll keep on giving. Leopard print has always been a neutral in my eyes and after wearing my Warehouse leopard print boots a ton I've no doubt these Mango beauties would be a worthy wardrobe replacement. I'm clearly having a real ankle boot moment this season as I had to include these dusty rose wonders from Topshop and a real luxe pair from Jimmy Choo who have some amazing shoes this season.

When it comes to gifts I'm a firm believer in buying elevated versions of the everyday and that's where this 100% wool Hana bobble hat comes in, throw in a pair of sheepskin mittens and all of the cashmere - hello joggers of my dreams and the most perfect embroidered slogan jumper and you just need some festive wrapping paper. While we're talking about the elevated everyday let's talk handbags - if you're a regular around here you'll know how much I love them and right now I've coveting a more minimal, goes with everything style and the brand Little Liffner are ticking all the boxes. Their seventies inspired saddle bags are everything and while suede isn't that practical I kind of love the plum shade, that said the black leather version is pretty divine too.

One item I love to give and receive every Christmas is books especially if the ceiling and not the sky is your limit when it comes to budget - there's so many titles I've got my eye on this year and don't get me started on cook books. My final gift suggestions are two you'd rarely buy yourself, say hello to the most Intagram ready blanket and an item that gives back - the Tembo charity bracelets from Auree are not only a lovely layering piece but all the profit goes directly to the fight against elephant poachers. 

What's on your Christmas wish list this year?

Dressing Like My Daughter

Stripe Cuff Knit Jumper: Whistles
Khaki Slim Leg Dungarees: River Island
Cream Biker Jacket: Zara
Alexa Bag: Mulberry
Adidas Gazelle Trainers: JD Sport

I think the last time I rocked a pair of dungarees was a good twenty years ago but with Sadie being such an avid wearer (yes I take style inspiration from my eight month old) and because they're all over right now I thought it was time I took the plunge and bought a pair myself. I've seen an abundance of black and traditional blue dungarees across the high street but it wasn't until I spotted this khaki pair on River Islands styling Instagram that my eyes turned into hearts. Cue a rapid online stock check and a speedy trip to Meadowhall to pick these babies up. I think dungarees are the ultimate Marmite buy, you either love 'em or hate 'em but I'm honestly thrilled that I've finally got a pair - they're beyond comfy and most importantly make a change from skinny jeans which I hate to say I'm getting bored of. The only thing I need to work on is my shoe game, sporting just Gazelles will soon get dull no? Maybe I need these?

Another newb we need to discuss is Whistles' take on the regular striped knit which found its way into my wardrobe thanks to Grazias 25% discount, any excuse right? Now we all know I should be building my honeymoon wardrobe but we also know I can't resist a good knit - it must be the true English gal inside me. So yes this piece may not be the most Lake Como appropriate but its definitely going to be one item I wear time and time again, fact. Finally give a warm Cagney and Lace welcome to my cream wannabe wool biker jacket from Spanish giants Zara, this baby has been waiting in the wings since well, what feels like forever. After spotting this in one of Fleurs vlogs and discovering it wasn't even £40 it had to be added to my jacket collection stat. I've got more wear out of this than I ever thought imaginable, kudos Zara. Kudos.

This week has passed by in a sea of loveliness with my first Mothers Day and Sadies christening making Sunday one to remember. Thankfully things have been less uptempo these past few days and I've enjoyed pottering around the house, running errands and catching up with friends. Yesterday Craig and I ordered our wedding bands before he got ready to jet off for his stag in Krakow, I can't believe how quickly the time is going - we'll be saying I do in just over a month! Someone pass the wedding to do list...

What do you make of dungarees? Where do you get your style inspiration from?

The Burberry Cape

Berry Knit Bobble Hat: Warehouse
Wool & Cashmere Wrap: Burberry
Rust Belted Cardigan: Warehouse
Ca Va T-Shirt: Whistles
Faux Leather Trousers: River Island
Petty Ankle Boots: Sam Edelman via Net-A-Porter

Putting this post together made me realise how long it's been since I got chatty on Cagney and Lace, shameful right? There's been a whole lotta product chat lately and very little in terms of a life catch up so here we go - this weekend has been a real gem, not only have I caught up with friends I don't see enough of (shout out to Jen, Jo and Liza), eaten some delicious food and asked one of our favourite couples to be Sadies Godparents but I've been also enjoyed some quality family time as Craig had Sunday and Monday off. All the hands up emojis. For all you wedding fans I'm excited to say we've received our amazing save the dates which have been designed by one of my beautiful friends (she's a serious talent). These are speedily winging their way to our nearest and dearest. Less than five months to go!

So now shall we talk about the elephant in the room? Step forward my spectacular personalised Burberry cape which has been in my life a little longer than you'd expect even though it's making its first Cagney and Lace appearance today. Not long after my 27th birthday my mum turned up at our house with a cryptic parcel, a belated birthday/wedding gift she announced. Cue much confusion and why are you giving me this now as the weddings not until next year questions. I think things ended with something like, just open it Hannah so you can imagine my shock and sheer elation when I discovered a caramel and gold Burberry box filled with the most perfect cape featuring my soon-to-be initials embroidered onto it. There were definitely screams!

To keep the focus on superwoman's must have I kept the rest of my look tonal - a rust coloured belted cardigan, a grey French slogan tee peeping out, faux leather skinny trousers (these babies seriously keep their shape), a berry cable knit bobble hat to ward off the chill and finally the best ankle boots I've ever bought. Sam Edelman make the comfiest shoes around and these babies are no exception, I'm already eyeing up the taupe pair. Fingers crossed for a Black Friday ShopBop discount code.

Have you had an awesome weekend? What do you make of my new designer piece?

Wednesday Wishlist #17

Not only is it Wednesday but it's also pay day too, oh yes! What was my first purchase I hear you ask? An Indian takeaway (oh yeah) a girl has priorities ya'll. It feels like an age since I got all wishful about clothes and that kinda thing so I thought it was high time I compiled a list of everything I'm lusting after, fingers crossed things don't get this spendy. 

1. Chinti & Parker Star Print Striped Top £90 - Striped tops are a basic human right, a bit like Victorias Secret underwear and Space NK skincare sprees. Granted this one is a tad pricey but just look at those randomly placed stars plus when it's Chinti & Parker you know it's going to be good quality. 

2. Lightweight Scoop Neck Jumper £36 - Oh how I'd love to be that effortlessly chic girl who waltzes around in shades of nude all day long but I'm just too into my pattern and more importantly, a terribly messy eater. This lightweight knit will allow me to play Parisian dress up and I'm more than ok with that.

3. Printed Trousers £29.99 - Printed trousers, me, who'd of thought it? So I've got a penchant for a patterned bottom half and this Zara pair are hitting the spot and some. Need.

4 & 5. Kaleidoscope Crop Top £95 & Skirt £115 - If you follow me over on Insta you may have spotted this ensemble crop up (get it?) It'd be an incredibly spendy purchase but it would be perfect for so many occasions, starting with my future sister in laws hen party.

6. Flat Sandals With Tassels £29.99 - I'm still sat on the fashion fence about the pool slider trend however these cuties are a different kettle of fish. Chic and minimal looking? Check. Cute tassels? Check. Nude shade that'll go with everything? Triple check.

7. Oversized Floral Print Top £35 - I spotted this Hawaiian inspired top whilst window shopping (yes I do that) on Saturday and I haven't been able to get it out of my head since. With a monochrome base and just a splash of ice blue it's quite a somber choice compared to my usual picks and have you seen that peek a boo back? Adorbs.

8. Pineapple Jar £12 - I don't know what it is about the whole pineapple movement in the fashion and homeware world but I am game. First was my pineapple tee which one of my fave married couples bought me for my birthday and now I've got my beady eye on this jar from Joy. Wouldn't this just look chic and a tad cray on my french inspired dressing table? *Runs to Joy*

What do you make of my Wednesday Wishlist? What's been your first purchase since pay day?

Llamas & A Pony

Grey Embellished Llama Jumper: J Crew via Net A Porter
Faux Leather A Line Skirt: Oasis
Burgundy Ankle Boots: Schuh
Reindeer Scarf: Asda
Studded Sleeve Coat: Zara
Balenciaga Bag

I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair (low maintenance can be defined as a messy bun and a pony are the only styles in my repertoire) and I'm ok with that. Life's too short to focus on my poor hair styling skills especially as I've always been a wash and go kinda gal so when there's a picture of me without my hair flowing free it's worth documenting, right? Sometimes a girl has got to rock a pony and who wouldn't want to throw a bunch of llamas into the mix at the same time? After staring longingly at my wish list admiring another animal inspired knit I was thrilled to find this under the Christmas tree. J Crew, you know how to make a good jumper.

Another item making it's blog debut is my newly purchased faux leather a line skirt from the masters of skirts, Oasis. Those guys know how to cut a skirt for a gal who's all legs and bum, unlike team Topshop who think it's ok for my butt to hang out (unless it's from the tall section) and nobody wants to see that! This is my third acquisition from Oasis in the last few months and I must say I'm impressed, especially since I've been on the hunt for a well fitting leather look skirt for what feels like forever. Get ready to see this cheeky zipped number make many appearances on Cagney and Lace.

Today Craig and I are making a trip to John Lewis to do some homeware research and possibly make a few purchases. It's crazy to think that this time tomorrow we'll be on a road trip to London (yay baby) to wave goodbye to 2013 and say a huge hello to 2014, I know everyone says this but it doesn't seem like two minutes ago since we welcomed 2013 - I can't wait to catch up with friends and watch the fireworks in Hampstead Heath. 2013 has been a real mixed bag for me but I'm going into the New Year with excitement and hope that it'll be one of the best years yet. Who's with me?

Are you a dab hand at hair styling or a bit of a novice like me? Will you be greeting 2014 with open arms?

Wednesday Wishlist #11

When the going gets tough, the Hannah goes shopping - sure this isn't the exact phrase but right now it'll certainly do, if the shoe fits... The boy and I are currently in the final stages of buying our first house together and right now we're experiencing some serious headaches so instead of pulling my hair out or losing precious beauty sleep I've been using my time wisely and shopping making a Wednesday Wishlist.

1. City Bag With Pocket £22.99 - I almost made an on-line Zara purchase with just this neon number in my basket but scolded myself at the payment screen, fashion-buying-conscious, you've improved. As much as I love my Willow and Alexa there are times when you need a teeny, tiny across the body bag to run around town with and this my friends could be the one.

2. Wildox Granny's Dog Jumper £99 - Oh Wildfox, what are you doing to me? Not only do I have a penchant for animals that have jumped on to clothing (just check out the rest of my wishlist) but this baby includes a Yorkshire terrier - the very dog which inspired the name Cagney and Lace, you can read all about that here. Do I need it? Absolutely not, do I want it? Hell yes.

3. Knitted Quilted Bunny Sweater £40 - I'm a nightmare at buying wardrobe staples sure I've got jeans, a white tee and a leather jacket but everything else in my wardrobe is patterned to the max, what can I say? Give me colour or a floral print every time. Enter the grey quilted bunny sweater, not only does it fulfill my need for pattern but a grey sweat is the perfect wardrobe basic.

4. Check Chiffon Midi Kilt £48 - A bit like Marmite (for the record I despise it) this midi kilt is a real love or hate it piece - tartan is set to be huge this Autumn Winter with check already making it's way onto the high street in a big way. I love the subtle, girly tartan in this Topshop number and think this would look just as beaut with a certain grey sweater and Converse as it would with my Zara heels and a simple cami.

5. Chuck Taylor Distressed Converse £50 - After wrecking my faithful white Converse trainers on an epic countryside adventure with the boy and our pooch Kez I've found myself in the market for a new pair which aren't solely reserved for dog walking duty. This perfectly distressed pair in a cute denim hue are firmly on the Cagney and Lace radar. 

6. Dog Quilt Bomber Jacket £50 - So it's a little Grease meets Elvis but you know what? I kinda like it, teamed with everything from boyfriend jeans and a pair of heels to leather shorts and flats or even thrown over a pretty dress I think this bomber jacket has got some serious fashion mileage. Milkshake at the diner optional.

Which of my Wednesday Wishlist picks are you lusting after? Do you enjoy animal printed clothing or is it just me?

Wednesday Wishlist #8 - The Birthday Edition

It's Wednesday and there's just nine days to go until I become the grand old age of twenty five, did you really think I wasn't going to do a birthday edition Wednesday wishlist? I used to think by the time I was a 'grown up' I wouldn't be writing birthday lists or receiving Easter eggs or still having my Christmas presents in a santa sack, but wouldn't life be dull? Here's what I'd love to open on the twenty sixth of April...

1. Sportmax Code Tenzone Lace Pencil Skirt £114 - If Spring was a sophisticated skirt then I'm sure this is who she'd be, have you ever seen a more divine pencil skirt? Not only is the length perfection but there's both a combination of patterns and colours, my kind of skirt. I can imagine wearing this with a grey marl sweater and Converse when it's a little cooler or with sandals and a hot pink vest top come Summer. Love, want, need.

2. Printed Travel Purse £29 - & Other Stories is the latest offering from high street heavy weights H&M and my, it does not disappoint - if Anthropologie and H&M were to have a love child then she'd be & Other Stories. It's probably a good thing I don't live in the capital as to be frank, I'd have no money if I managed to get my size sevens inside this new store. My favourite item has to be this printed travel purse which not only features an aeroplane but lots of practical pockets inside, worth booking a holiday alone for? I think so.

3. Funkie Metal Stud Sandals £65 - Perusing Dune this weekend for some replacement lace up brogues I came across these beauties giving me the glad eye. With studs reminiscent of Balenciaga hardware and a cute block heel these babies fit the job description of perfect holiday sandal, now when can I set up an interview?

4. Lace Trim PJ Set £20 - Generally I don't do black clothing, just ask any of my friends and they'll tell you it's true however I'd definitely make an exception for this cutes pyjama set plus did you notice there's lace? If there's one thing I love then it's got to be lace. Can you have a birthday stocking filler?

5. Luisa Goose iPhone 5 Cover £50 - It wouldn't be a wishlist without a completely unnecessary and beyond extravagant pick which you would never need in any lifetime. Readers meet the Luisa Goose iPhone cover from Moschino, the most novel iPhone case I have ever seen. Do I even need to say anymore?

6. Topshop Nails in Collegiate £5 - Ladies get your sunglasses at the ready because Collegiate is in the house! As you may already know I'm no stranger to a burst of neon so I'm not going to let my nails miss out on all the action. Collegiate is also the name of one of the campus' at my old university random fact for the day, done. I'm always impressed with the quality of Topshop nail polishes and at five English pounds you can't go wrong, could we have a birthday nail contender?

7. Georgia Safari Leopard Blouse £125 - Up there with my love of lace is another almighty, all consuming love... my love of leopard print which on a related side note should not just be saved for Winter. Go all Jessica Alba and rock this with denim cut offs, ballet pumps and a fedora or wear with black coated leggings and heels for a night out with friends. Whistles you've done it again, Georgia Safari, get in my wardrobe!

8. Laduree Wild Strawberry & Brioche Candle £36 - Cagney and Lace, lusting after a candle? How bloomin' original! Seriously though, Laduree - making candles? I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted Amelias recent post but as soon as I'd finished reading I found myself putting one on my mental birthday wish list. Why wouldn't you want your home smelling of brioche? 

9. Mulberry The Willow £1500 - It's Mulberry, it's an investment of a lifetime and it's two bags for the price of one. What's not to love?

What's your favourite pick from the birthday addition? Do you still make a birthday list?