Eight Items To 'Spring' Your Wardrobe

Gingham Top - Pink Sweater - Folk Top - Embroidered Shirt - Fringed Knit - Belted Coat - Rainbow Gazelles - White Shirt

If you're looking for a collection of items that epitomise the rainbow and put a huge smile on your face in the process then you're in the right place. Opening my wardrobe this morning I was greeted by my staple cashmere knits, more navy, grey and breton stripes than you could shake a stick at and all of the jeans yet when it comes to pretty day to night tops that could potentially hide a multitude of grubby toddler hand stains (well maybe not the white shirt) to work with my collection of jeans and I'm seriously lacking - enter the eight piece wish list which could easily kick start my Spring wardrobe, now where's that money tree?

If you're a regular around these parts you'll know how I've always been a bit of Topshop princess but I have to say the store's been firmly pushed aside by my new go to & Other Stories, is there anything that brand can make that I don't want to buy? I think not. The folk inspired top has the sweetest pattern mixing stripes and spots while the fringed jumper is a real departure from my regular cashmere knits whilst still bringing the warmth, not forgetting the embroidered shirt - who doesn't love a twisted classic? Flared sleeves are all over the shop right now and while they're not the most practical for a mum I love the green gingham take on the trend from Warehouse and it'd be criminal not to include the scalloped detail shirt that I've seen Kim rocking.

Of course it wouldn't be Spring without some soft muted pastel shades and this season I'm coveting pink and lemon, a hue that's notoriously awkward to style but doesn't this belted coat put all those fears to bed? Good job Mango! The final pull it all together piece are my favourite kicks, the stellar Adidas Gazelles. Now you might remember me putting a pair of Stan Smiths in a previous styling post but after ordering them online I found them nowhere near as easy to style as my beloved Gazelles.

How are you looking to ready your wardrobe for Spring?

Sporty Was Always My Favourite

Grey Cashmere Knit: & Other Stories
Jenner Stripe Trouser: Whistles
Lace Up Trainers: Topshop
Hibiscus Blossom Bag: Mulberry
Faux Fur Aviator Jacket: Warehouse

It almost seems like yesterday that I was penning my last post, I feel like time goes even quicker now I'm a parent or could that just be a sign that life is more fun as a mum? That ladies and gentlemen is one thought I'll be pondering for days. This week saw a switch up in our usual parenting routine thanks to half term, not only is everywhere busier but there are zero groups running, the solution? Our first trip to soft play, Sadie had an absolute blast and understandably didn't want to leave while I got to test out the slide more than a few times - we'll definitely be going back. With Craig travelling here, there and everywhere with work right now we managed to sync our diaries and enjoy a date night together Friday where we tried Urban Choola before getting a crepe and a gin & tonic (or two) at Street City Market just over the road. If you're Sheffield based and have never been then I suggest you get yourself to their next event pronto - there's a mix of food vendors, two bars and the whole place has a real party feel.

We shot these outfit pictures last weekend when Sheffield decided to dangle the almost Spring carrot which means I wasn't actually freezing in the outtakes, something that hasn't happened for ages. The athleisure sports luxe trend shows no sign of waning thanks to one item in particular which can only be described as a grown up version of tracksuit bottoms, you know the kind you wore at school inspired by the one and only Sporty Spice or was that just me? I even had that lime green and navy reverse stripe Adidas tracksuit, I was always Sporty when we reenacted the Spice Girl music videos. Childhood memories aside I'm yet to find a pair of side stripe trousers that I haven't fallen head over heels for (Me & Em have a beautiful pair), there's just something so chic yet effortless about them and I love that they bring a dressed up vibe to an otherwise casual outfit - yes I am wearing another & Other Stories cashmere jumper, I can't get enough of their knitwear. I even wore them on a friends birthday night out recently and while I didn't quite get the styling right - I'm my own worst critic and don't think a strappy cami was the right pick, I felt uber stylish out in them. It's also nice to throw on something that isn't a pair of jeans so I'd highly recommend this style of trouser if you're looking to break your denim habit too. 

I trust your Sunday will be well spent? Sadie and I are introducing my friend Gemma to Show Me Joni this morning and I've no doubt she'll love it just as much as us.

What do you make of the athleisure trend? Was Sporty your favourite Spice?

Christmas Market Sundays

Faux Fur Aviator Jacket: Warehouse
Oversized Tie Waist Midi Dress: Topshop
Sheer Black Tights: Marks & Spencer
Studded Amy Boots: Topshop
Cream Knit Bobble Hat: River Island

I'm putting together this post with the remnants of mince pie (easily the best I've eaten so far from Forge Bakehouse in case you were wondering) on my left and a steaming mug of tea on my right all whilst watching our log fire throw all kinds of shapes, as Sunday evenings go I don't think it could get any more spot on. We've throughly embraced the Christmas festivities this year with the family and I visiting not one, not two but three Christmas markets on the last three Sundays and while I had all the best intentions of capturing the moment and getting blog photos I've usually been too perished to even contemplate it, it's safe to say Winter is officially here. I think it's officially time to crack out the long sleeved thermals! 

Today Craig, Sadie and I visited the Sharrowvale Christmas market which I think won hands down in the battle of the festive markets thanks to the amazing food filled stalls (big love to Eve Kitchen and their to die for donuts & Birdhouse Tea) and homeware store Pom (Chatsworth was dreamy but a bit too busy and there wasn't enough at Whirlow but Sadie loved all the animals). My Christmas shopping is now firmly complete so all that's left to tackle is the decorations and put up the tree, I couldn't be more excited to get the baubles out but Craig is dragging his sorry feet and I really don't fancy trying to navigate our loft hatch/ladder situation so right now it's stalemate. Have you succumbed and put your tree up already? I'd love to know as looking at Instagram I feel like the only Christmas spirited gal without a tree in my living room.

For me Christmas market trips are all about being warm and cosy so you know my faux fur aviator jacket had to be involved which is easily the best purchase I've made all season. It's so snuggly and much nicer than the one Topshop do and a fraction of the price of the Reiss version and original Acne offering. Underneath is my newest arrival and I still can't believe it's a dress! I can't remember the last time I sported a dress in the day but thanks to the midi length it's ideal for all day mum kneeling, universally flattering grey shade and the Whistles inspired tie waist it's just a little bit perfect. To keep this out of frumpy mum territory I teamed it with sheer tights and my favourite bad ass buckle boots which rarely leave my feet, they're that comfortable. That said I do think it'd look ace with a heeled sock boot too, in fact there may be a pair winging their way to me as I type - well it is the season of good will after all.

Are you embracing the festive season? What do you make of my ensemble?

The Crop Kick Flare Jean

Leopard Print Polo Neck Jumper: Marks & Spencer
Oversized Faux Fur Biker Jacket: Warehouse
Raw Hem Crop Kick Flare Jean: Topshop
Kendall Suede Taupe Loafers: Topshop

Just looking back at these photos gives me the warmest fuzziest glow, sure my hair is thrown into a ready to wash ponytail but I've got my hot chocolate with marshmallows and my two favourites by my side so life is more than alright. As the clocks have officially gone back (did someone say Christmas?) we decided to make the most of the daylight hours last Sunday and take a stroll down to the park, something we try to do most weekends as there's nothing worse than spending the day being cooped up at home. Both Craig and I are big believers in going outdoors whenever we can especially with Sadie as there's so much focus on tech nowadays that sometimes you need to step away from it all and get a dose of fresh Autumnal air to blow the cobwebs away.

This week signalled the beginning of November which means it's officially time for cosy fires, mince pies, thermal vests and all the festive flavoured hot chocolate I can manage. Whenever I buy anything new it's always the first piece I want to wear when deciding on my outfit for the day so it'll come as no surprise that this leopard print knit was at the top of my to wear list. With its flared sleeves, super snuggly fabric and subtle leopard pattern this jumper is firmly becoming a wardrobe fave especially when teamed with the jeans I rarely remove from my behind. Say hello to the crop kick flare jean, a style of denim I never thought I'd be able to pull off but after hearing my friend Claire had snapped up a pair I was dying to give them a bash myself. I don't know if it's the dark wash, raw hem or the perfect not too cropped length but they seem to elongate my legs no end and for that Topshop I'm eternally grateful. Now my loafers need no introduction as I cannot stop wearing them, they're so comfy and I love how well they work with my cropped jeans right now even if my ankles are starting to feel the chill.

One of my favourite things about this time of year is outerwear, I own far too many coats for one person but they're a piece of clothing that can make a huge difference to a simple outfit so with this in mind I thought it was high time I added an aviator, Acne inspired jacket to my collection and out of all the high street versions I've seen Warehouse have absolutely nailed it. The faux fur is so soft that Sadie likes to bury her head into it, pretending to go to sleep and it literally goes with every outfit from casual to drinks with friends. I also like how it doesn't feature a belt as aren't they just a faff when you want to throw on a coat and go? Answers in the comments. In fact Warehouse are on top form with their coats this season as this is another winner. Who wouldn't want to look like a teddy bear?

What do you make of my Sunday strolling attire? Have you been mixing up your denim styles?

The Khaki Boiler Suit

Jacquard Pleat Front Jumpsuit: Warehouse
Coline Jacket: Claudie Pierlot via Selfridges
Catseye Lace Up Trainers: Topshop
Hibiscus Blossom Bag: Mulberry

In the words of Nelly I feel like a millionaire and not in a monetary sense but because I'm feeling pretty happy with my lot, life is good right now and I'm not just saying this because I've had my hair and nails done although that does make a girl feel all kinds of fancy. Our home is almost there after over three years of renovations and Sadie is growing into the most good natured, beautiful little toddler that it makes my heart swell with pride every time I lay my eyes on her so I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the fact I'm proud as punch then to shout it from the rooftops aka the top of a wall, or just sit on it for blog photos. This weekend is already shaping up to be a goodie as Craig is off for both days! Weekends off are a serious rarity in the Wild household so when they happen we try to seize the day and do something fun. Todays plans are TBC but they may involve a trip to Chatsworth, make sure you're following me on Insta to see what we get up to.

Yesterday was a family filled day as we celebrated my nieces first birthday and nothing says happy birthday like a khaki boiler suit, am I right? Ever since my incredibly stylish friend Claire sported an all in one I've been searching the high street with a fine tooth comb for my own, I even included one in my Autumnal capsule wardrobe post. One afternoon I dashed into my local Warehouse to exchange an item (sans Sadie before going home to paint a wall, all of the glamour) when I spotted this almost pyjama style, meets mechanics overalls all in one and the rest is history. For me this is the perfect addition to my capsule closet as it lends itself to dressy occasions as well as the everyday, my kinda garment plus it allows me to reenact the Girls Aloud Long Hot Summer music video until my hearts content. Keeping things casual I paired my first (and hopefully not last) boiler suit with a pair of trainers and my take-everywhere Blossom bag before throwing on my navy leather jacket at the last minute to ward off the chill. Yes it's officially jacket weather and I couldn't be more excited to get wrapped up. In fact I think coats and jackets might just be my thing as the number I have in my wardrobe is frankly shameful, keep your eyes peeled for more of my coat collection coming your way real soon.

I hope you're all having the happiest of Sundays and have danced to Nellys song at least once this weekend because having fun and doing a crazy little dance now and again is what life is all about.

Have you ever rocked an all in one?

A Minimal Autumnal Capsule Wardrobe

Boiler Suit / Khaki Trench / Ruffle Sweat / Striped Knit / Metallic Top / Oversized Shirt / Metallic Knit / Leather Trousers / Leopard Coat / Navy Shirt Jumper / Straight Jeans / Leather Midi / White Trainers / Black Culottes / White Tee / Black Loafers / Nude Tee / Houndstooth Coat / Navy Shirtdress / Grey Knit / Black Jumpsuit / Blue Jeans / Camel Knit / Studded Boots / Two Colour Shoes / Gucci Soho Bag

If you've been keeping your peepers glued to Cagney and Lace then you'll know I'm pretty excited about my Autumnal wardrobe. Last Autumn I was nurturing a three month old so while clothing was something that still graced my bod it wasn't high on the agenda, fast forward twelve months and I feel as though I've had a fashion epiphany. I don't know if it was my appointment at Topshop or the countless number of capsule wardrobe videos I've watched in the bath but I think I might just be swaying towards creating my very own minimal Autumnal capsule wardrobe.

Now I'm not sure about being incredibly strict and sticking to rules where only 37 pieces are allowed in my wardrobe, we'll see how we go, but I think I've finally hit the nail on the head as to why I still have those I have nothing to wear moments - I have too many clothes which frankly I just don't wear. Now no one wants to be that brutal bitch who throws away all her clothes and starts again but what I will say is that a lot of those worn once or twice pieces are internet shopping/impulse buys which is something I'm keen to say goodbye to this season. It's a sad day when you're online order arrives and you're not even excited to try it on but that's something I've recently found myself experiencing. While shopping in store is definitely more time consuming, especially with a fourteen month old in tow it's actually a lot more enjoyable, particularly to set time aside to actually shop instead of it filtering into everyday life and I find myself really considering pieces and thinking about what they'll work with before taking them home. Becoming a parent is also a huge part of my style evolution in the sense that I need to roll out of bed in the morning and be dressed in five minutes flat which I think will be much easier with a capsule wardrobe.

With all this in mind I think I'm going to experiment with a paired back, more minimal wardrobe for Autumn and see how it goes, I've already got grand plans of mixing and matching pieces, clearing out my wardrobe and adding fancy hangers with Useless Wardrobes tips in hand. One suggestion Signe from Useless Wardrobe has is to create a collage of all the pieces from your new season capsule wardrobe to see just how flexible each item is and also as a way to see everything together. I love this idea and it makes me feel a little like Cher in Clueless, I've made a start with my collage above blending together pieces from my current wardrobe along with a few items I'm yet to buy - some faux leather trousers, a leopard print coat, a shirt dress, a boiler suit, plain knitwear and the piece de resistance that Gucci bag I can't stop writing about. It literally keeps popping up everywhere I go, surely that's a sign right?

Have you ever considered a more minimal wardrobe? Do you still love online shopping?

Florals & Brick Walls

Floral Print Blouse: Warehouse
Button Down Denim Mini: Topshop
Kylie Backless Loafers: Topshop
Hibiscus Blossom Bag: Mulberry
Rayban Round Metal Sunglasses: Sunglass Hut
Rose Gold Watch: Olivia Burton

Oh hey there bank holiday weekend, if someone could tell me how we got to to the end of August this quickly it'd be beyond appreciated. 2016 is literally zooming by and I can't believe we'll soon be seeing everything turn to shades of rust but for now I'm quite enjoying these sun filled Magnum days, even if they're in-between twenty four hour stints more suited to ducks. Yesterday my sister from another Claire and I plus bambinos went for a brunch date at The Depot Bakery before taking a sunny stroll around Kelham Island, the previous evening Sadie had Craig and I burning the middle of the night oil so a caffeine fix was a real and welcome necessity. 

Ironically Sadie and I aren't usually the earliest risers so knowing we had a morning meet up in the diary meant I did something I haven't done since my secondary school days. The night before our brunch I hung my outfit on my wardrobe ready to wear. In fact the last time I remember doing this was before a non uniform day, my friends and I used to take non uniform days seriously planning our outfits weeks in advance. One of my most memorable looks was a lace top paired with kick flare red trousers. Now that would have made a cracking outfit post. Memory lane aside this is a serious time saver, granted you've got to put your faith in the weather app but yesterday it paid off. Now onto the clothes, this floral print blouse is a serious rediscovery and one that's reignited my love of prints, It feels like forever since I sported a non stripe and I must say I've missed it. Another rediscovery was triggered after I watched a few of my favourite bloggers on Snapchat sporting button down denim minis with shirts and bare legs. Don't you just love it when an outfit comes together? The rest of my look consists of a few wardrobe favourites, didn't I tell you I couldn't stop wearing these backless loafers?

Maybe my reacquainted love for florals was the catalyst for creating my incredibly special personalised phone case from Go Customized*. For the last few months my phones been naked so I thought it was high time I protected it from the elements. Go Customized does exactly what it suggests allowing you to design your own phone case, although they do have some seriously cool pre-made prints for the less adventurous. After umming and ahhing over a hundred pictures of Sadie I decided to commemorate our wedding (which recently featured on Love My Dress don't you know) and chose the top table placard designed by my friend Joasia as my phones ensemble. It's been love ever since it arrived especially with its matte finish which makes my phone super easy to handle whilst watching YouTube in the bath, tell me I'm not the only one that does this?

The lovely team at Go Customized have given me a 10% discount code, just enter GC-PR-UK-HANNAHPROMO10 on any order over £19.95 so why not treat yo self to a personalised iPhone 6 case this weekend?

Where do you get your outfit inspiration from? Do you find yourself forgetting about pieces you own?

*PR gift, all snazzy design thoughts my own.

Autumnal Wardrobe Wishing

Velvet Trousers / White Leather Gazelles / Contour Knit / Pleat Trousers / Daisy Dress / Gold Ballerinas / Leopard Ballerinas / Wool Cardigan / Black Loafers

When it comes to my wardrobe I've never been much of a planner, I've always been the girl who picks up pieces as soon as I see them to later end up with tops and dresses that only see the light of day a handful of times. Fast forward a pregnancy, the arrival of Sadie and some serious hard work shifting my baby weight and you have a changed woman, well almost. While I'm still into picking up a different less wearable piece now and again (they don't call me the magpie for nothing) I'm now a lot more considerate in my shopping and building the ultimate Autumn capsule wardrobe is getting me excited for rusty leaf lined walks, Strictly Come Dancing and all of the pies.

Now it may seem a little presumptuous planning my seasonal get up in August but everyone knows all the best Autumnal garms start hitting the shops now, you've been warned. For the upcoming season I'm coveting sumptuous fabrics like velvet, wool and sheeny, jewel toned metallics. Denim will still be at the forefront of my wardrobe (the more frayed the hems the better) along with leather because you can't do Autumn without a good leather mini in your arsenal. Another Autumn Winter favourite you're guaranteed to find in my wardrobe is leopard print, I've already got a pair of ankle boots and a wannabe wool coat from years gone by but maybe a pair of ballet flats and a faux fur coat circa Bet Lynch wouldn't go amiss. 

The high street is awash with Gucci inspired shoes and I couldn't be happier as there's at least three pairs I need to add to my shoe collection. As for the perfect transitional look I'm hoping to add this daisy print dress to my wardrobe (fingers crossed it's a baby friendly length) perfect with Gazelles and a leather jacket now and with a chunky knit, black opaques and ankle boots come the first frost.

Have you started planning your new season wardrobe? What do you make of my picks?

The Button Down Midi

Blue & White Stripe Knot Top: Zara
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Tom Ford
White Button Down Midi Skirt: Warehouse
Navy Track Top: Toyshop
Trina Sandals: Sam Edelman via Daniel Footwear*
Hibiscus Blossom Bag: Mulberry

Oh Summer, I wish you'd make your mind up. This time last week the sunshine was absolutely glorious, everything felt fresh and new which gave me the perfect excuse to throw on some seasonally appropriate garms but what a difference six days make - the sodding rain is back with vengeance and I for one have seen enough precipitation to last a lifetime. Who's with me? This week has been a real mixed bag I've enjoyed a long couldn't-get-enough lunch with a great friend and my soon to be God son, I've caught up with my bud Scarlett and enjoyed a trip to Manchester but in true life fashion we've also endured great sadness this week as we said a heartbreaking farewell to our beautiful dog Kez.

Now I've never been a Debbie downer and I'm not going to become one now so let's talk about something a little more frivolous in the shape of clothes and where do I begin? The goes with everything striped top with tie detail reminiscent of tops my friends would sport as teenagers, the incredibly easy to wear, button down midi or the navy track top that gives any ensemble a sports luxe vibe. Throw all three pieces together and you've got an outfit that epitomises smart casual, my kinda look although granted probably a touch too jazzy for a family stroll. Props to my Blossom bag for being the necessary pop of colour in a sea of blue and white, it's literally the most perfect bag for carrying my essentials - a real novelty when you're used to holding everything but the kitchen sink in your baby bag. Finally I've got to say I loved my make-up last Sunday and it's all down to a sample of the liquid Becca shimmering skin perfector in moonstone, if you love a luminous base that makes yourself swit swoo then you need this in your make-up bag stat. Speaking of make-up bags I had to add two products to mine this weekend 'cos it'd be rude not to when you're in spitting distance of a Charlotte Tilbury counter (promise I never spit, it's gross). Keep your eyes on my Instagram to see a mini haul pronto.

I hope you're week hasn't included any sadness but in case it has just remember, tomorrow is a new day.

What do you make of my English Summer appropriate ensemble?

*Sponsored link

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?

Mixing Wardrobe Staples

Pale Pink Trench Coat: Topshop
Striped Jumper: Olive
Blue Scarf: & Other Stories
Faux Leather Skinny Jeans: River Island
Leopard Print Boots: Warehouse
Alexa Satchel: Mulberry

Sound the klaxon, it's time for my first fashion post of 2016 and you may have noticed it's been a long time coming, shamefully my last outfit post was two months ago. Sharing outfits has always been my absolute fave and it's the main reason I started Cagney and Lace but lately I've been uninspired by my seemingly samey samey wardrobe - with Spring and my honeymoon fast approaching I've started adding pieces to my collection and today it felt like a good time to capture my ensemble and get the Olympus out.

First let me introduce you to three new items that have entered my life, step forward the pale pink trench, striped knit and blue scarf. Topshop is often full to the rafters with trend led garms so I was shocked and delighted to discover this blush coloured beauty earlier this week. Trench coats are one of those timeless numbers that elevate the simplest of looks so I'm always happy to add another to my stash. Next up is the humble striped knit, that fail safe wardrobe essential that is perfect for those don't know what to wear days. Finally welcome the softest blue scarf which I gravitated towards in a recent visit to & Other Stories, believe it or not I used to wear all of the blue when I was a teen so after a few years off it's time to say hello to fifty shades of blue. Rounding off my look I added my favourite faux leather skinnys, well loved Alexa satchel and the comfiest leopard print boots around.

Today may have been the perfect Sunday - Sadie slept 10pm until 10am giving me time to get ready for our trip to John Lewis to compile our wedding gift list (eeeee it's really starting to happen). After a cake and latte break we headed back to my mum and dads for a Sunday roast before walking off those calories as a family. Bliss.

What have you been up to this weekend? Do you enjoy mixing wardrobe staples?