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?

Stepping Out Of A Style Rut

Stan Smiths - Stripe Contrast Tee - Outfit 1 - Outfit 2 - Outfit 3 - Black Ankle Boots - Floral Dress - Outfit 4 - Outfit 5 - Outfit 6

So it's officially that time of year where my hair goes AWOL, my skin breaks out (probably all that 4pm chocolate I've been devouring) and I start to feel a bit meh about my wardrobe so instead of sitting in my loungewear binge eating tubs of forgotten chocolate and scanning Net A Porter for what if items (a bit like playing the Right Move game, but cheaper) I decided to focus my fashion obsessive energies on creating a lust worthy collage to ease me out of my I-only-ever-wear-knitwear phase. Now I doubt I'm alone in the jumper wearing club - it's January, it's pretty damn cold and hey I like to be warm but it's nice to mix things up at least one day a week right? Plus who doesn't start looking forward to Spring and the prospect of a bit of sunshine right about now? Hey we've all got to dream.

Whenever I find myself in a bit of a same old, same old fashion groove I head to three places: my favourite blogs, Pinterest and of course, the shops in order to refresh and most importantly reconnect with the type of style I aspire to achieve, my inner fashion inspiration if you will. I'd describe my ultimate style as laid back luxe with a smart edge and that could be in the form of a tailored jacket or a heeled ankle boot. While I love a touch of pattern (that floral Whistles dress will be my Spring Summer jam) I'm quickly realising the items I reach for the most, and the ones that work the hardest in my wardrobe are actually pattern free, 18 year old Hannah would literally be in bits by this revelation. 

With this in mind I've taken a not so fine tooth comb to the looks above and there's three pieces that I'm keen to add to my closet immediately. First up is a pair of taller than your average black ankle boots as championed by my favourite blogger Lizzy Hadfield. I love how these look teamed with straight leg blue jeans to make the most casual of outfits look that little bit polished. Secondly is the white trainer, I can't get enough of Stan Smiths paired with a smart coat to bring a real sense of balance to an ensemble. The final piece on my fashion radar (although I could easily name a few more because we all know I like to shop) is a navy blazer as sported by the serious babe with the most amazing hair in the centre of my collage. As I'm sure you'll have gathered I'm all about the high low mix and I think this, similarly to my camel coat could be an instant wardrobe elevator. Enough said.

How do you take yourself out of a style rut?

The Boxing Day Stroll

Lace Up Jumper: Zara
Bonded Notch Trousers: Topshop
Ambrose Loafer Boots: Whistles

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all had the most spectacular day with your nearest and dearest and managed to consume your body weight in festive fodder without getting the food sweats. Christmas Day this year was the first time I've ever eaten my dinner without my mum and dads company so I didn't really know what to expect of the day, that said I can safely say Christmas 2016 has been one of my favourites. The food was delish, the company noteworthy and Sadie had the best time cooking up a wooden pizza storm in her new toy kitchen. I think we'll be eating wooden pizza for days. Side note - one incredibly unfestive thing I'm into right now is the new season of The Affair, it's so good. If you watched it before but found it a touch slow then I think you'll enjoy the slightly faster paced new episodes, I've been binge watching them whenever I can as Craigs just not that into it. 

Yesterday Craig, Sadie and I went on a family walk to blow away the cobwebs or should I say be blown away, storm Barbara is clearly one woman to be reckoned with. Now we need to talk about the fact that I'm wearing black tailored trousers, something I haven't worn since my secondary school days where my friends and I used to sport the tightest possible black trousers we could get away with without being hauled into the head of years office. I've been itching to buy a pair for a while as I hear on the grapevine they're a bit of a wardrobe staple plus it's nice not to wear jeans everyday but I've put off the purchase for ages because aren't black trousers the most dull buy? This is probably the very reason why I struggle to dress in a morning but what can I say, I'm a bit of a magpie and black trousers just don't excite me, so far though they're panning out as I'm head over heels for these with my oversized lace up jumper and loafer inspired boots and I think they'd be equally ace with some sparkly heels and a silky pyjama blouse for an evening out, what do you think?

Today the three of us are heading to Leeds to buy birthday gifts, meet up with friends and immerse ourselves in Victoria Gate because it's that exceptional. Be sure to keep your peepers on my Instagram for any sale finds.

Are black trousers one of your wardrobe staples? Do you find buying basics as dull as me?

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?

Jeans, A Tee And A Baby

Slogan Tee: Whistles exclusively for ASOS
Stepped Hem Orson Jeans: Topshop
Madness Grey Mules: Office
Tortoise Shell Sunglasses: Tom Ford
Sadie is wearing a Baby Boden vest and a H&M all in one

So the title might be a touch misleading because not only is there jeans, a tee and a baby but a balloon too which isn't just an entertainment aid for my thirteen month old but a celebratory birthday gesture for Cagney and Lace as last Saturday C&L turned four. I'm so proud to say I've been blogging for over four years, I can't think of any hobby that's lasted so long except for piano playing but I didn't really enjoy that towards the end (sorry mum and dad!) Cagney and Lace began as a way for me to keep my toe in the fashion arena as I decided to change career path and I love how it's evolved into an almost online diary, albeit a stylish one (I hope?) To celebrate I've given Cagney and Lace some much needed R&R and I hope you'll agree she's looking pretty snazzy and a lot more profesh. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments...

Celebrations aside lets talk about how I almost had all of my wardrobe on the floor, bed and on top of the floordrobe this morning when I spotted the sun had made another appearance. Now don't get me wrong I love me some sunshine but it's not half difficult to dress for when you have an on the move baby to look after - my once faithful sundresses make me feel incredibly exposed not to mention the body maintenance to wear one of said dresses. After trying on almost my entire clothing stash I resorted to a Cos dress I've had for yonks for an al fresco dining sitch at my parents abode before coming home and changing into jeans and a tee because didn't it get real windy? I've had my Whistles tee for quite a while now but this is its Cagney and Lace debut, as with all Whistles jersey you really do get what you pay for and while I might wear this tee with everything from a leather pinafore dress to grey jogging bottoms its definitely still the softest thing I own.

My jeans and mules are both purchases initiated by Lucy, the personal stylist at Topshop Meadowhall. I don't want to waffle on for too long about this as I'm planning a separate post all about my experience but I will say I'm thrilled to own a pair of stepped hem straight legs. I've been eyeing up this style of jean for so long but hadn't taken the plunge/found a pair that suited me so all hail the joys of someone pulling clothes for you. If you've peeked in the description box you'll notice these mules aren't actually Topshop but are from Office - within five minutes of meeting Lucy I was asking where her shoes were from so you can imagine my delight when I discovered they were just £28.50 on offer and real suede. Two hours later and a quick Office dash with a sleepy Sadie and they were mine. Don't you think they just add a little somethin' somethin' to a simple outfit? I love them. While we're on the subject of newness I ought to mention my recently refreshed locks, I usually hate my hair straight but it's actually growing on me, who'd of thought it? Things are a little shorter and I no longer have ghastly roots so hooray for Jennie at Volt. 

Now I must dash as I'm dying to watch The Hills: That Was Then, This Is Now programme with the one and only LC before I find myself using matchsticks to prop my eyes open. Wish me luck.

Have you been enjoying the sunshine this weekend? Fingers crossed you haven't been struggling with what to wear too.

The Patterned Bomber Jacket

Black & Red Printed Bomber Jacket: Zara
Cream Camisole: Topshop
Pinstripe Mensy Trousers: Topshop
Leopard Print Sliders: Next
Verity Backpack: Whistles
Pendant Necklace: Monica Vinader
Rose Gold Watch: Olivia Burton

Well hello sunny Sunday! I'm feeling a touch bleary after devouring two Jamaican mojitos on date night, we went to Reds BBQ and it was super tasty (I may have consumed a donut burger) then this morning I've battled with leftover mascara causing a serious case of bleary eyed syndrome. The Body Shop Camomile eye make-up remover won the battle in case you were wondering but it doesn't half impede my sight, like all eye make-up removers I try - if you know of one that doesn't do this I'm all ears. Today the curly haired tot and I are off to scout out the pop up Grey Suit Clay shop at Swallows & Damsons before meeting the girls for a late brunch. It's been forever since I've caught up with two of my favourite beauties so I'm looking forward to it. I'm even channeling Carrie Bradshaw after watching three Sex & The City episodes but more on that another day.

Todays look is the result of a throw-it-all on errand running outfit which can often go to the pits but I was pleasantly surprised as this came together pretty well. As you'll know if you're a regular around these parts I've never been one to shy away from clashing prints yet it's only recently the I realised that success lies within the colour palette - even though I'm sporting stripes, leopard print and a patterned bomber everything remains within the neutral family and I think it works. Now let's talk bomber jackets and how I now own three (oops) thanks to the Zara sale where I picked up this sports luxe one and a navy one which is reminiscent of jockeys silks meets Grease for just £23. I never normally find that much in the Zara sale but I was beyond chuffed with these finds, especially as I'd eyed up both pre sale. Another fairly recent addition to my wardrobe are these 'mensy' striped trousers, these are a little different to my usual skinny fit but I'm all about broadening my fashion horizons and I've been enjoying wearing these casually with a cami or tee tucked in with Converse or flat sandals like these leopard print sliders from Next. Next is one of my go tos for Sadie sized clothing but is never somewhere I give a second thought for my own clothing but after spotting these sliders on 101 Instagrams I had to get my own pair. I'd say they're a little too flat for long distance strolls but for popping here, there and everywhere they're perfect. 

Before I dash to dress bambino and head out I've got to give a mention to my Verity backpack which my mum and dad bought for my birthday. Since having Sadie I rarely switch up my day bag preferring to carry a frankly bland, personality diminishing changing bag but on this day I thought 'sod it' let's get something a little more me on the go. Verity came in more than handy as Sadie was having a carry-me-everywhere day so I quite enjoyed being hands free and not looking incredibly mumsy, something I think every mum fears the most and while I don't think I'll be carrying any Ellas Kitchen pouches in it anytime soon (canvas lining life) I'll certainly be switching my bags up more often.

What are you up to this Sunday? Do you dig bomber jackets too?

Pink To Make The Boys Wink

Coline Jacket: Claudie Pierlot via Selfridges
Oversized Wool Scarf: & Other Stories
Navy Striped Top: Topshop
Leopard Print Chain Clutch: Whistles
Popper Side A-Line Skirt: Whistles
Black Opaques: Marks & Spencer
Black Petty Boots: Sam Edelman

It feels like an age since I went on tour so I'm beyond thrilled to tell you I'm bringing you this post from my beyond comfortable bed in the seriously luxe Rudding Park in Harrogate. I'm feeling like a new woman after the most amazing Aromatherapy Associates facial and back massage which is just what I needed, the calm before the storm if you will as tomorrow is my penultimate wedding dress fitting and Friday, well Friday is the beginning of my hen weekend which means it'll be 15 days until I get married. 15 days until I become a Mrs instead of a Miss, I mean where has the time disappeared to? This past week has passed by in a blur of wedding preparations (oh the admin), personal training sessions (it's tough but feels so good afterwards) and Easter egg avoidance as I'm trying my very best to be good on the wedding countdown - so far so good although there is a cookie iced with Sadies name in our hotel room that's staring at me, maybe this will break me? Should I start a pray for Hannah hashtag?

These snaps were taken on Easter Monday where we found ourselves picking up our wedding bands and enjoying a family stroll with hot chocolates in hand, for the record I didn't have my usual addition of marshmallows. Healthy right? I picked up this blue leather jacket in the Selfridges sale when I went to choose my wedding shoes in London back in January (I know, I know how many times have I said wedding). While I wasn't in the market for a leather jacket at that very moment I couldn't resist this buttery soft baby with it's detachable faux fur collar - throw in a final reduction price and oodles of French girl chic and I just had to make this wardrobe staple mine. If my jacket wasn't in the picture my favourite wardrobe addition would have to be my pink a-line skirt, not only is the perfect shape for skimming my child bearing hips but it's also the colour of the moment. Shades of pink, rose and blush are all over the high street right now and I for one am in heaven - I'm not even a super girly girl but rosy tones are definitely something I can get on board with. Completing the look I added a reverse Breton striped tee from Topshop which is that perfect length for pairing with slightly higher waisted garms, my go to ankle boots which I'm keen to replace pronto as they're looking a little tired and one of the best bags I ever purchased from Whistles.

Now I'm off to grab an early and healthy dinner with a crawling (yes she's crawling) Sadie Florence and my mum. Fingers crossed that cookie doesn't wink at me in the meantime...

Did you have a delightful Easter weekend? Do you rate pink?

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?

How I Style A Midi Skirt

Cropped Cream Round Neck: Topshop
Colourful Crystal Necklace: Zara
Pink Leopard Midi Skirt: Whistles
Simple Nude Sandals: Dune
Grey Faux Fur Bag: Anthropologie
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Tom Ford

No you're not experiencing deja vu yesterday Craig, Sadie and I headed off to another one of my school friends weddings, just like last Saturday although this weeks nuptials did include me jumping on a bouncy castle, don't ask. One thing I could easily get used to is getting my hair fixed up every Saturday, oh to be a famous and have an in-house hair stylist, wouldn't that be the life? I always feel like I could conquer the world, should I choose to, when I have fancy hair. Today things are looking decidedly less glamorous as I bring you this post from the chilly depths of my bedroom, I blame my cold. While we're on the subject of weddings can you believe the next one I attend will be my own? Where oh where did I put my wedding planner?

Now don't think I'm blowing my own trumpet but I'm pretty impressed with this ensemble. Why? Well my Whistles skirt is actually a pre-pregnancy number so to be able to wear it (albeit with the zip not entirely to the top) is something I'm feeling good about. Sadly all your pregnancy weight does not drop off once you've given birth, harsh right? Midi skirts can be an awkward one to style but as long as you add a heel, things can start to look a bit frumpy otherwise and a shorter top (this Topshop number was a winner) then you're good to go. As always it's the finishing touches that make or break a look so I wrapped up proceedings with a bejewelled necklace that looks far more expensive than its Zara price tag and a grey faux fur bag which holds a larger proportion of the kitchen sink than you'd imagine. The only thing missing is some arm candy, no I don't mean my other half but a watch or bracelet. After admiring my friend Scarletts Olivia Burton watch and Pandora bracelet combo for weeks I feel it's time to up my wrist accessory game, maybe by adding a leather strap watch to my collection? Watch this space.

Have you ever worn a midi skirt? How do you style yours?