Hello April

Nude Pink Bomber Jacket: Zara
Striped Embroidered Top: Maison Laiche via Smallable
Khaki Casual Trousers: H&M
Navy Gazelles: Adidas

Well hello April! My favourite month of the year is officially here and I couldn't be more excited, the lambs are frolicking, the blossom is out and my birthday is less than two weeks away - last year of my twenties, here I come. Like anything in life it's so much harder to do something when you haven't for a while, I can't tell you the number of times I've sat down to write this post then struggled to find the words so I thought I'd work on the premise of 'let's get rambly' in order to get my first blog post in a while out there. 

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

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

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

The Easy Wardrobe Elevators

Camel Coat: Marks & Spencer
Braided Sweater: & Other Stories
Faux Leather Trousers: Topshop
Two Tone Courts: Zara
Gold Bangle: Kate Spade

The first week in January is notoriously a tough one but that couldn't be further from reality in the Wild household, not only did we finally decide to get a new dog (I know this is mega news in itself) but it was also Craigs big birthday week where he turned 3-0! With all of the birthday celebrations this week it's felt like the festive season hasn't really ended especially when you factor in the indulgent dining and my current, and frankly obscene 4pm chocolate consumption - seriously, what am I going to do when my Cadburys stash runs out? Now before I get carried away talking about three course meals, glasses of vino and can't get enough carrot cake (which I made!) let's cover the new dog basics because that's what I'd want to know. We're getting a beautiful Beddlington Terrier called Bramble and he's becoming a part of the family at the end of January, excited is an understatement.

Yesterday saw the penultimate instalment of the 30th year of living celebrations with brunch at one of Craigs favourites Tamper Sellers Wheel with my side of the family. Tamper is in the heart of Sheffield city centre surrounded by some of the coolest street art so it'd been criminal not to get a shot or two. I've been dreaming of the perfect camel coat for what feels like a fashion lifetime so I couldn't have been more pleased to find this Marks & Spencer beauty under the Christmas tree, (thanks Craig) everything from the cashmere blend to the perfect smart and swishy length means even the simplest outfits is instantly elevated. Underneath I'm wearing one of my favourite jumpers, ever. It's so different yet classic at the same time and it makes a real change from the rest of my knitwear. That said it's definitely one piece that requires careful styling as it has a tendency to make you appear tent like unless paired with something slim fitting. Introducing my faux leather trousers which have become a real cornerstone in my wardrobe as they're that perfect go to piece for when you don't really know what to wear but want to look pulled together. Speaking of items that make you feel polished let's give a stylish nod to my Chanel inspired two tone courts, sometimes Zara hit the ball out of the park - I've worn these shoes more than I care to admit so it helps that they're comfy too.

Things are looking a lot quieter and January like this week with the exception of another birthday dinner at the sensational Bhaji Shop so I'm hoping to break the chocolate tv cycle, get back to the gym and make myself a hair appointment because the root situation is getting outta control. 

What are you getting up to this week? Which pieces are fundamental in your wardrobe? 

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?

Autumnal Layering

Oversized Metallic Knit Jumper: Topshop
Relaxed Fit Shirt: Zara
Blue Jamie Skinny Jeans: Topshop
Suede Biker Jacket: Topshop
Studded Amy Boots: Topshop
Blue Wool Scarf: & Other Stories

Sometimes you buy an item and know exactly how you're going to style it, even before said item has made its sassy entrance into your wardrobe, step forward this oversized metallic knit from Topshop. As soon as Lucy pulled this out I knew it'd be a winner paired with skinny blue jeans and a crisp white button down to put a more formal, pulled together twist on such a casual pullover. Throw on my go to suede biker jacket and can't-stop-wearing-them studded ankle boots and I'm ready for anything from family day trips to the farm to running errands in town and even Sunday lunch at my parents because sometimes I love an outfit that much that I wear it two days in a row, don't judge.

If you're an eagle eyed reader you might notice that my boots and biker jacket actually feature in my last outfit of the day post which I think is a real testament to how much I love these pieces especially the jacket which I actually bought three years ago from a last chance to buy rail in Oxford Circus so I can't believe Topshop have brought this exact jacket out again this season. My mum has actually snapped it up in the most dreamy forest green shade so watch this space for a potential jacket swap situation. After some searching online I've finally got my eye on a few contenders for my truly sparse knitwear collection but each item is darn pricey, what is it with quality knitwear costing a bomb? Another area of my wardrobe that is lacking is my denim collection and I wholly blame Lizzie for my new found feeling of blue jean inadequacy, that girl knows how to rock a pair of jeans and has since confirmed my fears that an array of skinny jeans no longer cuts the fashion mustard.

This week has been a pretty laid back one and I must admit I've quite enjoyed spending some quality time at home with my favourite girl. Speaking of home more finishing touches are being made to the kitchen with Craig tiling one of the walls (only two to go), I've been looking at fabric for curtains and our new dining table is arriving Tuesday. Can you believe I'm more excited about its arrival than I would be a Topshop parcel. Someone send help.

Do you like mixing up casual knits with something a touch smarter? Where's your favourite shop to pick up jeans?

Transitioning Florals For Fall

V Neck Mens Cashmere Jumper: M&S
Suede Biker Jacket: Topshop
Floral Tent Dress: Zara
Studded Amy Boots: Topshop

As soon as the leaves begin to fall you can guarantee I'll be feeling the cooler temperatures or as we say in Sheffield I'm feeling nesh. Autumn may be the most Instagram worthy season but baking temperatures is not one of its renowned features. Step forward everyones wardrobe favourite, luxe knitwear and more specifically cashmere. Cashmere is the dogs bollocks of fabric and while the washing instructions can be a bitch the incredibly snuggly material makes up for this in leaps and bounds. Everyone knows layering is the key for the Autumn Winter season so instead of packing away this floral tent style dress (an item I picked up for Sadies christening pre baby weight loss journey) I've made it season appropriate with just a few simple styling tweaks. For me the new season is all about mixing textures so adding tough buckle boots, a super soft knit and a suede biker jacket means my once Summer only dress ready to fight another day.

If you're a regular around these parts you'll know I'm currently in the process of refreshing my knitwear so in times of trouble I turn to my husbands wardrobe for a cashmere pick me up. This v neck jumper has been a long standing fixture in Craigs wardrobe and as its a piece he no longer reaches for it only seems fair that I shake it out of retirement. I can picture this looking Scandi blogger cool worn with blue straight cut jeans and a mannish shoe but for a family walk I simply rolled up the hem, grabbed the baby and went. Sometimes it really is that straight forward in the Wild household. We took these photos last Sunday after a lazy morning at home (we all stayed in bed until 11.40am) followed by an afternoon road trip to Chatsworth farm shop - what that shop doesn't have in terms of food is not worth eating. 

This weekend I'm enjoying some much needed down time after spending two and a half days in Italy with work, it was so refreshing to do something where I'm not initially thought of as a mum although this made my reunion with Sadie even sweeter. Who said being a mum was straight forward?

What do you make of my outfit? Do you try to make different garms appropriate for the new season?

A Septembers Day

Striped Knit Midi Dress: H&M
Leather Jacket: Zara
Catseye Lace Up Trainers: Topshop

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

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

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

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

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?

An Outfit Fit For Brunch

Polka Dot Bomber Shirt: Topshop
Orson Stepped Hem Jeans: Topshop
Lucy Loafer: Topshop
Mini Chain Messenger Bag: Zara

When your favourite couple with a bambino suggest brunch you snap there hand off, after you ask what time you're meeting of course. Tamper Coffee is one of our go to places to get my favourite meal in between breakfast and lunch - it's incredibly baby friendly, the food is always a winner (the poached eggs are pretty delicious) and the building is just a stones throw from all the graffitied walls a girl could ever want. I'd love to say the rest of my day was as fancy but with the rain setting in Sadie and I spent the afternoon indoors only broken by a walk with my Nelson, the family Westie.

With the sun slowly starting to dissipate it feels as though Autumn is officially here so with my new season wardrobe in the pipeline (just wait until you see some of the pieces I've brought home) I played it safe with jeans and a shirt, the perfect I'm-not-sure-what-the-weathers-going-to-be kind of outfit. You might remember seeing my stepped hem jeans here but if not they're what I like to call a real pair of jeans - barely any stretch, which means there's zero room for cake after brunch with that perfect straight leg fit which I've admired on Pinterest more often then I care to admit. My shirt on the other hand couldn't be further from traditional shirt territory, sure it's got buttons but that's where the similarities end. The polka dot pattern brings a certain punchy-ness to my wardrobe whilst hiding a multitude of not-had-chance-to-clean-Sadie-hands stains plus the bomber jacket finishing on the collar and cuffs adds a playful edge to proceedings. 

I completed my look with the latest addition to the footwear family, say hello to a pair of black loafers which are reminiscent of those Gucci ones I adore. I once heard someone say they buy an inexpensive version of a designer buy before committing to the real deal and I thought this was genius, these loafers won't break the bank at £29 so they're the perfect way to test a trend piece to really see how they'll work out for you and your wardrobe. Let's see how they pan out for me...

What outfit do you run to in times of weather troubles? Is brunch your favourite meal du jour?

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 Dancing Lady Emoticon Dress

Floral Ruffle Shift Dress: River Island
Vintage Western Sandals: Topshop
Mini Chain Messenger Bag: Zara

Sometimes a dress comes along that makes you shave your legs and forget all about your breastfeeding-in-a-dress woes (it's next to impossible in something like this unless you want to flash everyone) so give a warm welcome to what I hope will be the first of many dresses that make me feel like the dancing lady emoticon. Sure it's not red but it's certainly full of ruffles which are incidentally all over the high street right now, although I must admit I was an earlier adopter picking this dress up in June. Paired simply with man repelling sandals and my favourite Chanel inspired cross body bag this ensemble is perfect for occasions where you've gotta get your shimmy on, in fact this floral print beauty is fast becoming the birthday dress with outings at Sadies first party and my mums al fresco birthday gathering yesterday. After all the upheaval of July Sundays birthday soiree was the perfect anecdote - we enjoyed prosecco and devoured possibly the tastiest and lightest Sunday roast I've enjoyed in a long time. The location? Brocco on the Park, a seriously well done boutique hotel and restaurant which is just a hop, skip and a jump from my abode. If you live in Sheffield I suggest you visit for beyond tasty fodder pronto or if you're visiting the city of steel this would be sleepover perfection. I'd happily stay there myself and I only live up the road which says a lot for this beautifully decorated and welcoming home from home.

Brocco on the Park love aside I'm welcoming August with open arms - a new month signals a fresh start and I'm hoping the eighth month of the year will bring a lot more joy and happiness than the previous. This week is already looking promising with a trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park on the cards, a long overdue hair appointment (you're incredibly polite if you haven't noticed my root situation) and a Topshop personal shopping appointment because what else do you do when you need a dress fit for God parent duties? I may already have my eye on the Amy ankle boots which give more than just a nod to Givenchy and a pink ruffled sweatshirt (can you tell I like a ruffle?) which has worryingly disappeared from the website, fingers crossed the lovely Lucy can find me one in store.

What are you looking forward to this August? Do you enjoy ruffles as much as me?

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?