Farewell 2011

It's been a good one.
But it is also a time to look forward as TS Eliot observed:

For last year's words belong to last year's language
and next year's words await another voice.


Here's wishing a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you all.
Whatever you do tonight, I hope you have fun.




Final outfit of 2011
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Gap
Top - Primark

Radiant Red

"I notice you have been wearing lots of red lately...it looks absolutely wonderful on you. Did you get your colours done or are you naturally gravitating to what suits you?" asked Jo, before adding that she was enjoying my red outfits.
I have to confess this was a happy accident.
I had worn red a couple of times in December and couldn't quite work out why some outfits seemed to make me look more alive and brighter while others drained the life out of me.
Then I looked back and noticed that all of my best pictures had one thing in common - I was wearing red.
So Christmas Day I made a conscious effort to wear red and then the next day and then the next day.
I can't say I will always wear red but red has certainly replaced pink in my "get up and give me a lift go - to colour."
What colour always works for you?

Today I wore:
Red/Orange top - Primark
Skirt - Gap,
Boots - Clarks

Bank Holiday Tuesday

Another lazy day followed by an evening out with friends.
During the day I dressed for comfort (watching films and a little gentle tidying) while in the evening I wanted to make more of an effort.
This annual Christmas evening out to our friends Kevin and Denise began way back in 2000 when our youngest son was just 9 months old.
Denise and I met at a toddler group before our eldest children had started school.
Today our two eldest children are both at university and the rest of our children are all at High School.
Nothing like Christmas to chart the passage of time.

I wore:
Day
Skirt - Boden
Top - Joules
Boots - Clarks
Evening
Dress and Wrap - Tesco
Boots - Clarks

Boxing Day

After all the fun of the past few days it is time to sit back, take it easy and enjoy a film or three with the family.
This calls for some low key dressing for comfort.
Don't forget there is still time to enter your Christmas Day outfit into my gallery just email me your pic to workthatwardrobe@gmail.com by midnight tonight.

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Matalan
Vest - Tesco
Shirt - Primark

Christmas Day

Well after much angst here it is - my Christmas Day outfit.
All remixed and worn before.
The dress is at least three years old, as is the wrap.
I had a fabulous day and the outfit was perfect for the early morning Christmas present unwrap, the trip to the nursing home to see my mother in law, helping my husband to cook the dinner, games of Charades and Scattegories before collapsing on the sofa to watch AB Fab.

Don't forget to send your Christmas day outfit to me at workthatwardrobe@gmail.com then I can compile a blogger's gallery.

Hope your next few days are as restful as mine are planned to be.

Happy Holidays.

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Dress - H & M
Blouse and Wrap - Tesco

My Christmas Wish For You

My Christmas Wish for you is:
love, laughter, health, happiness and great clothes, today, tomorrow and always.
Happy Christmas.

And don't forget to send me a pic of your Christmas Day outfit.
Just email me your pic to workthatwardrobe@gmail.com before midnight on December 28th and I will post the gallery and winner's name on December 31st.

Today I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Boden
Top - Primark
Cardigan - Tesco

Christmas Day Competition

A very busy day today.
After walking the dog and spending an hour in the gym I took my daughter and niece into town to get their Christmas nails done.
While they were otherwise engaged I completed the Christmas shopping before coming home to cook, tidy and get ready for a few Christmas drinks with my old friends.
It was gone 1.30am when I finally got to bed.
Thank you for all your tips on Christmas Day outfits.
I would love to compile a Christmas Gallery with a random (sartorial, of course) prize up for grabs.
Just email me your pic to workthatwardrobe@gmail.com before midnight on December 28th and I will post the gallery and winner's name on December 31st.

I wore:
Day
Boots - Clarks
Jeans - Top Shop
Striped Top - Dorothy Perkins
Gilet - Primark

Evening
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Gap
Top - Boden
Cardigan - Tesco

The Christmas Day Outfit

What is your recipe for the perfect Christmas Day outfit?
It seems this post is not only on my mind as PleaseMay I was considering the same question yesterday.
I wore the red top and black skirt on Christmas Day in 2008 and the silver dress which was a 2009 Christmas Gift from my husband, on Christmas Day in 2009 and 2010.
And so begins my dilemma.
Skirt and top or dress?
I love getting dressed up and any excuse for a dress is always a good bet in my book.
However, this year I have Christmas Day for 9, maybe 10 guests to prepare for.
As I am only 5ft and half an inch flat shoes are out as I look as if I have escaped from the local pantomime when the photographs are taken.
And that's the thing - Christmas Day is one of the most photographed days of the year so it has to be right.
What is your perfect Christmas Day outfit?

The Red Blouse

This is the same blouse I have in orange and blue.
I can't believe Tesco has managed to create such an array of must-have colours for the budget range of blouses.
I was saving this to wear on Christmas Day with my black pencil skirt.
But oh dear, the skirt is a tad too tight.
Instead I opted for a more forgiving flared skirt and will get back to Weight Watchers in the New Year.
Christmas is far too enjoyable to be worrying about limiting your treats.
Still, I am making the effort as I was at the gym before 9am today.
Do you struggle to stave off the pounds over Christmas or are you one of the lucky ones?



I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Marks & Spencer
Blouse - Tesco

Orange Saturday

A meal out with friends and absolutely nothing to wear.
In the back of my wardrobe I found this orange top from Primark and pinched my daughter's new skirt which she bought from Oasis for The Clothes Show.
The great thing about this faux leather skirt is that if I spill anything on it, I can wipe it clean.
If only all my clothes were so easy to maintain!

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Oasis
Top -Primark
Necklace - free with a Spanish fashion mag

Inspirations - Me

Running late today so had no time to check out an inspiring blog.
Instead, I just dug out some old faithfuls.
It was a lovely last day at work before the Christmas Break.
The students left at 12.15pm and then all the staff were invited into a hot buffet in the refectory followed by the Principal's presentations to the leavers.
I have never felt so valued or part of a team at a workplace before.
After the festivities were over a handful of us made it over the road to the local pub for a farewell drink before I braved the snowy roads to get home.
I am so glad I dressed for comfort today.

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt and Blouse - Boden
Cardigan - Tesco

Inspirations - Cori

The weather is getting colder and I like the idea of lots of layers to keep warm.
This outfit was inspired by Cori.
While I can't wear jeans to work I decided to improvise and change the jeans for a denim skirt.
Do you ever use other style blogs to inspire your outfits?

I wore:

Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Blouse - Tesco
Jacket - H & M

Inspirations - Kendi

Yesterday's outfit was more hit than miss.
Which just goes to show, what looks lovely on one blogger doesn't necessarily work on another and that is why I love blogging - to learn by making mistakes - it is the only effective way of learning.
At least for me it is.
Today I feel so much better channeling Kendi's neutral look.
While I try to steer clear of beige as it reminds me of impending old age it does seem to work well when you get it right.
And I even got a compliment at work today.
Thanks Kendi.

Today I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Matalan
Top - Boden
Cardigan - Tesco

Inspirations - eek

Today's inspiration is eek.
The look she sports here reminded me of the jacket I bought my daughter.
I haven't worn it for a while.
It is a lovely soft pink babycord jacket from Gap.
It is aged 13/14 and fitted me well when I was a size 8-10.
Now I'm a size 10-12 it looks a bit small.
Guess what my New Year's Resolution will be?

I wore:
Jacket - Gap
Top and Skirt - Primark
Boots - Clarks

Inspirations - Daena

As this week marks my final week at work before the Christmas Holiday I wanted to have some fun.
I decided that everyday this week I will use an outfit inspiration from one of my favourite style bloggers.
Today's look is inspired by Daena
Why?
I love the way Daena takes a simple dress and literally dresses it up with a print blouse.
My take
I love animal print with red and black and I have included a double dose of animal print with the shirt and belt.

I wore:
Shirt - Marks and Spencer
Dress - Tesco
Shoes/Boots - Clarks
Belt - Primark

Laid Back Friday

It's getting colder and as Friday is a non teaching day for me it is the chance to walk around the college and chase up students and other members of staff.
It is also the one day we take a coffee break - myself and the other 9 Progress Coaches take 15 minutes every Friday to enjoy a Starbucks Coffee in the new refectory.
We are an eclectic bunch, aged from 24 to 55. Five of us are qualified teachers, whilst the others have a background in careers, youth work and personnel.
I feel so blessed to have started a new job with 9 other people who all get on so well.
It makes going to work such a joy.
Now if only I felt the same way when it came to pay day.
I suppose you can't have everything!

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Matalan
Sweater - Tesco
Blouse- H & M

Unexpected Pleasures

I went to work as normal but by 11am we had to clear the college of students.
High winds had made the roof unsafe and the building had to be empty by 12 noon.
Now, what could I do with a whole five hours to myself that I hadn't planned on?
First stop was a shop to get more scrapbooking supplies after Eek has got me hooked again with the Christmas Journal.
Then it was back home for some lunch, a session of scrapboooking and an hour at the gym.
What a lovely early Christmas Gift - five whole hours to do exactly what I want.
I can't remember the last time that happened.

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Matalan
Top - Dorothy Perkins

Hit & Miss

On Sunday we took Ben to Liverpool to find a new guitar.
Santa needed some help so Ben tried out some guitars at his favourite shop.
It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday.
After we had spent a couple of hours in the shop my husband brought Ben home and I continued Christmas shopping alone.
After ticking off gifts from my list I allowed myself the indulgence of shopping in Hit & Miss or H&M as it is better known.
There are two H & M stores in Liverpool and both remind me of a Jumble Sale.
You can, if you look, secure some great finds but generally you have to wade through a lot of rubbish.
I spotted this dress which is the same style as my snakeskin print dress and it is so easy to wear.
For £12.99 I couldn't afford to leave it behind.However, Christmas being Christmas there is a gift for you if you want to snap it up as yesterday it was reduced to £6.49 - check it out here.


I wore:
Boots - Whistles
Dress - H & M
Scarf - Marks & Spencer

No students + Inset Day = Jeans

I love wearing jeans to work.
When the students are not in college we can wear what we like.
Before the students started college in the summer there were lots of teachers showing off their tans in shorts.
At this time of year it is all about layering to stay warm.
The day was spent sharing good practice.
I picked up some lovely tips on Kung Fu Teaching and using decorated lollysticks for role play.
A good day all round.

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Jeans - Gap
Shirt - Marks and Spencer
Sweater - Top Sjop
Bag - TK Maxx

Strapless Dress To Work Day

One of the best things about winter is that I can wear my red strapless dress during the day.
It is made of a very soft cord and lovely and warm.
It is my favourite winter colour and always cheers me up - even on a Monday morning.
Even the Principal remarked how nice my dress looked today.
I wore:
Dress and t-shirt - H & M
Scarf - Tesco
Boots - Clarks

Stripey Friday

It's Friday and after a migraine yesterday I feel washed out and can't think what to wear.
Time to fall back on an old favourite - a stripey top and black skirt.
Hope your December got off to a great start.
We are Christmas Shopping for a new guitar for our youngest son tomorrow and I am looking forward to that.
What plans have you got for the weekend?

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt & Top - Primark

December Will Be Magic Again

I have struggled with the thought of Christmas this year.
It was always the most chaotic time in the calendar with carol services, nativities, drinks, parties and the large family meal.
Not to mention the dawn chorus of "Has he been yet?"
Last year was the first Christmas without my dad.
My mum went to stay with my brother and his family.
And we spent Christmas Day with my sister in law and mother in law at a local restaurant.
This year my mum is going away to my brother's again.
My mother in law who suffers from dementia is now in a home and my sister in law will be spending time with her new boyfriend.
After making Christmas Dinner for up to 14 people, this year there will be just six of us.
Our teenagers will probably stay in bed until lunchtime and be itching to get out with their friends by evening.
As my children are all in High School or university there will be no nativity plays, no Carol Services and no Christmas Meal with the mums who I never see at the school gates anymore.
I was feeling down about Christmas until I read eek's Post about a Christmas Journal.
I used to scrapbook a lot but ran out of time.
I realised that I would have more time this Christmas and that I could put it to good use by remembering Christmases Past in the Christmas Present.
After reading this I began to feel excited about Christmas again and I decided to set up a blog to chronicle the Journal.
My Christmas celebrations began with making some Christmas decorations from an old shirt of my fathers - this was one way I could include him in the Christmas festivities.
I also made a couple for my mother too and she was very touched.
I have no idea how this Christmas will pan out by I believe very strongly that December will be magic again.

Today I wore:
A red dress to celebrate Christmas.
Boots - Clarks
Dress & Shirt - Tesco

Creature Comforts

It is cold today.
Our office takes an age to warm up and I had lots of work to do.
I wanted to be warm and comfortable and snuggled up in my current favourite go-to outfit.
My cozy scarf.
My tan boots.
My black midi skirt..
My Zara Jacket.
It might not win any style awards but I know I will feel warm and comfortable today.

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Primark
Scarf - Liverpool Shop
Jacket - Zara

Up or Down?

As I am growing my hair again I keep experimenting with my hair up and down - which has to be the best part of longer hair - the choice!
Today I can't decide. Up or Down?

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Top - Tesco
Cardigan _ Dorothy Perkins

Inspired by Kendi

I put this look together after leafing through Kendi's collobaration with Fossil here.
This really is a dress for all occasions.
I have worn it for a wedding, a christening and a funeral.
But never everyday.
When I saw Kendi's Fossil Lookbook I immediately thought of this dress and wore it to brighten up Monday Morning.
I also discovered that there is a Fossil Store in Liverpool too.
I am off Christmas Shopping on Saturday and wonder if I can resist walking through without buying anything.
Wish me luck.

Today I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Dress - Matalan
Cardigan - Boden

These Boots Were Made For Walking............

Another ebay-funded purchase - my new Clarks Boots.
I wanted flat, black and patent and bingo, these boots were just waiting for me on the Clarks website.
With a 20% discount code they were just about affordable.
I have worn them a couple of times and my colleague was convinced they were from Russell and Bromley.
But even better than that - they are so comfortable to walk in.
Last night my husband and I attended the Christmas Lights switch-on in our village followed by an Indian meal.
We walked to the village and back, a round trip of about three miles, and it felt like I was wearing slippers.

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - M & S
Shirt - Tesco
Sweater - Top Shop

Open Day

It is Open Day at the sixth form college where I work.
This means a long, long day.
I will leave home at 7.45am and get home around 9.45pm.
I decided to opt for a smart red jacket - a vibrant colour always makes me feel brighter!

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Dress & Jacket - Marks & Spencer

Holiday 2012

I know it is a long way off but I have just booked our holiday for next summer.
Yet again we are going back to Spain and another campsite on the outskirts of Barcelona.
I just love the city and every time I go I discover something new.
Here is my favourite holiday snap of 2011 - the only photograph of the year which features us all.
As they grow older the annual holiday is the one thing that brings us all together.

My Guilty Pleasure

Thank You for responding to the guilty pleasures of the shopping cart.
I have to admit I was at it again yesterday.
It was Pay Day and I had £20.00 to spend on a Christmas Dress.
I couldn't resist - reduced from £140.00 to £20.00.
How can they do it?
What am I talking about?
Take a sneaky peek at this dress here.


Now that is definitely it this year.
I promise - a frugal New Year.
Unless Santa would like to surprise me.

Today I wore:
Boots: Clarks
Top: H & M
Skirt: Boden

Supermarket Sweep

In winter I love denim and a skinny black polo neck.
Today I wanted some colour and warmth as my office can be very cold.
Again, I bought this scarf when I was shopping in my local supermarket.
That's two items in two days that found their way into my shopping trolley.
What is your best supermarket clothes buy?

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Top - Next
Scarf - Tesco

A Dull November Monday Morning

I am determined to keep up a full working week's worth of clothes.
After a year off to study for my postgraduate teaching certificate and several months sporadic posting due to the start of my new job I finally feel ready to commit to daily blogging again.
I have tried to pop up and leave comments on my favourite blogs but even that got too much with my heavy workload.
I apologise and now I feel more settled I will endeavour to return to the halcyon days of daily blogging and regular communication with my fellow bloggers.
I have missed you all.
I am starting today with a rust polka dot dress I bought while shopping at my local supermarket.
It s a tad too long but it is ideal for work as the material never creases and the colour is always ready to brighten up a dull November Monday morning.
I wore:
Dress - Tesco
Boots - Clarks

Animal Skirt

I wear this skirt when I want to feel a bit of luxury.
The fabric is incredible - a very thick cotton and the skirt is lined.
Although it is a little on the short side the winter means I can dig out the black tights and boots.

I wore:
Skirt - Zara
Top - Next
Boots - Clarks

Nina' s Blouse

I share an office with Nina and we also share this rust blouse.
When I say share - I mean I have my own and Nina has hers.
Before I set out in the morning I text Nina to make sure she isn't wearing the blouse.
As Nina is a foot taller and a stone lighter the blouse looks very different on both of us.
I wore:
Skirt - Marks & Spencer
Blouse - Tesco
Boots - Clarks

French Night

It was time to meet up with some old friends.
And time to get back into the kitchen and start cooking from scratch again.
As three of us were vegetarians the meal was French-inspired: French Onion Soup followed by Vegan Cassoulet and Tarte Tatin.
AS it was a bit on the chilly side I dug out my red cord strapless dress.
It is an odd combination but on the right day the dress is perfect.

I wore:
Dress: H & M
Boots - Clarks

Animal Dress

This easy to wear dress from H & M is not as flattering as I thought.
I love wearing this dress but not so sure about the photo.
The high waist seems to cut me in half.
However, have been impressed by H & M's new website that lets you play around with different looks.
Has anyone else tried it?

I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Dress - H & M
Poppy - British Legion

And the skirt winner is......

eek
Please inbox me your details and I will mail the skirt out.
workthatwardrobe@gmail.com
Today is one of my favourite go-to outfits for autumn.
Plain black and a colourful scarf.
The temperature is dropping here and I need to be warm and cozy.

I wore:
Dress = Marks and Spencer
Jacket - Zara
Scarf - Albert Dock, Liverpool
Boots - Clarks

Golden Brown

There is something about the turning leaves in November that makes me want to reach out for brown.
I love every shade but golden brown is my favourite.
I just love my new Clarks Boots - they are so comfortable and I managed to raise every single penny for them from eBay sales.
I feel so virtuous.
There are a handful of offers for the free skirt giveaway.
If you would like to have the skirt in yesterday's post please leave your name in the comments section.
Offers close at midnight on Sunday November 6th.
I wore:
Boots - Clarks
Skirt - Matalan
Shirt - Zara

The Skirt Giveaway

Thank You for the suggestions.
I appreciate the time and trouble you have taken but I just don't think this skirt likes me.
In fact I am willing to give it away in a random giveaway.
If you would like this skirt just leave a comment and I will draw a winner at random.
It is lined and a UK size 10 - US size 6.

Catch-Up

I know, I know.
I have been struggling to keep up with my blog.
This new job is sooo hard.
I do hope to resume a normal service soon.
The past few days were spent in London staying with friends.
We visited Thorpe Park, Central London and Box Hill.
It was great to share some family time together.
We stayed with the family we met on holiday in 2008.
Every year since then we have booked our summer holidays together and met up in Spain.
We shared some more memories until next summer.

What can I wear with this skirt.....

apart from a black polo?

I bought this skirt from Tesco the other day when I was shopping.
I love it, but whatever I pair it with it doesn't seem right.
I hate black polo /roll necks as they drain the colour from my face.
Blouses never fit as they gape too much at the chest.
I am wishing I hadn't torn off the label even though I do love the skirt.
Any suggestions you stylists out there?