31 for 31 Capsule Challenge

So here it is.

My 31 for 31 Capsule Collage.

It may come as no surprise to discover my "wild card " Leopard Flats were the most worn item - 13 times.

My white vest was the most worn top (6); Zara Jeans, the most worn bottoms (6); the checked dress//skirt the most worn dress (4) and the denim shirt was the most worn jacket (7).

I did amend the list as I went on and swapped a few items from the original list but there were still 31 items.

In hindsight I wish I'd sat down and worked out exactly what my wardrobe had to do over the month including how many working days I had, how many evenings out and how many informal attire days I had.

I would have chosen my shoes more wisely and made sure all my tops went with all my bottoms and all my jackets went with every item.

I plan to do this all again in September with the lessons I have learned this time because it did make life a lot easier yet creative at the same time.

I will also be adding in an extra challenge by throwing in a "Back To School Capsule Wardrobe Challenge" in September.

And finally, the winner of the People Tree giveaway will be..................

 anounced tomorrow.

My Capsule's Final Curtain Call

And finally, the final day of my 31 for 31 July Capsule Challenge.

Today I am off shopping for some last minute holiday bargains with my daughter.

I needed flat shoes to keep pace with my professional shopping companion.

My next post will include a round-up of my capsule.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks

Dress - TK Maxx

Camisole - Primark

Denim Shirt - Barcelona shop

Blue Coral

I love blue and coral and today I was off for drinks with my friend Steph.

I love the way my smart skirt can turn this basic vest into a going out outfit.

I wore:

Shoes - Marks & Spencer

Skirt - Gap

Camisole - Primark

Scarf - Dorothy Perkins

Incy Wincy Spider

I had just set up for my photo when down came all the rain.

Now I know how Incy Wincy Spider must have felt.

It was like someone had dug a big hole in the sky and poured all the world's rain through it.

I spent the next few hours in my gym kit while I waited for my clothes to dry.

One thing's for sure,  this weather certainly keeps me on my toes.

I wore:

Shoes - Converse

Jeans - Zara

Toop - H & M

Hi Ho Silver Lining

It's my silver lifesaver today.

Just like my Leopard Pumps this top goes with nearly every bottom in my wardrobe.

Today was another meal out with my husband's sister and her boyfriend.

We tried the new Gastro Pub in our area which opened last weekend.

I am hoping that the service will settle down as we had to wait nearly two hours for our food.

The staff were very apologetic and we got a £25 off our next meal voucher.

What I loved best about this pub is that it has an area inside where you can bring in your dog.

It is an olde worlde pub, just down the road from our favourite beach/pinewood walk which should be perfect in winter.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Marks & Spencer

Jeans - Zara

Top - H and M

Jacket - Gap

Double Leopard

Forgive me for going a bit Bet Lynch.

But I am enjoying a love affair with the leopard print.

My trusty shoes have seen me through this 31 for 31 challenge by going with absolutely everything in my capsule.

When I saw this scarf in Dorothy Perkins I had to have it.

And I had to wear it.

Apologies for the sulky face but the sun was shining in my eyes and I had lost my sunglasses.

While I am loving the leopard I am not enjoying this skirt which I thought would be a positive addition to my summer wardrobe.

Maybe I just need to style it differently.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks

Skirt - Banana Republic

Vest - Gap

Scarf - Dorothy Perkins

What A Difference a Scarf Makes

This is just a jeans and top outfit which has been totally transformed by the scarf.

One of the good things about this 31 for 31 challenge is the opportunity it has given me to delve into my scarf collection.

I spent part of today trying on my holiday clothes and sorting out my capsule for our annual holiday to Barcelona.

We are trying a different campsite this year and I am looking forward to trying out somwhere new.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Jeans - Zara (15)

Top - H and M (1)

Scarf - Dorothy Perkins

Silver and Stripes

I went out for a meal today with the women who helped organise our street party.

It was a good chance to wear my jacket with my favourite silver top.

Our Jubilee Street Party seems a long time ago. I just hope we don't have to wait another 10 years to get together in the street.

Hopefully we won't as we made plans to organise some more neighbourhood events in the future.

I wore:

Shoes - Marks & Spencer (25)

Jeans - Top Shop (13)

Top - H and M (1)

Lessons In Capsule Planning

I have said it before and I will say it again; I didn't plan this 31 for 31 challenge very well.

I had far too much formal wear for a couple of days in work in July.

Although I spent today doing chores and shopping with my daughter I did feel a little overdressed.

I can't believe there is just a week to go.

I have mapped out more than 7 outfits for the rest of the month.

Hopefully, the lessons I learn will be put to good use when I come to create my holiday capsule.

Just 7 days to go until my People Tree giveaway ends.
If you'd like to take part just click here.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Skirt - Gap (16)

Shirt - Boden (4)

Necklace - Principles

Floral Glory

We had a lovely  barbecue at my husband's aunt's house at the weekend.

They live in an enormous Victorian semi in Blundellsands with a lovely big mature garden.

This time of year the borders are bursting with colour and I very much enjoy sitting out and basking in the floral glory.

This time my youngest son took his guitar and we had music while we ate.

My own garden is much more modest but here are a few of the pots I have added.

One day when I have more time I dream about creating a colourful scented garden with fruit trees and bushes.

Until then I will have to  be content with visits to Aunty Eileen's.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Denim Shirt (21)

Dress - TK Maxx (20)

Stylish Comfort

As the weather has got warmer it's time to revisit my sandals, or rather my Birkenstocks.

Thanks to running I have funny feet and delicate ankles.

There are few heels I can wear comfortably and the flats I wear have to be well made if I am going to wear them all day.

I have had this pair of Birkenstocks since 2008 and first wore them on my blog here.

They still look good.

Even better my tootsies feel as if they are walking in air.

Do you have a favourite pair of sandals?

Today I wore:

Shoes - Birkenstocks

Jeans - Top Shop

Camisole - Primark

Scarf - a gift.

Planning Ahead

I wouldn't normally wear leggings with a t-shirt but this peplum top manages to cover my bum. Just.

Planning ahead, I am on the hunt for the perfect winter leggings.

They need to be thick so you can't see any underwear, not bobble and see me through the winter.

Have you got any recommendations?

Don't forget there is still a chance to enter my People Tree giveaway which ends on July 31st.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Leggings - Tesco (10)

Top - Matalan (3)

Necklace - Wallis

Scarf Experiments

Not long to go to my holidays and I am having fun trying to create a minimalist capsule.

We are away for 11 nights and I plan to take a carry-on case only.

I want to keep my clothing as simple as possible.

Today I experimented with the H and M scarf I wore on July 18th.

I wore it under a denim shirt but I think it would look great with my denim skirt and flip flops in the evening.

I got the idea from Terri who is doing amazing things with her 6 item wardrobe.

If you are feeling brave with a scarf you could have a go at turning it into a skirt.

Have you got any tips for using scarves in imaginative ways?


I wore:
Black Leggings -Primark (6)

Top - Scarf

Denim Shirt - Barcelona boutique (21)

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Necklace - Wallis

Back To Front

I was looking for a belt to wear with this skirt and none of them seemed right.

The skirt is a little too big and needs a belt to keep it in place.

I was beginning to despair when I noticed my red silk scarf.

I am not too sure whether it works or not but it is better than the belts that fit into the loops of this skirt.

You may notice the sunglasses.

Yes, we have sun.

Let's just hope it is here to stay.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Skirt - Banana Republic (17)

Shirt - Gap (9)

Necklace - Top Shop

Simply Blue

The children break up from school tomorrow so I am making the most of the time trying to get the house in order before chaos descends for another year.

I spent yesterday starting my closet clearout and listing some items on ebay which are here if you care to look.

I wish I was one of those organised homebodies but I have so many other interests in my life that I am always catching my tail when it comes to housework.

Ah well, onwards and upwards.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Converse (28)

Zara Jeans ( 15)

Denim Shirt - Barcleona boutique (21)

Scarf - H and M

Postcards From The Edge

I may be smiling on the picture but in the next room three of my children were doing their best to annoy a sibling.

And that was before they had left for school.

The summer holidays haven't even started for them yet and already I feel like I am teetering on the edge.

The three youngest are 12, 15 and 17.

It was so much easier when they were 2, 5 and 7.

I rarely see the eldest now as he is either working to fund his Ibiza holiday or camping out at his girlfriend's home.

Still I can calm myself with some meditation and think about the calm and peaceful lunch I had last week with Jenn.

Today she should have got her Thank You postcard.

I was going to send her a card when notsupermum told me I had won her giveaway from Cards In The Post, to create and send 6 postcards to anywhere in the world.

I still have 5 to go and would love to spread some peace across the world to my fellow bloggers.

You can load your own pictures and I plan to take some photographs of my local town to share.

If you would like me to send you a postcard please email me (thesmallfabric@gmail.com) before the end of the week and I will send them on a first come, first served basis.

If you want to send your own just add the voucher code EA9021 at the checkout to get 20% off.

PostScript: I was saddened today to hear the news about Stephen Covey's passing. When life has got on top of me, his book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" reminded me of the importance of "putting first things first" and investing in family first.
As the summer holidays approach I will be diggiing out that book to remind me.
Sad to hear about his death but uplifted to hear that he died surrounded by his family after leaving behind a legacy of love and hope.

His books have been a great help to me.

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Jeans - Zara (15)

Peplum Top- Matalan (3)

Crossover Clothes

I am learning a lot from the 31 for 31 challenge.

One of the things I have learnt is to plan better.

I hadn't worked out that I only had a handful of work days in July and can't see myself wearing the heels, smart skirts and jackets for the rest of the month as I spend the time trying to get the house in order.

The lesson I can take from this is to assess my wardrobe and see how it fits into my lifestyle.

There is a theme going on here.

My wardrobe is crammed with clothes that I wear once every couple of years, when what I really should be investing in is good quality casual clothes and shoes.

Today this skirt did cross over from smart to casual and as I had some banking and errands to run I decided to wear the heels for a change.

I think my Leopard Flats could do with a little rest!

If you didn't catch my People Tree giveaway over the weekend then take a look here.

You have until July 31st to enter.

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (29)

Skirt and T-Shirt - Gap (16 and 8)

Silent Sunday

I know some bloggers have used Silent Sunday as a way of reflecting on the week.

I would like to dedicate my Silent Sunday posting to last night's Bruce Springsteen concert in Hyde Park.

While I am disappointed on behalf of the thousands of Bruce fans whose enjoyment was limited by the silence curfew, I have to say the fact that Paul McCartney's caterwauling was curtailed can only be a good thing.

While I may live in Liverpool and it may be sacrilige to say - I am not a big fan of The Beatles.

Yes, they wrote a few good songs and yes their legacy to the local economy has been a boon that is where my appreciation ends.

The Jubilee Concert was a performance too far for Macca.

He proved what I have been saying for years - when it comes to singing he is way past it. On the plus side he is in pretty good nick for a man pushing 70.

He appears to (finally) have a happy homelife and he has a pretty cushy back catalogue to feather his nest way into old age.

I think the power of brilliance is to know when to exit stage left and leave the crowd wanting more.

That's all I wanted to say on the subject.

Now back to Silent Sunday.

Hope you enjoy it.

I wore: Shoes - Clarks (31)

Jeans - Top Shop (13)

T-Shirt - H & M (2)

People Tree Giveaway

People Tree Limited is recognised by consumers and the fashion industry as a pioneer in Fair Trade and environmentally sustainable fashion.

The business was founded by Safia and James Minney to provide customers with desirable fashion, whilst working to improve the lives and environment of the artisans and farmers in developing countries who work to make the products.

I have this gorgeous white organic cotton shirt to giveaway.

Sadly, the pictures don't do it justice.

It is made out of the softest cotton.

The buttons are concealed all down the front and the way it is finished off at every seam is beautiful.

The shirt is a UK size 10 (US 6) and it measures 17.5 inches across the bust when laid flat which makes it 35inches in total.

If you are not this size but know someone who is then please enter the giveaway on their behalf.

The giveaway is open to anyone, wherever you live in the world I am prepared to ship it out.

To be in with a chance of winning the shirt there are three wyas you can enter:

1) Leave a comment for one entry.
2) Follow me and leave a comment for two entries (If you are already a follower please say so in the comment).
3) Blog about my giveaway and leave a comment for a triple entry.

The winner will be drawn at noon (GMT) on July 31st 2012.

Summer Chills

I am feeling cold today but still want to wear my summery clothes.

I am so grateful for this lovely long scarf which I can wrap around me to keep out the chills.

As I am approaching midway through my 31 for 31 challenge I will soon be announcing a People Tree giveaway.

Stop by to check it out if you can spare a minute.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

I wore:

Jeans - Tesco (12)

Top - H & M (1)

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Scarf - River Island

Cup Cakes And Tea

Yesterday I said I couldn't wait to wear this skirt as a dress and I wasn't lying.

I couldn't wait so decided to wear it again today. I went to see my friend and former colleague Jenn who has just moved into a new house.

We sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed cup cakes and tea. I couldn't believe how fast two years had gone since we'd last had lunch together.

I met Jenn in 2007 when I started work as a writer in residence at a men's prison.

Jenn was the prison librarian and was also a keen writer.

Her first novel, "A Kind Of Intimacy" was published during that first year by which time she was already hard at work on her second novel, "Cold Light" which was published earlier this year.

One of the hardest-working and most talented writers I have ever come across, Jenn left the prison to pursue her writing career and now works as a lecturer in Creative Writing at Lancaster University.

If you ever get the chance to read Jenn's novels you won't be disappointed.

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Dress/Skirt - TK Maxx (20)

Vest - Gap (7)

Necklace - Wallis

Slivers of Sunshine

I spotted a sliver of sunshine today.

I am glad I included this dress.

The last time I wore it was in 2010 when I went to Seville.

It was April and the mercury was already hovering around 30C.

Here we are struggling to reach 30F or so it seems.

I was listening to a radio show yesterday where they talked about the changing weather patterns and it looks as if a mini ice age could be on its way!

On a brighter note, I am still enjoying the 31 for 31 challenge and hope to get the chance to wear this as a skirt.

Today I wore:

Black Leggings- Marks & Spencer  (10)

Check Dress - TK Maxx (20)

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Belt - Tesco

Leavers' Day

After work today we went straight out for a meal to say goodbye to three colleagues from our department who were leaving today.
The College has been hit with budget cuts and several members of staff took redundancy whilst others jumped before they were pushed and secured posts elsewhere.
We live in strange times where no job is completely safe.
However, after seven years as a freelance (where knowing where next month's work was coming from was job security) I feel mentally prepared for whatever comes round next year.
This outfit was perfect for the changing times.
After work I took off the shirt and had my posh frock all ready to party.

I wore:

Dress - Oasis (19)

Shoes - Marks & Spencer (25)

Shirt - Gap (9)

Healthy Day

Almost there - just a couple of days and we finally finish for the summer.

As the students have now finished today was our Healthy Day.

We were given the day off timetable to go and do something healthy.

I opted for a BodyPump Class and a seven mile run.

It almost feels like being a professional athlete - being paid to keep fit.

Fabulous.

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (29)

Skirt -

Necklace - Top Shop

Jacket - Matalan (23)

Way Back From Wimbledon July 9th

I did mention that my youngest son loved the coach trip as it reminded him of the TV programme Coach Trip.

There was our 76-year-old tour guide Maureen from Blackpool who couldn't resist cracking a joke or three during her regular updates of where we were going.

Her sidekick - driver Jim.

And the quizzes.

"Are we having another quiz Maureen?" replaced the usual "Are We There Yet?" from Ben who, apart from Briony, was the only other coach trip member under 45.

I think the average age was 65.

After the final we were whisked back to a hotel in Surrey which, despite a series of terrible reviews on TripAdvisor proved to be clean and comfortable.

By the time we got there we were so tired we didn't care.

The following morning we had breakfast and were driven to Windsor for a three hour sightseeing trip before finally arriving home at 9.30pm.

Although it wasn't my usual idea of a weekend away I have to admit it was great fun and a lovely opportunity for us to spend some family time together - another deposit in the family memory bank.

I think we are already planning a return trip next year.

I just hope Maureen is still working.

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Jeans - Zara (15)

White Vest - Gap (5)

White Shirt - Boden (4)

Scarf

The Wimbledon Final July 8

This photo was taken at 1.30am as we had to leave our local pick-up point for Wimbledon at 2.30am.

I knew the forecast was for sunshine and showers so I went for layers inlcuding my ski jacket.

Our  group was made up of me, my mum and my two youngest children, Briony, 15 and 12-year-old Ben.

After arriving at Wimbledon at 10am we bagged our places on Murray Mount just outside Number One Court.

It was a long wait but there was so much going on that it didn't seem four hours.

We enjoyed a Pimms or two in between dodging showers under the brollies and my son did some celebrity spotting and got his picture taken with Blue Peter present Helen Skelton who was lovely.

He also managed to chat with Jeff Tarango.

Sadly, Murray didn't win and after his game ended we watched the Boy's Doubles Final on Number One Court.

We are hoping to go again next year - the tennis was such a small part of the Coach Trip adventure.

I wore:

Shoes - Converse (28)

Jeans - Zara (15)

Vest - Gap (5)

Blouse - Boden (4)

Scarf - Boden

Easy Saturday

Almost at the end of term and I am flagging.

Today I plan to take it nice and easy as I will be getting up at 1am tomorrow morning to travel down to Wimbledon.

We are going on a coach and will get tickets for Number One Court.

I have no idea who will be playing but last year I promised my youngest son I would take him to Wimbledon.

It doesn't really matter which games we get to see, it will be enough for him to experience the atmosphere.

Tomorrow's post will be delayed as we will be staying overnight and travelling back on Monday.

I will let you know how we get on.

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Leggings - Marks and Spencer (10)

Vest - Gap (5)

Denim Shirt - Barcelona Shop (21)

Scarf - Dorothy Perkins

The Wild Card

I had left one item off the challenge list until today.

Kendi suggests having one wild card in your monthly remix challenge.

I decided to wear my new Clarks shoes.

As you know I am a big fan of Clarks.

After buying these shoes I am an even bigger fan.

They are the best shoes I have ever bought.

They are stylish, comfortable and so well made.

A few weeks ago I tried a similar pair on in LK Bennett.

Originally those shoes were £120 but reduced to £60-something in the sale.

I tried them on and they just didn't feel right.

The pattern was also irregular and each shoe was slightly different.

They looked odd.

These beauties were under £30.00

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (31)

Trousers - Primark (14)

White Vest - Gap(5)

White Linen Shirt - Boden (4)

Necklace - Wallis

Picking Pockets

I loved this skirt when I first saw it in the Gap store in the Lowry Outlet Mall during a visit to Manchester.

It is the same shape as this one from Tesco which I had to recycle when the fabric tore.

The skirt is fully lined and was reduced to £6.99 from an original £24.99.

The bonus is that this navy one has pockets and I just love pockets.

If there were two skirts I couldn't decide  between and one had pockets I would pick the pockets every time.

I just knew this skirt would be perfect with the Gap Oxford shirt and the fabulous Wallis necklace which was reduced to £5 in one of their sales.

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks (26)

Skirt - Gap (16)

Shirt - Gap (9)

Necklace - Wallis

Born In The USA

At least I always wished I had been born in the USA when I was younger and any excuse to mention Bruce Springsteen.
And July 4th is the perfect excuse.

As a child growing up in Manchester I dreamt of travelling to America.

Our family holidays were usually a bus ride away to Southport or Blackpool.

As a 14-year-old in 1980 teenager I would spend the summer holidays slathered in Bergasol sun lotion, sunbathing in my back yard on an orange floral sunlounger.

Radio 1 would be blaring out.
Tracks by Blondie, The Pointer Sisters and the Bee Gees would be playing and I would be reading Fab 208, a magazine that featured many articles about life as a stateside teenager.

By the age of 14 I had outgrown my Leif Garrett obsession but I still harboured dreams of becoming a California Girl.

Fast forward to 2002 and at the age of 36 I took my very first step on US soil after landing at JFK ariport to take part in the New York Marathon.

That first (and so far, only) trip to the USA was every bit as exciting as I imagined it would be.

I remember the sheer thrill of seeing the steam pour out of the vents in the sidewalk as we walked around Manhattan, the sensory pleasure of eating pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast in a diner and marvelling at the NYPD cops who were as wide as they were tall.
I loved walking round Central Park, especially Strawberry Fields which has links to my adopted hometown of Liverpool.

It is my aim that one day I will be able to visit every single US state but I am saving that for my Gap Year!

As a teeanger I did have a few pen pals in America thanks to the adverts in Fab 208 magazine but they fizzled out as many things do when the teenage years get crammed with part-time jobs, study and friends closer to home.

One of the brilliant things about blogging is the communication we can have with like-minded peaople across the world.

I still find it amazing that I can share the lives of many other women across the Atlantic and further afield through this blog.

So today  I wish all my American friends a Happy 4th of July and I dedicate my red, white and  blue outfit to you.

I wore:

Shoes - Marks & Spencer (25)

Jeans - Tesco (12)

T-Shirt - H & M (2)

Peachy Keen

I was just so keen to wear this peachy top again.

I know I called it coral last time but I think it is probably more peach than coral.

It is so easy to wear and the last week of college is so laid back I decided to go for it and wear it again.

No-one I saw today would have known I wore it at the weekend - except you of course.

 I have a feeling that peplums won't be around for a long time so I am just making sure I get my money's worth.

I wore:

Black Primark Trousers (14)

Matalan Peplum Top (3)

Clarks Boots (27)

Mrs Grey

The weather was grey.

I was feeling a little grey which is why I went for this grey ensemble today.

My silver top blends in well with this grey Banana Republic skirt which enjoyed its first outing today.

I wanted to be smart as I was meeting my new students  for next year.

I introduced myself by announcing my real name but added , "I look a bit like Mrs Grey today" to a small bunch of students who asked if  my real name was Anastasia before dissolving into giggles.

Really?

Are 17-year-olds reading this stuff?

I don't know where you are on Fifty Shades of Grey but after reading the first book I was considerably underwhelmed.

That's all.

I wore:

Silver Top (1)

Grey Skirt (11)

White Jacket (22)

Grey and Tan Shoes (26)

Necklace: Wallis

Coral Sunday

I made it to the gym this morning and completed a 40 minute run followed by Body Pump.

However, best of all I bumped into my good friend Joy who I hadn't seen for a while.

Joy is a physio and told me she wanted to start doing sports massage again and asked could she practise on me?

Hopefully, she will be able to work on my right achilles which is giving me some problems.

After a quick shower I went shopping to buy some treats for tonight's Euro Finals.

As Italy are playing Spain we settled on a mix of Spanish and Italian dishes.

I love Spain but as Italy knocked England out of the competition I think I would like them t owin as it is always best to be beaten by the eventual winners.

For my first 31 for 31 day I went for:

Coral Peplum Top (3)

Top Shop Jeans (13)

Birkenstocks (24)

Necklace by Wallis