Meet My Celebrity Twin

I love Catherine's post about her celebrity twins - women who were born the same year as she was.

I had some fun doing this.
 

I found that Halle Berry, Cindy Crawford and Salma Hayek were all  born the same year as me - 1966.

However, the one celebrity twin who I admire most is none other than Helen Bonham-Carter.
 

Looking through google images it appears we have shared similar style "experimentations", have a penchant for polka dot swimsuits, love to rock a red dress and we are both a little over 5ft.

 

A simple top and quirky skirt.

 

 

 

She likes nothing better than a snug winter coat and scarf.

 

 

Rocking a red dress.

 

 

Polka dots provide the swimsuit pattern of choice.

 

 

And sometimes a pair of jeans will do.

 

 

 

Which celebrity twin shares your style?

 

Notes From A Weekend

The weekend got off to agreat start with some sunshine.

After the usual tidy up from the weekly mayhem I went for a run.

My youngest son was playing football and returned jubilant after a 10-1 victory.

 

A wander through the village and then home to get ready for our friend's 50th birthday party.

It doesn't seem five minutes since we were going to his 40th.

 

 

Sunday was a lazy day.

My husband took our 17-year-old son to his football match while I cooked a Sunday Roast.

Tonight we plan to watch a film together before it all starts over again for another week.

 

Picture 1

Top - Primark

Jeans - Tesco

Boots - Clarks

 

Picture 2

Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Shoes - Clarks

Winner

 

I bought this jacket in Boden's summer sale for £29.

It was reduced from £75.

 

I have been looking forward to wearing it and was delighted when one of my colleagues, Pam, commented on it.

We then spent the rest of our Macmillan Coffee morning sharing shopping trips.

 

We were so engrossed in conversation I almost missed my name being read out as one of the raffle winners.

I won a giant cupcake and £10 M & S voucher.

 

What a great start to the weekend.

Fingers crossed for the EuroMillions lottery tonight.

 

Here's my weekly round-up

 

 

New Glasses

 

Do you like my new glasses?

I don't wear them very often but I do need them for driving.

My eyetest was way overdue but I am glad I went as I love my new glasses.

 

I love the "wrought iron" detail which you can just about see here.

 

 

The rain has finally stopped so I don't need to wear my wellies to work anymore.

I love this cosy cardigan and the scarf keeps me warm.

Just a few more days and they will put the heating on at work and I will have a few more options to wear.

 

I wore:

 

Boots - Clarks

Cardigan & Lace Top - Matalan

Scarf - Dorothy Perkins

Feeling Blue (in a good way)

 

I love the colour blue.

Any shade will do.

It reminds me of blue skies which reminds me of summer.

This is another dress which I wear throughout the year.

 

(June 2010)

 

It's cool and casual in summer and warm and cosy in cooler weather.

It works with a belt or without.

And the bonus is pockets.

Not bad for £9.99 in the Gap sale.

 

I wore:

Boots - Clarks

Dress - Gap

Cardigan - Boden

Another Planet

When I last wore this skirt it was like I was living on another planet, light years away.

A planet called summer.

 

 

Oh how I miss summer.

But how much more do I love this skirt in autumn.

The colour and the fabric seem better suited to the cooler weather even though this was a summer item.

 

One of my students works on a Saturday at Clarks and she knew right away where my boots were from.

"Great choice," she said.

So there you go - the seal of approval from a very trendy 17-year-old.

 

I have vowed not to blog about the persistent rain we are having.

Instead I am focusing on the good things about autumn.

The problem is I can't think what they may be.

What is the best thing about autumn for you?

 

Boots - Clarks

Skirt - Hobbs

Polo - Next

Necklace - Dorothy Perkins

Easy Does It

 

You may or may not be able to tell through the gritted smile - my legs are killing me.

I ran a half marathon yesterday.

Since I started training for my October 14th marathon last April my training has been beset my injury and virus.

The longest run I have done in the last four weeks is three miles but I wanted to prove to myself that I could give the marathon my best shot.

My goal yesterday was to run 13.1 miles, 16 miles next weekend and 20 miles the weekend after.

If I can manage that then I will run in the marathon.

It is not the  best trianing schedule in the world but I have a good solid base of running to call upon and I have completed  two marathons so have some idea of what I am letting myself in for.

It meant today was an easy dressing kind of day with boots and leggings.

Thank heavens for a relaxed dress code at work.

 

I wore:

Boots - Clarks

Leggings -Lytesse

Top - Tesco

Cardigan - Matalan

Necklace - Wallis

D Day

 

It was deadline day in college today (Friday).

Those students who want to go to Oxbridge or study veterinary science, medicine or dentistry had to get their UCAS forms into college so that we can get them checked and references written in time.

 

I saw so many worried teenagers today I wanted to give them all a hug.

 

Instead I had to look professional, calm and controlled.

 

Their future was (partly) in my hands and I had to reassure them that all would be well.

 

The universities would be lucky to have them; they are all wonderful students.

 

Finger's crossed.

 

I wore:

Boots - Whistles

Skirt - Banana Republic

Top - H & M

Scarf - Next

Jacket - Zara

 

 

 

Busy Bee

 

I have been a very busy bee this week.

Work is so hectic I haven't managed a lunch break once.

I have nearly 200 students to look after and I worry that I am not able to give them the time they need.

 

Some of their plights break my heart.

 

While my wardrobe choices have not been very inspiring so far this month I like to think I am putting my students first.

 

But I am planning on doing another 31 for 31 challenge in October to find my mojo.

 

I wore:

Boots - Clarks

Skirt - Boden

Top - Primark

Jacket - Zara

Necklace - Zara

Orange Wednesday

 

I used to spend Wednesday evenings visiting the cinema with my daughter and a friend.

Orange Wednesday was ideal as it was 2 tickets for the price of 1 if you had an orange phone.

 

Sadly work has got in the way of this tradition but I hope to reinstate it soon.

 

For now, orange seems to be my colour of choice this season and I went for my orange striped top first.

Everything else had to fit in.

 

My office is very cold at the moment so I needed lots of layers.

The heating doesn't go on until October 1st when I feel as if my wardrobe options will be widened.

For now it's layer up.

 

How did you choose what you wore today?

 

I wore:

Boots - Clarks

Skirt - Gap

Top - Oasis

Black t-shirt - Primark

LBD Tuesday

 

I am planning on  making Tuesday my LBD Day.

Tuesday is my busiest day at work with four classes to take on top of my pastoral workload.

I  need something easy to grab and style.

 

I love this dress with heels and flats.

I haven't tried boots yet but I am sure it will adapt.

I am hoping this dress will be the workhorse of my winter wardrobe.

 

I love Chic On The Cheap's goal of getting every item in her wardrobe down to $1 per wear.

 

I paid a reduced rate of £62.10 for this Boden Dress and have worn it around five times so far.

I will need to wear it a further 57 times to get it down to £1 per wear.

 

I will do my best.

 

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks

Dress - Boden

Scarf - Gift

Turning Leaves

 

The weather has turned even colder so it's time to break open the autumn wardrobe.

My cosy snakeskin blouse from Zara, thick cord skirt and faithful old boots.

While there are still lots of leaves on the trees they are turning brown just like my outfit today.

 

I wore:

Boots - Clarks

Skirt - Matalan

Blouse - Zara

 

My Student Has the X Factor

Did anyone see X Factor last night?

One of my lovely students, Lauren got four "yeses". She is as lovely in person as she was on the show.

 

21

My  baby boy has turned 21.

 

This photo of us was taken seconds after his birth at 9.15am on Saturday, September 14th 1991.

 

This photo of us was taken on Friday, September 14th 2012.

 

 

And here is Sam with the lovely lady in his life - his girlfriend, Sophie.

 

Sam had a big party for his 18th birthday so his 21st for a quiet affair with a meal at a local restaurant.

 

Sadly, my dad and my husband's mum are no longer with us but we raised our glasses to absent friends.

 

Happy Birthday Sam

 

 

BTSCWC Day 5

 

Black isn't my best colour but it is certainly versatile for a capsule challenge.

Apologies for the short post but we are off to celebrate my son's 21st birthday tonight.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

 

 

 

Boots - Clarks

Dress- Boden

Jacket/Shirt - Primark

BTSCWC Day 4

 

Day 4

 

 

I needed to stay cool underneath my cycling jacket today for my 16 mile round commute and this top was perfect.

The 8-mile journey to work takes me less than 40 minutes as most of it is downhill.

Coming home is a different story!

 

I wore:

Black Skinny Jeans - Tesco (Item 4)

Coral Top - New Look (Item 3)

Boots - Clarks

Scarf - Next

BTSCWC Day 3

Day 3

 

 

This dress is called LouLou which has a French feel to it.

 

I went with that idea and tied the silk scarf around my neck.

I wish I was a scarf expert - I always feel like I have raided mummy's wardrobe when I wear a scarf.

 

BTSCWC Day 3

Dress - Boden

Shoes - Clarks

Leggings worn as hosiery - Lytesse

Scarf - Monsoon

BTSCWC Day 2

Day 2

 

 

Day 2 and life is so hectic at college that I am glad of my flat shoe collection.

I had a lot of running around to do today and went for the black jeans and easy to wear tunic. Perfect for my bike ride to and from work.

 

I wore:

Tunic - Florence and Fred (Item 2)

Black skinny jeans - Tesco (Item 4)

Shoes - Clarks

Necklace - Wallis

 

 

 

 

BTSCWC Day 1

Day One

Today begins The Back To School Capsule Wardrobe Challenge using five items of clothing and unlimited shoes, accessories and outerwear.

 

I have chosen the following items.

1. A Black knee length dress by Boden which I have on today.

2. A Tunic from Florence and Fred.

3. My coral top which was worn to death during the 31 for 31 challenge.

4. Black skinny jeans

5. Multi coloured jacket from Primark.

 

 

BTSCWC Day 1

Dress - Boden (Item 1)

Shoes - Clarks

Necklace - Wallis

Back To School Capsule Wardrobe Week.

Don't forget the Back To School Capsule Wardrobe Challenge (BTSCWC) starts tomorrow.
 

 

 

Here is my very first capsule.My new one will be unveiled tomorrow.

 

Basically choose 5 clothing items and mix and match between Monday September 10th and Friday September 14th.

Shoes, accessories and outerwear are unlimited. Leggings count as hosiery and not clothes if worn under clothing items but if worn as trousers/jeggings.

If you are a regular then you have probably been asking me when the next one is.

 

Just leave a comment in this box if you are joining us.

 

If you have never done this before, give it a try.

The more the merrier.

Rainy Days Always Get Me Down

It is also Back To School Day for my children.

 

While the South seems to be basking in the glory of an Indian Summer, up North it is still wet, windy and dull.

I couldn't even ride my bike to work today.

At least it gave me the chance to dig out my classic mac that has been in my coat cupboard for a while.

 

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks

Trousers - Florence & Fred

Top - Primark

Coat - Marks and Spencer

Bag - Clarks

 

Blue Thursday

 

I am at the halfway house of smartening up for the new term by wearing a skirt.

I rode to work on my bike today and added a pair of leggings to keep out the cold and maintain my dignity.

Later this week we will  be meeting our new first year students and I am looking forward to getting to know four new tutor groups.

I will have four first year groups and four second year groups.

We will also be meeting two new Progress Coaches who are joining our team and I will be saying goodbye to Nina who is leaving to join her her boyfriend's family-run Italian restaurant.

I am starting to well up already.

I will miss her so much.

 

I wore:

Boots - Clarks

Skirt - Marks & Spencer

Shirt - Boden

Pinterest

Today's outfit was inspired by a post I found on Pinterest here .

I love the stripes, the black and the yellow.

It is our last day of casual attire at work before the students come back to college on Thursday.

This was such a great outfit for all the running around I had to do today.

 

I wore:

Shoes - Converse

Dress (as a skirt) - Miss Selfridge

Top - ASOS

Cardigan - Gap

Necklace - Wallis

Oh La La!

 

I feel very French today.

But it is very bargain basement chic.

The trousers were picked up for £7 in the sale at Tesco and the top was £3 from Primark.

I added a little sparkle with my £3 necklace (reduced from £15 in Wallis).

I think my shoes cost more than my entire outfit put together.

I do love a bargain.

 

 

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks

Trousers - Florence & Fred

Top - Primark

Necklace - Wallis

Visible Monday

 

I know I wore this dress at the weekend but I wanted to give it a post all of it's own for Patti's Visible Monday.

Visible Monday is all about showcasing an item that makes you feel good and this dress makes me feel good on several levels.

 

1. I love fifties style dresses - they suit my shape.

2. I love polka dots.

3. I love pink - it is one of the few colours that flatters my sallow complexion.

4. It was reduced from £79.95 to £23.95 in the Joules sale.

 

What's not to like?

 

If you would like to sign up to Visible Mnday check out Patti's link here.

 

Dress - Joules

Shoes - Clarks

Notes From A Weekend

 

 

My husband and I got up early on Saturday and had our breakfast in a cafe in the local village before running some errands including scouting menus at our local eateries for our son's 21st on the 14th.

 

 

I also picked up a Marks and Spencer skirt at my favourite charity shop for £3.99 which still had the original label on.

 

 On Saturday evening we cooked a meal for our friends.

Sunday was spent finding new school shoes for my daughter.

Can you believe we actually found a pair of shoes we both liked?

 

She tried them for sizing at our local Clarks shop and then I came home and ordered tham online as there is a 20% discount at the moment if you add the code "BSTYLE".

With free delivery this took the price down from £34.99 to £ 28.00!

 

As the shopping trip went so well I had the energy to go for a walk in the woods with my husband and the dog before enjoying a Sunday  roast at mum's.

 

Tonight I plan to put my feet up, pour a large glass of wine and cuddle up with my husband to watch the final part of The Last Weekend.

 

How did your weekend go?

 

 

 

I wore:

 

Saturday daytime

Shoes - Converse

Jeans - Top Shop

Shirt - Boden

 

Saturday evening

Dress - Joules (reduced from £79 to £23.95)

Shoes - Clarks

 

Sunday

Trousers - Tesco (£7 in the sale)

Vest - Gap

Denim shirt - Spanish boutique

Shoes - Clarks