Finally found what I’ve been looking for…

Fashion

…nope, not a Honeyz CD but the perfect stripey tee!

My clumsy self accidentally sprayed soy sauce all over my lovely cotton/leather mix tee so I HAD to hit up the shops and find something else to wear. Perks of working in Covent Garden. (win!)

After the debacle and embarrassment of attempting to wash the soy out in the office loo, then being told by Mr Snooty pants that I couldn’t hang it up to dry on the outside terrace, I hot-footed it down to H&M for a fast-fashion-fix.

I’ve always been a fan of H&M. (I’m showing my age here but I still refer to it as Hennes). It’s one of the few shops that always delivers. I’m guaranteed to find an abundance of holiday treats every year and it’s great for office attire and costume jewels.

After walking around in a mardy bum mood, I spotted it from the corner of my eye. There it was – the forever loved Coco Chanel classic – a not too long, not too short, not too tight, not too baggy, the pièce de résistance when it comes to the good old fashioned wardrobe must have – a Breton stripy top.

Not only did this little beaut save my bacon, it’s my new favourite thing. I’m going to team it with my leather joggers this weekend. Then maybe I’ll go for the current trend and wear it with a clashing print skirt or if I’m feeling ladylike I’ll go for the chic Breton with a blazer combo. The options are endless.

All that joy for a mere £7.99.

Parfait.

MC x

P.s god bless you soy sauce!

P.p.s even old Pablo jumped on the Breton bandwagon!

Giddy Up!

Days Out, Fashion, Fun

My wonderful Mama and Papa surprised us all with tickets to Ladies Day at Epsom Derby Races last week. The women in my family all love to get dressed up and dandy around in hats and the men relish the opportunity to go all Soprano and spend loads of dosh on booze and betting – so what better way to spend the first gloriously sunny Friday in June.

We kicked off the day by quaffing champagne and meandering around the grandstand pretending to have a scooby what we were doing! Within minutes of arriving I spotted a girl in a lovely ASOS red peplum dress and hailed her as the best dressed lady I’d seen so far. Later that day she went on to win the official Investec ‘Best Dressed’ award scooping a whopping 5k and Harvey Nic’s spend-up! Lucky girl!

I don’t think there was an official lads category but if there was – this slicker than your average dude would definitely get my vote! Whilst I plucked up the courage to ask to take his pic, I didn’t get round to asking him where this beaut of a suit was from. #fail

I opted for a fitted pale blue ASOS number with mesh detail on the sides and bottom and teamed it with a nude/lace mix hatinater (half hat/half fascinator!) from House of Fraser. My old faithful favourite shoes from Zara finished off the look. A little boxed handbag that I picked up in Primark added a bit of pop to my outfit and having a strap was a god-send – juggling drinks, money, betting slips and a clutch would’ve ended in tears, I’m sure. The boy wore a classic navy three-piece with tan brogues and a very summery aqua tie and socks. He does love a bit of colour coord!

When it came to picking winners on the racecourse – I was, er surprisingly on fire! My motto was that if I liked the name of the horse – I’d back it! ‘Farraaj’ and ‘That’s the Spirit’ came up trumps and my winnings from those two races alone pretty much paid for my day out. Maybe I’ve found my calling in life or perhaps it was just beginners luck. In the words of Harry Hill… ‘There’s only one way to find out!’

I don’t have many spare weekends this year but 2015 is GETTING IT. We’re considering Aintree, Goodwood, Ascot and of course, good old Epsom Derby is certainly becoming a yearly family fave.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day hanging out with your nearest and dearest or maybe sourcing ideas for the perfect hen do with your lady friends, I thoroughly recommend the races. There is an abundance of events just outside of London and beyond so find yourselves a fabulous frock and milliner and have a ruddy good time!

Here’s a bunch of some of my favourite outfits.

MC x

P.S I know I’m biased but just look at how super cute my Mum and Dad are!

Orange is the new…

Fashion, Interiors

…BLACK!

Orange has always been my favourite colour. I love it! It’s such an infectious, happy shade. It’s reminiscent of the sun and who in their right mind doesn’t like that?

Because I adore it so much I do have a tendency to want to buy everything in that colour but I’ve learnt over time that less is definitely more. My Nan’s house was every shade of green going. Front door, back door, kitchen cabinets, walls, even the bathroom suite for crying out loud! But she was Irish and the whole place was exactly how she wanted it so who am I to judge.

I think subtle highlights really create an impact without being over bearing or brash. Plus, if you’re anything like me, too much of something gets boring.

How to work with orange

When it comes to your home, start with neutral basics, a sofa that will stand the test of time and handle any colour cushions you decide to throw at it. Our landlady picked our staple pieces but luckily she opted for oak blinds and a navy sofa – a perfect base for some colour popping orange action.

I’m a huge fan of vintage and Scandi furniture so when I spotted a beautiful walnut unit that housed a working record player in a Brighton treasure trove I knew it belonged in my life. I love this piece so much because, to me, the classic 70’s palette of walnut and orange are the perfect partnership.

When it comes to fashion, the rule to follow is to either wear orange OR be orange. Never both. I made the fatal error of having a tan done and switching my choice of outfit at the last second from a cream to an orange dress. Eek. Mess. My only other advice on the fashion front is to keep accessories neutral and to a minimum, especially if you’re rocking full on orange block attire.

Orange seems to work on all skin tones and with all hair colours. Even red heads, but then I do love a clash!

Here’s some of my favourite interior and fashion finds that show off orange in the nicest possible way.

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Happy Monday folks. Go and be bold!

MC x