The Dr Marten Dilemma ...!

Bonjour!


Yep ... it has to be said ... I've not been able to get my backside into blogging mode over the last couple of weeks!  I've either had no time or no energy (sound familiar anyone?) ... falling asleep at one's laptop obviously doesn't help!  I decided to just go with the flow (or lack of it) and not stress about it  ... there's enough of that about at this time of year.  Anyway ... in an attempt to get my bandwagon back on the road thought I'd share my current dilemma ...

It's no secret I've been after a pair of Dr Martens for a while ... I've tried to resist and I just can't ... it's time ...!  The hubby says he'll add them to my Christmas list ... see he does listen to me on the odd occasion!  They go all the way back to the late 40s and first appeared in the UK in 1960 ... adopted by skinheads in the 70s and punks in the 80s (the hubby had a pair during his punk era) as well as the odd new waver!  Nowadays ... well anybody can use a pair should they so wish ... I intend to be that somebody! I've deliberated over various versions/how many holes but think I've more or less settled on the 8 holer ...  question is which colour ... black, cherry red or green?

Love this look ... these jeans look like they're in the 'skinny boyfriend camp' ... right up my street!

Cherry Reds with skinnies ... just bought a parka similar to this one ...

Love Gwen's outfit ... absolutely love it ...

And last but not least how about with a little skirt ... á la Jessica ... this would be a good way for me to make use of all the skirts/dresses I never wear for lack of footwear ... I'd have no excuse ...!

All Images  via Pinterest

Yes ... I think this itch must be scratched and the sooner the better!  What are your thoughts on Dr Martens - which ones would you go for and how would you wear them?

Jen x

Autumn Wishlist ... !

Bonjour!

We've been lucky with this recent 'Indian Summer type thing' haven't we?  It definitely feels colder and crisper these past few days though and the timer is now preset for the heating to come on for a few hours each evening!  Anyway ... here are a few bits and bobs I have my eyes on  ... I realise there are no chunky knits, scarves, coats within this list but that'll come later on I'm sure ...!

Autumn Wishlist! by beautyandthebiryani featuring a smashbox lipstick

Paul Mitchell Thicken Up - ok I realise this has nothing specifically to do with Autumn as such but I feel the need to try this out - not that I need any more hair products at the moment - but all the same - it could be 'the one!' 

Office Cutout T Bars - I'd like these primarily for work - will go with my usual black trousers and maybe even a skirt or two!

Top Shop Cigarette Pants - speaking of  'black trousers' - really need a new pair for work and Top Shop trousers usually fit me quite well so will have to pop in next week and check these out!

Cloud Nine Standard Iron - been 'umming and arring' over some new straighteners for ages. If I end up with these I'll be doing a little dance!

The Doors 'LA Woman' T Shirt - I must have this T Shirt - not this particular one as it's Vintage 1970s (and therefore very expensive) - mine will be a much more purse friendly option!

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Chestnut - everyone needs (read that as 'should treat themselves to') a new lippie in Autumn - and what could be more fitting than a lippie by the name of Chestnut!

Urban Decay Anti-Ageing Eyeshadow Primer - I'd say this is actually more of a need rather than want. My current Elf Eyelid Primer is ok ...but I'm curious to see how much better my eyeshadow would sit and last using legendary UD. The old eyelids are getting a bit crinkled and wrinkled so this anti-ageing option seems a good choice!

Chunky Black Boots - I have no need for these beauties at all but I bloomin love em! I'd wear with skinnies and my Doors TShirt (and the Smashbox lippie) - if I had some sort of furry jacket to stick over the top then that would be marvellous! I'll save that for my next Wishlist!

So ... that's my lot for the moment ...you can go on forever once you start can't you?! What's on your Autumn wishlist?

Jen x

A January Haul ... ?

Bonjour!

I don't know if you can call this a 'haul' as such - more of a sporadic gathering of bits of over the last few weeks.  I didn't have much in the way of presents this Christmas as my plan was to treat myself in the sales... unfortunately I didn't manage to bag that many official bargains so ended up just picking up things in dribs and drabs ...

Can you believe this is all I picked up from the half price beauty gifts in Boots?

Managed to get these leather pumps from Next though - a bargain at £12 ... but that's it for the 'proper' sales!

Because I'd been so good (or bad - whichever way you look at it!) sales-wise - I picked up some bits from Boots last week - all on offer mind ...!

Barry M Matte Nail Paints in Crush and Mocha (buy one get 2nd half price)
Max Factor Wild Shadow Pot in Burnt Bark (reduced to £3.99)
L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara (on offer at £5.99)
17 Peep Show Mascara (an old favourite - couldn't resist as all 17 mascaras were £4!)

A few cheapie t-shirts and scarf from Primark (the stripey one was only £2) ...

And then when I went to Sainsburys last week all this lot was on offer so I satisfied my domestic yearnings and treated myself - go me! (Actually can't wait to try out the saute pan - as I say go me!).


So what did you get in the January sales? Bet you did better than me!

Jen x

Barratts Boots and the King Charles Cavalier ...

Bonjour!

I was recently asked if I would like to sample an item of footwear from Barratts.  Of course the answer was 'yes please'.   Being of a somewhat indecisive nature (stop laughing family/friends!) it took me a while to choose a pair of shoes/boots from the Barratts website as there was so much choice.  Finally I decided on these suede 'western style' boots in black...they go by the name of 'Hensall' down on the ranch don't you know!

I must admit I don't often 'do heels' in the day but these have proved to be really comfortable for everyday wear, school run, shopping and general errand running etc (what else do us mums do when we're not at work - apart from the endless domestic duties and a spot of blogging here and there? ;)   The heel height is classed as 'medium' and is approximately 7cm - they're 'high' enough to dress up the old skinny jeans - I seem to live in skinny jeans.

For the office they fit really neatly under my ever present black trousers and the heel height is, again, just right to smarten em up a little. I'll not bore you with a pic of me in my glam work trews, we don't have to look uber smart for the office - ie we don't have to wear suits etc (well not in my position anyway) - but at least my feet will look smart!

And yes ... as you can see I have a dog in my camera lens here!  'Someone' was waiting to go out whilst I was trying to take my pics ...

...after a while he calmed down and sat waiting (fairly) patiently ...

... and after a while longer just gave up, laid down in disgust and had a snooze ... (that is if you can actually see him as our King Charles Cavalier matches our floor very well)!

Cavaliers aside - there seems to be something for everyone on the Barratts website - age, style and price wise, from proper skyscrapers to biker boots - you can see for yourself  here.   My 'Hensall' boots are available in either black or brown priced at £45 which I think is really good value.  I have bought from Barratts before  - still have a pair of shoes which I bought when I was pregnant over 10 years ago now - they have taken me through all weathers and are still going strong!

So what's your preference - heels or flats? Have you bought any boots or shoes from Barratts?

Jen x