Wednesday 29 October 2014

Styled by Mel has a new home...




You'll now find my blog at www.styledbymel.com

Pop in and have a look around – I think you’ll like it!

I'll get the kettle on. White no sugar?

See you shortly.

M x

P.S. Current subscribers - please can you re-subscribe on new site - don't want you missing out now! Thank you.


Tuesday 14 October 2014

Strike A Pose There's Nothing To It...Brogue!

So, I had a different blog post planned for you all but then I went shopping.

I nearly bought some brogues last year but I hadn’t quite got my head around them, if you know what I mean? They seemed too masculine and I wasn’t sure if they were right for my personal style. However, last weekend, when the weather changed dramatically and all that was on my shopping list was a decent pair of winter shoes that I could run around the office in - I made a beeline for these.

I tried them on with the rolled up jeans I was wearing and I loved them from the get-go. But because I had never bought anything like this for myself before, I still sent this pic to Mr. B to ask what he thought of them. Funny, given that I take people personal shopping you’d think that I’d just be able to ask myself wouldn't you?!



Anyway, even with my heart a flutter and the thumbs up from Mr. B, I still hovered in the shop a while to contemplate my imminent purchase. Will they go with skirts and tights? Will my feet get cold without socks? Can I wear them with socks and not look weird? Are they too shiny? Should I learn to tap dance? How come Judy Murray is still in Strictly? Aaaand back in the room! Anyway, I now own a pair of brogues and I have to say that I feel rather proud and so bloody trendy, it hurts!

Here's one way (and my favourite way) to wear my new brogues. Rolled up jeans and smart jacket.



The jacket is new too actually. I thought the shoes lent themselves to a longer, more masculine line and so snapped this jacket up from New Look

I also tried the shoes on with tights and tailored shorts which was an OK look in itself, it didn't not work, but the tights and brogue thing...mmmm? 

To me, it's all a bit Jenny Agutter from 'Call The Midwife' and so I'm unsure. Therefore this look might take me a little longer to get used to, but never say never. And just to be clear, I mean never say never to the tights and brogues look not the nun in a habit look. Unless you're a nun of course, in which case it's perfectly acceptable attire and the rolled up jeans would be, I would say, a definite no no! Glad we cleared that up. 






I’m obviously quite taken with my new shoes and got a bit snap-happy at the weekend. 





Imagine how many pictures I would take if I got a puppy or a kitten? Or both?!! 

Word count wise, I’m keeping my posts a little shorter of late as I’m spending a lot of time on my new website that I want up and running for St. Albans Fashion Week (27th Oct - 2nd Nov) – which is a whole new, bigger and juicier story that I cannot wait to share with you! 

*excited squeal and brogue adorned scissor kick*  

M x


Thursday 2 October 2014

It Takes Two...

Well, last week, as you may recall, I hadn’t even tried the outfit on that I had planned (in my head) for my mum and step-dads wedding anniversary party. I was a little anxious about that to say the least. But what I didn’t tell you was that I was more anxious about a curveball that my mum had thrown me at the last minute – I’ll tell you about that in a moment.

Here’s the outfit.


With it being a silver anniversary, I couldn’t resist a bit of silver and sparkle!



You might expect the jumper (H&M) to feel a little rough with it being so glittery, but it’s not – it’s actually really soft. It’s not too bulky or warm either so it was perfect for a stupidly mild September evening. And I’m thinking that this will be my go-to top over the festive season when I’m sipping mulled wine by an open fire in a nice cosy pub somewhere. Can’t believe I mentioned Christmas then without flinching - just the thought of the mulled wine is numbing my senses! 

I was told I looked demure in this outfit which was a bit of a surprise because when I put it on, I actually felt more like Rizzo from Grease. Think that was due to the slim-fit of the skirt and the way I had to walk, one foot over the other (catwalk stylee, if you will), that sent my hips a-swaying! 

The skirt (also H&M) held its shape really will – not that I sat down much throughout the evening to get a baggy bum – but if I had done, I wouldn’t have got a baggy bum, of that I’m sure! 





Shoes are George at Asda but these were purchased back in June so for a similar version see NEXT – they come in lots of colours including silver - ooh!  

And did you spy the gems around my neck? 



This is my newest acquisition from Alice’s Wonders.  It arrived just in time for Saturday (phew!) and it was perfect! 



It ties at the back of the neck with ribbon and although I was a little concerned that it would keep coming undone, it stayed securely in place until 3am when I finally went to bed (phew!).

So, the curveball from Mum went like this.

On 15th September I accepted Mum’s request to step in and read her speech if she got too emotional.

Then, just last Saturday, in a phone call, Mum exclaimed “I hope you’re not going to embarrass me in the speech, Mel?” to which I replied, “How can I embarrass you Mum when you’re writing it?”

It was then that the penny dropped. I had to write it AND read it! Great - one week to write a speech that sums up 25 years of marriage! 

Plenty of time I hear you all say. But no, it’s not actually. Let me explain.

There are, in a week, 168 hours. But for 56 of those hours I’m asleep and for 34 of them I’m at work. The list goes on:
  • Showering, make-up & hair 7
  • School run 2
  • Cajoling son to sit at table and start homework 30mins
  • Actually assisting with homework 1
  • Cooking 3
  • Housework 3     
  • Laundry 2
  • Washing-up 2
  • Food shopping 2
  • Blogging 3
  • Band rehearsal 1.5
  • Night out at beer festival 4
  • Baking & prep of party goodie bags 4
  • Calls & texts to mum re party /content of speech 2
  • And deduct a further God knows how many hours tidying up after the lovely, yet very untidy, Mr. B and I reckon I’m down to less than 2 days to get this mother in the bag! (The speech, not Mum!).

But, by the skin of my teeth I got it done (phew!). 

And unlike my speech that was over within 3 seconds at their actual wedding because I couldn’t stop crying (happy tears of course and I was only 16!), I held it together and it went down a storm (phew!).

And lastly, though not clothes related but kinda stylish all the same, I wanted to share with you the goodie bags that I made for the party.  



Batches of homemade tiffin divided up into cute little bags with homemade tags displaying the initials of the happy couple! Though the happy couple weren’t so happy that the gutsy greedy guests scoffed the lot!


So you see, I’ve been a busier bee than usual but, tonight Matthew, I am doing nada. 

Phew!

M x 

Wednesday 24 September 2014

I Was Made Fur Loving You...

See what I did there? Yep, shoehorned a song title into a blog again – can’t help myself.

Anyway, over the last couple of weeks I've treated myself to lots of magazines and have pored over all the ‘What’s Hot for Autumn' articles and pictures.


But as exciting as the new trends are, that’s not what I’m most excited about right now. Can anyone guess what it is? Hands up please.

“The fact that there are only 14 more Thursdays until Christmas?”
I’m not even going to respond to that depressing suggestion.

“Is it the thought of kicking through the autumn leaves looking all wistful and romantic in your new clobber?”
Err, no.

“Is it because that Alan Carr Chatty man is back with a new series?”
Damn! Note to self - must set series link.

Anyway, as none of you could guess, I’ll put you out of your misery.

It's because I won’t have to faff around with fake tan anymore. My verging-on-blue legs will be hidden under jeans, trousers or opaque tights from now until April 2015. Woo-hoo!

I have used the same brand of fake tan for years now. This is because it’s a great colour for me (not too dark or orange) and makes my skin feel really soft. But oh my giddy aunt, the stink! I truly hate it. I put it on before bed and as it ferments, the whole bed (and room) smells like gone-off malt loaf. And what’s more, Mr. B is actually allergic to it (the lotion not the loaf!). You might suggest that if I was a really nice person I would probably stop using it completely and put his health first. Moving on…

So, what about the new trends then? Well, red is big news. As is tartan, over the knee boots, duster coats, metallics, snakeskin print – I could go on. But the trend that has my spidey senses tingling this week is fantastic fake fur! It’s everywhere and in lots of colours and finishes.

Look at this lush offering from Gucci. And it’s only £3,700. Cough, splutter.



May I suggest that, if you do wear it this way, at least put a skirt on to cover up the gusset of your flesh coloured tights.

However, I have good news for those who don’t have that kind of clothing budget. Look at these ‘Teddy’ coats I spotted in Asda last week. Aren’t they cute? They come in cream, blue and pink. And although they resemble the matted hair of a very loved Barbie doll, they are, as the name suggests, soft as your favourite teddy bear. Aaaw. And what’s more, wait for it - they are £3,675 cheaper than Gucci!



Now, with all this fake fur everywhere (which, luckily, Mr. B isn’t allergic to), I remembered this jacket that I bought myself from Wallis for my 40th birthday. Here it is.


It’s more ‘classic’ than the Asda and Gucci offerings but it actually looks great dressed up or down. I would show you but I can't get it off my Little Man! 

And whilst looking through my winter wardrobe, I also discovered this jumper that was bought for me last year. It’s got a high sheen to it and just a few sequins that makes it a nice dressy option but is uber soft and cosy too. 


H&M have got one that’s very similar.


Ok, I’m going to keep this post short as I have things to make, write and do for my mum and step-dads 25th wedding anniversary party at the weekend. Plus, although I have a great little outfit planned, I’ve not yet tried it all on, which is a worry, foolish even! So, keep your fingers crossed for me that it looks good and if it does, I’ll share it with you next time.

Oh, damn it – I’ve just realised that I’m going to have to fake tan again for the above mentioned party. Maybe I could be a nice person and get the bed ready in the spare room?

Top or bottom bunk Mr. B?

M x

Thursday 11 September 2014

Things that make you go H&Mmmm

I wore an outfit the other day that received so many compliments that I thought I would share it with all of you.

Twas the Tuesday after the very rainy Bank Holiday and all I really wanted to do was stay at home, be cosy on the sofa, watch films, drink tea and stuff my face with chocolate! Lindt Excellence Extra Creamy chocolate to be precise (well you never know who’s reading this and who might send me an articulated lorry full of the stuff!). But, alas, I had to go to work. I clearly wasn’t in a dressy-up, girly place and wanted an outfit that was smart yet comfy – emphasis on the comfy, and so this is what I pulled together.




The jacket, jeans and stripey top are all H&M (H&Mmmm!). Scarf is Primark and pumps are Converse,

I’d always reserved my Converse for the weekend and so, maybe, I was subconsciously channelling a weekend vibe into my working day. Unfortunately, I had the day from hell, it wasn't weekend like at all but the compliments made things a little sweeter, so thank you.

Looking at these pictures again, I think that if ever I was asked to present The Great British Bake Off (humour me please) then this is what I would wear.

I wasn't going to show you the next photo because of the very obvious bags under my eyes. But then I thought, why the hell not? Isn’t the whole point of blogging about ‘keeping it real’? Maybe not everyone’s view, but I think this picture proves that I don’t always look (or feel) tip-top and that I don't airbrush my pictures. But, I will sometimes use accessories to disguise the not so pretty bits – mwah ha ha *twiddles pretend tash*. I said pretend - don't go zooming in now!


And here’s a different ‘citrus’ twist on the same outfit – a flash of yellow on neck and feet!




You've probably seen the shoes already on my New Shoes post but I've not shown you the necklace before. I've worn it a lot this summer and I like the fact that it can brighten up an otherwise safe or plain outfit. It’s from Alice’s Wonders - they have such a wonderful selection so take a look HERE. You'll no doubt spy a pink version of the one above - I bought that one too!

Now, I wore this outfit when I popped to the shop the other day. It's true I don’t get out as much as I used to, but just to clarify, I didn't put the outfit on especially, it just happened to be what I was wearing when I realised we were low on the white stuff.

Anyway, whilst serving me, the male cashier looked up and said ‘Oh wow, look at that necklace, it is beautiful, simply beautiful. Stunning’. I thanked him and told him it was one of my favourites too. But it didn't stop there. He then shouted to his colleague who was at the back of the shop ‘Come here, come and see this. Look at this necklace, isn't it beautiful?’ His colleague, also male, agreed - perhaps not with the same vigour as his very enthusiastic shop mate, but never the less it was a lovely moment. It’s not every day one causes such a ripple buying semi-skimmed in the local Co-op I can tell you!

Thank you to my little man for taking the pictures - I'm giving the big man, Mr. B, a rest.

Oh and if you're a fan of Twitter (I suddenly love it!) follow me by clicking here

M x

Monday 25 August 2014

Holiday...

So I’m back from my 5 day trip to the sunny island of Majorca. Well, it was sunny for 3 out of 5 days anyway. Thank goodness the rain decided to take a run and jump because if there’s one thing I rather dislike it's rain. Even more so when I’ve spent a small fortune on getting me some sun! Oh, and let’s not forget another reason for totally hating the rain whilst on this holiday - umbrella, rain coat and jeans in Teeny Weeny suitcase doth not fit!

As promised in ‘I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane’, here are some pictures that Mr. B took. Now, interestingly, even though I bang on about loving the sun, I don’t actually tan very well. So, the tan you see at the start is fake and the tan you don’t see on day 5 is just my natural blue skin tone shining through. 


It’s raining, it’s pouring …and I’m sulking on the bed.

Still sulking but at least I'm up!

Cheer up love!


This striped dress from H&M has to be one of my faves (rain or shine) and I chose this one for the rainiest day because it looks ok with a denim jacket and Converse. Also, because it’s a snug fit, it keeps me warm too.


Palm tree dress from Primark

I love this dress and the palm trees, to me, scream HOLIDAY! Tricky to explain, but if my memory serves me well, it also screams a little of a button through house-coat that my Auntie Olive used to wear. Never mind! 


These black shorts are from H&M. The striped top is very old (can’t remember where from as I cut the labels out) but I love the relaxed fit and shape of it, so it got worn a lot.




Same shorts as before, but this time with a V neck t-shirt from Topshop. I bought it in grey (shown), black and the white. I will be wearing these well into winter with cardigans over the top.

Follow me..

...up these pretty steps

..nearly there

...here we are and I've made a friend





This skort is from Primark. As the name suggests it's a cross between a skirt and a pair of shorts. It could, in theory, and much to mine and Mr.B's amusement, have been called a shirt - but this of course has already been done! The top is from Benetton about a trillion years ago.

Lovely neckline and the view ain't too shabby either!

I adore the neckline of this dress from H&M. When I bought the dress, I hadn't thought of wearing it with a belt but I saw someone wearing it with one before I went away and so I copied her!




Romeo?

Ah, there you are!

And for the last holiday outfit...



Love this green door! 

This striped dress is from H&M (I really need to speak to H&M and tell them how much I love them don’t I?) and it’s so easy to wear. It doesn’t come with a belt, but I would say it looks so much better and more finished with one, as it hides the elasticated waistline.

As well as posing for the camera (which ironically, is not my favourite thing!) - I also did a lot of people watching, punctuated by a lot of coffee drinking (a perfect combination). One common theme I spotted, were young girls wearing teeny weeny bum-cheek revealing shorts. Now, if I was a mum of a young girl, in fact, hang on - I’m as near as dammit a step-mum to two young girls, so I can speak from the heart here and say - I would NOT let them parade around with their backsides hanging out of their shorts! End of.

But wait, it gets worse. Teeny weeny shorts were also being worn by women old enough (and then some) to know better. They may have been trying to add a little cheeky sparkle to their marriages and I’m all for that, but guess what? I don’t need to see it! Get a room and stop putting me off my dinner. Lastly, and very entertainingly, I also don’t think they realised, as they nonchalantly sauntered off to the next bar, just how cruel the imprint of plastic, woven wicker effect chairs can be on ones bare backside. See ya later alligator!

M x