Play date!

My eldest son had a play date - for the first time ever he had invited a little friend over from pre-school for playing and dinner with us. 

We hadn't met the family before the play date so I wanted to wear something that looked nice, and was reasonably smart, but up to crawling around playing cars, clambering onto the top bunk and not easily damaged by an excited puppy! 

The blouse is Peacocks, and has poodles all over. I had a black vest underneath as it's quite transparent in the flesh. A pair of skinny jeans from primark and a headband completed the outfit. 

I've been watching a little too much Jerseylicious recently, though - and initially got a little heavy handed with the bronzer! A quick wet wipe of the cheeks made me look less trampy!

In interview outfit

I had a meeting with someone recently which I hope will lead to some work. I wanted to look smart and capable, so I opted for something I felt good in that wasn't shabby. 

This blue dress, from Asda, is always a favourite - it fits well, it's flattering, it has a built in belt under the bust and goes well with just about any shoes or cardigan. 

I paired it with a black (maternity, shh) cardigan I was given when I was expecting my youngest son, which I love because it ties with a ribbon and always feels extra smart over my other with buttons. 

A pair of thick tights and some smart shoes, then the cameo necklace I adore, and you almost couldn't tell that my glasses are wonky! 

I added the new fake fur coat I was given, because after all you can't take the me out of clothes even for an interview, and kaboom I was ready to go. 

Smart casual...

With family coming to visit I wanted to look nice, but be warm and comfortable (old house cold house is so true!) so I popped this little ensemble together for the day.

Thick tights - wonderful for warmth AND tummy squashing magic. 

Floral wrap dress - an old favourite seen in early posts from Asda's sale rails, which I adjusted to fit better as it was a bit of an odd shape.

White polo neck - a basic from New Look that was around seven pounds, because we ALL ought to have these kinds of basics, it's practically the law.

Big fat belt from Peacocks - seen better days, gradually dying, ought to be replaced. 

Headband from Asda - you all recall the big DIY haircut and The Fringe - I'm growing it out at the moment (man alive but a fringe is high maintenance) and so rocking lots of headbands and hairclips. The added advantage of headbands is that they're basically a hat that you're allowed to wear indoors. Useful when you live in a giant refrigerator in the Somerset countryside. 

Am I predictable?

My sister in law came for a visit at the weekend, with a surprise gift for me. She had been given a coat by her husband's sister which she didn't think was very 'her' - but she thought it WOULD be very me, so brought it over. 

She was SO right, it is very VERY me, all glossy and furry and in your face! 

We all know I'm partial to a bit of, erm, 'glam' in my look - and we all know it isn't to everyone's taste - but I love this coat like another child, it is the most glorious surprise gift. 

It's from Oasis - so I know it would never have made its way to my wardrobe were it not a gift - it breaks every 'what you rocking' rule of shopping, after all, but it is a thing of beauty. 

What wonderful fashion gifts were you given recently? Show me yours now I've shown you mine!

Also, if anyone fancies buying me a full length mirror that's more than 8" wide that would be REALLY useful! 

So what do I rock at home?

When I'm at home all day playing with the kids, and training the enormous puppy (a German Shepherd) and trying to keep warm and comfortable, what the heck should I wear?

Sometimes I can pull together something pretty stylish...sometimes I look like a deranged Pippi Longstocking - but you know what? I LIKE that look! 

Right here I'm rocking some leggings, a pair of 99p shop stripy socks, a mid thigh purple tunic dress and a long black cardi. 

Not the best photo ever but my mirror at home will never match up to the one I had at work ;-) 

Comfy, but not your average stay at home Mum look! 

I do have to say, though - the 99p shop is bloody  BRILLIANT for socks! 

Where did I go?!

So what happened?! Where did I go?! 

I was posting LOADS on here and rocking some seriously brilliant shizzle - and then pop, boom, I was gone - so what happened?

Well - I stopped working! I spent a few weeks loving every second of being at home with the kids so much that this slid...then I spent a few more weeks mostly rocking the look below...and that wasn't really one that could inspire fashion fabulous in anyone! 

Admittedly I'm rocking the hell out of that scraped back hair and fleece onesie - that's undeniable - but it's not really a look you can rock OUT of the house! 

A few tweets this week have reminded me how much fun this blog is, and how much better I feel when I ROCK something - so I decided to be a nice wife and mother again, get DRESSED, and head out - so be prepared people, #WhatYouRocking is back, and I'm going to be rocking it! 

(This particular onesie was a Christmas present from my amazing mother in law - who knows me too well!)

Ruffles

In a charity shop a few weeks ago I found this lovely blouse for a few pounds and fell in love - feminine, floaty, flattering - all my favourites Effs!

Teamed with the George floral pencil skirt I felt very girlie today - great success!