Channeling Gucci with the help of the high street

Obviously I want to buy the real thing but that's just not going to happen right now. Luckily there is a LOT of Gucci-esque action going on on the high street right now. Here's some of the best.

The ever-brilliant Uterque delivers yet again with these incredible logo mules. Frankly I'm amazed they're not already sold out - they've still got them in every size. Even mine.

Logo mule loafers - Uterque - £115

And then there's the H&M glittery sweatshirt. I tried it on yesterday in a medium and in a moment of madness I put it back. Of course it was the only one in the size and by the time I recovered my senses it was sold. I've ordered it in a large today (that's literally all that's left and I think I got the last one but there are some in stores still). It's £19.99...really. 

Glittery sweatshirt - H&M - £19.99

Boden is firing on all Gucci-esque cylinders right now. Check out the grosgrain stripe on their Modern Shirt. And it's only £55. These are not Gucci prices. 

The Modern Shirt - Boden - £55

And because summer can't be over just yet, it's well worth checking out these Louisa sandals - they're in the sale too...

Louisa sandals in snapdragon and navy - Boden - £56.00

And finally, for a more all-year-round vibe, it would be irresponsible not to include these - conveniently there's a pair left in my size and my sister has some vouchers....

White Hebe leather trainers - Boden - £52.50

The cat's pyjamas

Full disclosure. I'm blogging this because I've just bought two new pairs of trousers that I'm trying to find a way to justify. So today it's all about wide leg trousers.

I accidentally discovered that these suit me when I stumbled upon a pair a Chloe denim culottes in a charity shop earlier in the summer. I've practically lived in them since and it's made me realise there's a gap in my wardrobe (or there would be if I could stuff anything else in).

Let's start with cropped. I've bought these today - they are quite literally the cat's pyjamas. I don't even like cats but I love these. I'm well aware that I'll probably see a LOT of people wearing them because they're amazing and a total bargain but I don't care. There's a top too and I'm seriously thinking about going back for it but I'll see how the trousers work first.

Zara cat print trousers - £29.99

I'm feeling a nautical vibe (or maybe that should be maritime looking at the weather) at the moment, so I love these from La Redoute - they're a complete steal at £18 and they've still got most sizes left

La Redoute cropped trousers - Mademoiselle R - £18

Navy is a bit of a theme in my wardrobe and I've been eyeing these from Me and Em for a while now. I love a bit of satin and these look like they'd hang amazingly. The fact they're £44 (down from £149!) is even more reason to snap them up. 

Me and Em Wide Leg Forever Pant - £44

Obviously cropped trousers are perfect for this August monsoon season we're having, but there are some amazing full-length options around too. Starting with these from Winser London. They come in blue and navy and they look like the perfect length and shape. They're a bit more pricey but if they're anything like other Winser trousers they're worth it.

Winser London satin back wide leg crepe trousers - £99

I've just bought a pair of wide leg velvet trousers from ASOS but they're sold out now. These are a great alternative from Finery and would translate brilliantly into Autumn/Winter. They're an absolute bargain at 60% off too. 

Finery velvet wide leg trousers - £39

Finally, I've recently rediscovered Massimo Dutti - where has this brand been all my life? Seriously. Their Limited Edition collection is off the scale and I want to buy every.single.thing. While I wait to win the lottery to make this happen, there are these. They look incredible and far more expensive than the £99.95 price tag. The camel colour makes them an instant classic so they're not even hard to justify (well that's what I'm telling myself. It won't hurt to try them on at least...). 

Massimo Dutti Limited Edition wool/cashmere trousers with rolled up hem detail - £99.95

Investment buys - sale-style

I've been doing a lot of sale shopping of late. The end of the sales is my favourite bit - when the mark-downs are stellar and that amazing piece you missed first time around may just been returned if you look long and hard (and often) enough. And coming up to Autumn there are a lot of great things to be bought, if you've got the patience to sift through the dregs.

I'm trying hard to focus on buying fewer, better things at the moment. It's not going brilliantly, but if it was, here's what I'd buy with what I'd save from the fritter-less strategy.

I'm boot obsessed and I've wanted these for AGES. The problem is, they're never, ever marked down. But this year they are. And big sizes are the winners this time as they seem to be all that's left. I already own the Lowland version of these (bought on eBay as I couldn't bring myself to spend the £600+) and they're really, really good. Big feet and skinny legs does not make a great combination for boot buying if you're not into the welly look but these are absolutely perfect and fit like a glove. The fact they're go-with-anything-grey is the icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.

Stuart Weitzman Highstreet boots

Velvet was everywhere last winter and it's going nowhere this coming season. So this coat from Shrimps at Matches Fashion is a brilliant, brilliant investment buy. I'm so in love with this it's as much as I can do not to throw caution to the wind and deploy the credit card right now.

Shrimps Marie velvet and faux fur coat

It pains me to think that this next investment purchase doesn't need to be stashed until Autumn, given the weather at the moment. Yes, it's a jumper. I'm never 100% sure about slogan tees and jumpers - they've got to be just right and luckily this Bella Freud beauty is perfect. It's also less than half price at Morgan Clare and the fact it's got a bit of sparkle in it will take you from the last days of summer through to New Year's in one chic swoop. 

Bella Freud Good Times sweater

I would by lying if I said this wasn't already saved in my basket. Once again something I've wanted for ages (says the person that lives nowhere near the country, doesn't own a dog and doesn't enjoy outdoor pursuits...) and rarely seen at a discount (even on eBay these seem to sell for silly money). It's Barbour so it's a safely classic bet. This particular jacket describes itself as a 'summer' jacket but I think you could wear it all year round. It's from Collen and Clare - a complete gem of a boutique which I discovered on an obsessive hunt for a Rixo Rose dress which I found at a bargain price and then returned (I'm still kicking myself...). It's on the site in grey as well as the navy and it's a fantastic buy at £69.50. Decisions...

Barbour cropped jacket at Collen and Clare

And because an investment wardrobe wouldn't be complete without some bottoms, here are some amazing MIH jeans - also from Collen and Clare and a steal at £90 from £229. I love the way these look on other people - still not convinced about how they look on me but I'm definitely working up to it... 

M.I.H Caron cropped wide leg jeans

Finally, if you're in the market for a great bag, look no further than this one from Penelope Chilvers. It's in the sale at £99, down from £299 and it's a classic investment buy. 

Penelope Chilvers Mandolin leather bag

Happy end-of-sale shopping! 

In search of summer

I'm in denial about the 'summer' weather so I'm mentally transporting myself elsewhere. Specifically to jungles, beaches and anywhere in between where the temperature is rising and the sun is shining.  

And what better way to channel the tropics than a bit of monkey magic (with some cheetahs - or maybe they're leopards - I'm not sure) thrown in for good measure. This range has been ALL over Instagram for weeks and it's joyful. The pictures on the website don't do it justice in the slightest. There's a dress, a skirt, a pyjama style shirt and a pair of trousers (sadly these are short if you're tall like me but if you're anything under 5 ft 7 I reckon you might just be in luck). Happily, in spite of the weather, all of it is super-adaptable and wearable with jackets, wraps, boots and anything else we don't think we'll ever need in July (nearly August). 

From the tropics to aquatics. & Other Stories has come up trumps again with this amazing dress. Perfect for when you're experiencing marineire fatigue and want a more edgy touch of the seaside. 

And continuing on a nautical theme, there are lobsters. Oh yes. You might think you've seen it all when it comes to crustacean couture. I thought so too, until I saw this Uterque belt. It's in the sale too and to say it's a bargain is something of an understatement. It's in and out of stock daily though so keep checking back on the site. 

It wouldn't be summer without the gentle buzz of insects and I'm obsessed with this shawl from Uterque. Utterly stunning and could easily transition into the Autumn wardrobe (which I'm already deploying now).

If it's not enough that summer is AWOL, the end of the sales means it's well and truly limbo season on the high street and the buying is - well - not easy. That is unless you're talking accessories, in which case take an immediate detour to Zara where the accessories are firing on all cylinders. Including these amazing earrings I picked up last week and have discovered go with pretty much everything I own. Trust me that this is quite something coming from someone who hasn't 'done' earrings since the early '90s... 

Earrings: Zara .Shirt: Whistles

In praise of red

I'm not supposed to like red, being a redhead and all, but I do. While I'm planning my Autumn/Winter wardrobe, I've been taking a look at what's around and here's my rundown of the top of the reds right now.

I've got a few pairs of Uterque long boots so I couldn't quite get past these. I've always wanted a pair of red boots and being suede these look just about perfect (they're even OK-ish price-wise when you compare them to the likes of LK Bennett and Russell and Bromley where you could get similar for considerably more).

Stretch suede boots - £160 - Uterque

Red accessories are a great way of introducing a pop of colour into your outfit without making a major commitment and this Saint Laurent velvet bag is the ultimate way to tap into both red as a key colour for Autumn/Winter and velvet as a key trend. 

Saint Laurent Monogram baby quilted velvet cross-body bag - £950 - Matches Fashion

Sticking with the accessories theme and back to Uterque, this sheepskin collar is perfection and would look amazing over anything from a plain black sweater to a leather jacket or a winter coat. 

Red fur snood - £95.00 - Uterque

Speaking of leather jackets, there is an amazing one just in at Mango and it's an absolute bargain too - it comes in a couple of other colours but the red stands out for me. 

Leather biker jacket - £119.99 - Mango

Continuing the Spanish brands theme, Zara also have some brilliant red options in their new stock. This dress is the perfect shade of red, the perfect length and the detailing is also pretty perfect with a cut-out back and decorated fastening. It's a bargain too at just £22.99. 

Dress with Mao collar - £22.99 - Zara

Once again, all my vicarious AW shopping has got me missing my winter wardrobe - I'm pretty sure I won't be saying this once the rain and the dark nights set in again but... 

The lust list (featuring the best pair of boots on the High Street)

If it's possible to be bored of shopping at the moment, I think I may be. It's the end-of-sales feeling that's behind it I think, so I'm on the hunt for fresh meat when it comes to my shopping endeavours. Luckily, I've found plenty this week.

In my quest to get a grip on my shopping and finances I've been avoiding the Zara website like the plague. What a mistake. There is some truly brilliant stuff on there at the moment and top of this is this unbelievable pair of boots - of course they're already sold out in my size, but of course, I've signed up for an update if and when they're restocked. I'm astounded at the price given the fact that they're 1) truly over-the-knee - even on the model and 2) they're actually close-fitting on the legs, which, as anyone else with size eight feet will know, is a rarity as mostly they end up fitting like wellies. Just stunning and I know from the several pairs of OTKs I already own that they'd be bizarrely wearable for something so show-stopping.

OTK High Heel Boots - Zara - £55.99

Because I became very obsessed with these very quickly, I spent quite some time trawling the Zara site to see them styled with something else to check the fit more closely. I then came across this gem of a coat. I do love a yoke and the embroidery is subtle enough to keep this really wearable. Oh and then there's that collar. And just look how it looks with the boots. I need all of this immediately. 

Coat with an embroidered yoke - Zara - £119.00

Ladylike is my favourite look of the moment and Gucci just keeps on delivering - especially in the shape of this amazing jumper. I love pointelle, I love ruffles and I just love this. 

Pointelle ruffled wool-blend sweater - Gucci at net-a-porter - £725

However, as part of my new approach to trying to be sensible about shopping, I've looked around for High Street alternatives and my favourite is this one from ASOS: 

Pointelle sweater with ruffle collar - ASOS - £25.00

I've been living in espadrilles and trainers since the weather got better, so I'm craving a bit of footwear variety. On my hunt for what's-new-and-needs-to-go-into-my-basket, I found these from the ever-brilliant Uterque. I'm not sure what would happen to them in the rain but there's always Uber so who cares? Utterly amazing (and they're grey too - hooray). 

Ballet flats with knot - Uterque - £80.00

In other news, the Goen J coat from net-a-porter arrived and is every bit as fantastic as I hoped it would be. Very pleased with myself for making myself wait to buy it! 

Tied up in knots

I'm not one for belts, unless they come attached to a coat. They just don't look right on me somehow. But I've spotted an alternative that's everywhere at the moment - the tie front - (specifically the over-sized, sleeve-like, sash-like, tie front) and I can't recommend it enough. As usual, ASOS is leading the way in harnessing this trend on the High Street and there is loads to choose from.

This dress was one of the first things that caught my eye. It's navy for a start and the length looks spot-on. Long sleeves mean it'll transition all the way through to winter. It would be massively versatile when it comes to where you can wear it, as its just the right side of casual. It looks expensive too, which is of course a bonus (especially because it's not).

Tie detail midi dress in self stripe - ASOS White - £75.00

I'm completely in love with this jumper from the same range and would wear it almost exactly as it's styled here with leather leggings or skinny jeans or trousers (the skinnier the better as it balances the shape beautifully). Again, it's a total bargain even though it screams designer.

Tie detail top in self stripe - ASOS White - £45.00

Sticking with the leather leggings/skinnies theme, this - from Noisy May at ASOS - caught my eye. ASOS describes it as a dress. Clearly it's not, but it would be a dream over said leather leggings, etc. Plus, it's black, so it would go with everything.

High-low tie front sweat dress - Noisy May at ASOS - £20.00

Speaking of black and because I'm obsessed with jackets, I couldn't go past this one from Lavish Alice at ASOS. It's perfect on so many levels (the collar, the sleeves and of course the tie). So perfect in fact, that it's sold out in anything above a 12, so don't hang around.

Tie front split sleeve blazer - Lavish Alice at ASOS - £70

If black is your thing and you want to future-proof this trend for your AW wardrobe, there are some beautiful wool tie-front numbers on net-a-porter - like this amazing dress from MM6 Maison Margiela.

Wool tie front dress - MM6 Maison Margiela at net-a-porter - £370

There's a jumper in the same range too...

Tie front wool sweater - MM6 Maison Margiela at net-a-porter - £290

And for wool without the price tag, try this from Whistles - the perfect weight and colour for the AW transition.

Sleeveless knitted dress with tie sleeve front - Whistles at ASOS - £120

If you're after something to wear right now (eg: while summer hangs on in there) you can't go wrong with this dress.

Tie front shift dress in natural fibre stripe - ASOS - £45.00

It comes in a plain blue too which once again punches way above its weight in the style stakes:

Tie front shift dress in natural fibre - ASOS - £42.00

Then there's this one from Warehouse - a brand which seems to be having a 'moment' season-after-season right now. Be quick though as it's sold out online and only available in stores.

Tie front cotton shirt dress - Warehouse - £45

I realised today (after scraping the barrels of my wardrobe all week), that I don't have any summer clothes, so in my quest for picking up something suitable at the end of the sales (hello net-a-porter extra-20%-off-the-sale), I bought, yes, you guessed it, a coat. Because a coat is always useful in 30 degree heat. In my defence it was the Goen J beauty I've been eyeing since this post and I'll be sending some other bits back (well, that's what I'm telling myself to justify it). It looks as though the 'watch and wait' strategy paid off (it was one of the 'extra 20% items'!), but I will report back when it arrives...