Ch-ch-ch-changes indeed! As promised to all of you last week in my Hard Habit to Break blog, I ditched the denim and completed my 'No Jeans to Work Week' challenge. But how much of a challenge was it?
It was hard. Well, I say hard, there are, I realise, much harder things to do than getting dressed in the morning but it did take some planning due to the fact that I'm so used to throwing on jeans every day.
So, on the weekend before the challenge, I placed everything that was work appropriate and not denim, on my clothes rail and tried it all on. It didn't take long as I don't have a huge amount of clothes. That isn't your cue to say "aaah" because in actual fact I quite like it that way. Having too many clothes can complicate a wardrobe and it's a fact that we only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time - which always sounds like a confusing stat to me too, so before you get your calculator out, it basically means that we're not wearing everything we own, often enough. This stat is often compounded by purchasing new clothes that steal the limelight leaving the clothes hanging nearest Narnia doomed never to see the light of day again (not in this world anyway!).
Having tried on the selection, I realised that not everything on the rail would work for my sans jeans week. One blue dress felt too short and as I've obviously not grown taller since last year, I can only blame it on my legs not being as toned as they could be. Note to self, must start running again. Also on the rail was a very nice pair of black trousers but they are better for cooler weather as they look great teamed with Converse and layered tops so, these were a no go too. Therefore, I HAD to buy at least two more items to see me through the week. You could argue that I should have worn existing items more than once, which is a really good idea of course and one that I usually advocate, but for the sake of creating an interesting blog for you, I decided against that and went shopping. It was a tough call but all part of the service ladies!
Now, I may have peaked too early here with these culottes because they are, without a doubt, my most favourite purchase but I wore them on Monday and so they have to be the first picture.
It was hard. Well, I say hard, there are, I realise, much harder things to do than getting dressed in the morning but it did take some planning due to the fact that I'm so used to throwing on jeans every day.
So, on the weekend before the challenge, I placed everything that was work appropriate and not denim, on my clothes rail and tried it all on. It didn't take long as I don't have a huge amount of clothes. That isn't your cue to say "aaah" because in actual fact I quite like it that way. Having too many clothes can complicate a wardrobe and it's a fact that we only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time - which always sounds like a confusing stat to me too, so before you get your calculator out, it basically means that we're not wearing everything we own, often enough. This stat is often compounded by purchasing new clothes that steal the limelight leaving the clothes hanging nearest Narnia doomed never to see the light of day again (not in this world anyway!).
Having tried on the selection, I realised that not everything on the rail would work for my sans jeans week. One blue dress felt too short and as I've obviously not grown taller since last year, I can only blame it on my legs not being as toned as they could be. Note to self, must start running again. Also on the rail was a very nice pair of black trousers but they are better for cooler weather as they look great teamed with Converse and layered tops so, these were a no go too. Therefore, I HAD to buy at least two more items to see me through the week. You could argue that I should have worn existing items more than once, which is a really good idea of course and one that I usually advocate, but for the sake of creating an interesting blog for you, I decided against that and went shopping. It was a tough call but all part of the service ladies!
Now, I may have peaked too early here with these culottes because they are, without a doubt, my most favourite purchase but I wore them on Monday and so they have to be the first picture.
Monday Madness!
There's a back story to these. The other week I was in Jigsaw (St. Albans) and had the pleasure of meeting sales assistant, Diane. She was amazing. She knows the range, she knows her cuts and shapes (previously a seamstress) and she has flair for putting outfits together and getting you to try on different things - I was in there for over an hour and had a great time! Amongst other delicious offerings, she handed me a pair of culottes to try. I was dubious at first but then, oh boy, I fell in love with them. But long (back) story short, I had to be careful with the pennies and couldn't justify buying a dress for a special event and a pair of culottes so, the dress came home with me and the culottes stayed in the shop. Bitter sweet.
My Kill Bill pose...
Anyhoooooo, there I was having a mosey around River Island and I spotted these culottes. To say I was excited is an understatement. My tummy flipped, my heart skipped and my legs, cartoon stylee, couldn't get me to the changing room quick enough! Boom. Loved them. They don't have pockets and they don't hang as heavy as the Jigsaw counterparts, but they are pretty damn fine and easier on my 'must save for holiday' budget. Also, I think they are slightly shorter than the Jigsaw ones which is better for my 5'3" frame.
River Island culottes, wedges from Clarks.
Triffic Tuesday!
This jewel print skirt is my second purchase. I feel very feminine in it which is due to it's slim fit and that I literally can't make a full wide stride in it - which is no bad thing given that I usually charge around like a bull in a china shop! I've received lots of compliments wearing this and people are quite surprised when I tell them it's H&M!
White and Black Wednesday!
Some of you may have seen these trousers before as they appeared on the blog in May 2014. And my confession is that this is their first outing since then, tut tut! But, I've now fallen in love with them again and wore them twice last week! Once to work with flat sandals (above) and with a little heel to a Styled by Mel evening event (below). These are also from H&M.
Throwback Thursday!
This is my go-to dress! So much so, that I have another brand new one hanging in the wardrobe for when this one gives up the ghost! It's from H&M (oh blimey, I'm like a stuck record) but they don't do them anymore and I can't tell you how happy I am I got me a spare one just in time! I love the billowy top half with the slim fitting bottom half. You can also adjust how long or short you wear it by simply hoicking it up or down. Dress up with heels and accessories, dress down with flip-flops and denim jacket! Who said denim?! Oops. And when it gets cooler, a long sleeve top underneath. Bam!
Far from favourite Friday!
Friday, weather wise, was a perfect day for jeans - not too hot, bit overcast, nearly the weekend etc etc! But I wasn't allowed to wear jeans, was I....!?!?!! I nearly caved to be honest, but I dug deep and put on this ensemble, which was my least favourite outfit of the week. Though I was quite excited to wear my Topshop shoes again, but they rubbed like billy-o and made my heels red and when I saw this picture I didn't love them as much as I thought I did. Cue grumpy face. Luckily I had my reliable silver NEXT sandals with me and so snuck them on at lunch time.
So, there you have it! I did it. And I really enjoyed it. And, so far, this week, when I could have worn jeans every day if I wanted to, I haven't! I've already had two no jeans days.....think I'm slowly ch-ch-ch-ch-changing a habit of a lifetime!
Thanks again to my work buddies and my little man for taking the pictures and before I sign off, here are a couple more outtakes for you to giggle at!
So, there you have it! I did it. And I really enjoyed it. And, so far, this week, when I could have worn jeans every day if I wanted to, I haven't! I've already had two no jeans days.....think I'm slowly ch-ch-ch-ch-changing a habit of a lifetime!
Thanks again to my work buddies and my little man for taking the pictures and before I sign off, here are a couple more outtakes for you to giggle at!
Giggles!
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon!
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