Keep dry, but stay fly.

Apologies for my couple of weeks absence on the blog. Getting my son (and myself) settled back in after being away for so long over the holidays took some time. Then we got a bunny (more on him in a future post) and I wanted to get him all settled in and happy too. On the only day I had free to take photos there were 20 mile an hour winds, so I shall just apologise in advance for my windblown hair, and leave it at that.  What else can you do!?

Almost a facepalm emoji

As the days start to get longer and we begin to see spring on the horizon, I want to address the seasonal topic of rain coats.  The humble rain coat may be one of fashion’s most utilitarian items, but it needn’t be boring. Now, I have the traditional khaki trench coat, and I hardly ever wear it.  The paper bag colour is terribly draining on my pale skin… especially at this time of year.  I feel like it ages me from the second I put it on. French women are good at classic trench chic, but I don’t have French colouring so I can’t quite pull it off.  I sure don’t feel very glamorous in it, so the dreary-coloured trench mostly hangs in my closet.  On a rainy day, I like to feel more rainbow, less cloud. Cue the statement rain coat. This little red vinyl beauty is from ASOS.  It has been sold out three times already, but it is currently back in stock (edit: as I wrote this post, it sold out again, sorry!).  If you like it as much as I do, check back frequently and act quickly.  I’ll Tweet and post on my Facebook page when it comes back in.  The black version is Emma-Peel-fabulous too, but I can’t justify it when I already have this one.  This trench has all the traditional details (double-breasted, shoulder storm-flap, belt, pockets, buckled wrist straps) but in a decidedly non-traditional colour and material.   It gets extra style points from me for being such a glorious, rich, pillar box red.

Shiny vinyl clothing is everywhere at the moment (thanks to last season Saint Laurent).  It won’t surprise you to know I’m a huge fan. Shiny = fabulous in my book.  It is much easier to wear vinyl in a coat than say, jeans, or a dress.  I’ve tried vinyl jeans and trousers and have found some pretty good, but not great ones.  The fit has to be absolutely perfect for vinyl.  And I have to get over the squeaking sound when I walk, which so far has proven insurmountable.

Today I’m wearing the same sequin shoes and wool sweater that I wore in my last post.  My friend Michelle has started including an “Other Ways I’ve Worn It” section on her blog posts where she shows how she’s styled the same items repeatedly in previous outfits.  I think it is such a useful idea, so I will copy that going forward, with her permission.  Like me, she is a lady who thinks carefully about her purchases and she styles the same items many different ways, proving that you don’t need a vast wardrobe, just a well-chosen one.  A few updates are really all you need each season, avoiding the fast-fashion trap of having a wardrobe chock-full of flammable, poorly-made, disposable clothes.

I’ve found a few other shiny trenches at several price points for you to see; I think for the money, the ASOS one is the best option.  I’m just going to stare at that expensive tobacco-coloured vintage-looking Ellery one until it magically materialises in my closet.

Details
Coat: ASOS
Sunglasses: ASOS
Side-stripe Trousers: Zara
Sweater: Winser London
Sequin shoes: Aldo
Clutch: Hermes

I have all kinds of exciting things to report back on in the next few weeks.  I have a brand new makeup line to tell you about, I’m test-driving an at home IPL device (goodbye razor?), and I’m hoping to get my five favourite things video up for you this month before January completely runs away.   Oh, and I’ll have to introduce you to my new bunny, Balthazar.  I’m absolutely besotted with him.  Have a lovely week, and think about adding a bright shiny raincoat to your wardrobe!

linking to: fashionshouldbefun, stylesplash, notdressedaslamb, notdeadyetstyle