Summer Capsule Wardrobe {Charlotte}

As I mentioned in my Spring purchases feature I kind of always do a capsule wardrobe of sorts. A couple of classic “investment” pieces every season mixed in with various current high street favourites.

I am slowly regaining my fashion mojo after over 18 months of wardrobe boredom, lack of confidence and requiring more “practical” items after the birth of my daughter. The first thing I did when I had that initial light bulb moment of “Seriously, stop over thinking everything and just buy yourself something you really really want” was a ridiculously expensive pair of over-the-knee boots…

I need clothes that will work hard – literally, mix and match easy-throw-on garments that are suitable for client meetings, jumping on and off tubes and more often than not, take you from work day straight to bar/and or restaurant. Adam and I are in London increasingly frequently these days and in industries where there is a hell of a lot of chic, I don’t want to be worrying about what I’m going to wear – a few outfits in a carry on hold all and zero time to think about it once I reach my destination is just how it is. Much goes for at home too, I would rather spend any spare time I have with Mabel rather than throwing a full on “I have NOTHING TO WEAR!” wobbler in front of my closet (happens.)

The items I’m wearing in the slider above and listed below are easily mixed/worn with all of my Spring purchases in one way or another. I finally feel as though I’m making progress with figuring out my personal style….although there’s no denying I can’t resist having a peek at what’s “new” every few days or so online.

The Over-The-Knee Boots: Stuart Weitzman Highland £595

Thought I’d throw it in at the beginning that yes, I spent nearly six hundred quid on a pair of suede boots. This is the most I have ever spent on any single clothing item ever. And after not being able to part with as much cash even for a designer bag, came as a surprise to me too.

They are super SUPER comfy. I wear them a LOT. Over skinny jeans, over tights with shorts, to dress up a swishy summer dress instead of throwing on some flip-flops…..and I look after them well. Price per wear these are already less than some of my £80 ish high heel mistakes I used to make fairly often.

I actually bought these boots last Autumn but have added them in to the list as I didn’t for one minute consider I might wear them in the warmer months. But I do, and they are very much still available, they even now do them in a rather lovely charcoal grey…..*sigh*

If you are looking for a HUGE treat to yourself then head on over to Russell & Bromley to purchase yourself a pair.

The Flared Jeans: Zara £39.99

I wear a flared jean whether they happen to be in vogue or not – they are the most flattering shape (particularly when paired with a half decent heel) for my short legs. At the moment flares are very much on trend (anyone else cannot help saying this in the voice of Gok Wan?) which means they are readily available. Winner.

Not all flares as it turns out are created equal, however, after trying all sorts of brands my favourites are from Zara. Which is a good thing as they are reasonably priced, and I need to make some savings somewhere after spending so much on the ruddy boots.

Zara calls them a “low-rise skinny bootcut” I haven’t a clue why, they are as flared as any others I’ve tried. The denim is soft and stretchy and they keep their shape – I have this design in the blue wash too.

The Swishy Dress: Reformation $78 – $218 approx

I wear floral frocks in winter as well as summer, they are my snippet of feminine in an otherwise fairly masculine wardrobe. My favourite brand right now is Reformation, based in L.A and discovered by me on instagram. I fell head over heels for their “Damsel” dress and have bought several designs since. In the photographs I’m wearing a bluebell print which is very pretty and was a bargainous $60 in the sale a few months ago.

I sign up for their newsletter which is witty and notifies you of discounts and price reductions. The Mckendrie is currently on my wishlist.

The Casual Trouser: J Brand Tavi £250.00

About 4 years ago I invested in the J Brand “Flight Pant” in grey, not a million miles away from this “Tavi” design and a similar price point. They were worth every penny – I wear them weekly (if not more often) all summer and they work with trainers, flat sandals and a killer heel depending on the look you favour. I had always wanted a black pair and these are available in both black and a khaki green at Selfridges.

For casual I wear them with a loose vest and slouchy cardi with my much recommended trainers and to dress them up I whip on the strappy platforms (the coral pair I’m wearing with the flared jeans are a very recent purchase from H&M and only £24.99) and a camisole tucked in at the waist.

The Satchel: Topshop £30 approx

Sorry sorry….another item no longer available. I am a new found fan of the satchel (yes I know, possibly about 2 years behind everyone else) but I think they look smart and are surprisingly roomy. Perfect for an iPad, iPhone, make-up, small purse, notebook and pen.

This 70’s leather version is lush though.

I haven’t listed every item I’m wearing as this feature would be way too long but please do feel free to ask about anything in the comments box below and I’ll do my very best to advise (any excuse to talk about clothes ha!)

Please do let me know about any working Mum clothing recommendations you have up your stylish sleeves, I’m actually on the hunt for a couple of cute maxi dresses as I seem to be struggling this year (or maybe just looking in the wrong places?)

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