FASHION MUM OF 40

Thursday, 21 March 2019

FM STYLE | MY SPRING/SUMMER 2019 WISH LIST

C L I C K T O S H O P

Well that came around quick ... it seams like yesterday I only just posted my autumn/winter wish list!

I did pretty well with that sticking to my list, purchasing my Bella Freud pink 1970 sweater, my Chanel ballet pumps and the Rixo skirt which I didn't go for the animal print, but the monochrome leopard print instead. I purchased pointy black ankle boots, in fact I purchased two pairs! The leather pair I put on my list from Dune and then I got a bargain pair of sock boots from Topshop which I preferred and wore a lot more than the Dune boots. The lesson I learnt there was ankle boots are far more flattering when then go a touch higher up the leg and don't cut off to short if that makes sense?

Unfortunately, my budget isn't unlimited and after a few big ticket buys a new coat will have to carry forward to next winter.

Which brings me on to what I would like this spring/summer season ......

M Y S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 W I S H L I S T

I struggled last summer in our heat wave. I had a few dresses I wore on repeat, but others were either too holiday-ish or too dressy. I was short of tees and especially skirts that I could replace my beloved denim with on hot days. I have tried to fill that hole in my wardrobe during the winter season with the purchase of my Rixo skirt and a pleated little number from M&S.

I had my eye on another for this season and actually purchased this one .... which was absolutely gorgeous, but I was in-between sizes and the fit just wasn't perfect on me (I have no waist, the small being far too tight in that area and the medium being a little too wide on my hips) and with regret I returned it. It looks fabulous with trainers and either a sweater, sweatshirt now or a t-shirt and sandals come summer. As you may be aware my leopard skirt itch was resolved with this skirt I was kindly gifted. This skirt is a wrap and far more forgiving to my square middle.

SHOP MY SKIRT WISH LIST

W H A T E L S E ?

Well there are a few holes to fill and mainly in the footwear department. My old Ancient Greek sandals made it through last summer ... JUST (it was their fourth) and were literally holding on my a thread so in September they hit the bin. So, I need to replace them like for like or with a good high street tan leather sandal option (these look promising).

I would also love a pair of Chanel sandals (I know) and was saddened that their prices have increased again on a recent trip to Manchester and now they maybe be out of reach for me this summer. Not to be beaten I am presently looking at a pre-loved pair as I don't think I will be visiting Heathrow terminal 5 anytime soon!

SHOP MY SANDAL WISH LIST

With footwear sorted .... let's look at another hole in my wardrobe - basic t-shirts. I recently purchased this one in black and I am delighted with it and plan to get the white and grey. Remember, good basics are the foundation of endless outfits. I was the queen of the breton two years ago and had quite a few, I haven't purchased one for ages and this one from Claudie Pierlotl has me .... I am a sucker for a big bow!

SHOP MY TOPS WISH LIST

I always like to buy a new dress each summer, I have my eye on this one and this. Both not too dressy or summery which will be therefore far more versatile. Plus, they both have two very important factors for me, an elastic waist and top arm coverage!

SHOP MY DRESS WISH LIST

I ~~need~~ would like new trainers and my dilemma is do I go for a pair of Veja (I really like these) or do I put that £100 towards a new pair of Golden Goose which would have to wait to be purchased possibly near the end of the summer (my birthday in September) ..... I am still debating that one and working out my facts and figures!

SHOP MY TRAINER WISH LIST

As you can see, I am continuing to practice what I preach and buying less but better.

Let's see what I get, oh and this dosen't include what I would like for my summer holiday in the swim and beachwear departments.

Best get to work! 💰

Annmarie

Monday, 18 March 2019

FM40 STYLE | THE ALLURE OF THE WHITE PRETTY BLOUSE

T H E A L L U R E O F T H E W H I T E P R E T T Y B L O U S E

I simply can't resist them and I know I am not alone.

There is a version out there for every budget; from H&M on the high street to the Queen of the white frilly romantic blouse, Isabel Marant.

My top tip is let your frill collars and cuffs peek out from a knit in this transitional period and that is also the perfect way to achieve that French girl vibe.

Shop my picks below…

SHOP MY WHITE PRETTY BLOUSE EDIT

As you can see, a few are from my French favourites, Sandro and Sezane .... but did you notice the few really affordable gems from La Redoute?

La Redoute are still running their spring fashion event so grab a bargain with 40% off with the code SAVE.

This one is nice.

Annmarie

Thursday, 14 March 2019

FM40 STYLE | NEW 'IT' BRAND OF THE SUMMER

N E W 'IT' B R A N D A T B E A C H C A F E

When I am looking for resort wear I always head to Beach Cafe as they stock many of my favourite brands and this Spring they are stocking one of the resort wear brands of the moment, Faithfull The Brand.

Faithfull The Brand is based in Bali Indonesia launch by a husband and wife team, each piece carefully designed, sourced and produced by local artisans. Using techniques such as hand-dying and hand printing, the prints and collections are inspired by findings from their travels and vintage markets all around the world.

Beach Cafe kindly recently offered me to pick something from their site and I headed straight for Faithfull The Brand and selected the Celeste wrap skirt in animal print. I knew this would be such a versatile piece, wear with either a simple black or white tee and trainers. Then when the weather improves sandals or espadrilles. It can also be worn over your swimsuit .... it would look amazing with a classic black one piece to wear to lunch at a nice beach club.

CELESTE WRAP SKIRT

GORGEOUS VINTAGE STYLE

Whether you are looking for fabulous swimwear, sundresses or wrap skirts you will be spoilt for choice and you can even wear many of the very pretty vintage inspired dresses in the city.

Here are a few of my favourites.

KAMARES MARGE PRINT SKIRT

RACQUEL SKIRT

Aren't they all so pretty .... I like that many of the dresses have little sleeves.

My skirt is rayon as are most of the dresses and it's material that feels like silk, flows beautifully and is very cool and comfortable to wear in the summer.

You can find Faithfull The Brand's full collection here on Beach Cafe.

Annmarie

P.S Oh I find Faithfull The Brand sizing to run true to size a M being a 12.

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Beach Cafe and the Celiste wrap skirt was kindly gifted.

Beach Cafe is a website I have purchased from before and recommended on FM40 previously, I only collaborate with companies and brands I absolutely trust and adore.