Jumpsuits

There’s new trousers in town

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Wardrobe staples

#ootw

culottes

Move over skinnies; there’s new trousers in town. You heard – my staple black skinny jeans have been replaced. I blame my beloved jumpsuit. The wide, cropped leg inspired me to invest in a pair of culottes for winter and they have been crowned this week’s outfit of the week.

Culottes can be tricky to wear. They need to sit on the waist at just the right spot and be just the right length and if not, things can go horribly wrong. If I’m honest, these Zara culottes on the hanger are everything I want. Elastic waist, pockets, tie at the front. All very positive features. However, it feels like someone got the measurements wrong, leaving the material about half a centimetre short in a rather uncomfortable spot. Get my drift?

culottes

I’m persisting though as the positives outweigh the negatives. Whether it’s boots, tights, socks, sneakers, heels, a cardigan or a shirt, these black culottes are the perfect staple for the winter months ahead. What’s even better is they have become a part of one of my favourite outfits. The culottes and my white ‘hug’ in a jumper are a match made in heaven.

Culottes

These trousers are here to stay!

xo

 

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Question of the day

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Question of the day

What did you find out?

In the spirit of lovetomtom same but different I’ve decided to try something different in the form of short, quick snippets of your question that I have unoriginally named Question of the Day. It’s pretty self-explanatory really, ask a question and I’ll answer it, well I’ll try.

I’ve had a lot of fun the past week with all of your questions. Keep your eye on Snapchat and Instagram and for those of you who aren’t on either (mum and dad) I will do a round-up here. So your questions, me, my phone and some answers. Simple.

There were a lot of great questions this week and maybe one that wasn’t so fun so here’s a taste.

Let’s get the not so fun one out of the way first. I can’t tell you how many times I get asked ‘How do you spell Jo?’ I know some may assume I’m male (in emails) but when the person is standing in front of me and asks how do you spell that I often have to reply ‘J…..O, that’s it!’

You also asked about my fabulous jumpsuit and I’m so in love with this outfit and the fact it was warm enough to wear it that I might wear it everyday from here on in!

Jumping jumpsuit!

Another question was how many hours I spent in my annual visit to the Garda National Immigration Bureau and my awful answer was seven hours! Did I mention it was a 5am start?! If you have ever had to encounter this system you will feel my pain. However, as painful and unnecessary as this system is, I know I am very fortunate to be able to live in Ireland so I won’t complain too much.

Yesterday’s question was about what products I use in my eyebrows and this is one that I get asked often so there will be an entire blog post dedicated to the subject.

 

Thanks to everyone who got involved this week. Keep your questions coming!

xo

 

Summer wardrobe

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Summer wardrobe update.

Still not a bikini in sight!

Are you sick of hearing me talk about summer? I guess it depends where you live in the world but I’m sick of even the word summer. Mostly because I feel like I’m waiting for something that is never going to happen! I did a bit of a shopping spree with my sis on her recent visit to Dublin and got some great summer pieces and I haven’t really been able to wear them.

 To be honest, as much as I love summer, I can find dressing in the warmer weather a bit stressful but I decided to take a different approach this year. My aim this summer was to feel as comfortable as possible with pieces I could rely on, no fussing with underwear or anything like that and I wanted pieces that would be a great addition for more than just one season! Basically, I wanted to invest in pieces, not trends!

You already saw one of my purchases, my beautiful Zara jumpsuit. I have only worn it a few times since I bought it, mostly because I haven’t had the occasion to wear it but I know this is a piece I can take through summer to winter. It is currently hanging up on my bedroom ladder and I love looking at it.

Jumpsuit

With the jumpsuit added to my wardrobe, I was on the look out for another midi skirt or even a three-quarter length dress. Thankfully I found this fabulous linen dress from GAP. There is nothing to the dress really, drawstrings on the waist, high round neck, tank sleeves and it is slightly longer at the back with a slit on either side of the skirt. I don’t even know what made me try it on as it wasn’t jumping out at me but I did and I’m glad I did! The draw strings allow you to tie it where you like, the length of the skirt falls at my mid calf at the front and it’s a touch longer at the back, so it feels summery yet covered up at the same time. The fabric is soft and I wanted to walk out of the store wearing it! Although the fabric has a more casual feel, it can easily be dressed up with a chunky necklace and the grey is a good base for all sorts of colour combinations. Red shoes come to mind.

GAP linen dress

Next I found this beautiful dress that was a bit of a surprise to me. The geometric print caught my eye and although I wouldn’t normally go for pink, I just had to try it on. The print and colours are not too in your face and the fit is just lovely. Like the GAP dress, it has a round neck and tank sleeves. It falls just under the knee and there are pockets on the front which I love. I thought this would be a good dress to travel with when I’m next able to pack my bag for a sunnier climate. It’s a winner all round!

 

Geometric dress

Two other things you may have seen me wear over the past few weeks are a coral frill tank top from TopShop and a polka dot, jewelled t-shirt from ZARA (sorry I can’t find a link to the t-shirt). I really like the coral colour of the tank and the frill makes it a bit more interesting than a plain tank top.  I was actually thinking it would look great over my jumpsuit if I didn’t feel like having too much skin on display and also a great match on my black and white polka dot midi skirt. The t-shirt, well I bought it just for fun! The polka dots, the jewels; how could I not?! A perfect combination over black jeans for more casual days.

Coral frill top

Zara polka dot tshirt

It definitely was worth saving my pennies and investing in pieces that suit my body shape and style. Better still, everything besides my jumpsuit, I bought on sale! Now I just need the weather to wear them!

What are you wearing this summer?

xo

Summer Trends Part II

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Summer Trends

Part II

Jumpsuit

You may remember a while back I wrote about potential Summer trends;  jumpsuits, culottes and skirts. Well, after some research and a brief shopping spree with my partner in crime,  I took the plunge and made a purchase (click here and here to see why I love shopping with my sis).

Jumpsuit

I found not only the perfect pair of culottes but the perfect jumpsuit. Best part is, it’s one piece! How delighted was I to find a culotte/jumpsuit combo that ticked all the boxes?!

Jumpsuit styling
Jumpsuit styling
Jumpsuit styling

After trying a few on, something I would highly recommend, it was very clear what worked for me and I’m glad I persisted. In the end I found a lovely navy blue jumpsuit. Both the waistline and leg length are just right for me and it has a nice texture throughout the fabric which gives it a little something without being a print. It really does tick all the boxes and it was hard not to walk out of the store wearing it!

Jumpsuit styling

Although thin straps are not something I would normally reach for, the culottes balance out the amount of skin on display, making it perfect for a night out. I can easily imagine myself in let’s say Capri wearing this on a night out, soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand, but I digress. For a daytime look the options are endless. You know you are onto a winner when you can image yourself wearing it to all sorts of occasions and styling it in all sorts of ways.  A vest underneath or a bomber jacket for cooler weather, heels or flats, this really is multiple outfits in one!

Jumpsuit

 A great piece that is going to take centre stage in my wardrobe.

xo

Summer trends

lovetomtom 4 Comments

Summer trends

and not a bikini in sight! 

You’ve probably guessed the season is changing here in Dublin and there have been glimpses of the sun and even warmish weather. I’m delighted about this of course but (yes there’s a but), I’m already getting a bit tired of all the silliness that comes with ‘getting ready for summer’.

Summer doesn’t have to be all bikinis and shorty shorts. There are other ways to feel good in the heat and although it has yet to officially arrive, it’s nice to explore what’s on offer.

I’m still in ‘research’ mode and my research involves trying a lot of things on even when I think, ‘do I look ridiculous?’ and of course checking out Pinterest. I’m not one for change room photographs so photos will come once I have made some purchases. As for Pinterest, I have devoted a whole board to these summer trends. I really don’t pin enough but once I get going it’s hard to stop! I will try to add a description to each outfit but it won’t be a surprise why some have made it to the board. Something else to remember, although I’m talking summer trends, some outfits I’ve pinned may be worn in cooler months. Remove a jacket, add sandals and there you have it, a summer outfit. Have a read here first then jump on over to Pinterest to see what’s catching my eye.

Ok, so first up is one thing I have long admired but never dared to wear; a jumpsuit. Not always, but sometimes I see someone in a jumpsuit and think, ‘they look great’ but most times I’m thinking, ‘you look like you’re in pjs’. I have only started to look at them in more detail and there are a few things to be mindful of. Proportion is the first thing. Legs, waist, torso, there is a lot to think about and so important to get right. The other thing to keep in mind – and this is not necessarily just for jumpsuits – is skin! Yes I said skin. If I was going to wear one, I would prefer to have legs covered and thinner straps on top. If you were going for a shorter jumpsuit, wider straps or even sleeves would be a good way to keep everything balanced. At this stage and having only tried on one jumpsuit, this may have to be left in the ‘not for me’ category, but I will continue in my search. Click here to see a jumpsuit that I tried on. Unfortunately it had to go straight back on the shelf.

Another trend that seems to be on every shelf this season are culottes. I can’t even believe I am writing about culottes! Culottes to me are something I wore during my daggy stage (the Australian is coming out in me) so I am really undecided about these. It is important to remember that just because something is a trend, seen on the runways or in every shop on the high street, it does not automatically means it looks good! I like the idea of culottes and mixing and matching with different accessories and styles, but I have the same issue with them as I do with the jumpsuit. It’s important to get the proportions right. There is so much material going on so I would be inclined to pair it with a shorter singlet/vest, but then shorter tops open a whole other can of worms. I’m heading more towards thinking this look could work and I like that it could be taken to other seasons. Click here to see a pair that may be getting added to my wardrobe.

Skirts are next on the list, specifically one I haven’t worn in years; the pencil skirt. I tried one on recently and wondered why I don’t wear them more often. For me, the pencil skirt creates  a silhouette that I like (similar to skinny jeans and a loose-fitting top),  and it is going to be a great addition to my wardrobe. I have a vague memory of making pencil skirts back in the day and think I will give it another go. I would be extra picky with the choice of fabric as some can be rather tight which, for me, is not the point. I want it to create a nice shape while still allowing me to feel comfortable in the warmer months.

Another skirt I am one hundred percent sold on is the midi skirt. Let’s be clear; I said midi, not mini! The midi skirt is so versatile and can be styled in so many ways. This skirt is possibly the reason I may have turned to culottes as they are so similar but I wonder with the culottes, why I wouldn’t just wear a skirt? Anyway, food for thought. I don’t care whether midi skirts are ‘on trend’ or not. I already have a few in my wardrobe which you have probably seen before and from what has taken my fancy so far, there are endless options; polka dots, stripes, patterns, heels, sandals or sneakers, take your pick! I have a feeling this may become a staple for the summer.

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An oldie but a goodie. I love this black & white polka dot skirt not only because of where I bought it but also because it works with so many things.

I will keep you posted as I continue my research and if I actually decide to take the plunge. Until then don’t forget to follow lovetomtom on Pinterest and let’s hope summer is on the way so I can wear some of these outfits!

xo