for those rare occasions!

It doesn't happen very often but I do love the opportunity to get my gladrags on! Most places have a fairly relaxed dress code these days so wearing a dress can leave you feeling like you've overdone it. As I like to get the most out of my clothes, separates are usually the way to go for me.....dual purpose pieces are always wardrobe winners! Last week we popped down to Devon for a couple of days and as I was whisked away straight from work, trying to keep the packing light I based my first evening outfit around the foundations of what I wore to work that day....a Merino crew neck sweater. By day I styled it with some wide M&S trousers and tan Brogues. When we arrived at our hotel there was only time for a quick change to head down to dinner.....and so I pulled on a pleated metallic skirt and a pair of heels and voila........

Uniqlo sweater, past season alternative here (15% off with SAVE15)

H&M skirt, past season alternative here (15% off with SAVE15)

M&S shoes, past season similar here (20% off with code FB6F34 until 20/2/17)

Chambers & Beau necklace, here

Bella Jane bracelets here

Mango bag, past season similar here

Another wardrobe winner, great for dressing up or down is a jumpsuit. In recent weeks I've been stalking this Mango one on their website. I umm-ed and ahh-ed over it for a couple of months, so when I noticed it had gone down to £19.99 I finally decided to take the plunge only to find it was sold out in my size. Anyway, luckily I signed up to be notified if it came back into stock and thankfully it did! I went with flat leopard print flats for evening but it will be coming out to play with paired with Converse in the coming weeks!

Mango jumpsuit, here in the sale!

New Look shoes, sold out similar here in the sale!

Chambers & Beau necklace, here

Bella Jane bracelets here

Thinking we were staying a bit longer than usual I took four evening outfits. As it turned out we had to cut the trip short so only three were needed. It was up to the Hubs and DD to decide between the two! The black skinnies won hands down for the DH so I went with this look.

Zara top, past season alternative here (20% off with code FB6F34 until 20/2/17)

Topshop Jamie jeans, here

M&S shoes, past season similar here (20% off with code FB6F34 until 20/2/17)

Bella Jane bracelets here

I did manage to get a snap of the other outfit choice so there is one last show and tell. I packed a LBD......'cos you never know! This H&M dress has been a  fab dual-purpose number as I have worn out with ankle boots and a boyfriend cardy for a low-key family meal at Carluccio's. I honestly felt a little overdressed in this with the heels for where we were.

H&M dress, past season alternative here with a further 10% off sale code FCSALE10

M&S shoes, past season similar here (20% off with code FB6F34 until 20/2/17)

Bella Jane bracelets here

Now, I appreciate these outfits aren't terribly exciting but they are all classics that will come out again and again. I don't want to throw a lot of money on items that are going to sit in my wardrobe unworn and unloved, instead I prefer to make more sensible purchases that suit all areas of my lifestyle. I hope they give you a few ideas of how to mix'n'match items you may already have......we all have those moments when we peer in our wardrobes and our hearts plummet as we think we have nothing to wear!

I'll be back soon.....back in my comfort zone of more casual gear!