what i've been wearing and trying of late

I've been a bad blogger of late......apologies! I've been really lacking motivation and often have days when I find it hard to cobble an outfit together. However, last weekend I had a huge trying on session at hi*hi store in Oxted (they are currently celebrating being open for 10 years!). I think has single-handedly rejuvenated my passion for actual shopping......as opposed to purchasing online.  It also inspired me to go back to my pin boards when I 'm having those *I don't know what to wear conundrums*. So today's post is a kinda of two pronged attack. First I'll show you my shop my wardrobe inspiration, then I'll shall my trying on session at hi*hi. It gave me a lot of food for thought about how I wear some of my pieces. First up though, this pic sorted out my Monday morning wobbly. You can find my *Shop my wardrobe* Pinterest board here.

Image via Pinterest My version. The coat was from M&S last year. I've linked a similar one they are doing this year. I'm wearing a sweater as opposed to a sweatshirt that I bought in H&M earlier this year. It's now sold out online but it was from the L.O.G.G section and was £29.99. The product code is 0476961002. I've seen plenty in stock instore so it may be worth investigating. The suedette Saint Tropez leggings are one of my purchases from hi*hi, as are the Pavement trainers. You can call the store and they will post to you, tel no. 01883 722505.

Marks and Spencer coat, past season similar here

H&M sweater, alternative here

Saint Tropez leggings via hi*hi*

Pavement trainers via hi*hi

Sienna Jones bag (gifted) 15% off with code MFF15

Black.co.uk beanie (gifted)

And then there was this. One of my favourite sources of inspiration is the gorgeous designer Anine Bing. I love her simple style, very easy to replicate. As I was off to Cardiff on a little Insta meet on Wednesday I felt I needed to make a bit of an effort but I also be comfortable and so I *borrowed* this outfit idea from Anine. Can you tell which one is me! ;0)

H&M shirt, past season similar here Gap jeans, similar here (I'm thinking of getting these!) Mango boots I've spent a lot of time this week scouring my sources for inspiration so that I can shop my wardrobe more. As I've mentioned before I'm a bit of a repeat offender when it comes to shopping.......always gravitating towards something that I already have a version of whilst I'm perusing the High Street. Which brings me on nicely to the second half of my post. Last weekend I had the luxury of heading to one independent boutique to the most humungous trying on session. This was brilliant for pushing me out of my comfort zone and into pieces that I would generally shy away from if I'm out browsing alone. I came away with four pieces (it's be interesting to see whether this will make me want to revisit any gems I left behind - seeing these pictures again!) A couple of classic wardrobe staples, suedette leggings and white trainers but I did also end up with a red dress (already worn over jeans with trainers and some gold leggings...yes you read that right.....gold leggings which are due their first airing later this week! Now, hi*hi don't sell online as I mentioned above but they are more than happy to take your order over the phone on 01883 722505. So let's begin! Kicking off with knits, last year I bought knitwear from brands Culture and Twist & Tango from hi*hi and the selection this year was just as fabulous!

I think this is the one that got away.....should have bought this tunic.....so different to anything else in my wardrobe. Great neutral colour too!

Cosy, cosy snuggles in this cardy! These autumnal shades are just dreamy.

This sweater.......just heavenly! My kinda Christmas day outfit.

Blouse of dreams! See how many things the gold leggings go with! I had to have them!

Shimmy shimmy!

I had to have this....loved it just like this but will also be wearing with black opaques and boots for evening!

How gorgeous is this faux fur?? 

As you can see I now have a bit of a thing for wearing dresses over trews!

Going very evening-y! Saint Tropez velvet jacket and Twist & Tango strappy dress. The necklace is from hi*hi too!

A little more elegant....a fab little jacket to take this outfit from day to evening, the strappy Twist & Tango jacket is underneath.

My idea of the perfect going out out outfit!

Ending with something very sophisticated. A whiff Parisien chic about it!

So there we go! Which are your favourite pieces. I'd love to hear! I still love the tan tunic and the navy blouse with feathers is calling me. Decisions! Decisions!

A few outfits to share from the remainder of the week.

Warehouse coat, sold out alternative here

Petit Bateau jumper

M.i.h jeans via Kilver Court

Duo boots (gifted)

Bison bag

Zara coat, ancient alternative here

Uniqlo cashmere sweater

Topshop jeans, past season similar here

Pavement trainers via hi*hi

Sienna Jones bag (gifted) 15% off with code MFF15

Black.co.uk beanie and gloves (gifted)

Kettlewell jacket (gifted)

H&M t shirt, past season alternative here

Gap Original jeans, ancient similar here

H&M shoes

Chambers & Beau necklace (gifted)

Bella Jane bracelets (gifted)

Mango jacket via Cancer Research alternative here

H&M shirt, past season similar here Gap jeans, similar here (I'm thinking of getting these!) Mango boots Cleverly Wrapped snood (gifted) 10% off with MYFASHIONABLE40S10% Balenciaga bag, ancient similar here

American Vintage cardigan via Feather & Stitch (gifted)

Jack Wills Breton via Kilver Court alternative here

Zara jeans, ancient similar here

Michael Kors Trainers via Shoeaholics (gifted)

Poppy Thorn bag (gifted)

Cleverly Wrapped snood (gifted) 10% off with MYFASHIONABLE40S10%

Sand & Salt wrist warmers (gifted)

Warehouse coat, sold out alternative here

Orwell + Austen sweater (gifted)

Topshop Jamie jeans

Pavement trainers via hi*hi

Sienna Jones bag (gifted) 15% off with code MFF15

Tiffany & Co sunglasses via Pretavoir (gifted)

Do you have a favourite local boutique? I think I could be tempted away from the High Street. Lately rediscovering Kilver Court designer outlet and falling back in love with T K Maxx again (confessions for another day unless you follow me on Instagram!) I love finding things that are a little different to those Insta famous pieces. I also really enjoy collaborating with smaller online boutiques that Instagram has brought my attention to.....it's lovely to be exposed to new up and coming brands. I've been shopping at hi*hi for a few years now after being introduced to it by one of my closest friends, whose sister Lisa owns the shop. You may remember me sharing my haul this time last year.....I'm still wearing all those purchases. I was gifted the Twist & Tango red dress, the gold trews were discounted but I bought the trainers and leggings myself. I know you will see me wear and wear the pieces I am gifted as I only accept things I'd be happy to spend my own money on. Thought I'd make it clear as I know there have been a few rumblings on Instagram about this subject recently. Thank you for reading and helping me to support smaller businesses.

With Black Friday on the horizon, I'll be back shortly sharing some more lovely discount codes. Perfect timing for Christmas shopping........I haven't even started mine yet! Yikes!