The best things ever....

You can tell I'm a (sort of) fashion blogger because the best things ever are always clothing or footwear related.  I can't help it.

In 1988 my then boyfriend, and his band, had a gig somewhere on the North side of London. It's a long time ago and I can't remember the details of this event.  Blurred into the mists of time.   What I can remember, clearly, was the journey that I forced him to take, to get to The Kings Road before the shops shut. I, literally, dragged him all the way down to 109A, the home of R.Soles.  Not only THE best ever name,  for a shoe emporium in the history of names,  but the Mecca for any type of 'Western Boot' you could possibly imagine.   I had religiously saved my pennies,  for what seemed like an age,  in order to make this odyssey to buy my most coveted pair of boots.

A pair of boots I still have to this day. Re soled, and a bit battered but still very much going strong!

Western boots never ever go out of style.  They are perennially cool and seem to be making a bit of a comeback, again, this autumn. Get ready for the only website you need to peruse.

You are most welcome.

R.Soles. The best western boots to buy

Charlotte thinks so.

And so does Erin!

R.Soles on Instagram. 

I happened to get in touch with the very lovely Judy Rothchild. We cooked up a bit of a collaboration. I squeaked with delight. I could not be happier to be promoting the wonderful creations that the lady herself designs.  She is an absolute sweetheart too, which is always a complete bonus and makes working with someone such a delight.  R.Soles opened it's doors in 1973 but, alas, the shop closed down a few years ago so now Judy simply has a warehouse (read Aladdins Cave) and her website.

 It is there, ready and waiting for your orders.

She has sent me a pair of ankle boots that I have been hanging my nose over for the past 6 months.  It felt like Christmas when they arrived.   Beautifully made, as expected,  they did not disappoint.   Leather soles, perfect suede built in a sturdy, dependable way.  A perfect clean shape with just the right hint of edginess that you can never, ever gain from a high street purchase.  All the boots are handcrafted in Mexico and Spain and she produces ranges for both Men and Women covering Ankle, Cowgirl/boy, Short Boots and Biker Boots.  Boots that have been worn by super models, celebrities, famous designers, musicians and royalty.  They are now, very happily,  being worn by me. Ta Dah. 

My original boots circa 1988 and still going strong.

The boots still being worn by me in July of this year.

It was quite an emotional thing being able to talk to Judy and reminisce about the shop and my original purchase. 

I am over the moon to be telling you all about this marvellous 'online' shop. 

My new boots arrived on Monday,  so super quick delivery.   My feet have grown to the point where my old boots only just about fit.  They were a size 5 and I am now a 5.5 but always prefer to size up, which is what I have done with the new ankle boot.  They have come in a size 39 (6) I do not like footwear that make my feet appear smaller, at all.  These boots are just perfect and I got on with styling them up today. 

They can be easily worn with jeans, shorts, trousers and dresses of any length.  They just give your finished look an extra bit of oomph.  That is a technical term for 'Rock n Roll'

Alas I have very few photos dating back to 1988.  Remember the days before iPhones and digital cameras?  It is hard to believe now,  I know. 

A bad angle, but there are the boots. This was around 1993

Let's just skim over the green jeans. Around 1997

That is quite enough of that.  I did have some great pictures but they featured my ex boyfriend and I really don't know what happened to them. 

Let's get on with the current stars of the show.  My brand new lovelies.

I give you the Tobacco Suede Ankle Boot. (Kindly gifted to me by Judy Rothchild. R.Soles.)

An excessively happy Helen.

I will be putting my other outfits up on Instagram, over the next couple of days. They really are a game changer.  I have other high street versions,  of this style of classic boot,  but not one of them comes even close to how these make you feel when you put them on your feet.  Heavenly. 

Rock it Daily everyone, rock it daily.  These boots make it easy. 

I hope you do manage to take a look at the website and I will keep you up to date with any news from Judy. 

I hope everybody is having a lovely time during the holidays.

Love Helen.  xxx

Follow R.Soles on Instagram here. 

Nordgreen Copenhagen

I like minimalism.  I am not completely minimalist, in my daily looks, as you will see from my Instagram feed but some days it is thoroughly appropriate.  It suits my mood more often than not.  I was intrigued when Nordgreen got in touch with me.

The company ticks many boxes.

40mm Philosopher in Gold with a Gold Mesh Strap

I was asked to take my pick from their extensive range.  There are about 100 different combinations to choose from when you look at strap options as well as the watch models themselves.  I like a large watch and I like a date option so The Philosopher, in gold, was my preference.  They have Kindly sent me a brown Italian leather strap too.  The watches are from the world famous designer of Bang & Olufsen Jakob Wagner.   'Say no more' and there we go with the first big TICK!

The Nordgreen range is therefore true Scandinavian design at extremely affordable prices. Hygge anyone?  I love a bit of Hygge.  So there we have the second delightful TICK.  Another little tick, that I noticed, is the Water resistant feature.  Useful when you are as clumsy as me!

Each watch purchased supports a social cause in the fields of Health, environment and education. You, as the customer, decide which of the following organisations you would like to support.  All you have to do is check your watches unique serial number and identification code then chose where to donate on their website.  This costs you, as the customer, absolutely nothing extra.  Huge TICK.

Health:- 2 months of clean water for a person in the Central African Republic with Water for Good
Education:- 2 months of education for a child in India with Pratham UK
Environment:- Preserve 200 SQFT of rain forest in Latin America with Cool Earth

Tick Tick Tick. 

I feel lucky to have been gifted a watch  by such a cool company.  Thank you.  I have recently been wearing more gold jewellery so the Philosopher will compliment it beautifully.

Have a little peek at their website,  they really do have a superb selection and just think of all those 'TICKS.'

I am now off to start organising the summer holiday time for my family.  Many weeks ahead that, I am sure, will fly by.

Love

H xxx

Nordgreen Watches  Click here to view the Nordgreen Website. Happy Shopping.

A boutique visit

When I found out how close by Primrose Hill Boutique was,  I decided to drop in.

Primrose Hill Boutique. Shifnal. 

Now this is not a sponsored post.  I knew about the boutique, and followed on Instagram, after winning a blouse in a competition.  A couple of weeks ago, Jenny, sent me a jacket and top.  This came out of the blue and they were gratefully received.  I decided it was finally time to pay a visit to say thank you in person.

The shop itself has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and the welcome that you receive is so friendly.  This is always a huge plus, don't you think?  Another plus was that all the clothing is displayed using wooden hangers.  This, in my humble opinion, is an absolute must.  A walk around the shop offers up footwear, accessories, homeware and a wide variety of clothing at an extremely reasonable price point.

After a good natter,  and a mooch around,  I asked Jenny if I should do a bit of a try on.  Total fun.

Esme wrap dress by Liquorish

I even tackled dresses and skirts.  I am on such a roll with them I thought that I needed be brave and continue.

I absolutely loved this dress by Sugarhill

Denim Jacket by Ichi and Skirt from Saint Tropez

At this point I must say that the lighting, in the changing rooms at Primrose Hill, is superb.  Brilliant photographer's lamp pods that I now have the details for.  No flies on me.  I just have to get them passed the hubby,  who may just notice if they appeared at the farm.

Lilac jacket from Ichi

Traffic people Jumpsuit

Traffic People Jumpsuit £85.00

I am no expert, when it comes to the 'try on' thing, but I have to say that I found it particularly easy.  Maybe it was the good lighting.  It was definitely the great selection of clothing and all accompanied by my faithful Stan Smiths!

I am thrilled that this, in part, has increased my confidence to venture away from my usual comfort zone.  I love my jackets, t-shirts and jeans but felt really wonderful in the jumpsuits, skirts and dresses.  I didn't have much time for jumpsuits before but, dare I say,  I may have been converted.

It was wonderful to be able to actually meet  Jenny.  She is knowledgeable and warm and I would thoroughly recommend a visit if you are in the area.

Primrose Hill Boutique can be found at Number 2, Market Place. Shifnal. Shropshire.

All smiles.

It is a joy to find local boutiques with dynamism and enthusiasm.  It is so important to gain true, personal service rather than just being one of the crowd in the major fashion chains.  I also checked and Jenny confirmed that the revised website is now fully up and running.

Happy shopping

Helen x

P.S  I should've bought the green dress.

Primrose Hill Boutique Website

Primrose Hill Boutique Instagram

Let's Get Dressy

This post is in collaboration with Coliseum Shopping Park. Ellesmere Port

A day out shopping always starts with coffee.  Always.  It is a bit of an unwritten rule, it is a way of girding your loins before you commence with your itinerary.

I had company in the form of my delightful Step Daughter, Lucy.  Lucy loves a little shop too.  It runs in the family because, even though he would never admit to it, her Father is the same as the rest of us, deep down.  Fuelled with a very reasonably sized 'small' cappuccino, courtesy of Starbucks, we were under starters orders and OFF!

My quest of the day, after being contacted by the Coliseum Shopping Park, was to hunt down something I would wear to a wedding or maybe a race day.  We are very close to Chester Race Course and some of their key meetings are on the horizon.  It seemed like a reasonable request and one that took me straight out of my comfort zone.  Over recent weeks I have been making a determined effort to step away from wearing jeans everyday.  I was, dare I say it, beginning to fall into a bit of a rut.  A lovely, fluffy, comfortable rut but a rut all the same.  I am beginning to enjoy all things related to freeing up my legs a bit more.

We had arrived just before 10 o clock and parked with ease.  By the time we left, at 1.30, the car park had filled up considerably but there were still available spaces.  The shopping area has many shops including H&M, Debenhams, New Look, Next and River Island.  All like individual places of worship for fashion junkies.  Outfit is a store that incorporates the likes of Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Wallis and Topshop.  All in one place. Winner, winner chicken dinner, as all the tweens in my life now say.  Luckily there was also a mammoth sized  'Boots Store.'  (I needed further fake tan supplies!).  We noticed a Costa coffee,  as well as Starbucks.  Not far away we spied a Pizza Hut together with a Burger King.

'Monumental like'  stores reaching for the skies.

They don't believe in 'small' at the Coliseum. 

Whenever I have visited before my first stop has always been H&M.  Why break a habit?  I already knew that I had seen some 'insta worthy' offerings on some of my favourite bloggers. I thought I would easily find clothing that I would be more than happy to wear.  It didn't disappoint and I felt extremely comfortable with everything that I decided to try on, well almost everything.

H&M

H&M

H&M

After H&M Lucy fancied a mooch around Debenhams.  We pondered in the beauty hall,  for longer than expected, and then did a pick and mix of some sale items that caught our eye.  I was looking for  pieces completely different from anything that I already own.  They didn't disappoint.  I felt totally fabulous in the red jumpsuit.  Borderline 'DALLAS' but I didn't care, it felt fantastic. Totally slinky and a touch 'Riviera'  (I could do with a villa in the South of France to accompany my choice of jumpsuit.).  I don't think Debenhams 'do' villas.  Shame.

Seeing red in Debut at Debenhams 

Vila at Debenhams 

John Rocha at Debenhams 

It was the most wonderful size, for a fitting room, but I did have a grumble to the sales assistant.  Why Oh Why can they never get the darn lighting right.  It was such a shame and she retorted that absolutely everybody said the same.  Maybe Debenhams need to take heed.  I am sure they would acquire more sales.  Just saying.

Topshop at Outfit

The feeling that you get, at the shopping park, is one of space.  I love shopping and having plenty of room to manoeuvre.  All of the fitting rooms I used were a great size and had brilliant mirrors (something I lack at home.)  In fact, all the stores are of substantial size.
It is a much nicer shopping experience than some of the outlets in the city of Chester, for example. The choice at H&M and Debenhams also seems to be superior and more extensive than most.

Lucy and I had thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and she had been such a great help.  It was time for some lunch but first we needed to shop for some essentials for my Husband.  He isn't one for excitement.  His request for the day,  three basic black T Shirts and some socks from 'Next.'  You can see why he isn't a fashion related Instagrammer can't you.  The 'Next' store is rather large, as are all the stores,  and it was opportune that they had a Costa Coffee on the second floor, right next to the men's socks!  In we toddled for some refreshments.

All in all a very successful, fun, relaxed day.

I will be returning soon.

Thank you for reading.

Helen X


AD. This blog post is part of a paid partnership with Coliseum Park Shopping. Thank you for inviting me.

For more detail, on the shopping day, head over to my story highlights on Instagram.

Mover and shaker ....

Well I finally reached the holy grail of ten thousand followers on Instagram.  I did a little jig, or rather quite a big jig if I'm going to be more than honest with you.

It took five bloody years, five years, so no buying likes and followers here.

My account started as Fashion40ish back in 2014.  I tickled along and then stopped.  Instagram was an infant and it was still all about blogging.  How things change.  I blog because it is a little space that allows me to waffle on about whatever I want.  I haven't got the patience to list all the clothing I buy or wear and linking to everything is a bit beyond me. I'm a simple chick and I like to keep it that way.  About eighteen months ago I started up again.  I have the ability to link on Instagram now anyway.  Yes, the 10K allows the 'Swipe Up.'  This is still time consuming but infinitely easier than doing it all here, where my exposure is much lower.  Thank you for everyone who does bother to stop by, and read, and thankfully there are still enough of you to warrant me doing this, from time to time.

Along with the 'Swipe Up' come the emails.  Many, many emails from PR companies, individual companies and even shopping centres.  Here is where I feel myself recoiling.  Whilst I am happy to have the opportunity I know that I need to tread carefully and stay true to myself.  I have accepted gifts via Instagram.  I think it is marvellous that smaller companies can directly contact you.  It works so well.  All I can say is that I would never accept anything just for the sake of it.  I have been given some gorgeous little items from sweatshirts, t shirts, earrings and cuffs to bracelets and bags.  As anyone can see I wear them all regularly and always tag (it is a way of saying thank you and there is a need to be completely transparent as to what is a gift.)  As you can see from a previous post I was invited, by IntuPotteries, to review a restaurant at the Hanley centre and M&Co have sent items for me to style.  I have loved it all.  I like the challenge of styling up clothing from stores that I haven't actually shopped in before.  Trust me, if I didn't think the clothes were 'Me' I would in no way keep them and add them here or on Instagram.

Please trust me when I say I am going to keep on keeping it real.  I am looking forward to any challenges that come my way, as long as I like what I see.

Here are a few bits and bobs that I have posted.  I must say that the contacts (I like to call them friendships) are really special to me.  Some have become friends, which is what it is all about.

A fantastic Tee from @queenbeecollective 

A selection sent to me by @mandco_fashion

Top Tee from @lovesweatsandtees

A fabulous 'Bib' from @tlmedit

My wonderful charity Tee, originally sent to me from @cheshirepressed

The gorgeous Polly sent me this @bypollyannaclothing

A day out courtesy of @intupotteries 

This bag has become a favourite from @bettylovesaccessories

@roseandrockuk Tee.  I love it. 

I have also received jewellery from @rockthatbiscuit and @ameliaroseacessories that I wear on repeat.

My wonderful phone covers have both come from @lovely_and_lavish_shop

So where does it go from here?  Who knows.  I still maintain that, with everything going on in my personal life, this is a blessed relief from, what has become, quite a lot of pressure and stress.  Stress is an overused word but, f**k me it describes the last few weeks perfectly.

Peace and harmony, as always.

Helen X

If you are wondering about the 'stress' please feel free to check out my blog post which details my Husband's cancer surgery.  I will need to update this soon, as we travel through the treatment phase.  A phase that landed him back in hospital with dangerously low calcium, potassium and magnesium levels.  I am no medic but that sure didn't sound good to me. It wasn't.

Where do I spend my money?

I've just been perusing my squares.  I obviously have way too much time on my hands!  Actually, no, I have been manically cleaning my office, preparing lunch and stuffing washing in one machine followed by another.  White goods, the bane of any woman's life.  I can see you nodding along with me, possibly muttering "yep." I'm having a sit down, a glass of wine, and I'm sharing my thoughts.

I absolutely and single handedly keep H&M, Zara and now Grunge Mama in profit.  I really do judging by the amount of 'stuff' I have bought from them over the last few months.  It is astounding.  I honestly thought I mixed it up more than I do.

When it comes to Jackets I do seem to hit the credit card with a bit more force.  Holland Cooper blazers are not cheap but they are so very well made.  British made too.  I will put them in the category of 'investment piece.'  Now this is a widely used term bandied about by all the bloggers in Christendom.  It is basically code for "fucking expensive but I'm sure I will wear it lots."  It is the truth and how we all must justify this type of purchase along with "It is so well made, it will last for years" and "It will never date, it is a classic."  Yes, yes and thrice yes I have muttered this under my breath,  and at the top of my voice,  many times.  Justification is the name of the game.

I digress a bit.

I would analyse my squares and conclude that jackets, footwear and bags are where the "investment pieces" should reside,  with an occasional 'off piste' namely a Bella Freud/Orwell Austin sweater here and there.  My selection of handbags, in my defence, were all bought before I had my daughter! I Know, my Husband needs to get his finger out and get me up to date!!!  Yes they all came in as birthday or Christmas gifts and I think I chose well.  I've notched up a Fendi, Prada, Mulberry, LV, Dolce and Gabbana ( I've been to where they were born and brought up, random fact) a small Dior (inherited from My beloved Mother in Law) and a Gucci.  The Gucci did date from about 4 years ago and the retail value has gone up in the region of £200.00.  I rest my case.

Here is a big 'but.'  I do love cheaper bags that add a bit of fun.  I am not averse to buying fun little (and large) bags in Primark, M&S and Zara.  It is sometimes just the look or a certain colour that is required to pull together some outfits that you already have.  I am a bit of a tight arse and would balk at spending a high price on many designer bags.  You have to keep things in proportion.  I am not a bag snob! Similarly I am not a sunglasses snob either.  Just saying.

So, in conclusion, I have got an awful lot of clothing.  I love jumpers and jeans, in fact I am at my most comfortable in jeans.  I am trying to add some more skirts and dresses and, guess what?, they are coming along from Zara, H&M and GrungeMama.  I don't like too much change.

Any tips and advice would be gratefully received.

Lots of love.

Helen XxX