Tag Archives: GAP

Spring Series: Wardrobe Transitions

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One of the hardest things about this time of year is trying to dress appropriately. I always find myself desperate to try new trends and don spring-like shades, but when the weather is unpredictable there’s nothing worse than being caught in a hailstorm wearing pastels with drenched feet in impractical ballet flats.

Nonetheless, I have figured out a few ways to keep me happy by buying a few key items that merge seamlessly with my winter staples but blend into spring. Here are my must-haves and tips to wear them now and later.

It’s no coincidence the majority of these picks are from GAP, they play a blinder every spring with brights and stripes – perfect for your spring wardrobe and the price is always right with sales and spring discounts. I also used navy as my key basic neutral as I have tons of it, but you can switch for your preferred neutral, just make sure to adjust the colours you choose too.


Jumper, jeans, tee and scarf, all GAP // Bertie Aztec ballet flat. // Gold Brogues, ALDO

  • My key spring wardrobe update is a pair of coloured skinny jeans. I chose coral (this pair is rather fabulously named ‘neon flamingo’,) because it’s pretty and bright and works really well with winter neutrals. Team it with a grey or navy winter woolly now and a breton striped tee later.
  • Everybody needs stripes in their spring wardrobe, but they’re often of the t-shirt variety and when there’s a nip in the air they might not be sufficient to keep you warm. If the budget stretches buy a tee and look out for a knit too. Wear a tee under your parka while it’s cold and switch for your jumper as it warms up a little. You can layer this one up now with your regular jeans (I bought the coral stripe to wear with my usual dark wash jeans, but the navy works brilliantly with these coral skinnies,) and later on the beach with a pair of denim cut off shorts.


Scarves, Zara

  • Pick up a bright scarf or belt. The best investment you can make, you can wear a scarf in new season colours or prints with everything from a big coat now that you’re tired of your winter scarf, right through to layered with a light jacket or vest in warmer weather. Choose brights or tribal and ikat inspired patterns to stay on trend.
  • Lastly, pick out some fun shoes. I snapped up these gold brogues (in the Aldo sale now) for when it’s colder and I want to keep my toes covered up, and also a pair of pointed suede effect ballet flats in the Dorothy Perkins mid-season sale with 30% off for a smarter look on warmer days and work.

Have you picked up any transitional pieces yet this spring?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

What to Wear: Sexy Boyfriend Jean

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I don’t mind admitting, I haven’t bought a new pair of jeans for a couple of years now. There are 2 reasons for that. Firstly I am ahem, a bit heavier (still, yes, I know!) than I would prefer to be and kept convincing myself that I should wait and lose some weight before buying another pair. (Flawed logic, as if I lost weight I wouldn’t need new jeans… I’d be able to fit into the numerous pairs I already have.) Secondly I cannot stand shopping for jeans. It’s boring, frustrating and often soul destroying trying to pour yourself into yet another pair that don’t flatter, aren’t the right shape for you (what is that shape anyway, anyone who knows, do share,) and make you feel worse than when you started. So it was with relief that I managed to purchase this pair, the first I tried on, on a trip to GAP.


Jeans, GAP // Top, Marks and Spencer // Scarf (old), GAP // Ring, Accessorize // Nails, Mavala // Shoes, Clarks

I love the current trend for flashing a bit of ankle in cropped trousers and the slightly slouchy ‘boyfriend style’ of jeans that are on-trend right now feel like the ideal weekend alternative. I thought it was going to be a nightmare finding the right pair, but knew GAP did a style they call the ‘sexy boyfriend‘ and thought I would give them a go. In an up to date paler distressed wash than I would usually go for, I was pleasantly surprised by the fit and snapped them up.

It feels good to be back in jeans again, even if not for virtuous reasons and I’ve worn them non-stop ever since, often with my other recent purchase, these ponyskin, leopard print slipper flats – an absolute steal and from Clarks of all places at £39.99. They feel well made and smart with cushioned insoles and I still can’t believe that Clarks quality comes with serious style credentials. Who knew?

I teamed the jeans and leopard print with an unexpected flash of red on my nails – I don’t usually wear red as I associate it with a vintage look that I rarely aspire towards, but for some reason right now it feels fresh, particularly on short nails and when rocking a bejewelled fox ring that is equal parts cute and quirky.


Have you got any favourite jeans to share or have you tried the Sexy Boyfriend from GAP?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

What to wear: The British summer

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A while ago when I shared the skirt in todays post, I thought it would turn out to be pretty useful. In actual fact I have worn it none stop and with a multitude of different items. Todays ensemble isn’t unexpected – in fact I’m wearing French connection head to toe – something I often feel lacks imagination (not in others you understand, but I am my own harshest critic on what I offer as inspiration here.) Sometimes I just want to wear a particular item and that takes precedent over styling the outfit as a whole. In this case I really wanted to wear my yellow shirt and my brogues – being pale blue suede, despite being in my wardrobe for a couple of months now, they haven’t seen much daylight for fear of then getting drowned in a dirty puddle.


Blouse, Skirt and Brogues, all French Connection // Bag, GAP // Sunglasses, Rayban (old)

This weekend was a really laid back one for me, with little planned ahead we were free to meander into town stoping here and there for coffee and lunch and this was the perfect outfit. Given the weather, I haven’t worn this shirt much at all but the sun was shining and it just seemed like a yellow day. Pairing it with my go-to summer skirt was easy.


For me the brogues are what make the outfit though. Another item I’ve shared previously, I know a lot of people find brogues difficult to wear. Even though I’m tall, my legs are relatively short for my height so I have to be careful not to make them look shorter by cutting them off with flats. The problem with brogues is that you don’t see the top of your foot, which would normally give the illusion of elongating the legs. To my mind there are 2 solutions… suck it up and work a bit of masculine tailoring (I’m thinking slouchy pleat-front trousers and a chunky knit,) or bare as much as you dare with a shorter skirt. Obviously this look falls into the latter camp. ;)


I’ve been meaning to share my bag here too for a while. A sale purchase from GAP a few weeks back, I was thinking ahead to my holidays and a beach bag when I snapped it up, but since then I haven’t been able to get enough of the ikat print, fresh blue shades and the super cute little pom tassels on the zip. It’s the small things in life that make you happy right?

Happy Wednesday readers.

Love,
Rebecca
xo

What to Wear: Legs Eleven…

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Today I’m sharing not one, but three new purchases, all (relative) sale bargains but primarily my favourite discovery, these GAP high waisted wide leg trousers.


Blouse, Whistles (sale) // Jeans, GAP (sale) // Bangle, Banana Republic // Wedges, ALDO (old) // Satchel, Mulberry Harriet

Although it may look like I am an impulsive shopper, in fact, I very often shop in the opposite way. I either go looking for an item that I realise my wardrobe is missing (my current obsession is the perfect Breton t-shirt,) or simply to pick up something I have found online. For some time I have been meaning to buy new jeans – the last pair I bought was over 12 months ago, and I tend to buy a pair every couple of years. It goes without saying that every single pair I own is therefore rather, ahem, snug. I hate jeans shopping, the lack of consistency, the way every shop has different shapes and sizes, necessitating trying on. So I have to psych myself up for it and had failed miserably thus far.

Last weekend while in Bath, I wandered into GAP and picked up a couple of pairs. These were the wild card and I expected to buy the skinnies, but it turned out they didn’t have my size in that style and I fell in love instead with these high waisted wide legged numbers.

Although they necessitate heels, I love the slightly retro feel – the higher waist, longer length and wide leg are all flatteringly leg-lengthening and they are super comfortable. On this particular occasion, I had been to meet Michelle, for a Dream. Find. Do. planning meeting and ran into the house in my work clothes, swapping my ankle length trousers for these and some wedges. I felt summery but ‘a-chance-of-showers’ appropriate. And suitably stylish of course ;)

The best part about them is the price. Down to £16.99 in the sale they had a further 25% off, bringing them down the almost £12. I should have saved them for Thrifty Thursday! The thing is, *whisper it* I hate spending money on jeans which is ridiculous, particularly as cost-per-wear they earn their spot in the wardrobe many times over. I would never normally splash out on a pair in a trend led style for example. maybe I should do it more often!

Do you like?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS Frankly, I don’t care if my bum looks big in them ;)

What to Wear: Red, White and Denim…

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A couple of Fridays ago, my chosen friday frock was this denim shirt dress from Oasis. Those of you who bought it with 20% off in their dresses promotion will be glad to hear that it hasn’t gone into the sale yet, as was I, because I bought it the very day after featuring it.

Given the ahem, lacklustre weather we have been having of late, I’ve been struggling to really wear anything summery and have developed somewhat of a routine of changing into my pyjamas each evening before settling down in front of the computer. However, when I have been out, the denim shirt dress is the one I’ve been turning to time and time again.


Denim Dress, Oasis // Scarf, GAP // Parka, GAP (old) // Wellies, Hunter // Belt, Banana Republic (old)

Last week, on a lovely sunny morning, I wore it to go for a walk with my friend Zoe in some local woodland. My lightweight parka came out along with a another purchase from GAP, although more recent, this blue, white and red geometric printed scarf. Wellies were mandatory due to recent rain and I took full advantage by walking through all available puddles that weren’t already occupied by a dog or small child ;)

This weekend, out it came again, this time to visit my new nephew – a combined trip to also celebrate fathers day. This time, I decided to dress it up a bit more (although I’ll admit the heels later went by the wayside in favour of bright jelly flats…) with heeled loafers, a new neon necklace from Zara and a skinny leopard print belt.



Denim Dress, Oasis // Belt, Banana Republic (old) // Heels, Bertie (old) // Neon necklace, Zara // Nails, Nails Inc Baker Street.

Either way, I was reminded how versatile denim is and how great it looks with other primary brights, including my blue nails, painted especially to herald the arrival of a baby boy.

What’s your go-to outfit of the moment?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

What to Wear: A Blue and Yellow weekend

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Sometimes I write these What To Wear posts because I’m trying out a new trend that I like or because I want to share with you guys ideas about how to wear a particular trend. Other times I might just be particularly pleased with an outfit. I might share them because they make me happy. And lastly, sometimes I think I’ll share something that’s quite simple and today’s outfit is one of those. Despite my interest in fashion and trends, the majority of the time I’m running around doing exactly what you guys do. This last weekend that included an informal day time housewarming-come-baby shower, followed by a trip to see my brother and sister-in-law and my niece for dinner, then breakfast with them and their friends, followed by general Sunday slouching. I know you guys like seeing how a real person wears things so I thought I’d share my weekend outfit…

Being British, my clothing is generally dictated, and oft thwarted by the weather. This weekend saw a window of warmer weather before the cold returned (I took these on Sunday when it was freezing – hence the red nose and slightly strained expression!) and I was desperate to wear my new purchase from Whistles (don’t forget the 25% discount with Grazia – today is the last day you can pick one up in the shops, but you can use the online code until Tuesday the 13th.) I’ve been lusting after this oversized yellow striped knit for several weeks and snapped it up as soon as the discount came out.

Something else I was desperate to wear was this chunky turquoise and royal blue necklace that I shared last weekend, from Banana Republic and it turned out the brights worked really well together. On sunny Saturday I wore them both with my pink trousers, but when the weather changed slightly I switched to more season appropriate jeans and black accessories – my trusty leather jacket (the extended shoulder leather jacket, also from Whistles) and new pointy flats from GAP (even better, their spring sale starts today with up to 50% off with free shipping today only on orders over £30. Use the code FREE30!) I’m just loving a pointed toe right now. :)

For me at the moment, it’s still all about making new season style work in the never ending British winter and this outfit certainly cheered me up dispute the weather cooling down.

As always, let me know what you’re wearing right now and if I’ve inspired your style choices…

Love,
Rebecca
xo

What to Wear: Pink and Navy

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Ok, so, in all my enthusiasm last week (for pink, obvs,) I kinda forgot that it was February. Cold, wet, windy and all-around miserable February. After last week’s Fash Flash, I headed straight out and purchased the H&M pink trousers (£14.99) and congratulated myself with Sushi – stuff that cheap never fits me properly. Then I got it home and promptly wore them on the couch. As you do.

Not satisfied with the couch alone, I wanted to wear them at the weekend and found myself thinking, hang on a minute, how am I going to wear these without looking like an idiot in February? Tricky. My couch ensemble was perfect for a summer day, not the back end of winter. It’s not even March yet people!

But then I thought, wait a second, I think you guys must be having exactly the same problems. Victoria mentioned trans-seasonal outerwear dilemmas on Facebook and it’s London Fashion Week. That means the whole of the fashion-world-at-large rocking this season’s trends on the streets of London, despite the weather and (hopefully) avoiding the season in-appropriate fash-victim look.

So here’s how I did pink trousers in February…

Surely the easiest way to do brights is teamed with neutrals. In my book, navy counts as a neutral and it’s also a blinder of a colour teamed with pink, so on went the cozy. My striped top was a nod (or perhaps encouragement) to spring and then of course my trusty GAP parka in (another neutral in my book,) khaki. Topped with a sludgy blue scarf, I was wrapped up and ready to go.

My other reason for wanting to bring the trousers out? I really wanted to wear my new Belle Sigerson Morrison boots. I looked high and low all of last year for spring/summer grey boots and finally found the perfect pair a few weeks back from The Outnet. They were no where near as bargainous as the H&M trousers, although that depends on whether you look at the final price or the discount, but I worship at their dove grey uppers.

A couple of other new bits I’m particularly loving right now? A chunky gold link bracelet I found in Banana Republic last week in the sale – a bargain and something I can see myself wearing again and again, layered up or on its own. The nail polish was my final uber-bargain. One of a set of four from H&M for £2.99 – this one is a pale pistachio green, and the pink on my toes also came in the packet along with a lemon yellow and lilac. Perfect for SS12′s pastel trends.

So what do you think guys? How are you making your new spring purchases work while the weather stays grim? Look out for a bit more fashion and beauty this week on Florence Finds – we’re giving a nod to #LFW with some related posts and then some serious anti-fashion for good measure!

Pop back later for this month’s Book Club,

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Spotted: GAP SS12

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This week, the cold, the snow, the general freezing-ness of it all has completely blindsided me. Yes, I know it’s usually like this in February but for the best part of a month now, I have been immersed in spring/summer fashion, drooling over styles for warmer weather, longing for longer days and generally needing some sunshine.

Along with the weather, I’ve just hit that point in the year when I suddenly think, ‘That’s it, I’ve had enough of winter, I NEED SOME SUN!’ And there’s one place that you can always rely upon for some metaphorical sunshine when it comes to fashion, Gap. Thankfully, alongside the cheery shades there are reliable basics for layering when things get inclement too. ;)

I think you all know I’m a massive fan of colour and a huge follower of fashion, but what I love about Gap is that it’s so darn wearable. I may love fashion, but I equally have a life to live. Things to do, you know? So most of the time I’m found dressed down in jeans or trousers with a great sweater or shirt. Right now, I’m also desperately trying to stay warm. So when I need something to cheer my wardrobe up, that’s season appropriate but nods to the coming trends, Gap is my first stop off.

Remember the GAP Parka I wore? Well, I’m loving the lighter, shorter funnel neck version Gap have for spring and it looks great paired with punchy brights like the orange tee pictured.

One of the easiest ways to feel like you’re brightening up your wardrobe is to buy a key stand out piece and then work it in to your normal outfits. The easiest for cost-per-wear is a pair of bright trousers to make a monochrome outfit wearing a top of the same hue, colour block with clashing shades, or tone down with neutrals like the khaki parka jacket above, or navy and grey for a darker nod to the miserable weather.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Gap have produced some great flats this year – I’m particularly fancying the pointy numbers in nude and hot pink for when warmer weather returns, or for comfy run arounds, how about the oxfords?

Finally, If you’re feeling a little bit unsure, not quite ready to commit to a statement like these got-my-name-all-over-them bags, just salute the trends with this super stylish and understated sporty neon edged scarf.

So, tell me, are you a Gap fan? Will you be giving them a look after seeing the spring shades here?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

What to Wear [Basics]: Parkas

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This morning it’s back to basics because aside from the fashion pieces in your wardrobe, I know that every woman needs the basics - a great pair of jeans, the perfect white shirt, black patent courts… the list goes on. Today’s What to Wear is not my most fashion forward choice but has certainly been inspired by that off-duty model look in slouchy jersey pieces, biker boots and leggings. The Parka.


Parka: Gap – now £35, Scarf: M&S, Fingerless gloves: M&S, Jeans: Warehouse, Jumper: Warehouse, Boots: Pied a Terre, Bag: Coach.

I’m actually only recently getting into outerwear. Before now I’ve always found it prohibitively expensive for good quality pieces and hated the fact that thin or synthetic fabrics don’t actually keep you warm. I’ve broken all my rules of ‘buy well and buy once’ and no to ‘synthetics’ with this cinch waist parka in 100% classy polyester. The reason I went for it however is that it’s light weight and throws on over winter woolies nicely without adding extra bulk. The sheen of the fabric also emulates a rather more expensive silk version I saw once.

I’m looking forward to mixing it up with some dressier pieces, a glitter skirt perhaps with a thick wool jumper. I’ll keep you posted…

In the meantime, this is a timely post for Kirsten, who asked me on Twitter the other day ‘to find me a stylish warm parka.’ so I added some high street and online finds to my own. I can’t vouch for the warmth Kirsten but I hope you like the variety of styles here :)

  1. Topshop Dark Khaki Waxed Parka with black faux fur trim. (Hurry! This one is down to £40 from £98 and there are only Size 10′s left.)
  2. ASOS Parka with leopard faux fur trim
  3. Whistles Brigitte Wool Parka
  4. Navy Villa Duffle Parka – ASOS (Bargain of the century at £35)
  5. ASOS Parka with detachable fur lining
  6. Miss Sixty Grey Parka – ASOS

Are you a fan of the Parka? I’d love to hear what you think of this weekend chic favourite…

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS Apologies for the picture quality, this was an iPhone indoor capture in desperation during all the wet weather pre-christmas and also pre-haircut ;)

Friday Frock O’clock

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It’s back! Friday Frock O’clock, after the outcry last week when we briefly omitted it for a Friday Film, is back in its rightful place. Don’t you worry, we won’t be doing that again in a hurry!

Have I ever told you that I love GAP? And I love it particularly in the winter.

My obsession with colour and the fact that I live in a (b$*ody freezing) Victorian house, means that their cheerful 100% wool knitwear is a must purchase every year for me… along with the body warmers, scarves, wool socks… I could go on ;)

So this week’s frock, is less ‘frock’ and more dress, but fabulous all the same and perfect for the windy weather.

I love the way they have layered this one up with extra woolies… it’s an overdose of cosy! And I’ll take the boots too please.

Did I mention GAP have 30% off instore and online until Sunday. Which makes this purchase a mere £39.16 from £55.95. Get your Christmas shopping done early… or in my case, treat yourself to some things :)

Happy Florence Friday Folks,

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS. I guarantee, I’ll be pulling the above pose when I’m wearing it too!