Twelve days of Christmas

So we really are in the final countdown to Christmas now and this week’s post is a bit of a mash up, filled with smaller things to tempt you (or to put on your Christmas list), a few must-haves and the odd bit of party-wear if you are still a bit stuck on what to don for the festivities,  all loosely cobbled together in a Bridget Jones turkey curry buffet sort of way..

The Black Bag

So everyone needs a cross body bag that is as perfect for the day as it is for the evening and this Quilted Small Leather Bag £99 from &Other Stories is just the ticket. Chanel on a budget thanks to the lovely quilting detail. Perfect for popping on your Christmas list.

The Belt

Finding a good belt shouldn’t be that hard but here is one: Leonie Belt £45 from Hush. Only available in L/XL so if you are in need of a smaller size try Claudie Perlot’s Leopard print Snakeskin £72 which is available in 8 and 10. Or if you can wait 9 weeks then Boden’s Classic Belt £45 will be back in stock in leopard.

The Statement Earring

There are so many gorgeous options to choose from but here is one from Accessorize which currently has 20% off until the weekend: Sparkle Fringe Statement Tassel Earrings now £9.60 (£12). Sometimes all you need is a little bit of drama and the rest can be totally simple.

The Personal Touch

For a lovely way to keep those you love close to you, get a necklace with your loved ones’ initials engraved on. I have one of these from Anna Lou of London which I wear every day: Initial Disc Necklace £48. You can choose the colour from gold, silver or rose gold.

The Everyday Watch

I got a Cluse watch for my birthday and I absolutely love it – simple, classic and timeless designs which are perfect for everyday and won’t break the bank: La Boheme Watch £79.95

The Printed Scarf

The temperature’s dropping so a scarf is most definitely the order of the day and this Leopard Print Wool Scarf £45 from &Other Stories is the perfect option for finishing off your outfit.

The Fluffy Jumper

If you don’t want to do a Christmas jumper but want something a bit more Christmassy then try a fluffy sweater which you can pair with skirts, jeans, trousers etc. H&M has this Knitted Jumper £17.99 which comes in cream and black. Size down to get a more fitted look as this is quite a shapeless style which definitely needs a front tuck. Love the winter white but the black is also very useful.

Zara also has this Fuzzy Sweatshirt £17.99 in black which I have on here. It’s a bit more obviously fluffy than the H&M one.

The Cami

Upscale your cami this Christmas with Hush’s Oxford Silk Cami £80 – only available in sizes 10-14 and wear with skinny jeans, leather trousers, boyfriend jeans, crepe trousers/joggers, culottes, skirts… Christmas sorted.

The Pleated Skirt

If you’ve not gone pleated yet, then don’t delay. You may think that pleating isn’t for you and you do have to be careful and choose the right one but this Pleated Animal Print Skirt £29.99 from Zara is a total winner. Love the grosgrain ribbon tie at the waist and the splits. Wear now with a fluffy jumper and boots or with a tee and trainers come the summer. H&M has something very similar for £29.99 too but is out of stock in various sizes.

The Statement Skirt

I did a blog all about these the other week but when I was out and about I saw this Pleated Tulle Skirt £19.99 in Reserved. It comes in a silver and also more multi-coloured option and they are perfect for the party season if you don’t want to invest heavily in an outfit. The fluffy knit and silk cami are perfect accompaniments.

The Everywhere Dress

A midi dress that can be dressed up or down is a useful weapon to have in your arsenal. Hush’s Serena Dress £99 will work just as well with heeled sandals as it will trainers or boots.

The Investment Piece: the leather jacket

I get asked a lot about where is the best place to get one of these and my top pick has to be All Saints Dalby Biker £295 for the great cut in a super soft buttery leather in a non-shiny black. Just remember to size down to get a great fit as these will give. Jigsaw’s Clean Leather Biker £299 is also another good bet. As is the Onyx £295 from Hush which has the benefit of coming in grey, black and navy (but you need to size down even more than usual). Wear with … everything.

PJs

I seem to have a large number of pretty voluminous tartan pyjama bottoms paired with several mis-matched, equally voluminous, old and possibly slightly holey t-shirts – clearly a hangover from my student days. But this Christmas it’s time to get a bit more grown up with my nightwear and up my PJ game. If you’re on the look-out for this classic Chrimbo present then try Hush’s Jersey Pyjamas £55. The stars are sold out in all sizes apart from XL but the stripe has good stock.

So there you have it, twelve little bits of loveliness to either treat yourself to or subtley drop hints about… And if you would like more personal help with your wardrobe, a boxed voucher for a Wardrobe Detox or a Shopping trip makes the perfect Christmas gift. Contact me on claire@stylebyclairelopez.co.uk for more details.