So I've taken an unexpected hiatus from blogging this week; between my eldest having a suspected broken finger which meant a visit to the GP's and time off school, having my electric meter replaced (not a smart meter I might add), so no power for over an hour, to a spa break with a friend whose just recovered from a hip op, monthly haircut and colour, Charity meeting, puppy nipping an outside electric wire, so emergency visit to the vet, I haven't found the time to sit down and finish this post; because, as well as the planned and unplanned events that unfolded, I've still got the daily chores and puppy walks to attend to!

Not that I'm complaining, it just meant my blog had to take a back seat and hopefully I'll be back on track  next week. 

To brighten up your daily looks you can't beat a bit of red, not because Valentine's day is imminent, but because it's a great primary to mix with grey, navy and black, the mainstay of most womens' wardrobes.

Here I've picked out 'easy to wear now' pieces, from accessories to an animal print dress and bright blazer; which you can tone down with a hooded sweatshirt and cropped skinny jeans if this trouser suit doesn't fit your personal style.

Okay, so the sunglasses might be a tad premature, given the weather, but if Beyonce can wear them throughout the 2018 Grammys then you can buy this on trend slimmer catseye shape in February!

You can't go wrong with a red leather bag and Massimo Dutti, sister of Zara, offer a classic flap bag that is great value for money.

The wellies are more practical but they are the most stylish riding boots I've ever seen. The dress is so versatile too; wear now with black polo jumper, opaque tights with a heavy pair of flat ankle boots to make it hardy enough for this time of year. These boots, above left, are from Massimo Dutti., £139. Then come Spring wear on it's with a Mac and pretty flats.

​Have a relaxing weekend, click on the links to shop and thanks for stopping by.

I absolutely love this blazer dress, new in at Zara. However realistically, writing this as it's pouring with rain, it's unlikely I'd ever wear it styled as above; on it's own with a barely there strappy heel!

So today I've used it as the hero piece in my outfit builder, pairing it with a skinny grey jean and puffer coat. The heeled mid calf boots are probably something I wouldn't wear either on the school run but I think they elevate the overall look making it more edgy than, dare I say, practical!

Personally I would team the look with a block heel ankle boot, see left. which are still relevant and nod towards the beatnik, sixties trend but are easier to wear on a day to day basis.

Left: Zara Leather high heel ankle boots £89.99

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I have a Spa visit coming up at the end of January and as it's too late to 'sensibly' lose that cuddly winter layer or get a glowing tan, that won't smear unattractively in steamy conditions, I've resorted to the things I can do before parading my goosebumps, I'm cold just thinking about it, around the pool.

​1) Buy a new swimsuit; a bikini seems a bit too daring at this time of year unless of course you're somewhere tropical. I don't own any sporty swimsuits and my old cossies are looking a bit the worse for wear as I've had them coming up to 10 years; post baby swimsuits that attempted to cover up my belly. However I think the draping and folding that is usually employed in 'shaping' or 'tummy control' swimwear draws more attention to that area than it detracts.

​I'm sure I once read somewhere that, like jeans, you should opt for one size smaller than you usually wear for the most flattering look however for a more definitive guide this 'Swimwear buying guide' from John Lewis is a great resource!

Anyway above I have picked an array of my favourite, spa appropriate, swimsuits; from statement colour blocking, to tantalising mesh inserts, flattering one shoulder styles to stand out animal print. I've actually bought and kept the Debenhams J by Jasper Conran Gazelle print  Bandeau  swimsuit, as a darker base colour is more flattering on paler skin, and of course it promises tummy control technology!

2) Go for a professional manicure and pedicure, which I had done this weekend. The colours I chose were OPI's 'Substantially Tan', well if my body's not my nails can be! And a tonal darker shade for my toes 'You don't know Jacques'. Usually for holiday I would go brighter with coral/red tones but I prefer this dark, almost damson shade for winter.

3) Then I'm going to print off a picture of Margot Robbie, top, and stick it on the wine bottle in the fridge! A sure fire way of reducing the calorie intake before the big reveal. Failing that on the day I'll stay tucked under the complimentary towelling robe wishing I'd had more will power! 

Click on the links to shop and thanks for stopping by.