Yeah... sunshine this morning and cowslips nearly in bloom in my garden tubs. Spring could be here and it's the first of my posts wearing the bloggers favourite accessory the over-sized sunglasses. Springtime officially starts on 1st March so I don't want to jinx it but it's so nice to feel the sun on your face instead of pelting rain!

As it is still layering weather I'm here wearing my Uniqlo breton long sleeve t-shirt under my M&S grey marl sweatshirt, as well as my M&S sale bargain cotton khaki parka, skinny blue Earnest Sewn jeans and Uterque buckle boots. I've accessorised with my Anya hindmarch bag, D&Y Aztec pattern scarf and Tom Ford sunglasses from good old TK Maxx. 

I buy all my non prescription sunglasses from TK Maxx. I've got quite a collection and probably do buy a pair every season which I know is excessive but not all of them are in good working order! I probably wouldn't buy a pair at full price because of all the mishaps that happen whilst leading a relatively 'normal' life caring for two small children. I've had lenses pop out when they've fallen off whilst picking up a dropped garment in the street, I've left a pair at the local 'Pick your own' and had a nasty scratch across my Chloe pair when one of the munchkins got curious and dragged them across the kitchen tiles! My back was turned for less than twenty seconds. 

Here's hoping for a few more sunny days so you too can see my sunglasses collection!

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So it's back to school after half term and when I woke up the sun was shining, hence the jacket. Lucky I had my Lulu Guinness 'Lips' brolly with me as within a few hours I was caught in a downpour as you see me here in my authentic blog picture, rain and all. No Oscar for this performance! 

The old is my Zara navy moleskin jacket with red elbow patches and pocket trim detail. I bought the jacket a few years ago but I love wearing it with my New Look checked shirt to bring out the colours. Zara still do a basic jacket with contrast detailing but I prefer my navy jacket with the jolly 'pop' of red.

To create more shape at the waist I've tucked in one half of my shirt at the front, which also shows my tan leather belt. I've also turned over my shirt cuffs to give the outfit overall interest. I've layered a M&S grey marl vest underneath and worn blue skinny Earnest Sewn jeans and black buckle Uterque ankle boots.

The new is my Nalini grey scarf. As it's becoming warmer ( forever the optimist!) I wanted a lighter scarf to wear and saw this in TK Maxx last week. The look is similar to a fine pashmina but it is in fact 100% viscose. So remember that accessories like a new scarf can be an inexpensive, effective way to update a look.

See below for this outfit builder and click on the descriptive text to go straight to the relevant websites.





 

It's half term and my week day outfit inspiration will start again next Monday. In the meantime I thought I'd take a look back over the outfits I have worn since this blogs launch on the 7th of January and do a bit of number crunching. 

I've posted on 28 days so equivalent to 4 weeks worth of outfits and I haven't yet repeated a total look, although of course I've worn elements again and again. Today I'll look at my knitwear.

I've shown 8 items of knitwear here although I've actually worn 9. I couldn't find a hooded grey cashmere sleeveless jumper that was currently available so made do with the long sleeve version from Gap. By far my most worn over the last month have been my navy and grey V neck cashmere jumpers from Uniqlo. The size I bought was XL for a more relaxed boyfriend fit and also because it gave room to layer underneath. 

I think Uniqlo cashmere is both good quality and value for money. I've handwashed them and put them on the handwash cycle in the washing machine, air dried them and they've come out as new. Note anything other than the label care instructions is done at your own risk but please remember any knits should not be put in the tumble dryer unless you want to dress teddy! 

So for AW knitwear I would say my essential mumswear must haves would be a grey or navy cashmere jumper, a cable knit jumper and a roll neck jumper if you suit them. A V neck is always flattering whatever your shape but I would say avoid thick knits if you have a large chest as it will make you look too matronly.


Of course I would say give cashmere a go. It may still be a luxury yarn but a lot of stores are now offering more affordable ranges. Look out for cashmere at F&F, M&S and John Lewis as well as my favourite Uniqlo.

See more of my wardrobe items next week when I'll be looking at the tops I've worn since starting mumsweardaily.com.