It’s a quick post from me today because as always when we’re approaching a break, I have a desk full of projects that have suddenly come in. One of them is particularly interesting and so I foolishly put my hand up for it. It’s a timeline covering 1000 years of history and I’ve really enjoyed researching it but as a woman of many words, I’m finding it almost impossible to condense it down into a few soundbites. There are just too many interesting things to say so it’s really taxing my brain.
Anyway, never mind that. In addition to my full workload I’ve been out a lot so now you see why I had to get organised in November. We’ve had a mix of work, friends and school events – it’s hard getting photos now because there’s so little light wherever we go but here goes:
Christmas outfits – Saturday night
This was last Saturday. I have two really good friends from the playground days and we usually go out for a girls’ night but this time we included our other halves for a dinner which thankfully we didn’t host. Having said that it was easy, we did what’s known locally as a Jacob’s Join where everybody brings a dish. I was asked to bring a starter which, given that I always navigate a menu from the puddings upwards, was a challenge. I knew I wasn’t going to have time to cook so I flaked and ordered from the M&S ‘Food to Order’ service and let me just rave about this:
Cornish Cruncher and Cider Cheesebake
I picked up a few loaves of fig and walnut bread when I went in to collect it and it was fantastic; you just pop it in the oven and it melts. My friend had been busy too and had cleverly drafted in a useful son to cook so we then had Jamie Oliver’s Pappardelle with slow cooked beef ragu which is particularly lovely because it’s served with grated orange zest. Our other friend brought a very boozy tiramisu topped with roasted hazelnuts so everything ended up working well together.
This is what I wore, old favourites – well actually I replaced the jeans this year because I wore the last ones until they fell apart. I switched the shoes over for something more sensible for the late walk home.
Finery velvet top (AW16); Velvet jeans; M&S shoes past season
Christmas outfits – Monday morning
On Monday we had a client wrap-up meeting followed by drinks. I managed to get an early photo in a small patch of morning light. Here’s the new stair carpet by the way – for those of you that remember the saga!
Hush Stella jumper (gAW17); Hush lace skirt (gAW17); shoes (gAW18 now in the sale)
Christmas outfits – Tuesday lunchtime
My head aches when I look at this from Tuesday. It was a quick shot because I was late for a Northern Professionals lunch and you see I suspected it would be a buoyant affair that went on late into the evening and it did…
Boden silk blouse AW17; Sequin skirt; Autograph velvet boots AW17
Christmas outfits – Wednesday afternoon
…. and the next day I really wished it hadn’t because there was no let up.
Cashmere jumper (size down); JD Williams sequin skirt (AW17, this year’s version); IdLF coat (gAW17); Clarks ankle boots – ancient
After work we had a mad dash around parents’ evening for the youngest, followed immediately by a performance of Jim Cartwright’s Two. The middle one was playing the main role and very appropriately it was performed in a pub. He’d been a bit worried about me watching it and I admit it was hard watching him play the part of an abusive pub landlord and husband.
Christmas outfits – Thursday
Yesterday, this is what I wore for work, hoping to appear more in the mood for the day ahead than I felt!
Coat (gAW18); Velour Skirt; Boden jumper (ancient); Scarlet sock boots AW17
There are no photos of last night because it involved a very long session at the gym, trying to burn off some of the excess.
Christmas outfits – Freezing Friday afternoon
And this is for James Bond themed drinks. I’m uploading it in the car as I defrost and my teeth are still chattering – it was freezing getting that shot but at least we managed it before the sun went down!
Metallic satin midi-dress; Boots (gAW18 now in the sale); Midlifechic Clutch (sold out in black, other colours available here)
Tomorrow we’re out again but it’s low key this time – we’re going to see Bohemian Rhapsody with the boys and then next week it all starts again. Who’s looking forward to clocking off next Friday? I can assure you that I am but I’ll be working like the clappers to get everything finished.
One more thing before I go – I’ve added a few pre-loved pieces to the Midlifechic Boutique and this time I’ll be making a donation to Winston’s Wish, the charity that supports grieving children. I decided to do it gradually so that there wasn’t such a mad rush this time. Early birds will catch the worm and in fact a few have been on the site already this afternoon. You can see everything here, we’ll dispatch everything within a couple of days of ordering. I have more to upload next week so if you miss out this time, I’ll let you know when there’s more to see.
Have a lovely Christmassy weekend, whatever you’re doing.
Disclosure – ‘Christmas outfits’ is not a sponsored post
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Finishing touches – little things to make Christmas extra special
Midlife lately – what I’ve been doing, wearing and thinking
New Christmas outfit ideas from M&S
Everything Christmas at John Lewis & Partners
Christmas party wardrobe planning
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