Tom says relax and grab a cuppa
We are going to have a short break now in the Capsule Wardrobe series, as I hadn’t quite realised how insanely popular it was going to be and so I have to regroup and gather myself together for the next stages (Trousers and Skirts/Jackets).
We’re also going to have to spill out into next week as I haven’t covered Dresses (DOOM), Accessories or Activewear.
I also want to take this moment to tell you something, which is a programme I signed up to a few weeks ago whereby when you, my reader, click through on certain product-links and buy something on in that same window I get a small commission from the brand.
I have declared this in the About section, but who reads that more than once?
Obviously, I never recommend anything that I think actually is or looks shit. It’s only ever things I would recommend anyway and I also always recommend brands which aren’t on the programme (H&M) or who wouldn’t have me (TopShop… *sob*) if I think they have something good.
But I want you to make an informed decision. If you don’t mind me getting the commission, (which I get whether you return the item or keep it), then keep on buying on the click-through link.
If you’d rather I didn’t, then make a note of the item and open a separate window to make the purchase. I won’t be able to tell who’s done what either way.
This programme seems to me the best way of keeping this blog going. I mean, of course, if Michael Kors decides to become a big advertiser, you can expect Giles here wearing a Micahel Kors T-Shirt, but up until that point…
Anyway thanks for listening and we’ll be back tomorrow with Trousers and Skirts.
I’m glad to hear you will hopefully be benefitting in some way Esther – you are sharing so much valuable knowledge and helping us all out massively xx
thanks Anna! I hope so xxx
This is already the most useful capsule wardrobe info ever, so thank you. H&M shirt arriving tomorrow! And thanks also for transparency, it’s what makes your blog 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻. x
Great! You will not regret that shirt. It is VERY long and the cuffs are a weeny bit tight but you will get used to it and love it x
Can we um buy Tom Hardy😂👏
I tried clicking through Emma, but no.
I’m looking into it
Ha- Michael Kors t-shirt! I wonder what happened? I do hope Lucinda isn’t in trouble. It was so brilliantly refreshing to read. And I had no idea she was fired; I’ve always loved her work. Xx
*Really* looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks for being so ace. Xx
Thank YOU Pen. Yes it’s massively gratifying, the whole Vogue thing – I was saying to someone that she hasn’t libelled anyone but they pointed out that she would have signed some sort of confidentiality/non-slagging off thing with conde nast
Who would have a problem with that? Although very conscientious of you to be so up front about it. The kind of person who would make notes and open new browsers and purposefully go out of their way to stop you getting some commission is not the kind of person I expect to find here on the spike. Why would anyone do that? But I could be wrong. Loving this series so far, and loving your new Instagram presence! Elaine x
Well, I spend so much of my life being duped by all sorts of things, I much rather knowing what’s going on. There are other blogs I like but sometimes I think “god are you JUST saying this because you have a deal with Reiss?” I would *hope* no-one would go out of their way to stiff me on commission, but rather they might, with this knowledge, purposefully buy on the click-through to donate to the Spike…
Sorry Esther, genuinely had been awake since 1:15am after 1h 45m sleep (I think my 6 month old and 2 1/2 yr old are both teething. Maybe? They took turns waking up and screaming. FFS) anyway, I was tired, and I saw this and thought WTF is wrong with people, rage, blah blah. Anyway, I had a luxurious 5hrs sleep last night so I can see what you were saying/ doing. Sorry again, so tired. Still think this is the most excellent blog, love it love it love it. Elaine x
omg don’t be crazy! say whatever you like. this is a SAFE place for TIRED people. yes kitty and sam used to tag team like that every now and again. BAD SHIT.
I think Nigella has been reading the Spike judging by photos of her in the paper today wearing breton top and white trainers!
Just good sense! She’s got a great eye for a capsule wardrobe
Thank you for your transparency Esther – I was only thinking the other day it would be great if there was a way for you to earn money from the blog (subscription service or something) as it is a wonderful combination of practical and entertainment so this is a good start x
Thank you Nicolle! xxxxx
I’m glad you’re getting something back – you give a lot of yourself on here, and take a lot of time to follow up and be helpful in the comments. You’re a writer and we’re not paying to read you and batter you with questions.
You’ve left us all standing here without trousers though so I hope you feel bad about that xx
P.S Tom! Love a collar and tie pic.
Haha I LOVE the idea of loads of spikers standing about with no trousers on
This is literally true for me. About to put on some jeans though so I don’t scandalise the school run x
Can’t click through and buy Tom Hardeeee what sort of affiliate scheme is this?? 😆😆😆
All good. Looking forward to trousers etc tomorrow! 👖❤️👍😀
I’m also glad you’re using this programme – I was hoping yesterday as the comments wracked up that you were signed up to something. Alas I actually had to GO TO A STORE and buy the H&M shirt as I’m stuck in some sort of “forgotten password” loophole with the site – but I have it nonetheless. I will click through wherever possible x
that goddamn forgotten password loophole is the bane of my life
Forgotten password one can cope with. What I can’t stand is when I try to set up a new password and they say I can’t because I’ve already used that one.
yes this. so frustrating
I’ve had a lightbulb moment and know that plain white and grey tshirts will fill a gap in my wardrobe, plus that khaki shirt looks fab. Jeans… a category of their own or part of trousers?! I seem to only own jeans and have branched out recently to include boyfriend as well as skinny, high street as well as high end. No idea really if it’s worth spending more.. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Jen I rarely spend more than £50 on a pair of trousers, high street is fine except in some rare circumstances. In trousers and skirts tomorrow I will declare you only need 1 pair of jeans! find out which tomorrow x
You absolutely should be making a commission! I think your recs are great x
thanks Jenny x
You should absolutely be making money. No objections here.
I agree with everyone, it makes perfect sense to have some financial reward and it is extremely well deserved. H&M should make you Head of online marketing for the khaki shirt recommendation alone.
I know!!!! xxxx
p.s. do you think it will get to a point where thanks to the amazing capsule wardrobe Spikers will recognise each other and give a discreet nod of recognition?
Nicola, I was just thinking that this morning! The khaki shirt brigade.
I can only dream
I like this idea very much!
At the moment though we’ll be the ones with shirts, clogs and no trousers!
p.p.s. Esther, I think I’ve had too much coffee, I can’t stop commenting… Sorry. Anyway, a bit off subject but I wonder if you would be interested in doing a sort of capsule toy collection for young children? A round up of what really is good and genuinely keeps them occupied. I realise it might not be relevant for everyone but often people end up having to buy presents for godchildren, nieces, nephews etc even if they don’t have any themselves. The summer holidays are looming and I need ideas.
Can I second this request? I don’t have kids but have a lot of kids to buy things for and it feels like such a task every time to find something decent. Thanks!
Lisa yes of course I will do a toy round up no probs x
Thanks so much – I promise to buy everything, instantly, via the links and make you your fortune. Or about £1.
ha ha! it’s not a fortune, but it makes blogging suddenly seem sustainable!!!
Nicola yes I have done a good toy round up before, but it’s always worth doing again. There are some corkers and NONE require batteries
Thank you.
Esther – as a complete shopaholic whose wardrobe is stuffed with shit but always wears the same outfit, this week is brilliant. Are you planning to do anything on dreaded swimwear? Just we are the same shape (long body, big boobs) and I am having a nightmare this year. And of course you should be making money out of this – every other Instagrammer/Blogger is! xx
Thanks Laura! fucking hell swimwear is just a total nightmare. I’ve got my eye on one from OtherStories for us but it needs investigation.
Wish I’d known you get paid when I bought Asos sandals and Office espies yesterday…got a bad feeling I ended up going back and forth and buying them direct from their sites. As leader of the Spike clone army you deserve to be remunerated. Next time…
thanks Cath!! and don’t worry about it even for one second. you need some sort of head girl spike clone badge
I agree with everyone why shouldn’t you get paid a girls gotta earn a living and you must put in a lot of time and thought. I nearly always love all your recommendations so if you ever need an online assistant when you expand let me know! Im still trying to master the capsule wadrobe at the age of 46. I too got that H&M password problem trying to buy the Khaki shirt (which I love) so I gave up. I bloody hate passwords and lose patience quickly. Also am I going mad or was the reduced one slightly different to the one on your blog Esther? It looked lighter but I am going blind in my old age. I preferred the darker one.
Sarah get whichever one you like the best. There are two very nearly identical ones – my one is the HM Conscious once, but like I said, get the one that sings to you x
Uniqlo is now out of grey, navy and black crewnecks! It is the Esther effect!
WHAT?!?!? omg xxx
And those lotta clogs sold out in 5 and 6!
they often sell out! but re-stock. nothing to do with me I don’t think
Every time I google “banana bread again” to make banana bread with condensed milk I think you should have been rewarded for all of these years of graft (and the Richard Yates notes….). I am glad that you have found a way to monetize the endless joy, sense and comradeship you have brought to so many lives – it means you will keep it up!
Thank you Rosemary! God yes that Richard Yates rant!!! omg I am so mental xxxx
No problems with that at all! On the subject of swimsuits. I just bought this which is the most flattering swimsuit I have owned. Wouldn’t be great for massive boobs as a bit push up. I am 5’8 12/14 long body,b/c cup. It’s a bit gathered at front without being mumsy at ALL due to cut out back and push up front. Also available in other prints . If inbetween sizes then size up especially if bigger than b cup x
http://www.next.co.uk/g842232s3#119590
I like that
My Seven Boot Lane espadrilles have arrived and are 😍 I finally have a casual shoe to wear with dresses – I have really struggled to know what to pair with my Hush dresses. Am a bit paranoid about keeping them clean though!! *Strokes and puts back in box*
yes KEEP THEM IN THE BOX!!! don’t wear in the rain, give them a good spritz with shoe protector and don’t make chocolate cake while wearing them x
Haha I was just walking through the Jardin du Luxembourg on my actual honeymoon and looking forward to going back to the hotel and reading about trousers! That’s how much people like your blog.
you’re on your honeymoon this is fabulous!!! I had no idea, congratulations. I was obsessively reading Anna Karenina on my honeymoon and completely ignored my husband xxx
Delighted you getting something out of recommendations. I’ve been with you since Recipe Rifle … always so much enjoyed your stuff . I’ve ordered those Uniqlo jumpers already. Going to see if can get khaki shirt now. Me & my credit card awaits your next installment. X
Caroline! Bless you…long term fans from RR day will always have a special place in my heart xxx