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Accessories

A thing that goes out of the window when you have small kids is accessories – those final things that take an outfit from plain to interesting.

There’s just no time to think about putting them on – and babies don’t half love yanking on anything shiny within reach. Bangles get in the way, scarves get tangled up in buggy wheels and you wash your hands so much with kids around wearing rings suddenly seems insane.

But then the babies move past the yanking-on-things stage, or you’ve sorted a bit of childcare and what happens is you forget to put the accessories back on.

If you’re going to work a capsule wardrobe, you just need to remember to put those accessories back on. Maybe not every day, all the time – if you have got a shitload of messy childcare coming your way you don’t have to deck yourself out like a Christmas tree.

But don’t forget about them.

And get organised.

Chuck out or put away out of sight any tarnished or clattery jewellery, any earrings missing a pair, any rings missing insets. Stop going into Accessorize, it’s for teenagers.

Then pick just a few things that you can practically wear and have them out where you can see them – I got myself a small jewellery stand.

It’s hard for me to say exactly what you ought to buy, because jewellery is an area where you ought to choose the things you, personally, just really like.

But what I would say is this – the jewellery I get the most compliments on are my gold Dinny Hall hoop earrings, a neon tassel necklace and some long necklaces from Hulqvist.

I reckon a standard pair of gold hoop earrings – (or silver if you really, really don’t “do” gold and I can’t persuade you even with this here little glass of sherry?) – if you have pierced ears, are incredibly useful. If you don’t already have a pair wait until the time is right and then invest in something gold or silver plated that won’t go brown in a month.

Obviously I think Dinny Hall is the only place to get these. Mine are as shiny and pretty as the day they arrived and they are small enough that they don’t get caught in stuff and piss me off.

Screen Shot 2017-07-07 at 08.23.56

I would also argue that one pair of mad earrings is useful. My favourites at the moment are this neon pink ones from J Crew that I bought in the sale.

Screen Shot 2017-07-09 at 20.05.38

The ultimate mad earrings are of course from Spike favourite Toolally. I already have a pair of beautiful art deco glittery ones for winter but I also absolutely love these abstract watermelon ones.

Screen Shot 2017-07-07 at 11.00.18

You can either buy here from John Lewis, or there is a wider selection on the Toolally website. You will wear these with a white t-shirt and your mad skirt and your clogs and look fucking massively awesome.

I got my tassel necklace from Ibiza, (don’t get excited, I have never set foot inside any nightclub, let alone one in freaking Ibiza), but there are others available. The thing about a tassel necklace is that it’s quite unusual and small children cannot turn it into a ballistic missile.

I do love a made-to-order item and like the look of this seller on Etsy

Screen Shot 2017-07-07 at 10.40.48

This is cute but has ballistic potential from Anna

Screen Shot 2017-07-07 at 10.43.44

I rather love these mad, garish ones, which are most similar to mine. They cheer up a white t-shirt no end and look great with denim.

Screen Shot 2017-07-07 at 10.48.51

Only buy one of these tasselled things, no matter how much you like them – I had three and only ever really wore one.

I also found a long gold metal necklace came in handy to cheer up anything black I was wearing. There’s something about gold and black (or black and silver, really) that always looks modern and chic. Just don’t wear it anywhere near a child under 2 years old.

Mine was similar to this one from Hulquist.

Screen Shot 2017-07-07 at 10.54.41

Multi-layered gold necklaces are quite the thing at the moment. But getting necklaces that work together and all match is quite the palaver and possibly not a thing you’ve got time for.

If you’re in the mood to genuinely hurt yourself financially, look at Adelphe for full Stevie Nicks necklace layering heaven, or rich girls’ favourite Brooke Gregson .

Otherwise, just stick on a simple necklace and earrings and be done with it.

PANAMA HAT

Screen Shot 2017-07-09 at 20.10.39

Davina Mulford, who imports Panama hats from Ecuador, got in touch with me, having been enjoying the capsule wardrobe series and said maybe I ought to include a panama hat?

I was a bit circumspect as I’m not sure about hats. And I was also nervous about her sending me a sample because it’s conflicting – if it isn’t really nice, ought I say it’s nice anyway and then be a liar?

BUT – it arrived and it’s AWESOME. Light as a feather and looks really great, just incredibly chic. Of course, any old straw trilby that suits you will probably do, but I find most hats a bit sweaty and claustrophobic, which you’re not really after when it’s 31C. This, though… this is like a magic hat. It’s kind of like it’s not there. I am massively in love with mine – it makes everything you wear look totally on purpose.

And as a proper treat, Davina is giving us 15% off on her website! Shop the one I’ve got here. Use the code THESPIKE at checkout. I had a lovely email exchange with her – she is a true Spiker.

Davina says that these can’t be folded as they don’t have a seam along the top , but I watched this video of some Savile Row fellow folding a hat and tried with hers, then popped it out a few hours later and it was fine.

I just can’t imagine for one second that I would make it from my house in London to my holiday destination still with my hat and my children and my passport so it really needs to go in the suitcase.

SCARVES

I’m sure you’ve got a million scarves that you bought because you like the pattern but don’t use any more. Get them out! If they are small, try tying them round a ponytail in your hair or round your wrist. If they are large, see if they won’t liven up one of those new white t-shirts.

Channel Rosetta Getty:

Screen Shot 2017-07-10 at 11.04.52

I have got two small scarves I use the most – one black and white from Nina Ricci and one  skull-print one from Alexander McQueen.

I’m toying with the idea of buying a leopard print one – I don’t consider leopard print to be quite a neutral, (but that is because I am covered in an exotic spotty pattern all of my very own… I see gun barrels glinting everywhere, someone just waiting to turn me into a purse. YUK), but I think a leopard-print scarf round your neck, wrist or in your hair looks fabulous.

I spied this one from H&M at the checkout and didn’t buy it and now regret it. Screen Shot 2017-07-10 at 11.07.51

BAGS

Stop fucking buying bags! Just stop it. You don’t need another one YOU’VE GOT TOO FUCKING MANY.

Especially cheap bags. Stop buying them. Stop it, stop it, stop it NOW.

Just say No! Non.  You can do fine with the 4m ones you’ve got. Do what I do and set yourself the £500 lower limit and only get a new bag every Christmas. And if Christmas comes around and you’d rather have something else then… there you go – just shows that you don’t really need any more bags.

Look after the bags you’ve got. Dust them off and put your head on one side, look at each one and think “How could I wear this in a new way this week?”

STOP BUYING BAGS YOU BAG LADY. 

Item 1 You don’t need some tiny micro bag because a fashion magazine told you you needed one.

Item 2 You don’t need a straw bag with your freaking name on it, covered in pompoms

Item 3 You don’t need a crazy scuba fabric bag shaped like a pineapple because Leandra Medine has got one

Item 4 You don’t need a bag because that blonde actress Michelle thingy who used to be married to Heath Ledger is holding it

Look I’m so angry about this I’m formatting.

You need:

1 runaround day bag, possibly cross-body with an outside pocket for your phone (mine is from Marks and Spencer and is about 15 years old. I love it.)

1 black evening clutch (I use either one from Accessorize or Anya Hindmarch)

1 jazzy holiday clutch (I picked mine up in Ibiza 4 years ago)

1 multipurpose tote (think the ubiquitous Longchamp nylon one – mine is a navy Herve Chapelier thing) and also I admit a grey YSL one, but that was another revenge-attack on my husband’s wallet one Christmas

1 kids-day-out black rucksack (mine is from Kipling)

And that, my friends, is the ugly truth about how many bags you *actually* need. If I was in your house right now I would toss out so many of them. So just thank your lucky stars that I’m not there and treat the ones that you have like I’m about to come round with my binbag and this is your last day with them on earth.

Use one you haven’t used for a while with an outfit tomorrow and you get to keep it.

SUNGLASSES

My attitude to sunglasses is scattergun and resolutely non-designer. I buy a clutch of mad ones from TopShop, Uniqlo and occasionally TK Maxx, keep them all in the basket next to the front door and wear whichever pair I feel like as I’m leaving. This is an area where I am absolutely slavish to fashion. Fuck classic completely and go wild. I lose them within three months anyway.

This is a contentious area, though – a lot of people say that cheap sunglasses are bad for your eyes because they don’t have proper UV protection. Is this actually right?? I can’t find proper evidence to support this. I kind of feel like it must be illegal to sell sunglasses that damage your eyes, but you might know better than me.

In the meantime, I want to encourage you to buy the maddest and most modern sunglasses you can. That way you can wear a white t-shirt, boyfriend jeans and espadrilles and MENTAL sunglasses and look just red-hot. Women will stop and stare at you in the street. Men won’t understand. It will be… amazing. Maximum impact, minimum effort.

I like the look of these

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or these

Screen Shot 2017-07-11 at 11.51.45

At the moment I’ve got a real crush on 70s style barely-there glasses like these (Chloe rip-offs) but I worry that they will send me blind within weeks.

Screen Shot 2017-07-11 at 11.52.24

At the moment all the fashion girls are wearing white plastic-rimmed Kurt Cobain jobbies like these (don’t worry that they are nominally for men), which you can get or not depending on whether you fancy the look of them.

Screen Shot 2017-07-11 at 11.58.04

 

 

 

 

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Holiday capsule »

Comments

  1. Liz B says

    July 12, 2017 at 6:31 am

    Hat which comes in three sizes!!! Amazing. Wish I had known about this in May when I trawled the shops for a hat for holiday and gave up. I will be back next year for one of these and some Ancient Greeks.
    Bags are the the only item I spend lots of money on (well sometimes coats too) but I did get a See By Chloe black bucket bag a few years ago because the YSL one was 1k 😆, it came in under £500 and I was pleased with it! Handbag dept of Selfridges actually makes my pulse rate go up…

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 6:54 am

      Liz mine too. nothing wrong with a very expensive handbag – it’s millions of cheap ones that are bad

      Reply
  2. Cindy says

    July 12, 2017 at 6:46 am

    1. Yes when my toddler started wearing jewellery herself is when I realised I should again. J Crew has some delicious jewellery, I am so pleased with everything I got from there, thank you.

    2. I’m disappointed you didn’t get the Panama hat from the Yellow Pages but I love it.

    3. I have a very small leopard print scarf but a little while ago everyone was wearing those huge leopard print ones a la Kate Moss so I put it away but will get it out again if it’s safe.

    4. I wear a necklace with a gold pendant my brother bought for me when I was nine; I love it so much – you do have to be individual with jewellery I think or you can get bored if it means nothing to you. It’s very distinctive and I like that it’s something no one else has or could get hold of.

    5. BAGS. You are doing a great thing here. You could set a lot of women free. Germaine Greer said something once like women carried huge handbags around like exterior wombs and it helped me move on from my addiction and get rid of most of mine (thanks, GG). I sometimes go without one and use my pockets when it’s just me, though it’s a rare occasion I don’t need to be carrying Cheddars, spare pants, inhalers and insulin pens for various of my family. I also have a Kipling rucksack for days out not stylish but very handy. I have a Kanken for around the city with kids but they are now ubiquitous. The ones I use most are a brown leather Fossil cross body and a Cath Kidston “Nightmare”-print tote for library books and kids stuff, and one or two other cooler ones I like and which have their uses. I have a soft blue leather one by Liebeskind that I would murder Frodo to keep, but I was brutal on eBay and it’s revelatory just shipping them out. Listen to her everybody. DO IT.

    6. Formatting is contagious.

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 6:56 am

      Cindy you are genuinely like the deputy editor of The Spike

      Reply
      • Cindy says

        July 12, 2017 at 8:06 pm

        You are so kind, honestly just tell me to shut up xx

        Reply
  3. Kirsten says

    July 12, 2017 at 6:47 am

    Perfect! Just ordered the coral tasselly necklace, don’t really do jewellery so is about time I treated myself to something pretty. The Dinny Hall hoops are already on my birthday list, love a classic hoop.
    That panama is gorgeous… I love it!!
    Xx

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 6:57 am

      Kirsten a tassel necklace is exactly for people who don’t do jewelley

      Reply
  4. Rachel Williams says

    July 12, 2017 at 6:55 am

    What is is with bags? This is when I feel like a complete outsider to the rest of womankind. I can get my keys, phone and purse in my jeans pockets and if I’ve got the kids I chuck the (ancient) Cath Kidston bag that doubles as a nappy bag in the bottom of the mountain buggy.

    Love the tassel necklaces though, they’re going on the list.

    Reply
  5. tracey davies says

    July 12, 2017 at 7:09 am

    I bought the j crew earrings a couple of weeks back when you recommended them – have had many compliments on them.

    Reply
  6. Celia says

    July 12, 2017 at 7:18 am

    The Panama hat is gorgeous. I have facial pigmentation and am supposed to (ahem) wear a hat all the time during the summer, which means they get grubby or lost or bashed up. I have a large head and find M&S hats in a size M/L are ideal for the summer and I don’t feel guilty if it doesn’t last with a price tag of less than £20. On the other hand, I’m wedded to my expensive Ray-Bans!

    Reply
  7. Louise Knight says

    July 12, 2017 at 7:23 am

    I don’ t want the capsule series to end !! … am loving it ! full of spiffing ideas..I did get a load of tassel necklaces whilst on hols in January in Foreign parts..so am at least on the right track there !

    Reply
  8. Sarah says

    July 12, 2017 at 7:28 am

    Tassel necklace and leopard scarf needed. I have tonnes of scarves but – duh – hadn’t thought to use them to jazz up the capsule. Maybe because it’s been so hot I have lost all reason.

    I have an Orla Kiely brown leather slim backpack that is just so useful for work and basically every day: hands-free but quite smart. It was £300+, which made me feel a bit ill at the time but really cost per wear is pence when you get a good bag.

    Reply
  9. Louise says

    July 12, 2017 at 7:49 am

    Whistles cross body bags are also brill, they have a few every season. I own two, one black and one navy and suede (oops sorry not capsule – the idea of you coming for me with a bin bag made me laugh) and get compliments on them the whole time. And they are just SO USEFUL for days when you don’t want to cart entire life around with you.

    Reply
    • Liz B says

      July 12, 2017 at 8:11 am

      Louise this is interesting. I would like a cross body bag. I will check them out. Sadly I am still at least a year away from being nappy bag free 😢

      Reply
  10. Helen Gregory says

    July 12, 2017 at 7:59 am

    Esther, is it ok if I print out the bag advice and tape it to my bag *ahem wardrobe door(s). Sincere thanks for the top tips from me & my husbands wallet. (Recovering) bag lady x ps please do a Christmas bag gifts special spike for me to print and hand to husband say first week in December? H x

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 12:43 pm

      STOP BUYING BAGS YOU ARE ILL

      Reply
  11. Lara says

    July 12, 2017 at 8:01 am

    If you have a round face, oval hoops can be more flattering. I am eyeing a pair from Georgiana Scott in rose gold, the colour just suits my skintone better (pale and freckled – Esther have you tried this?)

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 12:43 pm

      Lara this is very good advice, thanks x

      Reply
  12. Frances says

    July 12, 2017 at 8:41 am

    If I become Prime Minister I promise to outlaw the pleather bag. Awful, awful things.
    I can highly recommend this cross-body. Mine is navy and it is ace. The foldover top means it will expand to fit all manner of extras. https://deadlyponies.com/shop/mr-mini-leopard-lamb-napa/black/

    Reply
    • Cat K says

      July 12, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      Best brand name ever.

      Reply
  13. AnnaC says

    July 12, 2017 at 9:31 am

    I LOVE the hat, I was all set to impulse buy until I saw the price. Given my 3 year old will have her mucky paws on it the minute it appears, and we’re not going anywhere hot this summer, I will bookmark for another time.

    I’m not sure about leopard print either (def not a neutral in my book) but went down the black and grey route and actually do like it.

    I’ve enjoyed this series, thank you, luckily I have to try before I buy so you haven’t enabled me too much, apart from my Tom Hardy crush 😍

    Reply
  14. Ali says

    July 12, 2017 at 9:32 am

    I have loads of scarves which I use to jazz up boring t-shirts…..but how the frig does everyone else tie theirs? Mine always look rubbish about 2 minutes after I’ve put them on and other people seem to make them look effortless anyone got any tips?

    Reply
  15. Ali says

    July 12, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Eek just bought the tassel necklace but in blue cause I think it’s more me and the other one had sold out! Think that Etsy seller may not know what’s about to hit them! Thanks for this Esther I’ve been looking forward to the accessories day as my fat pregnant self can finally join in. Plus maternity wardrobes are the epitome of capsule although everything seems to come in stripes.

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 12:44 pm

      SO MANY STRIPES

      Reply
  16. Leona says

    July 12, 2017 at 9:56 am

    Oh Cindy, your comments make me laugh every day. I genuinely would murder Frodo (he is a shit hobbit anyway) for a very expensive bag – I think I may have to invest in one. I have the Longchamp one in navy, which is my general everyday bag, and I have a yellow Sandqvist rucksack which I use for kids’ stuff, taking parcels to the post office. But what I NEED is a going-out bag that goes with everything. I am on the frickin case!

    HATS – I have an absolutely enormous head, like a pumpkin. I can’t believe the Panama hat comes in actual sizes – what?! I want one!

    Earrings – due to having odd ears which are stuck very close to my head, I can’t wear hoops (I’m making myself sound like Quasimodo with my oversized heid and lumpen body parts) but I can wear stud ones that have a drop and THEN a hoop, so I will find some of those.

    Esther, this whole series has been absolute brilliant and SO useful. Although I think if I mention the word ‘capsule’ to my husband one more time he is going to put ME in a capsule & bury me. Then when I’m dug up in 100 years I’ll still be talking about culottes.

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      July 12, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      Ha ha Leona, we may share the same fate xx

      Reply
  17. Sophie says

    July 12, 2017 at 11:23 am

    Esther Esther, I have always wondered: where are these shoes from? http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/event/life-by-a-a-gill-book-launch-590905135?esource=SEO_GIS_CDN_Redirect#jacqui-ainsley-attends-the-launch-of-aa-gills-new-book-pour-me-a-life-picture-id496421150
    I think this look is amaaazing

    Reply
    • Sophie says

      July 12, 2017 at 11:27 am

      Link went to shit but I’m hoping you know what I mean – sandal/platform thingies xxx

      Reply
      • esthermcoren says

        July 12, 2017 at 12:46 pm

        yes I remember that party – they were clumpy black sandals from Office ages ago. there are lots about at the moment – my advice is not to be too scared of how clumpy and ghastly they look in the pic as they look quite good on anyway. I literally bought those with raging PMT and they arrived and I’d forgotten I ordered them and I put them on and went “oh fuck these are actually vg”

        Reply
  18. natalietiernan says

    July 12, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    For God’s sake, what are you doing to me with the hat? I have never wanted a bloody Panama hat, now it’s all I can think about. I’m trying to be GOOD and save my money for the AW edition of Spike Capsule, i’m going to have no dosh left for that if you keep flaunting hats and such in front of me. Oh but it would go so well with all my new clothes, which all go so well with each other…

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 1:58 pm

      get it next year! a panama hat NEVER goes out of fashion x

      Reply
  19. Sneaky says

    July 12, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    Has anyone on here bought clothes from Iris and Ink (own label of the Outnet). It seems to be some amazing capsule stuff and not insanely priced. Is it any good?

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 3:33 pm

      Hi Sneaky – yes I’ve got a breton top from there, really beautiful quality. If you see something you like you can buy with confidence x

      Reply
  20. Aaf says

    July 12, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    May I do a bag recommendation? Oh My Bag. It’s an Amsterdam brand, nice leather, and though in Amsterdam everyone has the bags, in the UK they may be very original.
    Also, I got this clutch from Cos second hand after searching high and low and it is my go to for parties etc:

    http://www.cosstores.com/gb/Double_pocket_clutch/228955-243566.1#281839

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 3:34 pm

      Thank you Aaf I’m going to look up Oh My Bag now x

      Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 3:49 pm

      oh my GOD oh my bag has a v v v nice round shoulder bag that has got me going. sorry Aaf can you remind me of the address of your blog/website? it’s not in my history

      Reply
      • Aaf says

        July 12, 2017 at 5:11 pm

        That one is great. I might have to get it too now.
        Don’t have a blog, I’m a columnist for Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant. Wrote a column referencing your post on unpainted toenails recently! People thanked me for pointing them to your blog. I can send the column to you but it is in completely incomprehensible Dutch.

        Reply
        • esthermcoren says

          July 12, 2017 at 5:20 pm

          Oh yes that’s it you are an actual real journalist. Thank you for new readers! Dank je.

          Reply
    • Bory says

      July 12, 2017 at 4:27 pm

      OMG, can I do a bag recommendation? http://www.chanta.one – tailor made, you choose the colour, and you can have your initials on them… i had to order two, sorry Esther, honestly, i need both 🙂

      Reply
      • esthermcoren says

        July 12, 2017 at 5:19 pm

        EYEROLL yes fine Bory as it’s you

        Reply
    • H says

      July 12, 2017 at 7:12 pm

      Aaf please link to your column! My husband is Dutch and I’m learning but have finished all my Jip en Janneke books and need something GOOD to read.

      Reply
  21. Tess says

    July 12, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    I need a hat for summer as I have hyperpigmentation on my face that not even daily Factor 50 is halting in its tracks, but I have a gigantic head that not even this Davina lady’s giant-sized panama can cater for, so woe is me. Not only having the largest boater at school, but never being able to pick up a cheap and cheerful straw hat from a beach shop in a casual, holiday jaunt fashion. Years of endless beach shop disappointments behind me.
    Such are my head travails, I once paid €320 in the gift shop of the W Hotel in Barcelona (where I think a kitkat was about ten quid) for a Eugenia Kim number because it fitted on my head. Only to have my four year old boy sit on it on a sunlounger and squash it to buggery so now it looks hopeless; like something a hayseed farmer would wear, with string holding up his trousers, only with a sequin headband. No good can come from jacking €320 on a hat when you have small children.
    Black looks shit on me as I tan at glacial speed and I can’t be faffed with fake tan wrecking my nice sheets (I sound like Hyacinth Bouquet) BUT navy dresses are fab. The world needs more navy dresses but rarely can one find decent ones that aren’t in slippery polyester or in a babydoll style. Some keen fashion person needs to do a clothing line of navy dresses because I would buy ’em all in in a flash.

    Reply
    • Bory says

      July 12, 2017 at 4:23 pm

      Hey Tess, I just bought a baseball cap from Topshop (navy!) for £25 for my summer beach holiday, because a. my head is too big for the normal sized hats, b. baseball cap is super useful for protection from the sun, and holds a pony tail, c. straw hats are a faff…

      Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 12, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      Tess would you like me to write to Davina and ask if there is something that she can do for you as a special measurement? Or were you just letting off steam? Wouldn’t blame you

      Reply
      • Tess says

        July 12, 2017 at 7:34 pm

        Both I think – a rant about my giant head. But a hat would be good, especially one that is indestructible in the face of children, as panamas seem to be. My Father’s godfather, who was a hopeless show off, had one and would make a big fuss of how it was FOLDABLE, as if he were going to pop it out of his spy briefcase or the tip of a rolled up umbrella (he wasn’t a spy – just liked to imply that he lived some dark, secretive life. My father used to say he never got further than Godalming, which always makes me laugh when I think about it). Anyway, thoughts from Davina on how to accommodate a gigantic head would be helpful. I’ve had hats steamed in the past (it’s that big) but I was told that doesn’t work with straw….?

        Reply
        • esthermcoren says

          July 13, 2017 at 5:36 am

          Tess please email me esther.walker@gmail.com and we will take this on x

          Reply
    • Celia says

      July 13, 2017 at 7:12 am

      Tess – you might have seen it already and not agreed, but my comment above is about this. I have exactly the same issue and get mine each year from M&S in an M/L. Sometimes they are too big even for my head (depends on the style) and I can’t even jauntily borrow my husband’s Panama because my head is so big…

      Reply
      • Tess says

        July 13, 2017 at 8:33 pm

        Celia, I missed your first mention, but it sounds possible. If anyone were going to cater for the oversized English head it probably would be M&S, but I am wary of them after an enraging navy t shirt situation donkeys years ago and I am bearing a pointless grudge. Plus whenever I walk through their shop to get to the food hall to buy pristine raspberries, I always think their stuff is hideous. I will look though. A hat that is “too big” is the holy grail!

        Reply
  22. Elena says

    July 12, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    I agree with most stuff you say but I don’t think I agree with the £500 rule for bags (and I do not have a bag problem! I have one of the longchamps and one over the shoulder smallish one). I think expensive bags are a CON. I wouldn’t spend much less than about £100 (cheaper ones go wrong- zips break/ linings aren’t attached etc.) but £500? On a bag? It’s too much.

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 13, 2017 at 5:31 am

      It’s theoretical – stops me (massive bag addict) from buying every single one I see

      Reply
  23. Elena says

    July 12, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    Ps I really love that comments aren’t moderated on this blog prior to appearing. It makes me very happy.

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 13, 2017 at 5:32 am

      Some are, if you haven’t signed in. And I would instantly trash anything mean

      Reply
      • Elena says

        July 13, 2017 at 1:45 pm

        Did I sign in? I didn’t notice that.

        Reply
  24. Flopsy says

    July 12, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    That hat brought to mind the Julia-Roberts-Pretty-Woman Polka Dot Dress (she wears a boater with it). Dots. Are they a thing? I can’t get them out of my mind. Otherwise seeing capsule wherever I go now, thank you Esther!

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 13, 2017 at 5:37 am

      Flopsy you must always buy and wear whatever you love, whatever it is. Capsule items will often tone down an on-point fashion item and make it wearable. Plus polka dots come round so often that they’re very nearly capsule. Not quite, but nearly

      Reply
  25. Mama says

    July 13, 2017 at 5:51 am

    1. I have an O Bag. It is incredible and indestructible with two small boys!

    2. A basket for sunglasses near the front door. I mean. I bloody ask you. So simple and yet as soon as I read it I smacked myself on the forehead. Genius! Thank you xxx

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 13, 2017 at 5:57 am

      yes. as soon as you come in, off head and back in basket. occasional amnesty around the house and in bags for stray ones. plus I have about 10 pairs so there’s always something in there, if not my absolute fave…

      Reply
  26. proverbialpearls says

    July 13, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    Esther, I must speak for so many readers when I say… I think I love you. Not in a please leave Giles for me instead sort of way, but for cutting through the shit and providing a sunbeam-like stream of sanity to so many people… Must confess I’m not post-baby, or indeed anywhere near pre-baby, but your capsule series has helped save me from floundering around panic buying as a late-20something trying to find her niche. I actually did a capsule wardrobe challenge last autumn (Project 333, google it – 33 items in 3 months) in an attempt to stop my excessive pointless spending. It worked (chucked out loads which I don’t miss at ALL) but I’ve struggled a bit to replenish wardrobe in a sensible manner, particularly given current v ugly feelings of Pilbury Dough Woman combined with growing-out pixie cut…. Too much info?… Anyway – have given credit card a bashing and stuff has started arriving. Trying it on has made me feel COOL and STYLISH and EFFORTLESSLY CHIC. THANK YOU X

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 13, 2017 at 7:29 pm

      Thank YOU proverbial pearls! let’s run away together!!!! I MEAN IT xxxx

      Reply
  27. Sarah says

    July 14, 2017 at 8:41 am

    *SALE KLAXON*

    The pink J.Crew earrings are now only £17! Just ordered, along with some mad cherry hoops that will be awesome with various capsule items on all of the two nights out I have planned for July and August.

    Reply
    • Kirsten says

      July 14, 2017 at 10:15 am

      Thanks Sarah!! Ordered! They are going to be awesome x

      Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 14, 2017 at 11:02 am

      oh my god I feel like such a dork for buying them at nearly full price!!!! envious. enjoy!!! I love them they make me massively happy x

      Reply
  28. MaryleboneMum says

    July 14, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Esther and amazing Spikers, help! The comments have overlooked a crucial part of the accessories capsule -the jewellery stand/organiser. I can’t find one that isn’t ugly. I leave it all in the boxes they come in (which are lovely and I feel guilty throwing them away). Then I can’t remember what’s what.

    Point me in the right direction please!

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      July 14, 2017 at 11:03 am

      I got mine off Amazon! it’s just a stand in a t-shape, nothing special, but when covered in necklaces you can’t see it anyway x

      Reply
    • proverbialpearls says

      July 14, 2017 at 4:53 pm

      I’ve just had a whopping Etsy accessories binge – and then saw your comment so asked Etsy for stand inspiration!! I”m quite tempted by all of these, to be honest:

      – https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/475073760/custom-made-to-order-copper-pipe?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jewellery%20stand&ref=sr_gallery_4

      – https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/266721501/on-sale-jewellery-stand-coral-necklace?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jewellery%20stand&ref=sr_gallery_5

      – (think this one’s my favourite) https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/476254111/jewellery-stand-glass-pyramid-stand?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jewellery%20stand&ref=sr_gallery_7

      – (closely followed by this one!) https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/472141930/on-sale-jewellery-stand-marble-necklace?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jewellery%20stand&ref=sr_gallery_9

      Reply
      • marylebonemums says

        July 18, 2017 at 11:00 am

        ooh, lovely thanks. that pyramid one is rather nice. i’m not feeling the tree shaped ones that keep showing up.

        Reply
  29. Sassy says

    August 16, 2017 at 8:18 am

    I got the tassle necklace from etsy in blue and love it! I had to remove come of the links as it was sitting a bit too long on me but now I wear it a lot and never would have thought of getting one so thank you! Also think I’m going to buy the Dinny Hall hoops as a present for myself just because.

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      August 17, 2017 at 4:45 pm

      Sassy you have to. A good pair of gold hoops is the sort of boring thing that a godmother ought to buy you but if they haven’t you’re a bit stuck

      Reply
      • Sassy says

        August 18, 2017 at 10:39 am

        you’re absolutely right, have gifted them to myself 🙂

        Reply
  30. Anna says

    September 18, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    Like you, I usually buy crazy High Street sunnies, on the basis that I’ll either lose or scratch them, and will feel less mortified about this if I haven’t spent a small fortune on them. HOWEVER, have just read a scary article on how cheap lenses don’t keep out UV rays, and the (usually) grey plastic lenses actually make your eyes dilate, thereby letting more of the killer rays in to zap your poor exposed eyeballs. I am now completely panicked and resolved to only buy proper sunglasses in future. But which??

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      September 19, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      look for the CE mark on the side of the sunglasses, if they’ve got it, they’re safe

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Hall of Hoops – Dinny Hall Jewellery says:
    July 27, 2017 at 2:32 pm

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