Christmas OOTD Long Tall Sally, Monsoon, M&S, Olivia Burton

'What I wore on Christmas Day!'  A combination of Long Tall Sally, Monsoon, Boots, M&S and Olivia Burton.  It was a fairly busy one, dashing here and there but I managed to twist someones arm to grab a photo of my outfit or an OOTD post.  I opted for a party skirt and warm jumper combination and indulged my inner Audrey Hepburn by choosing a little black top and necklace look.  I've mentioned a few of these items on the blog before so I hope long term readers will enjoy this outfit put together in in 'real' life.

Christmas Outfit of the Day

Necklace Knit Jumper, Long Tall Sally.  A warm (but not bulky) black knitted jumper with an embellished bead neckline.  Forget the statement necklace, this does it all in one.  Many of my friends have commented on how much they like this jumper.  It has a cute keyhole button fastening at the back and is long enough not to expose your midriff.  I wore it tucked into my skirt on this occasion, but when I leave it untucked, it doesn't rise up throughout the day (unlike some of my other jumpers which I am forever adjusting and pulling down #TallProblems).  I normally go up a size in jumpers (so I can layer underneath)- I got a size S instead of XS and it fits perfectly.  I don't think they will hang around long enough to go in the winter sale, so I thoroughly recommend grabbing this quick if you like the look (link)

See the built in jumper neckline?  Great if you are in a rush too!

I always wear a cami top under a jumper.  The problem with winter is that you freeze the moment you set foot outside, and then overheat at your destination.  Layers are key.  I have mainly opted for a floaty top if going to a formal event (mostly the double layer cami from Long Tall Sally (and it is currently in the sale!) link).  Normally I'll just wear a plain cami if I need an everyday extra layer which will look respectable but not too dressy.  (Incidentally LTS seem to have most of their cami tops reduced to £7 and if they are they same as the ones I have had previously then they are 1) warm 2) so very soft and 3) have adjustable straps 4) suitable for anyone of average to tall height link).

No filter on this- just the crazy sun! Monsoon Galaxy skirt

This Galaxy Full Jacquard Skirt from Monsoon caught my magpie eye.  Full is certainly the word.  It is beautifully stitched with stars and combines rich blue and purple tones.  It has the added detail of an exposed zip at the back.  You know when you are at primary school and you have a party skirt?  (A big sparkly/silky skirt that you could wear to birthday parties, Christmas and non-uniform day (before everyone starts to live in jeans)?  This is my grown up version.  It is currently in the sale reduced from £59 to £17, though if it is out of stock online then keep checking back for returns, or pop into store (link)

Tights: Boots standard black tights 70 denier.  I generally have to get size large because they the size for tall slim ladies.  I really wish that they labelled them differently.  I think us tall girls feel like we stick out anyway, so having to pick tights 2 sizes larger 'just' because they will fit your height... Anyway, size aside I have been getting my tights from Boots and M&S since my school days so I haven't really branched out.  I put my toe through this pair, and need to buy some more.  I'm happy to take recommendations if you I should cast my net wider than Boots and M&S!

Crazy shoe selfie. It was really difficult to get a picture

Plain black leather court shoes from M&S.  These FootGlove have insolia technology i.e. inbuilt insoles that support your feet.  It's no secret that high heels can really damage out bodies by changing our posture and putting all the weight onto the ball of the foot.  Insolia was (I believe) designed by a chiropodist to help evenly distribute a persons weight over their entire foot- even when wearing high heels.  They are so comfy to wear.  I can easily wear them all day (unlike some other brands in my wardrobe which leave me shuffling like a robot after 1 hour).  M&S also carry some 'everyday' heel heights- i.e. 1-3 inches.  I found these by accident when I'd exhausted local shoe shops and needed a pair of plain shoes.  Defeated, I walked through M&S on my way home and saw these.  Resigned to failure, I tried them on and was really surprised.  They don't stock this style anymore, but there are similar ones here (link).  Life Lesson: Try on things- even if you think they wont fit/suit you.

Audrey Hepburn with her black top and statement necklace (and tiara).

Jewellery: Because of the inbuilt necklace in the jumper, I kept my accessories simple.  Just a pair of locally made glass earrings and my Olivia Burton blue butterfly big dial watch.  It's from a previous season (blogged here) but I have found the same design with a brown strap in the current season at Topshop (link).   I am a big OB fan- I think the designs are gorgeous.


I don't do many OOTD posts, so please be kind!  Please feel free to recommend any brands of tights!  If you did a Christmas OOTD then please send me a link below!  Also don't forget my Fiorelli bag and goodies giveaway!

Stand Tall x

Disclaimer: The LTS items are part of an ongoing collaboration, all other items were purchased.

OOTD: (& sales!!)

 I have been a bit manic over the last few weeks with a spate of giveaway and beauty posts on Computergirl's Musings , oh and that little thing called Christmas and New Year... So here I am kicking off 5 foot 10 in 2012 with a what I wore to work Outfit of the Day :)

I admire anyone who does these regularly.  I find it so hard to photograph myself!!  IF you have any tips then let me know!!

I went for a few layers, although this makes me look a little frumpy in this picture- I assure you that it's my weird angle!  The cardigan is so warm.  Perfect for slouching around or dashing about manically ;)  The cardigan will also be good as an outer layer once we are into the spring.  I can't wait to wear a nice dress/tights outfit with it like the model on the website!.  It has a belt and folded sleeves so if you have long arms then mine you will be fine.  This comfortably covers my whole arm, wrist and the base of my thumb.  Very snuggly!

The jeans were a surprise find at H&M just over a year ago.  They are skinny fit- and actually go PAST my ankles!  They dont rise too high at the waist so a longer top is essential for us tall people! I find dark blue jeans are great as they tend to go with a lot of things, look trendy but can also pass for 'smart' in a lot of situations

One of the pieces I recently rediscovered is this gorgeous teal top.  It is actually a v neck 3/4 length sleeved crotchet/knitted jumped from Mango.  In the colder months I normally team it up with a long black jersey top, although in the spring I will be able to just pop a cami under it.  It has a real 40s vintage feel, with a ribbed band under the bust, and delicate crotchet arms.

Winter Warmer Maxi Wool Cardigan: French Connection

Link This is actually in the sale reduced from £97 to £24.25!! Worth a look!!

 I am a size 8/10/12 depending on the store, however I wanted this cardigan to be big so I chose a medium.  I could have easily have picked a small.  Worth checking in store as I noticed several things marked as 'sold out' online but there were loads in store!

Skinny Jeans: Denim by H&M

&Sqin range which comes in longer lengths.  

I think these are my jeans online, and turns out they are reduced from £29.99 to £14.99

However some similar ones (in more sizes) are these or these.

Black long sleeve V neck is also H&M  but from the L.o.g.g. range, but you can pick up similar things in most stores.  I like L.o.g.g. because the quality is good, the materials are ecofriendly and the price is nice.

Belt: New Look black studded belt

Old season. Very old season! Might still have some in store if you are lucky.  If not then this one on ASOS looks possibly similar.

Teal knitwear jumper: Mango

Old season I'm afraid, and I can't see any on their site.  It might be worth a trip in store but I think it is at least 1 year old.  However if you want a nice v neck jumper with a crocheted feel then I did spot
 this one on their site for £10.99

Flat black biker type boots: Clarks (store link)

Old season, but so comfy and durable.  I am able to wear these all day with no sore feet at the end of the day!  The buckles and straps are great, plus they have a hidden expansion panel under a buckle round the calf.  Clarks have a reputation for 'old people' shoes, which can make them an overlooked brand.  However they have been churning out some great, wearable but fashionable designs in the past couple of years.  Plus they really design a shoe with aesthetics AND proper orthotics support (sounds like something for OAPs- but we are never to young to look after our feet!)  If you are still skeptical then check out these babies I featured on my other blog.

So there is my OOTD!  I hope you like these sort of posts?  What do you wear to keep warm in the winter?  Do you 'layer it up' or just go for one jumper?  Have you picked up any sale bargains?

Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year! 

Here is to 2012!!

Stand Tall x

Clothes Show: OOTD

Yesterday I visited The Clothes Show in Birmingham, courtsey of Diet Coke.  I have done a preliminary post on my adventures on my Beauty Blog so feel free to have a nose!

I thought I would do a little Outfit of the Day post here.  I look a bit evil but its one of two photos I have of me there and this is the less blurry of the two :(

Shoes (Out of shot) Brown Many Janes from Clarks.  Low heel, very comfy!  I was on my feet all day and only once did they start to ache.

Black Leggins H&M

Denim Jacket (which fits perfectly on a tall-y like me H&M (Last season, but they do sometimes do other jackets in this style.  Its skims the hips, but has the right length arms.  Thank you H&M!  (It looks a bit odd in the picture due to my gigantic underarm bag...)

Ditsy Print Meadow Tea Dress French Connection.  It was about 3 inches longer but the care label said the wrong washing instructions :( I keep trying to stretch it back each time I wear it!  They do other colours and prints in this style each year and they retail for around £50.  Worth checking on http://www.ebay.co.uk/ this time of year to try and pick up light wear bargains!

Grey crotchet short sleeve cardigan / waistcoat (just poking out from under the jacket). http://www.newlook.com/ This just added an extra layer for the cold outdoors, but didnt make me overheat indoors!

Bag: My beloved Topshop bowling bag.  I can fit an elephant in there.  It was around £40

Red tips to the ends of my hair will be revealed on my beauty blog soon :)

It was a fun day- I did buy some clothes (which I will share at some point).  I also saw one girl who was about 6ft 5.  I think she was one of only 2 people I saw who were naturally taller than me- but I actually enjoyed being tall at this show- I could see into the stands over people's heads ;)

What did you do this weekend?  Are OOTD posts appreciated here?

Stand Tall x

P.s. I have 12 days of giveaways on my beauty blog for Christmas, and any 5foot10 readers are more than welcome to enter them by leaving a comment.  It's just my way of saying 'thank you'!