The freeze is finally over (for now anyway) and the temperature hit double digits yesterday. It was wet and windy though – a big gust of wind took my hat off outside Birmingham New Street station and I had to chase after it down the road! It reminded me of an incident in Adelaide when Isobel was little. We were at an Ashes test match when a storm was approaching, so I decided to take her back to our friend’s house. But while crossing a busy intersection, a gust of wind blew the sun parasol off the buggy and it landed in the middle of the road. After a mad panic about what to do (which seemed like ten minutes but was probably only 30 seconds) a lady came sprinting across the road and handed me the parasol!
Anyway, it wasn’t quite as windy today, so no risk of losing this hat! I’ve combined different shades of red with denim for a festive but casual look. (There’s still plenty of time for sparkly outfits!) I’m wearing my new jeans from Land’s End, which are so comfortable. Jeans are probably the trickiest item of clothing to get right when it comes to fit so I was delighted when I put these on and they fit so well. The 360° denim stretches 4 ways so they retain their shape while providing maximum comfort.
I don’t usually go for slim leg jeans so styling them was new territory for me. At first I tried them with trainers but I thought they made my legs look a bit stumpy. I needed a bit of height but the leg width meant I couldn’t wear them over ankle boots or tuck them in. Then I remembered the several pairs of stretchy sock boots I have, and these worked perfectly. The added bonus is they match my hat and jacket. The gold accents with the bag’s chain handle, trim on the jacket cuffs and skinny belt add interest to the outfit.
I’ve worked my last shift until the new year and just have a few more things to buy and wrap. I wasn’t organised enough to send my Christmas cards though – the postal strike meant I missed the deadline a week ago…whoops! It now looks like my mum will be in hospital over Christmas as they still can’t get her blood pressure up, and now she has MRSA so has to be in isolation for five days. They didn’t even have the treatment for it until today, which makes it very unlikely she will be discharged this week.
To make matters worse, nurses have been on strike today and ambulance drivers are striking tomorrow. The NHS is under such pressure and that has real and unfortunate consequences for patients. I do not want to grow old in the UK, that’s for sure. It truly is a winter of discontent here with so much industrial action. However, I do support those fighting for a fair pay rise in line with inflation. We can’t afford not to pay nurses a decent wage, we all depend on them. And there ends my party political broadcast! I don’t often talk politics on the blog but some things are too important not to mention.
SHOP THE LOOK
Lands End jeans (PR product) | And Other Stories blouse (old) | Pom Amsterdam jacket | Zara boots (eBay) | Labante bag (from eBay)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliates links which means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated.
Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Lizzie of Lizzie in Lace, Katie of Hello Katie Girl!
Love all these shades of red! The new jeans fit you great. Have a wonderful Christmas and I hope your mom comes home soon. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
This is a great outfit. I love the mix of reds and it’s very cheerful for the holidays as well. I have gotten my shopping done which is a relief. And it’s fun to enjoy the season with close friends and family. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2022/12/coffee-maker-guru-my-review-on.html?spref=pi&m=1
You always find the best color combinations! This is such a fun, festive look! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for the link up and for the feature!
Katie
http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/
Nice spin on the usual festive Red. Good tip re the sock boots. Sorry to hear your mum will be in hospital over Christmas x
Oh I’m so sorry your mother has to stay in the hospital, it isn’t her year right…
And here I am saying that I don’t want to get old here in the Netherlands. Its the same politics here. The poor het poorer, the rich richer.
That’s rare to see you in jeans! You made a beautiful outfit with it!
I love the burgundy and red together!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
gorgeous look! Thanks for the party, and Merry Christmas!
Ugh! I’m so sorry your mom has to remain in the hospital over the holidays. It’s always a mixed bag when essential workers strike. Like you I support workers wanting better wages (and benefits, and working conditions), but it’s tough when we are personally affected.
I would not have thought to pair burgundy with red, but it’s an amazing look. Also, you look amazing any skinny jeans.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
This is a rare outfit with you in jeans! They look great on you-a perfect fit. Love your color combination, it’s festive and unusual. Truly hope your mom recovers quickly, so sorry she has to spend the holiday in the hospital. Thanks for the link up and have the best Christmas possible.
Looking fabulous as always!
The burgundy and red is such an unexpected but gorgeous color combo! I hope your mom is released from the hosptial soon! Merry Christmas!
Jill – Doused in Pink
These red and maroon tones look fabulous together!
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
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Oh Emma, I hope your mum is okay and on the mend soon, this situation is awful for everyone!
I love the jeans, infact the whole outfit it super! I wore a frilly shirt yesterday, but didn’t get a photo! Have a Happy Christmas Emma. Jacqui x
Emma, this is such a cool outfit! I love the mix of reds with your skinny jeans. And sock boots are always so good in my opinion. I will send healing energy to your mum. I hope you have a blessed Christmas, my friend.
Shelbee
Also thanks so much for the feature this week. That was a lovely surprise!
Shelbee
So sorry to hear about your mom and all the strikes in your country. You look wonderful though. I rarely think to style different shades of red together but it does look quite festive.
Thank you so much for the feature! You look amazing as always! love the burgundy. I hope your mom starts to feel better soon. Wishing you a wonderful holiday!! <3
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
I love your outfit. I hope your mum is ok. Happy holidays.
Annie,
Annies Food Diary
Beautiful outfit Emma. Love these shades of red. Love your shirt 🙂
A few things:
Chasing your hat in the wind sounds like being transported to a story book! I wonder what portal the hat chase led you to?
Sorry to hear about your mother and the chaos surrounding her care.
You look like Emily Blunt 🙂
The purple and pink go well together!
Thank you Priti xx