New Coat from Joe Browns, New Boden Dress, New Bling!

I'm aware this post looks like a pure shopping fest but in fact, I was gifted the coat, bought the dress with vouchers and my bling was a competition prize! (Husband relaxes)

I find black coats a bit boring so apart from a down filled coat (for warmth), I don't have one that I would wear on a day to day basis. But then I saw this beauty from Joe Browns, way way back during the heat of July when I was asked to preview their AW13 range:

Moscow Ultimate Coat - Joe Browns

I just adore the detail, the asymmetric closure and the buckle at the waistline. Quirky, yet dressy - very suitable for both the school gate and for work. Today's look is a bit smarter than normal as I was giving the new dress a first wear (scroll on for a peek) but it would work equally well with jeans and boots.

It's 54% wool though quite lightweight. Cosy but not a thick heavy wool coat. It's got a lovely patterned lining and the great button detail down the front and on each sleeve.

But it's the little buckle detail at the waist that I really love and that I think makes it so flattering to wear. It's not a functional piece though it does open and close.

I'm wearing the size 12 and it fits true to size. I've some room for layering later in the season but it's nicely nipped in at the waist. The 10 would have been too neat across the shoulders - I tend to size up with my winter coats. I'm actually quite broad in the shoulder but then sometimes in a fitted coat, I find the 12 is too shapeless on the waist. But that's not the case with this coat.  

Mosco Ultimate Coat - c/o Joe Browns
Easy Pocket Dress - Boden
Tights - M&S
Grey Ankle Boots - Clarks (via eBay)

Next up, it's the dress - my Boden party frock - featured on this post! I'm really pleased with it. It's the perfect, not too dressy/girly dress. The pattern is a cute maple leaf and it has sleeves and pockets, which I know lots of people love in a dress. It's also fully lined. Size wise, I got a 10R and it fits me perfectly. I would have liked it a tiny bit shorter, so I added my own belt to nip it up a bit. I may wonder-web it up another inch..if I find the time between now and the party. Oh and I don't need to tell you how much I LOVE the colour #greylove

I'll leave you with a close up of my Lola & Grace Swarovski crystal solitaire that I won over on the Media Marmalade blog! I've followed Mel since I started blogging and I always get tons of ideas from her. She's lots younger and a much edgier dresser...perfect for inspiring me to try new looks. And she runs great competitions too. Thank you Mel!

It's such a stunning piece - quite weighty and super sparkly but not too blingy for daily wear. It will look amazing with any outfit. Expect to see it lots. Hope you have a lovely weekend and remember, if you're local, pop on over to my M&S Macmillan Coffee Morning Competition for a chance to win a hamper of goodies! Closes at midnight on Tuesday 24th September!

Ax