SCHOOL GATE STYLE

Belfast-based, clothes-loving, shopping-obsessed, mum of 3. Wearable fashion on a budget for busy women

Tuesday, 14 April 2015

The perfect transitional coat?

I've been struggling to find the right coat for the current weather. Probably because I had such a clear out when we moved - I seem to be missing something not too heavy, but more substantial than a blazer. I also struggle with blazers generally - I feel like a bit of a knob in them at the school gate if I'm honest...like I'm wearing half of an old business suit I used to wear pre-kids...is that just me?

So what I've been looking for over the past couple of weeks is a loose fitting, black coat. Lightweight, not too much going on in the way of buttons/belts...I already have a couple of macs and I'm bored wearing them. Something a bit like this..



I couldn't believe it - exactly the shape and style I was looking for. It's going to work equally well with smart going out outfits and with jeans on the school run. All for £29.99. I'd just been in Primark so it was lovely to go into H&M and see some decent quality on-trend pieces.

I've never seen so much cheap rubbish in Primark (and that's saying something you may think!). They really seem to have lost their way. Though I did make one purchase, one that many bloggers on Instagram have been raving about. Usually my local Primark never has any 'raved about' items but there were quite a few pairs left this morning of these "Ghillie' inspired lace up shoes. A bandwagon I didn't particularly want to join but all the other bloggers are wearing them and I'm feeling left out ;)
But honestly, there was very little else I could get excited about.
So here are some photos of me wearing the coat today..

Top - F&F (SS13)
Jeans - Gap Premium Super Skinny (via Outlet)
Shoes - Primark
Necklace - SGS Shop (which has FINALLY reopened - loads more stock to go on in the coming days!)

Adore the coat, not sure about the shoes but at £10, I'll take a chance on them even if they bring back the Irish Dancing memories a bit too strongly. It's better than regretting it in a few weeks when they're all sold out.

Hope you're having a good week so far...back soon with a sandals post!

Ax

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19 comments

  1. Love the jacket!! I have been away from blogs for a while with a crazy life, so not sure how new the blog format is, but it is great:)

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    1. Hey Liz - lovely to hear from you! Thank you - only just happened at the weekend. Was craving a simpler layout and it's so much easier to manage now! Glad you like it too and hope all is good with you xx

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  2. You're not the only one who feels like that wearing a blazer at the school gates - I just feel overdressed if I wear one these days. I wouldn't recognise myself from my former work days when I used to love a pair of heels and something a little more put together ... but hey, I get to dress how I like every day now so I really can't complain.

    And a good score on the shoes - I think they will help scratch the itch and sometimes we just need to do that don't we?

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    1. You're so right Sue - they do scratch the itch...and if they sit in the wardrobe mostly, I'll not cry. I reckon I'll wear them on a night or at a concert more than daytime. And I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling overdressed at the school gate - phew! x

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    1. Haha! Thanks Claire - so do I as the blogs take half the time to write :) x

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  4. Love the coat and shoes!!! Have you ever come across Primrose Boutique in Ballymena a new boutique opened recently with affordable fashion and accessories.

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    1. I haven't Jackie - thanks for tipping me off. Will have a look online now! x

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  5. Love the coat Avril, it has a real Scandinavian look about it, understated and cool. I have well and truly jumped on the tie up shoe bandwagon, I do love them but agree they are sooo Irish dancing shoes! Xxx

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    1. And I love them on you Frances...you really suit them and style them so well. Will be looking back on your blogs for inspiration on how to wear mine :) x

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  6. Hi Avril - you seem to have popped up on my blogger feed again so I'm pleased as I forget to check you out otherwise. I was thinking of you last week as I was in Lisburn visiting sister and having my eyes tested in Brogan's where she works. Keep wondering if I'll bump into you. Or have you moved away form Lisburn now? Love the necklace and pleased the shop is open again. The silver overlapping leaves necklace I bought from is one of my favourite pieces of jewellery which everyone admires. My !5 year old often pinches it to wear too.

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    1. Oh hello there! SO SO lovely to hear from you and I'm delighted I popped back up on your feed as I've been wondering if things like that will work since I changed the layout. I can't believe you were in Lisburn last week - you must email me when you are over again. We have moved a bit further from it as we're in Belfast now but I'm always there - twice this week so far actually and it's where I picked up the outfit from this post in fact. I'm sure your sister knows my mother in law too as she goes to Brogans also. Such a small world. Hoping to get the overlapping necklace back in stock too in silver. Just getting organised this week with what stock I have and will be adding more as the week goes on. Hope all is good with you and thanks for your lovely comment. Ax

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  7. 2 superb purchases Avril!! The coat is gorgeous, love the shape and it is just the kind of thing I love for the school run! The shoes are an utter bargain.....I have the New Look ones but I hands down prefer these!! xx

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  8. I love the shoes... Keep lusting after the navy Boden ones!

    Your blog now works perfectly on my mobile now ;)

    Cheryl xx

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  9. Love the coat, the shoes for a tenner you cant go wrong!
    The new layout of your blog is so much easier for me!
    :-) Xx

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  10. Great coat Avril, I know just what you mean about blazers, I haven't worn mine for over a year now, they just feel to formal for the school run! The only thing I tend to buy from Primark is the odd leather Summer sandal. I don't have one local to me and don't really make a bee line for the store anymore as agree the quality just isn't there and they've upped their prices. x

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  11. Great coat! I completely share your thoughts on Primark - I took a wander in there recently (because back in Jan/Feb it wasn't too bad at all) and hurried out again coz it was all so vile. Also not at all convinced by the strappy shoes. Will be interested to hear what you think.

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  12. It looks fabulous on you, Avril. Loving the new look blog too! Lynne xx

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  13. They are so worth it for a tenner! I'm slowly warming to blazers buts its been a slow process! Your new jacket is perfect! x

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