At the weekend we went down to Somerset and when driving to our hotel spotted this field of bamboo (we think it was bamboo and will be happily corrected - this is what happens when two Londoners "do" the country). As I'm trying to be a little more "live now" I insisted on stopping the car to take some photos... So this is as real as it gets as this outfit really was what I was wearing on Sunday...

I was intending on holding back posting about this jacket for a while as it's going to be used in a bigger project next month. But I've worn it a great deal and lots of you have asked where it was from. So, with no further ado - it's from Jigsaw, here. I've never really got the whole shearling thing before; this is the first time I've ever had anything like it. I spotted it out when I did a store visit last week and knew we'd live happily ever after. I kind of thought shearling was just for super smart, super posh people. Not for people like me who dresses in whatever first falls off the wardrobe rail, and is a constant fight between her love of colourful foods and keeping white t shirts, white.

It turns out this is really very handy; I've worn it like I am here with jeans and trainers. Given it's such a dark colour I've been staggered at the number of people who have asked where it is from - clearly it's the thing to wear if you want to be noticed... As that isn't really a decision making point for me, let me list other perks = It's bl**dy warm, like seriously warm. As in you really notice that the bits of your body not covered in it are cold (I'm in the market for a onesie version if anyone knows of one). It's a neutral colour that won't go out of fashion. It's so soft; dogs really like cuddling in it...

first to last = 1, Jigsaw / 2. J Crew / 3. Warehouse / 4. Diane Von Furstenberg / 5. Reiss / 6. New Look

It's most definitely an investment, even though it is in the sale here. I can't recommend it enough so if you're in the market for a treat for yourself, go for it. As ever, I've done a bit of a run around to find good alternatives. Before I launch into the high street, a few designer bargains. This J Crew one is half price in the sale and twice the size - that's like x4 the bargain then, right? Secondly this DVF one is also half price... Cheaper options include this Warehouse one - may not be navy but cream is also a staple and having seen it in the flesh I can confirm it's insanely warm. Lastly if you're looking to just test out the look, this one is £22.

Other bits in the outfit basically sum up my Sunday style, if I have one. Essentially it's all about being comfy but looking decent enough to leave the house. I find quality knits are key and the one in these shots is new from Reiss, here. You can't really see in these photos, annoyingly, but this knit has really lovely two-tone neck and sleeves. It comes in black too (I've nabbed it already) which looks super slick for work, here. It's a super flattering cut - somehow even though it's oversize it still fits if that makes sense. You'll be seeing quite a lot of it in the next few posts...

Also want to give a little shout out to the jeans, here. They're also from Jigsaw. I'd never have thought to go to them for denim but they're cuts are ace. They're made in Japan (for anyone who doesn't know, when it comes to denim you're looking for them to be made in Japan or Italy - it shows quality) and are from a very high count denim. This means that you can wash them heavily, wear them heavily etc and the fit won't loosen etc. These are their Hampton style - I also have the Richmond which is their skinnier style. For the price they really are an insane bargain.... 

John Lewis - site wide discounts up to 50% off

Selfridges - 20% off fashion and 10% beauty and fragrance
Shopbop - 25% off with the code GOBIG16
Matches - 50% off main site stock and sale
Marks and Spencer - site wide 50% off over Gifting Weekend
La Redoute - 40% off site wide with the code "BLACKFRIDAY"
Urban Outfitters - Buy one get one at 50% off
And Other Stories - 50% off selected stock, 25-27th November

La Redoute - 40% off site wide with the code BLACKFRIDAY
West Elm - 30% off with the code SAVENOW
The White Company = 20% off candles and fragrances
Urban Outfitters - Buy one get one at 50% off

I really can't believe we're onto November already, or October pay weekend, however you look at it... Have to say I'm really, really enjoying shopping at the moment. I know that sounds a bit ridiculous but there is so, so much good stuff on the high street I had a tough time whittling it down to my edit, below. This month's WTB will just be for fashion as I'm doing a bumper beauty post next week with John Lewis - stay tuned as it's a goody, I've literally spent three days trying products out for it. It's a tough life...

This snap was taken post-haul at Topshop, Jigsaw and Selfridges who between them cost me a lot of money this month. One of the things I bought was this shirt which was a bargain from Topshop. I'd lusted after the expensive Olivia von Halle and Equipment versions which I'm now so glad I didn't fork out on. 

Trend wise, velvet is a killer isn't it?! I've been looking for ways to do it. So far I've found this black blazer from Whistles, this shift dress (super with a denim shirt) and this simple shape dress from Reiss. If, like me, you're still a bit unsure on how long the trend will last (though I'm probably wrong as it was all over the catwalks last month) then try simple accessories. Don't forget new names like Millie Mackintosh too, her floral embroidered velvet jacket is selling out incredibly quickly. Lastly, these red and blue belts from Topshop look amazing with a tee and jeans, or any staple sort of out. Great way of updating your wardrobe without splurging... 

Topshop is doing really well at the moment, there is a lot I want from there. Love this red silk maxi dress, so elegant yet hides all sins. I find smarter, long sleeved tops really necessary in winter months as they're a great option instead of wearing a dress or a proper shirt for nights out. This one is great, so simple and yet super flattering with the bell sleeves and neckline. Similarly I love the colour of this grey one too, great find for the same reasons...

Since posting this snap on Instagram lots of you have asked me where my coat is from, which leads me to my next shopping recommendation; Jigsaw. I popped in to see a PR friend and couldn't believe how much stuff I oohed and ahhed over. You'll most certainly be seeing more of it on the blog, particularly this jumper. Another "J" worth checking out is Jaeger, who's collaboration with Donna Ida is simply epic. These "Mia" jeans, and this red leopard print shirt are perfect game-changer wardrobe upgrades.

As for footwear I'm trying to be a bit braver. I went to see the guys at Kurt Geiger last week and spotted these gorgeous babies immediately. Snapped them up immediately, they go with everything and are my kind of winter/autumn heel. That said, on the other end of the spectrum I'm also toying with getting these from Topshop which are a bit ridiculous but really fun, or these proper night-out shoes from Reiss.