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It’s picture-heavy, this post, but I did risk life and limb standing in the middle of the road for the photos, so I’m including as many as self-respect will allow. To be entirely honest, only one car actually went past us the whole time we were outside, so it wasn’t as though I was dodging lorries and getting beeped by Deliveroo drivers. (We can’t even get Dominos Pizza delivered here, never mind Deliveroo – and Dominos deliver everywhere.) But I like you to think that I suffer for my art. Ha.
Anyway, I’m back with the new Hush October drop* and I must apologise in advance because it’s pretty much irresistible. And now that the colder weather has kicked in (even Mr AMR, aka Dr Frost, has fired up the log burners and switched the underfloor heating back on in the bathroom) we’re all taking stock of our wardrobes and wondering what we can do to pep things up.
So I’m sorry if you’re tempted by the things on this page, but I have three coats to show you. Three coats that will completely revive and lift your autumn wardrobe, even if they’re the only thing you buy. I’ve done a snazzy little thing where I’ve taken the three coats and gone for three quite different looks. Groundbreaking! I couldn’t stretch to hair and makeup changes (the kids will only watch Dora the Explorer for a limited amount of time before all hell breaks loose, so the clock was ticking) but I tried to convey different feelings and vibes through my facial expressions. Smizes. Slances. (Sidelong glances.) Smulks. (Sultry smirks.)
Argh, check out this furry coat, though. Isn’t it just beautiful? This is my Sexy Sixties Sex Kitten look. (I realise I used the word “sex” twice there, but it really boosts my page ranking for some reason when I say sex. I have no idea why, because it’s not as though the post is even about sex, but it must be sex-mad people searching for posts on sex? Who knows.)
I’m properly layered up in this outfit; the beautiful Lizzy (Faux) Fur Coat* has a cashmere roll neck dress beneath it. Toasty warm, but ridiculously cute and sassy. I particularly like that this outfit suits minimalist, no-effort hair – I’ve scraped mine back into a low ponytail – and you need little more than foundation and a boatload of mascara on the makeup front.
And can we talk about the slouchy boots? Not too high, but with the sort of pointy toe that smartens up any outfit. They look great with tights or tight-fitting jeans.
(I’m almost camouflaged in the photo above, aren’t I? Who knew that animal print would be such a good fit for rural Somerset?)
You can find the Lizzy coat here*, the cashmere dress here* and the Selby boots here*. (The cashmere roll neck dress is an excellent investment – I still have a pale grey one from years ago and have thrown it on over everything from pale denim jeans to gym leggings. It’s so comfy and warm.)
Now let’s take a trip to the casual side with this leather jacket. (I have no idea what the “casual side” is, but I was actually going to write “next stop Casual Town, ding ding!) so think yourselves lucky.) Leather jackets are pretty much my staple until it gets really really cold and this one has a little twist.
The Marlowe Jacket* has a faux shearling collar that nicely updates the classic shape and makes it a little softer. The collar is completely detachable (just discovered this, result!) so you can absolutely wear the jacket all year round and take the collar off when it gets to springtime.
I decided to go for my favoured “sport luxe” style here – logo t-shirt, trainers and relaxed trousers. They’re not, in fact, joggers; they are quite glamorous metallic side-stripe trousers! See, I did make an effort…
I love a stripe detail, as you know, but these Dylan trousers* are just supremely comfortable. I had similar ones last winter with a gold stripe and hardly took them off. They look good with a massive cuddly jumper thrown on top and can be dressed up with a silk shirt and high heels if you fancy it, for the evening.
Find the Marlowe jacket here*, the Superstar t-shirt (so, so soft!) here*, the Dylan trousers here* and the Ledbury trainers here*.
Please can you look at this for a power pose! This is me in peak danger. There was a tractor rumbling along about two miles away and a pheasant almost trod on my foot. The sound of silence was deafening, the air was so clean it almost hurt my lungs. Welcome to the perilous life in the country.
But back to coats. This one is the smart, surprisingly heavy Pelle Wool Coat*. I say surprisingly heavy because it doesn’t look bulky or clumsy but it really is like wearing a tailored blanket – it would be impossible to feel cold in this.
There’s something rather masculine about the cut, but I like that; it feels almost oversized, but – again – it’s not at all bulky. Chic, but absolutely wearable. Easy to chuck on. Looks brilliant over skinny jeans and knitwear, slightly eccentric over the same but with wellies, and excellent with dresses.
Underneath the coat I’m wearing a Rock ‘n’ Roll jumper*, the same slouchy boots* as before (better picture of them, this one) and skinny jeans. There are lovely embroidered stars down the seam of these jeans – it’s a nice, subtle detail that makes me feel inexplicably pleased when I put them on.
But let’s not forget the scarf, oh so gently grasped in my hands as I execute Model Pose #75. (Model Pose #75: soft eyes, genuine smile, hands folded or clasped at front of body. Great for after lunch when feeling bloated, hides a multitude of sins. Brilliant for showcasing clutch bags, kittens and folded scarves in a credible, non-cringey way.)
Hush do great scarves – their cashmere leopard print one will never be a bad investment – but their star one* for this season is great. Especially if (whispers) you’ve had it with animal print. I will never tire of the leopard, I think I must have leopard in my blood (rank thought, moving on), but I can understand those feeling a little leoparded-out.
I love the charcoal/palest pink colourway of this cashmere star scarf – very elegant, very understated and a sweet twist on the classic dark grey.
You can find the Star scarf here*, the Pelle coat here*, the embroidered Bailey jeans here* and the Rock ‘n’ Roll jumper here*. The slouch boots are here* if my power-stance picture has made you feel as though you need them in your life. Cat Woman style.
Let me know what you like the look of. I will be back in the not-too-distant future with another glorious Hush post. I can’t even tell you what a dream of a collaboration this is – I probably don’t need to tell you if you’re a longtime reader. I’m Hush mad. I’ll even stand in the middle of the road for it.
This post has been sponsored by Hush. You can find the whole new collection online here*.
Hi Ruth,i love reading your posts and learn soo much about interesting things.You are so witty and colourful.I find you very refreshing and brilliant.I loved watching your video of your home,its my dream to live in the country it looks amazing.I saw you wearing the hush long coat, and ordered it immediately, size 12 is to big so have ordered size 10.
Oh I love love love those boots! The only thing stopping me is wondering how roomy they are around the calf? I sometimes find knee highs a bit tight and it would be an expensive mistake to make! Hmmm.
The Pelle wool coat is a little bit Withnail & I. You really ought to be demanding the finest wines known to humanity whilst wearing that.
I prefer to shout “We’re not from London!” at passing farmers. x
Absolutely LOVE the faux-fur coat. It looks amazing on you! Totally buying into the leopard-print trend and grabbed the Celina jumper (in grey) from Hush earlier in the week. Totally down to you bringing the brand to my attention in posts gone by. Thank you!
Thanks Fiona, glad to help! : )
All of them coats are absolutely amazing, they look so stunning on you!
Danielle xx
I hope these beautiful photos mean you are fully recovered from your dental surgery. You look fabulous and full of mojo! Nice coats and jackets too.
Alas, taken weeks ago. I am still very much under the weather! : (
x
Love all the coats but the long wool one seems the most wearable for the style i seem to go for since moving to a more rural area. Sort of country glam or casual chic…don’t know what to call it. But I find in the country the more city looks feel a bit too try hard for me. And any chance to wear something like a blanket outside! I usually go for things that feel as close to a bathrobe and slippers as i can manage. I do love the leopard though…. so tempting! But these items probably aren’t available in the States so I am just dreaming. Pizza wise–we also cannot get any delivery at our new home but my husband has talked to our local pizza place and the owner says he will personally deliver to us IF we order at least 4 large pizzas! So that is definitely happening i guess….
Ruth I love your writing and this is not intended as a criticism of you personally. Have a watch of Stacey Dooley Investigates Fashion’s Dirty Secrets about the impact of our constant fashion consumption on the environment… it is truly shocking and eye opening. In the programme she does speak to some bloggers and ‘influencers’ (sorry, I know you hate that word and the word ‘haul’!) and I think you might find it really interesting. I literally had no idea about some of it and I think a lot of others probably don’t either. Quite annoying as I need (want?) some new jeans, but now I’ve seen it it’s hard not to consider the implications of some of our choices. Just to clarify, I’m not suggesting that the clothing you are promoting here is not ethically produced, just commenting on how crazy our seemingly constant need for new things is at this point in time and the ramifications of that.
Yes, absolutely. I didn’t see it as was ill but going to watch on catch up. It’s something that has been on my mind for years – I’m quite a cautious buyer and very rarely “waste” a purchase (I take a LOT of things back) but I suppose that part of what I do here is to show new things and it would get boring, potentially, to have the same items I own again and again. Fashion posts would pretty much be a thing of the past. But maybe that’s a good thing? I’ve never been a fan of disposable fashion but admit that I have been becoming increasingly aware of my own part in the whole sustainability picture. Need to give my thoughts some thought – if that makes sense! Personally I LOVE fashion posts in magazines and seeing what’s new, but a lot of the time I take that info and get inspired as to how to wear existing items. It’s a bit like how I read recipe books ALL THE TIME and rarely make a new recipe – it’s more inspirational/motivational reading!
On a separate note: jeans are very important. I live in jeans. I also wear them until they are basically rags, at which point I make them into shorts or put them in the fabric recycling. If you’re the same, then I think you can safely buy some jeans. x
Yes, agree with all you say here Ruth. I’m the same. I love looking at fashion shoots for inspiration etc even if not always buying into everything. I can tell from your writing you have a considered approach and you think about the wider picture. I love your posts! I wouldn’t want to suggest you change anything, that’s not my business. It’s our own responsibility how much we buy into things. Don’t underestimate your appeal though, I got a gorgeous British Shorthair cat after seeing your pictures of Mr Bear (ha!) and I sometimes purchase beauty products you have recommended because I find, for me, your judgement is spot on. You are providing a valuable service and thankfully I’m not insane and don’t feel the need to purchase every single thing you feature! It was more a comment on our society in general and the part we all play. But I’m certain you (and your readers, if they haven’t seen it) would be interested in that documentary.. def check it out when you’re feeling better and have a little bit of time amidst the relentless days/nights of being mum to two small people (amongst other things). (On a side note, wish you had been sharing your insights on being a mum when I was a first time mum.. would definitely have been a source of comfort, and laughs). Get well soon, tooth pain is THE WORST. Clove oil on area can be quite good, although tastes grim, and you’ve prob already tried it. Feel for you! xx
Thank you Katherine – I’m going to try and watch it later today! Good call on the cat by the way.. : )
Ooo love these coats and I really like that star scarf!
I don’t wear heels, but I love those boots! And I love animal prints however, where you look classy in one, I look like an old hooker who’s been out too late. Just an observation, you look like a totally different person when you smile Ruth. Your a bit scary and “I’m a model and above mortal cares” looking with a straight face. I have to remind myself that an hour before, you probably had an angry toddler hurling his lunch at you while the dog quietly barfs in the corner of the kitchen…..
I don’t think I will ever tire of leopard print either, but stars are my second favorite print, so it doesn’t hurt to have options.
As for the sex (does it help in the comments as well? sex sex sex ) I´d have no clue how to incorporate that word into my writing. I mean, I don’t even have poses and looks to describe most of the time, and I don’t really want to think about which search term would lead to my site when I combine sex, mature skin, and maybe product packaging in my sentences?
Anne – Linda, Libra, Loca
Hahahaha!!! Thanks for upping the sex count, pretty sure comments are included… : )
I hear you on the Domino front, they don’t deliver to our home either and we’re not that rural! Anyway thanks for the lovely post, you never fail to make me smile/chuckle/laugh. It made the 5 o’clock feeding session that much more entertaining ;) The coats look great on you and that’s saying a lot considering that I’m really not into leopard at all!
Thank you Anja! x
For a second there the title made me think it was about mascara.
That would be an excellent title for mascara! : )
I like all of these! I love the trench coat though! Atowle|https://formationvacations.com/