It’s that time of year when anything could happen weather-wise: Snow flurries, storms, unusually mild temperatures and sunshine – they’re all possible. The perfect time for some transitional season outfit ideas, don’t you think?
It’s mid-March so I’m saying sayōnara, winter – time to ditch the scarves and gloves, bare a little ankle, maybe even go [GASP] bare-legged. Today I’m wearing an outfit that is, once again, heavy on the orangey-red (what can I say, I love this colour!) and suitable for both that winter-to-spring time or the other way round at autumn-into-winter time.
Disclosure: I was gifted these pieces by Finery but was not compensated for writing this post (click here for my full disclosure). All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.
Unlike some parts of the world the UK takes a long time to warm up, and sometimes we don’t get “hot” weather until July. A blast of sunshine in March is a joy, and mild temperatures a revelation. I’ve enjoyed wearing all the orange and all the red this winter, so what better way to finish AW16 and welcome SS17 than with this beautiful balloon-sleeved sweater from Finery London?
If you haven’t yet heard of this young British brand I urge you to check them out – you may just fall in love with them if you go for tailored, quality clothes with a touch of modern edginess at a reasonable price (just about sums me up). I first mentioned Finery back in 2015 when I was featured in the Sunday Times Style magazine and I picked the brand as a new favourite. I’ve worn their shoes, their trousers and their jewellery before.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Along with the rest of the girls from the Over40Collective I’ve styled an outfit from their latest collection. I really just went for separate pieces that I knew would work with the rest of my wardrobe, but to be honest they looked so good together that I decided to wear them as a complete outfit… Another happy accident.
I don’t know which is the biggest star of the show here: The snakeskin and panelled suede boots or the stunning (and super heavy) flower brooch. The boots are unique and super comfy (what I call “very Finery”), and the brooch is basically a piece of art… Brooches are back (I so want to say “Brooches are back, bitches!”) and this one is a conversation-starter.
The flecked peg trousers may look like heavy tweed, but they are, in fact, a very lightweight fabric so perfect for transitional season dressing. I find peg leg styles the most flattering and comfiest smart trouser to wear – these are a cropped length (great for showing off sock-style ankle boots) and are going to look so good with sneakers as well as heels.
I’m all for supporting British brands, especially ones that were set up by two 40+ women (as is the case with Finery). Whilst I do find a few of their pieces hit-and-miss (when you have edgy pieces they often look amazing on one person and not good on the next), overall their collections are always pretty exciting. Every season I add a ton of Finery items I love to my (money-no-object) wish list.
Thankfully Finery offer international delivery. Delivery is free in the UK over £100 and returns are free, but be warned they don’t send out returns labels, you have to print them yourself. If you work from home like me and don’t have a printer it’s awkward – find someone to forward the email to, ask them to print it, get them to bring the label round to you… Definitely something to bear in mind, especially when the returns period is only 14 days.
I would, however, like to see much larger, brighter (portrait not landscape) images and a consistency in styling on the Finery website. The dingy vibe may be on trend but I want to see the clothes I’ll be ordering if I’m paying up to £150 for a dress and up to £400 for a coat (Zara have this vibe spot-on, but with large, bright images).
Exclusive Finery discount for Not Dressed As Lamb readers
Finery have offered Not Dressed As Lamb readers an exclusive 15% discount! No minimum spend, full price items only, not compoundable. One use only and valid until 13th April 2017.
Use code: LAMB15 at the checkout
So go forth and be fierce in your Finery – and do share your thoughts on this brand, as well as checking out the other outfits from the rest of the Over40Collective below!
HAVE YOU SHOPPED FROM FINERY BEFORE, OR ARE YOU CONSIDERING IT? EITHER WAY I’D BE INTERESTED TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK OF THEIR WEBSITE/PHOTOGRAPHY/STYLING… (TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB)
Sweater | Trousers | Boots | Brooch – all c/o Finery | Bag: Yosa (similar – or go for the Chloe Faye original!) | Earrings: ASOS
The Over40Collective
Do take the time to click through and see their outfits in full (they’ll all have shopping links included) to see how they’ve styled their Finery London pieces. It proves how different women can style pieces from the same brand and come up with completely different looks.
Thank you to Finery London for gifting these pieces and working with the Over40Collective.
Annette, Lady of Style
Finery jumpsuit – follow Annette on Instagram @theladyofstyle
Lisa, The Sequinist
Finery dress and boots – follow Lisa on Instagram @thesequinist
Liz, What Lizzy Loves
Finery dress and shoes – follow Liz on Instagram @whatlizzyloves
Michelle, Michelle Tyler
Finery dress, top and shoes – follow Michelle on Instagram @mt.sustainability
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
Follow me on Instagram @notlamb
What a glorious look, Catherine! The brooch and the boots have me swooning. Thanks for linking up, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
What a wonderful array of outfits. All of the 40 collective looking gorgeous x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
I hadn't heard of Finery but so happy to hear they have Int'l shipping! Pretty smitten with your red sweater:) And those boots!!!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
What Liz said! Those boots were made for you, you OWN the colour of that jumper, and the brooch is just fantabulous! 🙂 And, I love your hair styled this way. This is so your style from top to bottom! xx
Oh Catherine. Those boots were made for you and your wardrobe! They look amazing. I love the whole ensemble and the brooch is a real statement piece. I love your hair like that too! xxx
Aren't the boots fabulous, Liz?!!!! The bonus with Finery shoes and boots is that they are just so comfy. Thank you sweetie – and my word you look crazy gorgeous in your striped dress…! x
I like Finery. I got my first piece back in 2015….a few months after they launched.
I liked the edgy feel without the huge price-tag.
To be honest I feel like my "secret" is out and I don't enjoy seeing the brand all over the magazines :o(
I keep buying the odd bit here and there but I have never tried their shoes… my purple satin trousers are a current favourite.
The photography is modern and the website is great….the service is good too.
The only thing I don't like are the t-shirts…. they looked great until I washed them, which was disappointing.
I wear those for bed now because they are super-soft.
I love what you have done here Catherine.
The red is gorgeous and it is nice to see a woman I can relate to in the pieces.
The models on the site are stunning but can look a little androgynous at times.
Those boots are GORGEOUS…. and of course go wonderfully with your hair!
Finery must be delighted with your post.
Perfect styling.
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous | Fashion & Style, over 40
Hehe I know what you mean about not wanting to let the secret out, Samantha!! But we want them to do well so that they continue to produce fantastic pieces…! Thanks for your lovely, thoughtful comment hon xx
Finery is an interesting brand. At first I hated it but it keeps getting mentioned by Vogue and Style so I have popped back and have found more lately I would wear (like that brooch!). I don't know overall if I'll ever make a purchase, it's a bit edgy for me perhaps? You are more adventurous than me! Quality looks good though.