Modern Country Style

Small Gardens: Starting From Scratch

2012-03-06T14:06:00.000Z

Hey, my lovelies,

If you have are starting from scratch, as we are here in our front garden in the Cotswolds, I can't recommend highly enough finding a good garden design company to help you on your way. Starting from scratch is something you only want to do once so why not get it right the first time?

Look at this amazing example? Isn't it incredible?

So beautifully put together.

Image via Decoraat

That whole feeling of cohesion would be virtually impossible for an inexperienced hand to create. However, what *is* possible, is to begin to get a feel for what you like and don't like in order to be in a good place to create a brief for a designer to work with you....

...to help you end up with a garden that you LOVE.

I always think small gardens need MORE of a specialist eye, rather than less, because every spare inch counts. Every bit of ugliness shows up.

But every bit of great design stands out a mile.

So, the question I want to look at is:

what is it that gets us swooning in the garden here at

Modern Country Style?

{open-air bath-tubs aside...}

Shall we take a closer look?

More Space Than Sense...Or The Ultimate Luxury?

2012-03-03T16:05:00.000Z

I admit I initially found this image rather appealing.....

via Brown Dress With White Dots

Then I began to think, as one does,

about the practicalities of such a fanciful get-up.

Aeroplane-flying-peeping-toms might be a problem.

Where would I get the hot water?

Let alone traipsing back and forth to the house to get the bubble-bath, the shampoo, the conditioner.....

And, in fact, who needs outdoor bath tubs when you have a lake?

See all these problems with having more space than sense?

Thank the heavens I'm not in that perilous position.

Starting next week,

at Modern Country Style:

How To Get The Very Best

Out Of A Small Garden.

The Miracle Of Changing The Exterior Of Your Home

2012-02-29T14:58:00.000Z

Front After

Front Before

Okay, yes, this house had plenty going for it in the Before photos

(namely, it's pretty dang big) but look! Look at what they did to it!

Back After

Back Before

If you live in a street like the one where this is, which was apparently filled with Edwardian beauties, while the 'before' house stuck out like a sore thumb, or in a street with houses from a number of different periods, then the opportunities for you to create exactly the look you want are absolutely endless.

Getting it right is all in the details.

So much care has been taken to get the look on all counts:

While I love the Edwardian exterior of our house, as I said on Monday, there's PLENTY to do. This site gives me so much hope that it's possible to get exactly the results I'm looking for.

One more peek at this beauty? Go on then...

All images via: Back To Front

Utterly Gorgeous House And Garden

2012-02-27T14:49:00.003Z

I love the way this completely gorgeous house has an incredible outside AND an incredible inside. And both work together perfectly without competition.

That's what I'm thinking about at the moment. Our front garden is currently utterly hideous. So awful that there is very little prettifying to be done. I've tried. Oh, I've tried. But nooooooo. It's all coming out.

The ugly, cracked concrete. The half-dead plants. The old tree stump. The very thinned-out shingle. Bleeurgh. Starting from scratch. That's where it's at. And we're just at the very beginning the process of making it look scrumptious.

Fancy joining me?

Isn't dull, dark February the most perfect month to dream up

all kinds of wonderful garden plans?

All via Period Living

30 For 30 Outfit Summary

2012-02-24T15:15:00.000Z

Hello rabbits,

It's FRIDAY!!

Yeeeeeeeehah!

I'm putting all 30 outfits from my 30 for 30 into one post so you don't have to trawl through pages and pages, trying to find the outfit your searching for.

And there they all are.

30 outfits,

over 30 days,

using 30 different pieces.

{All you eagle-eyes out there will have spotted that there are only twenty'five photos. That's cos we didn't take photos on five of the days...but I did still wear different outfits. Honest!}

So, what's coming up next?

Well, we'll be diving right in to a mix of

inspiring interiors,

the next steps of our Edwardian renovation,

awesome craft projects,

fashion favourites,

and masses and masses of

Modern Country Style.

Day 30, Day 30, Day Thirteeeeeeeee!!

2012-02-22T15:27:00.001Z

Top: Blossom, Cardigan: Top Shop, Trousers: Blossom, Bag: Accessorize, Necklace: Gift

Woooooooah, mama. I'm done. I'M DONE!!

30 outifts from 30 pieces in 30 days.

I'm there. I've made it all in one piece.

Who will be dancing as she gets dressed tomorrow morning?

Who will be lying awake tonight mulling through millions of future clothing possibilities?

Who will be wearing a ridiculous amount of clothes tomorrow just because I CAN. Oh, wait. Did I just give the answer away?

Yes, meeeeeeeeeeeee!

So, if you see a rather odd-looking preggo wandering around tomorrow wearing 18 shirts, 3 skirts and a thousand shoes and boots attached all over her body, then...errrrrrr........that'll be super-stylish moi.

Day 29: Pancake Recipe!!

2012-02-21T13:20:00.000Z

Jacket: Next, Jumper: Crave Maternity, Jeans: Crave Maternity, Boots: Clarks, Belt: Next

I hope you know that today is officially Pancake Day in England. There are only a few formal recipes that I know off-by-heart from my mother and pancakes is one of them. So here's the way I ALWAYS cook my pancakes (and let me tell you, I've had it said of me that I am THE pancake queen. Yes, not just any old Pancake Queen. The. Big title...)

Here's the lowdown...

Yummiest Pancake Recipe

100g plain flour

1 egg

1 tablespoon salted butter

1/2 pint milk

(This is meant to make enough for 8 but I cook 5 times this for the 6 of us. Greedy? Too right!!)

Mix them all together (adding the milk slowly as you whisk), then cook up a storm in your kitchen. Add your topping(s) of choice (mine are sugar and golden syrup...I know, I know...I'm blushing as I type!!) and relish in your incredibly gorgeous new-found pancake-cooking abilities.

Oh, and love me forever.

Deal?

Day 28: Relaxing with Skinny Jeans and Boots

2012-02-20T12:20:00.000Z

Top: H&M, Gilet: Joules, Jeans: Crave Maternity, Boots: Nine West, Sunglasses: Boots,

Belt: Primark, Earrings and Necklace: Once Designer Jewellery

Hello lovas,

So, today I wanted to go all relaxed and casual (I was going to write ~~casj cash~~, caszh? As in the first syllable of casual but how the hot dang do you spell that?). Some days I like smart and other days I want to mess around down at the park, especially on days like this with gorgeous winter sunshine. I like playing around with different versions of me.

Are you like that too?

{Well, not you playing around with different versions of me. Obviously.

This post has quickly veered off into awkward territory.}

Plus I like to keep Husband on his toes.

Which wife will he get today?

;-)

Day 26: Pick Your Style With Intention

2012-02-18T12:44:00.001Z

Jacket: New Look, Dress: Blossom, Earrings: Wild Acre Designs, Bangle: Primark

Day 26, Day 26!! Only 4 more days of 30 for 30 Clothes until I get to wear OTHER pretty things. I. Cannot. Wait.. I have enjoyed this so much but, let me tell you, my other clothes are seriously calling to me in their sexy-siren voices every time I open my wardrobe. Quite overwhelming to be spoken to in such a fashion so early in the morning.

On Day 31, I am going to have a serious clothes showdown. I'll be changing my outfit every two minutes just because I CAN. Oh yesssssss. The powwweeeeeeerrrrrrrr....

But what this taking 30 items and remixing them every day for 30 days has forced me to do better is to think of the specific look I want for that day and make the pieces I pick out to work for me. Rather than wearing any old combination.

For example, today I love this Modern Country outfit. Taking this gorgeous prairie style maxi dress, so pretty and so country. But then pairing it with a boyfriend jacket and a big, chunky bangle takes it to the modern edge.

Modern Country Clothes...I love 'em!

So that's the Pimp your Wardrobe challenge for today. Consciously decide on the look you want for the day, and THEN choose your clothes. Go on, see if you don't love it...

Have a WONDERFUL weekend.

See you Monday...or before if you've joined me

for a chat over on Facebook!

I'm joining Between Naps at the Porch!

Day 25: What Makes An Outfit?

2012-02-17T13:59:00.000Z

Jacket: New Look, Shirt: TM Lewin, Jeans: Blossom, Boots: Nine West

Well, sweet peas, how are you getting on?

Are you pimping your wardrobe with pride?

{You soooooo know you want to.}

Pimp Your Wardrobe Mission 3:

Start choosing outfits.

Yes, outfits. Next time you get dressed, don't just pick individual items...pull out an outfit. Think how the different pieces go together...or how you could make them work together.

Think colour. Think style. Think shape.

Day 24: Assess Your Body

2012-02-16T14:44:00.003Z

Coat: John Rocha, Jumper: Dorothy Perkins, Skirt: Crave Maternity,

Shoes: Doctor Marten, Hairband: Craft Fair, Necklace: Gift from Husband

Well? Did you have a rummage through your wardrobe?

Has Pimp Your Wardrobe: Mission 1 been accomplished?

Time for Mission 2?

Assess your body shape.

What are your good bits? Long legs? Slender Ankles? Toned arms?

Aaaaaaaand what are your not-so-good bits?

The aim of any outfit you put together should be to highlight your first list, and to play down the second.

But here's the catch. Don't share the bad-bits list with anyone. Ever.

Chances are that no one will have noticed....unless you tell them. And who wants to draw attention to parts that might not be quite right?

Not me, so...

shhh!

Day 23: Pimp Your Wardrobe and My Valentine's Present!

2012-02-15T13:46:00.002Z

Dress: Blossom, Cardigan: Fat Face, Fur Gilet:: Primark, Belt: Fat Face

Hello angels,

Do you find it hard to choose what to wear in the morning? What goes with what? Colours? Shape? Well, struggle no more...Pimp Your Wardrobe is here! I'm going to share some of the easy guidelines I use all the time to pick out outfits.

Mission 1, should you choose to accept it, is to sort through your wardrobe and get rid (that's right, get rid) of any clothes that don't fit you well. I don't mean clothes that are the wrong size necessarily but clothes that don't flatter you, whatever shape you are.

We all have them. Clothes with baggy bottoms, or shapeless elbows. Dresses that are waaaaaay past their sell-by date. Give the items that look great on you NOW a chance to shine.

Bin, bin, bin those nasties.

How was your Valentine's Day?

This year, mine was absolutely perfect. So, you want to know what my big surprise was? The waiting-six-months-in-total-suspense surprise?

It was this:

Guy took the photo and had it framed for me. It's the Bible reading that was read at our wedding. The ring is Guy's wedding ring and did you see that the angle of the light makes the shadow fall as a heart?

It honestly feels like the most romantic thing in all the world. Not the hearts and flowers that I might normally like, but deep, steady, committed, lasting love.

Readers, I swooned.

I'm joining Between Naps at the Porch!

Day 21: Pimp YOUR Wardrobe a-coming up...

2012-02-13T13:31:00.000Z

Dress: Jeffrey Rogers, Gilet: Joules, Jeans: Blossom, Shoes: Pod,

Bangles: Primark, Scarf: The Pashmina Company

I've had quite a few emails asking for tips about putting together clothes. I'm always completely happy to answer your questions personally but so many of you have contacted me that it made me think of putting something here on Modern Country Style too sooooooo, starting tomorrow, let's do a little mini-series....not with any hard-and-fast-rules but just a few ideas for you to put some va-va-vooooom back in your wardrobe.

Sound good, peeps?

Day 19: V Day Countdown Started Six Months Ago....

2012-02-11T11:55:00.000Z

Jeans: Red Herring, Cardigan: Fat Face, Shirt: H&M, Belt: Top Shop, Necklace: Craft Fair

Guy's been saying for literally six months that I should be especially looking forward to Valentine's Day this year. *Not* like him at all and he's got me completely intrigued. Yes, I am very, very, very excited...but also trying to keep my expectations low. Trying to. Yes, I am honestly trying. Trying. Trying. Oh, how I'm trying. But how can they be low when I've had six months of wondering what it is that I should be looking forward to?

So watch this space.....

Day 18: Hair-band Trick...how long will my luck last?

2012-02-10T13:30:00.005Z

Jeans: French Connection, Jumper: Kookai, Jacket: Thrifted, Boots: Nine West,

Bangles, Earrings and Belt: Primark, Sunglasses: The Sunglasses Hut

Something tells me I was the tinsiest bit optimistic when picking out some of the clothes for my 30 for 30 outfits. These jeans are only juuuuuust functioning in the modest category by the skin of their teeth. Thank you, hairband trick. And thank you, big wide belt.

{Do you know that trick? Thread a hair-band through the buttonhole of your jeans and then hook both ends over the button. And, ta-daaaaaah, you get another month or so's wear from your favourite jeans.}

Guy had quite the surprise when I took my belt off, let me tell you. His eyes popped out on stalks when he realised what I had been hiding under that belt all day. To me, it was a necessary evil...to Guy? Smokin'. I will never understand how the minds of men work...

Linking to the lovely girls in my sidebar...

including Between Naps on the Porch

Day 17: Pigtails...and a Batman cape...?

2012-02-09T13:11:00.003Z

Jumper: Crave Maternity, Skirt: Top Shop, Shoes: Pod, Hat: Accessorize

Were you with us on Facebook, when we were asking each other the million-dollar question:

When is too old to wear pig-tails?

Our conclusion? We'll still be wearing them when we're 90....

I think it's all about how you wear them...I'll be leaving the gingham ribbons to the school-girls, and plump for low-slung hippy braids instead.

And as for this jumper...remember seeing it here, way back on Day 9 of my 30 for 30 outfits, as a tunic dress? Is there no end to its versatility? Perhaps next time, I'll sport it as a pair of trousers...I'm thinking the armholes could somehow double up as the legs...and the time after that, a Batman cape...

Yeah, baby, see me work it....

Linking to the lovely girls in my sidebar...

including Between Naps on the Porch

Day 16: Apparently this is how I look when I'm embarrassed....

2012-02-08T14:29:00.002Z

When we were outside taking these photos, a jogger ran right past. Right past super-close. Close enough to touch. Enough with the staring, Mister Jogger. Utterly awkward moment red-alert.

Did I retain my full composure?....errr...no. It turns out that I started doing all kinds of weird faces. Handily, Guy was fully prepared to capture my every squirm of discomfort for your viewing pleasure....

Didn't I say that man is nothing but a giver?

Trousers: Blossom, Shirt: H&M, Shoes: Pod, Scarf: Burberry

Jogger's Outfit: Unknown...you ask him...

Day 15: Baby, it's cold outside...

2012-02-07T13:29:00.002Z

Coat: Love Label, Shirt: H&M, Jeans: Crave Maternity, Boots: Clarks

Hey peeps,

I didn't exactly cater for snow in my 30 for 30, so please bear with me as I get my head round how to dress for the cooooooooold, without wearing every single one of my 30 for 30 items all in one go. Which is why I wore these skinny jeans and boots two days in a row. A different top, mind you. And my snuggliest coat. So technically still a different outfit...but it's a close call, I know, I know.

Possibly it needed more planning. Okay, definitely. But last night I was busy. And on my own. Sometimes, I'm not that great at whiling away the hours by myself. I like having Guy around me. A lot.

However, yesterday, I was looking forward to my evening treat all day.

I finished tucking the kiddiewinks in. Did a quick whizzaround downstairs, picking up stray debris {how does that stuff even get past the front door?}.

And then.....

I climbed into our bed, with a big bar of chocolate and watched Desperate Housewives all on my own.

I lay diagonally and had the duvet and quilt all curled around me like a snuggly nest. So comfortable and so happy.

All in all, a fab, fab night.

And well worth wearing these lovelies two days in a row. ;-)

Day 14: The No-Make Up Shots...

2012-02-06T13:30:00.003Z

Cardigan: Crave Maternity, T-Shirt: Fat Face, Necklace: Craft Fair,

Skinny Jeans: Crave Maternity, Boots: Clarks

Okay, so the day had to come. Day 14 was when the one chance of being outside with the camera presented itself when I had no make up on. That's right. Clean as a whistle.

But really. When there's snowball fights to be had. And snowmen building. And sledges. And gorgeously warm snuggly cardigans. And then afterwards hot buttered toast by the fire. And hot chocolate with marshmallows. And beautiful, glowing, happy little faces beaming up at you...who needs make-up?

Day 12: Let It Snow....Pleeeease?

2012-02-04T12:55:00.002Z

Coat: H&M, Dress: Jeffrey Rogers, Boots: Nine West

It's officially 70% likely to snow here in the English Cotswolds over the next few hours....rising to 90% overnight. The words beyond excited are just the tip of the iceberg of how I feel about the impending white precipitation. See? Iceberg? I just can't help myself.

I am thinking of preparing a come-on-snow-cheerleading dance. Pretty certain that to get any real snow round here, it will need some kind of dance-stylee helping hand...and I'm prepared to step up to the cheerleading plate on this occasion. And this occasion only.

Plus, truly, who needs pompoms when I have my very own version:

The Preggo-Tum.

{And up, and left, and wiggle, and turn...}

Perhaps I should be looking into a Patent?

You think?

I'm linking to: Between Naps On The Porch

Day 11: Awkward, awkward, awkward....

2012-02-03T09:38:00.001Z

Shirt: TM Lewin, Skirt: Top Shop, Belt: Next, Bangle: Primark

I have this friend. right? And this friend sent a text message to her husband. And let's say it was quite...errr...smoochy. Yes, my pumpkins, that was one hot-mama text. Only she didn't send it to her husband.

She sent it to her sister-in-law.

Whaaaaaaa'....

And then this friend had to phone her sister-in-law and shriek various embarrassment-filled pleas to delete said text AT ONCE. And not to clap eyes on it in any way at all. Purrrrleeeeeease.

Wouldn't that be an awful thing to happen to anyone?

It was me.

It was yesterday.

It was awkward.

I'm linking to Between Naps On The Porch

Day 10: Me being busy....on the inside....

2012-02-02T12:46:00.004Z

Jacket: Next, Jumper: Fat Face, Skirt: Crave Maternity, Tights: Marks and Spencers, Boots: Faith

Do you know one of the completely superficial things that I love about being pregnant? I can announce on a whim, "I'm just going to put my feet up for ten minutes....or an hour...or two weeks {and why not? - in for a penny, in for a pound...} and no one can accuse me of being lazy because I am hard at work making our baby.

Watching tv? And growing dimpled little hands.

Dozing on the sofa. But also making eyes.

Drinking a lovely cup of tea? Yes, while manufacturing the softest, downiest hair.

See? All idle-related accusations fall by the wayside.
Muahahahaaaa...

I'm not convinced by this jacketted ensemble today...I LOVE this coat when I'm my normal shape. It nips in snugly on my waist but, at the moment, it highlights all the wrong bits. No nipping in at all - in fact, if anything, it nips OUT my waist. Not good. I think it will be consigned to post-pregnant wardrobe heaven for now...

Anyway, I'm just off for a wee ziz....I've got a little cutie to grow...

Day 9: Head Scarf-Lurrrve

2012-02-01T10:24:00.002Z

Tunic: Crave Maternity, Scarf: Accessorise, Boots: Nine West

Is it just me or do the words Scarf and Luuurve combine in your brain to make you think of Scurvy? Please banish that thought from your mind's eye (I'm talking to you, me) and let's get on with happier thoughts...

I love that scarf-in-your-hair hippy chick thang. The whole sixties boho country vibe makes me want to do a little boogie. I imagine mini-skirted, bescarved women sauntering bare foot through golden fields of wheat. A million miles off the f-f-freeezing weather here in England. But still worth a little boogie, I think.

So that's the scarf...and, paired with the boots and the tunic dress, it brings it bang-slap up to 2012.

That's what I love. Country with a Modern twist. Do you?

Oh, wait....

That'll be Modern Country Style.

You're in the right place, honeypops...

Day 8: The Dress Is Back...

2012-01-31T12:11:00.002Z

Hooded gilet: Primark, Belt: Top Shop Cardigan: Fat Face, Dress: ASOS, Shoes: Pod

Do you know how much I'm enjoying this

30 for 30: Maternity Fashion?

LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS!!

{I've taken 30 items: a mix of clothes from my regular wardrobe and some scrumptious maternity togs, and am remixing them to put together 30 different outfits over 30 consecutive days.}

My mind often veers off thinking about what I can put together. I'm loving having to make the effort to search for a look that I really like each and every day.

I'm thinking this would make a lovely Valentine's outfit...

Even on the days that I might normally choose to wear something baggy and shapeless, on the days I might feel a bit bleurgh and want to hide away under my duvet, I still have to make an effort...

and I'm finding that it makes me feel great.

It's taken me a bit by surprise but it turns out that this series is good for me.

Which is definitely good for Guy.

{More on that tomorrow.}

And, hopefully, good for you too!

{Today I'm linking to the lovely Decor Chick}

Day 7: Having Fun vs The Sniffles

2012-01-30T11:46:00.000Z

Jacket: French Connection, Scarf: The Pashmina Company, Top: Gift, Trousers: Blossom, Shoes: Pod

We went out last night. I know, I know...the thrilling excitement of nighttime adventures. What with one thing and another (one thing: being pregnant, the other thing: having this coldy-cough}, it's been a good couple of weeks since I ventured out of an evening. Consequently, it all went to my head a little bit.

Guy and I strolled down the road to our local for a pub quiz with some very lovely friends. It was a splendiferous evening. In fact, I laughed until I cried. And spluttered. And coughed. And snorted most unattractively.

But it's all about weighing up the fun against the sniffles.

There must be some kind of deeper meta-meaning to that, if only I had the energy to look hard enough. In fact, that should be my lifetime mantra, don't you think?