Summer in the City

We're feeling a bit hot and bothered at That's Not My Age Mansions and the Tinto de Verano (red wine and Sprite) doesn't seem to be helping matters. It was over 30 degrees in London today, but that didn't stop Mr That's Not My Age going to work in a jumper. Long story, short: the spare room is currently occupied by Manhattan Brother so the Blog Widower's late-night wardrobe grab uncovered a classic three-button, Merino wool John Smedley that didn't need ironing. Fortunately, Mr TNMA works in an air-conditioned office and came home looking as cool as Roger Federer in Ralph Lauren silk pyjamas. Meanwhile, Manhattan Brother has taken to wearing a pair of my old sunglasses, cursing the lack of air-conditioning and Wi-Fi and asking random questions like, 'Who is Pippa Middleton?' My only salvation is this lovely raffia beach bag from Land's End, which I can't put down. It's large enough for all my usual junk, gives a nod to the Prada summer stripes trend and if the sun gets any fiercer, I'll be wearing it on my head.

Close to the wedge

Got the maxi skirt, got the flared jeans, now all I need is a pair of tan leather wedges and my modern-day seventies wardrobe is complete. These leather espadrilles are Canvas by Land's End, cost 60 English pounds and are available online in March. Get behind me in the queue.

Fashion's Night In

Although every night is a Fashion Night In at That's Not My Age Mansions - never has being slumped in front of the telly watching the latest box-set been so glamorous - I'm looking forward to Monday 1 November and Vogue's Fashion’s Night In, an online shopping event. That's Not My Age is a secret fan of Land's End cashmere - I have classic grey sweater and a lovely grassy green cardigan which sadly looks a bit washed out in the picture below, but I have no idea how to ramp up the colour so you'll either have to use your imagination, or come round to our house and and join us on the settee for endless re-runs of 30 Rock.



Anyhow, on Monday, Land's End are offering 10% off their cashmere collections, free delivery for those shopping from Lands’ End Canvas - read all about the latest collection on Liberty London Girl - and for every order placed, £5 is donated to KidsCo. Not bad eh?


Oh and did I tell you I met Jane Birkin at this year's Fashion Night Out?

Mum shoes

That's Not My Age has problem feet. And this means that ballet pumps and super flat sandals are out of the question. So when summer comes, I'm always on the look out for a shoe with a comfy rubber sole or low wedge heel. Sadly, said footwear is often high in frump factor and low in style. Last year whilst visiting the brother in NYC, I was delighted to find a pair of APC wedge sandals that weren't too steep - well, the gradient of the wedge was fine but the price was a bit on the high side. So delighted in fact, that I wore them out of the store, and walked all the way back to brother's apartment, only to be told as I stepped through the door that, 'They look like something mum would wear.'



Now I realise that ironic footwear doesn't work so well as you get older, I spent most of last summer trying not to look like a pensioner on a coach trip. Teaming my comfy sandals with rolled up skinny jeans and a boyfriend jacket seemed to work, and this year I'm going to try them with a shirtdress. The shoes may be a tad Mrs That's Not My Age Senior, but I'm not ready for Crimplene slacks just yet.

And, yay! Good news has arrived via The Sunday Times Style Magazine. Mum shoes are in vogue! As seen on the S/S 2010 catwalk at Stella McCartney:





Mum shoes are also available from Margaret Howell (top black & white picture), and in descending order below; Clarks Originals, Camper (with hidden mini heel) and Land's End. Just be careful how you wear them.






Don't you love it when something easy to wear slips onto the fashion radar? Or am I showing my age?

Photos:

Stella McCartney: Mitchell Sams from Marie Claire