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A few weeks ago when I was blogging about Summer Festival Fashion I’d mentioned that I was after an army style jacket. Unfortunately I didn’t find one cheap enough to take with me to the festival, but the jacket has stayed on my wish list as I thought it would be a great item for my Autumn / Winter wardrobe.

When I was contacted by Next to see if I would like to review one of their pieces I was hoping that they would have an army style jacket in their new collection. Luckily for me they did and I loved it!

Army Style Khaki Jacket (£42)

I’ve seen a few different army style jackets popping up in various high street clothing stores now that the new season collections are coming into stock. I really love this version as the tie band around the waist creates a more flattering curvy silhouette than some of the baggier versions. I did see some vintage army jackets while I was at Kendal Calling and although they were cheaper than this, they were all one size and far too big for me. I purchased this in a size 12 (I’m generally a UK size 10 –12 in most stores) and it fits very well with a little bit of room for a chunky jumper come October, and of course the tie band at the waist can be used to pull in any slack.

I’m planning on wearing it with my favourite wardrobe staple, the floral vintage dress:

I think its such a versatile item that can be worn with loads of different things I already own – jeans and stripy tops, skinny black pants and an oversized knit, I think I’ll be getting a lot of wear out of the jacket this coming season!

What’s no 1 on your autumn / winter fashion wish list? Am I the only one that’s already getting excited for the autumn? I can’t wait!

Anyone else so happy it’s Friday?

Rocking my army jacket, Laura wardrobe staple stripy top and gorgeous necklace from H&M

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job but knowing that we have the extra long bank holiday weekend coming up is awesome, plus its pay day for me which means epic grocery shop! As we are forecast some rain I’m looking forward to a weekend spent at home cooking in my kitchen, drinking coffee and getting caught up!

This week has actually been pretty great, I've been studying away on my IIN health coaching course and getting lots of tasks done at work. I have strangely been starting to feel quite autumnal! Although the days have still been warm and (mostly) sunny, I have started to notice the mornings getting darker and chillier. Definitely feeling that late summer / early autumn vibe and I love it!

Some of my eats this week have reflected that summer / autumn mix:

Breakfasts: home made raw carrot raisin bread with raw almond butter, apple and vanilla spinach green smoothie, sweet potato smoothie with muesli, persimmon, peach and coconut butter for dipping plus a green smoothie on the side, cherry and banana almond milk shake (eaten with un pictured eggs and avocado)

Dinners: chickpeas, peppers and aubergine in a harissa spiced tomato sauce with brown rice and broccoli, sautéed veggies with scrambled organic eggs and avocado

Snacks: watermelon slushie, apple with cashew butter for dipping, bowl of peanut flour and coconut flour paste with apple for dipping, peach vanilla bean smoothie in a bowl with coconut

This weeks workouts:

• Saturday – REST
• Sunday – 20 min HIIT, Kettlecise class
• Monday – 5 min warm up on cross trainer, workout 1, 10 min HIIT on bike
• Tuesday – 20 minutes cardio on machines in gym, Body Pump class
• Wednesday – 60 minute level 2 Yogaglo Vinyasa Flow
• Thursday – Active REST – walking to town and back
• Friday – 5 min warm up on cross trainer, workout 2, 10 min HIIT on bike

As I was saying I decided to come up with a fresh strength training programme. I’m certainly no expert and this is just what I came up with for me, but I think its fairly balanced and I’ve been enjoying doing it!

I’ve been using a 50lb / 40lb barbell for the squats / deadlifts / lunges and then dumbbells between 6 – 8kg for some of the other stuff. Feeling really good about the balance in my work out week at the moment :-)

On the Love List this week…

My new yoga mat and bag!

I got this as a treat with some birthday money as my old mat was literally falling apart. This was a bit pricey but as I’m committed to keeping up my yoga I decided it would be a worthy investment. I got the Manduka Prolite (as recommended by Phil) and the large yoga bag, both from Yoga Matters. Also…

My first Skype date with fellow IIN student Nathalie // carrying out my first health counsellor consultations (exciting!) // wearing layers // fresh figs // planning for the future // listening to Band of Horses // getting excited about September holiday to Brighton

In case you missed it:

• Exercising at home and my dream home gym
• Sports injuries and how to avoid them
• Autumn / winter fashion – The Next Army style jacket

What’s on your Love List this week? If you are in the UK how are you planning on spending the bank holiday? Are you feeling the ‘season in between’?

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Myvitamin GIVEAWAY winner

Congratulations Hayley! Send me an email with your address and I will arrange to get your prize posted out!