Marc Jacobs, Cath Kidston & Ugg at Bicester Village

If you are a Marc Jacobs fan then get yourself down to Bicester Village as they've just opened up a new shop there.  I am a huge fan of the village, not the least because it is also very close to me but also being the bargain hunter that I am, it does have some great finds.  You can't always guarantee  to find the bargains but I seem to have a nose for them!  It was a very colourful Sunday when I went a few weeks back, the whole place seemed to have that Spring feel.

The Marc Jacobs shop had a full range of products from handbags to accessories and a rail of clothes.  They had his diffusion line; Marc by Marc Jacobs as well as some pieces from his main line. 

My favourite top there, silk £117 from £195 (40% discount)

I wasn't on a mission for much that day, I just went with a friend to catch up and have a browse.  I purchased the below from Cath Kiddston to post to my sister as a little treat and the kind sales assistant gave me some cute paper bags and stickers to wrap them up in, how lovely!  Service like this always impresses me, it's all about that little bit of something extra to make your customers feel appreciated and satisfied. 

Completely not on the look out for a new handbag (but always keeping one eye firmly open) I popped into Ugg who seem to have a bargain bin out of late.  They have been selling off samples at hugely reduced prices.  Having worked in Buying for many years, I am used to samples and a lot are pretty much nearly the finished item, so it never really bothers me.  I spied the below at £35, they had others in the store at £60 but this was a sample.  That day they had 20% off handbags for Mothers Day so I cheekily asked if mine was included.  Yes it was!  £28 for this leather beauty.  My friend said I was mad to walk away but being the Capricorn I am, I do like a little ponder.  It was held for me whilst I wondered around the village.  After putting in a call to the husband and confirming he was in fact planning to go to Tesco that afternoon for my Mothers Day present (nooooo, I need no more aprons or tea-towels with I Love My Mum on) so I said not too, I had found a bargain.  Pennies saved from Tesco bits and invested here instead.  I was lucky enough to still receive some beautiful flowers and cards on the day also.  

I have already used my bag, proof for me it was meant to be if I use it within two weeks of owning.  The body of the bag is nice and light, it's the chain that carries the weight.  I didn't realise until using  it that the chain also clips off so you can thread it through and make it shorter to a little arm strap.  

Jumper; M&S kids cashmere
Jeans; Gap
Boots; Sam Edelman
Bag; Ugg
Lizzie the cat again!

The High Street Edit featuring H&M, Warehouse & Mint Velvet

I was working with a client last week on a shopping trip and as always, I get there a little earlier to have some time to browse around.  In 3 hours, we did 3 shops.  Yep, 3 shops only.  I like to do them well!  She did however spend her budget and came away very happy and eager to spend more.  We spent time in House of Fraser, New Look and H&M.  We fitted her in the most amazing pair of skinny jeans from New Look for £22.99.  Well done New Look, great cut, finish and the right amount of stretch.  They have a great selection so do take the time to have a look.

I then had to go back into town the next day to have a little trying on session for myself!  The main items that caught my eye to try were in H&M.  Sadly (but happily for my bank balance) they weren't right for me but might just be for you!

£24.99 bought, returned!  Wanted to replace a holed, much loved cream top I have.  I wanted to feel as fabulous in it as my other top (not a H&M one) but it didn't hit the mark for me.

Loved this on the hanger, so wanted to love it on.  Just not the right shape on me, but the print was great.

Had my eye on this denim number for a while.  Great, on trend shape but the fabric was so fine that you could see the pockets through it as below.  (yes, I was being lazy, jeans are still half on!)

Too many lumps & bumps going on, such a shame.

A great dress, just too long on me.  Nice light fabric for the warmer weather.

I have a thing about quilted bomber style jackets at the moment. Had they had my size, it probably would have been purchased (and quite possibly returned!)

I bought this dress in cream whilst I was working in London last year and they have now brought it out £10 cheaper (£29.99) in floral and a thinner material. I liked the thick fabric before but with this print they've done a good job.

Bikini shopping is right up there with my hated bra shopping.  However I fell in love with this print.  It's still sat in the bag upstairs awaiting a decision though!

Ending H&M on their most positive of collections.......

If you are looking for a fitted, slimming dress for work, give Warehouse a look.  I think this is a great classic with those slimming black side panels, defining/working in a waist.

£50

For more panelling Mint Velvet had this gorgeous top.  Probably one of my favourite pieces of their current collection.  The fabric felt weighty enough to show quality but still great for warmer weather.

£59

How gorgeous is this jacket, also from Mint Velvet (seen in House of Fraser).  Seriously in love with this.  I can see it working so well with any wardrobe staples such as jeans, skirts, over dresses.

£79

Over to what I wore that day.  I am at my most comfiest in jeans so my black wet look Gap's were worn, teamed with some colourful cashmere from M&S and jewels from New Look.  Boots by Sam Edelman.

Trusted Zara fur gilet thrown on for good measure!

Where have you been shopping on the High Street recently that's given you inspiration?

The Bloggers Meet Up (and a little light shopping!)

When I started out at blogging, I pretty much had no idea what I was doing nor where it would go.  I had no preconceptions.  Roll on 3.5 years and although it's not as frequent as I would like, I seem to have made my blogging a part of my life.  More than that really, it's lead to meeting some really lovely friends.  Last year I met up with a group of ladies who also blogged and had welcomed me to their Facebook group, the same happened again this year along with some welcome new additions.  The venue remained the same, The Mayfair Pizza Company, right in the heart of the West End.  Not only are they all a bunch of totally stylish ladies in their own right, but I love how diverse the group is and the knowledge that's bought and shared to the table.  Last week was pretty much just about a damn good chit chat but on a daily basis we all try to help each other out with blogging (ok and sometimes random!) problems.  How lovely is that?

From L to R around the table; Helen, Donna, Kat, Avril, Fiona, Joanna, Sue

From L to R; Marlene, Michelle, Helen, Donna

Apologies to Frances who I didn't manage to capture in my only two shots of the day!  All the ladies blogs are linked to their names, my favourites reads so go and have a look.  As always I was rushing around and had a brief outline of my boots and coat but not the rest of the outfit planned!  I wore my comfy black wet look Gap jeans and a orange Boden top which for some reason I didn't feel comfortable in that day.  Maybe I just needed a bit of a tan!  The following two pictures were taken by the uber talented Marlene with her fabulous camera (featured above!).  She very kindly snapped away at us for the day.  I'm not a natural in front of the camera and like most women, spend time picking out my flaws when I see the photos.  Marlene has written an amazing, inspiring post about just that.  Have a read here, thank you Marlene for the wake up call.  You rock, simples.

Coat; Zara

Bag; Chanel
Boots; Sam Edelman

Whilst I was meeting up with her I asked Sue if she would bringing with her one of her fabulous bracelets that she hand makes over at Susie Ho.  She makes them to order, so the size can be made for you and she even gave me the option to pick gold or silver fastenings.  They make fabulous gifts, especially if you want to send something in the post as they are perfect for the letter box in their little gift bags.  Mine comes in a few other colour ways and was £4.  

I couldn't go into London without a tiny little browse around the shops.  I have read so much about Uniqlo's 'HeatTech' under garments and what with permanently feeling the cold, I decided it was time I tried one out.  I am not ashamed to admit I wear a vest pretty much every day now, I am always cold.  However they are just thin cotton ones, nothing thermal.  This cream tee-shirt was £9.90 and I can report it really does make a difference.  They are long in the body and fit true to size.  There were long sleeved versions too.  So if you need that extra layer, I fully recommend.  I am yet to try Primarks version which I hear is also very good but I wanted to try Uniqlo's first as they were the one's that I've heard so much about.

The blurb, sounds pretty impressive doesn't it?

To finish with, a debate I am constantly having with myself and also with my husband.  Investment virsus cheap thrill.  I found this jumper in Uniqlo for £5, yes £5 and its 60% wool.  I grabbed it without hesitation.  Wore it the next day (and the day after that...) but there is already some bobbling going on.  I got the 'I told you so' look from him but then came a bit of a challenge which I am not sure I am ready to take up.  "Instead of spending £10-£15 here there, why don't you not.  Save up for one really good quality piece once a month."  Mmmm.  Well quite frankly he has a point.  However like most, I want it all.  I want a cheap, quick thrill of a bargain and some key investment pieces in my wardrobe. I also want to believe that one of these cheap thrills will actually stand the test of time quality and style wise.  I can't help but think about it though and that if I turned down everything I was going to buy for a month and put the money away then bought one really decent thing, would my wardrobe be better for it?  Quite possibly.  But where's the fun in that?!?  And who else is with me that when you have the pennies to spend, you can't actually find anything?

The bargain jumper over my Topshop shirt

Then layered with my Zara gilet for more warmth (HeatTech underneath so I was proper warm!)

The Quick Catch Up Featuring Bare Minerals, Gap & Moi!

It's been a busy week and doesn't show any signs of slowing down what with half term!  Anyone else loosing the will to live with their little sproglets already?!?!  I had a rare few hours in a shopping centre all to myself last week, I actually didn't know what to do with myself, no kids, no time limit.  So I set myself a two hour time limit instead!  I popped into Gap to try and find some boyfriend jeans (I'm going to start back on the 'what I need' lists), no luck but I did spy these gorgeous ballet pumps.  All leather, £34.99.  I love the colours, they could literally go with anything.

Next up I have been desperate to try the new Bare Minerals Ready product and the kind ladies at the Debenhams counter gave me some samples to try.  I have used it twice now, I'm not 100% the colour is right so I may go for a shade lighter but as with my starter kit set, it is natural, goes on well (been using some samples of liquid foundation and I'm just not cut out to blend properly!) and quick to apply.  

Apart from that, my trip was brief!  I am trying to be good with 'Frugal February' so I wasn't going to be buying anything I really didn't need.  I even put down a reduced body spray in Hollister as questioned did I need it right now.  The answer being no as I still had over half a bottle left of what I was using.  What is happening to me?!  I'm sure it won't last long.  Here is what I wore to run about in, school run included. 

Jeans: Gap
Sweater: Dorothy Perkins
Gilet: Zara

(Discarded jeans on the changing room floor: Gap)

Handbag: Prada
Boots: Sam Edelman

Scarf: H&M (cashmere)
Furby: Tesco
Lizzie the Cat: Me, the adoptive Mother

PS who else did well on Valentines day?  Look at what my lucky little ladies received from their doting Aunty.  They did better than me (yep, hubby was in the dog house for it!).