Winter Warmers

Aside from the fact I generally don't do cold, the Winter months for me are a long drawn out process, I feel the cold terribly but the saving grace being that I do love knitwear.  We are so lucky to have a fantastic High Street in the UK that offers what we need in a broad range of prices.  Uniqlo always has great basics (and some quirky ones too!) at affordable prices.  Both of the jumpers below are 100% wool and come in a variety of colours. 

Uniqlo £24.90

Uniqlo £19.90

This star jumper from Hush has a mix of fibres but some cashmere and wool in it still for warmth.  I'm a big fan of prints like this, it just makes putting on a jumper that bit more fun and interesting rather than a block colour style. 

Scatter Star Jumper now £70

I haven't looked at BrandAlley for a while.  I used to use them a while back but got put off due to a few errors on their part.  A nice lad did sort it for me so I should really give them a try again.  They have a Joseph sale going on at the moment - be quick, currently one grey cashmere hoodie left - I'm wondering if it has my name on.....

Joseph Grey Hooded Cashmere Jumper £315 down to £89

Joseph 100% Wool Snowflake Jumper £295 down to £75

H&M's Premium Quality range has some timeless pieces in great materials.  Merino, cashmere, leather and suede, definitely worth a look here.  This grey Merino sweater is £29.99 and comes in dark grey as well.  They always have a promotional code floating about (currently 3169 gets you 25% off) which makes these a steal.

H&M Merino Jumper £29.99

This Cashmere and wool polo-neck comes in burgundy and dark grey. Burgundy is one of my favourite colours for this coming season.  These are also great for tucking into a skirt.

H&M Cashmere & Wool Polo-Neck £49.99

Finishing off with a classic favourite of mine - a breton jumper from Boden.  This Alexa jumper has a combination of fabrics but some cashmere and wool thrown in for good measure.  This version is currently on sale at £41.30 however there are cheaper colour options available in this style starting from £34.30.  Click on the link below the image to go through and have a look.  

Boden Alexa Jumper £41.30

Discount French Connection

I feel like I've been on a bit of a roll with French Connection of late.  I recently ordered a dress and top via BrandAlley, the dress being over £100 originally, and the top around £60.  The dress is for a Winter wedding, I am going to add a lighter coloured blazer (like this) to it.  I ended up paying £32 for the dress and £19 for a 100% silk top (seen in this blog).

Picture does not do it justice

Nor does the close up!

I was then tipped off (thank you G) about the French Connection outlet site on Ebay, with furthers discounts for a day and free delivery, I ordered a few pieces.  Although these are being returned (due to fit) I am definitely keeping my eye on their Ebay shop.

Third time lucky I ended up at their outlet in Bicester Village and bagged a £195 coat for £60, another silk top and animal print jersey dress (similar on sale here just different print).  All around the half price mark.  I think the moral to this story is that if you get to know brands that work for you, you can end up getting classic pieces from their range, discounted from a variety of places.  One dress from their outlet I loved but it was only about 30% off.  I am now waiting for this to come up on one of the sites mentioned, have I said before how obsessed I am with bargains?!?  I will keep you posted on how it pans out!

Bargain with 45% wool for £60, ideally more wool content  but you can't have it all!

Needs a good press though!

I love this turned up cuff detail, great for me with short arms!

Love this print, versatile material and dress

Like this extra piping detail, makes it look more expensive

I love silk!  Not as shiny as it looks!

Zip up the back just to add extra detail and make it easier to get on and off!

School Mum's Night Out

Title says it all!  The end of their first year, so we thought we all deserved a meal out together minus the chatter of the children!  It was at a local village pub, so I didn't think a dress was fit for the occasion.  Instead I opted for my smart Diesel jeans (previous BrandAlley purchase), a Warehouse top (currently on sale at BrandAlley's outlet site for £14.85), my old faithful New Look blazer, a freebie nail polish (thanks J!) and my new Gap wedges.  My shoes were so comfy on their first outing, well done for making a good shoe Gap!  On looking at my photo I feel I missed out on the jewellery front.  I left deciding on the attire until the last minute so neglected the jewelry.  I think a junky ring or bracelet as both the top & blazer were 3/4 length sleeves would have finished it off nicely.  Oh well, style is all about evolving!  Must try harder to devote more time to thinking next time!

Olivia's White Tux Blazer

Whistles £195

Currently £51 in BrandAlley, hurry!