Shopping Ban Fail

Well my self imposed shopping ban lasted long, but and the big but is that it was broken for things on my 'list' so that's ok right?  And I could have bought a lot more, but I didn't.  I tried to save on a new pair of smart navy jeans but the ones I tried on in Gap just didn't fit.  I love my burgundy ones seen in this post but they are a different style to their skinny jean version I tried on and did not work on me (gapping at the waist).  So I headed to Topshop and bought the exact same pair I bought 4+ years ago - why stray if they work?  I think I looked elsewhere first as it felt like a dead £40, just a replacement not something shiny new and fresh to add to my wardrobe.  However they are a staple, one that is missed when I need a smart/casual outfit and if they last as long as the first pair, the cost per wear ratio will be extremely low.  (Little calculation for all you mathematicians/fashionista's/shopaholic's out there cost divided by number of times you wear it = cost per wear!  i.e. £40 for the jeans, worn say 100 times a year = costing me 40p to wear each time - bargain!)

Slight difference in colour? (new on the left!)

Next up I found these boots, £65 down to £30.  I've been after a black ankle boot but I am not 100% on these, possibly due to them being suede but they are also slightly lower on the ankle than I planned.  I think I need to play around a bit more with these, however I am back near a Topshop at the week-end (and don't have one local) so that is my deadline!  I do believe in fate and was slightly excited when I saw them as one pair were left in a 3, I'm normally a 4 but they fit!  They are the Adios boot, and current season but they have only just reduced the black.

And this didn't make the cut!  £45 down to £25, I do like it but 1. it wasn't on my list, I got carried away with finding jeans and boots 2. every time I wear it I will probably be catching something on the little flowers (so cute though) and 3. I wouldn't even attempt this in the machine on a hand wash as the flowers would rust so it means an in the bowl jobby which I don't have time for so will probably not bother wearing it.  I love talking myself out of spending, feels like I've accomplished something!

Don't forget to grab Elle this month, for £4 you get a £20 gift card for Kurt Geiger.  It can be used online as well as in store but not on sale items.  The card has to be activated by the 30th April but there isn't an expiry date.  I found a gorgeous simple leather sandal with a small bow for £28, all leather but they didn't fit right on me (sorry, forgot to photo and not on the web) so these would have been £8, bargain! 

PS I have from a very reliable source (thanks T) that TK Maxx have lots of lush Hunter wellies in for £49 - fab price, get there quick if you need some!

Camping

After my recent Virgin Camper experience, my top 5 must have's for yummy mummy's that have to camp (but insist on still looking damn good);

1. Hunter wellies, a celeb staple and seen at all festivals. Not only are these too cool for school (think Kate Moss!) but they really are the best waterproof welly on the market! I bought the shorter version as I was not blessed in the height department and opted for the bright pink (as advised by a wise friend, why spend all that money on wellies for them not to stand out?!?!). Recommend javari.co.uk, fast next day delivery & great prices.

2. North Face gilet, especially if you are camping in the UK, the weather changes at the drop of a hat! So handy for chucking on and when you have kids you easily get hot & bothered running about after them, so no sleeves keeps you at just the right body temperature, I lived in mine! Currently on offer at Blacks (follow high-lighted link)

3. Elizabeth Arden 8 hour skin protectant - a must! Not only is this wonder balm good for you (lips, nails...), but is great for any cuts/insect bites the kids may pick up. A truly 'can't live without' product.

4. Batiste Dry Shampoo, in case you have very dodgy showers which you (or your child!) refuses to use! A few sprays, a comb, chuck it back in a pony tail, and as good as new!

5. An SPF daily face moisturiser - should be a staple, but we need to be reminded at times ladies! Our skin is just as important as our kids. To save time (which lets be honest we rarely have) by applying a normal cream then a sun cream, ensure you take with you an all in one. Most ranges do have an SPF in now, so grab one and take it along. I use an Olay one, as it's a small tube I can just pack in my handbag and apply through-out the day if needs be. Has an SPF 15.