The Grey Cashmere Jumper

It's almost as bad as the camel coat search the grey jumper one, it's just one of those staples that needs to be right.  When La Redoute had their '40% off everything' sale I ordered 3 to try, not holding out much hope to be honest.  I have found as cashmere has become more available over the years, it's quality has become worse, a lot thinner.  I have jumpers and cardigans that are 5+ years old and still look good, any recent purchases just don't seem to have held their shape.  With the discount they were all between the £50-£70 odd mark which is about my limit for cashmere.  The cheaper two were thinner but the colour the perfect marl grey.  

La Redoute Cashmere Boat Neck Jumper £95
The neckline just wasn't right on me.

Crew Neck Cashmere Jumper £89
The perfect shade of grey but when I tried the below on, it was the clear winner.

La Redoute Collections Cashmere Jumper £119
A definite slouchier style jumper than the first two, which i preferred (but my dear Mother didn't....sorry Mum!)

Due to time of the year (we have birthdays straight after Christmas!) I did have a momentary question but the £71.40 (after the discount) one was so luxe, I loved how the shape was that little bit different and the thickness was just how it should be. It did come up slightly large, I have turned the sleeves up, however all my recent cashmere has shrunk and I've even gone two sizes up in anticipation of this. As I've got older, it really is about more quality pieces, less of them perhaps but pieces that won't date and will stand the test of time. There was also a cheeky offer to pay for it over 3 months 0% so that did make it more achievable. I've worn it straight away and absolutely love it. It is slightly darker than I thought I wanted but actually it doesn't matter as the pile is so rich, it's more about that than a slight shade discrepancy.

The only other one that has caught my eye in recent months is Zara's cashmere.  I have scoured the high street and it really is worth paying slightly extra for the quality.  It was also a great thickness but I stupidly didn't try it on when I was in London and my local store doesn't stock it.  You can order online but it is the pricier end.  I love the pale pink but it's a slightly more boxier style than my La Redoute one.  One to watch in the sales I think.  Silly me for not trying it on!

Zara Round Neck Cashmere Sweater £95.99 

Zara Light Pink Round Neck Cashmere Sweater £95.99

And because I didn't think the sales would get any better than 40%......naturally, they did!  Currently La Redoute have offers on; £30 off a £60 spend, £50 off £100 and £100 off £200.  Making my jumper now £69!  I'm not going to get mad over the few pounds but at now under £70, I really recommend it.  Use code XMAS and it expires 16th November 2017. 

PS This isn't a sponsored post, I've just done my research and shared what I've purchased! 

The Shopping Edit Featuring Oasis, Warehouse & Zara

After a week of being poorly (laryngitis - family were pleased I could barely speak and took full advantage) I'm finally sharing with you my finds from last week-end.  I spent the afternoon in Milton Keynes helping a friend find an outfit for a wedding.  I was very well behaved on the shopping front, only photographing some of my favourite items out right now to share with you.  I was focused more on helping her which in turn helped my bank balance - that day at least!  I loved the denim that Oasis had to offer.

Oasis Dress £45 & Top £28

How stunning is this dress from Warehouse?  It was borderline a little too bright/neon for my liking on me but the shape is fantastic and with a tan I think it would look amazing.

Warehouse Dress £65

Over to one of my favourite shops, Zara.  I missed the boat on the pink wool coat trend and now it's warming up I'm on the look out for a lighter weight one instead.  It's not a 'need', more a 'want' so it won't be a purchase unless the price is right (and we all know how much I am addicted to a bargain).  I did love this coat but at £99.99 and a high polyester (snagging fibre) content I was put off.  The fit and cut was gorgeous though.  

I didn't see it style in store but I love the one below.  It's got a high cotton (natural fibre!) content and I love the colour as it wouldn't show up the dirt as much.  The pockets are a cute addition and it's a bit more casual than the one above.

Zara £89.99

I am still enjoying wearing my Gap Real Straight jeans, they have finally had a break for their first wash though!  They make me feel more summery despite the cooler weather and cashmere jumper!  I went all out with two animal prints, they weren't sat right next to each other so what the hell!  Gretel (Hansel & Gretel) sneaked into the background!

Cashmere jumper; La Redoute
Gilet; Zara
Jeans; Gap
Ballet pumps; French Sole

The Birthday: La Redoute, River Island, Bally Switzerland & Gucci

I think I had one of my best birthdays ever at the week-end.  I was truly spoilt by all my friends and family.  I had loads of heart themed presents (my favourite symbol/shape!), baking items, Chanel (make-up), every single present was perfect in it's own way.  With it starting off so well, it made me want to wear some sparkly gems for my trip to Bicester Village.  I had some girly time with my Mum and sister followed by a Chinese take away with all the family (lush!).

My new jewels, a birthday gift.  From River Island.

I never get a proper outfit shot, so this is good as it got for my birthday (in a changing room!).  Leggings are of the shiny variety from La Redoute.  My eldest says they are like Sandy's from Grease…..however surprisingly my 66.5 year old Mum (sorry Mum for sharing your age, but lets face it, no one would guess as you look so young) thought they were fab!  I actually really enjoy wearing them, they glam up an outfit more than plain leggings but worn here with my biker boots, they aren't too much.  I found this great slouchy jumper in the River Island sale for £20 from £40.  I can't see it online to show it to you in more detail but it is a peach colour with two zips (just seen below).  It's a great length to go with leggings if you are in need of that sort of jumper, I would really recommend.

Bag: Balenciaga (my all time favourite, even beats the Chanels…!)

You can just about see the sheen on the leggings here

And finally…..the birthday shoes.  Now I'm a varied shopper.  Those who read my blog regularly will know I don't tend to spend a fortune on clothes, but I do like quality and have always invested in handbags.  I feel it is only fair to treat my feet every so often so with my birthday money I bought these Bally Switzerland suede and leather courts.  I was in love from the moment they went on my feet.  There is no rational behind them, they are just simply divine.  Yes Mum, after a HUGE wardrobe clear out pre Christmas there are several gaps in my wardrobe but the following two items don't need to be a thought processed purchase.  They were a birthday treat, not an every day purchase.  They were over £300 to start with, I can't remember the exact figure but were down to £138.  (PS in keeping with my fabric composition obsession, both shoes are 100% leather in, out and sole and both made in Italy.  Pure quality).  

I've had a thing about suede shoes for a while now, the leather contrast bow makes the suede stand out even more

Gold metal heel and 'Bally' written at the top

Then there were the Gucci's.  My wonderful Sister (and not just because she bought them for me) found them, the last pair and in my size, they were meant to be.  There was just something so different about these sandals.  They are ridiculously high so are purely for show time events only but they felt unique and glamorous all in one.  

£585 down to £265.  Then they heard I was coming so they went down to £132.50.  Approx 77% off (saddo here likes to work these things out)

It's Winter, my toenails are on a vacation from paint at the moment.  Forgive me, I wanted to show the shoes on!

Look at those heels…….

The Gucci bamboo adds some more detail

The ones that got away.  Sorry Mr Jimmy Choo but as much as I loved you and love animal print, you were the cost of both of the above and I just wasn't so in love.

Even though I know no two prints are the same, it still bothered me that from the front the pattens were very different 

Their first outings will of course be shared with you!

The Purchases; Snake, Cashmere and Christmas Jumpers (& The Research!)

I was set a challenge by my friend who wanted to buy me a nice Christmas jumper for around £20. Now for my loyal readers, you will know that acrylic does not sit well with me and that is what most Christmas jumpers are made from (ok, there are some ridiculously gorgeous cashmere ones but they were £100+).  Honestly, I searched and searched the web for two days.  A lot were sold out in my size but a lot I feared would be cheap and tacky and yes I know that is kind of the point, but the challenge was 'nice'.  I dashed around Tesco yesterday and grabbed one but not one to make it easy on myself I decided to hit my local shops today to see if there was anything better.  Fabric composition wise, it seems not. Tesco - thank you!  Here are some of my favourites from today though.

River Island £38

New Look £25 (then a further 25% off today)

This one came a close second

Next £32

And the winner………Yes it could be a little more colourful and a little more Christmassy but it had to be 'nice' and in budget.  It is 60% cotton and 40% polyester so it feels nice to wear and hopefully won't bobble after a few washes like acrylic does.

Tesco F&F £20

Some bling

Not one to walk past a sale rail thankfully as this time the cashmere was on it.  Better still, I always save my Tesco vouchers so doubled up.  Originally this jumper was £48, down to £30.  I doubled up one of my £15 vouchers (for those who don't know about the Tesco voucher scheme, where have you been?) so this jumper was free!  A cashmere jumper for free.  

I love cashmere!

Lastly, a jumper I did actually pay for this time.  Gap had 30% off when I was in Oxford last week (missed the 50% last week-end, no local Gap, boooo).  I love my animal print and recently have been looking at sweaters.  This was £25 down to £17.50 so not as good as my free cashmere above but I've worn it loads already and there comes a time when I do have to get my purse out and spend my own money.

Husband hates it, what does he know….

Today I wore my La Redoute grey jumper with my Baxter skinnies.  I love it as it's plain and simple for every day wear but has a point of difference with the stitching detail at the top and bow at the back.  It's 100% cotton and currently on sale for £20.30, just follow the link (for slightly better pictures!).

Just in case you were worried I was a little late to join the Christmas clothing band wagon, fear not, my Moschino scarf is out and being worn every day.

Merry Christmas!