The J Crew Order

Back to sharing with you some purchases I made one night at the end of May after a rather unsuccessful shopping trip.  I placed three online orders, Gap, Zara and J.Crew.  The reason for this post being so delayed is it's been a work in progress, literally.  I ordered 4 items originally.  They came a week later and the only ones that I adored were the shoes which were too small.  The next size up was available but my toddler decided to remind us about the terrible 2's and by the time I checked out, they were sold out.  I wasn't impressed.  These were the amazing kiki ballet pumps, soft buttery leather, stunning.  Not meant to be hey.  (But if anyone sees them in a 6.5/3.5 UK, shout me ok!).

£160 down to £48

I'd been coveting their camouflage sweater but it wasn't in my size so as it was free delivery and returns, I thought I'd try the below.  Very average for the sale price tag of £30 I'm afraid to say.  £59.50 down to £35 currently.  It's also fleece lined so a tad warm for now.

My older purchase was a different colour of the top I already have (shown in this post), the navy version.  As much as I love it, I do have a habit of multiplying on items I like then get bored so I decided to save the £30 for a completely different item.  And I'm so glad I did.

£69 down to £39 currently

My second haul was a lot more successful.  On a whim I decided to try their shorts.  I am not easy to buy for bottom half wise, I am a petite pear shape but having tried the larger size in the pink in my first order, I went darker/smaller and it paid off.  I love these shorts.  They are really smart and the colour is amazing.  I feel like Julie Roberts in Pretty Woman when she wears her smart shorts suit to the polo match!  I am yet to christen them but I'm hoping I haven't jinxed the weather and they will get an airing this year.  I paid a bargain £29 for them but they are currently £45 from £75.  

I also grabbed this jewelled top which I had my eye on when my sister was in the US but as I had limited myself to two tops only (I have to have some limits/will power/resisitance??) I said no.  I was worried about the jewels being a bit too much of a faddy trend, the washability of it with jewels and the price tag feeling a bit hefty.  Well I tossed all that aside when it went into the UK sale and I'm glad I did.  I actually tried it on originally with the shorts above and it didn't look half bad actually!

Was £69.50, I paid £27.  Currently in and out of stock and was around £45 last time I saw it

My grey and black version

I also tried this jacket.  Not a fan (sorry J.Crew).  Cut and style wise, lovely.  Fabric - think wet suit.  I know this is probably what it's meant to be but I just didn't think it worked.

£118 down to £70 currently, I paid £45

Another top I loved (size down on it though as this top comes up large).  I would need an XXS in it (and no, before anyone comments, I am not that small ....) but it had sold out at the time and I now wouldn't pay what they are asking for it!

£98 down to £58 currently, I paid £37

So would I recommend J.Crew.  Hell yeah.  I love that it is still small in the UK shop wise (so not on every person you see) and the quality is right up there.  Their fit and styles are fashionable without being 'for the kids'.  My only issue has been their shipping.  I had a huge palava with my second order.  For some reason I was told it wasn't allowed to be left with a neighbour - shippers rules from their contract company BorderFree (despite my first delivery having done so.....), would only deliver Monday - Friday 9-5, wouldn't delivery to another address and wouldn't leave at the local DHL collection point.  If I missed the 3rd delivery attempt it was going back to the US or I could do a 40 mile round trip to collect it.  Anyway, I got it in the end and I will say their staff at the other end of the emails were always very polite and helpful.  So don't let that put you off, just be aware of where you get it delivered (work address if you can!).  I was also having an incredibly unlucky week so maybe it was just me!  Oh and also, to be fair, it was more DHL and BorderFree than them.

My current wish list;

Lace Yellow Skirt £98 down to £29

Floral silk shorts £238 down to £90

Merino Swaeter £89.50 down to £53 (LOVE this, I just want it cheaper please J.Crew!)

Major bargain alert here with this cashmere jumper, £248 down to £55

A kind reader alerted me to the fact that they always vary in stock levels so do go back and check in case your size comes back in again.  Hence, I have left links to items in even if they are sold out, add it to your 'wish list', you never know your luck!

And lastly, I have no idea how I managed to get the items I did cheaper than what they are currently.  Sorry to have to share them at now higher prices!  Must. Do.  Better.  Next.  Time! 

The Purchases: Gap

Happy New Year to you all!  I hope you've had a great Christmas and New Year and are well fed and rested.  I've managed to get out a few times and shop the sales, but with it at it's peak, I tend to get to overwhelmed by the mess in most shops so I am picky as to what shops I spend time in.  Thank goodness for Gap and their tidy store!  On Boxing Day they had an additional 20% off online, not sure what stopped me but I'm glad I didn't check out.  Their sale in store is so much better, be warned!

Shirt & boots - Topshop
Bag - Prada

Slightly in love with my new trousers!

I found some wet look black jeans for £14.99 (£32.99 online here) they feel amazing on and suck in your legs if you know what I mean!  Even my 6 year old loved them.  Then there was the cape.  Mixed feelings from the family as I walked out the changing room, husband didn't get it at all, 6 year old pulled a face, 1 year old had given up and was asleep.  Maybe it was the mood the jeans had put me in but I loved it.  And I will hold my hands up now, there is acrylic in the mix…….I am trying not to be too hung up on fabrics.  How long that will last I have no idea, maybe after it bobbles with a few washes I will revert back to my old obsessive ways but at £24.99 I grabbed it.  It is currently £39.99 online here.

You can just about see the sheen to them

Lastly was a green leather 'pony hair' belt.  I loved the bright colour and for £7.99 I couldn't walk away from it.

No doubt there will be another sales post, but for now my top tip is get to a Gap.  After a bit of a disastrous trip to Westfield White City (they closed the car park!) we ended up popping along as you do to the Stratford one instead.  We got there a lot later than planned so we hit the crowds, it was heaving and the stores a mess.  It was my first visit there and I did like it, but I prefer White City.  Now this is going to sound odd but I like my shopping centres to have a flow and easy shopping route.  White City is pretty much like a square doughnut (in my head…) and I can navigate it easily.  Stratford seemed like an arch shape with a bit outside you had to walk through if you wanted to get back to the start without going back on yourself.  I'm stopping there before I sound like a bit of a freak when it comes to shopping centres!  

What greeted me at Westfield Stratford

All those poor shoes!

I just want to take this opportunity to thank all my loyal readers.  I've spent more time than ever on my blog this year and I feel it's really grown along with my styling business.  Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me.  I hope next year comes with more growth and readers.

Sale Shopping Tips

I managed to grab a few hours locally in some shops today.  I was very controlled - unusally for me.  I think when I saw some trousers that I had seen in the September mid season sale on sale again, I kind of thought I was being cheated a little.  I picked up, put down, had a bit of the 'couldn't be bothered attitude' so I came away empty handed.  I am a one of those shoppers that if I start shopping, I usually end up with quite a few items, if I refrain, then I try to talk myself into not buying anything I don't really need.  With todays outing in mind, I thought I would share some of my top sale (or even just normal) shopping tips.

Think before you buy (easy to say I know).  If it's clothing, how will it work in your wardrobe, do you really need it or are you being drawn in due to the price tag.

Leading on from this try to ignore the price, don't be lulled by a cheap £4 tag, you need to be able to wear the item regardless of whether its a bargain or not.  Think of all the items you have previously bought due to being cheap but never worn, add all them up, you would be able to afford a luxury garment that you would probably wear and wear.

Sometimes it's worth having a little look on line before you go if you have the time.  It gives you a good idea of what's gone into the sale and which shops are reducing heavily and worth more of your time.

Don't be taken in by the sale sign, look at the discount the shop is offering.  You may be surprised to find some are actually only offering a 10 or 20% discount.

For further discounts, be patient and wait.  Especially if say there are 20 pairs of the same shoes which clearly aren't anyone else's cup of tea apart from yours.  Sales get into full swing after a good couple of weeks.

If you have purchased and don't need to wear it straight away, don't take the tags off and wait a few weeks as items sometimes get reduced further.  If your serious about saving pennies and it's gone down again, return and buy cheaper.  Always check the shops sales terms and conditions before you buy.

Go first thing in the day to avoid the crowds.

For the hardcore sale shoppers, take a packed lunch or at least a snack it will save you time and money.

And finally, buy your Christmas gift wrap and cards now!

Happy sale shopping everyone!

Sales

Well what a busy week, not helped by us all coming down with a bug.  Just a quick post to remind you all to start keeping an eye out for the sales.  Gap, Kurt Geiger, TK Maxx, The Outnet, Timberland, H&M, French Connection, to name but a few have all started their sales/clearance.  If you can brave the shops, do, if not then hunt those bargains down on line.  

Some of my favourite sale items so far (and not bought, how good am I....yet...!);

Dune £75 down to £45

Timberland £135 down to £81

 

Gap £14.95 down to £5.99

H&M £12.99 down to £7

French Connection £275 down to £137.50