The Gap & Red Event & Some Sparkly Shoes

After waiting a whole extra month (thank you London transport for striking at the wrong time) I finally made it to Red magazines evening with Gap.  Gap has a new creative director Rebekka Bay, previously from Cos and this was her first collection since joining. 

So first up, what to wear.  Yep, it was a last minute job with a few unexpected extra's thrown in to really make me work hard to get there but thanks to a great mate who happens to also be fab with my kids, my childcare dilemma's were sorted swiftly.  I am definitely very much a dresser based on mood, I need to feel it at that moment in time.  I had wanted to wear something bright but I just couldn't so after lining up some of my favourite tops, The Kooples on the right won.  It's navy with black lace, comfortable, forgiving in the tummy area and stylish.  

The below however is what my husband came home to find.  SORRY!  He knew it was no mean feet to get there so he tidied it all up for me and made no comment.  I am grateful for his patience with me at times like this!

With half an hour to spare before it started, I dragged my friend to Selfridges to have a play.  She was mortified that I try on expensive handbags and shoes then walk away.  What's wrong with that?! In my dreams one day I would love to walk in and pay full price for high end items, until then though, I am content with trying them on and dreaming, then finding them cheaper elsewhere (best ever charity shop find post coming soon).  

I give you, Mr Christian Louboutin.  Just to sparkly for words and the camera!

The best outfit shot you will get from that night, I was to distracted!
Jeans; Gap
Top; The Kooples
Leather jacket; Miss Selfridge
Ballet Pumps; French Sole (changed into my Bally Switzerland courts for the event!)
Bag; Balenciaga

More sparkles over at Gina.  My only regret on my wedding day was not splashing out on the silver Gina sling back shoes I had fallen in love with.  I couldn't justify the price at the time.  8.5 years later and I still think about them and how many more wears I would have had out of them.

Over at Gap we were suitably welcomed with Champagne and canapés whilst we awaited the talks to start.

Fiona Collins from Gap started off the evening (check out her amazing heels, I should have zoomed in!) followed on by Red's fashion & shopping editor Laura Fantacci.  Laura put together some great staple looks, my favourite featuring the denim shirt.

Probably the shoe of the moment right now, the skater shoe.  Move over bright colourful trainer, the skater is in town.

I was pretty slack on the photo front, I was to busy rummaging around and playing dress up.  Luckily that day Gap's 30% off had arrived so armed with my voucher I decided to not get carried away and only buy what I needed.  I loved this print below, £24.95.  It made a nice change from Gap's staple stripe prints even though I am still a fan of their stripes, if it ain't broke and all that.  However I feel I have bought a few sweaters recently so I wasn't really in need of any more.

So I ended up with some jeans.  Those who know me, know they are my favourite bottoms to wear, I am a jeans girl and a 'skinny jeans' style girl at that.  I have tried on various other styles but the fit never seems to work. Until that day in Gap. Emily Gegg from Gap had on an amazing pair and after we chatted about how she also had been into skinnies but these made her change, I tried on their 'straight leg' style.  I wanted a lighter pair for Summer and these were perfect.  I paid £31.46 and have worn them so much already.  They have lightened up my wardrobe, although the sun has helped as well!  They are not a boyfriend fit but are looser than a skinny, the perfect in-between style.  They do come up large so you may need to go down a inch in the waist.   

worn with my Converse and Zoe Karssen sweater

So the moral of the story is, for all the ladies who I work with and those on email, even when you do think you've found the perfect style jean, it's always worth trying another style again.  You never know what you may find, even I have moved into a new jean era! 

The Purchases; Jack Wills, The Kooples & Topshop

I promised on my last blog to share my latest purchases so here goes.  First up, the gorgeous belt I found in the Mary Portas Living & Giving shop.  It is by Comptoir Des Cotonniers and was £15, brand new still with the tags on!  The leather is gorgeous and so soft.  I would probably wear it more with a dress or a shorter jumper but you get the idea below.

Now my extravagant purchase.  I sacrificed the 'Keeping up with the Kardashians' DVD's for this (I love that my husband thought I'd like the complete series as a present but it's on repeat so much and for re-runs, Sex & The City wins hands down).  Lace is one of my favourites and have a few very old tops  that are now showing signs of wear.  The silk on this was amazing and the lace seemed so well made.  I have never purchased from The Kooples before so it's a tad risky to spend this amount but I don't believe it should let me down.  £135 down to £65 in Selfridges.  

Back to my kind of price range, I am loving wearing sweaters at the moment and this was a steal for £17.10.  It was originally £49 by Jack Wills.  It's a great navy colour and the stars just give it some more character.

I've fallen back in love with Topshop this last 12 months.  I felt they went a little high fashion and forgot about us novices but they seem to be getting the balance back.  I have a black blazer which is more 'office' and a very very old navy New Look one which credit where it's due, has worn so well.  When I saw this I loved that it was slightly longer and has a flick of sparkle through it.  £100 down to £30, 70% off - wow!

(not worn yet, nor would I wear with what I had on, but you get the idea of the great cut of it)

Also in the Topshop online sale was this top.  Pre Christmas I had a massive wardrobe clear out, a lot went and there are now gaps galore.  I thought that this simple shaped black tee could work in my wardrobe really well.  The beading detail is fantastic and as with the The Kooples top above, I wear my detail up high on my body, where I need to add some bulk so to speak!  £36 down to £20.

I saw this 100% wool hat in H&M.  I thought it didn't look to bad considering it's not my normal style of hats.  However my 7 year old told me I look like a cowboy/girl and my husband called it ridiculous.  Mmmmmm does it really look that daft?  (I was feeling brave in putting it out there for you all to comment, go easy!).

PS probably very slow to the table but who knew Essie was now in Boots??!!  Excellent for the spare advantage card points!

Who else has been picking up some great end of sale bargains?  I am glad the sales are coming to an end, there is to much temptation for me and holiday savings need topping up.  I am still contemplating joining Avril over at School Gate Style for her Frugal February month.  No shopping for February, mmmmmmmm.