Preloved Topshop & Jigsaw Bargains

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.  I hope the festive season was good to you and you are all relaxed and ready to face 2016!  I have had a busy few weeks as we have lots of Birthdays after Christmas so I haven't had a proper good sales shop.  I have however used the sales to really look at investment pieces, only purchasing a few cheap vests but saving my Christmas and Birthday spends for bigger, heavily reduced items.  That being said, there's still time for me to make some silly purchases yet.....

Pre Christmas I always find it hard as the sales do start early but I don't ever want to buy too much and peak too soon.  I had seen the Topshop Magnificent boots in a pre-loved shop.  I hesitated as at £60 (£79 full price) even though they had been worn once and weren't scuffed, I didn't feel the discount was good enough.  When I went back to collect some of my unsold items they had gone down to £45 - no brainer!  With £30 towards them after I had sold on some pieces in the shop I felt the £15 was a very good deal.  I also grabbed this leather Jigsaw bag for £20.  I have had my eye on rucksacks for a while but didn't want to spend a lot in case the style doesn't work for me.  I love this soft gold leather one and can't wait to start using it properly.  

Boots; Topshop
Rucksack; Jigsaw

Even though I am a serial returner (I do like the comfort of my own home and wardrobe to make decisions, coupled with the fact I usually have a 3 year old in tow who limits my time) there is something to be said for a no returns policy.  It makes me think, quickly.  There's no time for said items to sit there in my room waiting to be used.  The boots were testament to that and were worn the next day then pretty much stayed on my feet for a few weeks. 

Coat; Zara (before you ask, it's very old, about 5 years and from the Brussels store.  I adore it even now and still get asked about it!) 

Merino jumper; Boden
Jeans & Boots; Topshop

They do have a block heel, which is higher than the heel of the Ash boots I'm used to for day wear.  I did over wear them and have sore feet so I gave them a break.  However it hasn't stopped me since and they have been worn on the school run too.  I have actually enjoyed a higher heel, it always makes me stand better and being short, I love feeling tall even if it is fake!

These boots do soften quickly.  The leather is very supple but they are also fairly tight to start as they are called a sock boot.  I haven't worn them with a skirt yet, only with jeans turned up, sitting just over the top of the boot.  The soft point at the front if also very flattering on the foot.  

Jacket; Zara
Sweater; Uniqlo
Jeans & Boots; Topshop
Bag; Prada

Topshop have reduced the cream and navy to £55.  The brown I have are still £79 but they've also added some suede ones to the collection - damn, my absolute favourite material for shoes!  If I hadn't have got the above at such a silly price, I do believe I may be parting with my cash for these ones below, utterly gorgeous.

Boots; Topshop

Bringing Out The Legs!

Back to school runs this week - where on earth has the Summer holidays gone?  Christmas is just around the corner now!  I looked in my wardrobe and realised there were clothes I haven't had the chance to wear yet and now possibly won't until next Summer.  Ok, I may have a large 'ish' wardrobe but still, I don't feel like we've had the heat to wear half of it.  With that in mind, I made an effort to wear t-shirts I'd forgotten about with jeans (and a thermal vest!) and braved it, even giving my legs an airing!  I admit, I was a little cold but I was adamant I was not going to put on a coat - much to the bewilderment of my Mum and Sister.  

A quick changing room selfie as my sister didn't get a good one of me to use! 

Jumper; Sandro
Leather skirt; Mango
Boots; Topshop

My Lizzie cat loves to get in on my mirror action!

In between school runs and a few hours work I managed a quick dash around some shops as is obligatory when my sister comes to town.  Now for some reason, I was so controlled.  To the point of actually really not wanting to buy a thing - I have been a little bad of late so it was about time.  I even turned down a silk (yes silk, you know me and my good fibre composition obsession!) Sandro top heavily reduced to £30.  I talked myself out of it as I have a fair few white/cream tops plus it was reduced as marked and a button missing.  It didn't deserve my money.  I loved this Alice Temperly dress below but it was too long and the sleeves too frilly.  Apart from that - gorgeous!

Now on to some dreamy items which were never going to be purchased, but I 'papped' them just to share their beauty on my blog!

I love a cross body bag, these Gucci's were just as fabulous in the flesh.  Reduced to around the £600 mark

I didn't think this Givenchy was bad for £162, it was a fair size and I thought the print was a classic so would last you for years

Chloe pumps - amazing!  Too pricey to remember!

Anyone else feel they are holding back on the shopping front or is it just me?  I am holding out for a Indian Summer so not heavily purchasing for Autumn/Winter yet.  I am however making a little shopping list in preparation!

Feeling A Little Wintery

Not so long ago when we were having some un heard of mild weather for this time of year I said I wasn't really planning my Winter wardrobe, I hadn't given it a second thought.  Well I'm there now, below 10 degrees doing the school run in the morning is freezing to me, I don't do the cold.  I always feel a little uninspired at the start of the colder months so I haven't done much planning, more delving into my jumpers and layers.  Oh and I always wear vests!

Cashmere jumper; La Redoute
Gilet; Zara
Jeans; Gap
Boots; Topshop

Cashmere jumper (again!); La Redoute
Scarf; Damart
Trousers; Gap
Boots; TK Maxx

I bought my 'raspberry' jacket earlier in the year from the Zara sale just as the weather was getting warmer.  I took a bit of a risk as it only got worn once before it went away but the risk paid off.  Apart from the berry trousers above, it has been worn daily and it has received so many compliments.  One lady on the train stopped me to say what a lovely cheerful colour it was on me, how lovely!  

Done up, I love the neck and the popper fastenings make it so easy

Great big collar when open
Jacket; Zara
Jumper; TK Maxx
Jeans & boots; Topshop

And finally, yes, I am one to share - this time, my thermal vest.  Thank you Damart for sending me a few, this being my favourite.  It's thin and inconspicuous with a little gold detail to make it more appealing when I'm dragging out the layers in the dark mornings.  I have actually been wearing it for a while (I told you I felt the cold!) and it's still as good as new after many washes.  I really recommend them.  

Any one else in their thermals yet or have I peaked too soon?!?