Shopping My Wardrobe

This past week I have not felt myself.

It has taken me a while to recover from the bug I had and although I am back to health now I have felt exhausted and gave into it. Fortunately I only had one day when I was working last week so I took the opportunity to rest. The housework and the Blog took a complete break......

It has done me the world of good and I feel my energy returning. I have learnt that, despite my excitement at returning to teaching, I do have to pace myself with everything else I have on.

My little girl has become ever so attached to me all of a sudden. She doesn't want me to go out without her at the weekends or in the evening. I think she has noticed the change too and is nervous I won't be around when she needs me. She has always had me picking her up and dropping her off at school. Although on the surface she doesn't appear to mind I think underneath she is struggling a little with the changes.

I do feel blessed with the time I have had with my children at home. I have many happy memories, but am ready for the next chapter and to do something for myself too.

I have an old picture this week as I have worn this outfit a number of times .It is just so comfortable! The top was a bargain from a Charity shop. The Spring Boots are on, but I feel will be off again this week looking at the dismal weather forecast.

Charity Bargain Top

I am wearing:

Wallis Top - Charity Shop £2.50
Fransca Trousers - £40 Sale 2012
Scarf - Caramel £10
Open Toe suede Boots - Sale 2011 around £29
Missoni Sunglasses - Brandalley around £40



It is a constant struggle - trying to meet the needs of everyone and yet getting something out of life for yourself too!

How do you manage it?!

Linking up with Visible Monday.

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Frugal Friday

Being Frugal without being Cheap.

I was utterly delighted with my first proper successful shopping trip to Primark a few weeks ago. I posted a picture of myself decked out top to toe in all my  Primarni glory! However, and there always is a however isn't there?, I always have in the back of my mind a voice of caution playing as I don't want to fall into the trap of buying cheap for the sake of cheap. I prefer to mix and match my items when I can and be a bit individual. I find buying items at charity shops an ideal outlet for this. They are usually good quality, but cost next to nothing. A no brainer really. Don't be afraid to be unique and be yourself. Don't feel you have to follow the crowd and get the latest items that are on trend because everybody else has. Go with what you choose, what suits you and your budget.

I believe this stands true for most products whether it be food, clothing, beauty or home goods. It is a case of being wise with your money, but getting the best possible outcome. Having a wardrobe or a house full of cheap items will look like just that. Cheap. Although, if you mix and match, your cheap items take on a life of their own:

• Dressing up a Primark outfit with a Whistles scarf and your best boots make it look a cut above. 
• Making sure the meat you buy is a good quality and you haven't compromised on the freshness of your other products when you cook. Adding plenty of herbs and spices can create an expensive tasting, healthy meal for next to nothing. 
• Beauty products can be sourced cheaply from places such as Cheap Smells or alternatives found from Superdrug for your Spa favourites if your budget is tight. These often do as good a job as their more expensive rivals. 
• Throwing a few designer cushions on an Ikea sofa make it look unique and individual.

Make your choices where the costs can be cut, where they don't make too much of a sacrifice. Be prepared to spend a little bit more in those areas that really matter to you. Life is to be enjoyed. For me enjoyment comes out of making the best out of our hard earned cash! I tend to shop around for designer clothes, if thats what I want. If I want a particular brand of a beauty product, I hunt down the best price. When I am planning to buy something for around the home I always check for vouchers and money off codes first. 
There are ways of getting the items you want for much, much less. Being careful and frugal with your money does not mean being cheap. It means getting the best for your money - squeezing every last ounce out of every penny you earn! Sometimes it means saving, not spending until you can afford what you need ( or oftentimes, want!).

Try out these sites for cut price deals on designer items:

Brandalley
Cocosa
Ventee- Privee

Try these sites to cut those food bills:

MoneySaving Expert
Beforeishop


Try these sites for money off beauty products:

Cheap Smells

Look Fantastic


Try these sites  for money off vouchers:

Savoo

My Vouchers Codes

Hot Deals

Look into signing up to a cash back site - you can shop at main stores like Boots and get 8% cash back and still receive your points.

Quidco

And a word of caution as we head into the sales. 

• Don't buy it if you don't want it, just because it is a bargain
• If you don't go you won't spend
• Don't get swept along and regret it later
• Keep the receipts - you can return things you regret buying later
• Don't buy the dregs of the sales just because they are under £10
• Set a budget, write a list, stick to it

And best of all:

• Avoid the sales altogether - some lovely Spring wear will be in the shops soon - save for that instead!

Eating My Words.

Humble pie can be tasty.....

Ok I admit it....if you keep at it at some point you will have success and I did. I stuck with it.... and I am finally, actually, really, quite completely, delighted with my purchases......from Primark.

I set off to town to start my Christmas shopping with a list in my hand and a budget in mind. First on the agenda was Primark - for

• P.Js for Christmas Eve - adults and kids
• Stocking Fillers
• Presents for my sister's girls who a.d.o.r.e Primark
• Leggings - for moi
• A coat, if available, for around £30
• A berry skirt or dress to brighten up the abundance of grey and black in my wardrobe.

How did I do?

I managed to get the 3 children a pair of pjs each for Christmas for a grand total of around £17. We have a little tradition that they open a present on Christmas eve in a new pair of snugly pjs to drink hot chocolate in before going to bed. I also managed find an adorable pair of p.js that were long enough for me! Cuffed ankles is the way to go lanky legged ladies!

Firstly to make it clear. I do not intend, ever , not even in the comfort of my own home to wear a babygrow, aka onesie, but what does appeal is the soft fleece that they are often made from. So my compromise was these cuffed owl fleece pj bottoms. So gorgeous I went back for a second pair and overnight they had sold out every size UK 8 to 10 in every colour bar one in the owl print again. My lucky day. I snapped that baby up! Not too hot, not too cold, sooooo soft and comfy . I couldn't wait to put them back on again at the end of the day! Cost ? £5 a pair!

I got some black, long leggings with heel holes as well.These are gloriously fitted, no baggy knees and almost too long - perfect. They were the bargain price of £4. I am not ashamed to admit that I went back to try and get some more in grey and blue, but not to be - sold out in my size again. I shall keep looking for these as it isn't often I find reasonable leggings I am happy with.
I did well with a berry colour skirt which, although short, is perfect with leggings and a lovely deep colour - nowhere near as bright as in the second, overexposed picture! I have since seen they have this as a dress which would be a much better option as the skirt has a rather bulky waistband. Happy all the same.

My boot crush this year has been the Ash Jalouse Boots, but I couldn't bring myself to splurge on boots again this year. So when I saw these bargainlicious tan, stud boots from Peacocks for only £25, I didn't hesitate! Totally head over heels! So comfy and not too big at the ankle. Always a complaint I have!

But that's not it. I also decided to act a little on impulse and buy the pleather sleeves Khaki coat that seems to be back in stock. Ive been looking for a jacket that was a bit warmer than my blazers and leather jackets and this certainly is. I am really delighted with it. The only 'cheap' bit of the coat is the belt which is flimsy and awkward, but I realised this before buying it and decided it was worth it anyway!

Boots - Primark
Leggings - Primark
Skirt - Primark
Coat - Primark

I am all Primarked out and just look at my smile - almost hysterical!
The bag was a gift from my husband in the summer from Troop in London and the snood is from Dorothy Perkins. 

In the top picture I am wearing a black lace T shirt from Zenana  Outfitters  at T K Maxx and a black cardigan from H and M. The necklace was a thrifted gift.

I also managed to get other bits and pieces and gifts which I can't share here for fear of giving the game away!! 

So I will eat humble pie and declare Primark a resounding success this time. I feel like    I have not been shopping for clothes apart from at the occasional charity shop for quite a while, so this small splurge was a welcome treat! 

I do tend to take the approach with clothing that it is preferable to have in your wardrobe a selection of different brands, but the best is to mix more expensive, investment pieces with interchangeable cheaper pieces (that you will probably have more of). I will save for an item that I really want from a certain designer or brand and look after it well so it lasts and lasts. I will often buy it in the sale or when I can get hold of a voucher or money off code too! There are ways to get the standard of wardrobe you want for the budget you have. It just takes time and patience!

To live a careful life with your money is a good and wise trait, but to be able to enjoy your hard earned pennies is also a great blessing to be enjoyed when you are able!

Linking up with " Not Dead Yet Style"

Outfits

That didn't cost the Earth

As promised when I did my Charity Shop post a while back, here are a few of the items I have had most wear out of, in some outfit pictures.

 I still feel slightly sheepish about putting photos up of myself, but I know I love seeing what  normal, everyday women wear so I'm hoping you feel the same.

 I don't see very tall, vey slim  people walking along the street with flawless, wrinkle free skin and the most perfect hair....ever. I like to see the things I am considering buying on real women with different beautiful looks! I love finding new items of clothes and beauty products modelled by stunning real women. I got the coated jeggings after seeing them on Kat at Does My Bum Look 40 in This and  the L'oreal Hair Oil that has changed my life as recommended by Jenny at Beauty and the Biryani . I am hankering after the Boots from Gap that Susie So So wears so perfectly and I love the way The Small Fabric of My Life puts capsules together . These are my fashion and beauty idols.... check them out!

 I also have no idea how to pose...actually it's the same in each picture and I've realised what I think is a smile is actually a silly smirk. No wonder I get the wrong reaction from people sometimes. I am practising smiling without looking gormless. Oh and I am debuting my new darker hair colour - a caramel brown, albeit very windswept! I'm no model I know - I've earned my wrinkles though years of laughter and pain and I'm kind of fond of them because of it. However many tummy crunches I do, that last bit of jelly belly will not disappear, but it reminds me of those wonderful pregnancy years and the great kids I have been blessed with. Does it really matter? I can still fit in my wedding dress. Thats an achievement I'm proud of after 3 kids!!!

Some of these items are thrifted from Charity stores, some were gifts and some were purchases in sales or with money off somehow. I have realised that I rarely buy anything full price! I love all the codes and vouchers you can find. Never order anything without checking for them first . Style at Any Age does regular posts with them all listed - superb! See my previous post here on my Charity bargains.

H and M skirt (Thrifted)

Toast Skirt (Thrifted)

Russel and Bromley Tan Boots

Fly Wedges 2010

Faith Boots (Thrifted) 

River Island Leather Belt (Thrifted)

Primark scarf

Just back from the school run!

Tucked in!

,

Love these boots - Xmas pressie 2010

I think one of my favourite items of clothing this winter is this little grey skirt from H&M. I got this from the local Hospicare for £4.00 . Such a bargain! It goes with anything, can be smart or casual. I've even worn it over leggings. It is so well made and is lined so hangs beautifully. Best £4.00 I've spent this year! 

What item do you have in your winter wardrobe that you couldn't do without?

Linking up with Not Dead Yet Style.

Treasures

What did I find?

Well I survived my little foray into our loft. It is not a job I ever intend doing again. It was shameful what we had up there, shameful. I will be brutally honest and say that the fault lies firmly and squarely at the feet of my husband! Now, I am not in the habit of running him down in his absence, but he would admit it too. He finds it terribly hard to get rid of things, so I have done it for him. There were boxes up there for items that we don't even own any more. I mean a car load of boxes. I will also not admit to how many old duvets I found that my OH has insisted on keeping over the years in case they come in handy. 

Gone, gone gone.

I will however confess to a few moments of reminiscing over school books and baby clothes and the one small box of memories that were mine. Sigh, the good old days.

I found the silver locket that my parents gave me on my 16th birthday.

The pearls my Grandy let me have. Real? Not sure. Don't care.Remind me of her.

And this little owl - some things come back into fashion if you keep them long enough!

There were also a collection of things I had put up there for the children - books, shoes in certain sizes, clothes etc and forgotten about. Some I have missed the boat with , but some are perfect for now and the years to come so I'm keeping. The charity shop has benefited from a boot load too . Of course I couldn't drop off at the charity shop without a quick look.

Don't shoot me though - it is from Primark. Recycling at it's best.

Primark

 Do you get it yet......?

Ok so fresh with new resolve following Susie So Sos fantastic post on shopping at Primark I headed off , with a friend for moral support, to try again. On the agenda - jumpers, preferrably with some content that is natural, a scarf, a belt, p.js ( for me this time), jewellery, and some kids bedding. Quite a list really.

• The first thing I did wrong was go at 11am rather than 9am, but I have 3 kids to get to school and the darn shop is a half an hour drive and then a walk and a coffee away so whats a gal to do! I did see a rather nice jacket just inside the entrance, but on closer inspection the collar was rather wonky so I hastily moved on to the 'knitwear'. 
• Now I did try, really I did. I looked at a fair few jumpers here. I also looked out for Sue hiding in a corner undoing and checking buttons in case she could help me, but no such luck! On the surface there was a few things I liked the look of , but touch the fabric and it goes downhill. Rough, rough, rough. I could not find one item that was not less than 98% acryylic. In the end I was throwing items back on the pile like a pro declaring "nope" " nope" and "nope again", before realising I was one of the culprits who leave this store in a devastatingly muddled mess that makes it so unwelcome to shop in at times. So gave up and empty handed moved onto...
• P.Js. Now I rather fancied the bird print p.j bottoms on Susie SoSos blog. Looking all ironed and pretty and well worth the money, but heres the rub. I'm a funny shape. Long legs. Short body you see. ( Think Olive Oyl)I need long bottoms. They seem to come in regular or cuffed and unfortunately I don't have regular or cuffed legs so it was a no go from the start. If you are a regular or cuffed type of gal then 100% cotton p.j bottoms from £3 are to be found. There were some rather pretty owl print ones . So Primark I will confess your  P.Js could be a winner - as long as you don't have long legs.

• Accessories then . Now I have had success here before. Buying a few scarves and the odd jewellery item that isn't too yellow or guady. If you can get over the fact that you will see a lot of people wearing your scarf then no problem. I have a lovely owl print scarf in grey, but so do two of my friends! Good job I don't mind. Today I was on the hunt for a splash of animal print. I don't want to spend much as it will go out of fashion and accessories are easily and cheaply replaced. It is also a good way of trying this trend out without looking like the old MDAL. Success - scarf in 100% cotton. Gorgeous print and feel, although the stitching needs a bit of attention, but for £4 who cares? Also an animal print belt with a gold buckle. Not too much bling, not too over the top and only £3. It won't last longer than this winter, but then will the trend?

• I had no luck with the bling today. All brightly coloured and gaudy. Horrid. Some you win some you lose.
• Now the bedding, again I was pleasantly surprised.100% cotton and some lovely simple and classic designs. I couldn't decide between two designs and also was uncertain what size bed we are getting my eldest son for his new room so chickened out on the purchase, but I will be back.
• Whilst in the depths of the store I also picked up 6m of wrap for £1 and Susie is right- it does the job and doesn't rip. 
• I also saw a few other odd bits amongst the piles of tat that is there - packs of strong wooden hangers for £2.50, antibacterial handwipes £1 for 2 packs, a scarf or tie hanger for £1, and of course my usual purchases of kids underwear and jeans.

So where am I now with the whole Primark is amazing thing? Well I would say I'm on a learning curve. I still cannot find adult buys that satisfy my need for quality over cost and the fear of throwing things away too soon when they wear out gnaws at my conscience. BUT there are bargains to be found if you hunt and look AND there is money to be saved by doing this. Wrapping paper is a huge expense with three kids so thats a big plus. Bedding - if it's good quality then it's a winner. I must admit to being a White company addict but for the youngsters I don't think they'd know the difference. Scarves for yourself or as a present that is pretty , yet affordable - yes. I'll go with that. Teachers gifts at end of term maybe? 

We still breathed a sigh of relief when we left and scurried guiltily off to M & S to look for school uniform. I don't know if it was the release of PPS (Post Primark stress), but I came out of M & S with a half price Mac and a pair of £5 P.Js ( 100 % cotton of course with the top included !). Very happy. And I know they will last.

I think it all comes back to the old question of budget . We have to live within our means and here is an outlet for us to get more for that budget. But,the questions that then get raised are:

• Is it a quick fix, but not a long term saving?
• Does it perpetuate the consumer mentality - Buy cheap, throw away quickly?
• Is this good for our environment?
• How do they get those prices down - or is it just easier to ignore that fact?!
• Are these really the great prices we think they are?

Very provocative questions I know and I'm sure apply to a great many stores other than just Primark. In our quest for fabulous fashion at great prices I think the answer is to be wise, open minded, do the research, shop around and then decide. And then throw into the mix a bit of the old impulse buying just to keep it fresh! 

Autumn.

Some Autumnal Staples.

Despite the warm spell of weather we are enjoying at the moment I know that Autumn is rapidly approaching and warmer clothes will be required , although to be honest I didn't quite manage to fully transition out of Spring into Summer wear this year anyway. I have gone through my wardrobe and had a jolly good old sort out. I actually have that slightly OCD tendancy that loves this type of task and set to it with relish. Making a 'will keep' pile, an 'e.bay' pile, a 'charity pile' and a 'that will have to be binned' pile. I then ironed and re folded/hung the keepers and put them away in colour co ordinated order. See - slightly obsessed. But, it does make things so much easier for speed and dressing in the mornings and clothes last longer if they are looked after well. I have already made over £100 towards my spend  from selling my cast offs on e.bay - one mans rubbish is another mans treasure as they say.

So having sorted through and tried to be realistic about the things I need ( not want, ok want a little bit) for Autumn, I made a few purchases, mostly online I must say. My tops were looking a little tired and I have worn my skinny jeans half to death so could do with some variations. I always add a few layering items at this time of year too - I am definitely someone who feels the cold, although with the half a stone I've gained eating like it's winter over the last few months ,I should be okay! Bother.So the decision at first is to focus on topping up on a few pairs of skinnies/jeans and tops and Ts for layering. Here are my selections and some that I have ordered already.

1. I was sucked in by the colours in this.....A grey 3/4 sleeve striped top from Primark. It is a bit rough, although is 80% cotton so may soften up with some fabric softener. I am already wishing I'd gone for the one in Gap. It was more expensive , but 25% off. Sigh. Will I ever learn. I am nervous this will shrink and lose it's shape, but for £7 it's worth a try.

2. I got a black and white striped long sleeve T from Primark for £3. It will only really last me a season I think, but you can't complain for £3 can you? Cotton and Elastane mix and a lot softer on the skin with a nice bit of stretch. Lovely long sleeves which is often a failing for me in Primark so I may go back and get some more colours! Shock Horror! My first Primark success????  I will use this type of top for layering under cardys and jackets with a scarf or two. (Picture was too eye catching with the stripes!)

 3. This gap long sleeve T. 100% Cotton. Gloriously soft to wear. Dark grey/light grey stripe. Love it ! £14.95, but worth every penny. A lot better quality than the Primark one and will last I'm sure. May go back for the blue....... 

4.Shark Fin Biker Skinny Sateen Jeans from Gap. Love. So comfy. I will wear and wear and wear these. Almost certainly will get more colours, either in this style or the ones with the zip at the bottom. Lovely quality. £44.95. There is a 15% off offer online and in stores for Gap at the moment if you sign up to their e.mail. Thats me in!

5.A part of my order arrived from H & M , although I was disappointed that the blouse was not going to arrive until the beginning of November! I am not sure I would have ordered an Autumn blouse if I'd known the delay! Anyway 3 items arrived - a pair of jeans - £7.50 before discount and 2 cardigans ( one taupe, one black) , £9.99 each before discount. I had a 10% off code and free postage on this order so got a really good deal. The clothes are really good quality for the price and again the sleeves on the cardys are lovely and long - always a must for me.

I can never enter the Autumn without a few new scarves and accesories and these are the first that caught my eye!
The Old Bag Company Scarf. £15. Whats not to love. Grey and white spots. Goes with the Old Bag. ( No! Not me - the 'Old Bag' I use for my swimming things!)

A pretty, on trend Owl necklace from Superdrug - a couple of pounds at most!

 A pair of Cat's eyes Sunnies from Missoni . I got these from Brandalley for around £40!

I am also seriously yearning after some J Brand skinny zip cargos this season at £182.44. Also in Vintage Evergreen : )  

Or the Fallon Military Skinnys would do at £165.44 

But if I had to, I'd settle for the Zoey Triple Zip Skinny Jeans at £147.13......sigh!
















Oh yes and finally ....

Can you guess what I got...........?

What are you yearning after for in your Autumn wardrobe this year?!