In Town or Online
So are you a big "Go To The Shops Gal" or an "Online Browser?"
Ok so I did venture into town today with my 5 year old in tow. Fortunately she was pretty excited about the prospect as she had a few pennies of her own to spend. I needed to pick up some items of school uniform for the boys that I had ordered and had been informed had arrived. So off we set, yet again in the pouring rain.
On arrival at the uniform shop - which incidentally is not in the centre of town , but about a 10 minute walk in the other direction, dragging a by then slightly reluctant and hungry 5 year old - we were told that they had made a mistake and the items were actually out of stock. Great.
After about a half hour wait, they managed to find replacement items and sent us on our way ! I hate uniform shopping, really hate it. At least most of it was done in June - yes June. I went early this year.
I fully intended trying to pick up a couple of items from my A/W wish list today, but with the rain and the trek and the child, I just wasn't in the right frame of mind. I wandered into Primark, hoping for the inspiration that befalls so many of you and wandered out with a top. I just don't get it ......yet.
I did manage a nice pair of skinnies and a long sleeve T from Gap - in grey of course, but everything else on my wishlist was out of stock. As I am trying the 'plan, be wise with what you spend' approach this A/W, I decided to jump ship and much to my daughters delight at this point, head back home.
However ..........
the story does not end there! Later this evening I decide to log on and see if I could pick up a few of the items online. I always look for codes and money off first - never one to pay full price for something and I came up with some gooduns!
I'd wanted a few staples from H and M - cardigans, blouses etc and came up with these codes saving myself £8.50. I had a sale item as well. So four items for about £35 - not bad going. You can use 2 of these codes at any one time. I think they are valid for about 4 more days so hurry! The 10% and £5 combination seem to give a really good deal . I don't think it operates on the sale items though.
1304 = £5 off
9954 = 10% off
9921 = 25 % off one item
9844 = free delivery ( I didn't use this one so haven't checked it yet)
I have also had my eye on this large scarf from Baukjen , but at £89 was hesitating. I picked up a code from another blogger ( link below) for 15% off which makes it a lot more attractive!
She also mentioned a code for Clarks for 20% off, making those boots I wanted even more tempting!
Pop on over to her blog at Pret - a - Mummy to pick these awesome codes up and grab some bargains!
I'm also after a few high street items from Next, but I am determined not to pay full price for them or delivery so I am holding out for some valid codes ! The £10 online for new customers I cant use as I am already registered. Unfortunately neither of the stores locally do these items either.
My mainstays during the Autumn and Winter seem to be skinny trousers and bootcut jeans, blouses, long sleeve Ts, scarves and jackets. I always top up on a few of these basics at this time of year as I will wear and wear them to within an inch of their lives!
On this occasion I do wish Id had stayed at home and shopped online. I like to be able to browse and look at what I'm buying, but lets face it when does that actually happen if you have young children with you and I never feel it is really that fair on them either! My little girl quite enjoys the outing , but the boy's capacity is two shops at most before a Costa and a trip to Game is required. Anyway, I've found that the money off this time has made it far more worth my while shopping online, although I shall wait until said products arrive before the final judgement is made. I will do a few outfit posts when they do and if they are staying.
So your shopping preference - home alone or out and about?
I am definitely a 'go to the shops gal' I think it's more fun and I like to see 'up close and personal' what I'm bying! But...I also stopped by to let you know that you've been nominated for yet another award the Versatile Award! Congratulations! Check it out at http://thegreekhousewife.blogspot.gr/2012/08/another-award.html
ReplyDeleteGet right to them! They tend to be laborious!
I've just finished the last one (actually two!!)- coming out tomorrow !! I actually enjoy it as it is a way of getting to find new blogs too! Thank you - again - getting lots of new views through it which is always appreciated! XXXXXX
DeleteSo I need to know, what did you buy in H&M? I did this last year, bought a cord mini skirt and some jersey tops to layer. Don't think they'll last another winter tbh, but cheap and cheerful, the skirt is still fine. What do you make of their jeans?
ReplyDeleteI got a couple of blouses, a couple of cardys and some sale jeans to try out. Not had them before but got them for £7.50!! Worth a try for mucking around with the kids! I only ever buy a few bits from them each year and know they will last one season- you have to be wise, but I find the quality better than the cheaper high street stores...e.g Primark. x
DeleteI do better out shopping and alone! Looking forward to doing that now that the routine of school has started!
ReplyDelete~Anne xx
Yes or with a shopping buddy- I have a friend who I will meet on a Friday for a coffee now and then. We do a little shopping and then have a good old natter - thats the sort I like! X
DeleteI prefer to shop online and do keep a list of codes that I get sent in the right hand panel of the blog if ever you are looking for a list of who has offers.
ReplyDeleteOooo - thanks for that . I will check them out. Am having a little splurge at the moment. Emphasis trying to be on the 'little' !! x
DeleteI'd love to shop online but every time I buy something it never fits, so the shops for me. A real nuisance when you have a child too big for a pushchair but small enough to hide amongst the clothes rails! Roll on preschool! x
ReplyDeleteI'd love to shop online but every time I buy something it never fits, so the shops for me. A real nuisance when you have a child too big for a pushchair but small enough to hide amongst the clothes rails! Roll on preschool! x
ReplyDeleteI'd love to shop online but every time I buy something it never fits, so the shops for me. A real nuisance when you have a child too big for a pushchair but small enough to hide amongst the clothes rails! Roll on preschool! x
ReplyDeleteI'd love to shop online but every time I buy something it never fits, so the shops for me. A real nuisance when you have a child too big for a pushchair but small enough to hide amongst the clothes rails! Roll on preschool! x
ReplyDeleteYou been on the calpol again Hayley!!? Ha Ha . If I know there is money off online I'll sometimes try it on in the shop first then go home and order! Especially shoes! Sneaky....I'll phone to rearrage Friday by the way. XX
DeleteI've always been a 'go to the shops' shopper, but recently the online route is becoming more appealing. What I really want to know though, is where do you find all these discount codes?? I know of 'my vouchers' but in general they only have Boden codes. Where should I be looking. V interesting post btw!
ReplyDeleteApart from the obvious ones that come through the post with catalogues etc I generally find them online - either through blogs or voucher companies such as hotdealsuk. Check out Savoo for discounts too. They only last a few days sometimes, but worth having when you get them. Just googling the store name and 'voucher codes' will turn up something as well if there are some around! Hope that helps. I also shop at stores like Brandalley and Look Fantastic ( link in my sidebar) as they have a rolling programme of discounts on fashion and beauty products.
DeleteI'm a home shopper me - unless I can get a decent amount of time on my own. Nothing worse than shopping with the kids! Avril x PS thanks for the H&M codes..have my eye on a pair of trousers there! x
ReplyDeleteI agree - I lose the will when the kids tag along! x
DeleteClarks always have 20% off in September so I save all year and buy a pair of boots at this time. Just ordered mine today and saved £26
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting till the kids go back till I get mine...got my eye on two and can't decide! Good job it lasts till end of Sept!!
DeleteI am a see it and take mental ownership of it kinda person. If I can't find it in the thrift store then I go to full retail stores. I rarely ever shop online but I know it can be very exciting to have a package come in the mail. Love the scarf you have your eye on. dawn suitcase vignettes xo
ReplyDeleteI've caved in and got the scarf ! Hoping it is as lovely as it looks!!! X
DeleteI never buy anything online - would be too lazy to send it back and then it would gather dust in my mudroom until too late. But I spend waaaay too much time looking at bits and bobs online. I explain to my husband its actually saving me money as I never pull the trigger on anything.
ReplyDeleteOut and about for me! (I spend too much time on the laptop as it is!) It is difficult with the kids off ... Once they're back at school imagine the shopping trips ... xx
ReplyDeleteI love both. Sometimes it's just fun to look and browse the physical items and "play". But I do love the sound of the doorbell and the postman bearing gifts too! Codes are a blessing and a curse. You get mailed a code and then you have to shop!
ReplyDeleteHello! Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog!
ReplyDeleteI do both, i like to to go shops, but I also like ebay and etsy... a bit of both is perfect for me.
Happy to be your newest follower!! xx
Alice Barton ♥ The Mow Way
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