Another New Day: Gap

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

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.

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

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!)