We are avidly wearing our spring/summer buys, whilst wisely wondering when autumn/winter will arrive....

[notyummy]

Use this thread instead! I mucked up the title of the other one

rufus we don't have a tumble dryer (hate them) so I've always used the radiators in winter and hang stuff out in 'summer'. Just fed up of the house looking permanently like a chinese laundry so decided time to try something different. Will report back. Enjoy your shopping trip tomorrow, and there are so many clever DHs on this thread

Oh yes! DH said you'll need a nice bag to go with it! As if I need an excuse!So any suggestions would be gratefully accepted! Has to be black.

Bag to go with dress that is!

Rufus...lucky you. Lovely dress!

Lovely day and parents took DCs out to park so had a bit of a break with baby....

Actually, I am having a slobby day here Tracey! Cannot possibly tell you what I am wearing.....am a bit knackered and fluey again....

Zembo - airer looks great...v useful...we do have a tumble dryer which is used for towels...as seems only way they dry supersoft? I do hate them too though...it is consigned to an outhouse...

Please don't all desert this thread, I know I lurk more than I post but I love it!

I had a lovely girlie morning with DD today, little bus ride (she loves going on the bus) then coffee at starbucks then I took her to buy some new clothes as I realised this morning that she's shot up and the only clothes that fit her are summery and it's chilly and wet in w London today. I even gave in and let her have Pepa Pig wellies which she's thrilled with. But then she said something v odd, I was trying to get her to choose a dress and some leggings in h&m and she said 'but mummy I don't need any more clothes'! Obviously taking after DH who wears his clothes till they fall apart or I give them to the charity shop. Then I let her choose lunch in the supermarket so we had pink fish, baby trees and wiggle chips (translation: salmon, brocoli and crinkle chips).

I didn't do any shopping for me and was v underwhelmed with the clothes in h&m but I think it's a funny time of year.

I love the sheepskin that people have linked to and the shoes and bags on plumo are v tempting...

Hello, I am a lurker who enjoys reading this thread and was hoping for some wise and avid shoe advice.

I have this dress in navy/cream and was thinking thick navy tights with red pumps for day and navy tights again with very high black courts for evening.

I usually love combining black and navy but with the dress being breton I can't decide if it looks naff.

The girls in the shop were wearing it skintight with navy tights/navy shoes which I wasn't keen on.

Am kicking myself this evening ladies - prep for the spy party tomorrow is almost done. DS1 has obligingly asked for a round chocolate cake with the number 7 in smarties on the top, so no late night icing sculpture for him this year, book safes made, obstacle course set up, shooting game prepped (), spy id cards ready for photos and fingerprints. But I forgot completely about what I should wear (more ) and have realised far too late that it would have been an ideal opportunity to fulfil a long-time desire to dress up like Diana Rigg

ABO you would have been so popular with the dad's if you'd rocked that look

Ooooh happily - am loving that dress - whats the neckline like at the front - I couldn't see it properly on the site.

How about shoeboots? Just may work a bit better than hight courts?

Evening everyone, got back from Dorset this afternoon - we had a lovely time despite the torrential rain and gale force winds! Unfortunately the shite weather made eating the main focus of our entertainment and I feel enormous.

Day clothes consisted of jeans and jumper + waterproofs but managed to wear dresses(and tights and cardigan) out in the evenings.

P really enjoyed herself - the highlight of her week was jumping in puddles in her new wellies and all in one waterproof suit

V. tempted by a nice sheepskin - my mum has had one for over 20 years so definitely a wise investment.

I think I've missed a few birthdays - hope you all had lovely days.

Welcome back mrsjuan - glad you had a good time despite weather!
Happily lovely dress - like the idea of red shoes witn it.

Am a bit squiffy - there was a 'borrel avond' (drinks evening) at the end of our street for the neighbourhood we live in - consumed 3 (v small) glasses of wine on an empty tummy and its gone straight to my head. DH popped out for emergency pizza's!

Reine - blonde, yes, bombshell, no. But def grey and blue are good colours for my colouring. DH is settling DD after yet another trying day for me - your description of your DD1 is EXACTLY like mine at the mo' so perhaps now is the perfect time to order the coat. And some of those bump bands - am far too Bob the Builder from behind when I bend over at the mo'.

Rufus - how do I envy thee? Let me count the ways No bag suggestions from me, but ooh how lovely to be looking for luxe accessories!

OWW - oh no!! Poor Fleecy has also been suffering from random small child body explosions - all quite terrifying. Hope the pizzas hit the spot!

MrsJuan - as per usual, our DDs are doing things at the same time - DD loving her new shoezone wellies and puddles are a big hit. With her. Not with me (esp muddy one she knelt in today). Only so much mess I can be happy about.

Am sure I have missed something I wanted to talk about...

Welcome hapily Dress looks great and I was only thinking today how navy and black looks ACE together.. this was as I was thinking how much navy suits me and concluded it's cos I have black hair and it goes with that. I'm wearing one of those uniqlo heattech tops (navy) with indigo baxters, so looking very navy indeed . Also got the White co. brochure today and loads of navy in that.

DHL man failed to turn up really disappointed as will prob have to wait until after the BH for my airer now.

MrsJ glad the weather didn't spoil your enjoynmnt of your hols.

Rufus despite me sometimes moaning about him, my DH is also VERY generous. He's just asked me what I want for Eid, he suggested an IPhone but I don't think it's what I really want. It's a big deal for him to even suggest it though as he is fully anti-apple ..so off to think about what I want, no doubt will be clothing related!

Abo hope the party goes well, you've put so much effort into it and sounds like it'll be amazing. Wish I was coming

Welcome back MrsJuan. For me the focus of holidays is always food! So generally feel huge coming home.
Happily love the dress, and would second Tracey's suggestion of shoeboots ie black tights, black shoeboots to lengthen the leg overall. Those horizontal stripes could shorten you, unless you're tall. (I'm not, so I'm always looking for ways to add inches! Usually just rely on heels)
Bunny if I get a luxe bag, I'll be buying it myself! But at least I won't get "what did you need another bag for?" My mother always gives me birthday money (!) so I'll use that to soften the blow for myself. Mind you with that way of thinking I probably have it spent 10 times already!
Got loads of tights on tightsplease this evening, including these in cobalt which I am quite excited about. Have no idea what I'll wear them with, but they didn't have them in anthracite so I'll just have to see what I can do! Also got these wolford which I also got last year. They are £££, but look fabulous for dress up nights. The annoying thing is I can't find the ones I had, they seem to have disappeared from my drawer. I keep wondering did the nanny or cleaner take them? Can't understand where they went! Will just have to wait arrival of new ones.

Yes meant to say ABO the party sounds amazing. Your imagination is just wonderful. I bet you'd look amazing as Diana Rigg.
Zembo what about an ereader? I suggested it to DH, but thankfully he didn't take me up on it! Can get your iphones free here on contract, which is great. I'm addicted to mine. Never a moment of boredom or missing Avid and Wise again!

Ok! Last post of the night!
Me again! What think ye of this chloe bag as a possible contender for the leopard print dress? I think it's more exciting than the usual black.

Thanks for shoeboot suggestion, have just tried it, still unsure though.

I think it's the tights that are the problem, they aren't a vivid navy when paired with black shoes you don't get the strong black/navy contrast that I like. I hadn't considered black tights Rufus so will give those a go.

Tracey the neckline I would describe as crew, I sized up as wanted it less bodycon that it is designed for so it is close fitting over bust then skims down to hips where it hugs nicely to hips/bottom but not tight. Sleeves are much looser fitting than model on site shows and it does swamp my waist slightly but I preferred a semifitted look.

Zembo I was browsing the White Co book this morning and it is very navy indeed. They have just opened a store in a nearby town so I am going to try on in the next few weeks. I love this (not navy) coat in the photo where it's open but not so keen on it fastened and reality it would be closed most of the time.

I am blonde yet navy and most blues seem to suit me.

reallygrumpy I looked in H&M today and nothing stood out as being special, it was rammed too so I walked straight back out.

I've just been having a browse on asos and came across these which I thought might work well with skinny jeans or cropped trousers. What do you think?

dolce did you get the boden cropped trousers in the end and what are they like? I thought they might be good for work.

Hello again Back from hols, weather was OKish, but definately not bikini weather! I wore jeans every day, with long sleeve ts, cardigans and jackets. Wanted to wear dresses but can't wear tights in August, it's just not right! Dc had a ball though, so ending the school hols on a high which is great.

Haven't had time to read back, but top marks to MrRufus for the dress, very impressive. I love satin de luxe tights too, a great way to transform an outfit, they feel amazing too.

Happily I LOVE navy and black together, wear them a lot in winter. I find it good to use contrasting textures, matt or velvet opaques in navy with black patent shoes is a great combo. Looks as if you intended to wear navy and black rather than got dressed in the dark IYSWIM

Fritzi those shearling coats are amazing, true investment dressing as you'd still be wearing it in 20 years.

Tracey what did you do about the barbour? Have you seen the Anya ones for sale anywhere? Put my name on a waiting list and was hoping for an email when I got back but nothing, humph.

Cakey have you gone on hols yet? Hope you have a ball

Is that the time will catch up in the morning. Hope you all have lovely weekends

Those Wolford rights look amazing rufus - last winter I lived in nasty uncomfortable M&S opaques - and swore never again!

Thanks re the party - am really looking forward to it now! Just need to clean the loo then off to bed. Have done all I can for tonight.

VB - I spoke to lovely lady at Anya H this week and they should get the jackets in next week. As you're on the waiting list they'll email you as soon as they're available to order online.

They're also going to be on my-wardrobe.

I'm going for the minx in olive in the longer/coat length after much deliberation Which one are you going for?

Loving all the tights - I was looking at these tights last night too.

I'm after an indigo denim mini-skirt - basically like this but no idea what they're sizing is like. Anyone seen any?

We're off out for delayed birthday meal tonight and was planning on wearing the pink anglomania. However feel quite podgy and its not exactly forgiving so will be trying on contents of wardrobe later and getting cross undoubtedly.

LTEC - hope you're ok and getting excited about holiday.

Bunny - Arthur was interesting when I was pregnant with Bea. The midwifes used to laugh as when I'd go to see them he'd end up on the bed with me whilst they examined me as he was sooooo clingy.

I was incredibly worried about how he'd cope when I had Bea as he was quite seriously attached to my hip until I went into hospital to have Bea but he has generally been fab.

In fact yesterday he came up to me and said 'Bea is my best friend'.

Right - H has done piano practice [evil mummy emoticon] and DH still in bed so had better get on and have that second cup of coffee.

Oh and we're all very much enjoying Treasure Island - is very funny indeed.

And on the subject of books - I've just started 'Diary of a Provincial Lady' which is very enjoyable.

happily - Great dress. Would also feel more comfortable wearing it semi-fitted as you described. Hope you find the right tights/shoes to make it perfect. Blonde and navy is definitely a good combination. As is navy and dark hair zembo!

For tights I love Falke for everyday and Wolford for going out. Had a few pairs of Falke which lasted all winter. Definitely a wise investment.

abo- Love the ideas for your DS's birthday. So creative! Your DS and his friends will have a blast today! That outfit for yourself you linked to would have been perfect .

rufus - Sorry not sure about the Chloé bag. Think something more understated /simpler would be better. You don't want the bag to distract from your beautiful dress .

Your DS is so sweet tracey. I had always wanted an elder brother when I was young. And sometimes still do...

Welcome back verity. Forgot where you went but jeans and long-sleeved T-shirts sound chilly rather than mediterranean.

tracey - A&F sizes come up rather small I think. Hope you had a lovely belated birthday dinner. Can relate to how you feel about feeling not in top shape and getting cross when choosing outfits. Hope you found something that made you feel fab! Anglomania is timeless and there will be lots of other opportunities to wear it.

Tracey - Arthur sounds to have behaved like Delie is behaving now (only in a more immature/baby-ish fashion). So glad to hear of a happy ending!

BTW decided to get up and make some ASOS purchases, inc the coat, and the website has fallen over - nooooooooooo!!!

ABO - what a party you have planned (so impressive!) - good luck!