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

Morning all!

Sympathies to those with midge bites. Usually I am also a magnet, but last week I only got 2/3 bites, whereas DH got lots more. A complete role reversal as I am usually covered - with some of them getting infected. NOT a good look!

Lovely morning here, although a bit chilly. Am wearing plain blck bootcut trousers, flats and silver/grey Jigsaw top to work today. Day one of Dukan - boiled egg, smoked salmon and an activia yoghurt for breakfast. Wish me luck....hopefully I will be at least 4 pounds down by Friday in time for big meet-up.

Carciofi - What a bloody cheek. I can't believe that some people think that they can be that rude. I am not always tact personified, but I like to think that I manage to avoid outright nastiness.

Rufus - loving those dresses. Beautiful.

Plum - sorry to hear about the crap weekend - but the Warehouse dress is great. I do like Warehouse stuff - particularly their dresses. I have noticed apparently that Maxis are still in for A/W. Dotty Ps have a few nice looking ones that I am eyeing up. Will link later.

Off out at lunch to track down oatbran and some ham to add to my eggs!!

Have a good day all.

NY, your outfit sounds lovely. Good luck with the diet.

Yes, my friend is quite insecure. She comes out with some clangers sometimes, e.g., when DD was a newborn, "you must get loads of reading done, sitting around at home all the time." That one made me laugh.

Everything, Sestri Levante is lovely and is about 25 miles from Genoa.

Ollie, hope you are all better, I had that bug in Ireland and it was horrible.

Rufus, yes, Ella is a place to go w/o kids!

OK, we are off to the gym.

What do we think to this?

I fear I may have an unhealthy addiction to maxis and am clutching at any possibilities to allow me to wear them in A/W. Was thinking with boots and possibly new trench I got a few weeks ago (here) - maybe some bright knitwear/scarf. (Have a cashmere blue cardie that might work...)

Or am I deluded...?

Quick check in while waiting for Ocado delivery which is over half hour late again .

Welcome back Carciofi, NotYummy and Blossoming.

Plum I know those days too. Hope this week is better.

Everything I really like Genoa. I haven't been for 15 years though but have a friend from there I can ask for some recommendations if you book. My favourite place for a weekend break is Bologna. You can get cheap flights and good deals on hotels though I usually fly cheap and spend a bit more to stay right in the centre. It's a beautiful, beautiful place and great with a LO.

Vino I had to reread your post to make sure I'd understood it properly. His behaviour is bizarre. It often amazes me how people rationalise certain behaviours in their own heads & make the unacceptable seem inevitable. Relationships often present themselves as really complicated but shouldn't it all boil down to whether you're happy? Only you know what happy means for you but he sounds like he has lost all respect for himself let alone anyone else. I hope that's not too rude for me to say. Your strength is inspiring.

Asos delivery just arrived. Will report back later but a quick glance at my haul hasn't inspired me.

Do any of you have any Uniqlo cashmere?

50% off on La Redoute still today with code 8256. I've ordered these and these but they still haven't arrived yet so can't report on them.

I've found the search for a decent pair of sandals unfruitful. I need a pair of black/gold sandals to wear in the evening on holiday and can't find any I like. I think I might go into the loft later and see what I can find in the boxes up there.

I've totally forgotten who linked to the M&S boots? I've ordered them and should arrive tomorrow. want to see them in rl and my trips to the shops are rare.

We went to the fair yesterday. Dd insisted on calling it a "school fete" (thanks Peppa Pig) and loved it. Had a brilliant moment when she was sat on dp's shoulders and had her first accident in days (she's nappy free). I have a wonderful photo of dp and dd walking back to the car - her with a soaking bum and him with a soaking back .

Love that maxi NY, think it would look good with cropped jacket for proportion sake.
Love DD'S accident .MM! an occupational hazard for dads everywhere!

MM - I meant to say to you the other day about bras.

When I was measured the last time - I was complaining at how the fullness in the top part of my boobs has gone and hence always needing now a slightly padded bra as lace ones just ruckle up - if that makes sense.

She reckoned it was because of bf and interestingly all my friends who've bf have found the same.

Cleaner is here hurrah and just waiting for Bea to wake up to get and get some food as have friends coming round later.

Gorgeous autumnal day here - ie sunny but cold.

And everything - US september voque has just arrived - think you were asking when it would be available.

Morning everyone,
Welcome back to the holidaymakers - great to have you back.

Bloss - insect bites sound nasty - hope they disappear soon and that your DS is feeling better now.

NY - your photos are lovely - love the maxi dress. Well done to your DD for swimming without armbands - I bet it was a bit heart in mouth to watch her at first.

Carcofi - what a thing for your 'friend' to say - very unneccessary. I do love the things that childless friends come out with though.

Vin - I don't really know what to say about your P. He just sounds like he's lost the plot - so sorry you have to bear the brunt of his shitty behaviour.

OWW - hope the house of ill recovers quickly - there is definitely a horrible bug going around - quite a few friends have had it - thankfully we have avoided it thus far.

Everything - I have a great image of you and your family in my mind with you standing out for all the right reasons.

We made the most of the sun yesterday and went for a picnic at a big deer park - DD was so funny - everytime she saw a deer (and there were lots) she shouted 'Oh Deeeear' at the top of her voice . I am loving this age but bunny you must be shattered!

Ok - I have some news that I have to tell someone before I burst...I am going to be an aunt! My sister is 11 weeks pregant with a honeymoon baby - she's having a scan this week so I guess it will be common knowledge after that but she told me as soon as she found out so I've been sitting on it for 7 weeks now Very excited.

Had a quick whizz wound the Trafford Centre the other day. DD not easily pacified by usual snacks so it was not a pleasant experience. I grabbed this coat but not sure if it's a keeper yet. It isn't as nipped in on the waist as it looks on there (or maybe I am just a lot wider).

Hopefully Dukan book should arrive today and I'll have time for a quick read before going shopping. DH has cautiously agreed to join me.

Sorry for mammoth post.

Oh what a lovely day here, still snuggled in my new pashmina! (Welsh through and through me!)

Dc1 hates doctors and has been very lucky with his health in general so when he had the accident he went into shock and when the doc said anaesthetic and stitches he was a sight to behold. I felt really sad for him. Luckily it wasn't so deep and he glued it together and it is quite alright now.

Carciofi, have been reminding myself to tell you that when you're in Nice to take the lift up Colline du Chateau, near the port, walk to the top (not far) for great views and an amazing playground.

What a great buy the wonderbra strapless was. Although I was frisked at Liverpool airport and it caused confusion. I think she thought I was wearing some kind of holster! Got obsessed about other people's grubby bra straps though! Talk about making
an already bad outfit worse!

Dh has agreed to the meet up. He did say though, are you sure they 're not men??!! Um, are you?

Incredibly I seem to have stayed the same weight wise.
I have been known to put on 4lb a week on holiday before. So no sugar is my way to weight management. Beyond thrilled.

Poor everyone with sickness bugs, and mm, your daughter sounds great!!

Everything - v cool!

everything you look amazing!

Ok, lily And Lionel lovers. Tell me why I should buy! I love the red leopard one.

Gorgeous picture everything

Thanks re trousers roary - I am so tempted by the anthropoligie leggings in green but trying to be wise... I did pop into Zara yesterday and came away with a few things, but it was all so rushed I think I made some bad choices. When the boys are back at school and everybody's birthdays are over (DS2 this weekend, DH a few days later...) I need to assess my wardrobe! Think a brown mock-suede blazer might be a keeper. Just went to zara.com to see if I could link and the site says "shop online 2 September" Woo-hoo! Oh, and saw your blouses mm fab, but not for me

Think I will order the FC sequin dress, thanks.

Not sure about the maxi thing for winter notyummy - I loved my tiered Max Studio maxi skirt with a cami on holiday (the skirt part is very like the dress you linked to). I wore it yesterday with a long sleeved top and denim jacket though, and felt like a grungy student. Maybe with a different jacket and top it would work, but I think on me the full ruffle skirt needs some flesh on show up top

Love both those dresses rufus!

Must dash now - I know I've missed masses, so sorry, but need to make US flag for DS2's party...

Everything you look absolutely beautiful!

You look gorgeous everything. Glad things are improving with you and your dh.

Blossoming, thanks, have made a note of that. Well done on staying skinny!

Roary, the red leopard scarf is soft, a gorgeous colour and a lot cheaper than Louis Vuitton. :)

Everything, lovely picture, you look fab.

That is great about your sister, MrsJuan. My lovely little nephew was born while I was in Dublin. He is just gorgeous.

Oooh, I like those boots, MM.

Roary,to add to Carciofi's vote of approval (who I copied shamelessly) it adds instant pzazz(!) to every outfit and it's big, so it doubles as a wrap/shawl.
Love those boots BTW MM. Had very similar Ash pair last year and wore them constantly. They look equally good with black opaques and shortish dresses, and with skinnies. I had a pair of black skinnies from Comptoir, and I wore that outfit to death. I think I thought I was very rock chick.(poor deluded woman I hear you say.You are 41 now Rufus, not 21)

EIE - don't you look so beautiful, and fun!! Lucky DS to have such a fun mum! And am delighted that things are improving on the home front.

Vin - you poor love, what an awful man. MM has some sage advice I think. I am still bemused by him extolling Christian virtues of a woman w whom he was "committing adultery"...

MM - DD gets shoulder rides from DH all the time, and so far the worst he has had is apple bits dropped down his neck and wiped in his hair. Might not share that there is worse to come.

Thanks for all the cross body bag links - how kind you all are! None of them saying "pick me" so will wander to high st soon and have a looksy.

Some v glam sounding holidays! Although agree re some tourists' attire - dreadful. Ditto your MIL and SIL yesterday, EIE. My mother is like that , but my MIL is v traditional European (despite not being Euro!!) w her outfits - never denim, never trainers or the like, always nicely tailored, hair and make up always done. I like.

For those of you w young DDs, the Gap puffa jackets are sometimes down filled - not sure who else does them. DD got one this morning and think it will be a God send this winter. Think the Zara ones are more ornamental than truly warm, although their wool coats are perfect if you like the more formal look, too - which I do.

Have to run - found nanny, need to draft contract

Before I do...

Plum - did I write you post? I hear you!! And I only have the one DC! I don't think DH really understands that I am most definitely not having more children and that I am most definitely going back to work as soon as I feel they are old enough.

MrsJuan - I am shattered and not enjoying myself. Think you have to tough some situations out. Although I hear that after a C-section sometimes you can stay in hospital for a couple of nights - oooh, looking forward (only if mid-wives help w twins). If the twins are as "spirited", "fidgety", "busy" etc as DD (described by other mothers!!), I will die. Congratulations Aunty MrsJuan, too!!

OK, last post - Rufus - cranberry cashmere dress you linked to (NAP or Outnet - can't remember) is HEAVEN - I love love love!!

bunny - Sometimes the only good thing I can think about the idea of having another baby in a year or so is the hospital stay - keep wondering if I could get away with staying for a week . DD is also 'spirited' / 'full of beans' / 'has ants in her pants'...

The other morning she fetched her wellies and her sun hat and stood at the back door shouting 'ready', 'ready' until I took her out to her sandpit. Cute but rather uncalled for at 7.15am. yawn.

I'm sure you will be great with the twins. If you are anything like me then you will have had the shock of your life going from 0-1 and nothing can be any worse than that!

everything - fame at last You look great and I'm so glad that things are looking up for you and DH - I really admire the way you've worked on your relationship.

MrsJuan - is your DD the same age as mine - 14 months? If so, she is seriously advanced, I think!! DD doesn't say anything that I can understand and isn't the clear w what she wants apart from pointing.

I was so looking forward to my hospital stay with Bea - and I nearly cried when they chucked me out the day after my c-section.

Should have complained really as it was not on at all especially as Arthur was highly contatious with chicken pox at home.

Everything - you look fab.

Bunny - yeay to finding a nanny - will she be fulltime?

everything you look fantastic!

lots of adorable sounding DDs on ths thread (of course!)

MM spot on re P you are very good at giving advice I am not happy at all and have been so unhappy for, well, at least 4 years, kept hoping thisngs would improve but they have nosedived instead. mrsjuan he has indeed lost the plot. Today he had a tenant calling him who ahd arranged to view a room (he is a landlord elsewhere) and he claims I never told him, when I did tell him, then claims I have sabotaged it all (when I paid his mortgage) then left with a slam of the door. Agh, the mind boggles. And yes, not very christian

Anyway.. sorry for moaning!

notyummy I think winter maxi could work, maybe, with the right footwear ? Erdem did lots of maxi skirts with jumpers on top for A/W. Not sure I could pull it off myself but would work if tallish/not too largeofbrasize

LOVE all the sweater dress links I adore wearing knitted dresses in winter with boots, so easy to throw on bleary-eyed and frozen in the morning and always flattering no matter what shape you are

I have to say, have been scoffing rather a lot of late- got the M&S dine in food yesterday and managed to eat all ehem a lot of an apple pie with cream all by myself

oh and congratulations auntyjuan!