Whoever said money can't buy happiness, simply didn't know where to go shopping - or the Wise & Avid lot!

[OllieWollieWoo]

Stamp on the new thread (quote from Bo Derek btw!!!)

Ph bloss hope DD is OK. I get mildly irrational about these things too (viruses and internet!)

notyummy sorry about your run of bad luck, hope it's all sorted soon and hope DD is well

OK the dress I procured from charity shop for £4.50 is almost identical to this except no plain black fabric,all has lace

wise! (if a bit halloweeny)

florence I think the grey coat looks beautiful, but I'm concerned about the sleeves - they look too short to me...

Advice please ladies! I have a pre-party afternoon shopping in central London, alone with no kids! (I say alone, I will have Janice with me having decided she's a keeper). I intend to check out roary's Banana Republic top, Uniqlo - mm did you mention some fab trousers from there? - Zara because I don't have one locally and Selfridges for general drooling. Anything else I shouldn't miss? I really need tops but am finding them very hard to find...

abo, could be worth looking around the new fashion floor in JL. Lots of brands under one roof. I'm constantly looking for tops too. I know it's not very exciting but M&S marble arch is worth a look I think.

Bloss could you tell me about the Laura Mercier primer thingy, I've recently got a tinted moisturiser (still in it's box ) - do I need to use the primer first?

NY major run of bad luck there! Hope your DD is feeling better and well done to her on the swimming.

Bunny you look great, you'll have no trouble getting back into your normal clothes. Also really pleased to hear your babies are doing so well . I still haven't told my DH he's going to be a daddy again - I know it's a bit unfair but I can't be doing with any negativity at the moment esp since I can feel the magic happening inside - lots of stretching, aching - I loved being pregnant the last two times, hoping this will be the same. Must get round to telling him before the tell-tale symptoms (i.e. fewer 'conception' attempts )

zembo, I just use the primer on problem areas, i.e my chin, which is a bit red and has large pores. I use the tinted moisturiser too and I think my chin looks better with a combination of the two. I really love these two products.
I'm really happy for you having conceived so quickly. I hope you get a good response from your dh. Well he did agree to ttc..!

Fritzi Hope today was better at work!

Bunny Goodness you look beautiful. You have an amazing bump yet remain so slender elsewhere.

NotYummy Hope your DD is feeling better soon. Mine suffers from ear infections as dis I as a child and they are horrid.

Welcome Brookeslay

bloss that is an impressive list of products!

OWW I have some cuffed Faith shoeboots similar to those you linked. I'm not completely in love with them but they do so well with tights/dresses for a work look that they have been really hardworking.

Where is starinstrangeways? Would like to thank her for the star dress, it has washed beautifully and barely needed ironing - that's my kind of dress!

Zembo I have the primer too - a hydrating one. I just use it all over before concealer/foundation. It's a optional extra!

NY Hope you are enjoying some virtual retail therapy - goodness, what bad luck indeed. Sure things will be on the up soon - from a perpetual optimist!

Wow wee Bunny You look amazing - and not long to go either which I am sure will be a relief.

vin monkey Sorry to hear about your woes too.

ABO Mabye have a drool in Liberty - Fenwick can sometimes have some interesting bits.

Oh and on the purchasing of lovely things front:

Ordered some shearling lined black bikers today which I am very excited about.

Falke socks and tights winging their way to me to see if they can live up to hype.

Bought DD thermals today from M&S as she got so much wear from last years

Navy blazer purchased for sister's christmas present arrived today. Ordered a few sizes and the larger one fits me like a glove. I've never managed such a good fit in a jacket, both open and buttoned excellent, arms really long and slim and just covers bum. I love it but will have to change the branded buttons Will cancel medium one on backorder as size six sister def will need a small should she survive the embarrassment of her big sis having same jacket.

The wedge boots are going back. Bunny hit the nail on the head. They're not smart & the fur lining means they'd be too warm for evening and they aren't practical either being suede and so high. I don't need them either. The apple clogs I got from Topshop months ago are a day heel and I've only worn them twice. Foolish purchase.

I am looking at two pairs of plain shoeboots in M&S these and these which look quite comfy . I have studded shoeboots that I love but am obsessed with not having the right shoes atm.

Dolcee you'll be pleased to know we are off out next Tuesday! Good call my friend - you spurred me into booking concert tickets. Thank you.

ABO have a look in Cos (Oxford St end of Regent's St) - they've got some beautiful stuff in.

Vin you're great! I love the fact you bought back your own trousers. I like your style.

Re flowers - I have a big weakness for them and our house is always filled. I have a deal with the local florist. He brings me flowers each week and I pay part cash part food. I always have random extra things I've cooked so just pop them down to his shop and get the star treatment in return. It makes me feel a bit Mariah Carey / JLo diva.

I prefer the first ones monkeysmama. Sounds like a great arrangement you have there with your florist! I don't really 'do' flowers. A problem this year as they've given me Sunday, December 26th to provide the flower display in chapel. Start panicking now!!

MM - my sister has the second M&S pair and loves them - says they are v comfy and look good with lots of outfits. Love your florist arrangement! One of the benefits of living here is the access to beautiful flowers - can pick up 50 roses/tulips for 5 euros at the market. DH often gets told to buy flowers for me by DS1 when they are at the market - he will make a great husband one day!
Happily - great result re blazer - isn't it nice when you get something that just ticks all the boxes.
Everything - Gap has a special offer on their coats at the moment. Their puffa coats are v good. Think you can only get them in navy or red this year.
Bunny - lovely pics and can only agree with what the others have sad - you will snap back into shape!
Blossoming - thats a head scratcher! Lots of poinsettas (sp?) or do something with boxes - and the odd flower for Boxing Day - get it?!!!

Baubles on sticks - genius idea Everything

Thanks eie. Can you imagine a worst time to be in charge? I may be serving lunch to the 24 inlaws that day too!

Blossoming all the Christmas magazines have herbs in this year - so lots of rosemary stuck all over things and mixed with holly for a rustic feel. I like Everything's idea. Add a bit of rosemary and other herbs you have around and some holly and away you go.

Thanks for shoes feedback. And going to order both and try them as I never go rl shopping. I like this too. It is Per Una! Have I lost my marbles?

mm ABO, maybe the sleeves are short, then again so am I (5ft1in).

Shopping - as well as Cos, Regent St has BR, Zara, big Mango and Massimo Dutti. Uniqlo on Oxford st (quite close to the Zara) will have the J+ collection as well and often has stock when online is sold out (I have a 50/50 wool/cashmere jacket from there which feels lovely).

Have spent tonight ordering more things [hblush] - fleeces for DD and DS from (where else) Boden, top and jeggings for me. What was the view on best place to look for comfy black skinnies that are not too low for muffin top containment?

On waterproof coats, DS and DD have the puffas from Boden from last year's catch of the day - they are not waterproof but showerproof. You could try looking for a ski jacket? It should be waterproof.

Oh and MM the first pair of M&S shoeboots are in my basket (navy), I really like them, they have been oos in a 7 for ages now so will try the 6.5 based on reviews coming up large.

I have ordered the White Co. button dress in Navy and although it's on backorder until mid Dec I am already worrying that I have no shoes. What are people wearing with this? My first thought was a brown riding boot which I don't have but need That would mean three boot purchases in a month though Or for relaxed family christmas parties maybe my red maryjanes?

Fingers crossed then florence

Thanks for shopping suggestions. How could I have forgotten Liberty?! Depending on which train I catch, I might also stop off at the V&A shop which is my all time favourite place for jewellery. And everything is it thanks to you that I have A Spot Of Bother to read on the train? I know somebody here recommended it and I'm really enjoying it, so thanks.

Happily & MM - Could be wrong but I think Kate Garraway is wearing the M&S shoes in navy here - look good.

Morning all!

Very jealous of your shopping trip ABO. Given impending reundancy, a new hot heating/water system still to pay forand a £350 excess to fix my car after someone drove into it, I am trying REALLY hard not to spend anything. I have bought plenty over the past few months TBH. I may do a little charity shop rummage over the next week to sate my retail cravings! The ones in my small market town home aren't usually that great for anything other than kids stuff, but there are a couple in Nottingham that yield better results. And I should also get with the beat and properly embrace ebay, shouldn't I?

MM - Not sure about that jacket tbh. I do like animal print/faux fur but think that could be a bit much. Having said that, I could just be biased because it is Per Una Speciaze (SP). I spent some time looking at stuff on the M and S site yesterday as I am STILL trying to track down the Mad Men style grey silk dress/skirt that is all over the press. Instead I got lots of horrific Per Una layered/ruffled/asymmetric creations that made my eyes bleed.

Blossoming - That is a Boxing Day challenge. Like the idea of keeping it simple with a few baubles/herbs chucked in.

Well, DD apparently much better overall, and a little bit off colour. Eating and sleeping mostly OK and plenty of energy for arts and crafts (her most favourite thing!) She wasn't that keen on talking to me at all the last time I rang because she was busy watching Antz with Grandpa!

Morning - busy few days with lots of visitors. And then Bea decided to go to bed at 1am last night!

Channeled WIT yesterday with stripey jumper and statement necklace and then saw this and thought immediately of MM.

NY what a week you're having - is your heating fixed now?

Bloss - you will undoubtedly rise brilliantly to the boxing day challenege.

Hope yangy is having a better week too.