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!!!)

Why have I never heard of Coggles? Thanks for that traceybath.

MM - great that you are going out on a proper date with dh! Fab...will be just what you need.

Saw Hobemma House yesterday Tracey...just drove up to see it...nice but not really what I'd imagined for the price tag! Knock about 200k off and maybe !!!Do you hear A46 there? Cute village...never been there before and always lived so close!

Have bought some grey suede brogues (from boutique, but no link sorry!) which I wore
with grey skinnies and clack cashmere cardi....and silver metallic vest...nice. A hit...DH loved the ensemble....rather on trend for him, but he so loves me in shirts,tods loafers and now brogues!!!

Oh MM - I adore flowers too...especially white everywhere...

When we had our PFB dh did go overboard and along with 'the watch' bought me flowers every week from the village florist (nice, they do Lucknam's flowers) for a year, then no 2 came along tweleve months later and he extended it for another year!!!!! A real treat and such a fab present.....

Zembo - so, so excited for you. Cannot imagine If I were you keeping it to myself for a minute longer....! You are so good...when do you think you will tell him? I'm sure he will be pleased if maybe a little shocked that it was so quick!

Dolcee, flowers for two years is a wonderful present. I love flowers but mostly buy them for myself (sniff!). I did dry the flowers DH bought me after DD was born.

Fab jacket, Tracey

Can anyone recommend a face tanner? Very natural and non-comodogenic.

Zembo, I am sure DH will be pleased when you tell him ... he did agree to ttc!

I am thinking of buying a couple of knits from the White Co and maybe a pair of Ash high tops. Not very exciting.

OK, we are off to art class.

Carciofi Chanel do a face tanner with moisturiser which is brilliant.

Tracey I love that jacket. Am going to ask dp to get it for me for Christmas. Thank you for thinking of me. You're fast becoming my personal fashion fairy .

Where do you girls get your statement necklaces? I fancy a big gold one. And I'm in the Market for a warm striped jumper. And suggestions? (I'm such a sucker for advertising and must stop my WIT email subscription !)

zembo huge congratulations. Truly wonderful news. Am hoping my DH will reach the same decision as yours and say yes to DC3.

bunny second what everyone else is saying - you look incredible for a first time mum carrying twins, let alone one who is also looking after a lovely toddler DD!

Still nothing from libra so hopefully that means she has her hands full

mm I got a lovely statement necklace from asos for £18. I figured it wasn't worth spending £££ on jewellery I wouldn't wear for years. It's rather lovely though. esher is queen of the statement necklace and can work it very well with stripes...

I've also been inspired by WIT and have bought some chunky heeled patent loafers in a berry colour. I think they'll work with a pair of cropped black pegs I forgot I had but have re-discovered. Wearing the trousrers today with silk DKNY black/brown snakeskiny print blouse and patent courts as off to clients and it looks rather chic (I think so anyway!).

bloss I love eie's idea of greenery and baubles. We're also hosting lunch on 26th but it will be a comparatively small group of 13 (just as well am not superstitious about such things!) so I think it will be fine.

roma your shorts outfit sounded fab the other day. You have inspired me to dig out my poncho.

ny what a shitty week. Am very sorry to hear your tales of woe. Hopefully the only way is up now! Would recommend eBay for bargains but it's pretty labour intensive if you really want to get lots on the cheap. Worth it though and I find it rather a fun hobby.

I have the Janice in an 8 and a 10 - the 8 fits best but it's too short and tight for daywear whereas the 10 would be fine for work as well as evenings so I'm keeping that. Have found it works with a skinny belt, even though it's so drapey, so that helps make it a bit more office-y.

Sorry if I've missed anyone out and well done if you've read this far!

Draped dress anyone?
at zara

That is lovely OWW.

Fleecy - Loving the sound of your outfit.

Hi everyone.
I am not in Chester stocking up on beauty essentials, oh no.
I am at home playing nursemaid to dd who is okay-ish, but very croupy and wheezy. She is napping now.

I am also avoiding dc1 and his, Can I make lunch? queries.
He is going back to the craft workshop this afternoon and I will hopefully have a spare moment to browse and purchase when he is gone.

Thankyou for all your comments re the flower display. There is a rather lovely photo in my Ideal Home Christmas magazine which my mother found for me. It's mainly green eucalyptus, bay, holly, with flashes of red roses and red winterberry? (I am so hopeless here). I may ask the lady who did my wedding flowers to source the stuff for me. For the wedding I just gave her a photo, and she did an amazing job. Maybe she could do two, and I could have one for the house aswell.

My craft skills do definitely not stretch to flowers, but am in awe of your creative ideas.

There's a thread about that ruched IO dress I was after. Sounds like it's a good one. Do I need it now though?

I think I have a few days left before I turn into a goblin (if I don't make it to a beauty floor soon..!!)

Dolcee - I don't think the road noise is too bad in that village as its down a hill - agree thought that house is very over-valued but those agents always over-value in my opinion.

Bloss - I think out-sourcing flowers is eminently sensible.

Need to go out to shops but have just had first success on potty with ds2 so a bit loathe to go out. The high-powered decisions I now make

MM - so glad you like the fur!

Hello wise and avid gals, I'm rubbish at keeping up with the chat but am still lurking away and just want you to know that you've all had a majorly positive effect on my shopping habits. Three times in the last month I've been lured by something shiny and/or impractical, only to stop myself by saying 'now that's lovely but how can you wear it when the rest of your wardrobe's not sorted?' In the meantime, have scored a few more ebay bargains including a lovely pair of Toast trousers (sand-coloured wool) that fit perfectly, for under a tenner! So operation grown-up continues apace.

Not that I don't LOVE shiny and impractical, you understand, but I need to get my basics sorted first DH has helped by buying me a beautiful black drapey jumper from John Smedley.

Zembo huge congratulations, what lovely news :) Am hoping some of your good luck rubs off on me as we've just started ttc our second, and already I am boring myself with 2ww mania

bunnymother you look beautiful :) Not long now till you meet your girls, I expect?

OWW I love that Zara drapey dress in camel, and it's such a bargain too...

DarkStar, the sweater sounds great. Good luck with ttc.

NY, forgot to commiserate on your bad week and Bunny, you look amazing.

MM, thanks, I will check that out. Sonia Rykiel do great stripey sweaters.

Blossoming, hope DD gets well soon.

Hush: 15% off and free delivery with code HUSH30.

Hello all
not been around much of late as half term=non stop dd demands/entertainment plus have been feeling a bit ill, bad cold which developed into a chest thing yest and today = laryngitis - no voice at all!!! Nightmare and so tiring and can just about whisper but it is soooooo much effort. Plus I look like poo.
Luckily the dd's stayed at my mum's last night and she has got them all day today so that I can go to eye test at opticians later which should be a bit interesting given I can't really talk!

MM - I love love love a statement necklace. I have a huge old-gold multi strand thing which I bought from Kew last year (wore to meet-up) - sometimes they have good and inexpensive things. I got dh to buy me a juicy couture necklace the other day but I haven't worn it yet although I do love it but I can't link at it seems to have sold out from My W - but I did link the other day I think. I was just on the Matches site though and was mightily tempted by this but was trying to be wise - I think it would really suit you though so will you buy it please and then I don't have to

Bunny - still looking good honey!! Hang on in there!

I didn't order a Janice - got a Bertha instead - but have sent back as although colour/material etc all v nice the length was just too long on me and a bit frumpsome - would be good on someone taller though I think. Lovely drape. Neckline is a bit more square than sweetheart though (on me at least).

Inspired by Fleecy and Roma I busted my H&M grey tweed shorts for night out earlier this week - with aubergine opaques, low wedge heeled ankle boots, long sleeve fine wool jersey scoppneck in aubergine (last years's toast sale) and thin leopard belt. DH was in when I got back and he was most approving (unlike him) - he said I looked cute!

Been nerfing about this morning and practically sitting on hands in attempt to not buy anything but finally sucumbed to lure of Outnet - have bought this skirt in red and grey (only keeping one though) and this dress. Am sure they will both be going straight back but we'll see.....The dress is reminscent of LTEC'slovely snakeskin strapless number which I seem to recall was also Outnet gem no?

NY - the no heating/plumbing woes sound terrible - we had contractors start at Esher Mansions last week for 4 week extravaganza of works and so far about 3 other things have gone wrong/been damaged as result so I feel your pain.

Bloss - hope the dc perk up soon. Am sure the dd's will get my lurgy very shortly too

I'm too exhausted to keep up with thread. Have doubts if I made the right decision in accepting this job. Tomorrow I'll be in charge on my own. Hope there won't be any disasters...

notyummy What a week for you! Hope DD will be better soon. Might join you shopping in charity shops as we discovered yesterday that our basement is damp and they might have to dig a trench around our house to fix it. Don't want to start thinking about the costs and should order shearling coat soon.

vin Sorry about your troubles with P. Must be extremely difficult. Hope you get some RL support.

monkeysmama Have fun on your date with DH! And don't worry if the evening isn't perfect. Things will get better!

OWW Would you like to do my Christmas shopping for me? I could give you a brief of the people I need presents for and you do the research. Loved your links!!! Think the others are right about the shoe boots. We have Marc O'Polo here too and while I think they are great for basics the clothes tend to be a bit boring and sometimes expensive for what they are. I only buy basics there in the sale.

carciofi Thanks for Hush code. Need new pyjamas urgently!

bunny You look absolutely beautiful! So excited for you! Has your nanny started yet?

tracey Congrats on potty success! When DD started using the potty I planned all my activities accordingly. For example: Need to go to the post box. Wait till DD has done her wee. Rush out with her and back for next etc. etc. Plus I became an expert in finding decent clean public toilets. If someone with toddlers ever comes to Frankfurt I can give you a list .

Still haven't decided what to wear for Saturday night. I look so terrible due to cold/running nose/cough/sleepless nights. I guess lights off and candles only will be the solution .

cake We miss you! You ok?

Hi esher, fleecy, darkstar and everybody else I forgot.

Yes agree Tracey...although they did sell our old house!

Poor DD Bloss! Hope she's better after her nap.

Carciofi - you always have a code for everything you clever lady

Esher - shorts outfit sounds lovely....and adore aubergine colours...

Carving pumpkins this afternoon.

Sorry to hear you're feeling down fritzi. How about a blow dry and a makeover at MAC before your party?

esher, I was telling everyone about your meetup outfit as the WIT woman was channelling you the other day! Hope you feel better soon.

Afternoon, Wise Ladies!

Just had a nice lie down and now feeling better (err, could it be the coffee I am sipping, too?).

NY - so glad to hear Little Yummy (is that a bit wrong or just an amusing turn of phrase? Not sure...) is feeling better. Lots of kisses for her on her return.

Fritzi - I also "missed" your job - congrats! Although sorry its making you tired out.

Esher - deep breaths w the building work. We are having more tomorrow and I just want it finished so I can nest finish preparing for the little ones.

Dolce - happy carving!! Bet your DCs will love it!

Zembo - don't blame you for being quiet on the baby news, esp if DH a little reluctant. Still, hopefully you can share it soon!

Fleecy - you make such beautiful DCs, hope your DH agrees soon!

Re baby names, we have only one chosen! Oh dear, we really need to get moving, don't we?! Will pack name book in hospital bag. Thanks for all the lovely compliments - really sweet of you Wise Ladies. Although I do think the real impact of twins on my body will only be known once they are born (shudder to think what old tum tum will look like. Will just have to give it time + pilates).

Have to run and do lots of chores... Health insurance review etc. Kill me now.

evening all. Just dropping in quickly. I'm totally exhausted from all day cooking and half term entertaining.

Tracey - the jacket you found for MM is fantastic!

I haven't caught up properly but I hope everyone is well and Fritzi when is the party? Good luck for it.

Oh remember way back in summer I scraped the car on a shopping expedition. I took it to see the man who fixes things round here and he reckoned £500. There goes my Christmas present, and next b'day and next Christmas presents.

Dd has just pooed in the bath. Over all her toys.

Bad luck Bloss!

Half-term still on here too. Brother has gone back to Berlin. Cooked a storm. Great coq au vin and on another night, lamb shanks. Good ol' butcher

Bunny you are still looking excellent. Can't believe how close you are!

Tracey - forgot to say that I also think the jacket for MM is beautiful. Just the sort of thing I love.

MM - beyond my budget, but have you seen Erickson Beamon for necklaces. They look stunning to me. I also want something from Kenneth Jay Lane.

Bloss - v sorry to hear of expensivo car repair. How about a mag subscription for Christmas so you don't completely go without? Terrific flower suggestions.

Evening stylish and beautiful ladies - you guys sure can chat - can't believe I've missed nearly an entire thread in what, a week??

Anyway - have been tres busy with helping with last minute preparations for a friend's wedding, DH's birthday, attending aforementioned wedding, my mum visiting and various other non exciting events so haven't had time to catch up properly but from what I've skimmed in the last few minutes:

zembo - congratulations! what exciting news - hope everything goes swimmingly for you.

NY sounds like you're having a rough time of it at the moment - you must be due for some good luck soon.

bloss what a shame about car repair - I hate that feeling of wasting money. Any chance of seeing if anywhere else could do it any cheaper?

bunny - you're getting so close now - you must be so excited. Saw gorgeous twin newborn girls in GAP and thought of you. Mother looked fantastic (if a lot little tired) so thought of you again.

vin am ing at you buying your own trousers back. I remember years back having to do a mad dash back to a charity shop that I'd taken DH's good work suit to by mistake and beg for it back. Luckily they hadn't got it on sale yet and I did give them a donation but felt like a right idiot.
For anyone doing pumpkins, I did several like <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/final_pumpkins.jpg&imgrefurl=www.craftynest.com/2008/10/pumpkins-carved-with-a-drill/&usg=_p21_xANeh1Y9zLYTXqJGJ-dCc0=&h=600&w=800&sz=152&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=y3KRKhmrZb0nTM:&tbnh=158&tbnw=226&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddrilled%2Bpumpkins%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1G1GGLQ_ENUK360%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D621%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=344&vpy=90&dur=4022&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=94&ty=84&ei=5sbJTPveEsKRjAepi8zBDw&oei=5sbJTPveEsKRjAepi8zBDw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this for friend's wedding (her request, not just my weird idea of a present). V easy if you have access to a drill and classier than the average halloween offering. I did fancy trying <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=gamesnet.vo.llnwd.net/o1/gamestar/objects/328980_main.jpg&imgrefurl=www.sucksorrules.com/objects/detail/popculture/328980/the-great-sick-pumpkins/&usg=__MCYzgameyDqC1uGT__RbqohTncI=&h=320&w=320&sz=84&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=0HUm1NwVc6FYFM:&tbnh=156&tbnw=156&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsick%2Bpumpkins%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1G1GGLQ_ENUK360%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D621%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=134&vpy=73&dur=669&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=111&ty=131&ei=g8fJTNK1EsK7jAfqt-HHDw&oei=g8fJTNK1EsK7jAfqt-HHDw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this arrangement but didn't think it would go down too well

Love the pumpkins MrsJ , never tried pumpkin carving but they look great.

Thanks so much for all the congrats, I'm aiming to tell DH within the next week - I told him straight away on my previous pregnancies, I guess this is the 'extra' baby that wasn't in the original pre-nup plan!

Bloss sorry you didn't make it to your shopping trip and hope your DD is on the mend (despite pooing incident) I really resent car expenses so feel for you there. Inspired by you, I used the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser - I'll need to get used to adding it to my fairly minimal make-up routine, worth it though I think.

I've managed to buy my first ebay fake - a rose print Steven Sprouse scarf (I linked to it before when Carciofi announced her pregnancy). I sent DH to a LV shop to get it checked out (LV shops provide this as a complimentary service) and definitely a fake. Fortunately the seller has refunded me my money. So be warned ladies -wondering if I should leave negative feedback as she did insist it was genuine, but has dealt with it ok. Will have to save up and buy from a proper shop sometime.

Have had some ebay successes though - a pair of KG champagne gold coloured wedges for about a tenner, some red havaianas for less than a tenner (both for my holiday to Bangladesh at xmas) and some mega expensive by Terry face mask for 1/4 of the usual price. Fleecy you're right can see ebay can be a nice little hobby.