As we AVIDly await the joys of spring and the new fashion finds that it will bring, we WISEly contemplate our winter buys and return all goods that are unkind to the eyes

[macmama]

Couldn't resist!

Don't make me yearn for a man with a tank hf!

I'm a 5 Plum - thank you. Let me know if I can return the favour.

Oh, and I tried on the leopard print Edelmans yesterday too - they come up small and narrow but don't look so lairy in real life. They had some nice black ones too but again too narrow for my clod hoppers

Bloss I thought rugby guys were more your type

Fritzi Well done on the dress agency.

Everything Will pm you. As long as you don't come on here saying 'You should see the junk HF is trying to flog!!

Good luck with the move - stressful times. Like the idea of you going away for a little break.

You're right hf, just got carried away there for a minute..Borrow dh's tank indeed.

Good luck with your move everything.

Hi emo76. I loved the grey snakeskin blochs on that site, and in my size. Really can't spend any more this month though!

Emo76 - Thanks for that link, I missed out on a bargain pair yesterday so have just ordered the navy and the slate grey in different sizes so can return if necessary. Ta!!

ny - I'd just give her the Mumsnet link for now. Once she's in ...

Glad the Blochs link helped though I didn't realise P&P was £10 which seems unreasonably high. I must admit I got some yesterday from the Coggles sale and keenly await delivery. Anyway, glad to be of assistance, and now returning to the shadows as I try to sort my "post baby, returning to work soon and the dry cleaners have, er, shrunk everything" style out!

Emo thanks the link was great. Good bargains. (don't worry re p&p I am irrational about that!)

Emo, don't go!

NY, I think your email is good. I found the weekly emails about pregnancy from Babycenter helpful.

Isn't it lovely to feel the sun on your face - even if the rest of you is bitterly cold!

reallygrumpy - big congratulations to you - hope you are feeling ok and not too tired/sick.
Emo - great spot re Blochs. Agree with carciofi - stay!
Notyummy - what a caring friend you are. Agree with the others re shortening it tho - I was totally overwhelmed and my twin sister (who got pregnant at exactly the same time - what are the chances?) managed to stress me out even more by discussing prams at 6 weeks! When a couple of friends of mine got pregnant, I wrote a list of baby equipment etc that I had found useful (and stuff which was a waste of money) and sent it - but waited til after their 20 week scan when they started to think about what to buy. I love Plum's idea of a weekly postcard.
Verity - how cute is that ELC set? I got a pang when I opened the link and thought whose daughter could I buy it for!!

Got the mini Boden catalogue today and flicked through the Johnnie B one and liked this scarf here At least by living here I would lessen the risk of bumping into a young, long legged teenager wearing it and looking appalled at seeing me in it too!

Thanks again for all the thoughts ladies - I knew you would have lots of useful points!

I sent a much shorter version, with a lot of the advice limited to links. I have known her for nearly 27 years (!!) so we have a lot of shared history and she has asked for help...but cant 'face' anyone hence the email. Only myself and one other friend know she is pregnant, although she is at the 5 month point - although she has been to the docs. It is difficult trying to help at a distance so I may take a day of work and go and meet her for lunch. It must be an overwhelming situation, and I am fairly sure she is dealing with it by mainly ignoring it and working even longer hours than usual...

On a more S and B note, am wearing grey skinnies with a grey and pink ditsy print top, and over-sized huggy bear style wooly cardie over the top due to the cold! Grey chelsea boots with it for the school run.

Well done with the ebaying HF.

Good luck with the move Everything - if I was closer I would come and lug boxes for you. You know me...anything for a work out .

Have you seen how many lurkers have donated to vin ? Emerge ladies!

yes you are welcome to join lurkers

Just realised my real name is on there, wish it said Marsha.

Just got to the pc to do my donation, and it really is great. Come join us lurkers! You're all very welcome.

Interesting conversation about servants Bonsoir and Roma. My grandparents had servants and we all used to struggle hugely with it as a concept when we went to visit them in South Africa (obviously this was bound up with a whole other set of political issues at the time). Having an additional relationship dynamic in the house was really bizarre and, I think, contributed to a massive over-formality in my mum's relationship with her parents.

Have had a lovely day today - met my friend at Borough Market and walked up the Southbank to Covent Garden. Popped into Cos, which was a revelation. Bought two very lovely tops and could have bought a lot more.

NY - what a lovely thing to do for your friend. I wish i'd had someone there to give me all of that information. Completely invaluable.

Hope everyone has had a lovely Friday.

Congratulations reallygrumpy - am very pleased for you

fritzi that top you linked to would indeed grab my DH?s attention as my stomach slowly slid out the bottom!

esher I like the skirt but as pleats come and go I think it is a lot to spend and you might well be able to find a cheaper alternative that could be charity shopped guilt free later on!

plum love love love the postcards for your friend

ny your friend is lucky to have you ? agree with those who have said it would be good to drip feed info, perhaps by way of ?how are you? emails to try to spark a conversation?

I have succumbed to spring clothes, lured by 20% off and free delivery, and put through an Asos order with my February budget (a bit early ). Have unwrapped and some stuff looks promising so I will link to the keepers tomorrow.

redllama my grandmother on my mother's side grew up with servants, on my father's side they were servants It amuses my parents how different their backgrounds are.

I am "unlurking"...or is it "delurking"? I've followed this thread for a while and am somewhat in awe of the great ideas you ladies have.

On your recommendation I purchased a navy Janice dress which I am thrilled with, and also the Warehouse swallow blouse in the ASOS sale - again, fantastic. Also, thank you Bonsoir as a piece of cake for lunch instead of a piece of cake AND lunch is a wonderful diet tip.

I feel a bit sheepish admitting all of this, like I am some sort of stalker....! Anyway, I will do my best to give back what I have got out of being (or trying to be) wise and avid. Must look into shredding...

Hi Emo76.

Fleecy - I'm sure it does - can you imagine how aghast your mother's side would have been had they been able to see into the future! Funny how in only a couple of generations so much has changed.

Oooh and LTEC are you still game for Tuesday? Posting on here in case any other SE London ladies want to join, but guess we should PM?

RG - many congratulations!

Welcome all delurkers.

NY - can I also say what a lovely kind friend you are and how thoughtful the email was...but yes to the suggested edits (not because it wasn't good). Hope she appreciates it.

No A&W news at all. I'm a walking antibiotic (on 2 types now) so hopefully better soon

Hi llama - yes, if work doesn't intervene!
What do you fancy doing?

(Currently in fish and chip shop queue ).

Hi Emo, I'm a recent delurker too (but you probably know that ). Welcometo the Janice club! What was your Bloch link? My QA ballet flats order fell through so I'm in need of a replacement.

esher, cheaper alternative, not sure if the pleats are hand ironed though

Fleecy, looking forward to links when you unwrap your stuff

Marsha, looking forward to a photo of you in that fab red cashmere number

Oh, I did the Southbank thing on Tuesday! RFH is great for toddling space isn't it. DS loves the columns for hide and seek type games.