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!

Snap fritzi, I am at hairdressers too!
I was just like you about Jigsaw ants. Bretons worth a look though!

Monkeysmama I am so so sorry.

So sorry mm.

Monkey - so so sorry to hear that. Sending you lots of love.

Oh MM I'm so sorry to hear that. Take care of yourself. Lots of hugs to you

Hello all
Must catch up properly but first three burning things to say:

MM so very sorry. Take care.

Zembo you have had a rotten couple of months and I hope things are looking up!

Vin loved your link and glad you are having such success with it, what a lovely thing to do for your dd's memory.

we have had a rotten week or so but pales in comparison to the serious troubles here - everyone in the house has had a hideous cold, but DS has been totally miserable with a very high fever and alarming symptoms like odd breathing etc, so after lots of trips back and forth to the doctor's we have established he has a urinary tract infection. He is hopeless at taking the antibiotics, keeps spitting them out, and is on day 5 of high fever (although down considerably with drugs).

Jigsaw- I agree, what's happened? Frump city.

I had the most rapid swing through Gap yesterday on the way to collect prescription and it did look quite promising.

Oh Monkeys Mama, can't tell you how sorry I am to read that.

Oh MM, I am so terribly, terribly sorry for your loss. Big love, xx

MM - I'm so sorry for you, take special care of yourself x

Oh MM you poor thing. Big hug....

MM, sorry

Looking foward to sharing in your purchases.

You've been missed MM ..want to send my love and sorrow for your loss.

Blossoming so you are in London today! Any shopping or researching planned?

Roary sending healthy vibes for DS. Take care!

Bought a pair of silk PJ trousers at Prinesse TamTam earlier. They had lots of nice underwear too but I resisted (wise).

Having lunch now in a busy Thai place. Wearing raspberry silk shirt from Cos, skinnies and Belstaffs and although it doesn't sound that extraordinary, I'm glad I made an effort. The dress sense of my fellow countrymen around me is appaling. I can see: one scrunchie, several too tight T-shirts over ill-fitting bras but I will stop now. I can't remember who the wise lady is who said that it takes as long to put on beautiful clothes as bad ones. I think anout that often in the morning. Will stop waffling now.

roary we've had fever here too..dd2 inconsolable/sleeping terribly and my nerves are a bit shredded i'm afraid but we seem to be on the up at last.

have missed so much so apologies if skip anyone's major news..

thrilled for you reallygrumpy

Vin what a beautiful thing you are doing..you will be making other families journeys through the illness much easier.bless you.

Sorry meant to say roary of course i hope ds on the up soon too

Oh monkeysmama I am truly gutted for you, have even shed some tears for you and your angel. I sincerely hope you're getting the support you need.

Roary hope your DS turns the corner soon. Can fully empathise with drug administration difficulties. I can't even get mine to take calpol!!

Things have been tough for me for a while but yes hoping that's the end of my run of bad luck. DH has his interview for permanent job on Monday, it'll make a huge difference to us (and especially him) if he gets it, so fingers crossed!

Fritzi your outfit sounds lovely.

Monkeysmama- so sorry to hear your news. I am thinking of you. Please take care of yourself.

'Get well soon' vibes for the poorly DCs.

Oh MM - I had been thinking about you a lot over the past couple of weeks and hoping things were ok so I am so sorry to read your sad news.

I am so sorry for your loss.

LTEC, where are you? Does operation 'get gorgeous' mean that you can't stare at a computer screen for too long?

Are we allowed to know why you must look your absolute best tonight and what the occasion is? I am sure you will look fabulous, especially if you wear your new pink dress.

Fritzi, I love the sound of your raspberry silk shirt.

Yes I'm in London and have bought the black j brand skinnies. For operation Emmanuelle Alt!

bloss, she did say that TS jeans were the best though

So sorry mm. Such a very sad thing.

roary hope your DS is continuting to improve. I am cheered that Gap looked promising to you! I remember the past couple of seasons being rubbish for autumns...

The black Blochs arrived today and while I love the sparkles, I can't walk in them so they are going back.

Will take a peek at Jigsaw later - I hope their bretons are better quality than last year...

Am currently cooking/cleaning/tidying/shouting at the kids in preparation for friends coming to dinner this evening. Can't decide what to wear; what would you wear if you were having a couply dinner party?

Yes - hello LTEC, hope you are feeling particularly beautiful!

Dd out at birthday party....and today is my birthday so I am relaxing whilst DH does the birthday party parental thing. Hurray! I 'celebrated' this morning by doing levels 2 and 3 of the Shred with Dh. Haven't opened presents yet but have lovely flowers, a lie in and a lunch out..... And dinner out too, so feeling v spoilt even before presents!

Oh, and thanks to those who commented on my email to friend yesterday. She has got back to me to say thanks, and how touched she was, so I think it went down ok. Hopefully we can meet in person soon, which will be much easier to gauge where her head is.

Jealous of the London shopping trip and JBrands Bloss.

Do any of you have a belt recommendation? I really want a decent belt to wear with jeans, probably brown leather, that is actually nice! I currently have three from Next, all of which i borderline hate!! The only belt I have fond memories of was one I had as a teen that I got as a cast-off from wealthy,stylish, London Auntie which was wide tan leather with a leather covered buckle wistful longing for it back please help me find a classic one...i will pay proper money for the perfect one and gleefully chuck my cheapo ones in the bin...

ABO- if they are good friends and I am going to be doing cooking, I would probably go for skinnies, or houlilikies, heels and dressy top, to allow me more freedom of movement than a dress.

It may not surprise you to know that if I am having people to the house my other alternative is a maxi and flat casual sandals. Usually a more 'summery' outfit, but if I don't have to venture out I feel I can get away with it, and it is sllightly more casual than 'dressing up' dress and heels.