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!

Thank you kind wise ladies for the Oasis coat feedback - I think if I see it in RL will try on but not order it online as not sure it would be very flattering and really can't be bothered to faff around returning it. Plus, I don't need another coat really.

traceybath I know what you mean about RL shopping - especially over keen assistants, I always like to have a good browse on my own, perhaps I look like a shoplifter...!

Happy Sunday to you all - up with the birds (before the birds) here with DD2 who at 4m old is a cheerful early riser (unlike her mummy). Wise purchase today will be school shoes for her big sister, imaginatively from John Lewis. Sometimes, the glamour of my everyday life is too much to bear.

reine Happy birthday! Have a fabulous day!

notyummy Your birthday treats of double shredding, dinner, lovely wine and Hurt Locker sound perfect for you! Is your DH leaving again tonight?

emo If you don't need a coat, I would wait and save money for spring/summer. Maybe get yourself a little treat (scarf, cosmetics, scent) while in John Lewis to stave off the craving for shopping? Or invest in a really great coffee machine, sounds like you might need it.

Cold but sunny day here. We'll go round to friends' house in the afternoon for traditional Sunday "coffee and cake". Feel the need to wear something colourful today.

FB people: Has anyone heard from cake?

Reine Happy Birthay!

NY Glad you had a fab time - happy belated Birthday!

LTEC Has been around on FB this weekend.

Have great Sundays.

hf you are my style twin this morning - but I also have a large cosy cardi on as its freezing here today
notyummy - happy birthday for yesterday. Sounds like you had a lovely day (did smile at double Shred tho!). I love birthdays that fall on a weeekend!

Pure coat has arrived, its beautifully soft but not convinced about the shape on me - think I'm better with a more fitted shape rather than boxy due to hip width. Such a shame. Getting DH's opinion later tho.

My sister is visiting next month (with car) so have done orders from Next, John Lewis and M&S consisting of wellies, clothes for DSs and a casserole dish! Think I'll give the Phase Eight navy top a go and the Boden butterfly scarf tho.

Am also looking for some smart black trousers (for going out - in heels), what style should I be looking for, for SS11? Tapered, peg leg, 7/8's, cropped flare, wide leg - I'm confused! Anyone seen any good buys?

Going to make the MN perfectly squishy cookies with DSs this afternoon (shown on the right of your screens as MN recipe of the week) - they sound really good (diet prevents me from sampling more than 4 1 tho!)

Happy Birthday Reine!

I've got DS's party this afternoon and I'm finally getting a bit better (AB's seem to be working!) Hurrah.

Oh yes, a very happy birthday Reine!

vin - when you say "outside it isn't too fabulous", do you mean the external architecture or the local community?

I would really hate boxy and modern and would go for fabulous internal architecture any day! Though not if the area was dreadful.

When was it built, vin? Are you so sure it is really awful? Just because it isn't a Georgian house doesn't make it dreadful, you know !

I live in a 1929 apartment with all its Art Deco features intact (if needing a bit of restoration in places!). For years and years, the type of apartment I live in was considered totally infra dig to Haussmannien architecture. But recently the market for Art Deco has soared - people are realising that the floor plans are so fabulous and it is so much easier to convert Art Deco to modern living standards than it it is make Haussmannien livable.

Honestly, it sounds as if it has masses of potential, both as a comfortable and convenient place to live for you and your DS, and as somewhere interesting to decorate!

I think it sounds really good too Vin.

I don't suppose any one has had a holiday in Sri Lanka?

I am looking at the most beautiful villa and am very tempted!

hmm there seem to be security warnings. Will have to read more I think....

oh dear lured by beautiful pics and it is in state of emergency.

Marsha - I have been there and it is amazing, but I went a few years ago in a peiod of relative stability. I don't know what the FCO travel advice is for it at the moment.

Thanks hf .

vin The location of the department you have described sounds perfect. Agree with bonsoir that inside of building is more important than outside. Don't wait too long!

marsha Sri Lanka is probably not the safest place to go right now...

lol at Hugh's face beaming at me.

Yes it's hard to know really, London could seem very dangerous from the outside, but when one lives here it is different.

It is on the South coast, the only problem it is 5 hours from the Colombo airport. Much can happen in 4-5 hours travel. It was in the Sunday Times as a best place, who knows how long ago.

But I did wonder why the flights were so cheap!