The WISE girls AVIDly plotting our Spring wardrobes.

[blossoming]

New thread..

Haven't quite caught up properly yet but just wanted to report success in the skinnies and breton hunt!

Skinnies from H&M in the end (already had 2 compliments) and the breton from Zara that Plum (I think?) mentioned the other day.

Thank you ladies!

Next challenge: ditch bf bras!

So, llama, the Lively Dress.

It's a flirty fun little number, and daytime rather than evening so I think it would be a much more wearable alternative to the one you are ebaying. It's a lightweight crepe, with a lining, and it twirls when you spin and is easy to move in. It is short, even on me, but that makes it young. It's a loose fit (I had to size down) but elasticated under the bust. Despite the top being blouson-esque, it manages, somehow, to avoid the whole matronly thing we were talking about. But I'd definitely try a size smaller, when I tried my usual size there was definitely more volume up top.

I wore it today with charcoal tights and brown boots but I think it would work with bare legs and it looked cute with ballet flats in the changing rooms.

Possibly more information than you could ever need?

bouncing that's isn't a challenge it is liberation

Zembo so glad you're home. Take good care.

Fritzi have good fun skiing. Am . Your packing sounds spot on.

Red I don't know where you live but that enclave of which you speak might be where I live!! I've never been into the baby group thing and apart from an Italian mums thing we go to every few weeks we just hang out really. We spend a lot of time across the river where I'm from and all my family and best mates are are it's different to here. There free school meals are the norm and there is already a palpable difference in hope levels since the govt cut the EMA. So sad.

Right, off to watch Mad Men.

Well deserved Vin .

Meant to say the pom bear is my favourite thread ever. I became obsessed witn checking mn for updates.

red- I know exactly what you mean about buying clothes that really suit you as opposed to ones you like and want to suit you. I have discovered (as a result of this thread) that I must be an Autumn (H of C- I think) and am making a conscious effort to look for warmer shades and strong colours as they do suit me better.
Redland was my old stopping ground at Uni. I used to live off Chandos Road for several years and had a fabulous time as half my friends lived around the corner. My only slight concern for you would be that it would be too full of students. As you say, it's all v theoretical at present!
BTW, that pretty cream Whistles blouse really didn't work on me (although it was tried on with my ancient bra) :)

Zembo so pleased to hear that you are going home, but please promise that you will bo NOTHING until you have fully recovered!

Hells and Reine just had a look at my Armor Lux and realised that I took it in at the sides to give it more shape Sorry, I had totally forgotten that when I recommended it. I just curved it in and out again to give it a waist. If you know an alterations place they'd probably charge very little to do it, and the fabric is lovely and really lasts. DD is wearing one that both boys wore and it's still in great condition. Sorry if I sent you on a wild goose chase. Hells, I'm not in the least bit superstitious, but I think living in a former hospice would freak me out too.

Bonsoir love the sound of your outfit, there is a new Sandro concession in Brown Thomas, must have a close inspection tomorrow.

Dh is watching the Wales rugby match, poor Bloss I hope those thermals are doing their job, the weather looks dreadful. We are having really strong winds here at the moment. I drive a big, heavy car and it has been blown around in the wind which was quite unnerving today when I had 7 children in it. No more driving for me this weekend.

Off to read the pom bear thread

Zembo Great to hear you will now be back home.

Vin Interesting what you say. I have a friend who had the big city job, the flat in town, the house on the coast etc etc.

She now lives in India and is building schools! Has been for the last 8 years - and has never felt happier.

MM - I think we speak of the same enclave! My sister went there years and years and years ago. My last teaching job was in Newham (Brampton), so I know of the very things of which you speak. Am still in touch with a lot of the pupils I taught and have a lot to say about the EMA cuts. There is one group we go to locally that is very far removed from the normal ones near here. I also used to go to one of the outdoor Steiner numbers, but it's a bit incompatible with DS's nursery place. We mostly hang out too - am surprised we've never run into one another.

Oooh, we are on the same page - that was exactly the level of information I required. This dress really sounds like it was made for the likes of us. Will try tomorrow and report back.

I get a bit e-bay mad once I've listed things. Have just spent 2 hours photographing and listing and the obsessive checking has already begun.

Looby thanks for Redland feedback - did think that might be the case after seeing lots of 'investment opportunity' notes on rightmove (jumping the gun, I know). Shame about the cream top - but wise of you not to get even though it is lovely.

Thinking of Bloss as DH claps his hands and jumps up and down frantically watching the rugby - have been looking out for a very chic lady!

Vin where else have you lived?! I'll go there too!

Zembo, I am so pleased you are going home. Take good care.

Vin, congrats on having your own emoticon! Re hearing back, no news is good news.

Looby, that scarf is pretty.

Much as I like the clogs you are all buying, I don't think I can wear heels this summer so have ordered another pair of the Boden gladiators, not very exciting but I like them. DH is working late and I am bored! Think I might order some IO 365 for summer now.

Carciofi I can't wear heels, I mean I really can't and have spent this afternoon wandering around the house in the Lottas to be sure that they are going to be comfortable. They really, really are.

And, I'm a bit to admit that I bought the navy fold-pocket harems after seeing Plum and MM's interchange about them. Oh dear. They are a bit big for me, so are too low, thus making me look like I've soiled myself and they cling to my manly calves, creating a baggy/tight look that makes me look like my legs are 4 inches long. I really wanted them to work as I've never found trousers to suit my shape. Back they go.

Vin, hang in there!

Red, I am tempted but the baby is due in June so not sure I trust myself to totter around in heels this summer while holding her!

20% off at Isabella Oliver with the code REDSPRING, valid until 08/03/2011.

Evening all, only a quick post I'm afraid.

Zembo, glad to hear that you're on the mend, please try to take it easy.

And red, last year we were (might still be at some point) planning to move to Bristol, and I did a serious amount of research, I have lots of info about areas, schools, catchments etc. We were looking at Westbury on Trym, Stoke Bishop, Henleaze and Long Ashton.

Gotta feed baby and go to bed, early start to study tomorrow.

All areas we've looked at Apuski, will pick your brains when/if it becomes a definite move, if that's ok?

Just popping in very quickly to offer heartfelt best wishes to Zembo - I am so sorry about what has happened but delighted that they have let you out of hospital and I hope you let your dh take very good care of you over the weekend and beyond.

Also MM - is great to see you back I loved your links (natch, style-twin!) especially the warehouse warrior dress which looked fab.

As a fellow blingy sandal lover, I found you these:

one

two

three

four

five

Also, not really blingy as such but I love these. I have this style in plain gold from last summer and they are so comfy....

Yeay for Zembo getting out of hospital - hope you're curled up in pyjamas and having a nice restful evening.

Red - I lived in Stoke Bishop (halls) and then Redland and Clifton - loved the latter particularly but is £££.

Looby - I was at Bristol 91-94 as am very aged now.

Sure, red, it would be good for all that research to come in useful! I had a contact there who said he wanted to give me a job if I got made redundant - only now that's happened, there isn't enough work on, hence it all going on hold.

Carciofi...I have a 3 month old and I won't be parted from my heels . The only concession I make is wearing flats to the park (stupid squishy grass) and to the beach (glorious warm sand)!!!

bonsoir love your outfit! I don't think I could get my ankle into a houlihan