Beating the January Blues by Following our Wise & Avid (Roxy) Rules

[OllieinOrange]

Best I could come up with......

Hello - went to a Donna Ida focus group yesterday which was really interesting - thought Donna was fab and will definitely go into the store next time I'm in London. The website is also excellent with great stuff about best jeans for your shape etc.

But didn't realise that for £40 they will adapt any normal jeans into maternity for you however you want them - I know most of the pregnant ladies at the moment are near the end but you know anyone else having babies - worth a go . . .

Blue - I bought some leighs after you mentioned them and oh my - I love them!

Oh and Blue again - saw these and thought of you.

You know you'll get scored for your 'look' don't you hopefully? Put some make up on, do your hair, paint your nails, accessorize...
Felt miserable at that point!

What an interesting day mrscb. Are you getting the jeggings?

pickled, I have exasperating students, but it's a small school, and nothing like the large deprived comp I used to teach in, so I wouldn't say they're bad at all. Not much work ethic though. No sense of responsibiity, and absolutely no thinking skills with the majority. They would prefer to sit there copying from the board for an hour than have to engage in actual work!

Back later for proper catch up but Im tempted after reading Mrs CB's post, Im tempted for a post-MU Sunday morning trip to Donna Ida for another trying on session in search of the perfect pair of jeans - minus the horrific hangover this time tho.
Sounds like you had a great time MrsCB - whenever I have seen Donna on TV, I've always thought she was nice!

Oh no - I am too aged for leopard print jeans but they were really lovely.

Was a lovely afternoon as evening as went with friend and we whizzed round selfridges beforehand where I stroked AH bags and looked in horror at the jimmy choo monstrosities.

Thanks ladies, all that remains to be asked is which colour to go for next?! Shocking pink not for me, already have cheapo version of royal blue which are fine, toying with navy or going for indigo, although I never really wear indigo jeans anymore. I could do with another pair as they are such a great fit.

Bloss am so with you on not buying SS stuff too early. Will also hold out and not get, although I do need a summery occasion dress as we're definitely going to Cape Town at Easter and need something for my Grandma's 90th - big fancy place with all the extended family (maybe 40) some of whom I haven't seen since I was a teenager. Has anyone seen anything still lurking from last Summer's sales?

Hopefully style day sounds brilliant - your excitement about it is tangible. Hope you have fun with your friends tomorrow too.

Pickled DH deffo has less tolerance when it's term-time. I sometimes overhear him using his teacher phrases intended for teenagers on DS and have to stand outside stifling giggles at their solemn interchanges.

Yes to Icey's gorgeousness - lovely smile and sparkling eyes particularly gorgeous features.

I enjoyed OBEM too - I laboured near silently with DS - I really went into myself and didn't make a peep, until they revealed he was stuck when I went hell for leather. Yes to the apologising afterwards.

Red - I love a pair of navy jeans for spring/summer. Do you fancy doing a zoo trip in the next few weeks - perhaps other SW ladies too . . .

And are you all off to SA? A friend has just moved to Jo'burg because of her DH's work and is rather apprehensive

Quickly popping in whilst making dinner - Red I love these 811's in Riviera Blue as an Indigo alternative.

Back later.

I've missed loads ladies but just wanted to link to Wendy's coated skinnies I LOVE the colour (never heard of the brand)

NY your love letter story made me smile. My DD came home from school recently and told me that a boy had told her that he loves her (she's also 5.5yrs), I asked her what she said - 'Thank you' was her response

everything KOSHEEN - yeah! - love their album (I am assuming they only managed one)

apuski sounds like a result at the hairdressers, I had mine cut round the corner from work for the first time this week and was pleased.

well what a week - nanny and baby both now recovered, work incredibly busy (and sometimes productive) and I have a rotten cold. DD1 is 8 this weekend, that makes me feel ancient!

Got some grey goldsign skinnies in the Donna Ida sale - they are fab, love the cut on the backside! The earharts do indeed come up big but nevertheless were not at all "me" so go back. Other than that have done well with the sales this year, my final "bargain" was a black jacket from CdC this evening, heavily reduced and perfect cut to go over dresses for work. I say that but have eyes on Bloch pumps in my wardrobe sale, waiting for any further reductions - they are so comfy and colourful!

Sorry if this post is mainly "me me me" but it's been a bit of a week. And I am doing well on dry January - nearly half way there and think it is doing wonders for my emotional wellbeing. And money saved for shopping!

PS have just read "about" on Wendy's Look Book - what a great story, good on her!

PPS my amazing red Joseph dress in a 14 at a great price!

Zembo - I love those skinnies - they'd look amazing on you.

I've never been hugely tempted by coated skinnies, but Zembo those Wendy ones are really nice. I may yet be swayed into ordering some...

What are you all wearing them with? Is it wrong that I am slightly contemplating the pros of wipeable trousers?

Red I am slightly over excited and going on about it too much.

Going back to Wendy, I loved her burberry jacket. And the boots were DVF. You can get them in black (if you have unique feet) on shopbop!
I have booked a room for the MU too. Hope we're sticking with the 17th now. Will miss you portia.

And once you've all told me what to wear coated skinnies with (will they satisfy my craving for leather trousers too? Am too scared to get actual leather trousers), can you tell me if these and these are the same colour boots? They look far richer and darker on the Ash picture, but will order from ASOS if you say they're the same boot, because ASOS have free returns. Am assuming they must be the same, new SS12 Jalouse Camel colour, so must be. Right?

Sorry for disappearing - I had my neighbourhood book club social which I'd forgotten about until a text arrived letting me know they were waiting for me for dinner . Was surprisingly fun.

MrsCB my mum was raised in Jo'burg and my grandparents lived there until my grandad died a few years ago. It's a very, very different place to Cape Town and not a place i'd re-visit. Having said that, there have been lots of good things happening there recently, so maybe times are changing. As it stands, it's the DC and I, but DH may still be persuaded. A zoo trip sounds lovely, Apuski, Dauphin?

I like those riveira numbers MiM, thank you, will have a seek-out on shopbop or some such.

Night all.

So pleased you've found some jeans you love red. All those colours to choose from too! Navy would be good.

Love Wendy's outfit in zembo's link.

Fritzi- you made me laugh with the pregnant thighs- am imagining them giving birth to their own little (or not so little ) legs! I'm not too worried- will be doing a couple of miles up and down a steep hill with the pram twice a day soon for dd's playgroup run soon which should help matters.

Thank you for the compliment pickled- funny that you mentioned the smiling whilst talking thing- it is a bit of a standing joke amongst my friends

Right, think I have finally caught up. Sorry for banging on a lot this week about HL dresses - allowance was piad yesterday so have now bitten the bullet and ordered via NAP.

NY DDs love letter made me smile.
Red great about the jeans.
Apuski great you found a good hairdresser. One of the worse things about moving is changing hairdressers imo!
Bloss really pleased you are staying over at the MU. Agree with not buying SS stuff too early.

Portia & Annie we will miss you at the MU. We will have to fix the next date around you both?
Hopefully I have horrible feet (really) but last year found some tan leather sandals from NL which I wore all the time with dresses and jeans. Bit like this [[
www.newlook.com/shop/womens/shoes/contrast-patent-sandals_243459616 here]]. Tried them on on a whim after avoiding such a style since the age of 10 and liked. Am intrigued by what type of business you have - be prepared to be quizzed at the MU!

Out tonight with DH at a posh restaurant (present for our 40th). Will wear the dress I wore to the last MU I think as not worn it since! (Thanks for reminding me Icey. You do have a beautiful smile btw!)

Morning everyone! I am having a proper, lovely lie-in. DH brought me tea and toast in bed and has taken DS off to do 'jobs'. Hopefully they're having a lovely time too.

Had a great time yesterday in town and have a big thank you to say to you all, particularly you bloss! I returned the whistles skinnies just because I didn't love them enough (the roxy test), returned the Zara skirt because of reine's feedback and returned the roxy because I was uncertain about the colour suiting me and also how many occasions there would be to wear it. To add to this wisdom, when in the jumble sale that is currently Zara, I picked up two cashmere cardigans at half price and a navy satin top, tried them on, thought they were all quite nice and and was heading to the till... Then suddenly thought of bloss's wardrobe and my own bulging one. Normally I'd have bought them all, spent £75 without thinking about it and ended up with three more things I didn't really need or love. Felt very happy as I waltzed out empty handed with the money for my skirt back in my account!

This must be my mantra from now on, I think: only buy things I really really can't not buy or that fill a real hole in my wardrobe. I need to ask myself 'what would bloss do?'!

I'm definitely not a reformed character yet though; I then spent a happy half hour looking in my two favourite vintage jewellers (hoping for a special ring after DC2)!

red so pleased for you about your shopping mojo and the j brands. I think I may purchase the navy 811s too, great price at harrods. Seems to be lots of navy around for SS and I love it with white, hot pink, grey and tan.

mrscb glad you love the leighs. I have always wanted to go to Donna Ida. Those leopard skinnies are fab and right up my street, although I think I'm still set on the CE grey skinnies and have some lined up on eBay. Bit worried though that you think you're too aged for them; I am mid 30s and embracing leopard now more than ever!

ny I can't believe you are feeling guilty about 2lbs! That's nothing, particularly on someone lovely and tall. I like the sound of your start to the day at work.

Love wendy's outfit zembo linked to. That's how I want to start wearing blouses. Have a few hanging sadly neglected in my wardrobe so should try and start with them, though it's so tempting to start perusing SS collections for lovely new ones. I really like the red coated skinnies too and how legging-like they look.

Hope everyone has a nice day planned. I'm so excited to hear about your style day tomorrow hopefully!

So glad you ordered the dress ollie! Can't see your NL shoes. Have found the odd wondrous shoe bargain there myself, they're particularly good at cheap bright coloured leather courts. Have a lovely time out for dinner tonight.

Very wise shopping expedition for you yesterday Blue! I'm trying to do the same and only buy stuff I love.

I bought these boots from the NAP sale and am absolutely thrilled with them. Uber comfortable and proper shearling lining so feel great on a frosty morning like today.

Icey is very attractive - I remember telling her so when we met

MrsCB sadly I don't have Wendy's super svelte legs but I'm still tempted

I find coated skinnies much more wearable than leather jeans - I tried the panelled Mary Portas and Top Shop ones a month or so ago and didn't feel 100% comfortable wearing either. It's clearly my age

Red really pleased for you on the jeans. I like the 811s too.

Just stumbled across these - New Looks version of Agnes. I like their length - and the navy blue would be a good colour but would depend on their quality of course.
Blue try this link tho mine were tan leather with a plaited strap thingy here