WISELY wandering towards Spring, we are Avidly selecting seasonal things...

[notyummy]

Not very inspiring- think the tiredness is showing!

It's funny how what seems normal for one family re apportioning of duties can seem really out there to another. My DH does loads, but the flip side is that we are seriously poor and can't really afford many luxuries at all, as the lifestyle choices we've made have obviously impacted on his earning potential. If he takes the job possibly on offer it will mean longer hours and me doing more childcare, which will take some getting use to.

Back later (having some Mums over for coffee this am and scones have been requested) but wanted to bring some shocking 'Next has some ok things in their new summer range' news
I give you
the two dresses on the right, cute yellow sundress and white linen dress

Lots of white and chambray cotton tops/blouses too and coloured jeans and shorts a plenty. I even like this bag - just wish it wasnt plastic here

PlumSykes - I agree with you on the black and white flower necklaces - they are amazing, and fab value for money.

I had a bit of a try-on session for DP last night. He was distinctly about the fact that I had spent a four-figure euro sum in Marni at 10.30 am , even though I had been very clear that I intended to take a whole lot of it back. I did a bit of styling before he got in so that I had my outfits ready. Anyway, he was pretty much bowled over by it all and agreed that it was all amazing VFM. I am going to return (or sell on) two tops - the brocade one, which does nothing for me (I should probably have got a size down, but even then round necks are not my thing at all), and this one because I bought the dress in the same cut/fabric, and the dress is even lovelier than the top, especially when styled with the navy parka and the white flower necklace à la official H&M Marni lookbook.

Am also debating whether to return: green cardigan (which DP doesn't like, but I do), tribal print dress (which DP isn't thrilled about) and I don't want the sequin collar in white which makes me look silly!

ollie I love the white linen dress even more than the two I already have. Crucial question is though: Is it lined to avoid potential see-through issues?

bonsoir You really are Queen of Marni . Are you wearing anything from your fab haul today?

Loved your pic on fb with the Marni necklace Plum - looking good!

My DH would also be utterly bemused by a 4 figure sum in H and M Bonsoir, although its fair to say that he doesn't fully comprehend how much high end clothes can cost, so the idea of spending a four figure sum on clothes would send him into a decline.....despite the fact we spend that without blinking on a weekend away.

Pretty links Ollie, but Next clothes are so, so not cut for my shape. They don't seem to do waists (or the corresponding hips) so I end up with unpleasant tight lines over my bottom where things are slightly too tight....or a huge saggy waist if things fit over my hips.

In another shock revelation, DH has taken the day off work (apparently he has a whole load of leave that he will lose if he doesn't take it.) Obviously we are celebrating by doing a double session of Shred and Killer back to back and a whole loda of housework before visitors arrive tomorrow. We are also hoping to pop out for lunch and watch a film as well too.

Think I have never really considered Next, but I also like this maxi. It's very similar in style to the one I bought for Christmas South Africa.

Fritzi - I'm wearing an old washed out pair of Houlihans and a very old cashmere Gap jumper, having just done the school run and waiting for the plumber to stop my ceiling from raining the upstairs neighbours' bath water! Yesterday was über fun and glam (my lunch was very exciting too) but today is domestic mundanity... Have glam dinner tomorrow night so just have to get through next 36 hours of catering/laundry/repairs/school run/tending male egos etc...

Like the zigzag print on this maxi, but 100% poly plus strapless means no no.

bonsoir Mundane day here too with the gardener here to cut back our apple tree. I am keeping busy by getting some admin work done and tidying.

Poly + Geri H = A NO. I would probably live with the poly if it wasn't for her.... Also she is really short, so if a maxi fits her then it wouldn't work for me. I also think 150 E for a polyester dress is a bit cheeky, but I like the print of the first one you linked to Fritzi.

notyummy - DP does in fact know how much "real" Marni costs, since I both take him into the avenue Montaigne store and to the Bon Marché concession pretty regularly, and do buy a couple of pieces every season. So when I did the maths and explained that a whole Marni H&M outfit (dress, coat, necklace) cost about 1/8th of the same outfit in the main collection, and that my haul from yesterday would have cost about EUR 10,000 in the Marni shop, he was quite impressed. Fortunately he does like Marni a lot - most of my friends' DHs/DPs aren't as keen.

notyummy I had totally missed the Geri-factor of the dress. Have a great day with DH!

Bonsoir - DH is not as well educated as yours! Not that interested in fashion at all per se, although does like me to look nice and passes compliments as appropriate. Having said that we did have a good look in all the windows in Ave Montaigne last month when we were there and he quite enjoyed passing judgement on those he thought were worth the money and those that were 'emperors new clothes'.

FLE Etsy navigation takes a bit of getting used to, although they are improving it. I tend to search for either a colour or an item (I think I searched something like 'autumn leaf' for that necklace) and just scroll through. You can normally identify a reasonably professional shop which will have halfway decent quality items by the fact that they have good photography, good item descriptions and thorough shop policies. Also sales and feedback, but some of my best purchases have been from shops with only one or two sales, so I don't rely on that entirely.

Bonsoir I am also impressed with your DH's fashion knowledge. Mine has minimal idea of labels, but he can identify a flattering garment from an unflattering one, which is all he is really required to do

Morning all, just checking in. No baby yet but feeling like death warmed up which I'm hoping is some sort of sign that things might happen and I haven't just caught a cold with very bad timing.

Sounds like a lovely day with your dh NY- enjoy

I like that necklace hopefully - very unusual- doesn't look partcularly toddler friendly though-you're right!

I'm not sure my DH would know Marni or be appreciative of savings if I spent a 4 figure sum..you have been very avid and then wise in your shopping bonsoir !

I cannot stop trimming my fringe..I will end up looking like Keanu Reeves in 'The Name Of the Rose' at this rate

all food lovers on thread..what to make as starter..7 hr lamb main(with dauphinois) with key lime pie for dessert?am stumped?

Hopefully and notyummy - DP is born-and-bred Parisian Jew - knowledge of fashion labels is in his DNA and lots of his ancestors were in the rag trade. And he works in retail and has to know all sorts of things about shop locations and customer segments. Not that his knowledge is anything special compared to some men I know!

oh dear icey hope it's a sign of baby not illness.x

ReineDeSaba - I would do some kind of salad for a starter as that is quite a carb and protein heavy menu.

Sounds delish, Reine, what time?

Oh dear, Icey, hope it is not a cold.

I'm also impressed by your DH, Bonsoir. Mine recognises the branding on high-end denim and handbags but that's about it.

Blue, DH told me that he doesn't do small babies! I have to admit I preferred the 6 months+ stage myself.

I had a little salad starter the other day in a restaurant that was chopped endives (very young and not bitter), apple and a little orange, with a very light dressing. Very good.

Yum, yum Reine! I am a fringe chopper to(with varying degrees of success), so much so that I have a reminder in my phone saying "don't go near your fringe the week before your period"

Icey I was just checking in to see how you and Mim are doing. Snuggle up on the sofa for the morning.

I am 43 today, and can officially tell you that 43 is the new 36

Happy Birthday Verity

If 36 is the new 43, I am looking forward to the new 39