Anyone interested in forming a "shop more wisely and less compulsively", "no more expensive mistakes" and "make the most of what you already own" thread?

[LetThemEatCake]

There seems to have been a digression from the original intention of Penth's very worthy thread so, rather than cause anyone any offence or detract from what Penth and others were setting out to achieve, would anyone like to do a thread in a similar vein? Discussing potential purchases (advising each other for/ against in sensible fashion!!) and talking about how we're wearing existing pieces etc

Am off to Sunday lunch with friends but will check back in later.

Wearing purple Tam Tam dress, grey opaques, grey slouch suede boots, charcoal travelwrap for discreet bfing. Pretty exited about the sunshine so nearly cracked out the new OP sunnies but am saving for summer proper

have a good day all

Hi Simbob. I like the M&S Autograph and Limited range.

Mimi, I have a Hush cardigown and I really like it. It hasn't bobbled yet. It is too nice to wear with pajamas. I have ordered it in another colour.

Panacotta, the free delivery code is HFREE10.

Talking of colourful bags, what do you think of this?

I now really really want black rats . Am going to wait for Hells re-review and Marsha's verdit and did Esher order them too?

Welcome sim!

OK today am wearing roxannes, long sleeve white top and charcoal cropped cashmere cardigan. Functional but nice I hope.

Right - off to hoover for second time today

think it will be great for summer MM - was pondering it myself, get in there!! I just searched "Zara boyfriend cardi" in my search for a black cardi to knock about with the kids in. I use ebay quite a lot, buying and selling - lots of tat, but I tend to get some good stuff. Generally search by designer, whittles it down bit. Verity is a good ebayer, hopefully she'll be along with some tips.

Have just bought the Ossie sweater {blush] The Outnet had my details saved, was too easy, did not even have to break my stride in the game I was playing with the dcs!! Anyway, I accepted a big(gish) commission yesterday so I guess that's that fee already spent ...

Thanks for the code carciofi.
Will order some warm cardigans I think.

Okay, this has probably been covered, but if I get some jeggings - what do I wear with them? Jumper dress? And what on feet? We are very stixy where we are, so lots of mud and coldness - so anything ballet flatish will have to wait quite a few months..

carciofi I have a Mulberry bag that colour and it's currently my most-used bag. It brightens up grey/black/white/denim combos beautifully and also goes great with green, teal and purple in winter.

And you can use it with zingy summer colours too - what's not to like?

I'd wear jeggings with a long tunic to cover bum and chuncky boots - not that I have decent boots.
Perhaps someone here can recommend you some.

Ballet flats would look nice as ou mention (once its warmer/drier)...

Loving the thread girlies....have totally scruitnised my wardrobe and found that I do actually have some nice things....went out last night and had spent several hours some time planning what I was going to wear and managed to put together a fairly funky outfit (imo!!). DH thought I looked 'hot' (his words)....anyway managed to get back into a size 10 Hobbs grey tweed shortish skirt, worn with grey cashmere cardi, white tee, velvety purple knitted tights and biker boots....Yeahhhh...next week I am shopping for the things I feel I need want to supplement my wardrobe.
Think I do have some great essentials but need to add some pizzazz with some 'on-trend' ...erm bits!!!!still need a dress though!

Hattyyellow - Met a friend with a figure to die for last night (you know tall, skinny), and a Mum of three to boot! Anyway, she was wearing the most fabulous 'jeggings' with little shoe boots-not sure where from though...she did look great.We are stixy too.......
I think chunky boots and ballet shoes would also look great Pannacotta...!

Carciofi - love the Vanessa Bruno bag but not for me. I am really boring!
LTEC we wanted our new cleaner(so necessary with 3 under 3.5!!!)to do Fridays but she's too busy...so she's doing Wednesdays. However, I am kind of preferring Wednesdays as at least I get a couple of days where my DH hasn't entirely wrecked the joint!!How do you manage it?
Anyone found the perfect white l/s tee? longish?

simbob - large bags here at your favourite shop

tan
black
brown suede

the tan is lovely in RL

Hi everyone. I've enjoyed wearing my dress & leggings today. Added a boyfriend cardi over the top which seemed to dress it down a lot thus reducing my paranoia! Nobody looked at me as if my head was missing and I got an invite to a party so I am very happy. (Admittedly the party was for a 1 year old but I'll take what I can get these days!)

Have been meaning to ask - my husband is off to New York & Melbourne in the next few weeks with work (lucky b***d). Is there anything that would be a better buy in either of those places than here? I'm thinking of nice jeans, bags or shoes mainly but any little gems you can think of would be appreciated.

Hellsbells thanks for the Oushka link - hadn't heard of those before but I'd like to order two bags as can't decide between them, but on glancing at their Ts & Cs was blinded by legalese.
Have you any idea if they're okay with sending stuff back (I'd assume they are as most mail order firms seem fairly switched on to the dithering customer these days, but wanted to check first)?
Tia.

I think legally they have to accept returns (although they can charge for them I think?) due to the Distance Selling Regulations.

Any purchase made over the phone or online can be cancelled/returned within seven days. Not sure if this is from purchase or receipt of the goods.

Hi OurLady,

I've had a slight issue over getting one of the sale bags with a faulty zip. First time I opened it the zip split. Took them a week to send back the same bag!! Am hoping it was a one off mistake rather than them trying to palm off a broken one on me!
Did need chasing and got very frustrated. I am currently awaiting the tracking number for my replacement which was meant to come this afternoon.....I'm still waiting. Will report back to let you know if I actually do get it tomorrow!!

have bought from and sent back to oushka, no probs!

MrsJ will get back to you re Melbourne later on!

Thanks LTEC- we were there a couple of years ago but didn't get to do much shopping. Although I did get a great pair of trousers from one of the little boutiques.

I seem to remember we discovered a big outlet place on our last day but didn't want to be dragging purchases around for the rest of our holiday (were there for about a month) so didn't really investigate it.

I got some Uggs for £67 in Bloomingdales a couple of years ago. Not the most stylish and glam of items but comfy and useful - they don't go over on the heel like cheapie ones and my feet don't even get wet in the snow.

MrsJ - well done on leggings success and well done on marrying a man you can trust to shop New York for you!!!

LTEC - Your still wearing boots from when you were 21?!? eeeerrrrmmm... ie... yesterday

What do we think about jeggings for spring though??
Are they strictly for boot weather only?
Cannot imagine them with ballet pumps,tbh.

Are people really wearing jeggings in rl? Beyond MN references and the trendy sweet high school young things I am not really noticing them about the place...

Ooooops GeorginaWorsley - I just read what I typed and thought it might come across as critical - it really isn't critical at all and I bet you look bloody HOT in yours!!!

It was a really an honest question!

ourlady - I haven't had to test their refund policy. But the bag I have is lovely quality.

Jeggings....DH came over all peculiar when he saw me in mine today He said they were very flattering....which is high praise indeed as I have a massive bottom (which was of course well hidden under a long tee. I have to admit they are so so comfortable. I love them. I'm currently wearing them with boots but think they'll be fine with flats or sandals later on.

I know a lot of people who are wearing jeggings. Some of whom look fantastic. Others not so .

I'm considering exchanging a coat that DD got for Christmas (she has tonnes) for some at Next this weekend. Would that be awful?

Haven't actually got any,teafortwo
Am considering the matter....