We're Avid & Wise, We're discussing our Buys, we're not so keen on Flys, We prefer Peep-toe Sky-Highs!!

[LetThemEatCake]

sorry couldn't help myself

Yes, well straight leg rather than skinny jeans. My thighs are my least favourite part so have never tried on skinnies as I'm convinced they would look horrific on me.
I saw a navy blazer on one of LTEC's links which I really liked but I suspect the price tag was out of my budget.

I'm sorry blossoming, that must have been so tough just when everyone should have been supporting you.

Cain - if I was allowed access to topshop I would link you a couple of blazers from there.
Also have you looked at oasis and dorothy perkins if cost is an issue?

If you don't want to do skinnies then I can recommend the gap straight legs - I got them when they were on promotion a few weeks ago for £27, if you hang on a bit there is always a gap 20% off promo in the pipeline

Like the hair mrsj

Gorgeous jacket hells

Sorry those of you who have experienced such heart-breaking losses

OWW I'm not a fan of the ankle cuff sandals since I read on Go Fug Yourself that someone looked like they had paper bags round their ankles. And now that's all I can think of. Sorry! Agree with tracey that they may be stumpifying too (yes, I know that's not a word!)

ltec I like the style of boot but not the colour - I have these but in grey and love them. I've worn them with dresses, skinny jeans, leggings and skirts and they're really comfy. Sometimes I lace them a couple of holes down so they're looser on the leg and very slimming!

Blossoming - she sounds a pain - I'd do whatever is best for you really and will still enable a civil relationship between you all.

I do think that some women of that generation were just a bit too used to deferring to their DH's - my mil is the same. In contrast my mother is very strong and independent but then she had to be as was a single parent.

How are you feeling about DD going out of your room? We've only put Bea in her room a few weeks ago and I hate it - especially as I'm still up feeding her quite a bit.

Right - have ordered the grey skinnies from uniqlo.

Am liking this pretty blouse for tucking in purposes - thoughts??

Ooooh LTEC - sounds like you've been having fun?

I guess it's classic both of us fighting for his attention. Sometimes I just want to say I give up, she wins.
I also think she wants to be dc1's favourite too.
I need therapy don't I?

Multiple cross-posts so far - busy busy on here tonight

Who was it who said they wanted a white linen blazer?

Cain - have now checked oasis and DP's and nothing grabbed me. Really think topshop might be best or Next?

Blossoming - I think that the mil/dil relationship is often fraught. And thats without any real difficulties and goodness you've had something utterly awful to deal with which would test any relationship.

I get along pretty well with my mil but sometimes she can really annoy me with her flapping/constant deferring to any man but I just laugh at it/her and that seems to diffuse the situation.

She's never going to win over you in the dc's affections though and she'd be silly to try .

And I can not believe you didn't eat a croissant in Paris! Did you go to Bon Marche?

Evening ladies - so many links so little time. I love the RO jacket - which would look fantastic with my new Marc Jacobs if you ever tire of it and want to give it away.

Well - I have broken my duck ladies. After my Zara rant on Saturday, I braved the Canary Wharf branch which was a much better experience. I bought three things: Boyfriend Cardigan (£20); Tshirt (£14) and Khaki Safari Dress thingy (£35) Not tried on so may well be a disaster.

My Spring wardrobe is far from complete so keep the links coming.

Anyone else excited about LTEC bluewater trip?

traceyb, I'm quite looking forward to having our room back as I like to try clothes on in the evening or read in bed. Dh works every evening apart from the weekend only in the study but I'm left to my own devices. Dc3 is amazing. She goes to bed at 6.30 and sleeps 12 hours. I had to put her in a strict routine from the start because of caring for dc2 and bottlefed.

Thanks Esher, tried DP but will have a look at topshop and oasis now.

Blossoming - I am still a bit about the sleepover arrangements. Why wouldn't your DH agree to your DS staying over at MiL's? If I were you and MIL was gagging to have DS for the day and you would normally drop him off on your way to shops I'd do just that and save the shorts buying trip for another day . I am terrible though, I'll offload mine at the drop of a hat although neither of my MIL's (oh yes, lucky me, I've got 2 ) would ever volunteer such a thing, only my own mother.

blossoming I had a series of sessions with a therapist. Really recommend it. You're never going to change your mil, but you can change your reaction to her behaviour. Very liberating when you figure out how to do it. I have also used this to release myself from toxic friends and relatives and free up more time for the important things in life - such as shopping.

2 mils esher - you lucky girl!

Our in-laws are hopefully going to move closer to us and I can't wait - a little ad-hoc childcare would be fab.

Have already bookmarked hdv in cheltenham as possible place to go once we drop dc's off with them .

Blossoming - 12 hours is amazing sleep wise - DS1 who is 5 has never done that. He needs very little sleep.

All valid points re cuff sandals - thanks everyone. I sometimes get swept away with the romance of fashion and not think about what it will look on an average jo like me!

Smiled at the thought of LTEC at Bluewater - I used to 'pop' there when I lived in London for a quick blitz!

tracey, in Paris dc3 was the last to wake up and she was sharing with dc1. He has always woken up between 5.30 and 6.30. I'm an early bird too so have got used to it.

esher I don't know why dh is against it but dc1 has never stayed there on his own before. Dh is funny about being away himself as he was away in London on dc2's last night.

Thanks for your thoughts on therapy choo. I wonder if it exists in north Wales?

OWW I have that pretty bird tray for exactly the same reason

Blossoming - aaah now I see. I sympathise, As I say I have two MIL's - one is DH's mum (natch ) other is his step-mum - who DH has in the past hated although all quite civil/friendly these days.
DH's family are a complicated bunch to say the least and I actually find step-MIL easier to deal with than MIL and I always try and engineer visits by MIL to be at weekends so that DH is around. MIL and I don't really get on and it is always a bit fraught (I have actually told her to F**k off before now ) and DH and I invariably end up bickering so we always look at though we have a crappy relationship in front of her . Anyhoo, you have my sympathy, the only saving grace in my case is that in the past, when it has come down to it, my DH has sided with me rather than her so I do know I have "won" but I have had to have balls of steel with DH over it. You are probably too nice and conciliatory , I have no such qualms.

wow, loads going on.

blossoming I have tears in my eyes at the thought of your dh. How difficult. As for your MiL, she sounds toxic - I'd do what you have to do to keep your head above water and no more. Also totally understand the neediness at a time of your pain - the first time MiL saw me after we lost Star (about 8 weeks later as we'd been in Oz) she clung to my dh's arm and said "Oh I just can;t look at her, it's too hard when last we saw her she was all fat and happy". In front of me

tracey you linked to jeans, not a blouse? Spotted a lovely pin tuck, high-collar, tucky-in blouse in Zara for £15 and thought of you. Also esher fab tan leather mini/ tunic dress for under £100

Following on from mm's and roman's horse print dress in Zara there are now camels and elephants - b&w photos on shifts - someone has to buy one, they are fabulous. Cain lots of navy blazers in Zara too.

MrsJ great hair!! love that singlet too esher. And congrats to your friend mm!

having said I would link I now realise I cannot as bought from (drum roll) River Island and Zara. Was SO MUCH FUN!! dh home at 7 and I fanged it there by 8 for an hour of indulgence. I even loved the inappropriate music.

Bought the skinny bikers from RI - they are perfect, thanks a mill esher. Also a maxi dress in blues & pinks with an embellished neckline and a khaki top with sequin and embellishment on the shoulders which looks great with the khaki trousers as the shoulder detail balances out my ample hips. Tried on and was tempted by white J'aime Paris tank but clocked love handle traces quite clearly through the white fabric.

On to Zara - dress for dd, beige blazer and navy jeans for dh, fuschia suede handbag for me on long strap and floral cami/ singlet - again looks great with khaki bikers

about to lose battery, back later when recharged!!

How fast does this thread move?! I never get to read it all let alone click on links.

Esher have given up being surprised that I own that top in lilac already and though I haven't worn it I know it'll be a wardrobe staple (t'was me who asked about hareem trousers too) - I have said before we have similar taste. Btw - have you seen my mid heel help thread. Anything you'd have to add I'd appreciate . LTC why didnt you get the Carvela mid heels when you suggested them? I really like them.

On the subject of shoes. I am going to buy these because I have fallen in love. I need to find a dress to go with them that I can wear to 2 corporate dos I have to go to with dp (races and a meal at Claridges) and 2 weddings. Can anyone help?

I need to ask, am I an odd shape?! In River Island stuff I seem small but in Uniqlo I am a mahosive size. I have some RI trousers which fall off me in a size 12 - I am a size 12 - and Uniqlo skinnies in a 12 which give me a kind of mid thigh fat I have never seen on anyone in my life ever.

Tracey I need a few more bits for summer. Mainly a strapless swimming something that looks ok on 34FF boobs that have breastfed for 2 years and covers muffin top. Can anyone work magic? I also need a summer bag - looking for something tan, across body and big enough for purse, phone and a dummy or two but no more.

Cakey I will have to get the elephant tee - dd loves elephants and will be my dress for her birthday.

Elephants amde me think about weight - anyone know how to hoola hoop?

Oh MM - I totally love those shoes and have been lusting after them since they first appeared. Yay for you!

Good haul there avid leader Cake!

Hope your solo week is proving a doddle so far everything

Am reading to catch up so randomly posting now - sorry!

I've had lots of therapy . 3/4 of a decade of phobia therapy means I can stand in a London street without a major explosion/breakdown(v serious bird phobia) but it hasn't all been as good. Though I accept that there are some things in life no amount of therapy is going to get you over, just through.