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

I almost never try things on in the shop - my Little Commandant will not permit such things. I just buy and then return what doesn't work.

Everything - boy, you really do deserve some treats for being home alone w DCs for a week. I was reading key bits of the thread out last night to DH and he was and at your DH having a week in Vegas!

Hells - yes, good luck w the subtle hints on the Vionnet dress.

Blossoming - hope you mention to SIL how disappointed you were that she didn't show. Sometimes people need to hear it to understand.

Roma - at Bloody Bulgari for their dishonesty re your ring. Except that you have already had the diamond replaced, I would have been recommending that you go back w a face like thunder and threats to sue (am guessing your insurance didn't cover it). A diamond should not fall out of a ring, esp one set by Bulgari. They are designed to be worn daily and to last a lifetime and still look fabulous. That's what we pay for.

Today is shaping up to be nice and warm, so strolling w DD to Westfield to meet up w a friend. Think I will look at New Look (am intrigued by that leather look jacket), Gap (need more of those patent black leather post flip flops that are uber comfortable but look good) and prob Zara and H&M (they are doing a sleeveless silky knit top w chiffon-ish ruffles around the next that is really flattering). Have it in the fire engine red and the black and now I need more!

Not really S&B, but... am thinking of getting DD a ride on car (NOT in pink or w princess badging or the like) for her 1st birthday. I want one that she propels herself along w. I am trying to work out if this Disney one is good, or whether this Fisher Price one would be better. Any thoughts/suggestions?

bunnymother, I would never tell SIL or any of my ILs how it is. Or even dh. I've been bought up not to complain, or cause a scene. I don't think festering in silence is very healthy though, so I do tend to tell all to some close friends instead.
They're much older than dh, from their father's first marriage. The father died just before I met them all, and they could not have been less interested in meeting their brother's new girlfriend.
My main gripe here is that they missed dc2's funeral. I don't think I'll ever get over that. I think it shows lack of respect for us all and for my dh really.

Dc3 spent her first night in her own room last night, and slept 12 hours.
I hate my bedroom now. I didn't realise how big it was, but now the cotbed and changing unit have gone it looks huge and bare and big dents in the carpet.
Still, a project to decorate/accessorize. How did I not notice before!

I am keeping away from this thread in future I bought those carvela sandals today dp will faint when he sees the price BUT they are beautiful on and actually comfortable Thanks x

Hi all,

Been ages since I've been on here but I'm after some advice from those of you I know were pregnant not so long ago (calling LTEC and Tracey amongst others). Posting here as opposed to general S&B board as know I can trust the replies I get from you lot as you haven't let me down before!

I've just found out I'm about 5+ weeks with second child. Any tips or great maternity clothes brands you can recommend? What about a good pair of jeans? Any great piece of clothing that will take me through to December and then onto Bfing?

Also conscious that this time it will be June before I go public (unlike Feburary last time when I could keep my bump hidden with chunky knits and coats) but this time, after 1 baby my tummy is already ballooning and I'll want to wearing t-shirts etc - how do I disguise it?!

Thanks xx

Bunny - I never try things either....can't stand it! Even when tout seul....I'm usually okay, but sometimes have a disaster partcularly when I have greedily grabbed at handfuls of clothes in a fit of shopping panic!

I did this on Saturday pm. We were going out in the evening for dinner and I decided I needed a dress to wear....! I don't own a dress! Well I do - a black backless gown, and a silk wedding do-ish dress but neither suitable for dinner out!!!!

So I raced off at 4.30 pm, once DH back from cycling to suss out what the nearest boutique had on offer on the pretence of going to buy some nail files!!!!!. Said boutique usually has some nice things...Noa Noa and such....breathlessly arrived at 4.50 pm and raced around as if I was on Supermarket Sweep, clutching at tops (no, no, no), trousers (oh no!), and found a nice sort of dress...black linen with black grosgrain trim, simple shape....but looked flattering....only to find shop shutting at 5 and two pairs of steely eyes willing me to leave! After consideration, thought taking a punt on a £200 dress for one night only, not v avid and indeed not v wise so left shop empty handed!!!!

Need a dress !!! And suitable shoes to wear with said dress....

Blossoming - you take care x

Blossoming - really feel for you re your ILs. My MIL is very trying - but not on the same scale as yours - more along the lines of letting me down a lot and making it difficult on the rare occassions I ask for help - esp as SIL has her running around after her 2 teenage children a lot. Like you, I dont say anything to DH or MIL - just vent a lot to friends!
Have been meaning to ask - what did you decide re the Boden dresses. Finally got the summer catalogue yesterday and been having a browse. Things do look v different in the pics than on the website! Not brought anything for a couple of years but am tempted by a coral cardi. I quite like the dresses you linked to esp the the style of printed beach dress - but not v good with graphic prints - my Mum used to be a fan of the Clothkits catalogue when I was young and think its a throwback from wearing lots of that!

Oh Mimi1977 just seen your post - Congratulations! Lovely news. No tips I'm afraid as 3 years since DS2 was born. I always say to splash the cash on a good pair of jeans if you can find them tho! Hope some of the other W&A's can help!

Hello

Blossoming I really feel for you re the in laws. That is awful. I have issues with my sil but not that serious. Redecorating can be fun! We decorated our room after dd "moved out". It's white with a Mulberry wallpaper on the chimney thingy with linen blinds. It's very minimal and relaxing.

I have a question. Where should I look for a belt? I need a belt to wear with my new navy things. Not too thick, not too thin. I could do with a new gold one too. I have no idea where to look!

Yes, Mimi1977 big congratulations! Wonderful news. I'd suggest good jeans too and a few nice tops / a nice dress you can feel special in.

In terms of concealing your bump.... Topshop's maternity range had some silky/satin tops in a variety of colours and patterns 2 years ago (think they're a staple in their maternity range even now though) which are loose but don't look like maternity tops. There was a thread on concealing bumps a few months back - can't search now as laptop battery going on laptop but had some good suggestions. I always found a jacket undone and scarf helped. River Island seem to have some nice scarves atm. I have a grey and pink leopard print one people keep stopping me in the street to ask where it's from. Cost less than a tenner I think and very light but just the thing. I had to hide my bump for some time at work.

Congratulations again.

Thanks all for your support.

ollie, I have purchased both dresses to try on and a few other things. I seem to have a lot of boden at the moment, but flicking through their catalogue is quite therapeutic for me. I love my beach holidays and it really lifts my mood! I've never bought anything with a pattern before though, but hey, after my 'colours', in for a penny...

Also meant to recommend mac eyeliner in blooz for any other winters out there. Love it.

mimi, I think mm is spot on with her recommendations. I was pregnant last summer and I wore 7 maternity jeans rolled up boyfriend style, most of the mamas & papas range, a few essentials from m&s which had a terrible selection until right at the end of my pregnancy. Then my best buys were from picchu maternity, for this swimwear and this this dress, and on sale.
monkeysmama, well done on your run yesterday. I hope you're feeling better.

I bought a pedometer app for my phone and have found out that my school run is just over a mile, takes 32 minutes after faffing and shopping, and burns 101 calories. Not to be sniffed at.

Hi everyone, I got stuck in Ireland but got a ferry and a train back in the end. I had to wear my black funeral suit for 3 days, I don't want to ever see it again!

Roman, sorry you missed out on your trip to NY.

Blossoming, that is shocking behaviour from your ILs.

Mimi, congratulations! Definitely get a good pair of jeans.

Going to take a trip to Donna Ida this week for a pair of grey skinnies. The main event this week is my DD's second birthday tomorrow.

Happy birthday carciofina . My dd is 2 next month. Are you having a party? Glad you managed to get back. We were "stuck" in Italy at Christmas when the snow closed Gatwick.

Looks like I might be going to Italy this weekend now afterall if the news reports are to be believed. Got to think about packing again. Who had a good capsule wardrobe for a city break?

Poor you carciofi. My stomach churns at the very mention of 'ferry' and 'ireland'.
I bet you were just glad to get home though. I haven't bought any jeans for ages, live in my Paige skinnies and m&s jeggings!

Get a trench monkeysmama. I felt very chic in mine. And a fabulous bag. Oh and sunnies. Although I think you already have those?!

I need to buy a few new pairs of flat glads which I plan to live in for the rest of the summer (apart from if I ever make up my mind about the Carvela v Hasbeens debate raging in my head).

Bearing in mind I have quite a limited range of colours in my wardrobe (grey, navy, black, taupe, bit of red & nude) what do you think to

Dune animal print ones

Considering these to replace an old cheapy gold pair I've worn to death.

These AB ones have been calling to me for some time so I may get them.

Carciofi - what a nightmare!

Mimi - congratulations! There's loads of smocky type tops around at the moment that would disguise a growing bump - try Zara.

Bizarrely jeans wise the best pair I found for pregnancy and I did the whole range from 7's to topshop were some mamas and papas indigo slim leg under the bump ones.

I also found the white company good as there clothes although not maternity seemed to cover up a bump quite well.

Agree with MM though a light weight scarf is good and always a good time to spend on sunglasses and bags.

Evening all,
We were away at a wedding this weekend which went really well and it was beautiful weather for it. I wore a navy strapless puffball dress (nicer than it sounds!!!) with irregular choice shoes and a big statement necklace.
Unfortunately the newlyweds are unable to go on their honeymoon to NY as no flights!
SIL looked after the DCs for us and did an amazing job. they did so many fun things they didnt want to come home

Congrats mimi! I agree good jeans are your best bet to start with. 7 ones are great.

Will catch up with rest of thread as soon as I can. Lots of lovely links to look at I see

mimi I wuld second the recommend for Topshop maternity for bits and pieces if you don't want to spend a fortune. I got a really pretty maternity tea dress that I love...and lent to my sister in law and never got back I will not make the same mistake again!

This arrived today:

maxi

...and is going straight back. I ordered a 10 (am 10/12) and it is soooo shapeless in the mid section it makes me look like a nun. Not as unflatterimg as I feared on the rear, but not a keeper.

Lastly, a quick recommend. Bought this:

sexy?! from M and S. Much cheaper than the Spanx equivalent. I notice it has mixed reviews, but as pear shape 10/12 I have found it is effective at giving a nice line under dresses. It is tricky to get into though!

Mimi congratulations! I really liked H&M for maternity. V. cheap and lots of nice things. I had a Isabella Oliver maxi dress in double layer chiffon too, which was good for day and evening, and comfy as wearing nothing at all.

I was missing the point - to cover up the bump get a blazer and wear it unbuttoned with something not too tight underneath. A scarf will also distract attention.

Fabulous day and finally back in a&w groove.

Excellent hair at Aveda followed by the purchase of some fashion-forward Alexander Wang bloomer/y-front type shorts at Liberty.

I am so happy to have A Wang in my wardrobe!

Just need some Carven and I can feel wardrobe-complete (well not complete but a nice moment etc etc).

Congratulations Mimi!

TraceyBath has your Temperley dress arrived? (It took me a couple of days to get over that fashion-buying fail ).

Marsha - I just read that as some y front shorts! and was impressed at your fashion bravery

Dress is out for delivery so should be here tomorrow - very excited!

Woohoo!! Exciting!

Congratulations Mimi! How about something like this with a vest and jeans? Or there are lots of nice waterfall style tops on the Topshop website?

Marsha - shorts sound fab.

I've had a fab day today - DH and I took DC to the Sea Life centre this morning, followed by a run around on the beach, followed by a very unhealthy McDonalds lunch

We wore them out and once they'd both gone for a nap, I popped to retail park for a quick shop. Have also ordered some stuff online because they didn't have it in my size in store. Will report back when I know what's staying.

Where is bunjies? Haven't seen her around for a while. Hope you're okay!