We shop therefore we are.. Wise & Avid

[blossoming]

Thanks to ltec for the new title.

I thought maybe a hat?

A hat! Of course. I very rarely wear them (unless skiining!) so it hadn't occured to me. I'm sure that would work.

For those ladies doing/planning to Shred. I have just cut and pasted this from another thread as a motivator!:

'I AM SHREDDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wooooohoooooooo!!!

Ok so in 30 days I have lost:

6.5lbs (been doing ww too)
0.5" off my arms (not being using weights just tins of beans lol)
1.5" off my chest
2.5" off my waist
3.5" off my hips
3.5" off each thigh

Best money I ever spent!!!'

(That's not me btw.)

This trench from Burberry claims to be "shower-proof".

I got a shorter trench from Zara which is also really versatile.

That's lovely Fritzi, but they're terrifyingly expensive aren't they. Also the Barbour ones, apart from actually being waterproof, are also machine washable, which is a major plus.

I might get this shred thing too, though my record of doing exercise at home by myself is pretty poor

That is nice Fritzi, but £600... . I know it's a classic, will last for years etc....but imagine the horror when you leave on train/tube/plane (as I am prone to do.)

Roma - the handy thing with that particular DVD is that it is only 20 mins per day so easier to do...especially if you are working as well soon!

NY I know what you mean. I left a Missoni scarf in a cab and couldn't get it back. Since then I only invest in clothes that are safely attached to my body (that sounds weird but YKWIM).

This is probably still too expensive but I like it.

Not the colour you are looking for and might be too casual.

Different but almost "Bodenesque" and again not what you are looking for at all. Sorry!

Should really log off here and get my work done. Have to read manuscript until lunchtime... Looking for trench coats online is much more fun though. Maybe I should start looking for a new job?

OMG I just read the reviews on the Shred DVD on Amazon and it sounds absolutely terrifying. How can you survive this? I would probably hide behind the sofa when Jillian screams "I want you to feel like you're gonna DIE!" (apparently a quote from level 2). Or I would have fainted of exhaustion before anyway.

Maybe I should start with Davina...

good morning all,

I'm in a mood as I have to take happy bouncy DD for her jab and I know she'll be grumpy after!

Verity - glad to hear the interview went well. On the headlice....Hedrin worked well for us. We did it over night...then did combing a couple of times in the week (with nitty gritty comb on wet hair with conditioner)...and then the 2nd application of Hedrin and they were gone. I was also a bit manic about sheets and towels...changed them all a fair few times! And put sofa cushions in bin bags for a few days. Yes - obsessive but it worked!

Roman - exciting about the job but a lot to weigh up. I'm rushing in quickly but will read all the commments properly later and hope to chip in some more.

RG - I think a few A&W ladies (cake included) have found that River Island have some great Hoolihan alternatives...I"m sure someone will be on with a link soon.

Fleecy - thank you for pointing me in the direction of the DP maxi! Tis fab. Now can you just arrange for the sun to come back so I can wear it

That's no fun hells. Can you cheer her up with a treat afterwards?

Am wearing the DP tie-die maxi today - the stretching-when-wet seems to have worked.

That first trench is stunning roman. How would a hat work with your hair? And if you're having to carry an accessory round anyway, would it be easier to just use a brolly? (Not sure if you need to be hands-free for buggy/child holding...)

How is it so difficult to find a hooded trench? In Paris at Easter, everyone had hooded smart coats in the airport. Maybe ask the French?

On a similar note, does anyone know what colour light mouse is?. I really like this trench, but if it's light brown, then it's not for me. Light grey and I may have to purchase.

Thankyou, thankyou wonderful ltec. The UO combats arrived and fit! Slightly generously!! Great colour and perfect with my jigsaw breton and shiney blue toes. I'll show them on the school run later!!!

verity, my back is a constant problem. Not as bad as some on this thread, but recurring sciatica and at the moment, right shoulder. So depressing as The Shred dvd arrived and must leave in packaging.

Hi guys, I set up a cocktail dress thread but it was suggested that I ask my question on here as some people may have tried on this dress, so here goes.

I'm going to a party and want a great cocktail dress, preferably in some kind of dark blue colour.

I have a 200 euro ceiling, so imo that's quite alot. I have never bought an expensive dress before (except wedding dress) and so want to make sure the dress is really worth it.

I saw this dress:

www.net-a-porter.com/intl/product/79765

and really like it but I think I would prefer a cowl neck to a scoop neck as I think it's more flattering.

I think I would also like the dress to go to just above my knees, and perhaps this dress is slightly too small.

I am 5 ft 4, and a size 10.

Any suggestions? Please!!

Roman congratulations on the job!

Esher so glad they did that.

tethersend also suggested this dress and I think it's lovely:

www.allsaints.com/product/?page=1&category_id=22&&prod_desc_id=5051214540641&position=0&partner=buya t

Has anyone tried on this dress?

It comes in 4 different colours, all are great but not sure which is best.

I actually think I like this dress more than the anglomania dress that I originally posted.

Blossoming I think it might be light grey.

I think...

Welcome A&O! A couple of us on here have tried the Layla - I think verity has it and loves it. It was too big and drapey on me, however. I'm around 5'4" and it was around knee length and the fabric wasn't as structured as I'd imagined on the picture.

The Anglomania has lots of fans around here too - I think a couple of people have it and love it. I think it looks stunning, but haven't tried it myself. HTH!

Looks grey on my computer bloss Sure they would tell you if you phoned them up

Thanks a million Allbuggiedout!

I am also 5'4" and would prefer a dress to end just above my knee I think. Then on the other hand the Anglomania dress looks very short, however I suppose the woman modelling it on the net a porter website is very very tall!

I thought from the pics that maybe I would have to spend all my time holding in my tummy with the Anglomania dress with that type of material, and that the Layla dress would be more forgiving that way. I don't have a tummy but it's not a washboard tummy or anything .

I'm sure somebody who has it will be here to advise anon, but I seem to remember discussion of spanx in connection with that dress A&O

romanarama - I have a great totally waterproof hooded raincoat that can be worn belted or not that I bought in MaxMara on Avenue Louise last autumn - about EUR 400 I think.

Hi A&O! I am the Layla fan here, I have one in oyster and one in a cranberry colour, I just love them They are quite voluminous and billowy, and the sizing is on the generous side I think, so going a size down might be an idea. I am 5'3" and if I wear it loose it is about 2" below my knee, or belted just on the knee. The fabric is gorgeous and drapes beautifully. I see the blue is reduced, I'd definately give it a try you can always return it if it's not right for you. I am tempted now to get another colour for myself

NotYummy that sounds like a tough workload you have, I feel very lazy after reading your description of your day!

Hells bedlinen in hot wash as we speak, no park for us after homework to day, instead comprehensive nitty gritty session for 3 dc which takes about 2 hours, dd and ds1 both have really thick hair which takes ages to comb. ABO going to buy some tea tree shampoo right now, thanks for the tip!

Blossoming sciatica is so painful, a freind was in agony with it, but had very successful surgery last year which transformed her life. I hope you are not in too much discomfort. All set for Saturday, saw a billboard on way home from school with a digital countdown to the game! Dcs nagging me to put Leinster flags on the car. Heard an interview with one of the players this morning, the coach is leaving and quite a few players are retiring and they are determined to send them off with a win. Wish I was going but dh could only get 2 tickets Is your dh coming over it?

A&O - I have the Anglomania dress but in the pink and love it. I bought a spanx slip to go underneath and it definitely smooths out any lumps and bumps. I'm a size 6-8 and bought the small which fits perfectly.

Romana - last winter i got so fed up with getting a wet head that I bought this barbour rain hat.

So exciting verity. I'm quite sure Leinster will win but hope Ospreys will give them a good game. Dh will be watching it here with me. We did think about coming over but the practicalities were too much.

Quick hello from me - a lovely dad at school drop off offered to have DS1 over for a playdate with his son this afternoon (no school on Weds) so am having one of those lovely surprise afternoons off! (Packing for UK trip/sorting out wardrobe/faffing etc but doing it all in peace and quiet so enjoying myself emmensely!).

Had a nice evening with 2 friends last night - loved all the nibble suggestions. Didnt have time to go out and buy stuff so did creative things (presentation wise!) with a selection of cheeses/salami/chips/dip/and the pavlova was a big hit! Finally tracked down some of the New Look chinos in the new NL concession over here- had them in the green in a 12 but none in the stone/beige - tried the green anyway and loved them on - just not the colour so will continue looking for some beige ones.

Blossoming - I thought it may be the WC coat before clicking on it! I have been eyeing it up for ages. Think it loks fab on the model undone - but not so sure it would suit me done up! Wish I could try it on in RL.
Roman Congratualtions on your job. Lots to juggle but sounds like you will sort it all out. I had the quote back re getting my colours done by the lady over here - 98euros for the colours and a 150e for style advice - combined the 2 session would take 3.5 hours. May well go ahead with just the colours bit! Thought it seemed pricey for the time allowed.

SATC2 Ladies Night viewing tonight - had my haircut this morning, mentioned I was going and ended up with a head full of party hair! Hairdresser whipped out her curling brush and back combed some bits, twisted some sections and even put in a couple of sparkly grips - I didnt know what to do or say! Needless to say it was all brushed out in the car. It was more dressy than when I got married! Very sweet of her and all that but just not me! Imagine if I had to go and do the school run!