Archive for August 2013

Home Archive for August 2013

It's fate. It's raining, it's a Bank Holiday weekend, it is therefore written in the stars that internet shopping is the order of the day. Instead of spending a gazillion pounds at Chessington, going to London, or hell, just going to the cinema and then a pizza, I have deemed today a Duvet Day.

Yesterday was all about the kids - a trip to London in the blistering heat (how can two days be so different weather wise?), matinee of Horrible Histories at the Garrick, followed by lunch at Busaba Eathai in Covent Garden, trip on a bus (oh the excitement. Not mine I might add) and two hours in Hamleys. Yes, you read that correctly. Two hours. I am quite impressed that we only came away with one toy (to share as well - how did I manage that one?). We do, mind you, have Christmas lists (it was all I could think of) as long as your arm. Think pimped up Argos catalogue.

I also managed to run the gambit of both Covent Garden and Regent Street without going into one shop. Not. One. Torture isn't actually the word. The only saving grace was that I was aware of how even more hideous it would have been going in anywhere and trying to persuade three hyper rugrats to let me have a "quick" look. Let alone try anything on.

So I feel that a day at home, sheltering from the absolutely vile weather out there is completely justified.

Large brekkie, followed by making a cake (if anyone has any fabulous and easy Gluten Free Cake recipes that they'd like to share, I would be ridiculously grateful), game of Monopoly (this always seems like a good idea before you actually start), pizza for lunch followed by movies and popcorn. BLISS. And pretty much free. Which means it would be rude not to make a little dent on that A/W wishlist. (after yesterday, I also feel this is definitely deserved. Did I also mention that I may have been a tad hungover, having thought on Thursday night it would be a fabulous idea to stay up till 3 am drinking and chatting? Obviously)

Cue the wonderful people at Atterley Road who have 20% off everything this weekend. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Well almost. Bar Whistles (grrrrrr - although sneakily grateful as that could be car crash. Surely there must be a Grazia discount voucher soon?). And sale items. But, but but but (and I've checked as I put a pair in my basket and used the promo code) it does include Ash. *punches air*. Code to use is BANKHOL. For the whole long weekend.

Here are my pick of the Ash crop. I have been wearing Ash trainers for four years now (maybe five actually - too many children and too much alcohol is my excuse and I'm sticking with it) and they come out every year. As I get so much use out of them, it seems easily justifiable to add to them (there is logic in there somewhere...).

Starting, however, with boots which I don't own. I feel I should probably have a pair - I definitely do have a tan boot shaped hole in my wardrobe..... However I know loads of people do have them and find them so useful on all occasions. I have a similar pair in grey which I got from Zara last year but they were £59.99 in the sale, so 20% of these, really seems like a great deal.

Ash Jalouse in grey £149 originally.

In classic black

In Taupe - very useful for the Autumn or even now. I'm quite taken with wearing them with bare legs (file that under "things I never thought I'd say") and shorts (ditto). Or even a skirt or dress (at this point I am wondering if I may have had a lobotomy). Shall definitely be exploring more on Taupe/Tan boots in general.

Last year Ash brought out an alternative version to the Jalouse - the Spiral, originally £149 again. Now I'll be honest - I'm not sure that there is that much difference. The Spiral has a zip. And, errrr, hmmmmm that seems to be about it to me. Vive la difference. Suffice to say I don't think you need both pairs.

Moving on to more familiar territory for me. My beloved buckle trainer - be it wedge or be it flat. The Virgin, the Genial or the Virgo. Actually I'm talking out of my behind as I don't have either of the latter two (the shame), but I do have the Thelmas which are the higher version of the Genial (I appreciate if these aren't your thing, you will have glossed over by now - apologies). And I would love a pair of Virgos (and probably should have bought a pair years ago instead of buying varying other flat lace up trainers when these are the ones I would still have. Duh. Will I never learn?!)

So starting with the Virgos. Depending on how hideous the Rugrats are today, these may be mine by the end of the day (or lunchtime - it will be either be wine or internet shopping to see me through. When I said "BLISS' that is clearly in my head)

Virgo trainer originally £119 I love the texture of both of these - just that little bit more interesting than a flat black.

The Virgin originally £120

In brown which are randomly more expensive at £135 But to be honest, these are probably more useful to wear all year round.

The Genial in Stone £149 full price - if you need a bit of height.

And finishing with the wedge trainer. I know that these will still be marmite to lots of people but they are definitely a staple in my wardrobe.

The Bowie in black with a black sole - full price, an eye watering £170 which makes the 20% off very palatable thank you.

In the new season blue - stunning shade. £145 before reduction.

Now I have always liked the slighter wedge trainer as opposed to the chunkier variety. However, one bargain Jetstream pair later from Russell & Bromley, volte face here. These are similar to my new ones. Much more utility looking but in for a penny.....

Ash Alex Heel Trainer £179 full price

There are loads of other goodies at Atterley Road. I may be back tomorrow with some more of my wish list as it just seems bonkers not to take advantage of such a great offer. The Husband doesn't seem to share my enthusiasm for this, judging by the chewing a wasp face he's sporting whilst I'm ooohing and aahhing over the beauties as I'm doing "research".

Happy Shopping everyone.

A quick pic of me yesterday on my day out in London with the kids. In, a dress. The 8 yr old did say I looked like I was going to a wedding in Hawaii which was nice.