My Sales WIN

So yes, we do have the navy DP satin shoes which I am ridiculously pleased about.  

But I have another definite gem to report back on. 

The fact I've bought two things in the sale is a freaking miracle (and I have wracked my brains to see if there is anything I've forgotten but nope, I think this is genuinely it.  All faint at once). 

And I am so ridiculously pleased with the second bargain.  Big win on the Sales Rules - it works perfectly with my entire wardrobe and it was on my wishlist (I actually bought it twice) plus I wanted to use it straight away (always a really really good sign) 

However... I may have failed (oh hell this is abysmal) on my Resolution.  

So my item in question is a new bag.  A new black bag at that....  And I clearly have one, my Alexander Wang Diego, that I can use every day.  But that's the whole point - I do use it nearly every day.  I also use it all Summer as well.... soooooooo I can sort of justify another one.  Especially when I managed to snag it for £40.  The most gorgeous soft leather (yes, proper leather), ideal for every occasion and the perfect NY bag. 

And do you know what?   It is the most amazing every day pick me up.  I actually don't care how shallow or mindless that sounds, to me it really does give me instant gratification using it.  For some people that may be chocolate, you can keep your chocolate (I'm a random, I can totally leave it) for me, it's my new bargain bag. 



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I've been asked if it was an RM love bag and no it's not, but I have to say, had I not bought it, I may have caved on one of these in New York.   Absolutely adore this bag and really good price for a designer brand - plus not one that you see often in this country which I really like (I'm an Aquarian - what can I say?) 
Rebecca Minkoff Love Cross Body bag $325

So are there are any other bags out there that can give us that instant hit?  We're not talking designer here, we're talking ones that you can use every day, ideally in leather that will make those old outfits that suddenly seem a bit meh (and we all know we get to that point sometime in Jan/Feb... shops are full of new season stuff which we can't wear as it's 1 degree and pouring with rain), seem much fresher.  It's amazing, I think, what a new bag (or new footwear) can do.

Another one that I thought - hell yes, that could work is the Milan Clutch from Boden. £99.  Little hint of Bottega Veneta here?  This is both a clutch bag and a cross body bag as it has a long strap.  What's better than a bag that you use both day and night.  Plus it's in black and navy.  Love love love. 



I am always being asked if there are any more reasonably bags out there which are like my Alexander Wang Diego.  Bucket bags (which it essentially is) are going to be huge this Summer and there are some lovely ones out there and you definitely don't need to spend designer prices.  

One thing I will say about them is that they are the devil's work when it comes to getting something out of your bag in a hurry.  The proverbial black hole.  But then I'm sure that none of you haul around the amount of guff in your handbag that I do.  I'm sure.... 



However thinking about the Spring, this would be my choice from Mint Velvet.  This shade is fabulous for now against blacks, greys and navys but is perfect for a more summery look. 





Now this is more expensive from Whistles but is simply sublime.  If I didn't have the Wang, I would get this in a heartbeat (well quite a few heartbeats whilst I saved up for it...) 




Another place which has gorgeous bags in amazing leather for excellent prices, is Topshop. 

Whilst I'm all about the black at the moment, they do in fact have some gorgeous tan bags. 

This one I simply love. 





They also do it in a black version.  Which I have to say I think I might prefer. 



Although call off the dogs.... Khaki.  Oh this is a whole new area of love I need to explore.... How fab would this be?  With tans, winter (or summer) whites, navy, black, grey - gorgeous. 

Leather Holdall £65 in khaki


I love these from Oasis - leather, under £40, bright yellow to add sunshine to any grey January day.  And whilst we're talking grey, this is the ideal bag for those who have a very neutral wardrobe palette, so shades of grey, navy and black.

Oasis Leather unlined shopper bag in yellow £38


Actually I'm not sure if I could choose between the yellow or the tan. 



And I managed to track down a navy suede bag - new season at Mango. £59.99.  Stunning.  

I know I do look at bags often (merely as I am totally obsessed even though I actually don't own that many, as you may have noticed) but hopefully there are some here that you won't have seen before.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a mini wishlist.  My children seem to be doing more and more after school - actually that's not entirely true, I've just got better at lumping all their activities together so I am twice a week sat for a couple of hours in the same place.  Some of the larger totes above are ideal for my laptop, their ipads and kindles and a whole tranche of snacks which I have to take.  Hmmmm decisions decisions.  

Anyone see any they fancy?  Or do you have your eye on something else I must see?!

And here I am today with the new love of my life - something I never thought I'd say about a bargain bag! 

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White ribbed tee - H&M
Leopard pic grey sweatshirt - Jaeger
Grey Lola joggers - Whistles
Black jersey biker jacket - Whistles
Grey cashmere scarf - Hush
Grey crocheted hat - Primark
Gunmetal Virgin Hi tops - Ash

So I've spent the afternoon at a Stacking Cups competition which my two eldest were competing in.  Back home now, kids fed and we're all watching Masterchef Australia.  I'm expecting them to be able to cook my dinner by the weekend.....

Before I do go though, I have decided to do a running tally of what I buy this year.  If anything is going to put me off buying something unless I LOVE it, it will be seeing it down in black and white.  This will be coming with me every time I buy something, I totally recommend you do your own.  Feel free to add them to the comments so they are in print and you can't deny anything you buy.  Our very own shopping diaries!

Jan 

Navy pointed satin shoe boots - Dorothy Perkins £10
Black leather handbag - Zara - £39.99

I'm vaguely impressed with myself for the middle of Jan... long may it continue (fat chance, let's be frank....) 



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CONVERSATION

27 comentarios:

  1. I love that bag so freaking much - I must go to Zara tomorrow but I know there will be zero chance of nabbing one now!! Gahhhh....... 😩 x

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    1. You never know... definitely worth stalking. Hope you get it, I love love love mine!

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  2. I have seen a fabulous leopard print bucket bag from Biba that I so need!!!

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  3. Is that quilted bargain bag black or grey? Isn't it funny how a new handbag is such a boost. I've always loved bags, thanks for new ideas! Xx

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    1. It's black - just funny lighting in the pic. And yes, isn't it amazing how much of a difference it can make? The Husband shakes his head in disbelief when I try to explain it to him..!

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    2. Men just don't get the handbag thing. X

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  4. I made a shopping tally last year and found it useful - was really quite abstemious and chuffed with myself. Think it stopped nearly all impulse buying. Am after a black bucket bag and that Whistles one was already on my radar - thanks for some more inspiration!

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    1. Beware the black hole effect... all I'm saying!!

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  5. oh we've all done super foolish things like that - I had a couple of pairs of wide legged trousers - a black and a cream pair. Didn't think they'd ever come back into fashion so I binned them. WHAT A TOOL!

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  6. Love your new bag sadly no Zara new me. Also like the Mango one and they do it in grey, I don't have a grey bag ....perfect for the summer. Trying to follow your lead only buying what I need and also plan to buy better. Tally so far White co bargin sweater £185 now £55 and a stripe Breton top ooh forgot Mulbery bag but that was half price !

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    1. That is an amazing buy from TWC! (love the way you forgot the Mulberry bag!!)

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  7. ooooo a shopping tally - that's brave but probably a good idea, I think I'll do one as well........but I may slit my wrists when I see the total at year end!

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    1. I'm going to worry about that when I come to it.....

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  8. .....loving the new bag, and the idea of the shopping tally, which I've started this month. I've tried, unsuccessfully, for the last three months to impose a 'no more clothes' rule. Big, fat, fail. Bargains are my weakness. My big sale success was at Sainsbury's last night while doing the food shop - picked up an A-line pleather (*shudders*) midi skirt for £6.60. How could I say no?? It is amazing. LOVE it.

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    1. I'm not surprised you couldn't resist - that sounds fab!

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  9. Good idea about keeping a record of purchases - I started off doing just this last year but as the total grew I thought I'd better pretend I wasn't spending. Anyway, will try again this year. I only tend to buy in the sales now. Love your new bag by the way.

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    1. Not entirely sure how long I'll last but nothing ventured nothing gained.....

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  10. My niece has that Zara bag & its gorgeous! The chain is so heavy & so you know it will take the beating of every day usage! I love most of the above bags! x

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    1. It does seem good valued compared to so much of the crap in Zara these days!

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  11. LOVE those Topshop bags, in stock in our local one so on the hunt for the Khaki one tomorrow, looking for a nice big bag like this for a while - it will need to zip up across top though. Save me from my current 'black hole' one.....

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    1. Hope you find one and yes, it does have a zip across the top xx

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  12. Mrs Ebojones here!
    I've avoided the sales as I'm on a shopping ban. But I did get a Tula black leather clutch bag which has a removeable strap. Half price and used it as soon as it arrived which is a good sign.
    Going to check out the tan oasis shopper as I need a bigger bag for my work papers.

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    1. That sounds amazing! And yes the tan shopper would be ideal for that!

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  13. I have the Oasis bag in tan and it's a fabulous bag. Love your new buy and how exciting to be off to New York! Lynne xx

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    1. It looks amazing - like a French one I was after a couple of years ago but couldn't justify spending £300 on!

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  14. I have the Zara messenger bag in brown. I managed to get hold of the last one in the shop but a sticker had been removed from the suede lining leaving a large sticky mark. I don't suppose you have any ideas how to get rid of it? I am busy trawling the internet for a black version like yours. They are my latest must have essential. Thanks for all your fashion tips! Ps. Where do you do your personal shopping? I may have need of your services next time I'm down in London. Thanks Elaine xxx

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