And at the other end of the scale...

....actually that's not fair, as River Island isn't the lowest end of the High Street by any stretch of the imagination.  It's definitely one of my favourite "go to" places when you've exhausted the usual suspects.  Other reason I love it, is that most people think it's for the younger generation.  And don't get me wrong - there is plenty there that I would probably be arrested for wearing - or, best case scenario, someone might call the men in white coats. 

However there are lots of gems that it really is worth looking at.  Especially when there is 25% off with Grazia this week. 

For a start, I think their Molly Skinny jeans are amongst the best out there in terms of fit and quality. 

So whilst I am having a super super lazy day with the last day of the holidays, The Husband back from Florida at the crack of dawn this morning, we're having a movie day with popcorn as it pours with rain.  Again..... What better way to spend it than have a quick mooch on the site to see if there are any bargains to be had.  

Code finishes today Monday (sorry....) and the code is GRAZIAMAY15

Navy Blue V-Neck Cami £16      These are ideal in the Summer for under a little blazer or statement jacket.  They're also great for layering under sheer tops and blouses.                                                                            

Available in lots of colours, from cream and lilac through to coral but I think the black would also be super useful. 

Black V-neck cami top £16




To make the perfect outfit just add a jacket.  And  I've always been super impressed with the jackets from River Island. 

Orange jacquard embellished boxy jacket £60




Adore the idea of the white skinny jeans, cami tops and the jacket as an outfit.  Team with heels for a smarter look or throw on some more casual shoes for every day dress down. 

My favourite shoes from last year were from River Island - the white sliders and this year, they also have some great options.  I haven't explored espadrilles yet (I'm saving that for when we actually get a hint of Summer...) but these will be going on my list.  They would look amazing with the outfit above.

Cream black toe flatform espadrilles £24 



More shoes that I love the look of - well, flat sandals.  Now I *think* I'm sorted - I will report back on that another day, but as a sneak preview of the direction I'm heading, these are definitely along the right lines. 

Brown woven gladiator sandals £40 



Flat wise, they also have Havaianas which often aren't reduced, so this early on in the season, 25% off could be a blessing. 

Gold Havaianas £22




More strappy sandals and whilst I was looking for a pair of tan - these in white are rather fabulous.  Super useful for any Summer occasions where a block heel would be handy.  

White leather strappy block heel sandals £60




Other jackets that would serve the same purpose are these two - love both of them. 

Blue jacquard beaded boxy jacket £60




And a black one again £60




Still on the dress hunt of course... and this one is perfect.  I will say, I think these shaped shir dresses work better if you're not too tall.  I love the one I have from Baukjen but I can't possibly wear it with heels as it does look like I've forgotten to put trousers on.  Tis better with flats and definitely looks fab if you're shorter and the dress sits longer on you. 

Blue Check Shirt Dress £35



As well as shoes, I've also had a soft spot for the bags at River Island and there is one that I think would be particularly useful.  With my cobalt blue and black Reiss shoes as well as all the other monochrome dresses and jackets in my wardrobe, this would work a treat.  A super smart little clutch at a bargain price to add a different dimension to so many outfits. 

Blue zig zag embroidered clutch bag £20


There's also a dark red version. 

Alternatively the most amazing little bag for holidays or that Summer party when you want to wear all plain colours and let your accessories do the talking. 

Green palm tree embroidered clutch bag £28




Lastly, a more classic bag now - gorgeous saddle bag with a tassel in black buttery leather.  The perfect all year round black bag. 

Black leather tassel saddlebag £60



And finishing with something I really shouldn't love but I do.  I saw it the other week and it's grown on me.  I love this.  I am a little bit more in love with this than I should be.  I fear I may have watched one too many episodes of Nashville but in my head, this with just plain jeans, chinos, flats or ankle boots, a little tee underneath and it just adds that bit of interest to the more plainer outfits I've been favouring recently.  Parisian goes Navajo (that's not something you're ever going to see in Vogue, is it?)......Is the fringing really here to stay?

Light brown suede fringed jacket £150





So there we have my pics from River Island.  Be quick to order though as it does end midnight tonight.  

I did mean to do this yesterday so huge huge apologies, also for my lack of pictures from lunch on Saturday.  What a day.  Roka for lunch - absolutely amazing.  Suffice to say unlimited wine does mean that the day descended into mayhem rather quickly (not as quickly as for another table where the police had to be called - blood, punches and everything!).  By comparison we were exceptionally well behaved, if slightly raucous I'm thinking... carried on into Covent Garden for drinks and then off to the St Martin's Lane hotel for cocktails.  

The evening was complete with a Burger King on the last train home.  A super day and evening with some of my best friends - Happy Birthday gorgeous L.

And no photos of the dress.  But I did wear it (the Self Portrait one) and absolutely loved it.  Got lots of great compliments and shall be for sure I think wearing it for the 8yr old's First Holy Communion in a fortnight.  Love love love it. 

Here is a photo of me from yesterday before we went to friends' for tea and cake in the afternoon.  Yes I am hanging and no I don't have any make up on. 



Embroidered top - Boden
Jeans - Zara
White sliders - River Island
Black Harker hands free bag - Anya Hindmarch 

So tomorrow I'll be back with more ideas for getting us through this inbetweeny time which seems to be dragging somewhat... is there any sign of Summer??