Let the Christmas shopping commence

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (the imaginatively titled @doesmybumlook40) you will know that I have already made a good dent in my Christmas shopping.  I would love to say this is par for the course, but truth be told, this is incredibly unusual - I do normally do some but not normally this much this early. 

And just to make anyone who now hates me, feel better, what will happen from now on in, having done about 60% of it, in my head that equates to "done".  Which means I will do diddly squat else until I realise on Dec 23rd that actually I have loads more to do.

But I am determined that this won't happen.  As determined that I won't be wrapping presents again (I say again as I have never ever done anything different) on Christmas Eve until 2am.  No.  I am actually going to start wrapping presents this weekend.  YES I AM. 

And since I planning on being such a total Mrs Organised Bee, clearly I need a reward.  What better reward than doing a "one for you, one for me" shop at M&S with yet another 20% off deal - this weekend till Monday evening, code is OCT15EM.

I say "yet another" but to be honest with you, this time, the code is going to be super useful.  I am going to finish my Christmas shopping.  I have just a nephew and two nieces to shop for, some things to get for The Husband and the obligatory stocking fillers to add to as well.  M&S have some fantastic gems (Elf pyjamas for my kids for a start - on Christmas Eve, the Elves always bring jamas for the children - every year I forget to get these and I end up panicking as they ALL sell out the week before Christmas.  I swear this is no exaggeration) 

They also do great toys for children too.  Perfect for really littlies - the teensiest in our family are 5, 3 and 1 - I'm amazed how quickly you forget what they're into at what age but they really do have some lovely stuff at M&S for smalls. 

Plus not forgetting the Beauty hall (I love love love M&S beauty now, seriously, the brands they have are fabulous) which is perfect for Mum and Mother in law. (I forgot I still have them to buy for too - you can see how it all goes horribly wrong for me the week before Christmas, can't you?)

Can you smell my smugness from where you are?  This is the plan for tomorrow night - all on click and collect which I can get on Sunday and wrap on Sunday night.  (would it be too early to put my Christmas tree up?!) 

Which leaves me bags of time tonight to have a look at what's new in for errrr, me.   I have kissed so many frogs recently with purchases and so few princes have materialised.  All Saints, French Connection, I had such high hopes for my orders but they just weren't *quite right*.  My favourite new addition of the season by far has been my Hush leather leggings and I've just had a new parcel delivered from them which I also am banking on being fab.  Plus I'm planning on a Me+Em order (I wore my blazer from there today and had forgotten how much I love their clothes) but in the meantime - a cheeky treat from M&S would be the perfect start to the half term.

And what did I try on first when I went in today?  Yes obviously that would be jumpers. 

You may all yawn but hang fire till you see what I found. 

And yes, these are all M&S.  All at a price - with the 20% off - that you could fling in with the shopping and not even notice (ok - ridiculous exaggeration but really not that expensive at all)     

Starting with this.  I am officially obsessed with Acne Studios at the moment and so many of these could easily from there.
                                                                   
Cowl Neck Jumper in black £65

And in the Oatmeal £65



This is the Large and to be honest, it's slighty too big.  The Medium would perhaps be a better bet.



This they only had in an 8.  Which to be honest, wasn't as small as I had thought it might be.  I would however prefer the 10.  Another great jumper for a casual evening I'd say.  

Bardot Jumper with Wool £35







Cowl Neck Ribbed Jumper £37.50



This is the 12.  They've definitely sized up in all their knitwear.  All very generous I found.



And with a rather fabulous longline cardigan over the top - Limited Edition Textured Longline Cardigan £45 LOVE this.  This is a 12 on me. 



This is the 12. 




Ones that I didn't see but think are fantastic and shall definitely be ordering.  You can officially never have enough black.  And this is perfection in a top.  I am all about the casual for nights out this season - this with a pair of black pleather peg leg trousers or even a pair of straight leg distressed jeans and black suede stilettos.  Exactly what I've been looking for. 

3/4 Sleeve Tassel Jumper from Autograph £45



Another top that would serve the exact same purpose but may not be so warm, is the boho blouse. 

Tie Neck Boho Blouse from Autograph £35  Would look amazing with the fringed boots I have...



The obvious buy when there is a discount is a bigger ticket item and a coat definitely comes under that heading. 

This one is such a good price pre discount but makes the best treat ever with 20% off - one for under the Christmas tree perhaps.

Wool Blend Waterfall Overcoat £169



Finishing with the one I can't find online.  I need a new navy jumper like I need a hole in the head.  But this was £45 pre discount and I swear to god you would think it was from Acne Studios (I know, I know, I'm a stuck record).  In fact, they did have it in the Mint Green - the identical colour to the Acne jumpers but they didn't have it in my size.  I thought I could order it online.  WHEN WILL I LEARN?  Clearly not on line at all.  Can you order instore for M&S anymore?  I am off tomorow to see if they have it in our local store which is the size of a corner shop (therefore chances are zero) 

This is huge - this is only a 12.  I love it so much though - for that price I am definitely keeping it.  And making it my life's mission to track it down in the green.  I did actually say to my friend today - oh I'm not sure about the green.. now I've got home - I can't live without it. 




Finishing with outfit from today - back to the classics. 





Yellow breton - Zara kids
Navy blazer - Me+Em
Straight leg jeans - Zara
Stan Smiths - adidas
Whiskey Medium Marcie satchel - Chloe 

So now I have to go and finish making the birthday cake which the 11 yr old insisted we make for the boys for tomorrow.  I hate making birthday cakes more than I can possibly tell you.  Seriously, it's purgatory for me.  Why would I bother when every supermarket does a much much better job than me.  I had delusions of being Jane Asher when my kids were young and spent hours and hours crafting cake creations for them.  I hated it then but did it as I was a smug cretin.  I have since learned that life is too short and they don't appreciate them anyway.  But was badgered by the 11yr old who LOVES making them (and spends eons watching those darn vloggers who allegedly rustle one up in an hour when the reality is, their team of helpers spent three days making it) and so I gave in.  Never.  Again. 

And breathe.  (yes I have yelled at her, yes I feel really bad and yes of course I'll let her do it again)  Pass the wine.