How to survive Black Friday

Well - my first piece of advice would be, swerve it.  BUT (and who are we kidding?!) it would surely be rude not to take advantage of some of the amazing offers that are out there?

I think we should play them at their own game and definitely make the most of the offers whilst they're around this weekend. 

Especially as you're more likely to get what you want now, than wait for the sale when it inevitably will be sold out. 

Is it possible to snag a bargain? 

Well, I have come up with some rules that IF you follow, you shouldn't make a mistake.  To be honest, these are generic shopping rules but I find somehow, my brain (what's left of it) decides to take a sabbatical and I turn into a headless chicken and buy EVERYTHING when there's an offer on or there's a sale.  Because it's a bargain. 

So before you go in - I would maybe have a read of these.  No, none of them are rocket science, but sometimes it does take a reminder to remember them.

  • If in doubt stick to a colour palette  If you don't have anything else fuchsia pink yet decide on the spur of the moment you HAVE to have that jumper - you may find that by Monday, you'll realise you didn't.  Do not impulse buy a colour you don't usually wear *stares at green coat hanging in wardrobe and weeps*.
  • Know your lifestyle.  That skirt is marvellous.  Seriously how often will you wear it.....on the school run, at playgroup, in the supermarket..... Do not buy something that you don't usually wear just because you "might" or you "should".  You won't.
  • And on that subject, only buy something if you can think of three occasions when you will wear it.  Go on.... (and you can wear almost anything on Christmas Day, I've discovered)
  • Sticking with three - you must be able to make three outfits with it, from things you already own in your wardrobe (that skirt you want for example.. will you need new tops, new boots and a new jacket/coat to go with it??!  Put the skirt back.)
  • "Don't you have one of those already?", courtesy of The Husband.  Buy three black polo necks but make sure they're all different shapes, sleeve lengths, knits and go with different trousers/skirts/for different occasions.  The same black jumper shape in a black cable knit does not count.  Buy it in a different colour instead (from your colour palette...put that pink jumper back.  By the way, I now really want a pink jumper!)
  • Would you buy it if at the same reduced price if it was full price in Zara...?  Are you just buying it because it's a bargain?  Do you REALLY love it?
  • And my fave (which I'm sure someone told me on here actually and I have shamelessly stolen and added to my list) - if it doesn't look as good on as the outfit you wore into the changing room does, don't buy it.
This clearly is not an inexhaustible list but it's a good start to stop yourself stocking up on "bargains" that are only a bargain as there was 30% off.

My other advice would be - make a list.  If you don't have one already, make it now so you can hopefully box clever come the January sales.  Your first port of call should be to always check items that are on your list.  Change your list regularly, add to it.  There are certainly things at the start of the season that I thought MUST HAVE and didn't splurge on, that I now think - meh... I can live without them.

And speaking of that, I have two complete treat purchases to report on.  These, I have wanted for months and the want is still definitely a NEED.  

Now, I will admit, I haven't decided if I'm keeping them yet (ok so I so have - they will get wrapped up for Christmas).  But as they are two things I have had on my list for so long, I feel totally justified in buying them (especially as they both go with lots of things I have had for years and years AND will work especially well with the £20 New Look bargain trousers which = justification right there and none other needed).

Firstly - I couldn't play chicken anymore with the Golden Goose trainers that I wanted. Oh - and here's a piece of extra advice.  It's an idea to perhaps just verify that the thing that you can't live without, is as good in the flesh as you think it's going to be.  (I'm not going to lie - this does go horribly wrong if it is just as amazing as you had suspected it would be and you have to send it back.  Heartbreaking isn't the word) 

But sometimes it does pan out as I ordered both the red suede and the red mesh leather Golden Goose sneakers and the red suede ones really weren't all that at all.  The mesh leather ones on the other hand... be still my beating heart.  Yes there is a metallic tone to them and yes they do look as if they belonged to a tramp. 

Golden Goose Superstar trainers £265 from Shoescribe (zero discount)







They are genuinely so so so so SO much better in the flesh. 



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However I did manage to snag a deal AT LAST with my beloved Bella Freud Jumper that I have been salivating over. 

From Selfridges instore FINALLY.  And now sold out (apparently I did get the last one).

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BUT BUT BUT - there is a better deal to be had although they've sold out of the 1970 ones but some others left at Coggles with 30% off - code, BLACKFRIDAY (off everything)

My advice would be is that these are tiny.  Mine's a Large.  It's not that large.

My obsession with red continues. 

Bella Freud Black Queen Jumper £270  A much more wine shade than the very tomato shade of the 1970 one (which I very much like and surprised myself)










And there are still some deals to be had on others - lots to choose from with 30 % off at Avenue 32.  

My favourite of the bunch would be Jordan's Eyes jumper (I'm assuming this isn't Jordan Peter Andre Jordan as if it is, I've just been a little bit sick in my mouth and wouldn't give you 5p for this.  Actually I lie, I would.  I LOVE this jumper and it does look even better in the flesh that it does online)





However if we are talking about Selfridges and you do fancy yourself a pair of Golden Goose.  Before they sell out (as they are now selling ridiculously well now and if you tried a pair on, you would know why) then it's worth having a look at them with 20% off. 

Which would I pick?  Well, they don't have my red ones otherwise obviously I'd have bought them in a heartbeat (I could only find mine at Shoescribe, hence I bought them already).

Top of my picks would be either of these.  I have to switch off otherwise I may convince myself I need a black pair (I DON'T and actually they're sold out in my size.  See?!)





So there we have my ultimate buys of the season, that usually I would have waited until the January sales for except both were in danger of selling out (one has!).  BUT I did manage to snag a bargain (completely relative term for something heinously expensive) with one of them and both are my Christmas presents.  

I'll be reporting on Me+Em tomorrow (although they do have a Black Friday offer with 25% off if you want to have a sneak preview) as there's just too much to talk about at the moment.  As well as my lovely morning with Anna Lou of London and a whole host of wonderful ladies at the coffee morning in Earsfield I was invited to.  

Quick here's what I wore... Hair is not surviving this weather.  If it's actual drizzle, it's damp. Or then it's damp and you come in and it's humid in the central heating.  This is worse than Monica in the Caribbean.


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Grey cashmere jumper - Me+Em
Grey blazer - Me+Em
Burgundy leather leggings - hush
Black buckle boots - Toga
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss 

I'm now off to get changed for a Christmas party having been driving the children around non stop since 3.15pm.  I think I'm going for more sequins....(and leather and fringing - going against the grain and throwing every fashion fad at the outfit this evening in an attempt to swerve attention away from my halo of frizz).

PS - the only bargain I am way more pleased at snagging than I should be is Fifa 16 for only £25 for the Xbox 360.  I need to get out more.  This is until I go to pick it up at Asda tomorrow and find they've sold out but they're happy to refund me... hmmmmm.

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CONVERSATION

47 comentarios:

  1. So glad that you got the Bella jumper, it really suits you.ove your outfit Kat. The one thing that I wanted is sold out on asos .. I'm sure they " remove" some items before these events. May be a cynical view

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    1. I pressed " publish" before I had finished!. Those wine leather leggings with the grey are just perfect ! Love !

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    2. oh god no I completely agree..... the Bella Freud jumper online was in my basket at midnight and "sold out" at 12.01..... REALLY??! Gap apparently remove all their cashmere from store...

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  2. Feeling smug I just took ownership of a pink roll neck jumper from Boden!!!!

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    1. HA!!! (I have my eye on a Maison Scotch one but I just know I wouldn't wear it as much as another colour... Says she who bought a MINT green jumper which, admittedly was only £36 from M&S!)

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  3. Reading this I was reminded of (notoriously 'thrifty') MiL, usual wearer of tweedy pieces and strange 'mum jeans' with lavender sweaters when I took her sales shopping when she was over from Ireland. Her purchase? Fuchsia pink polyester-made-to-look-like silk palazzo pants that looked as though they were at least 10 inches longer than her little legs. Never imagined her wearing them, never saw her wear them but hey, they were cheap. She has a knack for finding the kinds of pieces you can't believe ever got made in the first place (that extends to the presents she buys, but thats a whole other subject).
    Very, very envious of the Bella Freud 1970 jumper. My heart's desire.

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    1. Love this, we've all done similar in the sales to your MIL X

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    2. oh we have SO all done this! I think I might be a bit in love with your mil....!

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  4. I'm a new reader to your blog - love it. I have a pair of golden goose slides and I love them, I have been hankering after a pair of superstars and have been trying to hold out for sales but sod it I'm going to get them right now! Thank you for releasing me from my shoppers block. Hmm I've always fancied a bella Freud jumper ( reaches for credit card) ...

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    1. Honestly, if there is a colour you want, they are becoming more and more popular so I wouldn't wait. If you live in trainers a lot of the time, you will get your money's worth x 100000000. And well - the Bella F jumper is a classic for sure....

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  5. Ok, help me out here. Why spend a huge amount of money on trainers that are... Dirty?! genuinely, I can't see it. Ah well each to their own and I do love your blog! X

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    1. oh gosh you're not the only one, fear not! My daughter thinks they're vile. As do lots of other people. I will say though, that they do (randomly!!) wear better than the Stans, for example, as they never look "worn". And totally each to their own - wouldn't it be a dull dull world if we all walked around in the same thing xxx

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  6. Kat I'm in two minds to get the 1979's jumper in black or red, what do you think? Also is a large a size 10 or 12? I'm a size 8 top in most high street brands, do you think a medium would fit! Thanks

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    1. I meant 1970 Bella Freud jumper*

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    2. I knew what you meant! Well, I think it depends on what colours you usually wear. I could easily have got the black and worn it loads, I really would have done. But I hvae lots of black jumpers but NO red ones at all. And I think (because it has the black in it), it would work so well with all my blacks and greys that I have. So I wanted one that was a bit different... but I could easily have worn the black one too.... I would say you may well be a Small if you're a HS 8. I am v tall and v broad and prefer a 12 in most HS tops. Hope that helps xxx

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    3. You're always so helpful, love your blog keep up the great work.

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  7. Please can I have your whole outfit when you're done with it (everything)!!!! Hair looks pretty good to me. I still can't do GG - just not cool enough I guess x

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    1. It is completely you, isn't it?!! (and yes you can. But I won't be done with it ever!)

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  8. ooh, I'm the commenter who thought the Bella 1970 red was a bit orangey...what did you think?? It looks a lovely red in your picture, and every picture I see of it, I'm hoping I didn't get an odd colour run of it (although I got it from NAP, and I even rang up BF who confirmed it was a bit orangey) Have now exchanged for the black which I've worn loads but I still rue the red not looking right on me.

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    1. I see completely what you mean - it's a tomatoey red as opposed to a ruby. But actually it worked much much better than I thought it would! It's the identical red to the check on the Zara coat you can see in the background. I'm v surprised it works (but I think it does)

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    2. Must suit your darker colouring then, although I'm blonde and I see it looking good in photos on lots of blonde ladies..it must be my skin tone then, I can't really do anything orange toned. But glad you like it and glad you got it, am amazed you got it with a discount, its excluded from a lot of offers (along with everything else I was hoping to get a deal on!)

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    3. I can't work out why it works on me but I didn't put it on and want to puke which is what normally happens when I put something red on. I wonder if it is having the blonder lights in my hair? Who knows. I'm not a colour expert but I know that I feel good in it which is the main thing!

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  9. I only got one thing on black Friday and that wasn't clothes related - a Babyliss super curl that I've been hankering after for ages - £75 from Debenhams! (Very had it for £60 but sold out)

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  10. Oh it was so so lovely and hopefully I'll be doing more like it. Have a couple of ideas up my sleeve.. And yes, that may well have been me, I was in the Connaught St store on Thursday. It's gorgeous, isn't it? The jeans, I've not tried the skinnies but I have tried on their flares from last season and they're lovely. I would say totally true to size x

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  11. I loooooove the Bella as you know. I ordered the Ginsberg yesterday morning from Harrods with 10% off then saw your tip off about Coggles and reordered with 30% off - nice one lady. Also love the grey blazer/sweater combo you're wearing. Toosh x

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  12. Kat you cannot say that about your beautiful green coat. I have tried to track one down in size like a woman possessed with no absolutely no luck. Its my favourite thing in your wardrobe!

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    1. Well I may be selling it soon!

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    2. Ooo please let Me/us know if you do ( if it's not too cheeky)

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  13. The 1970 jumper is fab, the red really suits you. I really can't do orangey reds (like the poster above), I am dark but suit cooler toned colours. I could so do the black or burgundy, though ;).

    Love the Golden Goose trainers, but I love distressed boots, bags etc. I can hear my partner saying "I saw you coming" in Harry Enfield 's voice - not that I care!

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    1. Randomly my other half really likes them... go figure! He did used to say that about all the distressed furniture I used to buy though!

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  14. Hi Kat, if you're still after the black golden goose sneakers - they're on sale at shoescribe for £135 with free p&p, as are your red ones. I've gone with the black, but am now very tempted to get the red too! I've ordered them in size 6 & I'm hoping they run true to size, as I've nevar even tried a pair on before! Now I'm off to look for a pompom beanie. 😁

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    1. OMG you utter utter genius! Have reordered and will be sending the others back. x

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    2. Thanks for this. Put my order in.

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    3. So are they True to Size? I'm between sizes, should I size up or down (a US 6.5). My neighbor told me to size down. Thoughts???

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    4. In between size, I would say size up. I'm a 6.5 and wear a 7. xx

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  15. Kat can you recommend any Pom Pom beanie please? I would love a black or beige colour thank you

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    1. I ordered a grey chunky cable pompom beanie from ASOS for only a tenner if that helps? I have to say I am rather taken by the double pompom beanies - but am slightly worried I may end up looking like a human Miney Mouse?! Kat, usually has great tips though so I would be interested to see what choices she may come up with, cause you can never have to many winter woollies, right? Over to you Kat...... x

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    2. Thank you Elaine, I will have a look on ASOS for that beanie. Matalan have a really nice funky grey knit beanie with a yellow Pom Pom, I'm tempted to get it but it will only go with some outfits however for £8 it would be rude not to get it. Still looking for a nice grey, black or beige beanie with a medium- large fluffy Pom Pom. Tried on Topshop beanies today but sadly they did not sit nicely on my head.

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    3. Have to say I'm not the hugest fan of the double pompom as, you've hit the nail on the head - I think it does look a bit like ears! I'm sure someone has found a great one at Warehouse.. Mine is from Black and I love it.

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