It's that time in December...

.. whenI officially turn into The Grinch.   Suddenly, it's Christmas in A WEEK.  Every year, I swear someone fast forwards the first fortnight of December and I am caught yet again with my pants down.  

Not literally you'll be pleased to hear and this year I was oh so smug as it's usually the jamas that I forget to buy (or I forget to let the Elf know he has to buy...).  But no - ahead of the game, ordered these way back in November. 

Only to be reminded by the children on Monday evening, that this year, at their school Christmas lunch, they are allowed to wear Christmas jumpers (as well as their "home made" Christmas hats which have been BANNED in my house since Papier Mache Snowmangate three years ago.  Still scarred by the experience.  We now wear fabulously "home made by someone else" ones).

This wouldn't be a problem I thought, as I'd seen loads of them over the weeks.  Christmas jumpers everywhere.  Didn't bother buying them as my children have always been very scathing when it came to Christmas jumper talk. 

How wrong can one person be?  I used to laugh (ish) at that (obviously rubbish) film, Jingle All The Way.  Suddenly, it's not a film, it's a hideous documentary.  Apparently EVERY school in Kent has decided that wearing Christmas jumpers to school is a fabulous idea. 

Rocking.  Horse.  Poo.  If you want a baby one, check.  If you want one for a girl, check.  If you want an adult one - funnily enough there are enough of these for us all to sport one for every day over the festive period.  But for boys of age between 7 and 10.  NADA.  ZILCH.  SQUAT.

I tried... Primark, three Tescos (whose Customer Service on the phone is diabolical by the way), two M&S (ditto the utterly awful Customer Service on the phone - why bother having people on the end of the phone if they don't know anything and can't speak to anyone in store?), H&M, M&Co, Matalan, Joules, Fat Face, White Stuff, Gap and Sainsburys (who, by contrast, were fabulously helpful on the phone).

The only winner of the day was.... Next.  YOU STARS.  Thank you.  Rang Bluewater and they put one (the last one in that size & the only jumper seemingly in the whole of Bluey) aside for me.  Picked up last night. 

And before you ask, yes I went to Bluewater after school with the kids.  It will be lovely, I said.  Ice skating and a trip to see Santa.  It will be so lovely, I said.  Suffice to say, parts of it were lovely and parts of it were "interesting".   And it's totally totally my fault.  I always think that things will be better for the 9yr old and I keep putting him in these situations that he just finds too difficult to cope with.  Don't get me wrong, he loves it but he genuinely turns into a toddler.  I turn around and he's gone.  To look at something else.  Without telling me.  Or he's skidding across the floor as obviously that's what you do when the floor is all shiny and skiddy.  Obviously.  And throwing his new gift from Santa (a rather cute cuddly moose) up as high in the air (which is high) as you can.  Whilst walking.  Into people.  Not to mention seeing an escalator and being compelled to walk up it or down it the wrong way (which is an improvement to climbing up the outside of it.. yes, we've had that.  Along with the "I was just seeing what this button did" as the escalator shudders to a stop and all the alarms are going off. 

And breathe....  It's just too exciting and too overwhelming for him and I think he'll be fine and he's not and I got super cross which is So Wrong.  It is my fault, he can't help it, I apologised, he told me I was mean to him (SOB) and I drank wine. 

It's hard for all of us, that I accept.  So he's had a lovely (calm) evening tonight writing cards (his choice) and I've had a lovely evening putting together a wish list from Me+Em and Whistles whose sales have also already started  (my choice),

In fact, I think a lot of the sale this year are going to be starting before Christmas.  Now normally I am a "shop everywhere" gal as I love mixing all price ranges where I see fit.  But in the sales, it makes sense to start at the higher end = bigger discount off a bigger price which makes more sense.  And these are some great classics which will be the perfect addition to your Spring wardrobe (yes I am SO over Winter already.  Well.  The Winter that we haven't actually had yet).  In fact, you can wear these tomorrow.

So starting with Me+Em where they also have an extra 10% off sale today (and I think maybe tomorrow...) with the code XMAS10. 

Brushed Flannel Longline Blazer was £215 now £107.50  Mine is a 10.



And two of my other favourite Me+Em items are also on sale.  I am so tempted to get another one of these as I dread ruining the one I have (one glass of red wine too many is all it's going to take.  Let alone a spag bol...)  It is quite simply the most flattering white shirt I own.  I have a 12 in this - the 10 is a small 10 if you're broad.

I have already asked them if they can please do a black version for next year.  Pretty please... It's the perfect shirt to wear from day to night, the most comfortable thing ever, washes like a dream and, like I said, is super flattering. 

Double Layer Shirt was £88 now £61.60



And my hot tip for the perfect trousers that you will live in next season (and now..  Perfect for a night out with heels or evening flats). 

Wide Leg Crop Trouser in black was £98 now £68.60 - and they also have them in navy.



Blazer wise, for me you can never have too many and I am absolutely loving the longline looser shape.  I am definitely after a black or navy version for the Spring and this is a great buy.

Horn Button Longline Blazer was £198 now £138.60



Or they also do it in the navy - again £138.60




Jumpers that are versatile and can be worn out and during the day?  Look no further.


Polo Neck Swing Jumper in black was £98 now £68.60



Or in the Silver Grey again now £68.60




More jumpers in the sale at Whistles. 

Split hem mark knit burgundy was £85 now £42.50 For Spring - burgundy teamed with camel is the perfect perfect colour to take you from one season to another effortlessly.



In fact, I see your camel and raise you... pale grey.  Oh this with burgundy and white sneakers.  Sublime.  I clearly need both of these in my life.

All Needle Knit Cardigan from Whistles was £160 now £80



Navy blazer love again at Whistles.  

Drew Double Breasted Blazer was £195 now £97.50




And here I am from when I went to Bicester the week before last - just realised I hadn't posted this and here I am in my top Me+Em picks.


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White layering shirt - Me+Em (I bought this two years ago in one of their great sales)
Black jumper - Uniqlo
Wide leg cropped trousers - Me+Em
Black Mario bag - Jerome Dreyfuss
Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Triple gold Disc necklace - Ann Lou of London

And by comparison this is me yesterday.  Post apocalyptic Bluewater experience.  Dear god I look (unsurprisingly) absolutely knackered here.  Tomorrow, I am whacking on the fake tan and a load more make up as I honestly feel like I've been dug up at the moment.  A bit of slap always helps me feel far more together (at least on the outside even if things are all falling apart on the inside!).  At the very least lipstick & mascara will be making an appearance.

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Grey cashmere polo neck - Cocoa Cashmere
Black coated skinnies - Boden
Grey military coatigan - 3.1 Phillip Lim
Red Superstar sneakers - Golden Goose
Black Harker hands free bag - Anya Hindmarch

Today I spent All Day wrapping.  I surprised myself with how much I got done.  The husband is out (again) and so I'm having a(nother) glass of mulled wine with the children (who aren't by the way) and watching The Apprentice.  And must remember that I still have a couple left to do for under the tree (dog depending) and not get carried away and think I've done them all.  At this rate I won't have anything to do on Christmas Eve. *faints*....

Tomorrow I will be back with something I've been mulling over all season and, having seen them everywhere, can I find the ones I like now?  And no - it's not a Christmas jumper.

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40 comentarios:

  1. Snap on the fruitless boys jumper search this very week! Mini rage.

    Boys clothing ranges in store are awful compared to girls. I had a rant in our H&M this week over their 70/30 split of girls v boys stock. Tell me boys don't get through clothes faster? Worn out knees, perma-mud.. Our Next, baby Gap and Debenhams are as bad.

    BOYS NEED NEW CLOTHES TOO!

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    1. Ha ha ha HA! Are you me? I have to say "whispers" Primark boys clothes are great. Mlles miles better than the Miley Cyrus' wrecking ball range for allegedly young girls. I'm also a big Sainsburys fan. As good quality easily as Gap. And Zara. Love Zara for boys.

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    2. Best boys jeans ever: Aldi. Yes.

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    3. ARRGGH we don't have an Aldi. Lidl kids clothes.. erm.... not all that. Which is a crying shame as I am the biggest Lidl fan ever.

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    4. I love Sainsbury's kids clothes. Especially with their frequent 25% off and there aren't too many around here so not every other child is in the same thing x

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    5. Their boys flannel shirts - the check ones, are amazing. And their school shirts as well.

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  2. Making do with last year's Christmas jumpers for anyone who wants to wear a christmas jumper this year - just can not be arsed. Had that sudden feeling of impending doom yesterday when I realised it was almost christmas and I hadn't bought either of the daughters a present as we've been so wrapped up with moving house/starting new business (into which all potential christmas present money had been sunk) so had an online frenzy of gift-buying. Bagged some great bargains (Black Friday - pah!) but now ever so slightly concerned they may not arrive in time as having 'issues' with DPD delivery driver who can't be bothered to come down the drive to my house and just sticks an accusatory 'you weren't in' note in the gate. Bastard.
    On a different note, I am totally with you on the double layer Me&Em shirt. I have a black one with white collar from last year that has happy memories of my Sister's 30th birthday dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant in a small Tuscan town. I ate to bursting point, but the shirt concealed my gluttony beautifully (which was just as well as the restaurant was full of young, amazingly dressed gorgeous young folk and I didn't want to be the bloated middle aged woman lowering the tone).

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    1. Oh I LOVE the sound of the black with white collar - peeved I missed that one.

      And thank god I am not the only one who is truly frazzled by Christmas now. Do you get totally obsessed with one thing that you have to get - which reminds me - must. get. crackers.

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  3. Well done for trying the shopping even if it was a nightmare, sometimes it's good to at least attempt to be "normal" even if you regret it

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    1. But I shouldn't get cross with him - that's completely my fault. ARRGGH!

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  4. Poor you at Bluewater! You have my sympathies my youngest has SEN and CANNOT cope with busy places. Cue lots of lying/sliding on the floor under people's feet in the British Museum at half-term. Not at all embarrassing.

    Now I need to stop looking at the sales (sneaks off to look at Me & Em and Whistles).

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    1. Oh god museums. Nightmore.com. Absolutely no interest in what everyone else is looking at but finds the most random things interesting and runs. Just runs.

      Happy sales shopping!

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  5. One good thing about Southern Hemisphere Christmas's is no Christmas Jumpers :)
    I do share the frustration about the lack of boys clothes. But since my boys do not care what they wear I now reallocate their budget to mine. They will not get cutest dressed/trendiest/smart clothing awards or kudos but it seems to suit us all. Is that bad?

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    1. That sound supremely sensible in my book. My boys are at the age where they don't care whether it's Mini Boden or Primark - let alone Superdry and long may it continue! They do have to have Nike trainers though (according to them not me...) Thank you Sports Direct though!

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    2. That's so funny, made me chuckle :). My son is 6 and not interested so I shall do the same! Cue cherry red MK crossbody!

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  6. Hey ho, these things are all learning experiences. Just post on Twitter next time you're thinking about it and we'll all text you back saying JESUS KAT HAVE YOU GONE MAD? Remember Bluewater!!! And you'll think 'oh yes, I remember, thank god, best not' and the day will be saved!!
    It's so hard being a mum, I want the boys to have all these fun experiences and wotnot and inevitably all they want to do is lie around at home in their jammies doing Lego. Ungrateful little buggers ;-)
    Loving the shirt, may have to treat myself?!

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    1. THANK YOU! This is exactly what I should do. And I have to say I am so impressed yours are into Lego. All mine want to do is play Minecraft or Fifa... Although I have just bought the 9yr old an excavation kit. Which he LOVES. Of course - it's hammering. OMG. My head. You can't win, can you?!

      Buy the shirt. You won't regret it xxx

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    2. Haha Kat you make me laugh! I so much identity with you here.

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    3. I actually know of people who don't their children watch tv or have any screen time during the week. A different level of awe.

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    4. My 8yr old is glued to Minecraft. When he's not on it all he does is wine and moan and fight with his siblings do it's better if he stays glued there lol!

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    5. When mine aren't on it - they watch cretinous 20somethings taking about it on You Tube! (rich cretinous somethings that is...!)

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  7. Hate Christmas jumpers ghastly! But loving me & em sale, already done one order may have to add a blazer, hesitated over the Golden Goose trainers now sold out, bother !

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    1. Ooh well done you. The GGs are only beginning, I promise!

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  8. Am totally behind on Xmas, luckily though the Xmas jumper trend hasn't made it to Bucks so its just a plain old party day for us.. winner! - have you totally to blame though about Golden goose trainers, ordered a black and a white pair on the Shoescribe sale and love them both so much that I've kept both pairs, seriously how can a pair of trainers be so comfy?

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    1. You would never believe how comfy trainers can be, would you? Like slippers.

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  9. I'm so with you here Kat. I jinxed myself on tuesday night by saying to my friends that I'd somehow escaped the Christmas Jumper day this year. Then, an hour later, my daughter tells me she needs one for school on friday. I've now got one arriving from H&M today on next day delivery. And it's not even very nice. And the postage cost more than the frikkin jumper itself! And she'll probably get to school and take it off. ha ha ha ho ho ho.

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  10. my childrens schools are both doing the xmas jumper day tomorrow for text santa, The 17 year old girl didnt want a new one as she said she is at a new school so her old one is a new one to her new friends! Thank you for saving me money, bless the younger 9 year old boy who would have been happy wearing last years one but seems to grow at an alarming rate so they didnt fit, Dad is 6ft 7" so i should expect this. panic buy wednesday night for my son as he had a christmas disco last night and christmas party today all requiring outfits, having checked his wardrobe and realised nothing fits anymore, thank god for Next and their great delivery service as we quickly chose some clothes which arrived by lunchtime yesterday, all ready for his "social" events. One a plus my half price leopard print shoes from Mint Velvet arrived yesterday and i love them, just the right heel height to be glamorous but not look like i am tilting forwards and so cushioned its like standing on clouds. ;)

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    1. oh yes - the old classic - start of the holidays and the whole "nothing fits" charade. Next are amazing fr quick delivery - I have relied on them many a time. And fab news on the Mint Velvet shoe front. YAY!

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  11. Dang, I remember all those days I was DETERMINED to make a lovely Mom + kids outing just like in the movies with the singing and the pretty outfits and the memories that will last forever. What really lasted forever? Images of dragging the children about, getting snippy and angry, and them being MISERABLE and just wanting to GO HOME. Years later and I'm still feeling crap about it.
    Sympathies, Kat. Mulled wine sounds grand.

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    1. I have howled laughing at this. Nail. Head. Thank god for wine. And shoes.

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  12. The Boden skinnies are amazing aren't they? And I literally can't get enough of Me+Em at the moment. Tomorrow I shall be almost head to toe for brekkie in London with the husband.

    And yes, I'm not sure my kids would agree with you on the brilliant mum front but god we do all try our best!!

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  13. Got your gorgeous grey me&em blazer in the sale with the extra 10% off i am beside myself. Thanks Kat x

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    1. Oh I'm so so so so pleased. The two tone sleeves turn it into the most perfect grey jacket ever!

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  14. Shops suck for tween boys clothes. Young lads and baby's ok but in between like you said nada! I wish I could shop for myself...some nice things there.

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    1. I dread to think - am only there with a 11yr old girl and she'll wear Jack WIlls, Hollister, Zara etc but boys??!! The same I guess? God I'm going to have no money to buy anything for me!

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  15. As a mum of a nearly-6 yr old Aspie the above sounds so familiar. So glad it's not just me trying be "normal" and doing "quality family time things" for him & his sisters, and it all ending in meltdown (him & me both!). Thanks.

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    1. Lord this is SO true. ANd every time I think "oh it will be better this time..".. It's not. Ever!! Tomorrow, am taking the 11yr old back just on her own as it's so not fair she doesn't get to have a normal time. And the bonkers thing is - he's far happier at home on his own. I had a good think about things he does like doing and things that send him loop de loop and should concentrate on the things that do work. Cinema .. theatre....

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  16. Is this an ongoing thing now with the Christmas jumpers in Kent? I was rushing around Bluewater as well!!! We managed to be organised (which is totally not like me) and went there about a week before the "big " day at school so we scored them at H&M..for all of us!! Haha! Major cheese but I was in a good mood. Maybe new family tradition is on horizon thanks to school??!!

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