Before a self imposed shopping ban...

... it is obviously the law of shopping to go bonkers and have a complete splurge. 

Now part of my splurge was for a wedding I went to on Friday, which was so fantastic and as it involved a dress purchase - yes you read that correctly - a D R E S S purchase, merits a blog all of it's on.  Tomorrow, my friends, tomorrow.

The rest - well, part of it - is still in bagged up, sitting there in the spare room, winking at me every time I go in, daring me to keep it.  But I'm being super practical and just holding fire to see, once I get round to writing the Christmas list (of things I have to purchase - alas not a wish list and hence a self imposed shopping ban), if I can justify in keeping the entire stash of booty.  

(and ok I will admit I may be waiting on an - ahem Ash - order to be delivered as well....... I caved, I caved, I am useless.  And beyond excited!) 

However there are a couple of beauties which I am more than happy to share.  And clearly they're keepers as I've already worn both of them twice.

So firstly we have this fantastic jumper from H&M.  I spent an afternoon last week, perusing the shops for great basic (not an animal motif in sight, most of you will be thrilled to hear) jumpers.  Which don't cost the wrong side of £50.   Of which I found not very many, as you can imagine.  But I have one great one to report - can't find it online which is a complete bummer as I would have loved to find it in other sizes. 

Perfect fabric mix - feels gorgeously luxurious as it has an angora content but is a polymide/viscose mix.  Small enough wool element not to feel itchy (my jumper bugbear) in the slightest.  Great shape for anyone who ever has a muffin moment (and let's face it - we all do, don't we?).  Not fitted, but not baggy and oversized - slightly nipped in at the bottom, so super flattering.   Lovely button detail at the back.  And an incredible £12.99.  

Not that it is another reason to buy it, but have to add that this jumper is able to withstand a large lashing of white spirit.  Which is necessary if you are dumb enough to stand against a newly painted white gloss door frame whilst admiring your friend's new bathroom.  Which I was.  Apologies to anyone at school pick up today who was treated to an overwhelming whiff of white spirit - that was me.  Tool.

And on top of that, the photos look unbelievably dull.  But trust me, it's a great little basic jumper. 

Secondly - now these are a lot more marmite.  Tie dye jeans. (barf, I hear you all cry)  I was completely lusting after the Isabel Marant versions in the summer, but at over £200 they weren't a realistic option for a fashion item which is highly likely to be a one season wonder.  And then they sold out of my size, so it was irrelevant anyway (makes it so much easier when an OOS notification makes your mind up for you) 

I will therefore admit I was somewhat  giddy (and a small glass of wine with lunch may have contributed to this I freely admit) to stumble (not literally - twas only a v small glass of wine) over these beauties in H&M.  

Now in my head I had written off patterned jeans this season.  I have a couple of pairs - two pairs for winter in the obligatory leopard print - that I thought would get me through.  But, fickle mcshickle me, here I am, falling head over heels in love with another pair. 

I have a feeling that the majority of people will think these ming.  Big time.  And ming whilst bleating like the muttonest of mutton things.  Well I love them.  Feel free to tell me how hideous they are.  The rather conservative husband's face was a picture when he saw them - he thought he hated leopard till he saw these.  Suddenly that leopard print ain't quite so offensive (every cloud and all that).  Have already worn them dressed up and dressed down.





So here's a round up of what I've been wearing since last blogging - bar the Friday wedding outfit, which I'm saving for a blog of it's own. 

New jumper debut!  


Navy jumper - H&M
Navy/black/camel leopard print trousers - Whistles
Navy military knitted jacket - Zara
Black suede & patent ankle boots - LK Bennett
Gold necklace - Day Birger et Mikkelson
Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch

And in the new jeans for a night out with the girls. 



Black cowl neck tee - Zara
Petrol, black and off white skinnies - H&M
Black tuxedo blazer - Topshop
Black suede and patent ankle boots - LK Bennett
Black leather corsage necklace - Sportsmax
Black clutch bag - Tory Burch

Now for Saturday night out at a dinner party with friends.  Somehow managed to miss Saturday day outfit. 



Khaki leopard print silk dress - Whistles
Black suede & patent ankle boots - LK Bennett
Black knitted boiled wool coatigan - Ronit Zilkha
Black clutch bag - Tory Burch
Gold bee necklace - Alex Monroe
Brown leather & gold chain cuff - Hultquist

Sunday - rather exhausted.  Having got nailed in the rain as well which =  Irish frizz.  Thank you genes.



Gold jumper  - St Tropez (Danish brand) from local boutique
Distressed straight leg jeans rolled up - Zara
Blush & fuchsia Camel scarf - Virginia Johnson
Burgundy & blush knitted coatigan - Clements Ribeiro 
Burgundy Superga
Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch

Monday was spent recovering (and I just dragged on the day before's outfit to do the school run, I will admit).  Had another trip to the hospital on Sunday night with RR3 again for his asthma.  Which involved a night of zero sleep.  Monday therefore was a right off, but he is on the mend which is the main thing. 

Today, Tuesday, normal service was resumed and managed pilates which makes me feel a ton better. 


Navy jumper - H&M
Petrol, black and off white jeans - H&M
Navy pleather jacket - Primark
Black biker boots - Kurt Geiger
Tan leather cuff - Mulberry
Black & navy leopard print scarf - By Malene Birger
Black Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Tomorrow, I will be back with either my dress and accessory info (beyond exciting for me - another wedding done and dusted and the Christmas outfit sorted) or more new purchase news.... depending on whether the postie arrives.......