The thing about uttering the words "spending ban"...

.... is that all you therefore see are gems of deliciousness which simply have to be yours.  Now the sensible thing would, obviously, be to steer clear of all shops. How hard can that be?

Pass.

Ok so in my defence, as I've mentioned, it's half term this week and so I'd rather poke forks in my eyes than take my three anywhere near a shop (the supermarket is a necessary evil as a) I can get a coffee and b) it takes an hour and can be classed as an "activity".  It's all fun and games chez moi)

Therefore a quick trip to Bluewater was par for the course last week and I have to say, I impressed myself by steering clear of all the higher end shops.  But a quick nip into H&M for "research" purposes wasn't going to hurt anyone was it?  Well no, apart from my wallet.  Fail. 

To be fair I didn't go mad.  And I am so pleased with my purchases (that's an absolutely pathetic defence, isn't it?  Am almost embarrassed to write it.)  

But sod it, here they are - one of which you've already seen.  The tartan scarf.  Look away now if you don't like anything that's acrylic.  This is 100% of the hideous man made fibre.  But.  But but but.  Honestly it's not that bad.  I did have to look at the label to see what fabric it was as it's not that vile, don't stand near a naked flame, scratchy acrylic.  (well not to me it's not anyway) 

Can't find it online but they did have quite a few instore with another scarf in a similar colourway.  Yesterday there was a photo of me wearing it but here it is close up.  (let's ignore the exceptionally unironed bed linen it's on.)

And secondly, for me, a real gem of a find.  An A/W alternative to the Zara linen t shirts that I live in a lot of the year round.  Zara do them in a longer sleeve style but they've never quite worked for me.  So I was over the moon to find this one in H&M.  I had assumed it would be online but no - hissyfit - can't find it on there at all.  Which is a bummer as I'd really hoped to order a lighter cream one that they didn't have in my size instore. 

It also means this is a terrible photo as I papped it very swiftly so I could get on with the blog (and yanked it out of the laundry bin - clearly proving my prowess as a domestic goddess today.) 

£14.99 from H&M.  I've worn it recently with a long sleeved Baukjen longline tee underneath and I was over the moon with it.  I've really struggled this year with tops that will go under blazers and coats that are casual enough to wear daily, go in the washing machine and hide my muffin.  Oh and that don't cost £50 each.  This one is the perfect layering top.  I'm beyond pleased with it.  Expect to see it a lot. 


Another small purchase which I again, am very pleased with is this scarf from a clothes party I went to on Thursday night.  Another Taylor Stephens party (email me on doesmybumlook40@gmail.com if you'd be interested in hosting a party.  I've mentioned it a ton of times but they really are a great night out.  As I always say - wine and shopping, what's not to love?  Actually having said that, I'm hosting another party in Dec but am having it during the day.  There will be cake (of the mince pie variety).  Which is obviously the next best thing to wine.)

So here's my £9 purchase.  Taupe scarf (actually a shawl but I wear it as a scarf) edged in gold pyramid studs.  I think it's a pretty good bargain.  It was not hard to persuade me to part with my credit card.  I've already worn it twice and see it being a staple in the months to come.



Finishing with my outfit from Sunday.  Total dress down day for me, just being a glorified taxi driver dropping the children and the husband off at various sporting events and then family over for the afternoon.  Not a lot of make up going on.


Khaki skinny rib longline vest - Joseph
Khaki and bone oversized jersey tee - Next
Stone skinnies - Dorothy Perkins
Tan knee high suede & leather boots - La Redoute
Olive star scarf - Scarf Envy

There are no photos of yesterday and today as they're of me in - wait for it...... - a dress or a skirt .  Determined to finally do my bit for the FrOctober cause.  My final day tomorrow in another dress.  I'm not going to lie - I've struggled.  More on that very shortly.  On the upside, I haven't been shopping...... *polish halo*.........