Left field shopping

Aka bargain basement shopping away from the high street.  

It's that time of the season again.  I need everything. 

The reality is that I need diddly squat.  However on perusing all the new wonderful spring goodies that are in the shops, it's exceptionally easy (which I should probably rephrase as "I find it.." - there will be more normal people out there who think I'm nuts) to come to the conclusion that I need an entirely new wardrobe.  And that I must embrace every new fashion trend that's out there. 

Which is clearly absurd.  On every level.  I have a perfectly acceptable wardrobe that just needs a few new bits added in for this S/S.  And when we're talking a) economics and b) muttonomics - flinging every new trend that there is into your wardrobe is a huge Fail.  A total no go area. 

But every season it's the same for me - proverbial rabbit in the headlights.  The sensible option is to take a step back, objectively review what you already have and what key looks that are new would work for your lifestyle, your budget and your wardrobe.  

Hence this is what I am doing.  Until Bob takes over and eschews all shopping rules to the wind.  For a couple of weeks, though, I am Little Miss Sensible and am making notes.  

One thing I do tend to do this time of year is hit the bargain basement.  Le bay of the E.  I have a complete love hate relationship with Ebay.  I love buying accessories, I completely hate buying clothes.  Primarily as I am utterly crap at it and end up with a massive pile of tat.  Nothing fits.  And it ends up in the charity bag.

However I've always found the best bargains are those things that you've hankered after for ages, not bought, but wish you had done.  Or different versions of things you do have and you know you get a lot of wear out of.  You either can't find them again as they've sold out or aren't in season.  But they may well be a bargain on Ebay. 

I also find that a stalk of the total sales dregs can often throw up a bargain.  One man's meat and all that.  So I have a couple of those to report as well. 

Starting with more Ash Wedges.  I actually get asked all the time about wedge trainers and I am still flying the flag for them.  I fully acknowledge that they're not everyones cup of tea but the fact that they are so much more mainstream than they were this time last year, must mean others are coming over to the dark side. 

I probably should do another post for this season.  If anyone would like one?

I personally won't be buying any more as I have just purchased these Thelma beauties. (famous last words)  I paid less than a third of what they are full price.  They're not new but they are barely worn.

Secondly a gem from My Wardrobe.   As soon as I strip off the scarves once the sun comes out, I feel completely naked without something round my neck.  And as I seem to be heading down the plain top, print jacket route this year, a large necklace to add interest just seemed to be the ideal purchase.  I had vouchers for My Wardrobe from my birthday and so this for half price was a clincher.  It's very marmite (like most of what I like) but I absolutely love it.  By Kenneth Jay Lane.







Back to Ebay for another piece of jewellery which I've already worn twice.   The Tempest Necklace from Stella and Dot.  I got around 60% off the list price (it was one a stylist in Canada was selling) and I am over the moon with it.  I've worn it during the day and at night and expect to see a fair bit of it.



So there we are.  BIts that aren't particularly "in fashion" but things I know I'll wear a lot.  They're very "me",  Which, as crappola as it sounds, is part of the trick of finding a style you're happy with and feeling good about yourself.  

Having said all of that, there are, of course, loads of great things about, that I still would love to fit into my wardrobe.  And maybe a couple of new looks to try?  I shall be exploring some of them in the next couple of days, so watch this space. 

A run down of what I've been wearing the last couple of days. 


Pink silk top - Zara
Straight leg trousers rolled up - Zara
Navy blazer with elbow patches - Zara
Burgundy pumps - Superga
Sunglasses - Dior
Blush and fuchsia Camel scarf - Virginia Johnson
Vanilla Roxanne - Mulberry

Next blog - one of my "do I, don't I," trends from this season....  Can you guess what it might be?

Oh and huge huge apologies - as I've mentioned, for the tardiness of this post - but also for the code inputting thingy that I've had to put on Comments.  I was (as many bloggers are) getting an absurd amount of spam, which I didn't mind when it was just clogging up my email box, but it was hugely irritating to see it up on the Comments page, when so many of you take the time to write decent things.

I know it's a utter pain in the backside, but please don't let it put you off leaving a comment - I do love reading them (at times, criticisms and all... I think of it as constructive feedback).  I will keep it up for a few weeks to see if that's put the gits off.  Thank you xxxx