A cunning cunning plan

Well, it's not really.  Can I please start with - I haven't bought any clothes. 

Or any shoes.  As I was way over my monthly budget on both of those. 

But, but but but (you can see what's coming can't you?) I was under on accessories. 

And I'm going off on our hols this Friday and actually, it is a miracle that I am not buying anything new to go away with as I do love to have a new holiday thing. 

So I bought a new bag. 

Now it could have been worse.  It could have been a lot lot worse and in fact it's not a proper handbag bag, oh good lord, no.  It's something I actually *need*.  And yes, I do really mean need in the actual true meaning of the word, as my jute bag that I have been using for the past couple of years (which was in fact from Sainsburys and cost £2.99) has finally given up the ghost.  Ditto the straw basket which was even older and owed me nothing.  Coming apart at the seams, both of them, literally. 

And this was in the sale at Accessorize for half price.  They had just taken it out of the window so it would have been rude not to (last one left and none on line) 

To be honest, trying to buy a bag at this time of year is a bit like trying to buy Easter Eggs on Good Friday - there are either absolutely loads or none.  Well this time there are pretty much none left.  I guess it's the sort of bag that everyone needs regardless of where you're going on holiday in the world.  We call them beach bags but they really are Holiday Tat bags no?  If you have children, or to be fair, even if they're not coming with you, when you're out and about on hols, you will need yourself one of these. 

Now over the last couple of years, I have gone very minimalist and traditional but there was something about the pompoms on the one above that turned my head.  Having a total pompom moment.  

I did have a quick look round to see what else there was and there are a couple but really there are very few about (so hope you've all managed to nab yours)

I know two friends that have this and it is absolutely stunning. 

Braided Beach Bag was £29 now £20 from Accessorize


Another gorgeous one from Monsoon, this time not in the sale but a pretty good price still. 

Norella Dip Dye Bag in navy £25



A couple more full on colour ones and I guess this one is perhaps only pertinent if you have an affiliation with South America?  But it's a gorgeous colour and a great size. 

I love Ecuador was £205 now £61 from Matches


This would serve a multitude of uses.  Great size, fab print, love the pockets.

ASOS Oversized Shopping bag in Aztec Weave £40




In for a penny, in for a boho pound. 

ASOS Woven bag with beads and pompoms £35 (yes I'm having a pompom moment)




More Tote shapes 

Jet Set Pets beach tote by Marc Jacobs was £85 now £42


Lulu Guinness Foldaway beach/shopper bag £35



Or a spotty version again £35




Mara Hoffman Cosmic Fountain Nylon bag £189 


Alternatively, I think this is definitely inspired by the above but for a fraction of the price. 

Diamond and stripe Print shopper from M&S £35


More on the monochrome theme but with a British country feel from Boden 

St Ives Beach Bag £49



If you are looking for more neutral then I love this one at 60% off from MSGM Camo Tote at My Wardrobe was was £258 now £105 




Another more subtle version from New Look was £19.99 was £14.99



Another traditional looking beach bag in stripe from John Lewis. 

Collection WEEKEND Mono stripe bag in navy £22



Finishing with one of my favourite though (and I have to say I *might* be tempted to take my Accessorize one back and get this....I'm worried I'll wake up and it will have been a big pompom nightmare...)  A bag that's not just for the beach - super useful all year round number. 

Collection WEEKEND Morgan Leather tote in Silver £69


Or Bronze (and lots and lots of other colours online as well) £69 as well. 



It has just occurred to me actually that I need to pack really.  That'll be the next hurdle.....  On the upside, I shan't be needing oodles of bikinis....

Outfits from yesterday 

Duvet day with the kids who were just exhausted.com and it all went so well until about 6pm when number one son started going ever so/very hyper.  Not so bad though seeing as I was going out for dinner with The Husband so left him in the hands of our very capable babysitter. 


Rad tee - Zoe Karssen
Saxby boyfriend jeans - ASOS
Black thong sandals - Zara

And last night, out for dinner to the opening of a new restaurant with The Husband - the rather fantastic Giggling Squid, a new Thai place locally, which I can highly recommend.  In fact I took two of my little ones back there for lunch today.



Black coated sleeves crepe top - Cos
Saxby jeans - ASOS 
Leopard print lace up sandals - Zara
Tan belt - Primark
Gold Pegasus necklace - Stella & Dot
Tan De Manta Clutch - Alexander McQueen

So there we have a teensy tiny purchase - one that I hadn't said I wouldn't buy in all fairness.  Still doing well on the no clothes purchase.  Wonder how we'll fair with the packing, it will be a doddle, I'm sure. 

I'm now off to drink wine.  Two whole days after a weekend with my children, boy I love them, but boy do I need a drink.  If anyone has any advice on the constant negotiations necessary to function on day to day basis with a 7 yr old boy with Aspergers, I'm all ears.....!!!