From hero to zero

And it was all going so well.  No I haven't fallen off any purchasing wagon although I will admit it's not for lack of trying.  

Beginning of last week when I had my navy revelation, I ordered the most perfect navy skinny polo neck in the sale from Zara - super reduced - yee ha.   I also ordered a whole load of treasures that my 10yr old daughter and I sat down and meticulously selected.  Only today - yes today, over a week later, for those eejits at Zara to email me today, saying alas, *some* (which is clearly Spanish for *most*) of my items had sold out (errr why weren't they just sent to me when I ordered them) but as compensation they were going to give me free delivery on my next order.  Way to go Zara.  So I get free delivery when I always get free delivery anyway?  Fabulous Customer Service.  I am rather (ok REALLY) peed off about my lack of navy polo neck that I had sort of been counting on (ARSES) but the 10yr old is really really upset (a hard lesson to learn at a young age). 

So big fat fail there.  

Second nail in the shopping coffin came when I got home earlier and my H&M order had arrived.  A couple of weeks ago (yet again, quality delivery times... seriously?!) when I was having an oversized cream jumper moment and I needed more cushions (which are actually really worth waiting for), I did a large order of random stuff. 

I'm not entirely how random all of these jumpers might be, as the box that was thrown on my doorstep was half ripped, the pathetic piece of plastic that allegedly keeps it together askew and yes of course, two jumpers were missing (and a cushion... grrrrr)  And what was delivered was horrendous.  There was one jumper dress that is ok (I fear I may be desperate) - the jury is still out.  Huge disappointment all round. 

Cue disaster number three which was today when I went shopping for black skinnies.  I adore my Mint Velvet triple zip black skinnies which I tried to find the other day.  Could I find them?  Could I heck as like.  I went through all my jeans, I went through them again.  I then looked at each pair in detail and hey presto, found them.  And the reason I hadn't spotted them first time round is because they are now grey.  They're not black anymore, they were a washed black to begin with to be fair, but now, nope, they are properly grey.  

Do you think I could find a black replacement today?  Well of course not.  Diddly squat in the sales and of course new season is all blue blue blue denim. 

Missions abandoned.  As I said last week, when life throws you a curve ball, yell PLOT TWIST and move on.  My plot twist is back to my comfort zone.  

I have been seduced by stripes.  Oh I love a stripe.  Adore in fact. 

And did I see some great new season options today.  (I was planning on finding some gems as mentioned above in the sales.  That'll be a sod that)

I had gone into Topshop on a black trouser hunt (negative on the tall side) 

I was totally transfixed by a number of things - the assault on my stripey sense was too much.  These are just all too too lovely.  Abandon all ye who thought you could get through this season without purchasing another striped number.

Striped Long Sleeve Cotton Top by Boutique at Topshop £30 Navy

And a black version (this I definitely don't have..) 



I saw the above tops instore and they are great.  They are lightweight, that's for sure, don't be thinking they're a heavy rib traditional Breton as they're not.  So great for layering and fab for into the Spring/Summer.  And they're the perfect shape to wear with A Line skirts. 

Oh and culottes... now I didn't see these instore (there are precious few pairs of culottes in Bluewater - anywhere actually.  Which isn't irritating at all) but I saw them online and ooooh..... 

Faux Leather culottes £36 from Topshop in off white 



You see I did say that I was Over the sales and this sort of proves it.  I am all over new season.  How could I not be when I saw this dress below? 

Striped Jersey Sweat Dress £36 Now this is beautifully thick fabric.  Heavy, rich feeling, just perfect for wearing now with black opaques.  It does say on the TS blurb that it's navy but I had it up against my black coat and I would swear it's black.  They do it in a Tall (and a maternity - so not needed here) but to be honest with you, the Tall came down to my knees.  Too long for me (slut alert), the regular length I think would be fine.  I'm going to say it and I'm only going to say it once.  How fab would this be with the Lowland R&B boots?  And into the summer with bare legs, sneakers or sandals.  I also think if you threw on a huge statement necklace and some heels, you could wear this out in the evening as well.  This is definitely one for my NY suitcase.  The more I look at it, the more I am irritated I didn't just buy it.  FOOL. 


I then happened to wander into River Island, getting less enthusiastic by the minute at the prospect of having to hunt down the elusive black trousers and losing all interest when I set eyes on this. 

In.  Love.  This has First Holy Communion all over it, over a cream or black dress?  And it would look just as amazing with jeans for a totally dressed down look.  And the best bit - oh the absolutely best bit is, it's just £60. 

Red Stripe Cropped Drape Summer Jacket £60



Also saw this one this one which again, would be ideal over a dress and just as fab with jeans.  The pic online doesn't do it any justice, the one I papped in store gives you a much better idea of how gorgeous it is.  Probably not as end of Winter friendly as the one above is (I would have no qualms about wearing the red one over a merino black jumper, huge black scarf, jeans and black ankle boots - I am honestly obsessed with it) 

Cream Stripe Boxy Boucle Jacket £60