And it's the slippery slope...

.. that is commonly known as the dregs of the sales. 

I start off so well.  I have my rules.  And then I go ever so slightly off piste.  Every.  Season. 

The justification?  Things that I will be wearing into next season. 

Which I have to say, when I think about it and given the climate we have, isn't *the* most ridiculous idea out there.  Especially when a) I'm getting full wear out of my purchases right now and b) I am being completely inspired by all things new in, which are heinously expensive and so am trying to snag a bargain in the sales. 

Now when you say it like that, well it would be foolish not to, no?

So today I had planned on doing a blog on the lines of shoes or bags but following a jaunt to Bluewater to return a whole host of things I hadn't worn or didn't work (Topshop Boutique culottes, silk dresses, maxi floral dresses which were vile on me and the River Island D&G/Erdem dress which I loved but hadn't worn and didn't look like I was going to wear, so polished my halo and returned), I ended up cruising the utter dregs of the sales in Zara. 

And I came up completely tops. 

Only 10mins earlier, had I seen this pic ping up on FB.  

From Matches.  I have been hankering after a slouchy, soft (not entirely practical but bovered) trench for eons.  And this was perfect.  I also (thankfully) couldn't find it on the link.  But there were lots of trenches there - it's set to be The Coat of the Autumn.  They're drapey, they're long and they're really really expensive on Matches. 

I then of course became all despondent at having returned the almost perfect Alexa Chung khaki one from the beginning of the season as it was just too oversized for me. 

Until... I came up trumps in Zara.  Joy of joys.  For £39.99.  Do they still have it online?  Do they heck as like.   But instore I found one (the other one that was there didn't have a belt) and was only in the Small.  However it's perfect.  Bargain of the sale season for me.



But that hasn't stopped me perusing (aka maniacally searching) the rest of the sales on line to see what gems I could uncover.

Starting at the top end at Matches (seeing as I was looking for the above trench and couldn't find it - would see what they had in the sale).  Obviously there are the obligatory Burberrys (although not in the sale I hasten to add) which... don't do it for me.  I love them on other people but they don't fit me properly.  To get the size on the shoulders, I have to size up which means there is way too much fabric in the body.  Oh and the arms are always too short. 

However this Maxmara one looks amazing. 

Orbace Trench Coat was £320 now £228 from Weekend Maxmara I am completely stealing this outfit inspo.  Have all of these things in my wardrobe (the H&M versions anyway) and will recreate on the next rainy day. 





A trench with a difference from Isabel Marant.  Adore.  Simply adore. 

Hanya leather-belted trench coat from Isabel Marant was £680 now £272  





Just in case you needed assurance - this is new season from Isabel Marant. 

Double breasted long length trench coat from Isabel Marant £390



Interestingly, the nearest I could find to the elusive one from Matches above, was this one from ASOS which is a fraction of what it would have been at Matches.  Can't comment on quality as I haven't seen it and we all know that ordering from ASOS is fashion roulette... Could be amazing, could be not so mazing...

ASOS Maxi Mac with Oversized Storm Flap £75



And oh my lord - can I justify two?  Or maybe I would just wear this is a dress...  Please let this be as gorgeous a fabric as it looks and is in my head.

ASOS Duster Coat in military style £70



Khaki again in the sale from Sessun.

Sessun Trench was £220 now £132



There is the obvious choice of the more traditional Burberry style trench and this one is a great price from Laura Clement at La Redoute, now in the sale.  

Long double breasted (doesn't look long long to me.. I would say normal length) Cotton Trench Coat was £89 now £53.40





And from Gap with 20% off all full price and sale prices with the code FULLGAP.

Classic Trench £69.95 pre discount in Oak



Or the classic mac from ASOS at £60



Midnight blue from La Redoute. 

Long double breasted trench coat was £89 now £53.40





And a lighter weight one also from La Redoute. 

Long Trench Coat R Essential was £55 now £27.50



Denim Belted Mac from Autograph at M&S £129




How do I plan on wearing mine?  With everything.  It's the perfect coat for over my beloved midi dresses and skirts which are notoriously difficult to "coat" (yes I have just made up a verb).  Instant Parisian chic with a pair of jeans and a white tee.  Loafers, pumps, sneakers - you can't help but look effortlessly elegant with one of these coats on.  I dare you to try it....

So here I am today (and yes, this outfit did look amazing with the coat on instead of the jacket.  If you only buy one coat this sale, make it a trench).


Etoile tee - hush
Jeans - Zara
Boucle jacket - Isabel Marant
Ness patent shoes - Whistles
Mario fringed black bag - Jerome Dreyfuss

I have spent all afternoon doing battle with a glue gun, leaves, tulle, ribbon and a crown for my 11 yr old's Titania costume.  Suffice to say I am no loss to any wardrobe department...  

Hands up who else is on a Trench Mission now?!