The most obvious choice of shopping venue on a Saturday

Is of course Westfield Stratford City. Under normal circumstances, I would rather stick pins in my eyes than venture to such a shopping centre on a Saturday, in the lead up to Christmas. Bluewater I can cope with, just. Westfield? A whole different ball game. But. The husband had a late hockey game and I really wanted to go. Justification indeed. I was also desperate for a perusal in Cos, and to further my already bulging birthday/Christmas list. And there is no Cos at Bluewater so the deal was done.

And actually, it wasn't too bad. As in, there were more people there than I think I have seen in one space at one time, but, by myself, I could whizz in an out, pushing people out the way as necessary. Serial shopping should be an Olympic sport if you ask me.

Anyway. I mentally added presents to my own wish list, and the list for family and friends. And I purchased a whole load of new winter clothes for the husband (if I did not do this he would literally have nothing to wear, we are complete opposites when it comes to clothes shopping funnily enough). I was also able to purchase some items from the new 'Grey Concept' collection at H & M. Having spotted said collection online and checking the Bluewater store after work on Friday, I was distraught disappointed to see that they did not have it in stock. Harumphh. According to one shop assistant, it is only going into a few stores. (Another good reason for me to visit Westfield on Saturday, did I mention my justification skills are legendary?!).

So, success all round, topped off today with another trip back to Bluewater for the husband to pick his new laptop, and me to pick up a new hallway rug that I had spotted in Zara home. I had a quick gander at the cameras in John Lewis but they all looked the same to me. A shop assistant was kind enough to aid me and I had the grace to nod intelligently in the right places, but honestly, he could have been speaking Japanese. I am so not techno. Never mind though, I am sure this is another reason for having a husband. Just kidding S ; P

Lastly, a round up of some of this week's outfits, work and weekend:

Wednesday (work)
Black jersey dress: Zara
Grey cardigan: H & M
Monochrome snake print scarf: Marks and Spencer (newly purchased on Tuesday, beyond chuffed with this, a perfect picnic-blanket size scarf).
Black tights: Marks and Spencer
Biker boots: Dune

Friday (work)
Blue and white print dress: Vero Moda
Grey cardigan: H & M
Black tights: Marks and Spencer
Biker boots: Dune

Saturday (Westfield scrummage)
Long line nude vest: Primark
Linen cream top: H & M
Jersey scarf: Cos
Printed jeans: Primark
Leather cuff: Mulberry
Biker boots: Dune

Saturday:
Black leather jacket: Zara
Grey wrist warmers: H & M
Bag: Mulberry postman's lock hobo

Sunday (Bluewater)
Beige long line vest: Primark
Cream long sleeve thin top: Cos
Grey thin knit cardigan: Grey concept at H & M
Dark denim jeans: Grey concept at H & M
Monochrome snake print scarf: Marks and Spencer
Biker boots: Dune
Bag: Mulberry postman's lock hobo

I may have also ordered the black coat from the Grey Concept collection (one of the few pieces left in stock online)... will reveal all when it arrives (which will be probably be in 2013, H & M online are not particularly speedy with their delivery).

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, I am having to replace Downton with I'm a Celebrity tonight.. booo, I am sad already!

The day I was shocked in Primark

I promise I don't only shop in Primark. Far from it. I have returned again today after my visit on Sunday only to return the shoddy dress I purchased. I had a leadership course day and finished at 3 so took advantage of the spare time and dropped into town. Well. I managed to pick up a black and white vest in my size (miracles do exist) and in the process, spotted a dark purple dress that I thought would be good for work. Much of a muchness, simple dress, easy to change the look with cardigans, scarves, different footwear etc. I tried it on and just glimpsed the label as I was taking it off, and was shocked to see it cost £17.

£17. A small sum of money indeed, but for Primark? For a very simple, not-much-to-it dress? No siree. I will happily pay large sums of money for good quality, higher end items but £17 for a Primark dress? I must be getting tight in my advancing years, or else the effect of the husband is finally rubbing off after 9 years of togetherness. (Thank you S, I really do appreciate your financial management lessons...)

I might have also purchased a new scarf from Marks and Spencer as well as an advent calendar for me and the husband and some praline chocolate stars. I did manage to avoid the Christmas decorations that looked so inviting though <polishes halo>. Restraint is my middle name...

Finishing with outfits for the last couple of days, both work days, Monday normal work day, today more casual due to the course:

White long line vest top : Primark
Cream angora mix boxy knit: H & M
Plain jersey scarf: Cos
Dark leopard print skirt: F and F @ Tesco
Black tights: Marks and Spencers
Flat riding boots: Primark

Beige long line vest top: Primark
Cream thin long sleeve top: Cos
Silver open back thin knit: Zara
Tassel Piaf Scarf: By Malene Birger
Dark denim jeans: River Island
Biker boots: Dune

Black leather jacket: Zara
Grey wrist warmers: H & M
Bag: Mulberry postman's lock hobo

As seen above, my Dune boots arrived! And they fit, miracle of miracles! I swear I saw the husband visibly exhale when I excitedly relayed to him that they fit and I like them... I think he was having visions/nightmares of a trip to Westfield this coming weekend so that I could continue my search. Although I'm pretty sure I still need to do some Christmas shopping, and haven't we got some birthdays (including mine) coming up...

Only kidding S ; )

Dressing for the weather cock up part one

I'm not sure how this happened. Actually, scratch that, I more than know how this happened. So used to climbing out of bed in the morning, piling on layers of clothing and heading for the door, I failed to recognise the need for change when that blasted yellow thing in the sky decided to stick around for more than a day.

So. On went the jeans, the cardigan, the pumps. And so began my journey to London for a day at Westfield Shopping Centre. And boy did I swelter. My car with its primitive air conditioning did sweet F A to cool me down, and I was boiled to buggery by the time I arrived at the train station. Thankfully the journey on the high speed only took 31 minutes, and the train was relatively empty. Still, I was relieved to arrive at the beautifully air conditioned shopping centre in one (albeit slightly sweaty) piece.

Me pre-sweat (aka before I left the house):
Nude vest top with lace trim - H & M
Black linen cardigan - Cos
Black and white printed jeans - Primark
Sunglasses - Missoni
Brown pumps - M & S
Bag - Mulberry

Now for my second weather related cock up, and one of the reasons I went to Westfield in the first place. The husband and I have just booked our summer holiday to Barbados and I wanted to purchase a few bits and pieces for the trip. So far so simple. Upon arrival and quick scan of my favourite shops it soon became apparent that the summer stock had all but vanished, in favour of autumn/winter cosiness and warmth. Feck.

Now normally, this is not something I would moan about, and while the weather was so shite, I was happy to buy into this:  jeans, jumpers and boots, giddy, giddy, giddy. But do the shops not know I now need  want a few summery bits and pieces? A new dress here, a new kaftan there??! It seems not, but I will keep searching. If not, the airport will hopefully provide a lifeline (having explained this angst to hubby, he laughed relentlessly for a few minutes before reminding me that I spent an arm and a leg on summer clothing for our honeymoon last year, and could I not wear that?? Well yes, but I still want some new things dear husband. Bloody men, they just don't get it!)

Ho hum. I still managed to purchase a few little bits (shock horror). And all things that I am pretty pleased with.

Contrast detail T Shirt - £35 Cos

My love affair for printed jeans rumbles on. Not content with my 2 floral pairs and my black and white print worn above, I just had to purchase this leopard print pair from good old Primark. Only £13 and very similar to the Malene Birger pair currently on sale. 

Giddy Giddy Giddy #2. I wanted these Zara shoes when they were full price but could never track them down in my size. Well, not only did the Westfield branch have one size five, they were in the sale £29.99 instead of £39.99. Not a fantastic discount but I would have definitely bought them full price so still a good bargain. These bad boys are definitely coming on holiday, perfect for evening meals and (very short) strolls.

So back to today. Still boiling hot outside but I have most definitely learnt my lesson. So on went the maxi dress while I was out running errands, and then Hollister jersey shorts and a vest for bumming around at home. Bliss.

See you soon X

Shopping and warm weather

Hello pop tarts, happy Saturday to one and all! I couldn't believe the amazing weather today, it felt so nice to be outside and not shiver and rush to get in! I had a brilliant day with my bezzie Clare, we got up early and drove to Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. I last went to Westfield at the end of 2011 but honestly, I had forgotten how amazing it is! I could spend 3 days weaving my way in and out of the shops, there are so many high street favourites and one - offs too. I was in the mood to spend and luckily I wasn't disappointed. I bought a fair few items of clothing which I'm sure I will have the opportunity to showcase soon!

So today's post is just a quick OOTD, a super comfy outfit for a day of hardcore shopping!

I wore my new H & M jacket, a blue Reiss vest top, Zara jeans, leopard print H & M pumps, a wooden and mother of pearl necklace and my Mulberry.

Well dolls, that's everything for now, I'm settling down now with a delicious home made pizza, tea and soon, Britain's got Talent! (So excited its back!) : )

My tea! Home made chicken, spinach, pepper, red onion and mozzarella pizza! 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Happy Thursday cupcakes, hope you are all well, I am finally recovering from my sickness bug thank goodness. I went back to work today which I enjoyed, I do get bored sitting around at home when I'm ill! Today is my lightest day of the week so I taught a triple and then was free for the rest of the day. I say free, I obviously spend the day planning and marking books! Still, a lot slower paced which makes a nice change.


Today when I was writing my usual list of tasks to be completed today and tomorrow, I flicked to the 'Christmas' section of my notebook, checking what I have done so far and what still needs to be completed. As with all areas of my life, Christmas is tightly controlled and organised which I gain a great sense of achievement and sense of peace out of, as I know exactly what needs to be done and when. For example, my earliest preparations for Christmas begin in January, when I stocked up on cards, tags, beautiful tree decorations and wrapping in the sale. This is carefully stored away until Christmas time. I buy a few gifts throughout the year, as I see things that I think people will enjoy, and these are also carefully stored away. I do not do all my Christmas shopping throughout the year though, as being an absolute shopaholic, I adore Christmas shopping, on my local hight street, at Bluewater, or in London, with all the twinkly lights and festive music. I cannot wait for the lights to go up this year, it is something I really look forward to.

Twinkle twinkle little star... Christmas lights on London's Oxford Street

This year, hubby and I have already planned our Christmas shopping trip where we will get the bulk of our presents, for each other and other people. We will go in November, and spend the whole day browsing beautiful department stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols, perhaps a little trip to Westfield and an outdoor Christmas market. We will have a Christmassy afternoon tea in Harrods or somewhere similar, and finish off the day ice skating at Somerset House. I did this 2 years ago with my best friends and loved it (despite the fact that I was pretty useless and had to grip my friends arm the entire time!)

One of my favourite things about ice skating at Somerset house... the Tiffany tuck shop!  Cupcakes and jewelley, what more could a girl want?!

Me and Clare at Somerset house. Thinking back, one of the reasons I think I may have struggled to skate was because my hat was so huge I could barely see! It did keep my ears nice and snug though ; )

I have already written my Christmas list and know exactly what I want from hubby. Obviously, hubby has paid for Berlin and the Nutcracker tickets as my joint birthday and Christmas presents so I won't ask for too much more... I do have my heart set on a Thomas Sabo necklace though and some new pieces for my Pandora. Then of course there is the usual perfume, pyjamas, make up and beauty products for my stocking... I know what I am getting for hubby and have written a list and have already starting ticking it off. It would be nice and a bit special to get some presents for each other in Berlin so hopefully we will find some nice stuff. I have also written lists of exactly what I am buying for family members and have started to tick this off too... satisfaction indeed!

I want the long silver chain and a selection of charms (not necessarily the ones above but you get the idea!

Maybe a cute little handbag charm for my Pandora?

What are you guys looking forward to most about Christmas? Have you started to plan yet? I have already bought some magazines with ideas for Christmas recipes, card and all other things festive, sooo excited!! xoxo

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

All Saints Sunday Style

Hello Cupcakes, hope you are all well today. I am fine, had a good day work wise, but feel rather sick today, not sure why but it sucks, I hate nausea!! Anyway, today's post is a Sunday catch up (I never seem to get round to posting on a Sunday, hubby and I tend to chill with TV and films on a Sunday evening and computers are banned!) Sunday was a fabulous day, weather wise and activity wise. Hubby and I had a nice lazy morning (no change there!) and then decided to drive to a gorgeous little village called Goudhurst,  about half an hour from where we live for a nice country pub lunch. After lunch we had a wander around the village, before deciding to drive back home. On the way home we stopped off in Tenterden to get some bits and pieces in Waitrose, finally popping into Caffe Uno for a tea and a cake! 

What I wore: Skull t-shirt from All Saints, jeans from All Saints, new stripy cardigan from H & M,  heart necklace from Agatha in Paris and chestnut Ugg boots (so glad the weather is here to wear them again!)

My little Woody chilling on Sunday. I am so proud of him for  being picked as a favourite in the family portrait section of the Westfield competition! He is truly gorgeous and has the kindest face : ) xx

Well that's everything for today dolls, I will be nursing my nausea for the rest of the evening, however I have a new magazine so all will soon be right in my world : ) xoxo