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

Christmas! Yep, there is no escaping the 'C' word now, everywhere you venture you are bound to be hit in the face with Christmas merriment and cheer. And I for one am loving it! Unsurprisingly, I have always been a fan of this time of year, birthday and Christmas all rolled into one, yippee.

Not to make you all jealous (she says smugly), but I have finished my Christmas shopping, it's all wrapped and ready to go. Yes I am one of those annoyingly organised people who sits smugly sipping hot chocolate while so many others run around trying to get their last minute shopping. Ho ho ho. I am certainly a Christmas elf, a smug, well organised Christmas elf! <polishes halo>

Enough of the smugness, I will, of course, continue to shop well into December.  I plan however to restrict my weekend hours in favour of evening due to the frankly mental conditions that greet us all at the weekend when we are insane enough to shop! That said, the husband and I did venture to Bluewater today, but it was bearable shopping, with a clear mission in mind. Hubby had some delicious leather converse to pick up and I had my new iPhone 5 to collect. Yum on both accounts. I also had to try on some watches as I am still trying to narrow it down and decide which one I would like the husband to purchase for me. Still undecided, bugger. Birthday is getting dangerously close. It may well end up as a Christmas present so I can buy myself more time to decide. Indecisiveness rules again. Grrrr.

And now for a round up of some outfits from this week. Nothing from yesterday due to a very lazy day relaxing at home (not sure joggers and hoodie constitute good style!):

 Work:

Long line black vest: Primark

Oversized black knitted top: New Cos purchase

Red skirt: Mango

Tights: Marks and Spencer

Biker boots: Dune

Zebra print scarf: Zara

Bracelet: Pandora

 Work:

Long sleeve thin top: Cos

Black and white spotted skirt: Forever 21

Long grey cardigan: H & M

Tights: Marks and Spencer

Biker boots: Dune

Brown jersey scarf: Cos

Work:

 Pin-stripe ruffle front shirt: H & M

Black peg leg trouser: Be Beau at Matalan

Long grey cardigan: H & M

Tan tassell pumps: Topshop

 Work:

Long sleeve thin top: Cos

Grey boxy knit: Topshop

Floral print skirt: Mango

Tights: Marks and Spencer

Biker boots: Dune

Brown jersey scarf: Cos

 Today:

Long line beige vest: Primark

Oversized black knitted top: new Cos purchase

Green skinny jeans: Zara

Sneakers: Converse

Leather bracelet: Mulberry

 

 Today:

Grey jacket: Antoni and Alison

Burgundy arm warmers: H & M

Checked scarf: H & M

Bag: Mulberry postman's lock hobo

And an outfit from last weekend:

Beige long line vest: Primark

Cream linen top: H & M

Striped jacket/cardigan: Zara

Scarf: Newly purchased Warehouse 

Dark denim jeans: H & M

Slipper shoes: Primark

Bag: Mulberry postman's lock hobo

Well, now my Christmas shopping is all 'wrapped up' (boom boom) I have no choice but to finalise my Christmas/birthday lists for distribution to the husband and my parents...a hard job if ever I heard of one...

More soon, I'm putting together a Christmas wish list blog for perusal and perhaps inspiration...

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 ; )

How to fill a Christmas Stocking!

Hello dolly mixtures, how are you on this (not so bright) and breezy Tuesday?? I feel like it should be Friday already, I have worked so hard over the past couple of days!! I've been thinking about Christmas (again) so please excuse my Christmas related post if you are a bit bah humbug about the whole thing! ; )

Christmas. Loved by some, loathed by others, I definitely fall into the former category! December has always been a special time of year for me and my absolute favourite month of the year. My birthday falls on the twelfth and of course, Christmas is just around the corner after that. I adore the month of December, and the month or so leading up to December. One by one, the shops fill with festive goodies, the television adverts assume their Christmas character, local high streets become awash with twinkling Christmas lights and wish lists are written and fulfilled. I have already written my Christmas list, revised it, added to it, and, if I'm honest, am still adding to it now! My wish list has now spiralled out of control somewhat, not because I am greedy and expect to receive everything, but because I like to give hubby a wide choice, so that I have some surprise on Christmas morning when I open my presents. I think hubby has bought the majority of my main presents now, and he is now asking for some stocking ideas for me, so in the spirit of Christmas (long may it reign!) I have put together a little stocking gift-list : )

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a box set! I love Downton Abbey sooo much, I really want season 1 and 2 on DVD to watch over the Christmas holidays!

Chanel levres scintillantes lip gloss in Braise. I love this gorgeous reddy shade and the shimmer. I already own 2 Chanel lip glosses and know how good they are, so I want to add this one to my collection!

Urban Outfitters large peace sign necklace £14.00. I absolutely adore any jewellery with peace signs and would love to add this long chained necklace to my collection.

Lush Gingerbread House Bubble Bar £2.95 - I saw this the other day in Lush and really want to try it! The smell was gorgeous.

La Senza vintage rose pyjamas £30 (pyjamas at LS are currently buy one get one free!) I love La Senza  pyjamas, especially comfy cosy ones like these! I always have to have a new pair of pyjamas in the stocking!

And last but not least, gifts to myself in 2012... ; )

Mulberry Evelina satchel £595. Since purchasing my first Mulberry, I have been infected with the bug, and already started thinking about and planning my next bag! I really like the new Evelina Satchel, the style is gorgeously understated and classic. Evelina is new season Mulberry and also features a larger hobo bag, however I think this is a little bit too much of a 'mum' bag for me (giant, all encompassing, a bit blah...) 

The iconic Alexander McQueen skull scarf £165. I really want a classic McQueen scarf, perhaps with a twist (coloured skulls instead of white on black). Gorgeous for all occasions and seasons, and ever stylish.

Well dolls that's all for today, have you all written your wish lists?? Now it's November, are you starting to get excited?? I really am (in case you hadn't noticed!!) Sooo looking forward to all that is to come!! XOXO

Friday Night With Friends

Hello dolls how are you all? It seems like an age since I last blogged, I had a really busy week and then was ill again at the end of the week so I just haven't had the opportunity to just sit and write! Today was a great day, hubby went to play hockey so I had a lovely lay in before dropping into town for a spot of shopping. I loved my shopping experience today as there was a food market in the shopping centre and they were selling Christmas bits and pieces which really put me in the festive mood! (Like I need any extra help with that!) I also got a few more Christmas things - cards for all my close family and friends, gift wrapping and ribbon, some presents for the children in the family, some gift bags and a little wicker sign for the front door saying 'welcome', with a snowman and reindeer in the middle! (Never fear, this will not go up until December!). I am feeling pretty smug right now as I have most of my Christmas stuff, and now just have a few more pressies to get for family and hubby! Woo hoo ; )


Yesterday was my best friend's birthday so we had a fabulous night out in Rochester. It was really nice to get dressed up and go out with hubby as well, as usually I go out with the girls only. 

Me and the birthday girl : )

I wore a Hollister camisole vest top, a grey/black ruffle skirt from H & M, my H & M tweed blazer, chunky bangles and earrings from Primark and grey heels from Primark too.

Pout off! Me with hubby and friends

That's everything for today, I hope you have all had good Friday nights/Saturdays too, I am soooooooo excited for tomorrow, I am going somewhere very special indeed... will reveal all tomo!! : ) xoxo

Fairytale December

Hello dolls, how are you all today?? I am just fabulous, had a fun day at work and a bit more laid back than my Monday to Wednesday routine as I finally had some free periods!! I left work about 4 which was very good for me, I was super productive today and got a lot done so no late stay! When I arrived home I did some cleaning for about an hour (I actually enjoy cleaning and sorting so this wasn't too much of a chore!), then I settled on the sofa with a cup of tea and biscuits waiting for hubby to come home.


When hubby arrived home we discussed my forthcoming birthday (OK its not until December but I do like to plan in advance!) and discussed some different options. Obviously we are going to Berlin (blogged about here) as part of my birthday celebration, but that is not until the 18th December. My birthday is the 12th so we wanted to do something around that date. We discussed a show in the West end, and having done some research, I stumbled across Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker at Sadler's Wells. I have wanted to see the Nutcracker for years, the combination of dance, costume and classical musical, with a score by Tchaikovsky is hugely appealing and something a bit different to the usual show in the West end. Hubby booked tickets for us in the stalls and I am so excited! December is shaping up to be a completely fabulous month, and it will all be topped off by Christmas!! : )

Unforgettable sets and costumes

I am completely in love with these pink costumes!

I am really loving the new season, I love the weather getting chillier, and the new term at school. Everything just feels new somehow, and I am one hundred per cent on the countdown to December now! So exciting!!! xoxo

Ich bin ein Berliner

Hi dolls, how are you all on this fine Wednesday?? I am super happy because hubby took the day off work today and we got loads done, I have finally changed my name on our mortgage and my bank accounts so now I will get letters in my married name! We also stopped off at Frankie and Benny's and had a nice lunch, then had a browse around a new garden centre that has opened up where we live. When we arrived home, I set about organising my new stationery for work tomorrow, making sure everything is in order and packed neatly in my work bag. I bought a new diary and notebook the other day in Paperchase, as well as some new pens and a super cute pencil sharpener! I love buying new stationery for the new term, it makes me feel like a kid again! Paperchase has an amazing selection too, I literally spend hours drooling over all the gorgeous stuff and struggling to make up my mind!

My new Paperchase stationery. I bought a spiral bound notebook which is one of my everday work essentials, a new diary, a multi-coloured pen, a new yellow highlighter, 2 new pink marking pens (I only mark in pink!) and a cute bubble and sweet sharpener!

I also purchased a new lanyard from David and Goliath. Not normally a shop I like or purchase from, I do enjoy their tongue-in-cheek lanyards, and the fact it is green (which matches my school community colour).

In other news today, my hubby and I have booked a trip to Berlin this December! As my birthday is in December, hubby has recently been asking me what I want to do so he can get it booked and organised. At first I thought I wanted to go to Paris, but then I felt I should broaden my horizons, as I have been to Paris twice already. Berlin is a place I have wanted to visit for a while, my two best friends visited this year when I was on honeymoon and there is so much history there, I will be in heaven! (Not to mention the Ritter chocolate factory and the Christmas markets that will be on when we visit!) Hubby has booked the flights, so we just need to do a bit more research on hotels before we can book and we will be all set! I am so excited!! : ) xoxo

The big birthday weekend!

Hey dolls, so sorry for my lack of posts over the past few days, this Monday was hubby's 26th birthday, and I had a whole 4 days of treats lined up! As I blogged about here , this weekend just gone was the weekend where we had our mini-break in Hereford, and attended the Big Chill Festival! We had a lovely 3 days away, eating out, shopping, visiting some caves in Wales, and of course, spending the whole day at the Festival! The festival itself was everything I hoped it would be and more, there was so much going on and we saw some amazing acts, including our favourite band Metronomy, and our favourite artist Kanye West!! We rounded off hubby's birthday weekend with a trip to the cinema to see the new Transformers film, and then a day in London for shopping, lunch at one of our favourite restaurants Cafe Rouge, and an evening at the BBC proms at the Royal Albert Hall! Phew!

To the festival, I wore some newly purchased items, a blue and white striped shirt from Hollister with a white vest top also from Hollister underneath. My white shorts are also Hollister (I see a pattern emerging!). Accessories-wise, I wore my vintage cowboy boots, an oversized ring from H & M, my Thomas Sabo bracelet, my vintage gold charm necklace and slouchy Jasper Conran bag. Later on, as it started to rain a bit, I bought a really cool official festival hoodie and wore it over the shirt to protect my hair from the rain!

The last picture shows the outfit I wore out to dinner the first night we were there, it was not very warm so I wore some classic dark denim River Island jeans with my Next wedges and a new sleeveless shirt from H & M. I really like the colours and style of the shirt, and I wore it tucked in which seems to be one of my favourite styles at the moment : ) I also wore my gold H & M headband and new green oversized ring from H & M.

Hope you all had lovely weekends, now I am back, posts will be frequent this week! : ) xoxo