The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Delivery 

After my fashion disappointments of last week, I'm happier to have started this week in a much improved fashion status. Three lovely deliveries were waiting for me upon my arrival at work today - what a treat! Here's what happened....

I'll start with the positives....the pinstripe Bardot from New Look is fantastic! It's 100% polyester and the quality is brilliant for the price (£17.99). As instructed by @susiesoso, I've removed the label at the back, as it does gape ever so slightly if worn higher on the shoulders. I think it's a winner with jeans, and the size 12 is a definite keeper. I love the sleeves and woven detail of the pinstripe.Thank you @susiesoso for such a great recommendation.

Pinstripe Bardot £17.99
Old Gap Jeans
Stan Smiths Adidas

When I ordered the Gladiator Sandals from Warehouse, two tops cheekily made their way into my basket - one sale buy for £15, and a full priced top for £32. The sale buy is this lovely gypsy top - another Bardot style, but again it looks better worn slightly higher. I love the detail around the bottom of the blouse - it's another keeper! I tried to take a photo of me wearing this - but none of the photo's did it justice - so here's a picture of someone who does make it look worthy....

Gypsy Texture Top
£15 - Warehouse

I've had my eye on this pretty lace top for ages - I did order it some time ago with 3/4 sleeves in a size 12 as that was all that was left in the sale. It was too tight, so this time I've sized up to a 14 with the short sleeve version. I love it! Wearable without a layer underneath - I think this is going to look great for evenings too with my black Hush Tux Jacket and jeans. Has a bit of a 70's vibe - a winner!

Lace Panel Tee
£32 Warehouse

Not so much of a winner were the Gladiator Sandals - they came up massive, so are not a keeper - should I order a size down - a 37? The jury's still out - I thought they shortened my legs....not something I need to promote!

The '& Other Stories' Pompom dress - where do I start? The pompoms were adorable, the fabric was super soft, the exposed zip at the back was nice detail. It was a problem that I couldn't fasten it even in the off white size 14. I didn't look anything like the model - I wanted effortless, floaty, carefree, romantic....what I got was more Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids. I should have realised - the fitted waist was a giveaway that it was never gonna happen. Ah well....

I do like Gap - I've mainly bought on holiday in Florida - not just because it's much cheaper, but because they seem to have better styles in their stores. Anyway, I'm on their mailing list, so randomly check out their offerings. The thing with Gap is that their offers change constantly - my day job in Marketing has taught me to wait for the weekend, and even better a weekend near payday when they have their best deals.

I hit the jackpot this weekend with 35% off full priced items - too good to miss - two items have been bagged and are winging their way to me. Both less than £20 and free delivery too. Fingers crossed....stay tuned for further news.

In Other News

After pledging to cut the crap on Saturday, I'm really quite pleased with myself for sticking to this Saturday and Sunday - not a drop of wine or sugary treat passed my lips. I won't lie - it made for a pretty dull weekend - I live to eat (and shop), and like to have something to look forward to - a bit of chocolate with a brew in the evenings, Sunday croissants with butter and jam, a couple of biscuits mid-morning....the list goes on. However, I do believe I'm starting to feel the benefits - not so tired, the tiniest hint that my trousers feel a bit slacker. With 3 weeks until my staycation in Scotland I pledge to plod on....

Thanks to all you lovely ladies for reading my blog and commenting - it really does make my day ;o) After the Bloglovin debacles of recent days, Hubby did an 'audit' of my blog and gave a loud *tut* that I didn't moderate my comments.

My post on Saturday received literally hundreds of views - I thought I'd struck blogging gold - I was bracing myself for a call from Woman & Home wanting to feature me as a 40's fashion blogging genius 'How a Mulberry purchase gave her purpose and changed her life..', but no - it turns out I've been spammed! So, although Bloglovin couldn't find me, spammers did....please don't be put off leaving a comment - I will moderate and you will be published!

Anyone had success with Gladiator Sandals? I need details - when, where, how, what!!

Thanks for reading xxx

Not Angry, Just Disappointed...

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Disappointments

This week has been a total fashion disappointment. As you know, I don't consider myself a trend setter, but I have done some serious fashion stalking on Insta this week. Here's the low down on what caused my credit card to go into overdrive this week....

Black culottes - as seen on @myfashionable40s - she looked stunning in these - worn with all black. I needed them! They were a total bargain in the sale at £15! So I clicked happy and ordered a 12 and 14 confident one would be a success. Wrong! It appears you need a waist for high waisted culottes - I struggled to fasten the 14 (whilst sobbing). I showed Hubby and eldest - words like 'back cleavage' and 'seriously uncomfortable' were made out amongst the gaggle of laughter - refund please!

Tuck Front Culottes
Reduced again to £10! - Warehouse

Next on my hit list was the boyfriend shirt from Hush - not seen on anyone, just hopefully me ;o) I ordered the size 12 - way too big! I should have ordered the 10 - but still looked a little too starchy and rigid for my liking. It did look to have the potential to soften with a wash, but the collar was very manly and drowned me a little - refund please!

Boyfriend Shirt
£25 - Hush

I could kick myself over this one - seen a number of times on bloggers, such as @schoolrunstyle - OK I was drawn in by the promise of rows of tiny pompoms -  I've dithered so much that stock is now depleated. I'm referring to this dress from & Other Stories.... a new website to me, so I have no idea about their sizing and quality, but thought I would give them a go. Sadly they only had the equivalent of a 12 left in black, but a full range of sizes in off-white. I've ordered the one 12 in black and a 12 and 14 in the off-white - after all, I have been looking for a white dress this summer - another box ticked.

I was twitchy with excitement yesterday about my parcel arriving at work - which soon turned to another disappointment when I found out the courier was due way after I left work for the day - noooooooo!! I've checked - it's now been signed for and is waiting on my desk for my arrival Monday morning. It has a fitted wasit - I'm seriously concerned it will be another 'refund please!'.

PomPom Trim Dress
Now £27 - &OtherStories

I've been after a bardot shirt top for a while after seeing many lovely ladies on Insta wearing the Asos version. Again, late to the trend party, it's sold out. However this week blogger @susiesoso wore a lovely version from New Look that I plunged for. Ordered in a 12 and 14 for good measure. Yet to arrive, hoping for good news on this purchase....what can possibly go wrong?

Pinstripe Bardot

 £17.99 New Look

Lastly - another as seen by me....after a gladiator conflab with my Mum, I've ordered these beauties from Warehouse - just the right amount of ankle action for me. Also available in black. Due next week sometime - I'm crossing my toes for happy times with these sandals.

Gladiator Sandals
 £32 - Warehouse

Sugar

Right before our Easter holiday, I dieted and managed to shift half a stone - I felt great, so much more energy and everything fitted like a dream. Fast forward just 4 months and it appears that half stone has crept back on ;o(

Jeans are pinching a little, tops are strained - all for a niggly half stone! Plus, I can't tell you how tired I've felt this week - and it should have been an easy week - no after school activities to rush to, no pressing homework to nag about (Lindt Challenge still on target btw). So, I've made a pact with myself to cut the crap starting today and hopefully I'll see at least a couple of pounds off this time next week.

But that doesn't stop you eating and me just window shopping right? Insta is such a massive inspiration, awash with hidden talent! I came across this lady - @ninavictoriacupcakes (no website as yet). Fancy cupcakes are lovely, nothing new about that though - in fact I can now just about manage a fancy buttercream swirl myself. However, I think her designs take the fancy cupcake to the next level! I contacted her and asked if it was OK to give her a mention and show some of her photos. It was a 'yes' from NinaVictoria - well if I could produce these amazing cupcakes, I'd want to shout about them from cupcake heaven......

All photos and beautiful cupcakes
 courtesy of NinaVictoriaCupcakes

In Other News This Week...

I've signed up to new app 'MyEye' (@myeye or www.myeye.world) - a baby of David Beckham it seems. It's the video version of Insta - although yet to work it all out! Still in it's infancy - so far I've managed to sign up and check out a few videos. Not sure I get up to much worthy of videoing - so far I've watched Liv Tyler in a taxi! Would anyone want to watch me in a taxi? I think not, although I do feel very down with the kids for signing up ;o)

When I should have been writing this blog post mid week, I confess I was busy catching up on my trashy TV fix - namely US Mistresses (I'm on track with Season 3) and the not so trashy Suits (on track with season 5 and still lusting over Harvery and Mike Ross) - Hubby downloads them from cyber space for me - I've been impatiently waiting on Suits to arrive in cyber space - and woohoo this week it did! Managed to watch 5 episodes in one sitting....

So, little wonder I've felt so tired this week! Have you done any style stalking you'd like to fess up to? I can't do anymore  - Good God it's exhausting! I'd love to know who you follow for fashion tips. Love to hear from anyone out there lunging from one fashion disaster to another like me this week! Which TV boxset has you pulling an all-nighter?

Thanks for reading ;o))

Challenges

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Lindt

Let Battle Commence ;o)

It's true what they say - we can't be good at everything. I'm very lucky that both my children perform well at school and are apparently impeccably behaved - really? My daughter's weakness (like mine when I was at school) is maths - so for the past couple of years she's had a tutor and she's slowly pulling up her grade.

She hates maths - we have many, many battles getting through homework, so its a sore subject for both of us! Since she's about to start Year 6, I'm determined not to let her slide backwards over the Summer holidays - how do I tackle this?

School send home her 'Click' test every Friday - untimed and marked out of 10. I've kept them from recent weeks (scores range from 3 to 9). I should mention at this point that also like me she loves chocolate - all kinds, she's not fussy, although she is partial to Lindt (also like me ;o).

So we've come up with the Lindt Challenge......she needs to complete one click test every day during the holidays and if she completes it without moaning (it doesn't have to be right - I'm hoping that will come) she gets one Lindt! There has to be zero whinging. A paddy of any sort means she still has to do the work, but I get to keep the Lindt!  We're on day 4 and so far she has gained 4 chocolates and I've gained none. Looking good. I'll keep you posted!

Yoga

Earlier this year I decided I needed to revisit yoga. I've practised yoga on and off since I was a teenager. I have a gym membership and swim on a regular basis, but I've tried their yoga classes and wasn't keen. The instructor was a battle axe who could crack walnuts between her buttocks - I was too scared to go back.

Not willing to pay for a class since I have this membership, I took to You Tube to see what was on offer. Apparently lots of free exercise videos - who knew?

'Yoga with Adriene' caught my eye - she has loads of videos online, including a 30 Day Challenge - all free! So, I started the 30 day challenge and was hooked. Every video is between 15 and 30 minutes long and suitable for beginners, which was good as I was a little rusty.

She's based in Austin, Texas and is just lovely y'all! A lovely attitude to the practise without any annoying cheese.... I got to the end of the challenge in February and felt brilliant. She has a lot of 'Fat Burning' and 'Weight Loss' videos on there too - beware they are pretty tough. I'm thinking I need to revisit the 30 Day Challenge soon - what am I waiting for? Check out her You Tube Channel here.

Orla Kiely Yoga Goodies
Target USA - Well, I need to look the part ;o)

Twiggy

I bought this pixel Twiggy canvas from Habitat several years ago and loved it. She's had pride of place in our bedroom, but I feel the time has now come to retire Twiggy.

Happy Retirement Twiggy x

I've been on the look out for a suitable replacement without success - we simply can't agree. Another challenge! My latest idea is to wallpaper the entire wall, making a feature, and therefore eliminating the need for a picture! Result!

I've got a bit of a passion for flamingos, and have always loved this wallpaper from Cole & Son. I never imagined I would find a use for it, but have continued to admire from afar. I've ordered a sample and I'm giving this some serious thought.

I've always steered clear of wallpaper - I prefer clean painted walls. However, last year we dipped our toes into the world of wallpaper with this fabulous paper which is perfect for horse mad eldest. Hubby has given the flamingo wallpaper idea the thumbs up. Of course I'll need new lamps, bedding and cushions too, but that's just small details he doesn't need to worry (know) about.....watch this space ;o)

Gymkhana Wallpaper
£70 per roll - Rockett St George

The Boden Edit

Boden 

I spend a small fortune every year at Boden. This time not on me - my children are Boden wearers through and through. When I had my daughter 10 years ago cool children's clothes stores were few and far between. That all changed for me when a Boden catalogue landed through my letterbox - I was hooked! I love their bright funky designs and the fact that their children's clothes are designed for children rather than Mini Me.

So, twice a year we look through their catalogue together and add clothes to our shopping basket - simples. I know their sizing, I know their quality, and best of all it's free delivery and returns. Hats off to Johnnie Boden for making my children's clothes shopping such a breeze over the past ten years ;o)

Their Womens Collection on the other hand is a different story. Occasionally they come up with a worthy offering, but in my opinion their marketing shots are always far nicer than the actual products in the flesh - their models and very clever styling could make a potato sack look desirable - sorry Johnnie - I've tried many times....

A couple of years ago they seemed to be steering away from yummy mummy prints, but I'm disappointed that their range is flooded with them again this new season. However, not to be deterred, I've taken a look at their new season stock and I've found a few worthy contenders.....

I love the soft colour and cozy look of this cardigan - I'm liking the look with these jeans and soft pink heels - cut away too which I love!

Relaxed Mohair Cardigan
£62.10 - Boden

I like white dresses for AW - I bought the Hush Pebble dress in white last year and enjoyed wearing it with thick tights and biker boots - this dress would look lovely with said tights and maybe some metallic shoes for a night out?

Mollie Jacquard Dress
£80.10 - Boden

Bring on sports luxe! Lovely, comfy and oh so stylish. These are available in black and blue - I quite like the camel colour worn with black - this particular outfit is a little too pastel looking for my liking, but lovely all the same.

Jade Jogger Pants
£62.10 - Boden

This blouse is exactly what I'm referring to! Looks fabulous on this lady - more Thomas Cook 1996 on me. I love the pink jeans though. I've never owned pink pants, but think I would quite like to - blancmange anyone? I'd wear with black biker boots and an over sized black top to balance the outfit...

Mid Rise Skinny Jeans
£53.10 - Boden

I don't think anyone could go wrong with this white lace sweatshirt - unless you have an altercation with a bottle of ketchup, then I suspect it would be game over....

Pretty Lace Sweatshirt
£62.10 - Boden

This cheeky necklace reminds me a little of Tatty Devine. Not a bad little piece - nice to jazz up a plain top and add some funk to your look....

London Necklace
£22.50 - Boden

Gramography

I credit Hubby with alerting me to the new sister website of Firebox - Gramography. The kings of cool gadgets over at Firebox have come up with the brilliant idea of printing your Insta photo's - Polaroid style snaps, cushions, grid prints, heart collage, canvas, t-shirts.....with the promise of new products to follow!

Cleverly designed so that when you log in via Insta, you see your posts on their products - all the more tempting to buy! I'm thinking I really must do something with our holiday photos from earlier this year - a collage maybe?

Grid Print
From £24.99 - Gramography

12 Prints
£9.99 - Gramography

And Finally!

For anyone who saw my last post and is keen to know how the dungaree shorts faired - read on!

It was given that eldest would love her dungas.....well done Boden x

Boden Dungaree Shorts
£28 - Boden

Not so straight forward for me! I ordered the 14 as I wanted a baggy look - they arrived and I was pretty pleased with the results, although was niggled that they were too baggy. I dragged youngest to my local Topshop and managed to swap them for a 12 - result! I celebrated by having afternoon tea at M&S (great value at £12.95 for 2 - you should try it!).

My verdict? I'm loving the idea that they cover all my wobbly bits, now all cleverly hidden behind the front bib! They've also rejuvenated some tees that were a little too snug around my middle to wear with shorts (pesky muffin top) - these tees are now perfect for wearing with dungarees. I've worn them lots around the house to build up my confidence, but had to laugh when I was stood at my front door talking to a neighbour and a friend went jogging past - she almost tripped up checking out my dungaree ensemble!! 

So in summary - a great purchase, will wear lots - just probably not around people I know ;o)

Dungaree Shorts
£38 - Topshop

Crazy Buys

Boom!

I've only gone and done it....and now I'm terrified!

Seriously - I never EVER thought I would wear dungarees, but I've admired so many bloggers wearing their long and short dungarees and looking so effortlessly chic and I just want a piece of this action!

What are the chances of me pulling this look off? At 42 and 5'2 and a bit am I going to look utterly ridiculous? I've sized up - fitted may make me look like a pastey Minion. I've not broken the news to Hubby yet - he'll roll around the floor laughing when I do.

So here are my choice - Topshop Black Denim Dungaree Shorts....They are due any day. I'll keep you posted and if all goes to plan, I may even dare to share a picture - please don't hold your breath!

Dungaree Shorts
£38 - Topshop

I've also ordered these for my eldest from the new Boden season. How adorable is the lining on the back? I am much more confident she'll be able to pull off the look, and I pinky promise I will not wear them at the same time she does (see - I'm even starting to talk like a teenager....)

Dungaree Shorts
£28.80 - Boden

Shoeporn

Whilst mentally debating the pros and cons of the Topshop dungarees, a couple of items made their way onto my wishlist. I really don't need anymore Summer shoes, but I think these green suede espadrilles are awesome - such a great shade of green, and with the on-trend angle ties (another trend I'm yet to embrace - will they make my ankles look fat?). If you've got a Summer shoe gap in your wardrobe - bag a pair now!

Kingfisher Espadrilles
£55 - Topshop

Like these too - would add interest to any outfit....

Kangeroo Espadrilles
£45 - Topshop

And whilst we're talking shoes - HI-5 for these that have caught my eye.....coincidentally called Hi-FIVE Wedges....

Hi-Five Wedges
£30 - Topshop

Arm Candy

I'm a sucker for a slouchy shopper style bag - these happen to be both shopper and slouchy....

Snake Effect Suede Shopper
£38 - Topshop

Slouchy Leather Shoulder Bag
£65 - Topshop

Not for me - but what a cool, crazy bag! Maybe 25 years ago....with a pair of dungarees...

Orange Juice Cross Body Bag
£25 - Topshop

Vault Couture

Space

I'm a well organised person by nature - a place for everything and everything in it's place - no exceptions. I drive Hubby mad with this disorder. Pre Christmas and birthdays I like to have a good clear out to make way for new offerings/tat. I can't help myself - it's just the way I'm wired.

My wardrobe is currently praying on my mind. It's almost at saturation point! I've had a clear out, then had another clear out for anything missed, and I just can't narrow it down any further. Hubby has suggested a simple solution to the problem - I stop shopping.

Help! My frocks & tops are suffocating ;o(

He's offered to put some winter clothes in the loft - how does that work when I'm still wearing jumpers in July? Maybe room under the bed? I've suggested we move house so I can have a walk in wardrobe? I couldn't possibly print his reply.

While I'm busy trying to come to terms with accepting this cramped space - I've read about an alternative solution to this problem....Vault Couture! I like the sound of that! It's a company who take away your surplus clothes, place them on flock covered hangers in individual suit carriers and all the clothes are stored at optimum temperature to keep the garments in tip top condition. Images of all the items you store are then catalogued on their website for you to browse through and order delivery as and when required. They also offer to alter, mend or even sell your garments - what a service!

The cost is around £4 per garment per month. It's a service used by the likes of Victoria Beckham (who spends a reported £25,000 per month on this service - I've just calculated - that's arond 6000 items!). My only niggle.... does a £45 Hush top warrant such treatment? I think not!

So my little problem lingers on - Big Yellow Storage? Back to loft suggestion? Stop shopping - hell no! What would be the fun in that?? I'd love to hear your storage suggestions - what top tips can you share? Does your wardrobe run a strict entrance policy equivalent to that of gaining access to The White House? Are you cut-throat when deciding what goes and what stays? Or do you hold on to prized buys hoping to catch the trend next time round?

Inside Out

Big excitement in the Scott household right now! New Disney Pixar movie Inside Out is due to be released ANY TIME! We've never been fans of Princesses in our house - but have loved every single Disney Pixar film. When my daughter was little - she was Woody, Grandma had to be Buzz. We haven't got any dolls, just Rex, Hamm, Slinky Dog and Mr Potato Head. My son watched Cars every single day (please don't judge me - I was busy tidying up....), and owns nearly all the cars from the movie - he used to act out the scenes for hours - literally hours!

We're really looking forward to watching this in the Summer holidays. Big family outing is already planned, which may include a stop at the Krispy Kreme theatre of dreams. OK - I'm no Barry Norman - take a look at the trailer to make up your own mind....

Hairy

I went to the hairdressers recently, read about the new hair trend and shuddered....

Miley Cyrus rocking pink pits ;o(

Underarm hair is trending again! Someone pass me a razor NOW!

Icon

Bardot

Anyone remember the scene from Educating Rita - the lady sitting at the hairdressers stating 'I want to look like that' pointing to a picture of Lady Di? Well I want to look like this.....

Screen Goddess Bridget Bardot

So in my quest to get the Bardot look, I've been on the look out for this seasons must have dress - The Bardot. I spotted this amazing stripy dress from Topshop a few weeks ago and thought it was gorgeous. I clocked Lisa Snowden wearing it on the daily sidebar of shame, and still didn't make a move to buy it. As always I'm trailing on this trend, and now I've decided to join in - what do you know? It's out of stock! Here it is anyway for you to admire from a distance, same as me....

Bardot Dress Topshop
Don't bother - it's OOS!

Also noticed this beauty during my search...

Embroidered Bardot Dress
£50 - TopShop

I love the embroidered detail and quite like the colour, it would look lovely for a special occassion - sorry not feeling the love for those shoes - I would probably wear with a pair of Palmairas Sandals.

This also came up on by Bardot radar from Warehouse - it's not for me - looks a little too fitted and I prefer a slightly looser, forgiving style. I do think it's a lovely dress - maybe you could pull it off?

Wavy Lace Bardot Dress
£52 - Warehouse

Last up - hot off the press - new in at Mango - their Ruffle Dress. Lovely casual and loose! Seems to be out of stock in a few sizes, but hoping more may come in...they also have this in a chambray blue colour if you prefer.....Looks pretty short on this model - won't be a problem for me though, probably more likely knee length!

Ruffle Dress
£34.99 - Mango

Rubbersole

A cheeky sale purchase to share! I quite like buying ahead for the next season in a sale - I'm not adverse to buying for AW now if it means I can save a few pounds a couple of months down the line..... I'm partial to Ash shoes and this season and last season Hush have been selling a pair of their Jess Boots for £159.

I've managed to bag a pair from Rubbersole in their sale for just less than £100 delivered. I searched online for a Rubbersole discount code and found one without too much trouble. They fit well and I think they'll get a lot of use when Autumn kicks in. I love the skull detail on the zip - very rock & roll ;o)

Jess Boots
£127.19 - Rubbersole

Reading

I've almost reached the end of my latest read - The Last Days Of Rabbit Hayes by Anna McPartlin. It's been a bit of a slow read for me (my new blog and Insta take the blame for this!), but a great read all the same. It tells the story of Rabbit Hayes as she spends her final days in a hospice. The tale is of her close-knit family, the lost love of her life and who will look after Rabbit's teenage daughter Juliet when the inevitable happens. Juliet's realisation that her Mother is not going to get better is utterly heart-breaking.

Yes as you would expect it's a real tear jerker, but it hasn't stopped me wanting to read on to find out what happens in her final hours. I love the subtle humour of the book too - particularly her 'Ma & Pa'. Has anyone else read this? I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you haven't read it and don't mind a weepy read - give it a go!

The Handbag!

Mulberry

I haven't owned that many handbags - it's true! I didn't really discover the delights of designer handbags until my early thirties - my first purchase was a Furla shopper bought in Madrid, followed by two more Furla bags that were given to me as gifts.

Then Mulberry came onto my handbag radar! I was lucky enough to receive their Alexa bag as a gift for my 40th birthday, followed by their Daria Satchel from Hubby last Christmas. Somewhere in between I was given a Mulberry purse, and next on my Mulberry hit list is a clutch - Santa if you're reading.....?

I posted this photo on Insta this morning for todays #mystylephotochallenge - Handbag.....a selection of my finest....

Scottish

I love a good clutch bag - makes me feel grown-up and elegant - something that doesn't come naturally to me! I always use a clutch on a night out, although now my children are growing up, I'm hoping to use them more for daytime too - pretty daring I know.

Top left is an old favourite. It cost around £20 and was bought during a Scottish break from a shop called Cureo - run by Caroline Marr based at Harestanes Visitor Centre near Jedburgh in the lovely Scottish Borders. She owns a little work shop in the grounds of the centre - packed full of lovely leather goodies!

The visitor centre has a fabulous outdoor play area and nature walk. When we visit Scotland I'm often heard asking the kids if they want to go with a picnic in my best Mother of the Year voice - oh, and maybe we'll have time for Mum to pay a visit to Cureo? My little suede initial clutch has enjoyed many a great night out - and I promise never to neglect it if Mulberry clutch ever comes to live with us....

Middle left and middle right are from Hush - this season, no introduction necessary. They add interest to any outfit, especially the pom pom bag - it looks brilliant against a black dress.

Danish

Top middle, top right and bottom right are from Skagen. OK - I'll come clean here. I bought all three during our recent holiday in Florida - from a Premium Outlet Mall no less. All three came to around £150 - they are amazing quality and I love the simple lines and classic design, typical of this Danish brand. View their range here - I give myself a little whoop whoop that I was lucky enough to find the Skagen store and bag these bargains - the odds were seriously stacked against me with two moaning children in tow....

French

Bottom middle - last, but by no means least is my Longchamps bag - a Christmas gift from my parents a couple of years ago. Such a brilliant, hardwearing bag - even folds up for storing! Used for everything from work to holidays - it makes a great travelling companion - doesn't scratch, and doesn't mind being shoved under seats on an aircraft. Great value too at less than £100. In fact, I wouldn't mind another of these in a different colour (Mulberry clutch first though please Santa...)

PS

The Mulberry Sale is in full swing - love this clutch! It's reversible! Two for the price of one!

Campden Large Clutch in Oxblood & Black Silky Leather
Was £750, now £450

Flipped over - now black!
Very clever