An Update Of Sorts

Tuesday 4 February 2014


First month of 2014 down already and I 've only just got this post out. I started it a little while back and in between I went off and did stuff and then found it again and thought ... hmmm... let's pick up again and let's try and finish this time.

Anyway, I thought it might be an idea to do a little round up of some of the good AND bad things which landed in my wardrobe last/this year. It's good to include the mistakes - they always say, it's how you learn.


Good Wardrobe Items
  • Gap mini skimmer chinos. These were a a godsend this summer especially when I put on few pounds over the summer months. I didn't bother to tell anyone but just wore these chinos which disguised the thunder thighs. Besides if you shout about it, people look all the more and go "oh yeah - heffer moose". The temperatures were high last summer and on the days when it was just about cool enough to put your legs in something, the Gap mini skimmer chinos were the trousers of choice. These were one of those items you try on in the changing room and you know it's a no brainer. They fit, they flatter, you buy them. And when you get them home and you're strutting your stuff in front of the mirror and they still look and feel good - you know you've got a winner. When I wasn't wearing the green khakis, I was wearing the flint grey version. Yep, I bought two pairs - they were that good :o) 

  • Zara denim shirt. I tried on innumerable denim shirts but really struggled to find the perfect one. If the fit was right, the finish and distressing would be just a little too manufactured and too obvious on many of them.  So I bought one which didn't have this kind of finish on them. Problem solved. I have to say I have enjoyed this item more than I thought I would and it has proved more versatile than I first imagined. I even found myself doing double denim with this shirt as it contrasts significantly with all the other denim bottoms I have in my wardrobe. And it must be a goodie - I bought it last spring/summer and they continued it through autumn/winter and Zara have just brought it out again. It's one of those little under the radar numbers.

  • Silver leather Zara espadrilles.  I got these at a brilliant price when I thought all chances of nabbing them had gone out of the sale window. These (along with my other two pairs of River Island espadrilles) were my go to footwear during the hot weather. Not as stifling as a pair of Converse and lighter and comfier to be honest. They also hold your foot so much better than ballet pumps or flip flops. No toe gripping required. I like the pairs which have a rubber sole on the bottom rather than the rope soles. If you get caught in the rain, the rope soles absorb like sponges. Squelch squelch. I'm obviously speaking from experience. But they do dry out. Phew!

  • Medwinds Black Ankle Boots. I got rid of my Topshop Ambush boots earlier this year and thought nothing of it till I got to the winter months and found I had no daytime footwear to wear with a dress. But somehow, these ankle boots manage to magically do the job. And they work well with jeans too. I have Marlene to thank for putting me on the right track for getting a pair of boots like this. My first instinct would be to go for a more casual boot only to wear with jeans but these smarter ones have a touch more class and elegance. Maybe I'm growing up finally .... maybe.

  • H&M Low (not very) Skinny Jeans. I switched allegiance from New Look jeans to H&M jeans this year. I used to buy jeans from New Look because they had the perfect leg lengths for me and they still do but I haven't got on with their washes, cuts or finishes for the last couple of years. I found this pair of H&M Low (not very) Skinny jeans earlier this year and they proved to be the perfect jeans for wearing without turnups. I think they might best be described as the perfect "skinny straight" jean. For the record, I'm not wearing them much at the moment, they are erm .. snug and they don't have much give - I still haven't lost those Christmas pounds and I have to say, I'm not trying very hard or rather I have no will power. But they will be back in action soon or I'll change my name to Big Fib.

  • Zara Boyfriend Jeans. Yeah, I needed another pair of distressed looking boyfriend jeans like I needed another pair of shoes but I just couldn't help myself. I love the fit of these and the slouchiness. There's nothing like a pair of jeans threatening to fall off your backside to make you feel like you never ate all those mince pies at Christmas.



Bad Wardrobe Items
  • H&M Blue Marl Sweatshirt. Yep I know it was only £3.99 so it's not a great loss or anything but it ended up being a major wardrobe fail on the account that it pilled magnificently and you know how much I hate pilling. I read the composition for the grey version of this sweatshirt  which was predominantly cotton and everyone who bought the grey one have said they have not had this problem. I went and bought the blue one thinking it was the same fabric composition and it wasn't. Even I slip up sometimes. I have to say, I genuinely loved this sweatshirt when I got it. It was snuggly as it had a fleecy lining, it was the perfect worn blue marl colour, the sleeve length was good, the fit was on the right side of fitted yet loose and then it went and pilled on me. I haven't thrown it out yet - it's my current decorating sweatshirt. I told you I liked it even though it now looks pants. Pilly pants at that.

  • Splendid Grey Tee. I bet you're surprised to hear this one in here right? It's the perfect grey, it's a nice cut but the composition has meant it has pilled. As Victor Meldrew would say "I don't believe it!" but pill it does. Not so hot for an item which would have cost more than £60 full price And it's only a tee shirt. Pah! Infact, I've just recently relegated it to nightwear category.

  • T for Alexander Wang Blazer. Yup it was a bargain but it's a bargain that's not for me. I don't really do jackets like this if the truth be told and it's not very me. I might also have been better with a size up if they'd had one. Fat arms and all that. Everywhere else fits. You live and learn and move on.

  • M&S Navy Coat. Yes really. We were not destined to be. I bought it in August and eventually got round to wearing it in November. Two wears along and I noticed the fabric rubbing up around the pockets and the sides. Two wears. Tsk tsk. Not good enough. Credit to M&S, they did refund me after I took it back to Customer Services. It's the first complaint I've made since 1998 when I bought one of their Italian Fabric suits - my skirt looked like a concertina after I got out of the car the first time I wore it. I was disgruntled enough to complain and I almost never ever complain (except to you lot).



    Wardrobe Regrets
    • Zara Two Tone Jumper. This one stayed for nearly three weeks and then went back to the returns desk. I took into account of all your views and I was that close to parking it in the wardrobe and then returned it at the last moment. It wasn't the acrylic that got me - it was the length of the sleeves. I just hate sleeves in my food. I already have one jumper with overly long sleeves and my wardrobe ain't big enough for the two of them. And do you know what kills me -  Caroline de Maigret wearing this in the Zara lookbook and looking major in it. Regrets? I have a few .....
    Credit : zara.com


    Items Which Were A Bit Of A Surprise
    • Next Cheetah Pumps. I love these. I wasn't sure if these were going to get that much wear but I found them strangely adaptable and magically update an outfit. If the weather was better, these would be on my feet just about every day. They were a little snug across the top when I got them but after a couple of wears, they've broken in nicely and they go perfectly with a pair of boyfriend jeans. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather when I can realise their full potential. Not bad for £18. Still available from the Next Clearance section here.


    Items Which I Haven't Worn Much But Not Regretted So Can't Really Comment On Fully.
    • Jigsaw Red Suede Shoes. I never mentioned them on here. I bought them and stashed them away. I saw them and my inner Dorothy said you must have them and look there's only your size left! These are crimson red. I can only liken the colour to the first drop of blood drawn before Sleeping Beauty passed out when she pricked her finger. Daft mare! I've only worn them the once on New Years Eve. For one hour. But I don't regret getting them for a minute. I get them out sometimes and smile at them dangling on the end of my feet. Tell me you do this too with shoes you love :o?

    • Opening Ceremony Loafers. Hmm, I'm detecting a bit of a theme here and we seem to be all about the shoes. I've only recently noticed it myself but I am a shoe girl and not a bag girl. I'm not even a Jimmy Choo, Valentino type of luxury shoe girl. I'm just a regular high street practical shoe girl. But these loafers were a bit of a curve ball shoe. I wanted loafers. I wanted Bass Weejun loafers and what do I get? A pair of flowery loafers. I've not had much chance to wear these either as I got them at the end of summer but I don't regret these either. They go with a surprising amount of things actually because of the colour mix - navy, grey, black, green. Brill.

    • Isabel Marant Blouse. This is essentially a spring/summer item and I bought it at the end of summer last year so I haven't had that much opportunity to get my wear out of it. I have a feeling this will come in to it's own this year. It's one of those chuck it on blouses and it looks fresh and light. The bonus is, it's one of those designs which have a bit of longevity with it - it doesn't really date and you wouldn't really know where it is from. I kind of like that anonymity  about it.


    The Most Useful Things I Bought

    • Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket. I have a love hate relationship with this little number. I love it because it provides extra warmth on those cold cold evenings when I'm hanging around watching U8 football training. I layer up and then pop this jacket on before I head out of the door. I feel naked if I go out without it. I think part of this is all in my mind that is supposed to keep me toasty and so I believe it to do that. I think it does it ... but not as well as I would have liked. Infact, I think what I really need is this one which I think is the slightly warmer version of the one I've got. And the hate part of this jacket? I hate it because I should have bought a size bigger and I kind of look like I'm doing a Superman mid change thing with my undone poppers AND the neckline is a little irritating as it's a little "sharp" around the edges. It can be remedied with a well placed scarf but if I was doing it again, I'd buy the one with a higher neck. Anyway, I've got my jacket, I'm not getting another, let's make the most of it and I have to say, I have worn it for every training session since we started. It's been nothing if not useful. Oh yes - it also packs away to diddly squat so I quite often take it away with me when I'm going anywhere where I think I might be cold.
    See! I never fasten it fully!

    • Zara Parka. You've seen me extolling it's virtues here and I have to say, it's my go to coat of the season simply because it's a damned toasty coat and I can't get enough of those fleece lined pockets. It's big and I can fit layers underneath it. It's had a thorough 1 hour pouring rain waterproof testing and it passed with flying colours. The bad points are the zips on the pockets (yeah yeah Helen), the sleeves are a touch long and when I'm standing outside on a cold evening, I wish it was another 10 inches longer to cover my knees but only when I'm standing outside on a cold evening. Other than that, I like it's styling and it's actually a good length without swamping me. Oh yes! You're also liable to get knocked down crossing the road in this if you've got the hood up. It's one of those hoods that stays facing forwards even when you've turned your head. You have to do a whole body turn to see which way cars are coming when you are crossing the road. But it's not the end of the world. Unless you don't do a full body turn ... :o(

    • Sorel Caribou Boots. Yep, I've only had them less than a month but I think these boots make my outside world a much better place. I like the feeling of being almost invincible in them because they do look like they could do some serious damage along with keeping your feet warm. Imagine being in the Canadian Wilderness with a pair of these on your feet. A big bear looms up behind you - a few karate kicks (Hi-Yah!!) with these on your feet and it's off! Want some more Mr Bear? No? Didn't think so. But to all intents and purposes, they keep my feet warm and that's why I bought them.


    There are probably more items I could have included i.e. silk spotty blouses, brogues, trainers etc but we would be here forever. The ones mentioned were the ones which came to mind first and I think that's enough to be going on with. Maybe I should break this kind of summary down in to half yearly chunks and re-appraise at the end of summer to see if I got the wear out of the items that I haven't had my wear out of yet. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. Do you like my non-commital stance on things? Then you can't hold me to it :o)






    47 comments

    1. Fab rundown, love your good and not so good buys, I have got to agree the parka has been my best buy this a/w along with my NB trainers i have worn them both non stop...so agree re: hood/road/danger point!! Love the IM blouse it will look amazing in the summer, all in all a good shopping year for you! Xxx

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      1. I have to say, I love the Zara parka - it is earning it's keep but I kind of figured it would. It looks good and it keeps me warm. Big love.

        And yes - I hope to get lots of wear out of the IM blouse this summer infact that's an absolute must!

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    2. I like all your likes. Shame about the M&S coat - it looks really nice, but if the quality is suspect it needed to go back. WOW to the red suede shoes - they are lovely, and so eye catching! mmmmm

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      1. I was a little gutted about the M&S coat as it was a good fit and everything but the fabric just looked so shoddy after a couple of wears that I just didn't want to be seen in it. M&S were good about it though and refunded me. It may have been just one of those fabrics but I did expect it to wear a little better. And the red shoes - how could I resist?

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    3. So much good stuff! You know I love those Zara boyfriend jeans on you, and the pony hair sneakers as well. Plus that denim shirt does look like total perfection. I also got myself a Uniqlo jacket last year (one of the ones from the Comptoir des Cotonniers collaboration) and I am totally in love with it. I can't believe how warm it is when it packs down to so little! I was able to go through the holidays in Wisconsin with that under my regular wool coat and I was not that cold! Which, really, is all I could ask for. Plus since it takes up such little space I find that I can layer it under pretty much anything. Love it.

      Oh and you totally cracked me up with 'heifer moose'. Hilarious.

      www.nomadicd.com

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      1. The jeans and the sneakers are amongst the top buys for me this year - I've really enjoyed having them. And the shirt. I've not worn it much recently but that's because I tend to wear shirts more in the warmer months as I can't do this layering thing very well. But it will be out with a vengeance this summer again - worn exactly the same way as last year. I'm not the most inspired dresser to say the least.

        And the little Uniqlo jacket is actually really useful as it's so compact and light - you don't realise you're wearing it. It is brilliant for wearing as a layer under another coat which is what I do as well. Are you going to do a little review on your CDC jacket anytime?

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    4. You do make me chuckle Sue...... The hood and hi yah!! Some great buys, I am going to get those gap chinos in that olive green colour, as I love them on you. I forgot about that Zara denim shirt, love that also...... thanks for the link xx plus some great scarf tying. X

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      1. For some reason I thought you already had the chinos or maybe I thought that as you featured them in a post once. And the olive green is suprisingly versatile and I actually prefer them to the flint grey ones unbelievably! For once, a colour is winning over the grey.

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      2. Not in the olive green, I featured them in my I love Gap post and have harped on about them. Just may have put my Grazia 30% discount to some use. X

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    5. Brilliant post - please make sure you do a full body turn in the parka - it reminds me of when snorkel hoods were all the rage in the 70s and the lollipop lady made us take them off before crossing the road:) You got some corkers last year didn't you! Love the Isabel Marant shirt - and don't worry I just ordered more Zara bf jeans too - they are the best...

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      1. I promise to do the full body turn - I'm not keen on getting knocked over anyway. I hear it hurts.

        And more jeans Joanna? How many and counting? Mind you, I have room to talk.

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    6. Fab fab post. It's so interesting g to see your successes and your " misses". I love your red jigsaw shoes and Zara parka. Xxx love Liz xxx

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      1. You can't beat Jigsaw shoes! For some reason, I didn't actually realise how many pairs of their shoes/boots I've amassed over the years but they do seem to stand the test of time ... or maybe I chose wisely :o)

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    7. I love that Zara denim shirt on you and those cheetah slip-ons are growing on me. Not sure if I can quite pull them off, but they're cute!

      Looking forward to your spring/summer update post :)

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      1. You're a shirt girl Kristina - I can tell that from your posts but you suit them. And you might surprise yourself with some slipons. I surprised myself.

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    8. This is an awesome post, Sue. I need to do a similar exercise to get an idea of what I'm wearing and what I'm not. I went a bit trigger happy with that buy now button a few months back. And then I felt bad, so I donated a whole bunch of relatively new fast fashion clothes just to free up some space. Vicious, VICIOUS cycle. I need to take my own advice and get a pair of sleeker ankle boots.

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      1. You went trigger happy with the buy button? You bought some fast fashion? Never! But I wish I had your will power to dispense with some of my pieces which no longer get worn. I have donated some to charity but some just seem to good to just get rid like that.

        And I'm sure you'll get your boots ... when you least expect it.

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    9. Love this post Sue and am left wondering where you would put the bargain HM navy jacket we got? You have bought some lovely things and I can't wait to see you in those shoes, both pairs!

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      1. Ah - the H&M navy jacket. I believe that to be a goody actually. I'm pleased that I've got it and it's replaced the M&S one which I had to return. The styling is good on it as well and flattering. The downpoint of the jacket - it's a little bulky around the neckline but not horribly so. A reader pointed that out to me when she tried it on and then I've noticed it each time ever since. I've only worn it a couple of times to date but I do feel smart in it. I might have to try and remember to include it in another review. Do you like yours?

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    10. What a fab post, Sue! Loved it! I really should stop and think about what really works in my own wardrobe instead of just buying more. I love your Gap chinos - I'm a huge fan of these - and they're serving you well! Live your parka. I settled for a cheaper Dorothy Perkins parka and I do like it a lot but I'm always disappointed that it's too flimsy and not cosy enough on a really cosy day.

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      1. I don't think that much about what I've got and bought which is why I'm always buying more but it's fun to take a step back and think about what really worked for you and why. It does make you think doesn't it? And it will depend on your own lifestyle and what you need your clothes to do. The Gap chinos are brilliant I have to say and the green colour has been really quite refreshing - you're a bit of a fan aren't you?

        And it's a shame that your parka isn't quite warm enough - tell you what you need to do - buy a Uniqlo down jacket to wear inside it. They are really very useful and probably brilliant for P.E. Wednesdays as well when you need something light and warm.

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      2. Lol! You do make me laugh with my PE Wednesdays, Sue! They haven't made much of an appearance lately with one thing and another but they should be back very soon...

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    11. You mean there's MORE?!!! What a brilliant post (sniggering at the zips) and am completely besotted with your silver leather espadrilles. Utterly gorgeous

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      1. Oh, meant to say! Major thumbs up on the F&F shell tops. I bought the pink one in the shop (I NEVER do pink!) and the cream one is winging it's way to me as I type :) Loved them, thank you x

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      2. Stop sniggering girl!

        And the F&F shell tops are brilliant aren't they? I've got the pink but it's scaring me. The more I look at it, the more it scares me but the pink was the one that drew me in. I'll have to put it out there for people to see what I look like in pink - arghghg!

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    12. Great post Sue!! You certainly got some good buys toast year. Like you I bought the H&M jumper and was seriously underwhelmed even for £4. Everyone else was raving about it so glad we both agree on it. Love those Zara jeans and that uniqlo jacket is also amazing, looks like you'll be needing it a few months yet the way things are going!!

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      1. I think I had quite a successful 2013 if I look at it in review like this. However, I still have lots of things I'm fallen out of love with from previous years which is not so good.

        And yes the H&M sweatshirt was a bit pilly pants wasn't it? There must be more people out there who have discovered it pills like crazy.

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    13. Amazing review Sue!! I was only saying to my mum earlier how I could have managed this Autumn/Winter on about 25% of whats in my wardrobe, those items being the things I really love which I would enjoy wearing day after day!! This is a great way of hopefully learning what works and what doesn't....I would like to think that we wouldn't make the same mistakes again but hey that is what fashion is all about no??!!

      The Next pumps are so brilliant....I love your Zara parka too, I am trying to hunt down a parka before it's too late as the H&M one I bought back in August has been returned as the zip was faulty....think we are still going to need a hooded coat for some time!! I am looking for some chino type trousers for Spring so will be checking out what Gap have to offer on your say so!! Great post.....I am off to work out what didn't work out for me as so far have only thought about what did work.....thank you for the inspiration xx

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      1. I think everyone can manage without the vast majority of their wardrobe. I spend most of my life in a grey cashmere knit of some description and a pair of jeans. And I have to make an effort to pull on something different even though there is endless variety in my wardrobe. But the things I love, I really love. And the things I don't love - ah well, we can't get it right every time. And like you say, it would be no fun.

        And I know you love your Next pumps - it will be interesting to see if you invest in the KG ones when the warmer weather kicks in or whether you keep going with the Next ones.

        And the Gap mini skimmers - they might come up a little short on you or they might be just perfect. I cuff mine about 3 times but I am a shorty admittedly. But yep - a pair of chinos should definitely be on your radar - are you sure you don't have any yet?

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    14. great round up Sue! I have an issue with pilling too - which is why I stopped buy T by A Wangs basic tees, unless they are of the linen/silk variety. These seem to be the only kind which hold up even after several washes (and haven't stretched either!).

      I ended up selling my same OC loafers to my mum. As gorgeous as they are, my feet are too wide and they fit her perfectly so ended up being a win win. I've probably had more than my fair share of wardrobe fails (and just things in general I could have done without) although it feels so depressing to recap them!

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      1. I have wide feet and mine actually look okay in the OC loafers. It's a shame yours didn't work out but oh word, boy do you have one funky mother! And the Wang tees are not so good then? Oh dear - I think that's what I'm scared of with some of the more expensive versions out there. So far, I've found Uniqlo and H&M have been quite good for me. Just lucky maybe.

        I probably have a lot more fails but the good stuff was winning through at the time so it's not all rosy in the wardrobe contrary to how it appears.

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    15. I love your chambray shirt!

      xoxo, Kenzie
      easy-lucky-free.com

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    16. Fabulous post Sue,you have reminded me that I need a new denim shirt! I can't believe that splendid T was such poor quality at that price! Hope you are doing well after losing Monty....I'm still upset too when I think of Milly but hoping it will get a bit easier each day:)
      ~Anne xx

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      1. I'm a bit unhappy about the Splendid tee as well and it's made me a lot more wary about their products now - I have to take a good hard look at the composition! Don't want it to happen again - I don't like expensive mistakes.

        Thank you and I'm slowly starting to feel better about Monts. Hope you are with Milly too.

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    17. Oh I loved this post Sue - you cheer me up so much when you blog. I now want new Sorel boots...you make them look ultra cool! Regarding the other items, I think you have gotten them all right....as I knew you would. I cannot wait to see you wear your new flowery loafers. Stunning. Ax

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      1. Aww thanks Avril! I can't wait to wear the flowery loafers too but the weather! Oh the weather! But at least I get to wear the Sorels!

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    18. Great post and I can't think of a better exercise to really see what's worked and what didn't. I'm shocked by the poor performance of the Splendid tee but sadly not by your M&S coat. About 2.5 years ago the same thing happened to a dress after the first wear so sent it back but they refused to acknowledge anything wrong with their material so that's when I stopped buying from M&S (their profit downturn was mainly because of me :-) ). I'm getting much better at spotting the things that will work so now I need to work on being a lot more selective - a lot!

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      1. Well on the whole, I've not done too bad with M&S but this coat was a bit of a dud but I'm glad they refunded me. Like I said, it's not much that rattles me but this one did because it was just too much for two wears and for it to look so shabby.

        And so you're responsible for M&S's downturn in profits then? Aaahh. That explains a lot. I might have been partially responsible to. I used to shop there all the time as I passed it on the way home every night but it's totally the wrong way for me now. Has saved me some money though :o)

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    19. No wonder it took you so long to finish the post - it's bloody epic in a super duper fantastic read kind of way - LOVE IT!!!!

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      1. Are you going to do a recap then? Maybe a shorter one though.

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    20. my god you have an impressive wardrobe! these really illustrate how well you put it all together - i feel humbled, and just a tad bit more confused by my own lack of wardrobe sensibility. you really know what works well for you, and the colours you pair together all work perfectly. and i love the mini skirt on you!

      as for the marant blouse, give it time - i can see it with denim skirt, shorts, cropped jeans. my stacy blouse is getting excited for spring, but i fear we will probably have severe weather until june, haha!

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      1. It's not very well put together at all actually - it's very all over the place. Especially the footwear choices! The one thing that has going for it is that at least I can walk in most of the shoes I've chosen - it seems to be more of a priority these days where in the old days, it was all about the aesthetics. And I would have said, you probably have one of the most covetable wardrobes around - oh to have some of the pieces you have - that would be heaven!

        And the Marant blouses - they will have their moment to shine ... when it stops raining.

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    21. also, your footwear choices are crazy good.

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    23. i love that you take time to find good basics. definitely a few things on this list i'd love to have myself. just did a run at the zara clearance section, there were a few winter bargains i stocked up on. wish you kept that two tone jumper though i understand the thing about longer sleeves! i usually just push them up my forearms when i'm near food, it's nice having them cover half my hands (which eliminates the need for gloves when it gets really cold here, about 10-15c.. :P) the parka is excellent as are those boyfriend jeans - they fit you really well and i'm only a wee bit jealous, zara bottoms are not cut for my larger thighs!

      steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    Susie So So