The Kooples Revisited. And a Dog.

Tuesday 11 December 2012
I had some Christmas shopping to do and a couple of returns. The perfect excuse to head in to Leeds. The black wedge trainers went back but I kept the grey Aldo ones and I have to confess - they were very comfortable. I wore them for 7 hours solid, pounding the pavements of Leeds whilst doing some Christmas shopping, followed by a supermarket shop and not a murmur of protest from the feet.


These wedge trainers were made for shopping!
And that's just what they will do!
These wedge trainers were made for shopping!
And they'll help you shop like you never knew!

And a massive bag to put all the shopping in!

Marks & Spencers Altered Coat (old)
Zara Camo Leopard Scarf (not online but in store)
Black Butter Soft Bag (Hong Kong)

Like everyone has noticed, it really is starting to feel a lot like Christmas.  Speaking of which, have I mentioned that little George has decided he would like a dog for Christmas? Probably not. I asked him what he would like for Christmas and you expect an answer along the lines of "toys", "cars", "trains", but I got "dog". "Big dog". "Big white dog". The Grumps is delighted of course as he is a dog man. I however am cat woman (not the pvc clad one). Grumps would happily grant George his Christmas wish except for the fact that yours truly has said "NO" in capitals. "NO" on the grounds of I will be the one walking it and picking up its poo. Thanks but no thanks. But I don't really want a sad George face on Christmas day and I am good at improvising, so we have a barking toy dog for George courtesy of Marks & Spencer. Be it a brown one rather than a white one.


Cute but deadly for the nerves.

The dog barks ... a lot. I found that out as we barked our way round Leeds and in to the Kooples. Oh yes, I forgot to mention, along with the returns and the Christmas shopping, I had something I needed to check out in the Kooples. Something a bit like these boots. Actually, let me rephrase that. These very very deliciously yumtastic boots. 


I opened the door and the shop assistant looked up straight away and smiled at me and said "hello". Not "Bonjour". Just "hello" in a non French accent. Why would I imagine she would be speaking French just because I'm going in a French clothes shop? I stroked the boots, felt the lovely soft suede (we are talking seriously nice velvety soft suede here, not the cheap and cheerful variety) and checked over the clean lines of the leather straps. I asked the shop assistant if they had my size. There was a part of me that was wanting her to say "no" but she said "yes". And then the silly toy dog started barking again which makes for a good conversation starter but also means I am already regretting buying the darned thing. The shop assistant was lovely and friendly. We had a little chat and I said the boots were going on a Christmas wish list. I tried one on and had a nosey in the mirror and was very satisfied with the view but I knew I wouldn't be buying today so handed her it back. Then promptly asked her if I could try both on to make really sure they really were that nice. And they were. Le grand sigh. 

Just to wind myself up over how nice they were, I took a picture. The boots remind me a little of the Chloe Susanna boot but minus the studs. I love the Susanna boot but I would find them too much for me so it's good I can't afford them. But these .... not too much at all. These are the "gently does it" version which befits an older rock chick. A bit Chrissie (Hynde).

Dear Santa ....

And so it was that I came home with a Kooples bag.

Open the bag!

Katie (the shop assistant) was lovely - I have to say she was everything you would expect a shop assistant to be and very helpful and patient with me. I checked with her about stock availability and how good they were at replenishing stock as they are currently sold out online. We talked about the changing rooms and agreed how disconcerting it could be if there were a shop full of people and you had to come out to check yourself over infront of everyone. And we talked about blogs which she loves reading and she asked me the name of mine which I very sheepishly told her along with gibbering on about it's not really about fashion fashion but just about clothes and wild ramblings of a SAHM. And then she sent me on my way with a lookbook and catalogue to put in my Kooples bag!

A little bit of bedtime reading.

This is really good for improving your French.

Katie, you have done the Kooples proud in my eyes today and redeemed the brand in my eye. You were helpful and lovely and much more personable than the assistants I have previously encountered - all I could ask for in a shopping assistant! 

Once again, I have to say I love the clothes, the styling, the marketing, the branding ... but and it's a big BUT. I still don't like the changing rooms.


28 comments

  1. Sue, I really love reading your posts! You always put a smile on my face ... although today it was laugh-out-loud at the idea of you barking your way around Leeds! Hilarious. Delighted that you love your wedges (see me not saying 'told you so'!) And now you've got your Rock Chick Kooples ... very cool indeed!

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    1. No, I had no Rock Chick boots coming home with me - just a lookbook and brochure which Katie put in for me to appease the pain. Such lovely clothes. But somewhat ouch prices for me. I have Crimbo pressies to buy first ... they're priority over my boots. Boo hoo.

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  2. Oh you are so strong to have not bought the boots - where oh where do you find the will power from? I hope Santa delivers them for you. I think you should hand out your blog address to every store you go in - we love reading your posts xx

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    1. I went in with resolve and no money. Quite easy to walk away then. Like I said to Helen, December is not my month for pressies to myself ... but if it was, those boots would probably be in the bag instead of a lookbook. They're over my wish mantra limit too which goes along the lines of "I shall not covet anything over £200!" But the temptation was great. But I was strong!

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  3. Raally love your shopping outfit! Glad you have quite big bag as I'm always hesitant in case the big bag ends up looking like it's carrying me. The grey wedge trainers are great! I like those black suede ones too and it's ridiculous how expensive shoes are these days.

    All 3 of my kids are animal mad, well a little mad animals sometimes - especially my youngest who melts everytime she sees ANYTHING FLUFFY/FURRY WITH BIG BROWN EYES AND A WET NOSE. I have always told them as soon as they move out into their own house, they can have a zoo if they want since I will have nothing to do with poop or paw prints. Having 3 kids close together and under 3 years of age at one stage means I have done my share of cleaning up mess!

    Sorry to ramble - I really do hope Santa is listening to you!

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    1. My shopping outfit was for comfort and ease. One jumper underneath so less to fiddle with if I wanted to try anything on ... whilst I'm Christmas present shopping. The trainers were comfy - stupidly comfy actually. And kids and animals - I'm with you - when they move out - they can have a zoo worth. I'm done with poo.

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  4. Those are very rockin' indeed! Like Flaky before me I actually thought you'd brought them home with you! How responsible of you not to... Though maybe once you get all your christmas shopping done you'll have to pop back in. You know I have a huge weakness for The Kooples, despite the dressing room issue, I just love their whole aesthetic, outerwear most of all. I still look at my blazer and feel a surge of love. Right now though I'm coveting these boots, which are similar, if even slightly more understated:

    http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com.es/2012/11/everly.html.

    If you really want to spend a little less, I'd look around, I feel like the low heel rocker ankle boot is happening right now, like it wouldn't really be that hard to find. On the other hand, you could just get the ones you fell in love with...

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    1. Yes - I love the Kooples clothes and your blazer is gorgeous. It's the detailing and the finish isn't it? I had a look at the boots you're coveting and they're really nice but a little too heavy looking for me. I'm afraid I had the misfortune to touch and try the Kooples boots - there is no second best. Zara have a pair with buckles but it's just not the same. I think you'll understand.

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    2. Of course I understand. How could I not? When it's true love, you need the real thing. If it's just a passing fling a cheap short-lived romance will do just fine. But this sounds like love...

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  5. LOL! You have guts, girl! The last time I went shopping after buying a toy that switched on and off each time the darn thing slammed against the side of my bag, I was this close to just tossing it into the nearest bin.

    Those grey sneakers are so flattering on you! You chose the right pair. Good things come to those who wait :P As for those boots....O.M.G. I love. LOVE. LOVE. I've been thinking of getting a pair of either black Bobbys (yes, still on my mind despite the fact that they're 2 sizes too big. Think THICK insoles) or black ankle boots. I love anything by The Kooples. Yes, you're right. I totally don't get the all black, cubicle like fitting room that I can't even see the clothes I'm wearing. And what the heck is it about leaving the mirror outside??!!

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    1. It's the thought of George's face which is the only reason why the dog didn't get dropped off back at M&S! Barking, woofing monster. The grey sneakers are good - I wore them again today ... and maybe will tomorrow as well. I'm making up for lost time. How do you manage with such tiny feet? It's one of those things, I may be small but my feet are within regular sizing though I sometimes wish I had size 6 feet so I can fit in to mens shoes. They have such good designs with loafers and brogues. You would have to need serious padding to go up two sizes ... really THICK insoles! I can't imagine doing that. Yup - the cubicles. Still don't get it.

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    2. I have SERIOUS padding. Sometimes, we're talking about double insoles. Which reminds me. I've got to buy another set of insoles because they're so worn out.

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  6. Love your fifty shades of grey look, especially your new trainers. I thought you'd bought the boots too...maybe in the post Christmas sales?
    I'm still crossing my fingers that our labrador is pregnant...so if you (or George) are tempted by a puppy you know where to come;)
    Jane
    X

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    1. I'm brilliant at grey. Too brilliant actually. I will get round to some other colours soon ... in the summer :o) And as for the labrador ... errr ... I'll pass this time. And the next ... This lady is not ready.

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  7. Hmmm...I totally support George's idea for a dog. But then again, if I was left to my own devices, my own home would sport several dogs, several cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits and a pet monkey. So maybe you shouldn't listen to me.

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    1. You're going to be as mad as Grandma. She too is a lover of animals ....

      http://susiesoso.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/were-going-to-zoo-zoo-zoo.html

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  8. Yey you kept the wedge trainers! They look great on you but I'm ever so jealous because I could not go shopping in mine they would kill me after a few hours. Love the boots too, u need to bag yourself them after christmas, that's if they're not under the tree Christmas morn!

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    1. I think I will look out for the boots after Christmas and if they're not there ... then that's okay. I will mourn them for a while and then move on. I always do. I don't expect them to reduce that much anyway.

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  9. love those boots!! really great post, thanks! love your blog -- we should follow each other?! <3

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    1. Hi - thanks for stopping past and glad you enjoyed the post. I will pop along to have a nosey at yours!

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  10. I totally agree with you on those boots, they look like the Chloe's.. kinda but are a little bit pared back, not so in your face. Wishing that they had any stock (well.. my size of course) as these seem like a good every day winter boot. I'd love to hear how they hold up x

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    1. If I am lucky enough to get a pair - I'll provide you an update. I start getting worried at this time of year that I am looking at winter boots because I know if a couple of weeks time, the Spring/Summer stock will be in and then I will be thinking about sandals in January and I won't be in winter boots very long. Thinking ahead ... thinking ahead.

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  11. It's touching something and really feeling the quality that does it in for, so I totally understand, and admire your restraint. Love that the SA was so understanding as well.

    I went to shop my feelings today after a solid two weeks of shit showers at work and not really feeling as guilty as I thought I would, but your post reminds me to at least buy only the truly worthy instead of novelties.

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    1. I've been in before to touch them. But only got round to trying them on this time. Sometimes, the reality is that they don't suit but in this case, they did. Boooger. And the suede was as gorgeous as last time.

      I'm too guilty of buying novelties because I don't have the resolve to save up. I try for so long and then a cheap jumper throws me a curve ball and it comes home with me. If only I had your "normal" reserve.

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  12. Le sigh too. I do love that Kooples brand - those boots with the touch of gold! but we don't have it here. I love love that Chrissie Hinds thing too but gently does it for me now I'm 50 and more hausfrau thank Hinds...

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    1. Me too - more Hausfrau than Hynde but my personal tastes dictate otherwise. I think it's an age thing. Rebellion in the ranks.

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  13. omg those boots are amazing!! i would not have been able to resist!

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    1. Beats me how I did it too. Hope either Santa or the New Year Sales are good to me :o) But I have a laptop to fix first.

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Susie So So