ARCHIVES

January 2011 February 2011 March 2011 April 2011 June 2011 July 2011 September 2011

I went on a bit of a shopping spree (by my standards) over the last couple of days, but I think I did a reasonable job of focusing on things I had practical needs for - I resisted hair accessories, for once. :) Shopping in town has been more frustrating than enjoyable lately - insert predictable complaints about crowds, noise, etc. here - but I am usually too stingy to pay shipping costs for anything I could buy in person, so when a few free shipping opportunities cropped up, I jumped at the chance.

John Lewis: They weren't offering free shipping per se, but I love their instore collection service - free, fast and very convenient if you live near enough. JL is a major department store chain in the UK, and they sell own-brand clothing and accessories as well as various mid- to high-end brands. Most of it is out of my price range, though, so I've picked up the habit of looking in the kids' department for more affordable items.

Girls' Patent Ballerina Pumps in blue, £12.00


Flats for everyday wear were at the top of my "need" list after I realised about two-thirds of my shoes were falling apart. I could get £12 shoes at New Look, H&M, etc. but I generally expect John Lewis quality to be a bit better, so I hope that proves true. I bought my usual size (adult UK 5) and they do fit, I think - they're tight, but most of my shoes are at first. I used to buy size 5.5 and 6 shoes that felt fine in the shop, and after a few months of wear I'd be slipping out of them.

Clearly the most important thing, though, is that they have bows. :) For years now I've bought mostly Mary Janes and shoes with bows. I was about to say "I have a five-year-old's taste in shoes", but that brought to mind those unnerving wheeled trainers that children always seem to wear at airports. Seriously, it's like every time I go to an airport there's at least one child zooming around on those.

Girls' Plain Leggings in pale pink, £1.60 (originally £7.00)

Leggings fall into the category of fun accessories for me and therefore are firmly on my "want" list, but I thought this pair for £1.60 would be a steal. Unfortunately, they weren't quite what I expected.


They're certainly pale pink, but the colour was drastically misrepresented on the website. All the tag information was correct, so I'm assuming it's a site error. I'm returning these because they weren't what I was looking for.

Next, New Look. I am not really a fan of this shop - my local branch isn't the best and I think a lot of their clothes are overpriced for the quality - but I still venture in now and then because their shoes and accessories are worth a look. They were offering free shipping and I found a code for 20% off, so I ordered online for the first time.

Buckle Strap Satchel in tan, £13.59 (£16.99 before discount)
I'm probably going to shock some people with my apathy towards handbags, but I have only one (a Cath Kidston canvas tote) and the straps are shredded from wear, so I genuinely needed a new everyday bag. I am too disorganised to transfer stuff back and forth between different bags, so I needed a style that would be as versatile as possible. I did some searching, and this satchel looked like the best option in my preferred price range. I'm not in love with the plasticky material, but I like the style, it's a good size for me, and unlike my canvas bag it actually has a closure.

Bow Cross Body Bag in "pigeon", £6.39 (£7.99 before discount)
I don't have any evening-appropriate bags, and whilst a black one would probably have been more versatile, this one works: it has a strap and closure, it's big enough for the essentials, and it's adorable.

Lastly, Topshop. I have been put off by their pricing lately (£15 for a basic tee?) and I know it's even worse outside the UK, but after trying on far too many H&M tank tops without success I was ready to give in and spend a little more. Like New Look, they were offering free standard shipping.

Basic Scoop Neck Vest in Navy and Sugar Pink, 2 for £10 (£6 individually)
I like the colours, and they should be good for layering (see all my posts/tweets where I whine about being cold all the time). I almost bought these socks out of a desire to pair them with red and navy, but resisted, for now. I placed the Topshop and New Look orders late last night so I won't receive them for a few days, but I've seen all the items instore so there shouldn't be any surprises.

Anyway, I've been trying to get my head down and focus on getting my portfolio ready for assessment. Just like the week before my college applications were due, my body has decided it's a great time to come down with a cold, but I'm fine enough to work so it's not really a problem. I am, though, using it as an excuse to pair my tunic-length hoodie with leggings layered over tights (yes, I'm normally in the "leggings are not substitute trousers!" camp). Whilst I wouldn't go out of the house in this outfit, it's incredibly comfortable. :P

Labels: john lewis, new look, reviews, shoes, topshop