At the start of November I set myself a challenge to avoid buying any new clothes or shoes for the whole month – a daunting prospect!

It was surprisingly easy, which goes to show that there’s rarely anything I actually need - just stuff I want. That said, there were a few wee slip-ups along the way…

I had something to return to Topshop, which I’d stupidly lost the receipt for, so ended up exchanging it for this gold jumper. I’d hoped the holes would make it work in the same way as a string vest (traps warm air or something) and keep me cosy, but that doesn’t seem to be happening! As jumpers go it’s a bit impractical, but I love it.   

Went shopping with my mum, who spotted this skirt in Zara and readily lent me the cash as a loan to be paid back in December (cheating I know - she obviously prefers this to the leather micro-mini she last saw me in!):

Lastly (and somewhat embarrassingly) I bought some fleecy slippers from Next – a necessity rather than a luxury on my stripped floorboards during these snowy times:

So, how did I do on the challenge – pass or fail? Let me know what you think.

xx

Last Saturday I went to a champagne tasting lunch at Glasgow’s Hotel du Vin.  I wasn’t sure about the dress code so played it safe in a little black dress (that could do with an iron – oops!) and cardi:

I hadn’t heard about the wine lunches before but they’re a regular feature at the hotel and attract a loyal following – after attending one I can see why! 

The afternoon kicked off with a Bellini in the bar, before moving through to the restaurant. There were 50 guests in total and we sat at communal tables, which made it easy to get to know people. It felt a lot like being at a wedding (I’m sure the free-flowing fizz helped people mix easily as well!).

The lunch was 4 courses, each one served with a different champagne or wine. Before each course Johnny, the wine director, gave a bit of background and some tasting notes on the wine, which was really interesting.

The food was fantastic and we tried some wines that I wouldn’t normally have picked including a really nice sparkling red to go with the pudding. Lunch went on til about 4pm, by which time it was dark outside – the perfect excuse to retire to the cosy lounge with another glass of bubbly!

Big thanks to Hotel du Vin for an amazing lunch and also to Laura and Charles from Bolton, pictured below. It can be quite daunting attending an event like this on your own, but I was lucky enough to be seated next to this lovely couple who were great company.

Happy ruby wedding anniversay, Charles and Laura! 

xx      

Dress: Gap / Cardi: M&S

Quite a few bloggers have published their Christmas wish lists this week and I’ve seen loads of gorgeous things and got lots of present ideas for friends.

There’s only one thing on my wish list and it’s something  you’ve seen before. Back in the summer (remember that?) I bought the silver version of this jacket half price in the sale and I loved it. Problem was, after a few wears tons of the sequins had fallen off so I ended up taking it back and getting a refund. God, I missed that jacket though.

Now River Island have gone and brought out a version in my favourite beigey-pink shade and I can’t help loving it, even though I know it will probably be bad for me and end up breaking my heart again (maudlin much?!): 

I was only joking when I said I’d like this for Christmas. I’d hate for someone to shell out £60 on this for me (unless it was Simon Cowell because I kind of like him and he can well afford it).

No, I shall watch and wait for the sale and if it gets reduced I’ll buy it and risk the sequin balding. I don’t mind if I have to wait til January because sequins aren’t just for Christmas, oh no, sequins are for life!

xx

This afternoon I was invited to a preview of Glasgow’s new TK Maxx store, the largest in Scotland, before it opens its doors tomorrow. The store’s on Argyle Street (opposite Debenhams) and is enormous. 

It’s one of only 22 stores in the UK to have the Gold Label designer department. I loved this D&G leopard print maxi dress:

There was a gorgeous Stella McCartney clutch bag (forgot to note down the before and after prices, but it was a good bargain):

The place to come for wellies (including lots of lovely Hunters):

Plenty of designer perfumes:

TK Maxx were kind enough to give us bloggers a £50 gift card. I spent ages in the Gold Label section deciding what to spend mine on.

In the end I opted for a cashmere Antoni and Alison jumper down to £49.99 from £180 originally. I’m wearing it now and it’s so incredibly cold tonight that I can’t bear the thought of taking it off to photograph it – pics to follow in a separate post, I promise!

Thanks to the TK Maxx team for a great preview. TK Maxx loves Glasgow and Glasgow’s going to love this new store!

xx

Coat: Topshop / Jumper: Next / Leather skirt: Urban Renewal @ Urban Outfitters

A few pics from Friday night’s Goldfrapp gig at the 02 Academy in Glasgow.

Had to wear something gold! My friend Paul talked me into buying these brogues last month – wasn’t sure at first but now I love them:

The best cape ever:

A remnant from the venue’s days as a cinema:

Home time:

A really good night.

xx

Top: Topshop / Jeans: Cheap Monday @ Urban Outfitters / Shoes: Office

When it comes to new technology I’m definitely not an early adopter. In fact, I’m usually one of the last people I know to get whatever the latest must-have gadget is. However, there came a point where even I realised it was time to pack away the trusty CD Walkman and go digital!

I’ve been lucky in that I’ve recently been given an iPhone for work, which I love (so much so that I’m thinking of getting an iPod Touch for personal stuff – mainly music).

Today I’ve been browsing through the App Store for fashion/shopping apps and so far have downloaded the ones from ShopStyle, Net a Porter (wishful thinking!) and Topshop.

It’s unlikely that I’d ever buy anything from an app, but it’s quite useful to see the latest products and have a read through the editorial content.

Are there any fashion apps out there that you think are worth downloading? Let me know your recommendations.

xx

PS If you’ve been hearing about Google Boutiques this week and are wondering what it’s all about, head over to Jen’s blog for a comprehensive review.

What with the spending ban and all, I’m resorting to showing you clothes I bought yonks ago that haven’t yet been seen on the blog.

These pictures are from a few weeks ago. Friends of mine, Messieurs Brogues and Dreich, kindly invited me along to the launch party for an exhibition of Parisian fashion illustrations from the early 20th century.

At first I thought it slightly unusual that two straight men should be quite so keen to attend this event, but when I arrived and saw the tables laden with free wine and whisky all become clear!

Scotland Street School Museum (courtesy of Glasgow Museums):

Jumper ‘n’ jeans. Would normally have made more of an effort, but I’d been working from home that day and, well, you know how it is!

M. Dreich in shirt, jeans, velvet blazer and smart-ish shoes – a winning combination:

Glasgow night sky:

The exhibition was followed by more familiar territory for the boys – curry and pints. All in all, a great night.

Have a fab weekend.

xx

Jumper: Topshop / Jeans: Zara / Boots: Clarks Originals