Yes it's that time of year - only happens bi-annually - 25% off Whistles with the code WH25AW16 (thanking you kindly Grazia).
And I have had my thinking head on (makes a change) and went yesterday to have a good old try on and ordered this morning.
Although obviously, in the true spirit of trying to snag a bargain and failing massively, the trousers I really wanted are not available online. Which means a trip back to Whistles. Or maybe I could do a phone order...
But I did have a huge amount of luck with a top I wasn't sure of, tried on and LOVED. And yes, have ordered and yes, will be wearing again and again and again into the Autumn. Since I've already mentioned Christmas, the floodgates are legitimately open and yes, this is the perfect top for the party season (for those people who seem to go to parties... I will be wearing this to serve pizza for the kids, watching Strictly and remembering all the parties I used to go. Whilst swigging red wine. That's a party chez moi and yes, I shall be wearing a glittery top for that).
All prices are pre discount as maths is not my strong point.
Cold Shoulder Sparkle Knit £95
And here I am in said knit. I LOVE this. Really didn't think I would but it's fab. Will look amazing with just plain black trews, as well as with culottes, jeans and my beloved midi skirts. I am wearing a 12 here (Whistles, in my experience is not cut on the generous side. Or I may just be bigger than I think I am!).
Other knits that you could easily wear from day to night, from work to with jeans at the weekend.
Annie Sparkle Knit in khaki £65
Did try this on in the khaki and I did like but for me, I would want it to be more fitted at the bottom. This side split hem will work for some and not for others. Having said that, with the 25% off it's a super useful top. *rethinks* (again, I've got the 12 on here).
Which they also have in a navy (but didn't have in my size) again £65
The other thing I wanted to buy were trousers. I absolutely love the navy Alexa trousers that I have from M&S and have been searching for a pair that are similar in black.
Lo and behold....
Whistles Fluid Cropped Trousers £110
Yes, you've guessed it.. in the 12 (I am so clearly a 12 and not a 10. Although in some shops, a 10 - go figure).
Other trousers which are definitely an option although I fear they are definitely dry clean only and I'm an "all about the washing machine" girl are the Sadies. These are a really good price with 25% off. Obviously I'm in the 12. A 10 would not have done up round my waist At All. These are also the regular length as opposed to the long. I prefer this as I don't want them full length - I personally like the 7/8ths look. Or that may just be as I am so used to it being Gulliver.
Sadie Slim Leg Trousers £95
Going back to what we were talking about the other day - the good old mini. And this is perhaps the most wearable of them all. The A-line not too mini mini. With 25% off, you will have this for years.
Rita Leather Skirt £170
The perfect tops for those of us who may be wider around the middle are the tie side rib sweater. I saw this in there and it looked like diddly squat on the hangar but looking at these, I should definitely have tried it on. Perfect for those mini skirts I mentioned.
Tie Side Rib Sweater £120 in navy
And in the grey again £120
I am going to return to the cardigan which is proving to be my bete noir of the season - this was lovely but not quite right. I'm looking for longer. Although I'm stupidly tall so on most of you, this will probably be long enough. A lovely weight and knit to it.
Boiled Wool Cardigan £130 in camel,
which they also have in navy.
This is me trying it in the grey. And to be honest, I could do with a medium as this is only a small. I would like it to be a tad baggier (seeing as I've only got a tee underneath it).
And of course I couldn't not point out the longline sheepskin gilet... with 25% off?
Longline Sheepskin Gilet £695
Finishing off clotheswise with an exceptionally useful jumpsuit. I have to say, none of the dresses this season I'm particularly loving, but this is a gem. Perfect for work, I'd happily wear dressed with a biker or sneakers and hell, since I've clearly got Christmas on my mind, this could definitely be a Christmas Day contender.
Cherry Print Jumpsuit in Red £230
Moving onto shoes - or boots. Of which I need neither.
OR do I....
Ambrose Square Toe Loafer Boot £195
Alternatively there's the tan, again £195
Now a pair that I can acknowledge that I really don't need as I already have a pair of pointed ankle boots. I can though, share how completely useful they are.
Belmont Leopard Chelsea Boot £225
However, torn between cutting my feet off and pressing buy on these. Surely everyone needs a pair of metallic boots in their life. Oh my heavens, I can feel floodgates of research opening. I genuinely started this paragraph thinking - oh they'd be nice and am now frothing at the mouth with the NEED for shiny boots. Bum.
Belmont Point Chelsea Boots in pewter £185
So I've made my order (very abstemiously having just ordered the jumper although am going to definitely track down the Fluid trousers) and am hovering over the metallic boots.. though I fear the Chloe nude ones from yesterday have branded themselves, cow on a ranch style, in my mind.
And the trousers, I'm sending my best friend to pick up for me in the morning. Result.
In the meantime, here I am today, thanking the lord that my hair is being coloured tomorrow. We've reached "one shade off Russian mail order bride, complete with roots".
Breton - Joseph
Wide leg tailored jeans - Me+Em
Soft trench - Zara
Red loafers - Gucci
Half moon bag - APC
In the meantime however, I have homework to tackle. Send gin. Send a crate of gin. I may have ordered a pair of boots by the time the night is out. As after homework I have 60 mins of football to watch. On the upside, it's indoors and I get to take my laptop and the boys are exhausted when they get home. Where I have gin waiting.... And I may also do some more loitering on the Whistles website *just in case*. Do tell me if there's anything I've missed - my bank manager will LOVE you for it.