New VIP Fashion Bloggers Network - Daxon

Thank you to Fashion Mommy for letting me know about this new and exciting fashion bloggers network opportunity via a name I'd never heard of before - have you?  Daxon is part of Redcats, which is the 3rd largest home shopping organisation in the world - so there you go, you learn something new everyday!

So if I'm going to blog about something I need to see what they've got on offer, it's taken me a while to complete this because it's not a site I'm familiar with and whilst they have easy navigation the stock is not suited to me personally.  However, as with all retailers, if you look hard enough you will find something to suit you.  Here are my top 3 finds from the site today.

Summer White Dress
Thinking next Spring with ankle boots, scarf and denim jacket or with flip flops if the weather ever heats up - at £14 it's a bargain!

Jumper Dress

I love this - with the ankle boots it looks great.  It also comes in a gorgeous berry colour.  I'd have to wear shape wear to iron our all the body creases though!!  Again, it's £14 in the sale - result.

Pink Coat

I love the colour and shape of this - a classic coat to brighten up any day.  At £59 it's well priced.

Have you ever heard of Daxon?  If you want to join the network and receive £50 Amazon vouchers then simply visit here for all details, it's really easy to join.

Fiona

xoxo

Best of the sales - Matalan

 

Yesterday I blogged about the online retailer ASOS and how I loved them so much and have done for over a decade.  Today I'm going to bring you my best sale buys from a shop I've only been using recently - Matalan.  I used to think their clothes were a bit dodgy and I actually still think some of them are but with a lot of lower cost retailers, if you look hard you can find some great items.

I (and others) have posted on Avenue 57 before about the items we've bought from Matalan and now here are my best sale  items I'd like to buy.  Also at the end are my top WTF items on sale from there today.

In no particular order...

OversizedWool Blend Cable Jumper - Now £18.00 was £28.00

This has my name all over it – wear with leggings or skinny jeans and ankle boots or knee highs

CroppedBoucle Jacket - Now £17.50 was £35.00

I really wondered if I should add this but I've seen them on a few people in real life and they look so stylish and not all royalty or Maggie Thatcher I I promise you!

Be BeauFeather Stripe Jumper - Now £11.00 was £22.00

I love this, I want to stroke it all day long, but am I in danger of looking like Big Bird from Sesame Street?

MiniBeaded Chandelier Earrings - Now £2.50 was £5.00

They were a bargain before but now it would just be rude not to buy these!  The trick is to where them every day, don’t treat them any differently to any other pair of ‘day earrings’.

Black Racer Front Scuba Dress - Now £9.00 was £18.00

Very simple classic dress with racer back – I bought recently a little gadget from Amazon that holds your bra in at the back so you can still wear your normal bra (don’t get on with strapless ones)

Mid Wash Denim Jacket - Now £9.00 was £18.00

I love the fit of this jacket and the shade of blue denim is perfect.  I wouldn’t be without my denim jacket – works a treat for dressing down outfits and adding an extra layer when needed.

Red Coloured Skinny Jeans - Now  £8.00 was  £16.00

Red is such a good colour for statement skinnies, wear with ankle boots, killer heels and keep the top simple – let the jeans (this colour anyway) do the talking!

Black Wave Top - Now £8.00 was £16.00

I want this top to wear with the red skinny jeans above.  Alternatively wear with black trousers for the office and a blazer.

I know I normally only do WTF items on Wednesday but it’s hard to do it today because these items really are for sale TODAY!

WTF 1

WTF 2

WTF 3

WTF 4

WTF 5

Please do share what you've found online - it can be WTF or real items - I do love a good bargain

Fiona

xoxo

avenue57.com to show off what you are wearing today

Best of the sales - ASOS

Hope everyone had an amazing day yesterday?  I know I did!  The day consisted of a 6am wake up call from my lovely children and then we were all up at 7.00 opening presents. 

The day was all about food and drink, drink and food and I ROLLED into bed at midnight.  Have woken still feeling full and no other plans other than eating and drinking, drinking and eating.

Whilst I gear up for the massive amount of food we still have to eat I thought I’d have a look at the sales from some of my favourite stores.

Today I’m featuring one of the best online retailers I have ever come across.  I started shopping with them shortly after their launch in 2000 and have been a loyal customer ever since.  I don’t know where to start with the compliments:

• Amazing stock for all – small, large, in between, tall, short etc etc
• First class customer service
• Free delivery
• Free returns
• Fast response to social media posts – Facebook and Twitter
• Clean website that is easy to navigate/sort for your own requirements – price/size

Do you have any more compliments to add?

My top sales picks (in no particular order) are:

Vero Moda Poncho - £9 (down from £20)

So in love with this, I know I said in no particular order but this is first for sure – from the price to the actual item – love love love it

ASOS Wine coloured coated jeans - £24.50 (down from £34.00)

Not so much of a bargain in terms of discount but I love the colour

ASOS Parka - £30 (down from £60)

Perfect for layering in the winter or a lighter layer on its own for the rest of the year.

 Mango (via ASOS) Maxi Dress - £13.50 (down from £44.99)

ASOS Skater Dress – £16.50 (down from £28.00)

Love Jumper £31.50 (down from £45.00)

Love the cute elbows - but I think I love this look more because the model looks like my girl crush - Blake Lively!)

ASOS Owl Skater Dress - £20 (down from £40)

This is probably a bit too short for me so I'd wear with leggings. 2012 was all about animals on clothes for me.

ASOS Faux Fur Cape - £48 (down from £80)

I love this.  I would wear for a special girls lunch, wedding or basically anywhere other than the school run!

ASOS Classic Trouser - £11 (down from £22)

For all occasions, you need a pair of simple black slim fit trousers in your wardrobe (I don’t own any as of yet …. )

And it true tradition as it is Wednesday – WTF Wednesday finds on ASOS!

WTF 1

WTF 2

WTF 3

WTF 4

WTF 5

WTF 6

Please do share all your loves and items from ASOS on Avenue 57 - we do love to see what you're all wearing.  Here is what we have worn from ASOS previously.

Fiona

xoxo

Mint Velvet Skinny Cargo Jeans - £49.99 (down from £69.99)

One of the most versatile pairs of jeans/trousers you will ever own (comes in Khaki or Black)

http://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/khaki-skinny-cargo-jeans/sale/mint-v/fcp-product/2114

Zara Classic Blazer (Black) - £22.99 (down from £39.99)

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-neu-W2012-s/317505/902052/TWILL%20BLAZER

How to shop in TK Maxx – A useful guide

I was really in two minds if I should blog about this or not.  In providing a helpful guide to everyone on how to shop in TK Maxx and get the most out of it I’m in danger of not being able to get the bargains I WANT because everyone else will be there before me!  However, I’m a kind person and if I can get such pleasure from shopping there then so must you.

I love a bargain and I like to buy items I KNOW other people can’t get/don’t have and so TK Maxx is a match made in heaven.  But it hasn’t always been like this.  My brothers have been shopping in TK Maxx for as long as I can remember and whenever we’ve met up over the years I’ve complimented them on XYZ or asked where they bought it – always the same reply TK Maxx.  But it’s taken me a LONG time to get it .. you do have to ‘get’ TK Maxx to shop there otherwise you’ll be like I was until a few years ago and will always say one or all of the following:

• It’s a jumble sale
• I can’t find what I’m looking for
• It’s too busy
• I never go in there
• It’s just full of tat others couldn’t sell

Let’s take each on in turn and address them right here right now

It’s a jumble sale

It’s not, really it’s not!  All clothes are split into garment types, so you have dresses, jumpers, evening wear, sportswear, shoes and from there you then have it divided into size from small/6 through to larger sizes.  So if you are looking for one specific item (ie dress) then go to dresses and shop only in the size section that applies to you.  YOU MUST LOOK AT EVERY ITEM and flick through them because sometimes the real gems are hidden amongst the hideous items.

I can’t find what I’m looking for

Again, go to the garment section you want ie jumper and look at your size.  I cannot repeat too often that you must look at every item in the section in your size.  And if you have time have a look at the whole rail because some (most) people do not put back items in the right place.  You will become familiar with their colour codes for sizes so it’s easy to spot if a red or green tag on the hanger is in a different place.

It’s too busy

Go first thing in the morning or during the week – I never shop on a Saturday if I can help it.  If I don’t have the luxury of time during the week then I make sure I am there super early as the doors are opening.

I never go in there

I would like to encourage you to take another look in TK Maxx, it’s really amazing and often by picking up the one off unique items you can be guaranteed not to be dressed the same as your best friend or even better at a party, you will be the only one in the dress you chose!

It’s just full of tat others couldn’t sell

It most certainly is not!  There are a lot of items in there that are questionable but there are also rails heaving with discount designer goods at a fraction of the price you would have paid in their own designer stores.  There are also quirky new brands that are very reasonably priced.

The TK Maxx rules

1. Buy it there and then if you see it – you can always return it if you have a change of heart at home.  If you leave it on the rail you can bet it won’t be there the next time you go in.
2. If you have small or large feet then you are in luck – a lot of fantastic shoes in ‘irregular’ sizes are stocked (as well as the more popular sizes).
3. The clothes also cater for the very small and the larger lady (or gentleman) – have a good look around and you will find something for you.
4. Make sure you try the clothes and shoes on if you can and have the time.  I’ve often found that trousers are very long, jumpers a bit too baggy and so to save disappointment at home grab 5 minutes in the changing room to ensure a good fit.

So, do you like TK Maxx?  Do you shop in TK Maxx?  What’s been your best bargain?  I have a fantastic Cashmere Cardigan that was £80 (down from £300).  I have a gorgeous chunky Aran cardigan that was £35 (down from £180) and I have the best fitting Earl Jeans denim jacket that was £25 (down from £150)

Wishing everyone I know a Happy Holiday and here’s to an even better 2013 !  Looking forward to seeing what you are wearing throughout 2013 over on Avenue 57

Fiona

xoxo

Sorry seems to be the hardest word ...

Really unsure where to start so I'll keep it simple - SORRY.  I have had so much to deal with recently (won't bore you) that blogging has been the last thing on my mind.  However, here's a super catch up of what's what in my clothing world!  I've been having fun with other women on Avenue 57 doing a Christmas Advent Calendar Themed Style Challenge (do I get a badge for the longest title going?!!).

Someone suggested back in November that it might be fun to work on a daily list of ideas to inspire us all to get dressed each day - The total list can be found here.  It was to be just a little bit of fun and to be used when you wanted to, if you wanted to and to see others interpretations of the list.

Here is mine from Day 1 to 17 with some days missed out for fear of you falling asleep before getting to the end!  All the outfits can be seen in full and in detail by viewing my profile on Avenue 57. 

December 1st - Animal Print

Rare night out with friends

Top - ASOS, Leather Jeans - H&M and Scarf - H&M

December 2nd - Favourite Jumper

This is the afternoon after the night before - camera required otherwise small children would be very scared.  Jumper TK Maxx

Mon 3rd Dec - Stripes

LOVE my bra here - makes me look as if I have boobs (I don't!)

Working from home.  Jumper - Gap, Jeans - TK Maxx

Tues 4th Dec - Blue item

Got to love a well fitted denim shirt!  Working from home.

Shirt - Sainsbury's.  Shapewear Jeans - F&F Tesco

Weds 5th Dec - Ankle boots

If I could dress everyday like this I would!  I've always loved a good chunky knit sweater, jeans and boots.

Jumper - Esprit, Jeans - TK Maxx, Ankle Boots - Next

Thurs 6th Dec - Bag

Love my Mulberry bag - goes with everything!

Fri 7th Dec - High heels 

Was meeting friends for coffee so a little over dressed but I wore a denim jacket and scarf to dress this down.  Jersey Dress - F&F Tesco and Tan Shoes - Deichmann

Sat 8th Dec - Bling

Failed on the bling but I do love my TK Maxx jumper!

Monday 10th Dec - Skirt 

Could only be a denim for me!  Skirt - H&M

Tuesday 11th Dec - Scarf 

What isn't to love about an oversized Dr Who style scarf from Zara?

Weds 12th Dec - Jeans 

Poncho, green jumper and jeans - my favourite outfit again - literally all TK Maxx!

Sat 15th Dec - Brown item 

Ok so I cheated and took this photo of my hair dye!  But I did dress up for the evening in red - I never wear red but I liked it when on.

So there we go!  For all other advent dressers check out the website.

If I don't come back before Christmas then have a good one, keep safe and have a fantastic New Year!

Fiona

xoxo

7 Days, 7 Looks and WTF Wednesday

A week of too much!  Have some new clients that I’m working with and it’s giving me brain ache to be learning new stuff but equally good.  Have had a mix of work, coffee mornings, babysitting Avenue 57 and socialising – the latter was a bit too much for even me on Saturday night and I spent ALL of Sunday feeling so unwell (I know it’s my fault so I can’t blame anyone but really did they have to keep bringing the wine to me??)

On Avenue 57 we have started a December Style Challenge.  Each day we wear an item from the list – today it’s all about the ankle boot, tomorrow a bag, the next day high heels (eek!).  Full details of the list can be found here.

Thursday and Friday last week - both days working in the (very casual) office

Saturday was a family photo session and in the evening the messy night out (LOVE my leather trousers from H&M)

Sunday I was so ill (have I told you this already?) so there is no photo for Sunday.  Monday working from home

Tuesday working from home and school play at School - bless my 5 yr old, was so cute to see him

 Today!  I have lots of layers on because it is freezing 

I love this day of the week, it’s hilarious finding so many dreadful things online that you can buy today – I urge you not to buy them for fear of hearing ‘wtf is she wearing’ each time you go outside.

ASOS - £30 - I mean really come on?  A fantasia tracksuit?  For a GROWN UP? 

Peacocks - £12 I'm all for a bit of animal on a t shirt but this just takes the ......

Tesco - £10 Holy Moly WTF?  Who on earth ... WHO .. could wear these and make them look good?

ASOS £58 - Really?  £58 for an awful dress.  If it looks this bad on the 'model' then what hope is there for anyone else?

Debenhams - £85 - I can't work out what I WTF most about this.  The sheepskin ruffle neck and sleeves, the pretend tartan main bit or the vile leather duffle strap - all of it together is truly WTF on every level (oh and the price!) 

So there we have it, a lot of truly awful items that you can actually buy online today.  I had to really narrow it down this week as there were so many!

Hope everyone has had a good week?  Don't forget to take part if you want to on our December Advent Dressing Challenge.

Fiona

xoxo