SCHOOL GATE STYLE

Belfast-based, clothes-loving, shopping-obsessed, mum of 3. Wearable fashion on a budget for busy women

Tuesday, 29 December 2015

The Sales Part 3 - Boden, ASOS and hitting the sales wall....

Final day of the sales edits - if I look anymore, I'll be divorced! Too much temptation :)

Starting with Boden where unfortunately for Johnnie, I only every buy in the sale. Though I suspect the full prices take this into account as it's rarely you won't find a discount code available.

There's 20/30 & 40% off lots of fab things but I'm concentrating on the deep discounts here, starting with the Zoe navy coat with 60% off. Can't find a picture of anyone wearing the navy version of this, though there are plenty of photos of the checked version and I do like the shape.
Boden Zoe Coat in Navy - £63 (was £159)
The Double Layer Lace dress has a whopping 70% off and gets really good reviews. Available in 3 colours with the black having the best size availability.
Double Layer Lace Dress - £44.70 (was £149)
and a big favourite of mine from my Boden party - the Lara sparkle dress in the wine colour way is 50% off now. I'm still holding out for the navy going to 50% too (currently at 30%)
Lara Sparkle Dress - £49.50 (was £99)
Love the colours in this jumper (and I have a Katie too!) but the reviews are off-putting. At 50% off, it's worth a try-on...size down apparently!
Katie Jumper - £44.50 (was £89)
Totally impractical shoe time but with 70% off, these are FABulous! Available in 3 colours and all at the same great discount.
Lille Heel - £38.70 (was £129)
Finishing with an off-piste one....a candle. Who knew JB had home stuff?! In fact, there's actually quite a nice (though small) range of tableware (coasters, placemats) and tea towels & aprons but this candle is calling me. If you've ever had a Boden party, you'll know that you get a Boden scented candle to burn on the day of the party. It smells divine and lasts for ages so my bet is that this one is from the same manufacturer and should be worth a punt. Would make a great gift too - maybe worth stocking up on a few for teachers/housewarming etc?
Boden Fig Candle - £12.50 (was £25)

Next up, it's the monster that is ASOS and if, like me, you find their website a bit overwhelming, it's worth just searching for specific items or brands, rather than just scrolling endlessly. Also narrow by size and colour if you can.
It's a great place to pick up River Island, Warehouse, Adidas, Nike etc. and also their own premium brand, ASOS White, where this first jacket comes from - a great Spring Summer buy:
ASOS White Printed Panel Jacket - £36.50 (was £75)
White trainers are not going anywhere according to the fashion press so here's a great opportunity to buy something bang on trend that's not from Adidas (for a change)...
Puma White Croc Effect Trainers - £38.50 (were £55)
Loving the colours in this scarf:
Liquorish Blanket Scarf black/blue - £22 (was £45)
also comes in a navy/blush colour way
Blanket Scarf navy/blush - £22
and in fact, the whole Liquorish range is fab (see this link) - a bit overpriced for Acrylic but the sale prices are about right.
In my own search for a navy coat, this fur gilet came up - looks like lovely quality and would work well with a leather jacket underneath, thanks to the PU trim on the side.
Influence Navy Faux Fur Gilet - £27 (was £90)
I've seen some gorgeous instagram photos of leather look leggings with Adidas superstars so I've got these in my basket. May end up being too mutton for me but worth a try with free delivery & returns (update - have bought some Topshop Joni coated jeans instead - see below)
ASOS Leather Look Leggings with Elastic Waist - £22 (whoops...not in the sale)
Back on track with some amazing neutral ankle boots in real suede. Lovely heel height and colour.
Oasis Western Zip Size Suede Boots - £48.50 (was £65)

Last shop I had planned for this sales update was Topshop.....where I have to confess, I hit a wall. There is just too much rubbish in their online sale. Which is pretty much what I think of their in-store sale too come to think of it. They score so many hits each season but there's SO much randomness too. And it all seems to be in  this sale. Instead, I got distracted by some Joni black coated jeans which were not in the sale. In fact, not only were they full price but they're only available in petite in my size....desperation made me order them. And then I threw in these lace up shoes which were only £10! I know I'll end up sending them back but they were worth a try and ensured free delivery of my (too short) jeans....I'll stop drinking the baileys now I think <hic>
Flick Lace up Ghillie Shoes - £10 (only available in size 40)

Ok - I'm all sales'ed out now...though still standing guard for the hush sale. Will keep you posted!

Ax



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Monday, 28 December 2015

The Sales Part 2 - Seven Boot Lane, Ted Baker, Whistles & more....

Back with my best finds in a few favourite stores other than Zara (yesterday's post). Getting this up pretty fast as I know some of these items are going to sell out...

Starting with Seven Boot Lane who make the most amazing shoes and boots. Sadly, my grey ankle boots are not in the sale but my Elena Black Loafers are really well reduced and I can't recommend them highly enough. It's a beautiful shoe that has served me at choir concerts, nights out, at work and on the school run...oh and on Christmas Day too! Hard workers that still look as good as the day they arrived with me.
Elena Black Leather Loafer - £70
My other pick from Seven Boot Lane are the Esther boots, which although are listed as being black, have a distressed finish that I think makes them look more like a grey...hence they should be really wearable. Should I order to try out??! All in the name of research...
Esther Black Leather Ankle Boot - £80
Next, over to Ted Baker where I've had my eye on this navy coat for ages. I find Ted Baker expensive even when on sale but the quality and cut is gorgeous in all their pieces so for an investment item like this coat, it's worth pushing the boat out
Appia Wool Wrap Coat -£179
I've also always wanted one of the Ted Baker wallets and in fact my husband did buy me one for Christmas (which I need to exchange....don't ask!). LOVE this pale pink one online:
Kodee Leather Crystal Clasp Purse - £55
Moving onto French Connection - where I'm focussing on dresses. There's a huge selection on this link but given my success with their sequinned ones this party season, I'm linking directly to a few sparkly numbers. Every wardrobe should have one - they're timeless and effortless. Pop them on and you're ready for any night out!
This first one is only left in size 16's sadly....absolutely gorgeous
Winter Wave Sequinned Dress £66 (was £210) 
Equally frustrating, this next one is only available in 6's and 8's!
Cosmic Sparkle Midi Dress - £112 (was £160)
I've been looking everywhere for a great cross-body with silver hardware and this one is calling to me...wish they would put a photo online of a model carrying the bag so I can get an idea of the strap length and size of the bag!
Elina Leather Bag - £70 (was £165 - also available in a gorgeous pink shade)
Finally from FC, when boot cuts were all we wore, I always bought my jeans from them as the fit was impeccable. I've not tried these on but on reputation alone, I'd try them if I was going to go down the bootcut route again <sits on hands>
Belle Bottom Flared Jeans - £32 (were £80)
Next up, I couldn't resist a peek at the Yoshi sale and I have these two bags currently in my basket - amazing prices for the quality of leather.
Cullen Black Leather Cross Body - £37.50 (was £70 - available in 4 colours)
and this beauty is just £20 - real leather and beautifully made....available in 3 colours but this navy one will work hard for you:
Jenner Ink Handbag - £20 (was £40)
Next up, it's Warehouse where the reductions are never massive (in a Zara style) but they've lots of great pieces, starting with this lighter weight camel coat that I keep going back to look at (because I *need* more coats in my life!) mainly because it would be a great shape on me:
Brown Asymmetric Belted Coat - £70 (was £90)
but for me, Warehouse is one of the best places to pick up dresses and going out tops. This maxi dress was worn by one of my friends in choir at our concert and it looked simply stunning on her. Perfect if you have occasional formal events to dress for - this time of year is best for finding well priced gowns.
Black Lace Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress - £45 (was £70) - comes up small according to the review

This black jumpsuit is gorgeous in real life too - again perfect for a night out but actually, it would be great in a work environment too:
Black Belted Detail Jumpsuit - £45 (was £75)
I was tempted to get this next dress for nights out and choir concerts but I was worried the velvet would be too heavy. It's so beautifully made though and really well priced now.
Black Lace Collar Velvet Dress - £45 (was £70)
I could share SO much going out stuff but I won't and instead here's a daytime top. I don't know about you but the weather's been so weird, I've not really worn any of my polo neck jumpers yet. I love these jersey polos from Warehouse that are light enough for this weather but are reminiscent of the Boden off-duty knit.
Relaxed Side Split Polo Tunic - £20 (was £26 - also available in navy)
Lastly, Warehouse are amazing for denim also - these skinny jeans are a steal at £20
Signature Skinny Jeans (were £40)
Moving onto Jigsaw where this khaki breton top has caught my eye
Retro Jersey Stripe Amelie Top - £29 (was £39)
and if I had a grey coat gap in my wardrobe, this one would be filling it:
Urban Boucle Knit Coat - £138 (was £198)
Finally, a stunning pair of black heeled boots...
Erica Zip Midi Boot - £118 (were £169)
Over to &OtherStories now and this 100% cashmere jumper is just £63 in the sale - gorgeous shape:
Cashmere Sweater - Dark Purple
and staying on a purple theme, this wool coat is half price:
Wool Blend Coat - £83
and blending in nicely with the berry tones, something I didn't realise they sell on this site, Nike trainers. These are a great colour for day to day wearing (as opposed to gym wearing)
Nike Air Pegasus - £53
Final online store for today is Whistles which has been well picked over by now but these gorgeous ankle boots are still available in most sizes:
Hadd Cleat Stud Boot - £97.50 (were £195)
oh and they're also available in brown

Last of the sales updates tomorrow with Boden and a few others too....do tip me off if you've found a good sale anywhere. I'd hate to miss out!

Ax


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Sunday, 27 December 2015

The Sales Part 1 - Zara

So first up, I hope you had a great Christmas...it seemed to be over in a flash with us. It was my turn to cook for the extended family this year so I was kept busy in the lead up with preparation but it was all worth it as the day itself was actually quite easy going and all the food turned out as planned. Thanks to Mary Berry, Greg Wallace and the BBC Food website mostly!

It meant that I wasn't really online at all over the past week but on Christmas night, I was late to bed and decided to have a quick peek at the sales. Well, I confess that I was sucked right in by Zara. I bought this cape only last week as a present from my mother in law and hadn't even gotten round to wearing it when it was reduced by £20. As I felt it was a bit overpriced at £80, I had no qualms about ordering it at the lower price, along with some navy slip-on trainers..
Contrasting Piped Cape - £59.99

Flat Sneakers with Elastics - £19.99 
At that stage I was too exhausted to look further but St Stephen's/Boxing Day saw me with renewed strength to peruse the Zara sale further and the remainder of my Christmas money was spent. Starting with a few more coats....I know, I know...but I did have a little coat clear out before Christmas and this first one is more of a year-round one. Loved it in both colours but opted for the camel in the end:
Cotton Trench Coat - £49.99
I have a cream coat from Zara that I adore but it's got a funnel neck collar and it's difficult to keep make-up from rubbing on it. I love my capes and this one is collarless so I think it will be easier to wear.
Textured Weave Cape - £29.99
Final coat is one I've seen on a few Instagrammers and I love the shape and the neutral colour.
Boucle Wool Coat - £39.99
Next up, I wanted to try these asymmetric tops so I ordered a grey and a black one:

Black Irregular Sweater - £12.99

Grey Irregular Sweater - £12.99
And last item is this halter style top - loved the flowing shape of it and the halter style is great if you're not too large on top. It will be great for choir gigs too:
Halter Neck Top - £12.99
I don't have intentions (or enough money) to keep it all, I should say but I'll do a try on post when it arrives in case you've had your eye on any of it. Kudos to Zara for offering free delivery and returns all year round, sale or full price (orders over £50). 

There were a few things that I would have liked to order but common sense and the bank balance prevailed. These boots are leather and a great practical pair for the school run in a fab neutral shade of dark brown.

Mock Croc Leather Ankle Boots - £49.99
This studded leather messenger bag was also almost purchased but the photos weren't great and I couldn't work out how big it is and how long the strap is.

Studded Leather Messenger Bag - £39.99
The leather looks amazing in this biker jacket - another wardrobe staple

Leather biker Jacket - £59.99
I have this scarf in 4 colours now - picked up over the past few seasons and no matter the colour, it's a scarf I'm always asked about. They're super soft, a lovely size and they wash really well too!

Basic Extra Soft Scarf - £12.99
Finally, I'm loving the sound and the look of these black jeans. I'm really pleased with my Topshop ones though so there was no room for them in the wardrobe. Great biker detail on them which makes them a bit different to the usual black skinny:

Powerstretch Biker Trousers - £19.99
I'll be back asap with another round up of a few other gems I've found across some of my other favourite sales. Will leave you with a pic of my new boots that the husband got me - absolutely delighted with them! They're down to £104 in the sale now but my size has sold out so I wasn't tempted to re-order! Fab height, so comfy and beautifully made. When I get around to dressing myself this week, I'll post a photo of me wearing them.
Dune Black Pondo Boot (also available here in House of Fraser and here in John Lewis

Back soon!
Ax

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