A whizz around M&S and Next

I'm sure you know by now that I'm a serial returner of items...I buy lots in the name of research and then return them. It means that some weeks, I feel like I'm never out of the shops and this week was one like that.

I bought this fur coat back a few weeks ago for £89 and dithered over it for ages, finally deciding at the weekend that I wanted to keep it. But then I saw online that it was reduced to £53. It totally took the shine off it I have to say so I brought it back today to see if there was any chance of re-buying it at the lower price (which Boden are very good about....just saying!). The staff were lovely at the returns desk but I was told I wasn't allowed re-buy it until it was back out on the shop floor. So I hung around for about an hour but I must have missed it going back out as the next time I checked, the manager told me it wasn't in the returns area any more. My friend and I went round in circles to see if we could find it but to no avail. So I'm huffing. If anyone sees this in a 10 in your local store - PLESE let me know!

I should also mention that at the same time as returning the coat, I returned the second pair of these M&S boots that I picked up in both colours a few weeks back. I returned the burgundy a week or so ago and the black went back today. I came to the conclusion that they finished at the wrong part of my ankle. I'm not long in the leg and these seemed to shorten it even more. Such a shame as they are gorgeous boots and really well priced.

Ok so the disappointment of the returns over me, I went on a quick prowl about M&S and the big Next beside it....here's what caught my eye in M&S first and it's yet another coat...this blue one is calling me every time I got in (the photo is from a while back...I just keep trying it on!). It's a beautiful shape and this warmer shade of blue is really good on my colouring. I'd love to try the 12 in it though as the 10 is just a bit neat.

Wool Blend Car Coat in Smokey Blue
Saw this coat again and have been admiring it on Anne's blog recently. I tried it on a while back...

Not in the sale sadly - The Oversized Textured Cocoon Coat in Apricot
Skirts next - and I'm on the hunt for a pleated skirt right now - this was a contender but I wasn't sure if it would be practical enough for the school run. Gorgeous colour in on-trend lace..

This geo-print top stood out for me too - it would look great dressed up or down. LOVE the combination of the light blue with black and cream. Makes it very wearable on lots of skin tones. Sadly can't find it online.

Then I nipped into Next where I found the most amazing down coat for £110. Honestly, this is gorgeous. It snuggles right up around your neck and is a great weight and most importantly, is filled with real down so will keep you super warm. It doesn't have a hood but these coats aren't meant for wet weather anyway - it would look fab with a wooly hat for a cosy school run.


Long Down Jacket - in Black & Khaki - £110
Check out my School Gate Style running gear - lol. Oh and does anyone else find the lighting is a bit rubbish in Next - I always struggle to see things properly in the mirror.
I was tempted to try on these jeans - can anyone tell me if they are any good? My back is sore today though and I just couldn't face untying/tying trainers etc. but I am going to try them the next time I'm in store.

Enhancer Jeans - £30
This navy fur coat appealed (it's definitely Navy - not black!) and I'd have bought it if it had been a buttoned coat..wasn't so keen on the zip but it's the first navy fur coat I've seen in the high street so far. There should be more..navy fur rocks!


Wavy Faux Fur Jacket

Last coat now - I promise!! This orange boucle coat was lovely quality and a great on-trend shape

Orange Boucle Coat

Finally two pairs of shoes that caught my eye in Next - these brogues are stunning

Contrast Cleated Lace Up Brogue
and I'm always a sucker for a sparkly flat. These are so subtle yet gorgeous. Perfect for daytime/office wear as well as for going out (for those of us with bad backs especially who can't wear heels!)

Glitter Point Shoes - (also available in gold)

Did I buy? Well....yes and would you believe it - not a coat! I finally found a pleated skirt that I think will work for me. Let me play about with it at home and sure even if I end up retuning it...sure it's an excuse to do some more window shopping :)

Ax