The Sales - what I bought & what I sent back!

I've not bought much in the sales this summer...mainly because I'm saving for Boston but also because the weather's been so rubbish. But I did put in a few orders last week and did a massive try on session at the weekend - brace yourself for a photo heavy post :)

Starting with Next - not a sale I'd made plans to go along to but we got home late on Friday from Tipperary so I was up early on Saturday to get groceries and what do you know? The sale had started! I call that karma.
Aware that the kids were waiting hungrily at home (although, in my defence, it was only 8.30am), I didn't linger and just did a quick sweep though.

 First up - a waffle jersey biker style jacket in light grey. I liked the feel of this and the fact that it's stretchy. But I wasn't immediately smitten though I think it could be a useful jacket that I would wear lots.

Verdict - undecided - I'm going to hold onto it for another week and see if I feel inclined to wear it.

Next, these black platform sandals. I tried on one of these briefly in the shop and it seemed comfortable but I couldn't be bothered trying both on as they were tied together and it could have been disastrous given all the groceries I was holding.

However, when I got them home and walked around the bedroom in them, they squeaked. I mean proper squeaking...like those annoying trainers that you used to see little toddlers wearing. It's because although they are leather lined, the straps are not leather and where they cross over at the back, they rub against each other. Such a shame as they were really comfy.
Verdict - return

After reading about the usefulness of a white handbag over on Sue's blog, I thought I'd give this one a go. It's become the best of my sale buys in Next as I love it and have enjoyed using it every day this week. It matches everything!

Verdict - keep

And I had to scratch the culottes itch too so I picked these slightly stretchy ones up in Next. I thought they'd be perfect but in fact, they are a funny length on me. I'd really prefer a slightly longer pair I think.

Verdict - return

Moving onto the Hush sale and I just ordered 3 items from them...

starting with this jersey tube skirt which I'm thrilled with. It's got a slit up one side and is quite flattering to wear. Much cooler than a normal maxi skirt and way more flattering as it shows off the curves more. Oh and the best bit? It was £10! I'm wearing the S/M and it's about a 10-12.

Verdict - keep #nobrainer

I also ordered the 3rd colour in the Jessica top, which I was watching for weeks to make sure it didn't go to low stock. It was a deeper coral shade that I expected and too like another top I have. I did like it lots but had to be ruthless. This is the size 12.

Verdict - return (but I will rue the day)

Thinking a lightweight jumper would be a useful item in the current weather, I ordered this Chain Stitch Jumper. The colour was duller than I expected though and it didn't work with my skin tone...but funnily enough, looking at these photos, I like it again...but it's too late. it's gone back. Size S/M here.

Verdict - return

ASOS next and after seeing Michelle's post here, I ordered up the jeans she is wearing - for £10.50. But while I was at it, I saw 2 other pairs for about the same price so I thought I'd try them out given there was free delivery and free returns.

Here are the jeans Michelle bought - the Maddox Parallel Crop. The size was good (size 30) and I liked the fit...something a bit different. The buttons bothered me a bit as I struggled to open and close them. But that didn't put me off initially...the next pair I ordered did!

Verdict - return
I much preferred the turn up on these True Boyfriend Jeans and the distressing (as opposed to a proper tear high up on the thigh in the first pair). These are a size 28 and come up massive. They are probably verging on a 14....but I'm in denial about that. Must get back to the gym....

Verdict - keep

I also ordered these Noisy May black skinnies as they looked nice and tight on the model but they were too baggy around my ankles sadly and too long. These are a 12.

Verdict - return

Warehouse was my next shop and once again inspired by Michelle, I bought the Clean Off The Shoulder Top here which I absolutely love..sadly no longer available online. I have concerns about how much I'll wear it but I think you can't go wrong with a plain black top and I've actually got a good set of shoulders and décolletage so I should show them off a bit more. Size 12.

Verdict - keep

These mules from Warehouse were never to keep (not online) - I just liked the look of them and adding to my order meant I qualified for free delivery (and free returns). I tried them on for about 10 seconds. Couldn't walk in them. They are gorgeous though. Sorry no photos of me wearing them as I tried them on while wearing PJ's.

Verdict - return

And that's it.....for now anyway. I may take another look at the sales again when everything goes to final reductions, especially if the weather takes a turn for the better. Be assured that you will hear all about it!

Ax

PS - funny wee story for you because inside the Next handbag was this card and a gift receipt dated March 2015.

I can only guess that someone bought this for their mum and she wasn't keen so she returned it. I like to think that she didn't notice that there was this lovely card inside it....or that she was gutted that she forgot to take it out. It's also nice to think that perhaps I was meant to find it? In any case...it prompted some interesting debate amongst my Facebook friends when I shared this photo.
As for hubby, when I showed him, all he said to me was this...... 'Avril, did you *really* need another handbag?'

Sigh.