Christmas Present Sorted!

Last week, I was tempted into the pre-Black Friday sale at House of Fraser by my sister in law, who had seen a coat earlier in the week that she was hoping would be reduced. With no shopping agenda, I headed in with her and the good news was that her coat was 30% off - result!

But of course, I had to take a look around and whether it's my new pared down wardrobe or just the usual lack of funds, I wasn't tempted to part with any cash on the night but I did spot a couple of things that I added to my lust list....

First up, an impractical item - this grey faux fur coat from Linea. I was attracted by the colour and it is so lovely and soft. Well reduced on the night as I remember it being under £100 but it's back up to £113.40 now. Worth watching for in the sales - if it went to 60 or 70% off, I'd snap it up. Size down - it's a big fit. I'm wearing the 10 in the photo but an 8 would have fitted.

The second item I saw was from Orla Kiely....either one would do really but definitely investment bags, even with 30% off. Stunning though.

Orla Kiely Printed Check Multi Crossbody Bag
Orla Kiely Printed Check Small Crossbody Bag

Final item is the most perfect pair of black ankle boots and I knew even before I tried them on that I had to have them. The heel height, the almond shaped toe, the platform sole, the neatness around the ankle and to top them off, the amazing leather. They were a gorgeous fit too and really comfy.

Dune Black Ladies Pondo Ankle Boot
They're from the Dune Black range, which I'd not heard of before. Apparently, it's their 'premium capsule collection offering sophisticated designs constructed from the finest Italian leathers'.....in other words, they're expensive! £149 in fact - though they did have 20% off as part of the Black Friday event. Still WAY too much for me to spend on myself at this time of year...but then I had a brainwave....hubby could get them for me for Christmas! Cue heavy hint given the next day and currently they're hidden in the spare room. It's killing me not to wear them before the 25th.

Apart from those wish list items, I was blown away by the brand Hallhuber which is relatively new to House of Fraser.

With elements of Cos and Hush, please don't be put off by the awful images on the HOF website. Go and look next time you're in-store. On discount, it's well priced for the quality and I just loved the clean lines and neutral palate. Items that stood out include this sparkle blouse which was on 30% off that evening:

Grey Sparkle Blouse

You know how I love a coatigan....this one was the perfect weight:

Boucle Sophie Coat (reduced to £59 - in 3 other colours)

Also loved this gorgeous sleeveless top - it's got a tie detail on the back that you can't see in this photo but I'd love this on a night out with some coated black skinnies or distressed jeans:

Crepe Layered Top with Tie Detail (reduced to £39 - also in black)

and finally, this dress was stunning....what a classic shape. Would look amazing for a cocktail party or a smarter night out....and I'd wear for choir too. So so flattering. 

Satin Dress with Bow

So much more I would share but the photos online are hard to tally with the items I picked out online. Suffice to say, it will be my first point of call on Boxing Day!

Finishing with yesterday's monochrome offering...I was working all afternoon (in an actual office!) but the dress code is disappointingly casual - jeans all the way.

Grey Coat - Mango (past season - this year's version here)

Black high waist skinny jeans - Topshop

Grey Top - River Island

Black Scarf - Zara

Grey Boots - Seven Boot Lane (back in stock in all sizes)

Today, I'm off to get the hair cut and coloured with the lovely Karen at Rogue Hair in Belfast. Step 1 (of many) ahead of BCGC's massive Christmas Concert in Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Sunday evening. I can't wait to share with you what I'm wearing that night. The first half requires a Christmas novelty outfit (eek!) and the second half is full-on formal glamour!! I'm so excited to wear the dress I found on eBay and finally share some photos. Oh and if you're coming to the concert do let me know.

Have a great day,

Ax