Category Archives: shopping

Chic Unique

29th August 2011

You can’t beat a surprise in the post for putting a smile on your face, and last week when this pink swallow earrings dropped through my door from Chic Unique the theory was once again tested and proved correct.

Chic Unique encapsulates modern design and fashion and adds a funky, unique, vintage edge yet still at affordable prices making it accessible for all tastes, budgets and occassions.
We specialise in bespoke design for any taste and budget, an up cycle and repair service is also available upon request.We have also had jewellery worn at the Brit Awards by the up and coming artist Tiger Lilly in 2011.

I love the cute designs, my current favourites from the site are the “to catch a bird” Necklace (£14), “time for tea!” Ring (£10) and the Scrabble Initial Earrings (£15)

What is your favourite piece? Check out the online shop … it is almost (or, just gone) payday!

And whilst your at it, don’t forget my 1000 follower giveaway below!

xxx

P.S. another never fail smile maker?

Finding THE perfect striped jumper for a bargain price! Thank you T.K. Maxx, thank you from both myself and my bank account.

Posted in jewellery, shopping

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Spree

03rd August 2011

The result of a day shopping with my Mum…Perhaps I took celebrating payday a little too far!

 Random bits from Paperchase. Thorntons chocolate, veggie Percy Pigs (although I’m not veggie, I prefer the veggie option if there is one and these are BRAND NEW), Clinique foundation + moisturiser + free gift, Hello Kitty Candles.

 House of Harlow horseshoe ring…a bit of idle/random browsing in Harvey Nichols turned in to a purchase. Thankfully only a £20 purchase!

 Poetic License shoes! On final clearance in TK Maxx, down to £13 and one pair left in my size. I couldn’t leave them there.

 Jumper dress from Next. On the most un-jumper weather day of the year, this is what I buy!

And I wore my charity shop bargain skirt.

I should probably attempt to put myself on a spending ban for the rest of the month, but I just can’t see it happening. Uh-oh!

What did your last payday haul consist of?

xxx

Posted in outfits, shopping

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Little things.

31st July 2011

Over the last week I seem to have collected a few rather lovely new things; some a bit trivial but sometimes it’s those small things that can put the biggest smile on your face.

 My love for pound shops cemented by the discovery of Hello Kitty toothpaste.

 New additions to the Fruitella family.

 After my wish list the other day, find-me-a-gift spoilt me rotten by sending the nail polish I was craving as well as some other gorgeous treats. They clearly knew me well, a cupcake coin purse? This site is heaven for all your gift shopping needs!

 I FINALLY got lucky with a local charity shop and found this Get Cutie skirt in my size for £2.99! I made the lady un-dress the window display so I could have it. Looks like I’ve finally found a local gem of a shop, I saw some other pretties in their too, and not at extortionate prices!

 Payday treat came in the form of an orange quilted jacket; complete with leather arm patches from ASOS, making the most of the free next day delivery. Bring on the Autumn chills! I fit in well with the local farmers now.

I’m on operation weight gain. The discovery of FAB ice cream pots will help nicely. Delicious, and only £1 in Tesco (you bet I have a freezer full). Not a fab fan? The smarties and rolo varieties are also winners!

What little things, or big things have superficially made you smile this week? Has anything else wonderful happened? I enjoyed a family based few days when my brother and his gorgeous girlfriend came to stay. They are up in Essex now, getting tattooed…which is making me crave a new one, badly!

xxx

Posted in food, random, shopping

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More Budget Workwear

05th July 2011

Following on from last week’s workwear on a budget post, I picked up this skirt for £5 in Primark on Saturday. It was a last minute purchase; I was tired and lacking motivation to try anything on (a danger zone when trying to make a sensible purchase) but luck was on my side and I now have a fairly classic addition to my working wardrobe…


I’m pretty sure it has potential to be worn year round…knitwear and boots for the winter, of course! For something so cheap, it seems to be of pretty decent quality too.

It’s my day off today. The weather forecast predicted rain. I see sunshine. I don’t think I’ll be moving far from the garden.

Are you ever surprised of the quality of cheap clothing? I know Primark can be a bit of a taboo place to shop, but this skirt so far seems more durable than others I’ve had from far more expensive places.

xxx

P.S. thanks for the week off suggestions…lets see how many I can squish in!

Posted in outfits, shopping

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Work on a Budget

30th June 2011

Last week I had an e-mail from sofeminine, inviting me to put together the best bargain outfit that I could come up with under £50 (and they’d foot the bill). The timing of this was fantastic, as I’ve been starting to ponder how to get a decent workwear wardrobe on a budget. I’m lucky because my job is pretty lax when it comes to what we wear, and at first my standard dresses etc seemed to fit in just fine; but now I’m working there more, and I’m more involved in “front of house” I wanted to invest in some more classic “worky” clothes…but didn’t want to spend a fortune.

My outfit came via Topshop. Somewhere I can only ever afford to shop during the sales. The trousers were £20, reduced from £45 and are the perfect fit and length on me. I’m not a trousers girl, except for work, and I am loathe to spend a lot of money on them, especially as they so rarely fit right…but these do…and although not a traditional colour, they are smart, comfortable and (for once) a quality that will last.

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The top, I bought in three colours; a paler blue and a white as well. These were an absolute bargain at £5 each down from £15. It gets hot and work, so loose cotton is an instant winner and that that kind of price, I’m not going to say no!

I would have been able to get some flat, sensible shoes within the budget too, but I opted not to purely because I have NOwhere at all left to store new shoes!

My outfit, as well as the other bloggers who took part will be showcased here, so you’ll be able to pick up all our hints and tips for shopping on a budget.

What are your top budget shopping tips?
Mine would be..

-Shop the sales.

-Look for pieces that are good quality, and won’t date.

-If you see basics at a good price, buy in bulk!

-Don’t buy anything you only like because it’s cheap; it’s a false economy!

xxx

Posted in shopping, work

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