New year, New me (finally)

thrifty_fifty

Morning folks!

A bit more positive today. Have to say, not looking forward to that walk now, especially when I just realised I left my trainers at work. But I'll be damned if I'm going to pay£15 for a ten minute taxi ride.

See you later

xx

Woowoo

Thrifty you do make me laugh!

£15 on snacky bits, I actually banged my head on the table when I read that. I don't know how you dont throttle him!

I am so impressed that you stood up and spoke in front of everyone at your training. This is my biggest nightmare.

Last year I had to do HR Training, the day before the training I found out that there was going to be role play and I just totally freaked and spent the day in tears. In the end I called in sick the next day to avoid it, my MD found out and called me into his office - he was very nice about it and was going to offer some training to help me, but when I burst into tears again I think he realised it was something best avoided!

thrifty_fifty

Thanks Woowoo. I'm really paranoid about my quiet voice, expecially when people always have to ask me twice what I just said. I was so warm during that speach, I thought I was going to spontaneously combust. Fortunately I didn't and the building is still standing!

The walk to the next village for the bus wasn't so bad actually. Got lots of veg from the market, and some free pallets from the industrial estate to make our compost bin up at the allotment. So glad to have the car back Display is still faint and flashing. OH insisted it was just a dodgy wire or something I insisted that we run it back to the garage to check everything was ok, and I mean it!!

Just popping to the allotment now.

See you later

xx

thrifty_fifty

Seeds sown, things started to pop their heads out of the ground, and compost heap constructed out of pallets.

Now all that remains is a glass of wine and a hot bath.


mmmmmm.

Shoe_Gal

Sounds like a good evening - enjoy

thrifty_fifty

Morning peeps!

Beautiful day again. I really enjoyed that walk yesterday, and have decided that I am going to get out and about more. It costs nothing but a bit of time, and makes you feel a whole lot better too.

Still deliberating about the bike ride to work. I would probably do this once a week as it is a 16 mile round trip, and considering I haven't done much excercise for a long time, ease it in gently methinks!

After much deliberation decided to end the listing on ebay for my Jimmys. I had a look at some on there and they were clearly from the 90's and worn, and the bid with a few hours to go was £40. Mine were unworn with box and dustbag (plus they were extra cool because I had bought them from Yoox and they looked like they came from a shop in France-french writing on the side), so probably that style never even sold in this country.

Instead of being my usual kneejerk reaction self I'm hanging onto them, at least until I have worn them. Several years ago I sold off a lovely collection of choos, Miu Miu sandals with diamantes and turquoise stones in the heels, and some lovely raspberry peeptoe Louboutin espadrilles. All never worn. I have never seen designs as nice since and I got £570 for the lot. To get something even close to these designs now I would have to pay £700 each.

So I'm hanging onto them. This debt will be gone, but if I clear it quick and sell everything I own, yes I'll be debt free a couple of months sooner, but I'll have nothing left. I have big plans for my life and I always said that I would buy a couple of these expensive items a year and gradually build up a wardrobe that would do for socialising and staying in fabulous holidays, going to the Opera etc etc.

Stick to the plan thrifty. Worked out that if after I am debt free, I put aside just £20 a month (and lets face it, that could be lost on bought lunches, a bottle of wine here and there), then in the October I would have £200 to spend on a couple of items. Queue hit Yoox for a DVF cruise style dress £100, and selfridges in the sale for some Jimmys or the like £60-£100. Do that every year for 10 years and I have 20 items in my wardrobe=cool.

And it hasn't really been much of a sacrifice. Yes that's the plan!!

Plans for today-stay away from the allotment after spending most of yesterday with head stuck in a box of tissues-ruddy hayfever!!!!!

Find my fake glasses- these are what look like specs, but have a clear plastic lense, the idea is to try and keep a bit more pollen out of my eyes-but obviously you look a bit daft wearing sunglasses on a dull day and you can't wear them indoors when people have the windows open. Many questions about-oh I didn't know you wore glasses etc etc, but hey they do the trick. Now where did I put them?, saw them the other week-same old, same old!

Need to find my library cards so I can renew them-due back tomorrow. Do not want to incur charges.

And got volunteered to pour tea and sell cakes for the village fayre in May. Seriously I am going to be the youngest person in the village hall. Oooh Eck!

thrifty_fifty

Well obviously I can't afford any of this lot now, but what a lovely response to my query. These are exactly the kinds of things I was thinking of. Feminine and sophisticated, and then some edgier things.Better get toning up the pins so that I don't look like a sack of spuds. About three years time I should be able to start buying a few bits again.

I have carefully researched into what I feel you may like. Reaching a new age, and
embarking upon your 30s will exude effortless confidence in character, and this
new beginning should reflect in your style.

Please click on the link below for inspiration:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/63244
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/62245
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/62904
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/64092
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/79777
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/48254

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60225

Please do not feel overwhelmed by all the clothes! I wanted to pick out as many
as I thought best, so that you can feel free to pick and choose with enough
options.

As you've experimented with lots of color and bold prints previously, I have
consciously opted for muted colours, which will allow for versatile styling with
pieces you already own. Colored accessories is an easy and affordable way of
spicing up a darker look instantly.

Dresses

Dresses are the ultimate in flexible wear. Go for bear legs with ballet flats
in the summer or opaque tights and suede round-toed ankle boots in the winter.

Black tunic style dresses in exciting fabrications and cuts (e.g- Alexander Wang
Open-back satin-jersey mini dress), will add interest to darker toned outfits.
Its silhouette allows for transitional wear-, so team with heels for summer nights
or wear during the day in the winter with leggings, boots and a leather jacket.

Chiffon and draped styles will work beautifully as a romantic reference, and
can indeed be worn during the day with oversized leather bags and jeans.
The Elizabeth and James Suzette silk-jersey playsuit is ideal for comfort and
subtle sexiness. Wear with leather-like leggings and knee-boots for a casual
urban look, or team with your favourite sparkly sandals for glamorous night
time chic.

As you're an avid fan of Charlotte York, I have picked out a few very 'Charlotte'
dresses whereby you can channel your inner Park Avenue Princess! Please see
the Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu and Matthew Williamson feminine, yet still edgy, styles
in structured fabrics.

Tops, Shirts and T-Shirts

Longer tops in Breton stripes are timeless and resonate Parisian chic in an
easy and comfortable way.

As T-shirt's are usually super simple, the fabric is extremely important in order
for them to stand out. In this case, silk and modal fabrications work beautifully
with Kain's short sleeve slouchy pocket T-shirt, and Elizabeth and James' jersey
and chiffon white long sleeve T-shirt. Their construction will add luxe and highlight
its quality with simple outfits.

White shirts are classic; I feel that masculine styles are mega chic with a feminine
twist, as seen with Red Valentino's Bow embellished shirt. Elizabeth and James'
Oversized piqu! tuxedo shirt keys into the oversized trend and can be worn
as a relaxed approach to smart dressing.

Tuck these tops into high-waisted J Brand Bardot jeans!

Skirts, Jeans and Jumpsuits

Tight fitted skirts in interesting knots and twists will evoke an edgy vibe
in womanly cuts and shades (e.g- Jason Wu Silk-chiffon pleat-knot skirt).
L'Agence's jersey maxi skirts and dresses are ideal for layering in the winter
with knitwear or going effortless in the summer with a denim gilet or jacket.

Denim brands today like Citizens of Humanity, Victoria Beckham and J Brand,
now incorporate the comfort and practicality of a legging, with the hardwearing
of a jean. I have chosen some wonderful options for you in Indigo blue colorways,
which you can surely team with just about anything of your own.

Jumpsuits in structured cottons and effortless jersey, will work perfectly as a quick
way of attaining a cohesive head to toe look, and thus will elongate and flatter
your shape.

Blazers and Leathers

Blazers and leather jackets are an absolute must in every wardrobe. No matter
what shape, age or height we may be! You can team a good fitting blazer with
just about anything and in any season; shorts, leggings, playsuits, jeans, dresses,
etc. I have suggested some navy shades as they work just as well for that 'boyfriend'
look, but still a little more original than the classic black. For a floaty and romantic
alternative, the Camilla and Marc linen and silk blend jacket in a nude tone will
tap into the summer feel, and keep you looking incredible yet effortless.

Shoes and Boots

Black knee high Christian Louboutin Babel 100 boots are a necessity for an
easy and glamorous choice of footwear for the colder months. Ankle boots in tan
or black leather, as seen with Alexander McQueen, will allow you to mix and match
with leather bags and belts, whilst still keeping it classic.

Christian Louboutin black pumps are seen to be an investment piece by many, due
to their quality and iconic red sole. Its simple black styles will encourage versatile
wear with classic pieces of your own.

The Miu Miu gladiator sandals and Christian Louboutin Rosella ballerina flats, are
timeless, comfortable and always chic. Its simple aesthetic mean that you can team
with anything, from skinny jeans to jersey maxi skirts.


I really do hope this has been helpful for you!

Most of these pieces are very limited and popular, so understandably they sell out
quickly- If you love any of my suggestions, or for further assistance, please do not
hesitate to get in touch with me on: +44 (0) 203 471 4638, so that I can reserve
anything which may have caught your eye!

thrifty_fifty

Feeling mighty fine after a clear out and trip to the tip. Still so much more to go though

Found 2 out of the 3 items I have been searching for, for weeks. Black cardi located in shopping bag and clear glasses in another bag at the end of the bed. Still no library card though, which is the thing I was looking for. Now could it have slipped underneath my keyboard at work? I wonder. Anyway read two out of the three books, can I get through a 500 page book by the end of today, so that I have actually read it before returning it tomorrow evening? Hmmm.

Oh is making some bread for the week ahead and has some nice sounding lute music on downstairs. How serene.

Not sure if 3pm is acceptable as the start of cocktail hour, but here anything after midday is ok. Cheers :beer:

Shoe_Gal

It'll be cocktail time somewhere in the world - go for it

thrifty_fifty

Relaxy tasks completed so far

• Glass of wine and bath-check-fell asleep and woke myself up snoring
• Sit on sofa with a brew and stonking big bag of milkyway stars-still to do