Frump to Fab 2018 - Fabulous Dahhhhlings

sugarbaby125

Hello Ladies,

Yes Maman he does need kitchen items and other items for University. I got a lot of items from Ikea in Croydon on Sunday at really inexpensive prices. It was not a positive experience for me walking around this vast store trying to find everything on my list. By the time I was going home I was in pain all over my body especially my back and shoulders. Some items were sold out, so I am going to look locally in Poundland and TK Maxx and hopefully I will then have everything he needs to start him off.

I realised that I am even better at finding items at really competitive prices than I used to be, as I am spending a lot less on kitting out my son than I did when my daughter went off to University.

Enjoy your dancing this evening.

I hope you and your OH both enjoy celebrating his birthday together.

maman

No I certainly don't want orthopaedic shoes!:eek: Have reported the post as :spam:.


Today I've ended up on a bit of a shopping spree.:o


I went into the city centre to get my DH a birthday card as I couldn't find anything I liked locally. Plus I needed moisturiser and can only get my favourite Benefit brand at the cosmetics counters.


I treated myself to:

• knickers from Victoria's Secrets
• A fine knit red jumper from Primark and
• A really nice dress from Zara

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/floral-print-shirt-dress-p04786275.html?v1=7515114#origin=similar


I won't be wearing it with a cap!:D I think it'll be useful for this time of the year and later on (as it's button through) I could wear leggings and a top underneath and leave it undone. I'll try it on again at home but I think it's a keeper.:)


You certainly are great at finding bargains sugarbaby. Unfortunately, Ikea is designed to encourage shoppers to walk around as much of the store as possible.:( Sorry to hear that it left you in pain.

Toni'sfriend

I didn't really feel like fabbing when I got up yesterday but I made the effort and went to meet our friends. I am so glad I did. They commented on how nice I looked and that gave me a great boost.

Having to avoid wearing perfume at the moment in case it aggravates the skin on my arms. I'm hoping that this will be a temporary state of affairs. I've got used to smelling fabulous!!

maman

Toni'sfriend wrote: »

I didn't really feel like fabbing when I got up yesterday but I made the effort and went to meet our friends. I am so glad I did. They commented on how nice I looked and that gave me a great boost.

Having to avoid wearing perfume at the moment in case it aggravates the skin on my arms. I'm hoping that this will be a temporary state of affairs. I've got used to smelling fabulous!!

Good for you TF!:T I know that primarily we are doing this for ourselves but it is good when others notice.:)


It's been a bit chilly here this morning but it's brighter now that the sun is shining. We're out for lunch in a country pub so I think smart casual is called for. I think I'll probably wear smart black skinny jeans with a long sleeved top, probably my green White Stuff one. I'll stick to my black, sparkly Fitflops as very soon we'll be back into shoes and boots.:(

moneyistooshorttomention

Did my first bit of serious clothes-buying since moving here.

Been back on a visit to my home city and, whilst there, I had my little list in hand of the clothes etc I need that aren't "size dependant".

So - main handbag needed replacing (ie black standard sorta size one). Re the price of it = don't ask. But I was surprised to see most handbags available seem to be plastic these days - which restricted my choice (as I buy leather ones) - and I had to reject a couple of those for having the strap made of more than one piece of leather. But - got one I'm happy with:D.

Did buy a couple of size-dependant items - some nightdresses and I got bras for the size in between my "current size" and my "correct size" (ie one size smaller than current size) and one in my "correct size" (ie 2 sizes smaller than now). So I've got some bras ready to wear as the weight goes down.

Pair of kneeboots - again had to look past plastic ones to find the leather ones I get. Another pair of boots - don't ask the price level:eek: - but they'll be very suitable for wearing where I'm living now (warm/mud-proof/very comfortable) calf ones.

Some frivolous spending - 4 pairs of cheap costume jewellery earrings. I feel noticeable earrings are rather necessary for me with my short hair.

I think I shall reckon on my clothes all getting bought during those visits. I've figured out that I need to look on the websites of "chain" shops I visit before I go and list what I think might be suitable for me/go into those shops when I go back and order & pay for the items I want if they're not in stock. They come in the next day/I try them on and then am still there in the city long enough to take them back for a refund if they're not right when trying them on. So - that's what I shall do for anything not there in "my" shops.

Beauty-wise = I've been watching YouTube videos on styling short hair. So I bought two large round hairbrushes and some velcro rollers - so I can add "bounce" to my hair. Not quite sure what to use instead of hairspray (as I don't want to breathe in chemicals). Does anyone have a recipe for home-made "healthy" hair fixer spray/gel/whatever I can use instead of commercial hairspray please?

sugarbaby125

Hello Ladies,

My stomach is finally calming down. I am still experiencing some pain, but I am feeling so much better today.

Well done on the fabbing TF. We do it for ourselves but it is a great feeling when we receive compliments for our efforts.

Maman, it was my 1st visit to Ikea Croydon, so I was not aware of just how vast the store would be, or that I would have to traverse the whole store to access a checkout. I got some incredible bargains and now that my Arthritis has now calmed down again, the trip to Ikea was worth it.

Money it sounds like you found yourself some nightwear, lingerie a handbag, jewellery and a pair of boots that are right for you. If they were affordable for you, then the cost per wear/use will be worth it to you.

moneyistooshorttomention

I've long held to the "cost per wear" theory. It makes a lot of sense to me.

I recently bought a few cheapie (ie £5 a go or thereabouts) teeshirts at cheap shops - just to do me until I'm back to correct weight. I'm certainly not going to spend much on "temporary" clothing. I've only worn one of those teeshirts 3 or 4 times and it's just gone in the wash - and it already looks a bit "bobbly" and like it needs replacing.:eek:

Yep...those calf boots and the handbag were both not far short of £200 - but I reckon I'll get a lot of wear from them.

I was sitting people-watching a couple of times recently and analysing to see what "lessons to learn" or "things to copy" from them. Then it struck me why a couple of people have commented to me over the years about A.N. Other we both know that "Their clothes aren't cheap...." and I thought "How can you tell?". Sitting there people-watching and daylight began to dawn at the visible difference in quality I could see on different people.

Bring back the days when Marks & Spencers sold reasonable quality clothes:(. I remember when I bought a basic navy blazer type jacket from them MANY years ago and I think it can't have been that far short of £100. Go in there these days and I spotted ones in similar style - and I wouldn't even look at them personally - as I could see from feet away why they are now only about £30 from there. You could tell a mile off that they were very cheap fabric/cheaply cut/etc these days:(. Not quite sure how much inflation would have added to the cost in the time since - but I would have thought an equivalent quality one would now cost between £200-£300?? and personally I'd rather pay that and it would be in their former better quality.

chanie

Moneyistooshorttomention well done on your shopping spree. I agree, you can often tell when someone is in expensive clothing. About a year ago, I saw Pippa Middleton and even though she was wearing black trousers and a mac, you could tell her clothes were expensive. I think you can look good on a budget, but its more difficult.


sugar I live not too far from the IKEA in Croydon and pop in little and often. There are lots of short cuts around the store to get you out quickly. For example, as you come up the stairs, turn right and go via the restaurant as this will cut out the showroom and lead you straight to the markethall. As you go into the markethall, turn left and there is a door leading to the end of the markethall, so you can go to the tills.
Don't forget, if you get an IKEA family friend, they will give you free tea and coffee during the week. Plus a £5 voucher on your birthday.


Speaking of birthdays, it was my birthday recently. I had a 'me' day, with some shopping and a couple of purchases with my birthday money, including some clothes and accessories. I didn't buy much, so I will keep the money until I see something I want. I may well save it for the big 4-0 next year and have a splurge.


As well as by £5 IKEA vouchers, I also got a £5 voucher from the Body Shop and bought a body moisturiser. All in all, it was a nice day, but over too quickly.

maman

chanie wrote: »

There are lots of short cuts around the store to get you out quickly. For example, as you come up the stairs, turn right and go via the restaurant as this will cut out the showroom and lead you straight to the markethall. As you go into the markethall, turn left and there is a door leading to the end of the markethall, so you can go to the tills.

It's strange to read this. All the Ikea branches must be the same design as your instructions certainly work form my local store! I went there so often when we were putting a wall of Billy bookcases in the study that I learned the layout off by heart!:D


Happy belated birthday chanie. I'm glad you got your ME day.:)


It's my DH's birthday today and celebrations are in full swing. we went out for lunch yesterday with SIL and BIL. Tonight we're having dinner with our immediate family. Then Monday it starts again.:)


I think I might wear my new dress from Zara tonight. I agree money that cost per wear is a great theory. I use it a lot so I might as well get one wear in tonight.:)

silvasava

Afternoon All.
MTSM - well done you on your shopping sprees. I just admit like most of us I appreciate good quality clothing so I am a CS browser! Sometimes it's better to get a nice quality item from a CS rather than a cheap new one. Just picked up a pair of Per Una cut offs - really lovely heavy stretch denim with nice detailing. Over the years I've picked up some real bargains as I go for particular styles as I am tall - mainly classic I've also managed to get some nice shoes (LK Bennet/ Roland Cartier/Bally) so its well worth keeping an eye out. I have a weakness for leather jackets but being picky only the 'butter' leather! So far I've hooked a lovely red zipped one, a black Chanel style and two grey biker slant zip ones.