2026 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

alicef

I've been on Land girl duties so I'm hopelessly behind on the post.

I was doing so well - but have 12 coupons to declare, (wool - what a surprise!).

Foodwise, I've stocked up on the easter vegetable offering and I'm eyeing up the nettles for soup.

PipneyJane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81950187#Comment_81950187

Good luck @Laura_Elsewhere. I hope it goes smoothly and quickly.

I feel your pain. One of the reasons I’m so p*ssed off with being ill this weekend is that I had planned to spend a good portion of today tidying the house. The lounge only half works - there is too much stuff on the floor in the back half. (My husband has a tendency to file things on the floor.) I wanted to get to the point where I can rearrange the furniture to make it possible to eat at my great aunt’s dining table - currently crammed into too small a space - and play the piano without driving the neighbours up the wall. (It’s currently against the party wall, so needs to be moved to the other side of the room.).

I had a brainwave regarding how to move things around in the middle of my choir’s orchestral rehearsal a couple of weeks ago, a real lightbulb moment. Now, it’ll all have to wait until the end of May, when I next have 3 days to work uninterrupted. (There are a few things I’m going to tackle tomorrow/Monday, but rearranging stuff will have to wait.)

• Pip

thriftmonster

I used to make elderberry syrup for ds1 when he was having recurrent bouts of tonsillitis (but never enough to warrant taking them out). He used to chug a shot glass of it back -way cooler for a teenager 😄

I have bought clothes but was behind enemy lines in B@rl*n and P*tsd@m so didn't have to render any coupons. I'm fighting my conscience whether to count them. Although I think after the war parcels from America were coupon free.

itsthelittlethings

The knees up was a great success. I just bought mother a half and had a ginger beer myself (pricey). I had a good chat with a fisherman’s wife. It is hard for them of course as although their job is dangerous they know it’s nothing to the fighting. She said it makes a big difference having him around for the boys and girls.

Mother stayed later than me. I can hear her just getting up. It was nice to see some of her friends. She has a friend called Jo who doesn’t work and looks after her mother. I’m afraid I rather consider Jo as keeping an eye on mine too. They all row together and that’s how mother met Jo. Mother no longer rows. They aren’t building boats at the moment because they can’t get the wood.

I’m starting to be ready to go home. No chance of a roast for lunch.

CapricornLass

I'm like you, MaryB. I've only bought a pair of work trousers this year so far. Although I am still trying to find a pair of good formal trousers that fit - why are they so difficult to find?

kiwisavings

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81951299#Comment_81951299

I feel your frustration @CapricornLass.

I've been looking for shirts for my new job and am trying to avoid anything clingy, made of polyester or wide & cropped. It shouldn't be so hard!

My husband can go shopping and find 100% cotton shirts really easily- no weird ruffles, cut out shoulders or super tight shirts for the men. 🤨

I gave up and looked through my fabric stash and am furiously sewing today (job starts tomorrow!!!)

weenancyinAmerica

@kiwisavings - I know this may sound strange, but given the better quality in men's shirts, have you considered buying those instead for yourself? I also buy workout shorts, t-shirts, and sweaters in the men's department. When I lived in Utah, I also bought my trousers there. They even have a woman working in the department to do fittings. And the fittings were free for men's trousers and a fortune in the women's department. I'm so short, I always had to have trousers shortened anyway. And the men's version fit better.

kiwisavings

Good idea @weenancyinAmerica, I think that mens' t-shirts could be OK for pj tops. But I'm short and busty so I'm not sure if mens' button up shirts would work for me 😉

daisy_1571

I never tuck anything in and mens shirts were fine on me but I suppose I never aspired to look 'neat n tidy' 😆. (Also short n busty)

Nelliegrace

I have several men’s shirts bought in the sales, in needlecord and brushed cotton. They have the long sleeves I need and are useful as a casual jacket or cardigan.

Would cotton school blouses be useful for work? M&S online do larger sizes at a sensible price.