My top Cath Kidston Autumn/Winter 2015 picks

I don't know about you, but I much prefer Autumn to Summer and Spring. Perhaps it's because I am a teacher and Autumn always marks a new start, a new academic year, new classes, new timetable, new stationery, new boots etc. I love the first chill in the air and getting candles lit on a snuggly, cold Saturday afternoon whilst curled up on the sofa. I also prefer Autumn clothes; I don't like strappy tops and shorts, they just don't do anything for me at all. I much prefer chunky tights, knee high boots and dresses, so half way through the Summer holidays I have started thinking about Autumn and the new school year. 

As you know, I  LOVE Cath Kidston. My love and indeed, obsession, has definitely grown over the past few years. I now own 6 dresses! I never used to even bother looking at the fashion section, but now I have to steer myself away from it as I want it all. I put about 10 items in my basket tonight but I decided to not buy for the sake of it and in the end I ended up buying something that wasn't in my original basket.

There are hundred, literally hundreds of new items for A/W 2015; I couldn't actually believe the amount of pages there was - I don't remember that many for S/S. I've decided to highlight what my favourites are and what *may* end up in our house over the next couple of months.... I've found though that if you love it, buy it straight away as things go out of stock so quick - for example I really wanted the Cowboy dress, but it's already gone in most sizes!

Anyway, here are my absolute favourites....

Posy drop waist dress £45

Penguin Lace Knickers £7

Bramley Sprig Nightwear Leggings £28

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Billie Goes To Town dress £65

Squirrels Travel Purse £12

Woodland Rose cake stand £36

Sausage dog cup and saucer £16

Dino kids long sleeve t-shirt £15

Dino kids hoodie £24

Sausage Dogs kids backpack £28

Knitted Dinosaur £16

Billie Goes To Town set of 4 notebooks £12

Since starting to write this post I may have purchased a few of these items!! 

The September Shopping List

I've been a bit slack on the old blogging front lately. Not really a reason, just have found it difficult to get back into it after the holiday.

Anyway, as the new school year approached, I had a clear out of my wardrobe and binned some oaps that were sat there gathering dust. I decided on a few key pieces that I needed and, so far, I have stuck to my list, apart from two exceptions, which came to £2.99! (see below)

So I thought I would share with you. I am by no means an expert in fashion or anything close. But I am a 30 year old mum and teacher and I try hard to stay stylish, but without being completely trendy. I couldn't do that even if I wanted to. For starters, I'm not a stick, which Topshop believe you must be if you want to fit into their jeans.

Anyway, here are my September purchases:

I needed a couple of new dresses for work, so I picked up these in Next:

I've worn the floral one, but the grey one feels more like a knitted dress, so I am saving it for when the weather cools down a bit to wear with black thick tights and boots. 

I've been searching for the perfect jeans for nearly a year! And whilst I bought the pair below, I'm still not completely satisfied. I find it hard to get the right length in jeans as I am so short (just short of 5"). These were Next skinny petite jeans, but I still have to roll them up a bit. I also snaffled the slippers without hubby seeing haha! 

A spur of the moment purchase, was these black fringed boots from Topshop. They were a bargain at £30 in the sale and I absolutely love them! I just need some trainer socks to wear with them. I hate boots without socks. 

Charlie trying on Mummy's slippers!  

I don't tend to buy much from Peacocks, I sometimes feel the quality is a bit naff, but I was in there browsing one day and spotted the skirt above. It's a really lovely wool fabric and will be great for winter and I though it was a bargain at £16! 

Next up are two bargain purchases that weren't on my list, but were so cheap anyway. The first one was these Asos grey jersey culottes. I got them on eBay for 99p! I first saw them on Emma from Life At The Little Wood. They didn't have them anymore online but I happened to come across them on eBay! They are so comfy and look really nice over black tights and paired with black brogues 

                              

On Saturday's I often put Charlie in his pram and we have a stroll around our local village. There's a pretty decent charity shop, which at the moment is selling Beanie teddies for £2 each! But whilst browsing, I saw these floral culottes hanging up in the display area for £2! Bargain! Again, they look really nice with black tights and brogues.

I had been looking for some brogues for ages. However, it's a style that I wasn't sure if I would like as, to me, they looked a little 'manly.' So I didn't want to spend too much until I knew that I liked the style. I found some for £14.99 on eBay. Of course, they aren't real leather. But now I know I like the style then I will look around for some decent ones. I quite like these ones from Next and Clarks. I realise that they are children's shoes but they have them in my size! 

Clarks brogues 

Next brogues 

Although not on the list, I also came across a really beautiful jewellery store online, called Susie Ho. All pieces are handmade by a lady called Susie. I bought this cord bracelet with a blue angelite and silver heart. I ordered them on a Thursday and they were with me by the Saturday! Such quick service and they come beautifully presented in either a gift box or organza gift bag. 

I should also mention, a beautiful scarf that arrived with a package I had ordered from Avril at School Gate Style. I ordered the necklace below and in with the package she popped the pink and white scarf too! It's beautiful. 

Of course, no Autumn shopping is complete without nail varnish! I got these from Boots with one of the no 7 vouchers. Although, to be honest, I am not that impressed with the quality of them - they both chipped within a couple of hours wear and they don't go on well, they go a bit streaky and bubbly. Love the colours though, so it's a shame as I probably won't wear them much. 

I am coveting one more item, but I am not sure if I can justify the price tag. I love hoodies and these two caught my eye whilst browsing the Next store online. Obviously I wouldn't buy both! And when I placed them in my online basket, it said expected in 6-8 weeks, so that stopped me from clicking purchase. I am tempted with one of them though when they come back in stock. 

What's on your Autumn shopping list? 

Fat Face Autumnal Love

I said earlier in the week I would show you my Fat Face items. So here I am! 

As you might know, I am pregnant and up until the last couple of weeks or so, I wasn't really showing and could still get away with wearing my pre-maternity clothes. The belly has suddenly started to pop out a bit and I really don't want to spend money on actual maternity clothing as I think it's a bit of a waste; I'd rather spend the money on clothes I can wear all the time. 

Anyway, Fat Face emails kept popping up in my inbox, detailing the new 'must have' item. And in the end I just couldn't resist! I LOVE Fat Face. My Mum actually introduced me to the store when I went camping with them about seven years ago. At the time it was Summer and their clothing was very 'surfer' style. I liked them, but it wasn't really me at the time. 

Fat Face has certainly evolved since I first discovered them and I am not a Fat Face-aholic! (Don't tell the hubby) Their Autumn/Winter range is slowly coming on-line and there are some gorgeous items; tunics, knits and even tees. The colours are just me: pinks, navy and some lovely wine colours. Just right for the new season. 

So as we are approaching a new season and I needed a few key items to last throughout pregnancy and beyond, I popped a few 'key' items into my basket:

First up was the lovely 'Tania Full Bloom' tunic. I thought the name of the tunic was very fitting! And so I had to have it.

I also needed a couple of long sleeve tops that I could mix and match with things. Luckily they have an offer on their long sleeve tees at the minute, two for £36 so I managed to get two! 

The fabric of these tees is lovely; so so soft and snuggly. Perfect for with jeans and boots.

And then the pattern of this tunic caught my eye in an email they sent me. Sorry it looks a bit creased, I pulled it out of the ironing basket for the photo!

Unfortunately, I have now found a knitted tunic that I also want! But I think I've spent enough there for a few weeks, so I'll get the knitted one when the weather turns a bit cooler. 

I love Autumn and Winter, I actually prefer it to Summer! (sorry!), but I think that's because I prefer the clothes. I don't really like getting my skin out so I much prefer covering up in chunky tights or leggings with boots and knitwear. 

mummystartingout