Where do I spend my money?

I've just been perusing my squares.  I obviously have way too much time on my hands!  Actually, no, I have been manically cleaning my office, preparing lunch and stuffing washing in one machine followed by another.  White goods, the bane of any woman's life.  I can see you nodding along with me, possibly muttering "yep." I'm having a sit down, a glass of wine, and I'm sharing my thoughts.

I absolutely and single handedly keep H&M, Zara and now Grunge Mama in profit.  I really do judging by the amount of 'stuff' I have bought from them over the last few months.  It is astounding.  I honestly thought I mixed it up more than I do.

When it comes to Jackets I do seem to hit the credit card with a bit more force.  Holland Cooper blazers are not cheap but they are so very well made.  British made too.  I will put them in the category of 'investment piece.'  Now this is a widely used term bandied about by all the bloggers in Christendom.  It is basically code for "fucking expensive but I'm sure I will wear it lots."  It is the truth and how we all must justify this type of purchase along with "It is so well made, it will last for years" and "It will never date, it is a classic."  Yes, yes and thrice yes I have muttered this under my breath,  and at the top of my voice,  many times.  Justification is the name of the game.

I digress a bit.

I would analyse my squares and conclude that jackets, footwear and bags are where the "investment pieces" should reside,  with an occasional 'off piste' namely a Bella Freud/Orwell Austin sweater here and there.  My selection of handbags, in my defence, were all bought before I had my daughter! I Know, my Husband needs to get his finger out and get me up to date!!!  Yes they all came in as birthday or Christmas gifts and I think I chose well.  I've notched up a Fendi, Prada, Mulberry, LV, Dolce and Gabbana ( I've been to where they were born and brought up, random fact) a small Dior (inherited from My beloved Mother in Law) and a Gucci.  The Gucci did date from about 4 years ago and the retail value has gone up in the region of £200.00.  I rest my case.

Here is a big 'but.'  I do love cheaper bags that add a bit of fun.  I am not averse to buying fun little (and large) bags in Primark, M&S and Zara.  It is sometimes just the look or a certain colour that is required to pull together some outfits that you already have.  I am a bit of a tight arse and would balk at spending a high price on many designer bags.  You have to keep things in proportion.  I am not a bag snob! Similarly I am not a sunglasses snob either.  Just saying.

So, in conclusion, I have got an awful lot of clothing.  I love jumpers and jeans, in fact I am at my most comfortable in jeans.  I am trying to add some more skirts and dresses and, guess what?, they are coming along from Zara, H&M and GrungeMama.  I don't like too much change.

Any tips and advice would be gratefully received.

Lots of love.

Helen XxX

Ladies who lunch, and shop, at Intu Potteries .......

Instyle on tour.  Sort of.  I had the enormous pleasure of inviting two of my lovely friends to lunch courtesy of Intu Potteries.  Back in the day I remember it as the Potteries Shopping Centre.  That was many moons ago when I actually worked in Hanley.  Things have changed a bit since then and all for the better!

The journey only takes a smidge over half an hour and we arrive and park easily within the centre.  After gaining our bearings,  my friends are equally as keen to check out the shops as I am.  No surprises there then.  With over 80 to choose from we plumped for H&M first, again zero surprise, followed by a hack around Topshop, Next, River Island and Schuh to name but a few.  Along with many shops 'The Hive' offers 6 restaurants and we had been invited to choose one, to enjoy a well earned rest, mid way through our day out. 

We agreed that Bon Pan Asian was something new to us all.  

After joining the queue, yes it is a popular venue, we were asked to pay at the front desk before taking our seats.  This was novel and we were bewildered at the price.  When we were told £25.00 we genuinely thought that would be per person.  No it was for the three of us!  Brilliant value, as we were soon to discover. 

We were efficiently shown to our table, which had a lovely view across to open countryside showing a little a glimpse of the old town.  We spotted a bottle kiln tucked in between some factory buildings. The sun was shining.  We were blessed with a good summery day.  Much to our amazement we realised that the buffet style dining catered for everyones taste.   On offer was a large variety of pizza, salads, Asian curries and Chinese offerings.  Chips, chicken nuggets, noodles, the list goes on.  Not only that but you could eat as much as you desired.  You have the ability to return for more savoury courses and dessert.  The puddings, sweets, ice creams and cakes were mightily impressive.  All this in a large space that could accommodate many diners easily.  

We couldn't resist a cocktail.  It's what lunch with your shopping buddies is all about.  I stepped out of my comfort zone (I am a firm white wine drinker.)   After my cocktail I could happily never step back in to that zone!  My choice was the Long Beach iced tea.  Totally scrummy.  I guess we were proving that fab food choices and cocktails are not just for the evening.  We had a wonderful time at midday. 

Refreshed we continued in browse mode, always with a possibility of a sneaky purchase. 

They do say that a picture speaks a thousand words so here are a few that will show you exactly what I'm talking about. 

*Cocktails were paid for separately and are not part of the initial cost at entry *

Thank you to Claire and Izzy for making the day so much fun.  I think we will be returning to the IntuPotteries soon.

It was refreshing to re visit what is a local shopping centre and being so pleasantly surprised at all the refurbishment and updates that are ongoing.  Together with lunch it was a completely relaxed, stress free, experience.

It received a thumbs up from us all.

Helen XxX

This post is in collaboration with Intu Potteries.
Thank you for inviting us.
AD***