I’m back…well, partly – it’s going to take my heavily pregnant body a bit of an adjustment to get fully back into work mode but I’m here in principle!
It’s always hard to come back to work in January as everything is on sale, but most is already sold out – yet I always enjoy a challenge so thought I’d find few savvy pieces that will last you for the season/months ahead too (how good is the Mango coat?!).

I’ve tried to pick some pieces that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe (always a bit of leopard print in there), but will also elevate your existing pieces – after all, a sale bargain isn’t worth it if it doesn’t excite you when it arrives through the door, is it?!
And there are a few investment pieces like the Rixo dress, as although expensive, this will last and last and be so useful for events, weddings, or even with trainers in the summer…
And what did I buy? Nothing…I’m still being good, and January is that hideous month for us where we owe building insurance, contents insurance, car insurance, MOT and car tax – never a good idea to move house in December/January – it makes for a very bleak new year!
But the good news is the house is getting there, there are just a few builders left finishing tiling and getting through the snagging list…we’ve started to prime and paint a few things on weekends and the deadline is looming.
I have, however, been eyeing up this dress from Next (new in) – thinking it might be a good pregnancy piece and for afterwards too with sandals this summer….

Love your suggestions. Got a bone to pick with you though… You have introduced me to Sezane and my bank manager is not happy!
Hope is going well with the bump – thank you for yet smother inspiring post – would love a piece on Pettite women unfortunately some of us are only 5’ do styles can be very limited safe/boring. Happy NewYear to the three of you
Applogies for the typo’s I hate prescriptive text
It’s so easy to pick up poor and naff pieces in the sales, thanks for your favourite picks! 🙂 Fran x
Superb suggestions! That mango coat is the star buy! (Shame I just bought the long shearling from Zara) can you ever have too many coats ?
Hope you are taking it easy these days
Ashley
I tell myself this everyday….!
I agree! It’s so hard to do these round-ups eve, as I’m always thinking ‘would I really buy this if it weren’t on sale?!’ xx
Didn’t even notice any typos! Ooh will have a think – yes it can be tricky – my entire family is under 5 foot 4 (including my dad!) so something I need to think about more! xx
Ooh sorry! Yes it’s an expensive habit! I would say that everything I have from there I love and has always remained in my ‘most used’ secion of my wardrobe 🙂 – and thankfully, most of it sells out so fast before I have time to buy it (!) x
These items are amazing!
xx
https://www.closettostreet.com/
Happy New Year to all three of you! You may find that you don’t want to wear anything pregnancy related once you haven’t got a bump anymore? It’s only ever a bargain if you would have bought it anyway at full price. I always love the idea of “cost per wear”, works especially well with shoes.
This is very true! I think I’ll feel inspired to buy more ‘new me’ things post pregnancy! x
impressive post I love this kind of amazing posting.
When you make a shopping post like this one do you use Photoshop cc or Elements? Sorry for asking. But it’s made very nice. ?
No worries – I use Google Picasa (it’s free software) x