Making Christmas Shopping Cheaper with Discounts and Deals

I was catching up on emails last night, and found my inboxes flooded with shop newsletters that were promoting discounts and/or offers of free delivery. I find it hard to resist an offer of money off my purchases; why settle for full price next week when there's great bargains to be had now? With a month to go til Christmas I figured most of us are committed to Christmas shopping now, so I've put together a little post on some great deals to make Christmas shopping a little easier for you.

River Island

Firstly, River Island have free standard delivery until midnight tonight. I took advantage of this rare offer, and snapped up this beautiful hair scarf for myself. I've been wanting to purchase some new hair scarves for a while now, and for £6 I couldn't say no to this floral beauty. There's a camouflage version I have my eye on, too gave in and bought as well. River Island rarely have free delivery, so take advantage of it while you can!

Accessorize

Accessorize have 20 percent off full priced items and free delivery until Sunday the 25th. Just use the code Treat20 at the checkout.

 I managed to order these gorgeous fair isle slippers for £12.80, instead of £16.00 + delivery charge, for my Mum for Christmas. I've been planning to buy these for her for a while, so I'm glad I held off. The great thing about Accessorize slippers is that they go up to a size 8/42. My Mum finds it hard to find nice slippers that fit her size eights, so hopefully these will go down a treat. If not, well, I'll be happy to take them off her hands. Shame my feet are smaller than hers, because I really want them for myself!

The Body Shop

You'll get 35% off full priced items + free delivery with The Body Shop until Monday 26th by entering 'SECRET' at the check out. It's a great time to stock up on goodies for gift boxes, like I showed you guys on Monday, or to snap up some lovely gift sets for your loved ones.

I'm debating about getting this Cranberry gift set to complete my Mum's Christmas presents. It'll cost £9.75 instead of £15.00 + delivery! Thoughts?

And Many Others...

Ciate

If you sign up to Ciate you'll get 10% off your first order. The code  I was sent is CTRG10. I'm desperate to order their Mini Mani Month advent calendar, but I just haven't got the money to splurge on myself right now, but this code will make it cheaper for anyone who's planning on buying one.

Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Perkins have a flash sale on which end on Sunday 25th. DPBDAY should still get you 15% off dresses all year round.

Evans

Evans currently have up to 30% off knitwear and up to 30% off selected boots.

F&F at Tesco

You can get £10 off when you spend £50 with F&F at Tesco with the code CYBERDEAL until Midnight Monday. They also have an up to 50% off sale on.

H&M

H&M have up to 50% off selected knitwear.


Maggie Angus

Maggie Angus have 20% off everything today for Black Friday. If I had the money I would so be taking advantage of this offer and buying it all because I love their quirky jewellery. This brand is perfect for friends who love something a little bit different and kitsch.

New Look

You can get up to £10 off selected party wear with New Look, although I don't think this applies to anything from the Inspire range. There is also up to 25% off selected shoes and boots. Why not get a new pair of shoes (or six) to see you through all those Christmas parties?

Pin Up Girl Clothing

Pin Up Girl Clothing are offering you  35% off almost everything today only with the code CC35_BF12. It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to one of their amazing retro inspired dresses.

Topshop

Topshop have free delivery (worldwide) until Monday the 26th. Again, Topshop don't often offer free delivery, or really many discounts at all, so this is the time to make your Topshop purchases.

I'm sure there are many more discounts and offers to be had out there, but these are the ones which made it through to my inboxes.

With so many great offers being promoted by all the big name shops and brands, it's the perfect time to get stuck in your Christmas shopping. You'll be able to give more for less, or you'll be able to save a few pounds
. Without sounding like a tesco ad, we all know every penny counts during this recession we keep drifting in and out of. Of course, you could use what you save towards a new outfit for the Christmas party! Take advantage of these great deals while you can!

Happy Shopping!

Do you try to take advantage of discount codes and sales when shopping?

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Wish List Wednesday

Evening everyone,

Over the last couple of weeks I've been trying to look for ways to improve my blog, and I've been brain storming away while I've been off the radar. I've been thinking about topics I could post about on a regular basis along side my outfit posts, and one of the ideas I have is to post a weekly round up of the items at the top of my shopping wish list... oh so "creatively" named 'Wish List Wednesday'.

I'm aware that it's not an original idea; it's a feature seen regularly on most personal style blogs, and I've done my fair share of them in the past, but instead of just putting together posts on things that have caught my eye from each brand every once in a while (which I will still do), this will be a weekly feature about the things I've set my heart on buying.

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Wednesday seemed like a good day to review these favourites since I get paid on every other Thursday. So, without further ado, here is my first Wednesday Wish List.

1. Dark Green Thin V Neck Cardigan from New Look.

This cardigan comes in a rainbow of colours but this gorgeous dark green one has caught my eye most. If you ask me there aren't enough green things in the fashion world. I layer cardigans over almost everything- dresses, jeans, skirts, jumpsuits... and need some new long sleeved ones to wear this Autumn/Winter. Dark greens are set to be big next season, and at £12.99 this one is really reasonable and won't break the bank.

2. Lush Eye Liner in Fantasy

I've made it my mission to collect the new range of Lush eye colours after falling in love with my first purchase a few weeks ago. If you've been following my blog for a few weeks you'll already be fed up of me rabbiting on about them, but they really are fantastic. The colours are vibrant, long lasting, and nourishing, and the colours have won me over. I want this gold eye liner to wear with the green I purchased last week.

3. Mocha Floral Border Prom Dress from Dorothy Perkins.

I've been eyeing up this dress all season, and think it would be the perfect dress to wear for Autumn. The brown print would be a lot softer against my pale skin than black, and also a change from all the bright colours I tend to be drawn to. It's also on sale for £22 now with a further 20% off.

4. Wide Fit Studded Slipper Shoes in purple and black from New Look.

I've loved the studded slipper trend which has been around all year. I already own a pair of the Topshop ones, which I love but because I've got really wide fit (I blame my Mother!), they are a little tight across the widest part of my foot. So when I came across these New Look ones a week or two ago, I knew I wanted a pair. They're far more subtle and understated than the Topshop ones, but I think they'd look good with a pair of jeans or jeggings when it gets colder. My only problem is choosing which colour to go for! Maybe for £17.99 I could buy both?

5. H&M Blouse in Dark Green.

Yes, I still have my eye on this blouse. I can't help loving a blouse in such a beautiful shade of green! I have so many possible outfit scenarios in my head- it would work with several of my skirts, over jeggings, perhaps with my red or cobalt jeans, even under a dress or two. I'm not usually a fan of blouses, but this one is stunning.

6. Raspberry Bird Cage Print Dress from Dorothy Perkins.

I've been admiring this pretty dress since it landed online a month or two ago. I love the rich shade of dark pink, and the print, and love the idea of wearing such a warm colour on frosty Winter days. I am a little disappointed that it's made from Polyester, but I may be able to look past that just this once...

7. ASOS Skater Dress in Spot Print with Lace Hem.

I came across this dress today, and have fallen in love with the polka dots and the lace detailing to the hem. It's gorgeous, but at £40.00 I'll probably wait to see if it comes down in price first.

8. Ruby's Closet Leopard Print Zip Dress from New Look.

Yesterday I discovered that New Look have added some of AX Paris' lines under the name of Ruby's Closet. As you know I love my two zip front dresses, so coming across another in leopard print made me stop and take notice. A good design for A/W, perhaps?

9. H&M Ballet Pumps in Dark Green and Bright Blue.

I really love the variety of colours in the range of H&M ballet pumps, and how they're so inexpensive- at £7.99 why stop at one? My only concern is whether or not they'd fit my monstrous feet.

10. ASOS Cream Shirt Dress in Cotton Embroidery.

This dress has been in the sale for a while now, and I can't help returning for another look every now and again. I'm drawn to little details like the broiderie anglaise and scalloped detailing on this one. I can't decide if the colour would wash me out, but I could always dye it a different colour.

11. ASOS Textured Bow Collar.

I love me a pretty collar, and this one would be perfect for restyling a few old or basic tops.

12. Models Own WAH Nail Transfers POW from ASOS.

I'm always on the look out for new ways to brighten up my nails, and really love this set of rainbow polka dot nail wraps. They combine two of my favourite things- polka dots and colour!

13. Oasis Cameo Stud Earrings from ASOS.

These little rose cameo studs are gorgeous. I really have a thing for cameo jewellery, and these would be a lovely addition to my collection.

14. Holly Trill Illustrated Bunny Rabbit Brooch from Etsy.

After seeing Nita of Pashteit wearing this brooch in one of her recent outfit posts, I fell in love with it. I love bunnies; I've been a bunny owner for over ten years, and am sure I'm going to be a crazy bunny lady when I'm old and grey. Some people are cat ladies, I'll be a bunny lady. So, it didn't take me long to fall in love with the brooch and I know I have to have one.

and last but not least...

15. Yenzi Owl Across Body Bag from Accessorize.

Isn't the owl bag amazing? Well, I think it is! I think I'm a little obsessed with incorporating animals in to my outfits. I don't set out to do it, but they always win me over. This bag would make a good day bag for those casual days.

Have you got any of these items on your own wish lists?

Which is your favourite?

As always, thank you for reading, and thanks for all your lovely comments recently. I don't say it enough. x



Emerald and Teal

I haven't shopped with H&M for a few years. There was never a store in the places I regularly shopped, and I've always been too unsure of their sizing to risk shopping online. The last time I shopped with them I had to size up as their clothes were a size smaller than stated; is that still the case?

Anyway, I wasn't too excited about their S/S range, but I got a catalogue of their A/W collection through the door last week and loved what I saw. There are so many beautiful pieces in gorgeous green and wine shades, and I'm lusting after so much of it.

These are just a few of the pieces that caught my eye:

The item right at the top of my wish list, not just from H&M but from everywhere, is the emerald green shirt. It's such a stunning colour, and I could see myself wearing it with so many things. I think it would work with several of my skirts and over jeans and jeggings. I've never been so excited over  a shirt before! I'd consider trading my Granny for it.

I also love the lace detailing to the t-shirt in the same shade, and the jeans (which come in several colours). I adore the colour of the fabric. If you ask me, this colour isn't used enough. I can never get enough of green or teal.

I think the pale blue asymmetric dress is another lovely piece, and would be perfect for catching some later summer sun in.

There seem to be quite a lot of captioned tees and vests popping up at the moment. As a music fan and concert go-er, these two immediately made me laugh and think of my friends. I know a few people who the black tee would be perfect for!

Can anybody help me with H&M sizing? Do you have to size up with their clothing? What about the dual-sized lines? Any opinions and help would be appreciated!