AD - Spreading The Cost Of Winter Fashion And Some New Online Discoveries*

Purely based on my own experience of talking to people, watching You Tube videos, reading magazines and reading blogs, I've discovered that when it comes to fashion, people roughly fall into two categories, there are spring and summer people, there are are autumn and winter people.

I definitely fall into the autumn and winter camp, I love jumpers, cardigans, warm scarves, and chunky and practical winter boots! Don't get me wrong I still love t-shirts and sandals but whether it's down to my body shape, my lifestyle, or even plain old personal preference, I love to cover up and to get warm and cosy.

At the moment I'm in my element, the shops at the moment are full of fabulous colours and fabulous winter styles but lets be honest, who really wants to brave the high street when it's cold and pouring with rain, or brave that out of town shopping centre when it's full of Christmas shoppers? Not me! At least not all of the time anyways/ I'm 100% in favour of supporting local businesses and our high streets, but sometimes especially when your health isn't the best like mine, it makes a lot more sense to do a least of some of your shopping online.

Although online shopping is a relatively new thing, distance shopping isn't a modern invention by any means, people have been shopping from catalogues since the 1800's and whilst I'm not quite that old, I have fond, childhood memories of circling things in my mam's mail order catalogue and trying to rest the huge, heavy book comfortably on my tiny knees!

Now pretty much every store has some sort of online or mail order shopping presence, and although catalogues aren't always the first place that you may think of when it comes to online shopping, in some cases they probably should be your first port of call no matter what you're looking for, but especially when it comes to shopping for winter fashion for the whole family.

Online catalogues are probably one of the best alternatives to actually getting out there and braving the high street. Not only is the whole shopping experience less stressful and less time consuming but you also have the added benefits of choice, convenience, easy price comparisons, the occasional option to spread the cost , and of course lots of special offers, all at your fingertips. If you're interested in picking up some new winter fashion pieces and you would like to spread the cost or at what can be an expensive time of year, or make your life just a little bit easier by shopping online, here are 2 online catalogues that may not have heard of that might be right up your street.

Fashion World

When it comes to clothes shopping, Fashion World really is the creme de la creme when it comes to catalogue shopping. Although like me, you may not have necessarily heard of Fashion World, you'll definitely have heard of some of the brands that they stock and some of their sister stores, websites and catalogues. Part of the JD Williams & Company group, one of the leading purveyors of mail order catalogues in the UK, Fashion World makes shopping quick, and easy. As well as a huge variety of women's clothing in sizes 12-32, Fashion World also stocks a range of men's and children's wear, as well as home items, electricals and Christmas gifts - so you can stock up on some winter fashion pieces and of course some festive gifts for both friends and family at the same time - convenient, guilt free shopping - what more could you want?!

Madeline 

If you're looking for fashions just that bit different, and with a bit more sophistication, and class then Madeline should probably be your first port of call. Established way back in 1977 Madeline are of one of the pioneers in the mail order fashion business and have operations both in the UK and in mainland Europe. They're easy to navigate online catalogue contains a wide variety of high fashion clothing, shoes and accessories that are perfect for this time of year. Focusing entirely on female fashion, the site contains everything for the autumn and winter season, from winter boots, to cosy scarves, smart work wear, sparkly evening wear and comfortable, yet stylish casual clothing. Madeline is considered by many to be the site for people who know what top fashion is all about and I can see why. Whilst often veering towards the classic their clothes seem to have enough of an edge to make them appeal to the most fashion conscious women out there, be it in the cut of a garment, in the shape of a collar or a seem or even in the buttons or on a trim, they really do seem to offer something that's just that little bit different. 

If you're anything like me then I know you'll probably need no excuse to go shopping, so I won't be responsible for any purchases made because of this post ;) I know I've definitely made a wishlist after checking out both of these online catalogues, and it's definitely made me wonder just how many other catalogues and shopping sites there are that I haven't discovered yet x The Internet really is a wonderful thing when it comes to shopping or even window shopping, it's easy, in a roundabout way it can save you money, it's convenient and you do it all from the comfort of your own home.

*AD

A Small September Primark Haul - Knitwear and Jewellery

As I mentioned in my previous Primark haul post isn't it always the way, you don't go somewhere for months, and then some how you ended up pretty much living there. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration but 3 trips to Primark in 3 weeks is pretty good by my standards! On my last visit a week or so ago, the store was in full on Autumn / Winter mode with loads of woollies, checks and tartans and a decidedly autumnal colour palette of rich browns, reds and mustard's!

I love mustard so so much, the foodstuff I can take or leave but come this time of year I love a nice splash of old gold, or mustard yellow in my wardrobe. I've got shirts, shoes, boots, bags and cardigans but having a look through my jumper drawers I couldn't seem to find any mustard jumpers, well ones that fitted anyways, so for just £5 this one made it's way into my basket

On my last trip Primark had a whole rack full of super soft cosy jumpers, in several different styles for just £5. My mam had already picked up a couple of basic crew sweaters but I loved the slightly boyfriend feel of of this mustard yellow one. It has small side slits, a rounded v neck, and a ribbed detail panel down the front. I got this in the new 2 XL size, which Primark describe as a 22/24 because I wanted it to be nice and sloppy. I'm planning on wearing this with a white or black t-shirt or vest underneath, skinny jeans, and either mustard or black ankle boots or black knee highs for a cozy autumn and winter look x

Now if you did have a read of my August Primark haul then you might recognise both the shape and style of these next two sweaters.

Whilst these two jumpers share both the same back zip details, and the boxy, oversized shape that the red tartan top has, these ones are made from much more of a knit type fabric, compared to the thicker slightly more sweatshirt feel of the version in my previous Primark haul This navy blue marl one in particular feels like a proper lightweight jumper. This one is a little on the thin side so you probably would need to wear something underneath but as they several thinner layers are sometimes better than one thick layer of clothing.

I do love a bit of animal print so I couldn't resist picking this version as well. For a long time animal print was seen as a bit tacky but nowadays it's as acceptable as stripes, and it's almost seen as a classic, must have print. I think the odd hint works way better than wearing it from head to foot and this jumper is the perfect way to wear the print in the slightly colder months.

This one is just a touch thicker than the blue marl version but I would probably still wear a t-shirt or a camisole under it for a little bit of extra warmth. Again I think it would work really well with skinny jeans or even leggings, or skinny black trousers. I think all of these tops are going to be a real autumn and winter go to for me. They are the ultimate in layering tops and I think they would work right the way through the colder months and well into spring. There were a few different patterns and colours to choose from so you could pick up a few and your autumn and winter wardrobe would be pretty much done. They are only £5 each so you really could afford to go for one in every colour.

I must admit I do love knitwear; As much I love the sun and the warmth of summer, there is something about snuggling up in a cosy cardigan or jumper that I can't resist. I think I'm probably in a minority but fashion wise I'm definitely an Autumn and Winter girl, I love knitwear, boots, and scarves, this is my season, and whilst I don't really need any more jumpers or cardigans I can't guarantee that a few more won't slip into my wardrobe before Spring comes around again. I'm currently craving a bottle green, chunky cardigan after one mysteriously appeared in one my dreams earlier this week, but alas I can't find one outside of my fantasies so if you know where I can find one then hit me up and make my dreams come true x

Something that I think goes perfectly with  chunky knitwear, long line cardigans and plain jumpers, is a statement necklace, I have more than I can probably remember but I'm always up for adding new ones and on my last trip to Primark I picked up this tassel details necklace which was reduced from £3 to just £1, well it would have been wrong not to!

With a thin, long line, gold tone chain, this necklace is all about the pendant - it's big and bold, with a greenish, dark stone, a golden half disc, and a teal, blue green fabric tassel. They also had the matching earrings but since I have quite small ears they were probably just a little bit too big and showy for me, but if you can carry off a real statement look then I would definitely pick up the set.

So that's your lot it wasn't a very big haul but I think I picked up a few really useful and wearable pieces, as per usual I've made a video to accompany this haul which you can watch below or via this link x



Let me know if you have any comments or questions, and don't forget to check out my Instagram for more hauls on my stories including a recent NEXT sale haul, and some new nails polishes x

A Late August 2018 Primark Haul - Clothes, Accessories And Beauty

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I honestly don't know where this year has gone, it seems to have flown by so fast that I don't seem to have been able to do anything, go anywhere or achieve anything. Please tell me I'm not alone in feeling this way or is this just middle age and life catching up with me? - who knows! Like most things this year Primark trips have been pretty thin on the ground, my last visit was in May so a little shopping trip was well overdue! It's always the way though isn't it, you don't go somewhere for ages and then you end up going three times in 4 weeks! a bit like buses I guess, but you what that means, it means that I have a couple of Primark hauls coming up for you in the next week or so, first up the goodies I picked up on two trips in August x

Last time I was in Primark way back in May, it was all about summer style, with shorts, vest tops , bikinis and sandals as far as the eye could see, this time round though the sale rails were clinging on to summer whilst the rest of the store, was bedecked in Autumn and Winter colours and styles.

Something that seems to be back big style for A/W 2018 is checks and tartan, I love a checked shirt on a guy but I'm also partial to a little bit of plaid in my own wardrobe. I've always loved tartan and checks for as long as I can remember; I remember having a couple of dresses in tartan as both a child and an adult, and I remember owning the most fabulous bright blue tartan mini skirt from C&A, it probably wouldn't fit me know but I wish I'd held on to it.

This top is probably a little bit more practical than my long lost skirt, and at just £5 it was a must have. It's basically a fine knit type fabric tunic, it has a slightly boxy bat wing shape, and a visible back zip.

Primark have apparently improved their sizing on a lot of their items, and this was one of a few items that I saw that was available in a 2XL, which they claim should fit a 22-24. Still not trusting Primark's sizing and always going for the largest size, this was the size that I went for, but to be honest I should have gone a size down because on me it's pretty roomy. Despite the fact that it's pretty lightweight it's still pretty cosy but since I do have a bit of extra room in it, and because it has 3/4 sleeves, I could wear it on top of either a long sleeved t-shirt or a black polo or roll neck for a bit of extra warmth on those colder days.

Although the store was full of Autumn and Winter bits, there were still a few basics and things that I think you could wear all year round. I love florals,  be it ditsy, gaudy, or even vintage, if there is a flower on something that you can pretty much guarantee that I'll like it. I'm also a huge fan or shirts and blouses so team either of those with a floral print, and I'll be there in a flash.

I couldn't resist this long line tie detail shirt, in a slightly sheer chiffon / gauze fabric, this off white shirt features a vintage style blush floral rose pattern. It only buttons half way down leaving you free to wear it loose or to knot it at the front.

It was only £12 and I loved it so much that I went back and picked up the same shirt but in a different colour and print. This one is in a beautiful deep teal, with a slightly different but equally big and blousey vintage floral print in shades of blue, blue, and beige.

Again it was only £12 and again you can wear it in several different ways. Being so sheer I probably will need to wear a vest or a t-shirt underneath but you could wear it unbuttoned as a kind of a jacket, tied, or even loose with the buttons fastened, giving it an almost slit detail look.

There seems to be a lot of this teal / petrol shade around at the moment and I also ended up buying one of my favourite long line t-shirts in this fab deep petrol shade.

I've talked about these Primark t-shirts on many occasions now and they are a real staple for me, this one was just £3.50 and again it's perfect on it's own and perfect for layering as the weather gets colder. I'm also a huge fan of their long sleeved t-shirts so I picked up this navy blue and red stripe crew neck t-shirt shirt for £4.00.

Although the long sleeved t-shirts aren't marked as being long line, on me the length is pretty decent, and because of the elastane content they skim my curves and they don't tend to ride up. If you want a bit more length though you could maybe size up a bit but I'm both long in the body and curvy and they're fine on me.

Apart for a pair of leggings, and a pair of my Primark wardrobe staple indigo jeggings, that was it for clothing, but I did go slightly mad in the hair accessories, does anyone really need 45 different hair bobbles, well I do! I honestly don't know where they go! Like so many things Primark have been playing around with their sizing on their hair bobbles, and I picked up a pack of their snag less 30 Standard Hair Elastics which were £1.50. I haven't tried these yet but on reflection I should have gone for the ones for thicker hair we'll see though and I'll know either way for next time. I also got a pack of 12 of the rubber / plastic Spiral Hair Ties in various shades of brown for just £1. Again I love the fact that these don't catch, snag or damage the hair, they also hold their shape pretty well, just keep them away from four legged felines if you want them to last though ;)

Now, as someone who grew up in the 80's and 90's I have many stories about the humble hair scrunchie, be it my scrunchie collection and when it became a bit of a competition as to how many you could wear in your hair at once! I'm not entirely sure that I want to go back there but scrunchies are immensely practical especially if like me, you tie your hair back for bed. They're soft, they don't catch the hair, and you can't feel them digging into your scalp! I have a few floating round that I still use but since they seem to be on trend again I thought I'd stock up with this pack of 3 black scrunchies which just a £1. I'm not sure I'll wear them out of the house, I think I'm over that but I'll definitely wear them for bed.

Next up beauty, and despite seeing a few things online that I liked the look of when I got into store I didn't desperately need or want anything, so I just ended up buying some face wipes and a lipstick.

Okay I didn't need a lipstick but for just 90p and since Primarks beauty range is now cruelty free, it would have been wrong not to have popped this PS Lustre Lipstick in Skin On Skin into my basket

In almost self coloured MAC esq packaging, the lipstick is in a lovely pink / nude colour, it has a coconut taste and scent, and feels very moisturising on the lips. The pigmentation is excellent and it has a nice sheen to it - overall well worth 90p and maybe even more!

Now I also mentioned that I picked up some face wipes, I have used Primark's tea tree face wipes for what seems like forever, I've gone through so many packets that I've lost count. I use them for all sorts of things and when I don't have them I panic! Since I hadn't been to Primark for around 3 months understandably I'd ran out and I thought if I just picked up some generic tea tree based face wipes from B&M that they would be the same, believe me they weren't and they made me realise just how good the Primark ones were, you can therefore imagine my horror when I couldn't find the ones that I usually buy - instead all I could find were these.

They were the same price and you got the same amount of wipes, and the ingredients looked similar so I hoped upon hope, that it was just a name and packaging change, and thankfully that's exactly what seems to have happened, they look, smell and feel exactly the same as they always use to - Phew!!! breathes a huge sigh of relief!

The eagle eyed and loyal LouLouLand and LouLou699 followers amongst may have already seen this but last week I posted a little video to accompany this blog post, you can find out a little bit more about the items that I've showed you here (bar one of the t-shirts that I forget to film eek) and hear more about a couple of things that I haven't talked about in this post. You can watch it below or via this link.



As I say I've got another Primark haul coming for you in the next week or so but in the meantime if you're a fan of hauls don't forget to follow me on Instagram (I'm @LouLou699 ) I've recently posted a TK Maxx haul on my stories featuring a few Illamasqua bits. If you've missed seeing that in my storeies though you can always check out my Instahaul highlights tab to see all of the purchases that I've shared on my stories over the last few months x I love reading and watching other peoples haul post so don't forget to link me up in the comments and of course please let me know if you have any questions on anything that I've bought x

Intu Metrocentre Fashion Live A/W 2015 And Newness At House Of Fraser

Intu Metrocentre is by far my favourite place to shop in the North East. It's nearly all undercover, it has all the high street names that you would expect, as well restaurants to suit all tastes, leisure facilities and a cinema. I love the place and I never need an excuse to browse the malls and do a bit of shopping, so when the lovely people from House Of Fraser and Intu Metrocentre invited me to an evening of bloggers, fun and fashion on Wednesday night, I couldn't say no.

Our evening started in one of the centres largest and most established,stores, House Of Fraser. I'm going to be honest, the store hasn't been looking it's best lately but there is a very good reason for that -House Of Fraser is currently undergoing a multi million pound refurbishment and expansion that is set to be completed on the 12th November 2015. House Of Fraser kindly invited a group of North East bloggers into store to have a sneaky peek of what customers can expect to see when the renovations are complete.

Steve Clarke - Store Manager

We were met with glasses of bubbly,and canapes courtesy of the stores new Mediterranean inspired restaurant Cafe Botanico before listening to a brief talk from store manager Steve Clark about what shoppers in the North East can look forward to.

The answer is a lot, as well as having a major refurbishment and face lift the store has also expanded out of into the mall so there is now a much bigger store to explore. Customers will see the biggest changes in the new improved, and revamped beauty hall. As well as improvements and expansions to current counters, there are several new and exciting beauty brands coming to House Of Fraser Metrocentre including Giorgio Armani, Jo Malone, NARS, Tom Ford, Urban Decay and Kiehls.

The beauty hall expansion also means an increase in pampering options - We had a tour of the new improved, and expanded treatment rooms where you will be able to have beauty and spa treatments from the like of Decelor. The store will also be offering a brow shaping service, a Nails Inc nail bar, the new Estee Lauder 10 minute beauty bar and blow drys from the amazing Show Beauty - I hadn't heard of Show Beauty till Wednesday but I think this brand will become a new, if pricey obsession.

It isn't all about the beauty though, the new revamped fashion and accessories section, will contains all the brands we know and love with a few high profile additions, mainly Michael Kors clothing, accessories, jewellery and watches, German brand Hallhuber, Whistles, and Lauren By Ralph Lauren. The shoe department is also getting a makeover and the first floor will be the home of the new World Of Shoes concept.

All of the staff were so enthusiastic about the refurbishment and the new brands that it was impossible not to feel their excitement. I personally can't wait for the relaunch and to see the results of the money that's been spent and the obvious hard work that's taken place.

After a little look around the store it was time for the bloggers to move on and to take our VIP FROW seats in Town Square for the start of our exclusive preview of Intu Metrocentre Fashion Live Autumn / Winter 2015. The theme of this seasons show is a new leaf and as well as making you think about falling leaves, it's all about changing for the seasons and trying something new.

Our host for the evening was Heart North East's Breakfast Show presenter Kelly Scott, who was clad a beautiful fringed kimono style dress courtesy of Biba at House Of Fraser. She introduced an array of beautiful male and female models bedecked in new season fashions from some of the centre's top stores.

Blue Inc

Miss Selfridge

Simply Be

Top Shop

Dorothy Perkins

Tessuti

House Of Fraser

I admit I'm no runway photographer but hopefully you can see that there were a wide variety of looks and trends on show, from party dresses, to knitwear, faux fur at Dorothy Perkins, and Simply Be, to faux leather and 70's styling, to warm and cosy Canada Goose jackets from Tessuti. I was pleased to see some plus size brands and models this time round but if these brands don't appeal get yourself down to Intu Metrocentre  Fashion Live before Sunday to see some more catwalk shows showcasing some more of the centres brands including French Connection, Yours and Boux Avenue.

The theme of this seasons event is a New Leaf and that's something that was reflected in one of the gifts that we given for attending. This gorgeous magenta, purple, leaf designed, limited edition, fabric bag is designed by Celia Birtwell. Swooooooon I'm a huge, huge fan of Celia Birtwell - If you don't know who she is shame on you! She was the print and pattern designer, and wife of cult, 60's designer Ossie Clark. Famous for her intricate florals, and bold romantic prints Birtwell went onto design several exclusive collections for Top Shop and more recently she's worked with the Valentino - I love her work and I'm so pleased with my bag x These bags aren't for sale but subject to stock,if you spend £50 or more on Intu Gift Cards before 31st October, you'll get one for free x 

As well as the lovely bag we also got two very generous goodie bags courtesy of House Of Fraser full of samples and full sizes from brands including Creme De La Mer, Molton Brown, Marc Jacobs, Rituals, Decleor, Clarins, Origins, Aveda, Show Beauty and much more. I will of course be reviewing some of these bits in due course, so make sure you're following especially if you're interested in hair products, that even after a few uses seems to tick all of the boxes.

I want to say a huge, huge thank you to both Intu Metrocentre and House Of  Fraser for the invitation, I had a great time, I learnt a lot, and as someone from the North East, we have a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to when it comes to fashion and beauty.

Warming Up With Whooga

Whether we like it or not we're heading slap bang into Autumn. Yes I know we've hardly had a summer but September officially means the end of summer and the start of that depressing period of the year when the nights close in and the weather gets colder. As much as I love the summer, I do kind of have a soft spot for Autumn, the leaves always look amazing, the air is always crisp and I have to say I love warm and cozy clothes.

I've always been the same I love cardigans, and a cozy jumpers to keep me warm, but up until recently I always had a part of me that just never got warm -my feet. I have always had poor circulation and since I developed ME my feet are permanently like cubes of ice. A few years ago I jumped on the sheepskin boots trend and purchased a pair of Emu's, apart from super thick socks, sheepskin boots are the only things that even make my feet thaw out. I have to say sheepskin boots are the only things I will now wear on my feet in the Spring, Autumn, and even on the drier Winter days. I've purchased stores own sheepskin boots, and Emu's predominantly, Ugg boots have always been way out of my price range, however if you love your sheepskin boots there is a new kid in town, Whooga!

I was first contacted by Whooga late last year, but recently they contacted me again to see if I would be willing to review a pair of their boots for you guys on LouLouLand. Of course I agreed - I was very interested to see how these boots compared to the one I've already tried.

A few days later I received a huge and beautifully wrapped parcel containing a pair of ClassicTall Whooga Boots in Chocolate - I have to say I squealed a little bit I really was like a child at Christmas and couldn't wait to get them on my feet.

These beautiful boots are made from hand stitched Grade A twin faced merino sheepskin, using Whoogas exclusive ThermoFleece technology their boots possess a thicker sheepskin lining than their competitors making them more supportive and comfortable for your heels and your ankles -which is exactly what I need in my footwear after my little tumble earlier in the year. The Thermo Fleece technology also means that the air will circulate better through boots, making sure that our feet stay warm and cosy but not sweaty and damp.
The lining in my boots like most others in the Whooga range matches the colour of the boot, as well as being more practical and looking cleaner for longer, I also think it gives the boots a more stylish finish.

As well as the increased support due to the ThermoFleece technology, Whooga boots also feature a reinforced suede heel area which features the Whooga logo, it's not just a great place for a logo this reinforcement also provided the best possible support for the heels and the ankles - again a real essential for me since my accident

OK, so they are designed for maximum foot comfort but what about durability, Whooga boots are made to be worn, the sheepskin that goes into a Whooga boots is designed to increase their resistance to tears or punctures, added to that they have a lightweight but durable, high grip molded rubber sole to make the boots sturdy and long lasting.

Now you know a bit more about the boots themselves, what do I think? first of some slightly posed pictures

I am wearing

Tall Chocolate Sheepskin Boots - Whooga

Indigo Denim Jeggings -Dorothy Perkins

Long White T-Shirt - H! By Henry Holland at Debenhams

Chunky Bronw Cardigan / Coatigan - Primark

Wooden Bead Necklace - Somewhere in  Majorca

Well, I have to say I'm in love seriously these boots are like wearing slippers whilst walking on a fluffy cloud, they are that comfortable. The lining is super soft against your bare feet, but unlike some of the other boots I have my feet didn't sweat even after wearing them for 5 hours non stop. At the same time though whilst being super comfortable they were in fact still supportive, the sole and the back of the boot encased the foot so your foot felt straight, supported and safe. This is evident when you look at the boots themselves, they stand up of their accord unlike some inferior boots which fold oven and eventually collapse around the heel area.

I have to say I thoroughly recommed the Whooga brand of sheepskin boots, yes I was sent them but I have to say they are the most comfortable pair of boots in this style that I have owned. They really are a super quality item, that are a real must for this time of time of year. The Classic Tall Boot comes in a choice of 7 colours and normally retails for £135 but they currently have a special offer where you can pick up a pair for just £79. You can also get a Metallic Tall Boot  which comes in two shades and have a metallic finish for £85. If the tall boots aren't you thing, you can also get the boots in short and mini lengths. Please check out the Whooga website for more information. Any questions please leave me a comment x  

(The Tall Sheepskin Boots In Chocolate Were Supplies By Whooga For Review Purposes)