
This is a bit of a filler post, I have to admit. I’m showing you some of the stuff I’m not buying right now because it’s so hard to show you the stuff I have. There’s so much I want to show you – a new Linea Pelle bag, another beautiful Lady Vintage dress, some great finds from the sales…but getting decent snaps is proving difficult. I’m desperately trying to move away from the fuzzy shots I get in my dressing room (my camera really doesn’t like indoors lighting) but the constant rain and bad weather has been really affecting my ability to take decent shots outside (which also involves cajoling someone to take the snaps – something the boyfriend is not very good at). So while I wait for a Sunny moment tomorrow (IT HAS TO HAPPEN, right?) here are some of the items I’ve been coveting but attempting not to buy in recent days…
2012 is going to be quite a frugal year for me financially (I’m saving for more important things than shoes for once!) so spending my Christmas money in the January sales is basically my last hurrah. After these purchases, I’m battening down the hatches and sticking to an ‘only what’s necessary’ approach to spending. I’m not saying I won’t buy anything this year, but I’ll definitely be reviving Frugal February and after that I’ll be sticking to those good habits at least 80% of the time, putting as much as I possibly can in the bank at the end of each month. Even with the sales I’ve tried to stear clear of the shops and only buy a few things online. Of those, I’m sure at least one or two will get returned. But while I wait for them all to arrive…here’s a look at what I bought!

It’s Summer sales time, and this year’s bad weather means there are even more items to choose from as people are a bit cautious of spending too much on flippy Summer dresses and strappy sandals when most days are still spend in tights and coats! It’s a great time to stock up – particularly if you have a Summer holiday coming – so I’ve picked some of my favourite sale finds to help you along. There are loads of lovely shoes and some fabulous Summer frocks, and nothing on this page costs more than £35 (except one pair of fabulous Carvela shoes I couldn’t resist including). Personally, I’ve got my eye on a pair of fabulous wedges that’ll give height with a bit of added comfort, and a really nice bright 50s dress to wear for my birthday in August. What’s new, eh?!

Style369, Arcadia’s younger and more stylish plus size store is currently offering 25% off their new Spring 2011 stock. This includes dresses from Max C, tunics from Lovedrobe and all manner of basics, trends and footwear. To help you spend your money wisely, I’ve picked some of my favourite pieces from the New In section. Just click the links below to shop – you don’t need a special code, the discount should be applied automatically at the checkout. Only some items on the site are included in the promotion so double-check before you put in those credit card details…

I know that in the sales you’re supposed to buy up classics and basics and ignore the faddy trends that you didn’t buy three months earlier at full price. But while I do use the discounts as a way of stocking up on chic work dresses and nice shoes, I also see sales as a super-cheap way of trying out things I’d never normally give a go – like capes, coulottes and crazy heels. So I’ve put together 20 of my favourite sale finds, some of which I’ve already bought, to help you hunt down the best discounts…

Despite the fact we’re on the tail-end of a recession, prices seem to be going up all over the shop and it’s getting increasingly difficult to find anything (even lunch) for less than a fiver. So what’s a girl to do when she’s got an urge to shop, but very little cash to last until payday? Well, there are a few gems for less than a fiver still to be had. You just need to know where to look…

Bravissimo has long been the secret haunt of girls with D+ boobs. Stocking all the big brands that cater to larger ladies (Freya, Panache, Kalyani, Masquerade etc) and providing a measuring service that’s second to none, I know ladies who’ll sing the praises of this shop ’til kingdom come. They can lift and support even the biggest boobs and sell pretty, not frumpy designs. And following that success, they’ve turned their hand to cup-sized clothing…
I'm Gemma, I'm 29, and I'm a writer. Cosmo once called me a 'kick ass woman who's changing the world'. If reviewing mascara and wearing dresses changes the world, then I'd have to agree.
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