Tag Archives: TheOutnet.com

Holiday sales shopping

I try so hard not to surf online stores while I am on vacation – but I have to check email and my inbox is FULL of sales emails. I really should unsubscribe from them all. Then I try to keep up with all my favorite blogs and there they are – just taunting me with all the bargains they have discovered!

I have been pretty good – while back in the UK I picked up a couple of AllSaints dresses in the sale. Trust me – with AllSaints prices the sales are always worth it and now all items are 50% off.

Hilde VI dress

My sister also bought the Riviera dress here, she looks fabulous in it:

Riviera dress

The black Hilde Vi dress also comes in stone which I love too.

Hilde Vi dress stone

I’ve been stalking TheOutnet.com for these Isabel Marant Betty sneakers. I have the Bobbys in ecru from a couple of years ago and adore them – so much so I could justify the burgundy Bettys – or can I? They are 55% off and I keep seeing sizes selling out – but keep checking for returns if your size is sold out.

Burgundy betty sneaker

Finally I was catching up on some blog reading by the pool this evening and I sort of wish I hadn’t. Eve has blogged her sales wins and one of the jackets was on my wish list at the beginning of the season and the other I hadn’t even seen before but looks amazing on her!

I’ve ordered the black frayed hem jacket that I have had in and out of my cart all season – now 50% off:frayed hem jacket

I adore the ecru jacket that Eve is still debating – I have ordered it – again 50% off!

ecru jacket

I’m also tempted to go back for this light pink jacket in a similar shape – just perfect with a grey tee and jeans.

light pink jacket

Finally I grabbed a couple of these tanks in ecru and black ready to reveal my sun kissed shoulders once I am back. A steal at this price…

black top off white top

Thanks a bunch Eve 😉 I better get eBaying too 😉 xx

 

My summer uniform

Looking back, I feel like every summer I have miss calculated my summer closet. It gets hot here. Really hot. I forget how hot, so every spring I design my closet around 70 degree temperatures, not 90 degree temperatures. Plus, when planning my vacations I imagine beach clubs, reclining on yachts and sitting under fans on patios drinking cocktails. Foolish – this never transpires. We have 2 small children so I end up covered in sand, ice cream and spf, and again it is always too hot to care about ‘dressing up’. Last year I took ‘going out’ clothes to Spain and ended up living in denim shorts and tees, or a t-shirt dress. This year I am aiming to be more practical from the start. My closet will consist of shorts and tees – no more scuba dresses – which look great on but are ridiculous in the heat.

Thankfully J.Crew have 30% off using SPRINGSTYLE today and here are some of the items I have in my virtual cart!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE J.Crew’s denim. It is fabulous quality and for some reason their cut fits me really well. I take a 29 in most styles – be warned J.Crew embrace vanity sizing plus their denim does give – not too much – but I always wear their jeans 3-4 times before washing as they soften up beautifully. I have their denim shorts from previous years and here are my picks from this season – all with 30% off too!

White denim shorts are a must as an alternative to blue denim. Just fabulous with tanned legs and tan or silver sandals.

white shortsThese distressed boy shorts have a higher rise than others I have tried and come in the perfect summer wash.

high riseThis is probably my favorite pair. Again the perfect amount of distressing and you can wear them turned up or with the raw edge. They a lovely and stretchy too so you may want to try a size down for a snugger fit.

crowley washI have this pair from last year and they again relax beautifully with wear. They are a really lightweight denim and the perfect pair of beach shorts.

dark von washFinally this denim pair is a lighter wash for those of you that prefer a lighter denim for the summer.

bradbury washWhile we’re at J.Crew you should definitely take advantage of the 30% off – here’s what’s on my list today.

I’ve been hovering over this shirt for a while as I love the fact it is classic yet doesn’t have buttons all the way down it. It will look amazing over leather pants, skinny jeans or dressed down with a pair of denim shorts. I may well pull the trigger after seeing how amazing Laura looks in hers today.

bib shirt

These jeans are the perfect amount of distressing and the denim is lovely and stretchy. The reviewers love them too! They are already reduced and then there is the extra 30% off on top!

corbin washI adore this boyfriend shirt. I think I am starting to follow a more classic look with my clothes!

polka dotFor me it is the color of this popover which really appeals – the lavender will be stunning over sun kissed skin.

popoverNow these jackets are not on offer – but I am wearing my navy one again today – it really has become a staple in my closet. I adore the popped collar on it. I’m waiting for the kiwi to come into stock but I’ve also fallen for the metallic version – I love how it is styled with all white.

kiwi metallic regentMy obsession with J.Crew has led me to investigate Madewell – their more grown up, less preppy sibling. After seeing Sincerely Jules in her shorts this weekend I felt obliged to order them and try. Nordstrom have also started stocking Madewell which is great news as they ship internationally and their customer service and returns policy is fantastic.

madewell.jpg_effected

fatigue shortsI’m also obsessing over this peasant top which is currently on sale.

peasant topI just love the grey wash on these denim shorts too!

greystone wash

 

So there’s a lot to choose from but at least I feel I can still have some variety with my shorts and t-shirt combinations!

On Friday I was willing the sun to shine – it worked for one day and then rain, rain, rain all day yesterday 😦

GuccisShoes – Gucci // Jeans – MiH (just $88 here reduced from $250) // Top – Mango

Today, as I mentioned, I’m back in my Regent blazer. How did I cope without it?!

Regent blazerBlazer – J.Crew // Sneakers – Nike from J.Crew (similar here) // Jeans – J.Crew (currently on sale) // Top – AllSaints

A few weekend orders plus my Spring 2015 wishlist has been started!

It was a crazy weekend that included lots of birthday celebrations for Hugh! We started on Friday with a trip to Shake Shack, and then on Saturday he had a party with his school mates at Glow Galaxy. I swear this is the last birthday party we have! I am not a fan of sitting in an indoor play room for 2 hours. They all had fun of course – but I have already convinced Poppy that the money for her 9th birthday in May will be better spent on a Mommy and daughter trip to NYC! Works for me! 🙂

Sunday was glorious with Spring arriving on cue after our clocks changed this weekend. We headed out for BBQ and sat outside on a patio for the first time this year. So much fun! Once home Hugh decided to try out his new bow and arrow (don’t ask!) and I enjoyed the sun while compiling my Spring 2015 wish list and doing a little online shopping!

First off TheOutnet.com has some AMAZING stock right now. I occasionally head to the site just to see what is there and often nothing tickles my fancy. This weekend, however, my heart was set aflutter by all the fabulous items I loved.

First up they have lots of Rag & Bone heavily discounted. Of course I am obsessed with their boots and I ordered the Harper boot. There are several sizes left but they will sell out fast with the 40% discount.

Harper

My summer wardrobe is going to consist mainly of jeans and great t-shirts. I am staying clear of lots of patterns right now and gravitating towards classic jeans and jackets. Hence I ordered the MiH Phoebe jean at an amazing discount and this wash is perfect for summer. They are 65% discounted at just $87.50 – cheaper than some Zara jeans!

MIH phoebe

I’m tempted to go back for the Jane jean – I love the cut and the frayed hem. Again 65% off and many sizes left.

MIH jane

They have lots of great pairs of flares too which I was really surprised to see given the high demand they are currently experiencing. These are my pick from AG, discounted by 50%.

AG flare

Sunglasses are on my list of updates for this summer. I have several Ray-Ban aviators but wanted some new acetate frames. My regular prescription glasses are Oliver Peoples and they are so light and comfortable that I grabbed a pair of these when I saw them online. It’s very rare to see Oliver People’s discounted as they are so classic.

Oliver peoples

This pair is also lovely in grey.

Oliver peoples 2

On to J.Crew now who have 25% off in the US for the next 48 hours using code SpringStyle – there are some exclusions though so check before checking out.

Their new stock is arriving and there are so many pretty items for spring. I particularly love this embroidered lace top in navy and blush – it is currently reduced and you can apply the 25% code too.

lace top blush top

Other classic tops that I plan to order include these tunics. I much prefer a tunic to a shirt as it eliminates the danger of gaping buttons. Again the SpringStyle 25% code can be used with all of these.

tailored tunic stripe tunic

This muslin tunic will look fabulous with flares and clogs or wedge sandals!

muslin tunic

My goal is to wear this type of simple top with jeans under a linen blazer. Linen blazer? But where from? Well you know what, J.Crew’s new season includes one of my favorite jackets – the Regent blazer – in linen. There are some amazing colors and I can’t wait to see the kiwi in real life. Unfortunately these jackets are so popular that the code does not apply.

lime jacket

So my uniform for the summer will include jackets, shirts and jeans – and J.Crew’s jeans are some of the best on the block – including their denim shorts. The 25% discount applies to all of these picks too!

I love the distressed denim on these shorts – I saw them in store the other day and the holes are patched so they are not indecent at all – the length is also good – no butt cheeks will show!

broken in denim short

My favorite J.Crew jean right now is the wide leg crop. I love a good crop to show off a fabulous shoe or boot and a little ankle on show is lovely in the spring. These are on my wishlist in both white and the odell wash – they get rave reviews!

white jeans odell wash

So it’s a pretty long list already and I haven’t even included the Gucci loafers I am currently saving for! I have these in black and they are the most comfortable, well made pair of shoes I own. Looking back up through this post the orange pair will be the perfect statement shoe for my summer wardrobe!

Gucci

As for my weekend outfits here we go starting with Saturday – and yes the jacket and jeans uniform.

Jacket 2Shoes – Vince Nina // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Jacket – Mango (on sale here) // Bag – H&M

Yesterday it was jeans again but no jacket was required in the sun!

Allsaints Allsaints 2

Boots – Burgundy Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Top – AllSaints (old) // Jeans – J.Crew // Bag – H&M

Today I’m back to black and grey.

Leather jacket

Boots – Charcoal Rag & Bone Newbury boots (similar here) // Trousers – J.Crew (on SALE PLUS 25% off with SpringStyle) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

I’d love to hear what’s on your wish list for this Spring!

Sequins and snow.

This is what I woke up to this morning…

snow 2 snow 1

Not quite what I was expecting.  I thought we’d had the worst of the weather yesterday with the ice storm.  It was quite literally raining ice, and we spent the day curled up on the sofa watching the NBC team in t-shirts in Sochi.

Sarah Palin

 

As we have now had no school since Tuesday, and we are off Friday and Monday anyway for President’s day, to say I am climbing the walls is somewhat of an understatement.  I have tried to focus my attention on my trip, but that of course just gives me greater anxiety wondering if I will have to swim from Bury to London on the 28th.  Not to mention I have suede shoes on my packing list – I might just have to pack the Hunters and be done with it.

My iPad has been getting quite a work out while we watch the Barbie movie for the 20th time, and I have found myself engrossed in Pinterest on more than one occasion.  I’m currently obsessing over this look:

sequin skirt 3 sequin skirt 2 Sequin skirt 1

 

I ABSOLUTELY NEED A SEQUIN SKIRT.

It must be over the knee, but not too short, sequin covered but not too glitzy, grey or blush so it can easily be dressed down with a grey sweater, and lined so it can be worn with tights without fear of ripping them.  I don’t feel like I have found the perfect one yet but here are some that have caught my eye.

I love the red trim on this IRO skirt and it looks nice and comfy with stretch…It’s a great price on TheOutnet.com for some IRO in your closet.

IRO skirt

This Zara skirt is pretty close to what I want – it will look great with a grey cashmere sweater and wool tights.  My concern is the length…it might be titchy on me, and though I will be the first to say I love my legs, there’s legs and then there’s the chance of showing your tight gusset – not a good look.

Zara skirt

This Express Aztec skirt reminds me of the AllSaints skirt from a couple of years ago, but for a way more palatable price – just $36 this weekend!

Express Aztec

Express also have this gorgeous knee length skirt…I am tempted.

Espress knee length

I love the blush colors in this River Island skirt too – and the black trim would help it pair with black cashmere and black tights.

River Island

I saw this skirt in Target a few weeks ago – it’s a bit longer than I am looking for but the color is perfect as is the price.

Target

Finally this one is gorgeous – I’m just hoping her legs are crazy long and that it won’t be quite as short on me!

Revolve

So sequins and knitwear – what do you think – can I get away with it?

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Leather pants.

I love a bit of leather and I am in ‘need’ of some great leather trousers.  I had some AllSaints leather jeans, but I wore them to death, and with my yo-yoing weight they stretched beyond what could be considered a flattering fit.  I have been hunting for some time and I am still none the wiser as to which I should buy.

I have two conundrums when looking for leather trousers:

1. Leather vs. pleather.  I am all for trying a good pleather trouser, but it was suggested to me the other day that it might cause some unpleasant sweating where you least want to sweat – I’ve since thought twice about pleather.  Also if I am looking for great leather trousers, then shouldn’t I invest in a brand known for their real leather trousers – now not necessarily Balmain (unless my Husband is buying of course), but maybe Theory or Helmut Lang?

2. A trouser with fly vs. legging.  Part of me wants a great leather jean with a fly and 5 pockets so I can wear shorter tops and sweaters without the fear of a camel toe on show.  On the other hand wriggling into a pair of leather leggings maybe easier, and they are often far cheaper than a leather trouser.

Camel toe and sweating – makes me wonder if I should just avoid the leather pant thing altogether?

So here’s a run down of what has appealed to me so far…

These Ted Baker leggings are not cheap at $600 but knowing the brand they will be fabulous quality.  They also have a side zip and the added stretch will help keep them in shape beautifully.

Ted Baker

I love these Warehouse leather trousers for something a little different.  They aren’t really loose like Christine Centenera wore, but they have a bit more shape than a regular skinny trouser – and I love the cross over fly.  I am sorely tempted by these.

Warehouse

And just so we can dream about what it looks like to ooze style – here she is herself…

Christine-Centenera

Sticking with the peg leg theme – these are a great alternative to leather from ASOS.  You have to use your imagination a little but I think they are great styled correctly.

Peg Pant

These Vero Moda trousers are a great price and a classic cut with a side zip.  Can’t really argue with the price here at all for real leather at $213.

Vero Moda

These Helmut Lang leggings are in my basket on TheOutnet.com.  I am almost at the point of placing my order.  A great price at £292 – they normally retail for £800.  Why am I hesitating?  I’ve no idea!

Helmut Lang

Now these are a definite love it or loathe it item.  They are a copy of the R13 Chaps.  I am obsessively waiting for them to appear on the US Mango site.  Mango have assured me via Twitter that they will be there soon – if you are in the UK you lucky beggars can order yours now!  Take a look here at how amazing Eve looks in hers.

Mnago Sade

Finally just for fun here’s what I ordered today.  At $27 I thought they were worth the risk…we’ll see when they arrive…I present my faux leather harem trousers from eBay.

Faux leather harems

I’ll leave you with today’s outfit taken by my lovely man as we were rushing out of the door for a cheeky child free lunch:)

IMG_7627

Boots – Dorothy Perkins // Jeans – Express (old – similar here) // Tank – TopShop Camisole // Cardigan – Marks and Spencer (old – similar here) // Bag – YSL Roady

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Buying cheaper can backfire.

Do you remember earlier in the year I was considering buying the Alexander Wang Rocco in tangerine?  Sharron at StyleAtEveryAge had also blogged about her love for the neon Rocco and I was that close to ordering it.  At $850 it is not crazy expensive, but it was still more than I wanted to spend on an every day bag.  So I was over the moon when I saw the Alexander Wang Diego on TheOutnet.com at half price!

_6854041

I bought it and have had a love hate relationship with it ever since.  I love the style and the color, but the leather was laser cut  – it almost felt like velvet.  It meant that it lifted dye from every item of clothing it came into contact with.  I tried using baby wipes – apparently a fool proof way of removing clothing dye from bags – but the leather – as it was like a fabric – did not respond.  So sadly I returned it for a store credit this week.  Just goes to show trying to make a ‘saving’ is not always the best approach.  TheOutnet.com were brilliant about the return, as I had bought it way back in January, – and you know what – I knew immediately what to spend my credit on!!

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the Anya Hindmarch shoulder bag in mushroom on sale at $472 reduced from $1350.

Anya Hindmarch

 

I personally refer to this bag as the “Kat” bag, as Kat over at DoesMyBumLook40 got hers late last year from the Bicester Village outlets (which I cannot wait to visit one trip back to the UK!).  I think it is the same shade as Kat’s – if so it will be perfect with my Acne Pistols, and of course most of my other boots!  It is winging it’s way to me as we speak thanks to the lovely Ashley at TheOutnet.com who held it for me until my Diego return was processed.  There are, however, still some left on the US site along with a lovely red color.  I’m not sure it is a brand that is well recognized over here yet, so they haven’t flown out of the door as quickly as I had anticipated.  For me it adds something special to it because the brand isn’t seen everywhere, unlike Coach for example.

You’ll never guess what too?  The lovely Husband, knowing about my disappointment over the the Diego, and hearing my ‘need’ for a summer bag, walked in today with this for me.  Spoiled, me?  Oh yes.

Rocco

 

 

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A new luxury.

So a couple of unusual events took place this morning and it isn’t even 9am here.

1.  I actually waited till payday to make a purchase

2. I bought myself a handbag

You may say number 2 isn’t that unusual given the couple of Boden leather folded clutches I have recently bought, BUT it is VERY unusual for me to buy a bag over $100 for myself.  My everyday, tote-it-all bag since August 2011 has been my YSL Roady.  Now I adore this bag, even though at the time I thought it was a crazy amount to pay for a single item.  But MM’s logic was vindicated – investment pieces really can be just that, and it has bought me great joy, and continues to.

In the YSL store in NYC – can you tell I was excited?:

IMG_0367

Now the only draw back of the Roady is it is black.  Being a seasonal gal and like to transition into the new seasons with new colors, fabrics and attire that is appropriate.  Hence, the black Roady just wasn’t going to cut it for SS 2013.  I had therefore promised myself an Alexander Wang bag.

Initially I had my eye on this beauty – the Rocco in tangerine.

331115_ou_mt2

 

Yes it’s $850, but compared to many ‘it’ bags it really could be considered ‘reasonably priced’ – MM just balked at that idea…I guess my threshold for ‘reasonably priced’ is changing!  I adore the color and with all the brights this Spring it would be perfect.  But the conundrum is shouldn’t I have the basic, neutral colors in my bag collection before adding accents?

Then the moment arose when I stumbled on TheOutnet.com – not a site I frequented – but I am now smitten.  Created by the folks at Net-a-porter.com it is a virtual designer outlet.  And what was there waiting for me with my name on it saying ‘buy me, buy me’?  This stunner:

The Alexander Wang Diego:

_6854041

 

So not wanting to disappoint it I bought it at 45% off.  It’s the perfect color, shape and has two straps – it is now wending it’s way to me.

The tornadoes from last night are gone leaving awful damage in some parts of the State.  We just got lots of rain and wind, and this morning is the calm after the storm – gorgeous blue skies but cold.  Still I ventured outside for you this morning for a change of scenery.

IMG_4464

This is the Boden Fairisle jumper from AW 2012 – so snuggly and quite a few sizes and colors left in the sale – I sized up 2 sizes for a less fitted look.  I’ve layered it over an H&M fitted tank/dress, the jeans are Hudson Collins, and the boots are the Sam Edelman Louies.

Don’t forget it’s another Catch of the Day for Boden – today it is 25% off selected tops.

 

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