NET-A-DRESSERS SALE SHOPPING RULES

1. It's a battleground out there, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easily removable (essential when trying on those 70% off Louboutin's!) 

2. Stay hydrated, sounds silly, but if you are dehydrated your ability to make rational decisions becomes impaired. Also have a few snacks to hand, a banana, some nuts or cheesy oatcakes will help bridge the gap until you can eat properly.

3. Be armed with a list, and do your research into the coming season, but only buy if it's really 'YOU'. If you wouldn't normally wear crochet flares or towering disco platforms.....Don't even go there.

4. As simple as it sounds, look at where the gaps are in your wardrobe, only buy what you really NEED, and stick rigidly to it.

5. Now is the time to invest in those forever designer pieces. Buy the best you can afford, and it will stand you in good stead for a long time.

6. If it doesn't fit don't buy it just because it's a bargain. It will end up at the back of the wardrobe, and eventually go to the charity shop!

7. SHOP ONLINE........PUTTING ITEMS INTO YOUR BASKET GIVES YOU TIME TO REALLY CONSIDER IF YOU NEED IT, BEFORE HITTING THE 'PURCHASE NOW' BUTTON?

8. And finally those few impulse sale bargains can add up to one much needed new season item. Always try and weigh up which you want more. 

WHAT TO BUY NOW........

WINTER WHITE SLOUCHY COAT
 WAS £75 NOW £45 ASOS

Refreshing winter white oversized coat. Dress down with jeans or go 'all' out white, for a pristine and polished look.

NAVY PEA COAT WAS £55 NOW £38
ASOS 

A classic pea coat always looks effortlessly chic, it works with everything from denim to tailoring.

PURE CASHMERE SCARF
 WAS £129 NOW £77 JOHNSTONS

BLAZER WAS £475 NOW £217.50 IRO

Daytime wear your blazer low key with mannish flats and cropped trousers. Swap to heels and leather pants for evening.



MARINIERE STRIPE BRETON TOP 
WAS £60 NOW £42 PETIT BATEAU

A wardrobe staple, (I have three) mine are in and out of the wash every week, what more can I say.....






SUPREME CASHMERE SWEATER DRESS
 WAS £270 NOW £190 CLOSED

Beautiful and classic cashmere, the perfect choice for cosy low key dressing. 





NAVY PURE SILK SHIRT
 WAS £39.99 NOW £24.99 MANGO

A modern wardrobe must have that will work with 
almost everything you own.




GREY PURE CASHMERE CHUNKY KNIT SWEATER
 WAS £99 NOW £69.50 M&S

The sales are the best time to invest in timeless cashmere.
 Check out the menswear departments too, especially if you want an over sized look.







BLACK AND CHARCOAL LONGLINE COAT
 WAS £185 NOW £110 ASOS WHITE



LEIA OVERSIZED COTTON POPLIN SHIRT
 WAS £220 NOW £154 ACNE STUDIOS

And finally, a year round white shirt is a total wardrobe essential. 
This masculine inspired shirt works smartly tucked into tailoring, or for a laid back weekend look with ripped skinny jeans and boots.

Happy shopping!

X X X

DEAR SANTA I CAN EXPLAIN.....

COTTON TWILL MINI DRESS £900 MARNI

It doesn't matter how old you are, there is nothing more exciting than waking up to your presents on Christmas morning. So, just in case I haven't dropped enough hints already, here are a few

 more on my last minute wish list. 

One or two are pure indulgence and fantasy.

But then, Santa is real....Right?

1. MONGOLIAN COLLAR £50 ASOS

2. 1970 EAU DE PARFUM £65 BELLA FREUD

3. HOPE HEELED SANDALS £42 ASOS

4. DECO LEATHER CLUTCH BAG £345 MATTER MATTERS

5. INDALIA LACE BRA £55 L'AGENT by Agent Provocateur.

 6. HOLD ME NOW TINTED LIP CONDITIONER £22 ILIA

 7. INDALIA LACE AND TULLE BRIEFS £28 L'AGENT 

8. INDALIA LACE SUSPENDER BELT £40 L'AGENT

 Now Santa, you did you get my letter didn't you?

X X X

SWEET POTATO GNOCCHI WITH BALSAMIC SAGE BROWN BUTTER

"APPROACH LOVE & COOKING

WITH RECKLESS ABANDON"

- THE DALAI LAMA

Recipe and image via

I love Californian Aida Mollenkamp's modern adventurous style of cooking, and this recipe is one of my favourites.

YOU'LL NEED

1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes cut into halves
1/2lb russet potatoes cut into halves
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsps salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano
1 large egg lightly beaten
3 tbsps honey
1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour or white whole wheat flour
4 tbsps unsalted butter
12 to 15 sage leaves
2 shallots finely sliced
3 tbsps balsamic vinegar

For The gnocchi:

Heat oven to 425F, and drizzle potatoes with the olive oil and season well.

Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast until tender for about 30 mins. When cool scoop out the flesh and mash. Stir in cheese, honey, egg and salt.

Mix in flour 1/2 cup at a time until a soft dough forms. Enough flour is added when you touch the dough, and it doesn't stick to your fingers! Put on a floured surface and shape into a square. Divide into 16 pieces. 

Here comes the good bit.....Flour your hands and roll each piece in your hands to make a sausage shape. 

Repeat till all done.

Working in batches, put on a large pan of boiling salted water and add the gnocchi. 

Simmer for approx 5 mins until tender, remove using a slotted draining spoon, (reserve 2/3 of pasta cooking water) & put on a baking sheet.

For the sauce:

Melt the butter over a medium heat in a large frying pan. Once foaming add sage leaves and cook until crisp. Put the sage leaves on a plate and put pan back on the stove. 

Add shallots to butter left in pan, and allow to brown, the butter will become all nutty. 

Keep stirring to stop the solids from sticking and burning.

When the butter is nicely brown, remove from heat and 'very' carefully stir in the vinegar, (as it may sting your eyes.)

Stir in the gnocchi and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, return to the heat and coat in sauce.

Add lots of freshly ground pepper and salt if needed, also extra pasta water if required.

Top with the crispy sage leaves, and freshly shaved parmigiano reggiano.

Serve with a side of green salad if you are feeling virtuous!