The fear of looking like a sofa

Most years at work we get a bonus; it's usually announced in September and given out in December. This year it's coming in the end of September paycheque, and it's enough that I will still spend a load of it on Christmas presents, but I can also treat myself this year. Years ago, when I worked on Simply Knitting, I used to write the 'get the look' sort of panels and trends pages (I know, someone trusted me to write fashion bits!) and still have access to a lot of press sites so can see the high street shops' big releases. Monsoon is bringing out this lovely jacquard trouser suit which I crave, but I'm not sure if the fabric – black with large blue flowers – will make someone of my squashy build look like a sofa. And the trousers are skinny, which I really suspect are a definite no-no. Augh.


This is one of those times when I'm not sure whether I want the thing I've seen, or I want the idea of the thing I've seen. Do you ever get that? I have to be very careful when shopping to make sure I'm buying for myself, and not Emma Peel or a film noir femme fatale or a perfect flapper or whoever. And the more I think about it, the more I can see why the suit appeals – it's the clean lines, and the luxurious fabric. I can also see why it shouldn't – I don't often wear trouser suits, and I certainly don't wear skinny trousers. I'll try it on, but I suspect it'd be more sensible just to get the jacket. (If only it were a skirt or dress suit; that would be totally me!)

Anyway, being able to treat myself is a nice dilemma. I've got a list of things I probably should buy, like loafers in various colours, a navy pencil skirt, and so on, but those aren't exactly a treat. Maybe I'll just browse Etsy and see if anything pops up...

What would you spoil yourself with?

Comments

  1. OOooooh shopping spree! I think you are very wise to hunt things out, try them on and narrow it down so you get maximum enjoyment out of the final choice. Maybe you could then get something off your list as well as a real treat.

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    1. Yeah, I'll deffo be getting the list items. They'll get loads of wear and improve things every day, if only a little. But I want something utterly frivolous too!

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  2. Hello Urchins!! I'm dying to see that trouser suit. I'm not generally a fan of skinny trousers but you never know until you've tried.
    I've spoilt myself with some new wellies - a totally ridiculous extravagance, handmade in Sweden and in bright yellow - I'll probably be too scared to wear them in case I mess them up! xxx

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    1. The more I think of it, the more I think the trousers will be a mistake. I'm a dress person.

      Those wellies sound ace! I'm sure if they get grubby you'll be able to clean them up.

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  3. I'm glad your work is being recognised with a bonus!

    Sometimes I am happy with clothes outside my comfort zone, so definitely give it a try on. I tend to see myself larger than I am which can be just as bad when you're swimming in oversized, roomy items (unless it is a caftan, of course). I rather like the idea of looking like a sofa, but not one covered in plastic.

    If I were to treat myself, I'd head over to this shop:
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhenIWasALad?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count#items

    He has the best eye for good, affordable antique brooches. I've been happy with my purchases and even the shipping to the US has been reasonable. So that's where I'd spend any extra money.

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    1. It's a whole company bonus - the firm does well, we all do well. So everyone's happy.

      I tend to view myself as both larger and older than I am - somewhere between Hattie Jacques and Les Dawson in drag!

      Oooh, that site has some really nice stuff. I've been looking at things on BibaBoys' Etsy site too.

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  4. I love large florals but fear looking like nan's curtains or an 80's sofa too. Those cropped trousers that are so hip now look ridiculous on me too.
    Trouser suits are all about the fit- and it either fits or it doesn't.

    As the high holidays of Islam have already passed I've already bought my treats for the year- perfume, makeup, & clothes. Did a lot of boutique shopping in Delhi for my niece's wedding- lots of blingy kurtis & dupattas for the numerous outfit changes required!

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    1. Yeah, I'm not going near the cropped trousers. Some people make them look all 'Young Bardot in St Tropez', the effect on me is more 'Nan's on a cruise but won't wear shorts'.

      Oooh, is the wedding coming up? I bet that's going to be AMAZING.

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  5. I'm not a fan of skinny trousers myself. Frankly speaking I don't think they suit many people, and I've never understood why they are so popular. I'd love to see the jacket, though! Whatever you decide, you should certainly spend some of your bonus on yourself. Go on, treat yourself! xxx

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    1. Looking at the jacket again, I have decided to give the trousers a miss... I think they would tip me right over into sofa territory.

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  6. How fantastic to get a bonus from work. You should go nuts and treat yourself to some fabulous things as you have worked so hard to get it. The trouser suit sounds lovely. I will look out for it on the Monsoon website. Do you know I don't think that I have ever seen you wearing trousers on this blog. I say go with whatever makes you happy and is comfortable to wear, curtains or not.
    You have ace taste so would be perfect for writing the fashion bits, silly!! Looking forward to seeing what you choose. Xx

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    1. I've only got a few of pairs of trousers, and I tend to go for 'bloke suit trouser' styles. I usually wear them on days when I really can't be bothered to try to look nice!

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  7. How fab to be able to treat yourself! The trouser suit sounds gorgeous; I love a big floral print too but if you don't feel comfortable in skinny trousers then it's not for you. I've stopped wearing skinny trousers and just go for straight legged now.

    As to what I'd treat myself to it wouldn't be clothes but some of the things I'd like or need include a tripod, a new printer and some more perfume!!

    Have a great weekend

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