How could I deKlein

I had no intention of spending a penny and we are not talking incontinence pants here. I was busy being out in the fresh air, walking and thinking of other matters and then I remembered I needed to get one of my sisters a photo frame.

I popped into TK Maxx and despite my best endeavours as I walked past the clothes to the furnishing section, my beady little eye spied in amongst the total afternoon mess a lovely black dress by Calvin Klein. Perfect. As it was allowed under my style challenge I thought I would try it on.

The photo doesn't show very well the pleated waist detail which creates a lovely silhouette

Then I suddenly had an urge to look at knitwear, where upon I found lots of Pringle jumpers. I grabbed a bright acid yellow one and ran to the changing rooms not daring to look at another garment.

Of course my bad luck (not wishing to spend anything) continued as both items fitted and were such bargains they had to come home with me. Of course I haven't veered off my style challenge and I have two lovely quality items at a fraction of their price. However it is strange how once you get used to not buying things you are reluctant to part with folding.

Bright & cheery plus v on trend for S/S 2011

A Little Black Dress or 4, but first...

It was at the recent Elizabeth Emanuel LFW show that I met Laura Richenberg the person behind the my987wardrobe venture. We met due to my lovely original Anya Hindmarch clutch, which she admired. That led to talk about blogging, car boot sales and her business.

Last week we met up with the intention of an interview, which was hard to achieve as we could have talked about anything and everything! I'd already done some prep and received one item of clothing to check out. I selected a pair of black harem pants, something I would never buy. I wanted to try before I buy because the ethos of my987wardrobe as a value stockist.

It was weird wearing harem pants but the material was lovely and they were a good cut for the style. At £9.87 they beat Primark for material quality and seemed no different to all the harem pants I'd passed by. I have been converted to their usefulness for a summer holiday. I attempted to take a photo - on a self timer- of the make do outfit. Um, it is a game of more than 2 halves. In fact I had to go into extra time. But I was pleased I compiled a universal holiday look for travelling or out and about with the harem pants and my old gladiators, a cut up Gap stripey tee, the Topshop shrug and my trusty Mui Mui sunnies. I bought these about six years ago on sale in Sunglasses Hut at Heathrow Airport For £36 on route to Philadelphia. I'd forgotten mine, it was November but I can't be without sunglasses, ever.

Yep the self timer worked

Attempting to get a full body shot but failing

Oh hang it here are the feet

I might not have sold harem pants to you and I'll readily admit they are pretty shapeless but these pair are so soft I trusted Laura's judgement on her stock. I persuaded her to give 4 dresses away. They are all the same style but there is one in Small, Medium, Length, Xtra Large. It is a 60s style swing dress and all you have to do to win one is be a follower and state win in the comment box plus tell me your best recent value purchase.

my987wardrobe 60s style swing dress £9.87

And the full interview with Laura to come soon....

UPDATE - Laura emailed me to say she's just come back from a buying trip with lots of great new pieces to add next week as she moves into A/W stock phase 2.

Project 100 - a few LBD's

Much as I've tried, one LBD never does all occasions. The LBD is life saver, the ultimate hero piece of any wardrobe. I think countless designers have tried the multiple one LBD dress thing but I'm afraid that isn't the solution either. The differing styles of the LBD speaks volumes.

The strapless LBD -This is the most obvious number for a host of events from gala diners to cocktails for two. You can find this style in any shop for any budget from late October/early November.

Herve Leger Strapless bandage dress Net-A-Porter

The art gallery opening LBD - slightly directional but always minimalist, this little black dress number needs to work with glasses and a pensive look.

See by Chloe A-Symmetric Dress my-wardrobe

The dinner party guest LBD - Not to showy, better to cover than flaunt. This LBD needs to keep it all reigned in, no matter how much you drink. Just add some glitzy earrings.

MaxMara wool mix dress Matches

The LBD shift dress - an easy throw on for a no thinking required day. Either add a jacket, cardigan or alternatively put a shirt or jumper underneath. Versatile and useful.

Oasis Formal Black Stitched Shoulder shift dress

The very important meeting LBD - when a head of the game attitude is required then the black dress needs to be a hybrid of masculinity and femininity. Go for long sleeves and a collar, it will fit and look the business.

Discount Halston gloss effect silk dress The Outnet

The **** me LBD - what women wear to be the top fashion dog, and what actually attracts men are two different issues. Trust me when I say, look at Joan in Mad Men for bedroom action via clothes.

Evianna Duchess Satin Dress Coast

Going out for drinks with girlfriends LBD - this is a fun night out but requires a bit of effort and a sassy number. It's not a competition but you want to make the effort. The shape, detail and a shorter length will do all the talking without screaming look at me.

Silk trim tunic Karen Millen

The dinner date LBD - A simple but sophisticated number that presents you with a sense of ease. Choose a deconstructed but soft look. Nice hair, nails and make up will make you sparkle all night long over candle light.

Layla dress All Saints

The country weekend/city break LBD - The dress that works with riding boots or wellies. The addition of a warm jumper makes it look like a skirt. Wear with a pea jacket or trench coat and feel a million dollars whatever the weather on your weekend away. It can double up as an evening dress to keep packing to a minimum.

MaxMara dress from Matches

The beach to bar LBD - After an afternoon of lying on the pool or beach lounger. Pull this out, Birkin style, from your beach basket and make to the bar.

Bex Beads Kaftan Dress French Connection

The season for a LBD with latitude

I know some of you are all set for a sequin number for the forthcoming party season. but my money would be on this number by Osman Yousefzard with it's perfect draping and elegance, it will be more forgiving than most!

If you are looking for a bargain and a kind dress then be quick as there is only one left in size 10.

Isis Drape Dress £252 down from £632

M&S ups and downs

Don't laugh but somehow today, I manage to lose some beige tummy and waist clincher magic knickers which I so need to wear under my Max Mara dress for my style talk on Saturday. The reason I've miss place them, is the lovely lady who served me in M&S informed me that people are allowed to return knickers! This conversation stunner cropped up because I remarked on the fact there was no hygiene sticker on said (now lost) £28 worth of knicker upholstery.

I'm horrified that M&S do accept returned underwear and think this should stop immediately. Equally, I'm quite upset about my loss due to the cost. I'm hoping they find them in the store ......rather than they've dropped out of my bag somewhere!

On the up side I found a gem of a dress in there today. A gorgeous little black capped sleeve shift number for a mere £35.00