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

Zandra does TK Maxx

If you were wondering what I was doing on Wednesday night well wonder no more. I joined lots of fab peeps at the TK Maxx new store opening on Charing Cross Road. Now I love a TK Maxx and this proved no exception. The store opening was a glam affair with canapes, champers and celebs. The store is getting super organised with a new way of merchandising stock. The Modbox are is an eclectic mix of young trendy fashion items. My personal favourite is the gold area, designer fashion. You would have caught me drooling over Stella, Pucci, Valentino and more. Hanging out with me was Dan from The Feeling (well we were rummaging together). I confessed to him that Mr MDS and I pretend to be Kate Middleton and Prince William when Fill My Little World comes on in the car. For a few minutes we are crazy Sloanes letting it all go wild! Luckily Dan thought this was hilarious and he is an absolute dear. My new bf of the night was Zandra Rhodes, she was having a good old shop and looking as wonderful as ever.

Lots of fashion bloggers were there and in one of the photos below I snapped Tor of Fabfrocks by chance in a crowd shot. Once again I forgot my camera and had to rely on blackberry.

Nice Suit, one to take home

The Dancers dressed up were fabulous

Dancers, Crowd shot and where's Tor!

Zandra puts best foot forward

How wonderful are her shoes!

Pam Hogg chatting with friend

High Street Shop of the Week

I've sort of over done it this week, what with having a rant. I do have to say my dyslexia causes me dreadful argument skills, a mixture of creative passion and jumbled words in my head don't always make for orderly objective communication, so I struggle to get it out in a specific order without resorting to brain dump passion. Still one day I'll crack it.

I behaved very well on Thursday night at London Fashion night, although I regret not getting the t-shirts. Probably just as well I might tie dye them in a moment of madness.

Anyway I popped into Kingston upon Thames mainly to get some new knickers from M&S, but I didn't get passed TK Maxx. Basically I blew the budget on 4 tops of which one was a £5.99 grey Ice Age film long sleeve t-shirt for the petit garcon. I also managed to barter down the price of one of the tops, I am very cheeky like that 9 times out of 10 it works.

I'd kept a bit of money back for the Gap suede boots which should hit the stores on the 1st of October now. However there is a design flaw if you have a foot with a high arch - not enough room to get you foot in. I managed with effort to get into a larger size but then my foot was flapping about inside. This is all immaterial now as I've spent the money on the following:

A sheer floral Dolce & Gabanna shirt
I've been hunting for 3 years for a floral shirt I could love

a Hussein Chalayan tank of exquisite design and material

(it was a real died and gone to heaven fashion moment when I found this in my rummage)

a long sleeve See by Chloe tee which is a this season second and also had a little teeny tiny hole at the back near the bottom and so it was a complete bargain after bartering!

All hail TK Maxx, a bit more than thrifting but worth every penny.

A date with Glasgow

Had a great day at TK Maxx for the NHJ Style and TK Maxx designer sunglasses style session. It was all rather super from the moment I left the house in lovely sunshine at 6:15am to when I set foot back through the front door at 8:30pm.

I enjoyed the splendour of Terminal 5 and particularly was taken with Carluccios in the check in area. A bicerin at 7:20am was a treat, a glorious blend of espresso, Florentine drinking chocolate and cream, all served in separate jugs to mix in the cup yourself.

My lovely assistant stylist for the day was Claire Wacey and we had good fun from the start to finish. We both agreed there is nothing like a smile and some pleasant chat with all and sundry to make for a positive day.

Claire and I snapped in the afternoon sunshine of Glasgow

The TK Maxx at Southbank in Glasgow featured the most pleasant and helpful staff I've encountered for ages anywhere. In all the people we met in the other stores there and the customers of TK Maxx were fabulous. Truly, the peeps of Glasgow were a delight, so much so I've forgiven the taxi driver who charged us an exorbitant £20 for a 5 mile drive, which took 10 mins, and I hope he sat down with his family and enjoyed a fine wine!

My favourite customer of the day was young Aaron who snaffled a bargain pair of Mickey Disney Club sunglasses down from £49.99 to £7.99.

Young Aaron trying sunnies on for size!