ASOS launches on Quidco

Just a quick post to give you the heads up on the fact that ASOS has now launched on Quidco. If you haven't come across it before, Quidco is a really useful site which gives you cash back on your online purchases. You can also add to your earnings by checking in to high-street stores on your smartphone. For me it is a no-brainer. If I am going to buy an item anyway, then it makes perfect sense to make my purchase via Quidco and get some of the cash back, which I can then put towards future purchases and savings. You don't get the cash back straight away, but once the transaction has been confirmed by the retailer, the money is paid straight into your bank account.

If you purchase via Quidco, you get 3% cashback on your purchases at ASOS, which might not sound like a lot, but it all adds up! I know quite a few people who save their Quidco earnings up and then treat themselves to something they might not otherwise have purchased.   It may be the season for giving to others, but it can't hurt if you get to treat yourself for free at the same time can it? 

Leopard Print Love - Part I

Leopard Print Love by louloumuses

"My name is Louise, and I'm addicted to leopard print.". There, I said it. I know that it can be the marmite of the print world, but I LOVE a bit a lot of leopard print. I can't explain it, but I seem to be drawn to anything leopard print like a moth to the flame. However, I know that I'm not alone in this, so decided to share some of the lovely leopard print pieces that are out there at the moment.

TopShop Trench Temptation

One of my favourite recent purchases has been my new TopShop trench coat. I first saw it before I went on holiday, but didn't buy it as I thought I should save my money for my holidays. However on my return, I realised the error of my ways, as it was nowhere to be found instore and was out of stock online. Moral of the story being: If you love it, buy it there and then. I like how it mixes classic trench coat details with the leather-look detailing which is very current.

The Object of My Desire

After a protracted saga of standard email responses, unhelpful shop assistants and unanswered tweets from TopShop I eventually managed to track the coat down instore. Thanks to the lovely Alice Wignall from Elle magazine I knew to get a smaller size as she told me the sizing comes up large on this item.

Thank goodness for Twitter, as TopShop were useless at dealing with my queries. I don't see the point of a brand being on Twitter if they aren't going to communicate with their followers as part of a two-way dialogue, as opposed to just tweeting about items from their collections. They could definitely learn a thing or two from Asos and My Wardrobe who have always been really helpful on Twitter, e.g. answering queries re. orders, or just engaging in conversation, e.g. discussing one of my style-crushes, Taylor Tomasi Hill.

I would love to hear about any 'must-have' pieces that you have had to track down. Or any examples of great experiences of interacting with brands on Twitter.

Whistles 'Carrie' Red Pleated Midi Skirt v Warehouse Red Pleated Maxi Skirt

If you read my last post (for which I thank you!), or follow me on Twitter, then you will know that I have a lot of love for all things 'Whistles', when it comes to my wardrobe. My first 'Whistles Want' of the year was the gorgeous Carrie skirt which was a hit with style bloggers everywhere. However it was 'slightly' out of my budget, so had to stay firmly on my 'Whistles Wishlist'. This season, 'Whistles' released the skirt in three new colourways: burgundy; coral and leopard print *swoons* . 

Whistles Carrie Red Pleated Skirt

Whilst the new releases only made me want this skirt more, my budget sadly remained the same, so I was determined to find a substitute at a more budget-friendly price. That's where Warehouse stepped in with it's vibrant red pleated maxi skirt, which retails at £60. However, before I got a chance to pop instore to try it on, I saw 'Bargainista Fashionista' s ASOS Sale Picks on Facebook, which included the object of my desire. ASOS had very kindly reduced the price to £36, and by using the sale discount code, I managed to nab the skirt for £32.40! I am even more pleased about this given that the item is still full price on the Warehouse website!

I only placed my order on Friday, so haven't actually taken delivery of the skirt yet. Whilst there are differences between the skirts, e.g. the Warehouse skirt looks longer than the Whistles one, I have a feeling that this will more than satisfy my desire for some crimson floaty loveliness. I think that it will be really versatile, and perfect for taking on holiday to Italy with me in a fortnight. In the day I can wear this with a simple top and some flats for sightseeing, and then in the evening I can add a pair of heels and some accessories for a different look. It will also be perfect as the Autumn chill sets in, as I can pair it with some tights underneath. This season, jewel colours were seen everywhere, and I think this will be the perfect way to bring some colour to my Autumn/Winter '11 wardrobe.