Wednesday

If Carlsberg Made Wednesday Mornings....and new coats!

A few weeks ago, Sue from Susie So So shared a coat that she loved on our blogger forum. Now Sue is a discerning shopper. She is very particular about fabric content and how well items are finished so I knew it was a good 'un if it got her approval.
However, the coat was sold out online so I headed to my local Matalan where the fashion fairies ensured I got the last one in the shop in a size 12...a bit big but I didn't want to miss out as I could see why Sue loved it so much. But it's an oversized fit already and the 12 really felt a bit shapless. I watched the website for a few days to see if a 10 came back into stock. But none did...

And then the fashion fairies struck again...Sue decided not to keep hers. A size 10. She offered to sell it to me. It arrived the next day. Love it when a plan comes together! And here it is on a trip to Belfast in front of my favourite street name..
Long Line Hybrid Quilted Biker Style Jacket - Matalan
Distressed Skinny Jeans - Maison Scotch (similar here)
Black Ankle Boots - Clarks (via eBay)
Scarf - School Gate Style Shop

The photo was taken just after I'd had my hair done at Andrew Mulvenna's salon, the official hairstylist of Belfast Fashion Week and most of the other big fashion events in the city. Feeling like I was in a shampoo ad with my hair bouncing all over the show.
Here's a close up of the coat and my scarf..
If the coat looks a bit navy in the photos, I can assure you it isn't...my camera phone thinks navy is the new black.
What's good about this coat is that it's almost 50% wool (apart from the arms) so it's very warm to wear. Yet, it was only £40. Fab value.
Smaller sizes sold out online but you may be lucky and find one in your local Matalan. Or if you message me quick before I bring back my size 12, you can have it for £50 (factoring in UK postage and Paypal charges). Email schoolgatestyle@yahoo.co.uk

I mentioned the blow dry - what a fab experience! I went with my blogging buddy Gemma Louise from That Belfast Girl and it was lovely to chat with the main man himself, Andrew Mulvenna who runs a tight ship in his state of the art salon beside George's Market.
After getting our bouncy curls, we headed to have a nosy in the shops. Check out GL's reaction to finding a whole corner of orange (her favourite colour) in River Island..
Love it!
Onwards then to Bubbacue on Callender Street for a BBQ style lunch. First time there an it's a fab set up - great service and awesome food! We met Jeff from Belfast Times there too and he remembered to bring along the Belfast coasters I wanted to buy from him. Check out his Etsy shop here for amazing graphics and photos with a unique Belfast theme.

I heard some sad news this afternoon about a young mum I know losing her fight for life so the special moments I had with friends and family today were even more cherished. 
Hug everyone close to you today. Life is precious.
xx
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38 comments

  1. Great day with you! Cannot believe you shared the picture of me haha! x

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    1. Aw..it's so funny..had to. And your coat looks fab in it too! x

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  2. Simply stunning coat! How lucky to have friends in all the right places!!

    Your bonce is looking beautiful....there is nothing like having a blow dry to make a girl feel special! Such a luxury x

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    1. Thank you Michelle - I think a weekly blow dry should be mandatory for all busy mums! x

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  3. That coat was meant for you and not me and you look tons better in it. The sleeves were way long for my short arms - it wasn't mean to be. And your hair - awesome. You need to do this every week. Tell the other half I said so.

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    1. It's gorgeous on Avril - what I shame it was too big for you - and you know how to use a needle and thread - I expect the pleather sleeves would have been troublesome to alter though?

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    2. Exactly? I choose my battles!!

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    3. Aw - thank you Sue...you made my week. But I would have loved to have been coat twins too...maybe you could try the 8? x

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  4. Oh it sure is, that is terrible to hear, my heart goes out to her family. The coat is great, I can see why you both wanted it, hope Sue doesn't end up regretting it! Hair looks amazing - because you know your worth it! x

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    1. Thanks Sharron - we're all devastated. So difficult to comprehend. Just another busy mum juggling everything and then so suddenly taken away. Puts everything in perspective.
      And yes, I hope Sue doesn't want this coat back now! :) x

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  5. Matalan often have some real gems, this is one of them! Looks great, how lovely of Susie :)

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    1. She's a gem - one of the endlessly brilliant things about this blog is how many lovely people I've met...makes all the work worthwhile!

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  6. Lisa11:12

    Love the boots. Do you know the name of them?

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    1. Hi Lisa, they are Clarks Lightning Bug. If you do a saved search on eBay, they appear every now and again with sellers that sell off past season Clarks shoes. I had to wait about a month before my size came in. Got them new for about £40 x

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  7. I love the Jacket, Jeans and boots. I love your' hair. I think the longer styling suits you so much. Hxx

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    1. Thank you so much - I'm keeping the hair for now. So weird to have it long but I need to persevere! x

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  8. The coat is gorgeous on you - and such a bargain!

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  9. I have a voucher for discount at Matalan - must pop down! Love the coat Avril and your hair looks fab - it's grown loads hasn't it? (I'm so envious!) xx

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    1. Get you down there now! Thanks for your lovely comment Jenny x

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  10. Hi there! Your hair looks gorgeous here and the coat was just meant for you, it looks lovely!

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  11. Lisa19:30

    Thank you for the info on the boots. I'll definitely do a saved search. I've never had anything that hasn't appeared on ebay eventually :-)

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    1. You're welcome Lisa - good luck! x

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  12. That coat is a winner - love it - really love Matalan - can't wait to get in there again! I'll say it again you keep getting younger...xx

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    1. You can keep saying it! haha...don't feel it but a good blow dry definitely makes you feel amazing! x

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  13. That coat is such a great piece Matalan is always worth a look for a few fashion gems! P.S. I don't know if it is just me but I always have a problem scrolling down on your blog it just goes really slow?! xx

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    1. Gosh, I'm sorry you've found things slow to load - honestly not sure as I have that issue with a lot of blogs but I assumed it was my ancient laptop...let me google and ask a few others to feed back to me too x

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  14. Not sure about the coat but love those coasters! Especially the Tayto ones on Etay. Thanks for another great tip. Good pressie's for NZ sister.

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    1. Aren't they brilliant? Mine are a present too - perfect as they are small and light to post and won't get broken! x

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  15. The coat is a great find, Matalan have some amazing quality stuff for the money, especially the coats. Then bouncy blow dry is amazing! And that photo is so Gemma-Louise, it's hilarious! X

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    1. Thanks Trea - I'm loving it...and yes, I couldn't resist that pic of GL - she was in her element surrounded by yellow! x

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  16. Fab coat and I'm loving the length of your hair....do not chop it off:) Have a great weekend Avril.
    ~Anne xx

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    1. Thank Anne - hope you have a lovely weekend too x

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  17. The coat looks amazing & I love it with the rolled up jeans & boots! Ax

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  18. I love the way you have styled your outfit. A lovely statement coat. Your hair looks lovely too. It looks like you had a lovely day :-)

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  19. This coat is fab! Been working on a coats post this weekend and would've never thought to look at Matalan! Bravo! xx

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  20. Rachel21:24

    Size 8 and 10 are back in stock people! I have ordered with £5 off (code F0AE6FD9B2).

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