I’m not what you might call a bargain hunter or particularly thrify as such but I do tend to have a few go-to places that I can always be guaranteed to purchase something lovely that is good value (I’ve learnt the hard way, just because something’s cheap doesn’t make it chic.)

In my current post-pregnancy mind-set (i.e. not super body confident/feeling quite myself) I still want to treat myself to some new wardrobe pieces yet not waste my hard earned dollar on items that I am not going to get the “wear” out of. Rather than simply stating a certain store is amazing (an entire store is never 100% perfect is it?) I thought I would share the places and the particular categories where I am nearly always guaranteed to make an investment.

& Other Stories – Jewellery

Those of you who are yet to have a butchers at this brand REALLY need to, the website is particularly pretty and the Regents Street Store in London is one place I make time to have a proper browse should I be in the city for work or play.

Their jewellery is beautiful and is a relatively inexpensive way to enhance my current closet, the spike earrings were a teeny £12 and the rings start at just £7. I tend to double up on cuff style brackets and wear one on both wrists, an easy way to dress up a plain T and jeans.

Boohoo.com – Maxi’s and Knitwear

I’ll admit, some of the things at boohoo are somewhat gaudy and quite frankly scary (or maybe I’m just getting old?) but their maxi gowns are truly a find, I lived in them last summer. The “Hayley” is super flattering as it’s not clingy yet neither is it tent-like and the Sandy is your standard stretchy shape that can be dressed up for evening or worn with flats during the day. Both are only a tenner each and come in an array of shades.

Their knitwear range is a relatively new discovery for me, the Lola Fisherman slash neck jumper is perfection for my interim definitely-not-flat stomach and gives a sexy shoulder flash. The Emma fine knit pointelle looks super luxe yet is only £15, it reminds me of one I have from Reiss that was five times that amount. (I was wearing the grey version on the picture I had with Mabel for my Body Matters post.)

Forever 21 – Accessories

This store has so much in it sometimes I don’t know where to start, it’s also (let’s face it) often aimed at the very young. However their scarves and bags are lush for what they cost. I won’t pretend this pineapple shopper was my personal discovery, I blatantly copied Editor Miranda, so handy for carrying around extra bits and bobs for meetings and it was only £1.65!!!

Lauren also rates their statement necklaces and other shiny stuff, I really must make the effort to investigate but last time I ventured inside the Birmingham mega store there was so much sparkle I went cross eyed.

I can’t find my fruity tote on line but you can make this pretty parisian version yours for the same ridiculous price.

H&M – Shorts

I bloody love H&M. Embarrassingly I know my local courier by name I’ve ordered so much stuff from there recently (mainly home storage but the odd slouchy cardi may have sneaked in there by accident.)

I am a shorts and tights girl, I have stumpy legs and I swear combined with cowboy boots the combination makes everything a wee bit more elongated. H&M do a massive selection of styles, fabrics and colours, my latest buy was a cute grey denim pair. The material also seems to be really soft which makes them extra comfy (I was able to wear my normal size under the bump when I was pregnant as they seemed so stretchy.)

Are there any fail-safe items from certain places you would recommend? Take a perusal of Boohoo if you have a minute, also search for voucher codes, they often have 20% off deals.