Magpie Monday - NCT Mayhem

As I said yesterday, I braved the downpour and the sharpened elbows of Swansea's parents to throw myself into their NCT sale.  If it weren't for the fact I'm missing the next Cardiff one, I probably wouldn't go back, this one was much harder work than the trendy lefty knit-your-own-tofu brigade in Cardiff. 

Still, I did find a few bargains to share today.  All now in the washing basket, please excuse crinkles, blame the previous owners' lack of ironing skills!

 First off, this lovely Jasper Conran white cotton shirt dress.  Simple, pretty, £3.  Look at the embroidery detail on the front.  (I've just learned how to use the macro setting on my camera, and you're just going to have to get used to it.)

I really quite like buying second hand white cotton.  I'm wary of spending too much money on white things because of the potential for tomato-related incidents on first wearing, but when they're used, then it's less of an issue.  And equally, you can see that much better to tell if something's marked.

 More white, with this little Gap top.  It doesn't photograph very well, it looks kind of shapeless here, but there's actually little cap sleeves, and a zip through the back, making a pretty occasion blouse.  This one set me back the princely sum of £1.50.  If all Gap clothes were that price, I'd consider buying them more often, but much like Next, they're too expensive for what they are brand new.

Honestly. I didn't JUST buy everything white cotton in the hall. This top is actually quite a bit darker beige than this photo suggests, but it was getting late last night when I was taking photos, so you're going to have to believe me. I've never heard of Molly & Jack, but I love the stitching on the elasticated collar & cuffs, and the smock shape means we can get away with wearing it for a lot longer than a fitted shirt.

Last item of clothing, and probably my favourite.  A Next false layer shirt. The sleeves are jersey cotton, and the rest a thicker jersey, though still soft & slightly stretchy.  It really, really needs ironing, but I love the shape, and the detail of the front seams & pocket flaps.

I also popped my nose round the door of the YMCA furniture shop on my way home.  Strange old place that is.  They've got a reasonable book & music section, though there was nothing that grabbed my attention this time, I just had to stop myself buying one or more pianos.  They wouldn't have fitted in the back of the car, and probably wouldn't have gone through my front door either (seriously, you should see my house)

Well, that's this week's haul (or most of it, there might be a couple of items kept in reserve for next week).  See what treasures everyone else has been uncovering on their Magpie Monday adventures.