Raspberry Kitsch - a North East Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle blog

A/W has always been my favourite season. The sun might be gone but I'm happy to make do with Les Beiges to keep the colour on my cheeks, and a clean, crisp fragrance like Jo Malone's wood, sage and sea salt perfume. From the first crunchy leaves to the cold, biting air that comes right before the snow starts to fall, there's nothing I love more than when the time comes to dig out my cosy winter clothes. And since last year I had such a big cull (and I'm pleased to say a lot of it made it down to Crisis to support their Winter Coat Amnesty), I've been starting to look at the gaps in my wardrobe.. what's missing, what new pieces I want to add, and of course what needs replacing.

From old favourites like my vintage sheepskin coat, to new favourites like the black thigh high boots I invested in last year, I've got a handful of pieces I know I'll be dragging back out for the next few years. But then there's nothing I love more than treating myself to new additions for my winter wardrobe.. Like an extravagant cashmere scarf. Or a statement print skirt? Well you know those moments when you know you should've bought something weeks ago? That leopard print skirt is right at the top of my list. I've been carefully avoiding Topshop for the last few weeks in the vain attempt to not just spend all my money on clothes (and to try and keep my purchases to occasional investments that are made to last), and look how well that pays off.. Now I've tried pretty much every Topshop in the North East to get my hands on an 8 or a 10. So far, no good. And I resent paying any more than RRP for it on eBay. Which just proves to myself that my impulse purchasing instinct should always be followed. I mean, I've usually got at least two weeks to justify it to myself.

In the mean time though and by avoiding Topshop, I've become completely addicted to TK Maxx. Between their Gold Label treasures (like the See by Chloe cardigan above), you never know what you might find. And with more and more popping up all over the North East (like our most recent addition in Bishop Aukland), I've had the perfect excuse to visit different stores and see what goodies they each have to offer. It's definitely hit or miss. But after finding the most perfect winter coat (photos to come soon), I'm convinced it's completely worth taking the time to rummage!