It was an exciting evening a few days ago when I went along to the Norfolk Boutique Autumn preview. There is something really inspiring about entering the new season and going shopping for all the new pieces that will be added to my wardrobe over the coming weeks. This season it's all about the richer earthier colours with a good amount of black, white and grey thrown in. A good splash of red goes a long way.

I had a good look round the new season clothes and have to say it was thoroughly delightful; so many pieces that could have merrily come home with me! The fine knit jumpers were soft and warm - something I really need to get to grips with this year. Both the raspberry red and the houndstooth ones both catching my eye; to be worn with a pair of leather skinny trousers or some worn in jeans. The thicker cosy patterned jumper looked so warm I could maybe just hibernate in there 'til Spring comes back around and my favourites (not pictured) were the the thick cable knitted jumper dresses in cream as well as navy. Just give my opaques and a belt then I'm fit to go.

It wouldn't be right not to mention the pretty, pretty dresses. The black and white lace dress absolutely stole my heart with it's elegance and simplicity, I kept going back to have another look (we've all been there) and hold it up to the mirror with my hopeful face poking through. The red lace dress was a stunner if you're not afraid of a generous dose of colour, certainly one to lust after for sure. The twenties style dresses were quite the unusual pieces - definitely safe that nobody is turning up at a party in the same dress and perfectly modest. The Masato dress was a stunner, such a quality piece; someone is going to feel a million dollars wearing that number.

LOVE

Of course there were skirts and trousers too, with some gorgeous blouses and tops. The white lace top is a dream, isn't it?

And lastly, aside from the beautiful scarves which I shall continue to moon over, the handbags and clutches. What can I say? I'm turning into a handbag addict. The green one was a beauty and the LAMB bag I loved so much before is now down to under £100 - why didn't I just buy one and be done with it?! Such a love for it. I didn't leave empty handed but can you guess what I couldn't leave without?

The waterfall coat is such a classic, quality piece which would last a lifetime; looking good year after year so if you're looking to invest in a coat then this one is my top choice. The black jacket was another piece I couldn't resist, the details make it unique and it felt like such a warm comfortable outer.

If you want to feast your eyes on the new collections at the Norfolk Boutique then you'll find them on the High Street, Coltishall b near Norwich NR12 7AA

On Twitter keep up with all the latest @BoutiqueNorfolk or call for specific enquiries 07786 167724

Sophie

Although I rarely venture on to the high street for bulk buying of wardrobe fodder I do still fall into the trap of stocking up on cheap basics from the usual haunts. Vest tops are usually cheap as chips and unsurprisingly tend to last as long as chips too.

When I attended the launch of The Norfolk Boutique earlier in the year I took the opportunity to invest in a much higher quality Switcher vest top, which is made from gorgeously soft cotton. To be fair I've not worn it much yet (else you would have seen it before) but it looks and feels exactly the same after a few washes. This is the start of making more considered choices with basics, I want to feel comfortable in everything I own so a cull is called for of all the aged vest and long sleeved tops that have seen far better days.

I should point out to anyone fairly new round here that the vast majority of my wardrobe is filled with second hand buys from charity shops and ebay, mostly newish pieces and a few good vintage items.

Vest top – Switcher from The Norfolk Boutique, blouse, jeans and necklace – charity shops, boots – yard sale, belt - QD

Five years ago I would have been the very last person to shop at an independent boutique as I didn't really buy all that much to start with and the idea of spending any more than the bare minimum would have filled me with horror. These days I am all about trying to shop local, buying quality over quantity (it's a work in progress ok) and enjoying the good things in life. Would I rather have four roughed up, shrunken vest tops or a single lovely soft one? It's a no-brainer surely.

If you're looking for a piece that you want to be sure you wont see another woman out on the street wearing then head to a local independent boutique. They will have a range of fabulous exciting pieces, a beautiful store and first class customer service. Why? Because they CARE. It's their livelihood and they have a vested interest in making it a success. This is why the high street can only ever crawl in behind that.

Have you shopped in a local boutique before?

Sophie

Bodycon. That b*tch.

Bodycon and I have never been BFFs and while we may flirt on and off for a while it's never going to become a full time relationship.

I picked up this dress last year and complained it felt too big for my liking so I guess it went through Sophie's ruthless washing rigmarole and came out a size smaller (as anything delicate has tended to) as upon this wearing it feels and looks pretty fitted. I added the belt for an extra cinch at the waist (long live Gok Wan) and to break up the endless pattern.

Maybe it's the belt, or the way I clenched for dear life but I'm sure I'm starting to nip in at the waist a teensy bit more. My regular bootcamp sessions are supposed to be helping little by little but I do feel like the progress may be starting to show. By working on toning muscle you burn fat as well as re-shaping where it hangs on your body. True that; I have intermittent abs showing (dependent on bloat) and am darn pleased about it. Maybe one day I'll have my dream washboard abs but until then I'll have to employ the 'remain on high alert at all times whilst wearing bodycon' method. A girl can aim high, yes?

I wore this bodycon dress in a practical way that was toughened up by the desert boots. The high neckline and almost masculine shoulder cut meets well with my style and I enjoy keeping this type of dress kind of robust instead of overly feminine. That's just the kind of girl I am.

Dress and necklace – charity shop, belt – eBay, boots – River Island, bag - Aluna J, jewellery – gifts

This weekend has been a half-busy one but I do have plenty of juicy posts to share with you over the coming fortnight so don't stray too far away.

Have a great week, you lovely people!

Sophie

Last week I went 'up the city' to Norwich to have a throrough browse around local independent boutique Aluna J during their open evening. It's a known fact that I'm a nosey parker and the opportunity to be among the first to look through the collection was not to be missed.

The evolution of Aluna J from an alcove with jewellery and accessories has seen them recently expanding into a full blown store with a wonderful range of handbags, scarves, jewellery and ladieswear. The stock was pretty cohesive and the layout was good. Sometimes boutiques can tend to feel rather empty but there was plenty on the rails to oogle over. The Ichi clothes are both stylish and wearable while being that bit different to the samey pieces you find on the high street. Coming soon to the boutique will be Geisha (exclusivity in Norfolk) and I'm excited about that!

There were so many pieces that I oohed and ahhed over; the handbags were right up my street (and I came home with a beauty which I posted about) with everything from mini clutches and ponyskin style purses through to totes with everything in between. This purple satchel caught my eye in all the right ways and the citrus coloured tunic dress called out in no uncertain terms.

I met Jo, the lady at the helm of the ship who had a chat with me about the boutique and the future of the store. It was great to see what they have achieved in such a short period of time and it bodes well for going forwards. The enthusiasm that Jo has for the boutique is infectious, she knows what she's doing and has made a great call with the stock; there were lots of ladies making buys so clearly I wasn't alone. Plus I adored the trousers that Jo was modelling, available in store!

There was a fantastic range of items, from the very affordable to investment pieces which is refreshing. I bought a LOVE bangle for £10 which I do adore and is something I can wear all the time which represents good value to me in the cost per wear. There were so many pretty pieces of jewellery so I didn't dwell for too long for fear of falling in love with more.

The scarves felt soft and flowy and priced at £15-£17.50 represented good buys for the quality and designs. I almost went for a scarf but at the last minute wanted a handbag slightly more.

If you see any pieces here that you fancy that aren't yet on the Aluna J online shop the just give Jo a tweet @Aluna_J and she'll sort you out! I nabbed a gorgeous green dress early which is Iching to be worn. (It made me laugh).

What do you think of the collection? I can't wait to see what delights will be coming from Geisha.

Are you a fan of independent boutiques?

Sophie