And there they were; the perfect replacement for my old Zara Leopard strap sandals, those go to Summer flats that pep up any simple ensemble. I'm sure you had a pair, or saw a pair on your favourite Pinterest or Instagram feeds, such was their popularity and endearing quality. A simple, classic style in a calf hair leopard print, not some flighty, fashion footwear! 

​Next did a filled in version, which I bought, but didn't wear half as much, and although I still have the Zara sandals, they are so threadbare and worn, I'm frightened they will break on their next outing.

So as my 'Wardrobe Wand' mantra goes, replace don't repeat; only I haven't to date found a comparable pair, until now! Clearly I'm not the only one searching for a suitable replacement as when I clicked on the link to purchase I was informed they'd Sold Out! What! How long had they been in store? How had I missed them? It's raining outside, who in their right mind would buy a sandal in this weather?? I didn't even flinch at the £158 price tag knowing the potential cost per wear would be negligible!!

​So my perfect Summer sandal is Sold out! Already....we're only officially in day two of Spring. What's more, it's not only those that I've missed out on this season. John Lewis are advertising their exclusive new Jeans brand 'And/Or', saw a great pair of boyfriend jeans with bleach painterly splats, again Out of stock; Uterque had a gorgeous handheld miniadiere, that also ticked the pearl trend box, sold out.....

I know I've made a conscious effort to be more frugal but this is ridiculous! Today you don't need to click on the links to shop, but in the future do, if you love it, and thanks for stopping by.

My 'Sold Out' Lust items 

For those that read my blog regularly you'll know I've been wearing my Zara structured 'Sand' coloured trench coat a lot lately, see similar here. Now it's officially Spring why not buy a pink trench coat for an easy new season update. Think softer shades like Ballet, Powder Pink or Oyster. 

It works well with pale denim or white jeans and will soften a black jean outfit, as seen from the Pinterest picks above. Or try one of my favourite colour combinations and team pink with green khaki cargo trousers, as in todays outfit builder. 

See more inspiration from Sheerluxe 'Khaki and Pink Trend Alert' article here.

Here are my five top picks for a 'Pink Spring Coat' that are available now, with the Zara Trench Coat shown in the outfit builder below. Enjoy the Spring sunshine, click on the links to shop and thanks for stopping by.

I met my girlfriends for a birthday celebration on Saturday and as we had a reservation at M Victoria for a late lunch we chose to meet and mooch around the area beforehand. As I travel up from the South Coast it's very convenient for me but, apart from the shops located inside the train station, it's not the most appealing destination to do some retail therapy. So here's my guide on how I whiled away almost 12 hours in Victoria.

First stop was House of Fraser, Victoria, marketed as a premium department store, which to be honest with Selfridges and Harrods not too far way, is a bit of a push. I must admit I prefer a John Lewis over a HOF any day of the week so it was quite nice to have the opportunity to wander around this overlooked department store.

Then I went to meet up with the others at a small artisan cafe at the back of HOF, Iris & June, No. 1 Howick Place, see top pics. Unfortunately for them when I arrived their coffee machine had malfunctioned, but a filter coffee and healthy green smoothie sufficed until it was back up and running!! The brunch looked great too, although with a pending lunch booking, we made do with some toast and preserves. 

My friend had booked a lunch deal from Bookatable at M Restaurant, Victoria. On arrival the Wine store frontage was very promising but as we went downstairs the noise of the 'Sports' bar was overwhelming  to say the least, and large groups watching the Rugby, participating in drinking games, wasn't what we were expecting!

Thankfully when we were led to our table, situated in the Grill, it was a much calmer atmosphere and more appropriate for a birthday lunch. Being a Free Flowing Prosecco deal it had a Set Menu but I enjoyed the Sea bream main and Mango dessert I plumped for. I'm not sure I would return as I preferred Aster, a Nordic/French cuisine cafe and restaurant just up the road, but it had rave reviews so it was a tick in the box. 

We then had time for a spot of shopping and visited Mango, Zara, Jones and M&S. I'd seen these Zara espadrilles, above, online so wanted to try them both on in the flesh before purchasing. As it was I preferred the backless pair for comfort and the embroidered pair for look so I left without buying either of them. In hindsight I think the black Leather fringe espadrilles will update a lot of my go to Summer looks so I should have taken the plunge!

We also perused the sale racks at M&S; I'm always on the look out for 100% cashmere or Autograph and Limited Edition collection sale items, usually reduced because they are too 'Fashion' forward for the traditional M&S customer. An Autograph Camel coat caught my eye but they didn't have my size, then I saw this M&S Collection Camel coat with cashmere, above, which was a good fit in a size 10, so for £84 thought it would bridge the gap in my wardrobe until I can afford my lust item, the Joseph Wool and Cashmere Blend Coat at £595!

I also found this Limited Edition striped shirtdress with ties, at £23, a bargain for a one season 'Fashion' item, to wear with white leather pumps. I'd also take it on holiday as a beach cover up. 

Then when the girls headed home the hubby and kids met me for the evening performance of Wicked, a bucket list item I realised could easily be crossed off as a family outing now the youngest had watched Disneys 'Oz, The Great and Powerful' without the ensuing nightmares!

A great show for all the family, but the late night meant the school run was a push this morning! All in all there's more to do in Victoria than I first thought and if you have a long leisurely lunch, as we did, the hours will fly by.

For my day out I went smart/casual, and wore my Massimo Dutti cream silk shirt, my Ralph Lauren Cargo Khaki trousers, Zara Trenchcoat, similar to the one in todays outfit builder, cream Chanel bag, Adidas Originals Hamburg Pearl/Grey shoes, Lulu Guinness London print Tiny Umbrella, and the same 'Duchess Street' Red nail polish. 

Here's a similar look with Zara's new Camouflage Cargo trousers and this gorgeous Coccinelle New Season bag with contrast Leather and Fabric mix. To shop the outfit click on the links below and thanks for stopping by.