Sample Sale & Reiss press day

Attempting London when you've got a 3 hour door to door return journey sandwiched between school runs is like running an obstacle race. Dodging people left, right and center, racing up and down steep escalators, changing various tubes......and trying to get to your appointment without looking like you'd just completed .......... an obstacle race.

I rarely go to sample sales because I get vertigo just looking at the crowds and the dizzying array of clothes, all jammed together in a claustrophobic space. BUT.....I thought I'd check out Joseph sample sale held at the Music Room, located a few footsteps from South Molton St. There were a handful of Isabel Marant hawaiian shirts discounted from £800ish to £100 and skirts, also from the mainline collection reduced to £65. Alas, there was nothing in my size that caught my eye.

Next stop - Reiss press day. Their vast A/W collection blew me away. The pieces were a radical shift from the pastel and more classic S/S 14 pieces. On trend, contemporary and striking. There was the leopard print on calfskin hair, the exquisite lace top, a good selection of party dresses including the elegant evening gown with beautiful strip panels on the back AND there's even a piece of fabric to hide your bra. Brilliant.

The collection included a line for the younger market with a quilted asymmetrical biker jacket that has my name written all over it, another which is a selection of their bestsellers over the years with Italian made jackets (absolutely in love with the workmanship after turning the garment inside out to look at the finishing). I saw a dramatic dual toned textured sweatshirt which would look perfect, simply paired with jeans and ankle boots. It's not often I walk away excited and utterly impressed. With a more affordable price tag, Reiss will give the high end designers a run for their money.

I figured if I ran fast enough, I could get to La Pâtisserie des Rêves and make it back to Waterloo station in time for the train. Surprisingly, I was able to stop to take a few photos of the charming Marylebone village.

Outfit: Isabel Marant Etoile utility jacket (similar here), Uniqlo striped top, Zara jeans, See by Chloe ankle strap sandals (similar here), Chanel caviar WOC and Hermes Cape Cod watch.

A quick obligatory OOTD that I'd manage to twist Lil L's arm to snap a picture. (cue plenty of eye rolling and smart ass comments from the her). My usual outfit that has plenty of pockets so I can carry tons of junk on my body.....and comfy shoes so I could run.....the obstacle race.