My BARGAIN holiday wardrobe from Pep & Co

I don't know about you but when it comes to shopping for new clothes I always leave myself to last. After sorting Heidi out for summer and then shopping for the boys' summer wardrobe I thought it was about time I sorted myself out. I was invited along to Pep & Co in Sunderland to pick up a few outfits for summer and whilst I could have easily picked up a fair few outfits for the children, I decided to be selfish and treat myself.

You might have noticed Pep & Co featuring on Bargain Shop Wars recently

I haven't been abroad for 3 years so my holiday wardrobe is looking a little worse for wear and definitely needed updating for our upcoming holiday to Spain. I will be honest when I say that about 80% of my wardrobe consists of dresses that I buy in the Boden sale teamed with leggings or Jeans from Sainsburys in the colder months. I had a quick peek at the Pep & Co website and was a little worried that because of their super cheap prices, I might not find anything I liked (which is often the case when I try to shop at Primark). I went in with an open mind though and after parking our car at Sunderland Bridges, headed to the Sunderland branch of the store.

I was greeted by Louise and Gordon who manage Pep & Co in Sunderland and have to say their enthusiasm was fantastic. They spent a while chatting to us and telling us all about the company and how as they are still a fairly new company they are keen to listen to their employees and take on board their feedback and advice. This is refreshing to hear and something I think more businesses could take on board - nobody knows your customers like the staff on the shop floor.

I didn't receive any special treatment just because I was blogging either - I noticed other staff members interacting with and helping customers during our visit.

I'll stop waffling now though and get down to it......what did I buy??

Denim shorts - £5    Striped linen top - £7   Plimsoles - £5

Erm how much of a bargain! I can't believe this whole outfit comes in at £17. I plan to wear this over warm weekends when we head out to explore local National Trust properties or on holiday when I need to cover up. The shorts are super soft and nice and comfortable. When I tried them on at home I regretted not getting a second pair in a darker denim......It's a good reason to head back though!

Fringe Scarf - £5     Ballet Pumps - £5    Cropped Jeggings - £7

I fell in love with this fringe scarf which is worn like a kimono. It matches my blue swimsuit perfectly and I'll be using it as a cover up by the pool when I head to the bar for drinks. I also think it is pretty useful to dress up an outfit on an evening and I'll be teaming it with these contrasting pumps and cropped Jeggings and a vest top which I think is a perfect look for summer nights spent in the beer garden. Again, the Jeggings were super soft and comfortable and I am actually very impressed with the quality - it's easily of the same standard as the Jeans I normally purchase from Sainsburys 

Jersey Harems - £8    Straw Hat £5

I LIVE in my jeans but obviously these are not practical to wear on holiday when the temperatures are soaring. I kept walking past these trousers and looking at them before Steve finally convinced me to try them on. They are unlike anything in my wardrobe if I am honest but thought I'd give them a try. 

Oh my word they were soooooo comfortable and easy to wear! I've already decided they are going to make up my travelling outfit (during that trip I need to spend 36 hours on a coach!). What's even better is they only had a size 22, 18 or 16 on the shop floor. I would have picked up the size 22 in the past. However if you are following my weight loss journey over on Life As Mrs R you will know that I have lost a few pounds. I could have asked the staff to find me a size 20 from their store room (they will happily do this) but decided to try a size 18 and even took a 16 in for laughs. OMG the size 18 fit me perfectly! I tried the 16s on too and although they did feel a bit tight, I am sure in a few weeks they will be perfect so they went in the basket too. YEAH!!!!! The fit of Pep & Co's clothing is fantastic considering they are so cheap. I definitely think their clothes have been designed with REAL women in mind. I can't explain how much I love these trousers and ended up buying 4 pairs! 

Palazzo Pants - £8

Palazzo Pants - £8

Sleeveless Jersey Blouse - £7   Diamante Sandals - £4

Now I don't own any tops (which sounds weird as I type this out). As stated before I am a dress and jeans kind of girl. I am now KICKING myself that I didn't buy more of these tops. They are fab as a basic to match my new favourite trousers and also match my denim shorts too. I also couldn't resist these sandals which are an absolute bargain at only £4 and will be perfect with maxi dresses or my cropped jeans on an evening on holiday.

We also picked up a shirt for Steve (Pep & Co have a small menswear section) and yes, I could not resist picking the boys up a couple of pairs of shorts each either. They were such a bargain at under £4 per pair.

What do you think of my holiday wardrobe? Which is your favourite piece?

Thank you to Pep & Co Sunderland who facilitated our shopping trip.