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There are so many dresses. Help!

51 Posts
19 Users
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Posts: 1709
Baroness
Topic starter
(@chrisfp99)
Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Joined: 2 years ago

Hey girls. As some of you know, I have a rare 10 days to myself in May. This after not being able to dress for 11 months. It's a long story. I'm trying to find a couple of nice dresses but it's becoming a bit of an obsession. I think I'm looking for lighter colours, pinks and whites, maybe light blue. Love floral designs. Knee length or just a bit longer. I'm a tall girl. Nothing too tight. Maybe in at the waist and slightly flared.

Looking at some Roman options, and a company called Rosewe, who may be a bit dodgy, but I love some of their girly designs. Maybe Amazon, but that's a bit hit and miss. It's got to be quick delivery. 

Look I know you can't tell me what dresses to buy. Just venting my frustration really. But if you girls have any recommendations or suggestions for suppliers for a UK girl, I'd be delighted to look at them.

Hugs, Chrissie xx. 

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50 Replies
19 Replies
Duchess
(@alison-anderson)
Joined: 6 years ago

Noble Member     Middlesex county, New Jersey, United States of America
Posts: 1741

@chrisfp99 Chrissie, I've used Rosewe once before to order a couple of tops. It was OK, but you do have to consider that you will have to wait a few extra days for  customs.

I've also used Roamans a number of times, along with their sister sites (the same 'parent' company) Woman Within, OneStopPlus, and Catherines. The only thing you have to watch out for is that sometimes items are backordered. I'm expecting a top from Roamans today that I ordered I think last October. I forgot I even ordered it. They didn't charge the credit card before shipping, and there was an opportunity to cancel the order instead of waiting for it. But just keep an eye on this.

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Thanks Alison. I'll bear your warnings in mind xx.

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Ambassador
(@alexina)
Joined: 1 year ago

Illustrious Member     Fife, United Kingdom
Posts: 2154

@chrisfp99 Hi, Chrissie, you mention amazon being hit and miss, do you mean the items or delivery time?  I ask because it's only in the past year I noticed the prime option on search results. Using this usually means next day but, of course, you have to be a prime subscriber - but I think you can trial it for a week or something??

Anyway, I hope you have a great 10 days.

Allie x

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Hey Allie. Delivery time is key with Amazon. I really need my girly things to arrive promptly. I have Prime so that's great. I just mean that it's a bit of a gamble as to the quality and size of the clothes. I got lucky 11 months ago though. I'm happy to get most of my things from them for my May adventure xx.

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Ambassador
(@alexina)
Joined: 1 year ago

Illustrious Member     Fife, United Kingdom
Posts: 2154

@chrisfp99 I forgot to mention charity shops, as long as you know your female size, and I agree with Ellie here, they're not always accurate 🙄. But there are certainly bargains to be had although it usually means trailing through lots of them.

Just a thought.

Allie x

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Allie, I'm closetted and inexperienced. There's no chance in hell I'm going to shop in person! xx

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Ambassador
(@alexina)
Joined: 1 year ago

Illustrious Member     Fife, United Kingdom
Posts: 2154

@chrisfp99 I understand, it's a bit like a milder version of going out, but I have to say, joining here has definitely made me bolder.

I really feel for you, Chrissie, it's a long time to go without indulging our gift.

Have a ball!

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Guest
(@Anonymous 94214)
Joined: 1 year ago

Estimable Member
Posts: 147

@chrisfp99 Most of my "few" dresses are from Roman, I like most of their styles.  I go for on or just below the knee length.  Most are evening (not event type) going out to restraunt type.  I would love a patterned like animal print day/tea dress as I used to fit one of my wifes wrap around in that style.  But she disposed of it before I could repatriate it.  I told her off for that and said I want first dibs of any castoff's.

Others I have are one Phase 8 and one Alexon both preloved.

Its lovely to chose by style is so personal.

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Thanks Elaine. Definitely going to get at least one of my dresses from Roman xx.

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Baroness
(@dianas1960)
Joined: 9 years ago

Reputable Member     South Central, Indiana, United States of America
Posts: 216

@chrisfp99 Something to be careful with Roamans and their many affiliates is catalogues.  I ordered shoes online at Amazon from Woman Within.  Shortly after I started receiving catalogues.  I am in a DADT relationship so I had to chase the mail down for months till I managed to get them all stopped.

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Thanks for the warning Diana. Although I'm not sure what I could do to prevent it. As closetted as I am, I sometimes have this dark thought that I wish my wife would catch me in the act! xx

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Baroness
(@sandraclapham)
Joined: 2 years ago

Eminent Member     London, London, United Kingdom
Posts: 29

@chrisfp99 

Hi Chrissie

Looks like you've got quite a lot of really good advice already, but can't resist putting my tuppence worth in!

Charity shops: yes!  I've managed to get some lovely dresses  - sizing can be a bit erratic as already mentioned by others

Beyond Retro:  do online retro dresses - have had sizing misery with them once though and had to send the lovely dress back 😘 

Online has worked for me too - for example, Marks & Spencer; What Katie Did (sale reduced price); Dorothy Perkins (might have been online or one of their shops); and also a lovely dress from John Lewis online

Good luck with your searches & purchases!  Great that you're planning well in advance.

Love,

Sandra xx

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Thanks for the recommendation Sandra. As I've said here previously there's no way I will be shopping in person. Online all the way for me, accepting the quality and size risks that come with that xx.

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Duchess
(@flatlander48)
Joined: 5 years ago

Noble Member     Cathedral City, California, United States of America
Posts: 1468

@chrisfp99 Probably 80% of my wardrobe has been purchased from thrift stores, both online and in person. I like the thrill of the hunt and they don’t work seasonally as department stores do. If you don’t know your size, take measurements and compare to the department store or manufacturer websites for a given item. That will tell you what ballpark you are in. It will NOT be absolute as there is considerable variance between manufacturers and even within the same manufacturer. Often with online thrift sites such as ETSY, Poshmark or Mercari, seller often do not include measurements. DO NOT trust number or letter sizes. ASK FOR MEASUREMENTS! I give them maybe 3 days. If you don’t hear from them in that time, you probably never will.

I do not trust Chinese vendors like Rosewe, Noracora and others. Their sizing is inconsistent and the material quality is not as good as expected. I tried but was disappointed.

Th only things I would buy from Amazon are known brands.

Depending upon your physique, it may be hard to find dresses that fit top and bottom. Suits are also sold as “separates”. I wear a size 18 dress, but a size 14 pants. In that case, I can buy an 18 jacket but a size 14 pants or skirts. You would have to be very lucky to find separates in thrift store, so departments stores are best for that.

Finally note that the designer’s intended fit comes into play. Dresses, for example, can have a traditional slightly loose fit, an oversized fit or a close body conforming fit (aka, bodycon).

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Thank you DeeAnn for your considered response. Again, I won't be shopping in person. I definitely want two dresses so will have to risk a less than perfect fit. Although very inexperienced at this lark I believe I have a good idea of my required measurements. The third outfit I have in mind for my 10 days en femme is the only one that I'm clear on, and my first age inappropriate purchase. I'm looking at a white lace blouse, short pink skirt, patterned white tights and 4" pink heels, and I'm happy with the outlets I've chosen for this outfit. I'm also planning to get three wigs. 

Hugs, Chrissie xx. 

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Duchess
(@flatlander48)
Joined: 5 years ago

Noble Member     Cathedral City, California, United States of America
Posts: 1468

@chrisfp99 I think the problem is that people try to look for logic in all of this. But, since there is no size standard, logic doesn’t mean much. Anyway, now that you know the rules of the game, fore warned is fore armed!

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Lady
(@marleen)
Joined: 10 months ago

Eminent Member     Cartersville, Georgia, United States of America
Posts: 10

@chrisfp99 I got all of my dresses from Amazon. True it is a hit and miss but I love the selection. If you know you gurl measurements finding something to fit is easy.

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(@lauren114)
Joined: 2 years ago

Noble Member     Delaware, United States of America
Posts: 1191

@chrisfp99 Asos has a nice selection and very good prices.   I have some Lipsy dresses that I have bought from them.

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Baroness
(@annaredhead)
Joined: 11 months ago

Famed Member     Cornwall, United Kingdom
Posts: 1777

@chrisfp99 I have several A-line dresses from Run and Fly. You can find them online or there's a shop in the lanes in Brighton that stocks them. I also love Dolly & Dotty, also available online or there is a fabulous shop in Arundel that is very CD-friendly and was happy for me to try dresses on. The shop in Arundel also has a fantastic selection of petticoats, lingerie accessories etc

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Posts: 90
Duchess
(@amydoll)
Estimable Member     Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Joined: 12 months ago

Hi Chrissie, wow 10 days! I'm super jealous!

I really like Next at the moment as they have a great range and many of their dresses come in tall sizes as well as regular. They also usually have free next day click and collect if you have a store nearby.

How exciting to have ten days of fun ahead! Do you plan to go out and about at all during your time?

 

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3 Replies
Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Hey Amy! I'm lucky to have 10 days to immerse myself in my feminine side. But as I will only dress when my wife is away, these opportunities are few and far between. Sometimes more than a year apart. She's going to Croatia for 10 days with my two lovely daughters (I don't fly - I wouldn't actually turn down a holiday just to dress 😂). I'll have a look at Next, thanks for the tip. There's not a snowball's chance in hell I will be venturing out. Heck, I'm so closetted it will be a sign of major progress if I make it down to the living room from the bedroom en femme! 

Hugs, Chrissie xx. 

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Duchess
(@amydoll)
Joined: 12 months ago

Estimable Member     Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Posts: 90

@chrisfp99 Hi Chrissie, wow a year between 👠👗- that's gotta be tough!  I bet you'll enjoy your 10 days all the more though- seems only fair that whilst the family are away having a good time, you'll be able to have a good time too!

Hope the shopping tip pans out for you and that you find some nice dresses. I love shopping at Next but the problem is I can't resist buying more than I intended and am starting to run out of hiding space to keep things 😀 

Amy X

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Hey Amy, yes it is tough, but that's the route I've chosen to go down. I have a wonderful wife and two lovely daughters and wouldn't do anything to jeopardise those relationships. I'll just grab what little girly time I can. As you surmise it does make those rare opportunities somewhat intense shall we say 😏 xx.

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Posts: 747
(@christineth)
Noble Member     Brussels, Brabant, Belgium
Joined: 2 years ago

Chrissie, indeed, 10 continuous days…that’s so great!  Other than the dresses, have you planned out your time?  But why are you stopping at just a couple of dresses?  Floral summer print dresses are a favourite of mine, they come in so many styles, you are simply spoiled for choice.  Regarding the brands, I would say online shopping can be difficult - sizes vary so much from supplier to supplier.  Any chance of shopping in person?  There are several shops who don’t mind helping…debanhams, M&S in the UK and Macy’s in the US to name a few, but I am sure there are other shops who are equally helpful.  I have not tried Next, as Amy suggests, but I’ll give them a go next time I’m in the UK.

Happy planning.  Let us know how your 10 day adventure goes.

Hugs

Christine

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1 Reply
Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Christine, yes I have 10 days but these opportunities are very rare. I've got three outfits planned, and they will be purged before my lovely wife returns. I love floral designs and at least one of my dresses will be of that ilk. As I've mentioned previously in these pages there's zero chance of me shopping in person so I will have to accept the risks of online shopping. I may be brave enough to post some pics, although I also have a full professional makeover booked and you're more likely to see the results of that experience in the photos section xx.

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Posts: 3396
Hostess
(@ab123)
Illustrious Member     Surrey, United Kingdom
Joined: 5 years ago

Hi Chrissie,

There are so many online retailers here in  the U.K. I have bought online from M&S, Asda and Izabel (London) and can verify the service. The key is to ensure they have it in stock which is shown when you choose the item and usually it will arrive a couple of days later. Of course you could pick up in store if local to you - apart from Izabel.

I hope you find everything you are looking for and remember, a girl can't have enough dresses!

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3 Replies
Lady
(@michaela2001)
Joined: 8 years ago

Noble Member     Goldsboro, North Carolina, United States of America
Posts: 790

@ab123 Yep, she could do worse than look around Asda for inspiration.

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Hostess
(@ab123)
Joined: 5 years ago

Illustrious Member     Surrey, United Kingdom
Posts: 3396

@michaela2001 I have had some lovely dresses from Asda which have had some nice comments. If you get to the sale rails at the right time there's 50% off! Believe it or not I found a couple of dresses and a long cardigan in Poundland!

'It doesn't take a lot of money to look good'....

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Thank you Angela. I will pay close attention to delivery dates. Two dresses will suffice for me, along with the age inappropriate outfit I've described elsewhere xx.

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Posts: 1004
Ambassador
(@lucyb112)
Noble Member     Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Joined: 2 years ago

Hi Chrissie,

As Amy mentioned, Next are pretty good. They have loads of designs and most of their stuff can be click and collected the next day, if that’s an option you could use. They also sell quite a lot of other brands, especially Roman.

I hope the planning is going well.
It’s coming around quickly isn’t it? 

Hugs

Lucy x

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3 Replies
Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Hey Lucy, yes I've spent some time looking at Next. You're right, May is creeping up on me. I've chosen everything else I need (underwear, makeup, shoes, jewellery etc). Just can't find the two dresses I want.

Hugs, Chrissie xx. 

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Ambassador
(@lucyb112)
Joined: 2 years ago

Noble Member     Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Posts: 1004

@chrisfp99 

It sounds like you’ve got it pretty well organised.

Can’t wait to hear all about it.

Have you got the makeover booked? 

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Yes Lucy, all booked. Can't wait! xx

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Posts: 2041
Duchess
(@rozalyne)
Famed Member     Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Joined: 3 years ago

Hi Chrissie,

I'm sure if you had the money you would buy them all, there is never to many dresses to pick from, lol,

Hugs Rozalyn X 🤗

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2 Replies
Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Roz, you're absolutely right but two will have to suffice on this occasion xx.

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Duchess
(@rozalyne)
Joined: 3 years ago

Famed Member     Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Posts: 2041

@chrisfp99 

If it's only two dresses then one for everyday wear and a lovely party dress for the other one, you might not be going to any parties but it must be nice to get all glammed up in the evening and put on a nice glamorous dress, I know i would love to wear a nice glamorous dress once in a while X

Hugs Rozalyn X 🤗

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Posts: 147
Guest
(@Anonymous 94214)
Estimable Member
Joined: 1 year ago

BTW 10 days to do as you please.  Would love that, but my children would probably drop by unannounced as they tend to do.

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2 Replies
Duchess
(@rozalyne)
Joined: 3 years ago

Famed Member     Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Posts: 2041

@elaines 

I would love to have 10 days all to myself, I've just been lucky to get 4 days to let Roz out of the closet, I've just been out underdressed to the hospital I'm lucky i didn't have to have an examination just picked up my new hearing aid,

Hugs Rozalyn X 🤗

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Elaine, I often think that's a problem. The blessed offspring don't always give you prior warning. But on this occasion they're going to be in Croatia with their mother xx.

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Posts: 1096
Lady
(@margprodue)
Noble Member     Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Joined: 3 years ago

Hi Chrissie,  Sorry to be late to the party but I've been working 14 hour days and away from my keyboard.  Here's what I might consider doing if it was me and I had a block of time for myself.  I'd put on a good fitting bodysuit and a pair of good fitting jeans.  Then, I'd throw on a blazer, jean jacket, sweater, leather jacket or any nice comfortable top and go shopping at a ton of thrift shops and clearance racks.  I'd have the time of my life trying things on until I hit the glamour jackpot.  It's easy to do try-ons if you have a bodysuit on. Then at the end of the day you can celebrate your day of treasures with a nice dinner.  Plus, when you get home you can start to enjoy your new items and not be waiting for a delivery or be disappointed by something that looked great online but sucked majorly in person.  Anyway, that's maybe a little different than your initial post but it seems like you've got a good block of time and you can plan each day with an area destination for both shopping and dining.  As an added benefit, you'll save a ton of money and maybe really have fun treasure hunting.  Some items in my wardrobe were purchased this way over 30 years ago and I still get asked where I got such a fantastic timeless garment that I now have ready to wear.         Happy Hunting,       Marg

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2 Replies
Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Marg, the idea that I might either be shopping in person or out en femme is completely beyond me. I envy your courage and freedom but my shopping will all be online and the only person who will see Chrissie is, well, Chrissie xx.

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Lady
(@margprodue)
Joined: 3 years ago

Noble Member     Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Posts: 1096

@chrisfp99 No problem Chrissie.  I wish you all the best of luck in the online world.  Hugs,  Marg

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Posts: 278
Lady
(@carlafirst11)
Honorable Member     So. California , California, United States of America
Joined: 2 years ago

I just like to buy in person, being able to see and touch, also I can return if doesn’t fit. A couple of girls here have suggested SHEIN. I asked them as I really like what I saw in their photos, check it out, it has a lot of inventory and their prices are excellent. Best of luck 😀

Carla❤️

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Posts: 136
(@ajthairms)
Reputable Member     Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom
Joined: 1 year ago

Hi Chrissie,

lots of options for online ordering in the UK, I've purchased some nice dresses from Cotton Traders. I have bought a couple of items from  Yours and Long Tall & Sally. I've had some good buys from Charity shops as well.

Hope you find some dresses you like...

Alicen

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Posts: 1709
Baroness
Topic starter
(@chrisfp99)
Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Joined: 2 years ago

Hey girls, life is so unfair. Thank you all for your suggestions. So after weeks of searching I finally settled on two gorgeous dresses from Roman here in the UK. Popped them into my basket. I just looked today and both of them are no longer in my size. First world problems. Let the search reconmence 😂 xx. 

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2 Replies
Guest
(@Anonymous 94214)
Joined: 1 year ago

Estimable Member
Posts: 147

@chrisfp99 oh No! Be Strong, and Shop On!!

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Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

Thanks Chanel, I shall persevere 😂 xx.

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Posts: 147
Guest
(@Anonymous 94214)
Estimable Member
Joined: 1 year ago

I am sure you will! And we cannot wait for the results. The countdown is underway. When does your 10 day run begin?

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2 Replies
Baroness
(@chrisfp99)
Joined: 2 years ago

Famed Member     London , Kent, United Kingdom
Posts: 1709

17th May Chanel. Can't wait! xx

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Guest
(@Anonymous 94214)
Joined: 1 year ago

Estimable Member
Posts: 147

@chrisfp99 Very excited for you Chrissie!!

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