I'm home. And only 16 hours later than planned. Personally I blame the Chelmsford Sainsburys for this. Within hours of visiting on Wednesday and buying some 'Taste the Difference' tomato soup, I came down with a sore throat, which over the course of yesterday developed into an even sorer throat, a headache, and a simultaneously blocked and running nose. Which meant that by 10pm last night I was in no fit state to drive home.

I did, however, manage to make it into Chelmsford town centre yesterday afternoon with my sister. She was looking for a new mobile phone, I was looking for an excuse to get out of the house, and I'm pleased to say we both got what we wanted. In addition I bought a stunning Jeff Banks suit from Age Concern, which on top of being only £20, also happens to fit me - I don't know which is more remarkable. I then moved on to a very fetching Trussardi top, which had come straight from the catwalks of Milan to the Chelmsford branch of Oxfam.

It's new, unworn, and comes complete with this certificate of authenticity, just in case anyone should doubt that you can buy genuine Italian designer clothes from an Essex charity shop. And what's more it was only £4.99. Bargain.

I'm particularly pleased, because according to this website...

"Trussardi Man is determined and kind, he is rational and rebuffs the ephemeral: a man of the world. Brilliant entertainer, extrovert and reserved at the same time, Trussardi Man is sure of himself, is fulfilled and self-confident: masterful in managing his business, he approaches daily situations with naturalness and the reassuring ways of a man in control: Trussardi Man unites sophisticated Italian traits with the most refined sartorial re-interpretation of modernity."

Which I think you'll find is me to a tee. I barely have time to write this blog, I'm so busy rebuffing the ephemeral.

And what's more, my new designer top comes with these inspiring washing instructions...


So one wash, and it comes out streaked, faded and wrinkled. But hey, that's all part of its charm. Apparently. It does mean, however, that I can't wear it to Crash and Donna's barbecue tomorrow - there's no telling what a drop of rain might do to it.

So I'll have to go for the suit instead.