Thursday 31 March 2011

My Problematic Relationship With Cath Kidston...

This post breaks my heart but it has to be said...

My relationship with Cath Kidston is a problematic one... mainly because I absolutely ADORE virtually EVERYTHING that they sell... however, my bank balance and meagre student loan does not. Therein lies the problem. No doubt you have heard me profess my love for almost every single polka dotted item in their various ranges of bags, kitchenware, clothing, accesseries and more. But in fact there are very few things that I own that are actually Cath Kidston. One of those things is a polka dot umbrella that was bought with vouchers I won and another is a beautiful address book my younger sister Fay bought me for Christmas.

I LOVE their saddle bags, but at almost £70 a pop I simply cannot justify buying them, especially when I'm into my overdraft and bills are impending.It might just be me, as I have never spent more than £35 on a pair of shoes regardless of their quality, I have never spent more than £25 on a bag and at the moment I'm not in any kind of financial situation to buck that trend! I have lost count of the times I have gone into a Cath Kidston shop and tried on the bags and came so close to blowing my budget on one. I do have a modicum of restraint though, I'm glad to say, and I've managed to walk away...

On a more positive note, the good thing is that I am able to express my love for all things Cath Kidston on my blog and when I go into Leeds I can oggle all the beautiful things in the shop (sad but true!) and imagine how gorgeous and Cath Kidstonised my future house/outfits/accessories will be, whe my bank balance improves. Also, with the emphasis on florals, polka dots and all things retro and vintage inspired, there are a wealth of Cath Kidston alternatives for the more restrained budget.
What is your relationship with Cath Kidston like? Do you blow-out on their beautiful things? Or are you reluctantly restrained and find alternatives like me?

5 comments:

Emma Cossey said...

Ditto, I love the patterns and designs but it's usually way out of my price bracket! I usually try and keep an eye on ebay (some bags here http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1311&_nkw=cath+kidston&_sacat=See-All-Categories) or sites like BrandAlley or Achica, as they occasionally have sales.

Anonymous said...

Oooh I love all her stuff but don't own anything... as I could never justify spending so much mooney. Maybe one day I will have a lovely big country house filled with CK stuff... ?!

daisychain said...

The only thing I allow myself to buy is the mugs..it is getting insane now, I have about 8!

Nicola said...

Same! I once stayed in a holiday cottage that had a full set of Cath Kidston crockery. I can't tell you how much I loved the slice of cake and cup of tea I had from a CK plate and mug!

The Vintage Kitten said...

Ooh dear I have to confess to having far too much Cath stuff in my house. I cant help it, it is an illness!!! LOL! X