MMM: Is there ANYTHING good in those freebie catalogues?

This was how many freebie catalogues I had waiting for me at home after two weeks on holiday.

Usually, they all go straight in the recycling bag. But there were SO many, this time I thought I would do a style experiment: Actually read them and see whether I was missing any fashion gems in doing my usual chuck-out.

I’m sure you get just as many. It’s all direct marketing, based on what you buy, what you subscribe to and whether or not you check that box to say you don’t want to be contacted by brand partners or affiliates.

Some of the offer made me want to cry (do they really think I am that old and frumpy!?), while others made me want to buy.

Here are some of my favourites and the pieces I mentally earmarked in each of them.

Maybe next time, don’t be so quick to chuck out.

ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE:

GOOD: Great styling, lovely mix of ethnic, unusual and off-the-beaten-track pieces that I would wear for years.

BAD: Quite expensive

FAVOURITE PIECES:

Check out Plumo here.

BRILLIANT FOR LOUNGEWEAR:

GOOD: Great quality casual pieces you wouldn’t find easily on high street. Brilliant PJ’s and comfy at-home trousers.

BAD: Terrible styling (model used same poses all way through. Verging on the ‘meh.’ Not cheap.

FAVOURITE PIECES:

Check out hush for more.

SURPRISING:

GOOD: Some great knitwear, plus on-trend military parkas.

BAD: Have never heard of them before, some very dodgy jersey pieces mixed in with polyester frocks and tunics.

FAVOURITE PIECES:

Check out Wrap for more

SOME BRILLIANT BITS, MIXED WITH SOME SERIOUS FRUMP:

GOOD: Gorgeous to look at, expensively produced and nice styling. Brilliant for great quality, tunics, unusual tops and quirky trousers

BAD: Some hideous coats, frumpy cord and slightly naff accessories (need to be BIGGER!)

FAVOURITE PIECES:

Which do you like? Let me know whether there are any you really rate.

• direct marketing

• freebie catalogue

• hush

• plumo

• Toast

• wrap