It’s such a challenge to be the best dressed mum on our block, and the recession isn’t making it any easier!

As a responsible adult and parent, during troubled economic times, I am trying in every way I can, to cut corners financially, tighten belts, make certain that the bills are all paid on time and that we are putting as much as possible aside each month in case the dreaded R (Redundancy) word should be heard in our house. It can feel pretty gloomy and depressing as months roll on and the careful penny watching continues. I know it is the sensible thing to do, I understand that it is the responsible thing to do. The kids need a stable home that is financially safe. They also need clothes on their backs and food in their bellies.

But sometimes, just sometimes, I want to rebel! I want to race down the high street, storecards and credit cards blazing a trail behind me, picking up cheap and not so cheap dresses, handbags and unfeasibly high heeled shoes that I will wear once, if at all, before they are ’so last month’ that I can’t be seen in public. I want to splurge on clothes that are 3 sizes too small in the firm conviction that I can slim into them, and then admire the shiny fabric of them as I sip a large cappucino and much a pastry in my favourite cafe.