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Man City vs Southampton: Get £30 in free bets for Premier League football with talkSPORT BET

MANCHESTER CITY can move top if they beat Southampton at the Etihad this Saturday afternoon.

And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a fantastic £30 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the 3pm Premier League encounter.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

How to claim..

talkSPORT BET offer

  • Visit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*
  • Create your account via mobile
  • Opt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tab
  • Place your first bet of £10 or more on any football market at odds of Evens or greater
  • You must do this within 7 days of registration
  • On settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected markets

talkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free betsClaim here*

No talkSPORT BET account? No Problem!

Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.

Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!

You could decide to use your free bets on Saturday’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Southampton, and below is our top pick with talkSPORT BET.


Erling Hat-trick

Erling Haaland is 1/5 to score against Southampton. You’d have to put £5 on to win £1 (plus your stake back).

That’s likely the shortest odds for an anytime goal scorer ever – though don’t quote us on that!

But we still can’t get away from the fact he could cause some huge damage here and even though the odds are skinny, we’re backing another match ball take home.

  • Erling Haaland at 7/2 to score a hat trick – CLAIM HERE

*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

Read More »

Could the Menendez brothers be resentenced? Latest for Erik and Lyle from LA District Attorney George Gascon

THE Menendez brothers have been given their first taste of freedom in 36 years, after being imprisoned for killing their parents in the 80s.

The infamous siblings – Lyle and Erik Menendez – were sentenced to life without parole in 1996, but now could potentially be released on parole before the end of 2024.

Lyle (left) and Erik Menendez (right) have been in jail since 1996 – seen here in 1990
AP:Associated Press
Lyle and Erik have long alleged they were sexually and emotionally abused by their father, Jose Menendez
BackGrid
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has announced his decision about the Menendez Brothers

The Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty, with a pair of shotguns in their Beverly Hills mansion on August 18, 1989.

The siblings claimed to have killed their mom and dad after being subjected to years of abuse by their father.

The brothers said the fatal shooting was a form of “imperfect self-defence,” according to The New York Times.

Lyle was 21-years-old and Erik was 18 at the time of the fatal shootings and have been imprisoned since 1996.

Bid for freedom

On October 24, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced that he would ask a judge to consider resentencing Lyle and Erik, now 56 and 55, respectively.

The DA said in a statement, “I came to a place where I believe, under the law, resentencing is appropriate.”

Gascon said he would ask the court to remove the life without the possibility of parole.

Instead he would request a sentence of 50 years to life with the possibility of parole.

But he added: “However, because of their age under the law, since they were under 26 years of age at the time that this crime occurred, they will be eligible for parole immediately.”

Possible release date

This means that the Menendez brothers could be released within the next 35 to 45 days.

But this depends on how quickly the legal process moves.

While he recommended Lyle and Erik be released, Gascon acknowledged the brothers had committed a horrible act.

However, he believes they have “paid their debt to society.”

Lyle Menendez could be free by the end of 2024
The Mega Agency
Erik Menendez seen here in a mug shot taken in jail
The Mega Agency

Good behavior during incarceration

The DA also highlighted how the Menendez brothers had an impeccable record during their time in prison, and also noted how they had helped reform other convicts.

He said: “Even though they didn’t think they would ever be released because they were sentenced to life without parole, they engaged in a different journey.

“A journey of redemption and a journey of rehabilitation.”

A supporter holds a sign at a press conference with Menendez family members outside the Criminal Courts Building
Getty Images - Getty
Erik and Lyle Menendez on the steps of their Beverly Hills home in November 1989
Getty Images - Getty
Kitty and Jose Menendez, seated center, are shown with their two sons, Lyle (left) and Eric
CNN

The Menendez brothers reaction

Gascon said Lyle and Erik were not aware of the resentencing decision prior to the press conference.

He said the brothers were likely listening to his recommendation on television.

The DA added: “We appreciate what they did while they were in prison.

“While I disagree with the way they handled their abuse, we hope that they get reintegrated into our community and continue to do public good.”

A Los Angeles court is expected to hear the case on November 26, 2024.

Timeline of the Menendez brothers case

Erik and Lyle Menendez have been serving a life imprisonment sentence without the possibility of parole since July 1996.

The brothers were being convicted of shooting their parents to death in their Beverly Hills home in August 1989.

Timeline:

August 20, 1989 – José and Kitty Menendez are found dead from multiple shotgun wounds.

March 8, 1990 – Lyle is arrested outside his parents’ Beverly Hills mansion.

March 11, 1990 – Erik turns himself into police after flying back into Los Angeles from Israel.

July 20, 1993 – The highly publicized trial of Lyle and Erik begins and ends weeks later in a mistrial.

October 11, 1995 – Lyle and Erik’s second trial begins.

March 20, 1996 – The Menendez brothers are convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

July 2, 1996 – Lyle and Erik are sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and sent to separate prisons.

February 2018 – Lyle is transferred to the San Diego prison, where Erik is held.

April 4, 2018 – Lyle was moved into the same housing unit as Erik – the first time the brothers were reunited in over 20 years.

May 2023 – The attorney representing Lyle and Erik files a habeas petition after Roy Rosselló, a member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, made sexual abuse allegations against Jose Menendez.

September 19, 2024 – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story releases on Netflix.

October 3, 2024: Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said his office was reviewing new evidence in connection with Lyle and Erik’s convictions.

October 7, 2024 – The Menendez Brothers documentary film comes out on Netflix.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

Read More »

I’ve snorted coke, necked cocktails & even had an affair while ‘WFH’ – I get all my work done so who cares?

WHEN Anna* started working from home during the pandemic, she could have won a prize for the most conscientious employee, chaining herself to her laptop and barely taking a lunch break.

However fast forward four years, and her work ethic has slipped so dramatically she’s even ‘worked’ from a hotel bed with her lover, snorted coke on a Friday afternoon and cracked open a bottle of wine – all in office hours.

Getty
Married Anna has even ‘worked’ from a hotel bed, after having sex with her lover[/caption]

Here the married 41 year old communications expert, from London, reveals exactly what ‘working from home’ looks like for her…

Anna says: “Sitting in the beauty salon chair on a Thursday afternoon I quickly fire off an email telling my boss I’m on a call.

Then I settle down to enjoy my pedicure worry free – despite the fact I should still be at work.

I had a choice of time for my pedicure, 7pm or 4:30pm, but by 7 I wanted to be in the pub, so 4:30 it was.

It’s not a rare occurrence for me to ‘juggle’ my working hours to fit my leisure activities.

And I feel no guilt about it at all.

‘I was the most conscientious employee’

I wasn’t always like this. When lockdown happened back in 2020 and we were all forced to work from home I was the most conscientious employee imaginable.

I logged on at 9am, didn’t even take the full hour for lunch and stayed at my desk beyond my 6pm finish.

We arranged to meet for more walks and soon our relationship turned into an affair.”

Anna

I work full-time in communications and even when I didn’t have any immediate deadlines, I’d do some extra research.

My turning point happened when the shops reopened in June.

I went out for my lunch and in my excitement about being able to browse in the likes of H&M and Zara I lost track of time.

When I realised I’d had an extra 40 minutes on my lunch hour I was overwhelmed with panic and raced back home ready to apologise profusely… only to realise that absolutely no one had noticed my absence.

Learning the tricks of the trade

It sowed the seeds of my gradual decline into an employee that chooses how to spend her working day.

To start with it was just logging on in my pyjamas and then going off to have my shower and get dressed on company time.

Then I started having the odd nap – always setting my alarm for 20 minutes later so if someone did notice my absence then it wouldn’t have been for long.

As I started learning the tricks to disguise my skiving – emailing everyone to let them know I was on back-to-back calls, or updating my teams status to say ‘on a call’ – I realised that other people were doing it too – or had a lot more real calls than I do.

I eventually confessed to a mate that I was having the occasional nap, and she laughed and said she sometimes had four a day and had binge watched most of Selling Sunset in work hours. It made me feel better. And we egged each other on.

a woman is typing on a laptop while holding a glass of wine
Getty
The communications expert thinks nothing of cracking open a bottle of wine while working[/caption]

Sex and secret affairs

Soon I thought nothing of watching TV when I wasn’t busy, having leisurely lunch breaks and batch cooking.

My husband works shifts for the NHS so when he was at home during the day we’d even occasionally have sex.

But our relationship suffered through lockdown so it wasn’t that
often.

Which brings me to my worst skives. I bumped into an old school friend on a walk in January 2021 and we got chatting.

Despite all of this, I don’t feel I’m doing anything wrong – crucially my work always gets done to a high standard, it has never slipped.

Anna

We arranged to meet for more walks and soon our relationship
turned into an affair.

He’s a policeman so could easily do ‘overtime’ and as a key worker
could book into hotels.

So every week or so when his day off coincided with my husband
being at work we’d meet at a hotel and have sex.

I’d take my laptop with me and check my emails regularly and do any calls I had to do, from my bed – with my camera turned off.

Drinking wine and snorting coke

It fizzled out after a year or so, but I did enjoy the naughtiness of doing something so ‘wrong’ and getting paid.

Ditto when I crack open the wine at 3pm on a Friday afternoon – still very much a weekly occurrence.

I very occasionally have a line of cocaine too, if I’m going out later that night.

I’m now back in the office for two days a week, which I enjoy as I like the structure and seeing my colleagues.

But I also enjoy my days at home. I never feel frazzled any more, having to come home, sort the washing, do my housework and cook.

I get all of that organised in office hours as and when I’m not swamped with work.

Working from home - the facts

  • Before the pandemic, in 2019 just 4.7 per cent of UK employees worked from home.
  • However by April 2020, 46.6 per cent of employees did at least part of their job from home.
  • UK employees work from home for an average of 1.5 days a week, compared with an international average of 0.9 days.
  • Over eight in 10 UK employees who work from home have admitted to watching TV on company time, with Gen Z workers – age 18 to 24 – most likely to reach for the remote.
  • One in five remote workers admit to napping during work hours.
  • However 87 per cent of employees insist they are more productive if they are not travelling into the office.

‘Self pleasure’ breaks

I can also always get a beauty appointment – because I can arrange them at unpopular times like a Monday morning.

And now that I don’t see my lover, if I’m feeling frisky and my husband isn’t on a shift then we’ll have sex, if he isn’t at home I’ll take a little time out to pleasure myself.

My favourite skiving move was telling work I was getting counselling back in 2022 – saying the only possible time was at 9am on a Friday morning.

I went for three weeks before I realised that my anxiety was down to the pandemic and that I was getting better, but as far as they’re concerned it’s ongoing and I get an extra hour in bed on a Friday.

I’m far from the only one who takes the odd hour or so.

One colleague was even silly enough to post a story on Instagram of her with her feet up watching a Christmas movie with her kids at 3pm on a Thursday afternoon – she swore blind that it was from the night
before, none of us believed her.

‘I can never leave’

But despite all of this I don’t feel I’m doing anything wrong – crucially my work always gets done to a high standard, it has never slipped.

I’ve been at the same company for 12 years so I can do it blindfolded.

Equally if I’m really busy I’ll work late in the evening or at the
weekend.

That’s one of the reasons my boss trusts me and values me.

And when I had covid, I worked through it.

I love my job and like doing it well, I just don’t think it’s necessary to do it all between 9am and 6pm.

But it does mean I can never leave – the idea of being in a new job
and having to account for every moment of my time with a boss who doesn’t trust me is not a happy thought.

* Name has been changed.

a woman sleeping on a couch next to a laptop
Getty
One in five remote workers admit to napping during work hours.[/caption]

Read More »

I’m a narcissistic sociopath & things I do disgust people – I go out looking for fights & love being filled with rage

A WOMAN diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder has opened up about her daily experiences living with the condition. 

Delta never considered her personality to be different from others until she was 26 years old, when she realised that most people do not “enjoy feelings of hate and rage.”

a woman stands in front of a ceiling fan and a poster of butterflies
I’m a narcissistic sociopath and most things I do disgust people – I go out looking for fights and love being charged up with rage and anger, TAKEN WITH NO PERMISSION:, https://www.tiktok.com/@dammitdelta/video/7420888841340439839
tiktok/@dammitdelta

She often shares videos about her struggles with her condition on TikTok and has gained over 163,000 followers. 

In one particular video Delta, who is known as @dammitdelta, claimed to have been professionally diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). 

Both disorders can significantly impact relationships and functioning, but they manifest in different ways and are motivated by different underlying psychological needs.

According to Psychology Today, individuals with ASPD generally are more likely to be impulsive and aggressive, and those with NPD are more likely to be more sensitive to criticism. 

Similar traits that both NPD and ASPD include are lacking empathy, charming and charismatic, difficulty with self-awareness and mood disorders. 

And although Delta said she is a narcissistic sociopath, in the UK patients will be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder as the terms “psychopathy” and “sociopathy” are no longer used in the Mental Health Act. 

Speaking to camera on a video shared on her TikTok account, Delta explained exactly how she feels. 

She says: “I was the ripe age of 26 when I realised that most people don’t actually enjoy feeling emotions like hate and rage.

“I knew some people didn’t like those emotions, but I genuinely did not know that most people don’t enjoy feeling those things. I do.

“Upon realising that this wasn’t normal, I decided to introspect and explore why I enjoy emotions like hate and rage. 

“For me, my ASPD blocks out and blunts a lot of my emotions. I lack specific emotions like empathy and remorse, and many of my other emotions are quite dulled. 

“That being said, I think I enjoy emotions like being full of hate and being full of rage because they’re intense. They feel real. 

“A lot of my other emotions are very fleeting or very dulled and don’t necessarily feel real.

I seek out fights with other people, and why I engage in risky behaviour

Delta

“They’re more superficial. It’s stimulating and it brings me a sense of enjoyment, whereas typically I just feel like an empty void.”

Delta never realised before how much “the blunting” of her emotions lead to her engaging in “reckless behaviour or seeking out emotions like hatred and anger.”

She continues to say: “Out of all the emotions that I do feel, anger is the one I experience most intensely. 

“I don’t have any issues with feeling anger, and so I think I like that because it brings me a sense of stimulation. It helps my boredom and it allows me to feel real and human.

Confrontational

“This is why I like confrontation, why I seek out fights with other people, and why I engage in risky behaviour. 

“All of these things are an attempt to seek stimulation and to feel something, to feel real and alive in a world where I typically don’t feel much of anything. 

“I’m absolutely 100% not devoid of emotion. I struggle with emotional regulation.

“It’s just that my emotional range is very limited and emotions outside of my usual feelings are quite blunted. 

Those emotions make me feel like I’m dying

TikTok comment

“And so I think that void, that absence, makes me want to seek out adrenaline and stimulation.

“For me, it largely translates into wanting to make people angry, to feel rage, to hate people, to commit crimes, things like that. 

“Anything that brings me a sense of adrenaline in any way is something that I seek and go after.

“I like the power behind emotions like hate. 

What is Antiscoial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

According to the NHS website, ASPD is a mental health disorder that affects how someone thinks, perceives, feels or relates to others.

Their website reads: “Antisocial personality disorder is a particularly challenging type of personality disorder characterised by impulsive, irresponsible and often criminal behaviour.

“Someone with antisocial personality disorder will typically be manipulative, deceitful and reckless, and will not care for other people’s feelings.”

Signs to look out for:

  • exploit, manipulate or violate the rights of others
  • lack concern, regret or remorse about other people’s distress
  • behave irresponsibly and show disregard for normal social behaviour
  • have difficulty sustaining long-term relationships
  • be unable to control their anger
  • lack guilt, or not learn from their mistakes
  • blame others for problems in their lives
  • repeatedly break the law

“So whereas for most people, hate and anger seem to be something that causes them distress and doesn’t feel good, those emotions feel good to me. I like feeling them and I seek them.”

Her video gained a lot of attention with many people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts with her. 

One person wrote: “That’s so interesting. Those emotions make me feel like I’m dying. like there’s a tornado inside me that I can’t control.

“It may interest you to know that for a lot of us, or at least me, feeling rage or hate is followed by intense shame and guilt. 

“We’re taught that hatred and being mean is morally wrong.”

Another added: “That sounds so difficult to deal with. Do you feel a certain way because of your diagnosis/ symptoms?

“Do you know what you could do that’s a healthy outlet? Are you working with a therapist?”

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

According to the Mayo Clinic website, NPD is a mental health condition that involves a pattern of excessive need for admiration, grandiosity, and a lack of empathy. 

People with NPD may have an inflated sense of self-importance and may act selfishly to gain success. 

They may also have difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings of others. 

According to the CPD Online College, the signs to look out for are:

  • Having a sense of entitlement
  • Manipulative and/or controlling behaviour.
  • An exaggerated sense of self-importance.
  • An expectation to be treated as superior to others, that they should receive special treatment above others and have the best of everything.

Read More »

Man City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

MANCHESTER CITY have the chance to jump to the top of the Premier League table – for 24 hours at least – if they beat Southampton on Saturday.

Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the top-flight clash.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

How to claim..

BetMGM £40 welcome bonus

  1. Visit the BetMGM website HERE*
  2. Select SPORTS OFFER on the website
  3. Register a new account – No Promo Code necessary
  4. Opt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greater
  5. Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets

Man City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*

Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!

This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!

Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater.

This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.

Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!

Man City vs Southampton: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*


*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

Read More »

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is the must-have bag of the season – and H&M is selling a dupe for £1,370 cheaper

OLD fashion trends always seem to make their way back around again, and this time it’s the Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

The bag, which was first released in 2007 became an instant hit with fashionistas thanks to it’s timeless design and practical size – but soon fell away from the spotlight when teeny tiny micro bags became all the range.

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is the must-have bag of the season - and H&M is selling a dupe for £1,370 cheaper
louis vuitton Neverfull MM Tote Bag

£1,410.00
https://uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/neverfull-mm-tote-bag-damier-ebene-nvprod5350102v/N40599?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwg-24BhB_EiwA1ZOx8kYBVB6osQuA7iHpkI2vKRr2lLf3EbzKWmR55Xhx5yxRztoyiitAyRoCdasQAvD_BwE
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is the trending bag of the season
Louis Vuitton
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is the must-have bag of the season - and H&M is selling a dupe for £1,370 cheaper
H&M
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1237266002.html
Patterned shopper

Not saved to favourites
£32.30£37.99
But H&M has a similar dupe that costs a fraction of the price
H&M
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is the must-have bag of the season - and H&M is selling a dupe for £1,370 cheaper
NO PERMISSION
 https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriamagrath/video/7425171404661820704?q=neverfull&t=1729839748346
Fashion influencer Victoria has even been sported with the bag recently
victoriamagrath

But looking at social media it seems it’s comeback is well and truly here with the likes of UK fashion icon Victoria Macgraph and reality TV star Jessi Ngatikaura sporting the bag as of recent.

The designer bag, unlike many, is a practical tote with two handles so it can be worn over the shoulder or by hand and has so much room celebs tend to be spotted wearing it as their carry-on for flights.

While it is a practical choice – the £1,410 price tag is not, but H&M are offering a design to keep you ahead of the trends while being budget-friendly.

The Patterned Shopper features the same handles as the cult-favourite Neverfull so you can opt for comfort or style when wearing it out.

Coming in a black and brown design, the pattern on the bag adds similar detail like Louis Vuitton’s without the famous LV monogram.

The shape of the bag is also similar to the LV – smaller at the base and wider at the top and features a lock inside to keep the bag from falling open.

And the best part is that the bag is just £37.99 – a massive saving of £1,372.01 compared to the designer bag.

H&M bosses say: “Patterned shopper in coated fabric with a carabiner hook closure. Two sets of handles in different lengths, allowing you to carry the bag either on your shoulder or in your hand.”

Not only is it perfect for any weekend holidays – it’s also great for the winter to store your brolly or your scarf.

Happy shoppers were quick to share their thoughts of the bag on the website.

People gave it an average review of 4.6 stars out of five.

One person wrote: “Absolutely gorgeous bag!!! Really well made and worth every penny… very happy.”

Another commented: “Love this bag so much! Bought it for my holiday and gits so much stuff in, looks expensive too.”

“Fabulous designer style larger than average shopper. I’m so pleased with it and think I will get lots of use out of it,” penned a third.

Fashion editor reveals the 90s trends that should stay in the past

NINETIES and noughties trends especially have become a hit with Gen Z - most likely because they didn’t wear them the first time round. Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives the rundown of some of the trends that have made a comeback that we wish did not.

Disc belts

“A hit with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively, the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do – it was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up. 

“And it seems it’s not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to TikTok to give their views, saying: ‘Oh no not the disc belt! I don’t think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around’ – I feel you.”

Jelly shoes

“After not being seen on shelves for decades, they’ve made a reappearance and this time they’re not just for kids. 

“Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions. 

“Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren’t the comfiest – blister plasters will come in handy.”

Pedal pushers

“The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, but this time the model fash pack are all over them – with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently. 

“The original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot helped make the trousers – also called Capri pants – look effortlessly cool and glam.

“Somehow this time round they don’t seem to be having that same effect.”

Meanwhile a fourth said: “This is a fabulous bag. Perfect for travelling. Looks more expensive in real life. Straps perfect. Can be worn shoulder too. Love the fastening detail. Washable. Highly recommend.”

“It was a present for my daughter and she loves it,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Love this bag. It looks very stylish and classy. It’s not cheap for H&M but also does not look like from H&M. It’s on the large size. This will be perfect for travelling as a carry-on bag and also for general use.”

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

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I’ve never found winter boots because of my skinny calves – I tested the high-street’s & was stunned at the cheap winner

IF you’re like me and struggle to find winter boots which are stylish but comfy you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve spent countless hours up and down the high-street over the years trying on pair after pair of black ones.

a woman in a striped shirt is holding a stack of black boots
Abigail Wilson
Abigail Wilson has put the new high-street boots to the test in an attempt to find the perfect pair[/caption]

Not only is trawling the high street time-consuming, but it’s exhausting too.

Especially in the middle of winter, sweltering in a thick coat and chunky scarf and feeling the disappointment of trying on yet another pair which just don’t look right. 

And not only do they not look right, but they rarely ever fit right either on my somewhat skinny calves.

As the cold weather hits, I look around and see hundreds of people rocking all sorts of gorgeous ones including thigh highs, a cute Chelsea boot or a chunky stomper.

Meanwhile, I’m in my trusty trainers, staring in envy with freezing cold ankles.

And let’s be real, standing at the sidelines watching a football match, or frolicking around the Christmassy Winter Wonderland just isn’t that suitable when your ankles are on show. 

But after years of searching for the perfect winter shoe, I took matters up a notch and went on a hunt to nab the best pair I could find – for the best price.

So if you’re on a budget and searching for boots that’ll ensure you look fabulous this season, read on…

THE BIGGEST LOSER: £62 Cowboy Boots from Next

Cowboy boots – they’re everywhere at the moment.

a person wearing a pair of black cowboy boots
Abigail Wilson
A two out of 10 was generous for these cowboy boots[/caption]

So when I saw these stitched detail ankle boots from Next, I thought I’d jump on the trend.

But unfortunately, these Western shoes left my legs, and ankles, totally exposed.

I get they’re not meant to be leg-hugging, but these leather shoes are definitely not for me.

The block heels meant they felt pretty comfy and I’m sure I’d be able to dance all night in them.

But they definitely don’t suit me, so there’s no way you’ll catch me in these this winter. 

Rating: 2/10 

THE SECOND LOSER: £45 Chisel Toe Boots from Next

Whilst I thought the black crocodile print on these ankle boots was super stylish, when I tried them on, I quickly realised they weren’t for me.

a woman in a black and white striped shirt is giving a thumbs down sign
Abigail Wilson
Whilst I’m sure these Next boots will look great on someone else, they aren’t for me[/caption]

Not only did the print not look good on me, but they were incredibly baggy around my ankles too.

To make matters worse, the tiny kitten heel was not a bit of me and made me feel 100 years old. 

Fabulous Fashion Editor On Autumn Trends

WANT to look fabulous this season? Then listen up...

Here, Fabulous’ fashion editor, Clemmie Fieldsend, says these are the top 5 trends from the hottest catwalk designers for autumn 2024. 

BOHO: The boho revival is a much needed breath of fresh air for autumn and means you can wear your sheer tops, girly frocks and big jeans with heavy duty boots.

But if the clothes aren’t for you think, big accessories like slouchy tote bags, big earrings and bigger bangles. 

TEXTURE: Be it smooth leather, sumptuous faux fur or soft suede, textures are everywhere this season.

They add depth to your look, making you stand out as well as look more expensive. 

BURGUNDY: Maroon, oxblood, berry- whatever you choose to call it fashion is seeing red this autumn. 

The deep and rich colour is everywhere and works best with greys, black, dark blues and in head-to-toe.

LADY LIKE: Matching top and cardigan sets and pencil skirts sound dated but they go hand-in-hand with lady-like. 

Mix with satin cami dresses and waisted blazers for an ultra feminine look.

LEOPARD PRINT: This season 75% of the catwalk was leopard print, according to Tagwalk – a huge majority.

It crawled its way in last season but its rife for autumn and all over the high street, be it shoes or floor sweeping coats, it’s a must have trend. 

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, they made my size 5 feet look absolutely huge. 

Whilst some might see the chisel toe style of this shoe as chic, for me, it’s a big no no.

Rating: 3/10

IN THIRD PLACE: £50 Double Buckle Biker Boots 

There’s no doubt that this £50 chunky pair of boots from River Island left me with very mixed reviews.

a person wearing a pair of black boots on a rug
Abigail Wilson
These River Island stompers are durable, but made my feet look huge[/caption]

They slipped on pretty easily and weren’t as baggy around my legs as some other contenders.

I liked the buckle detailing and they felt durable, like they’d battle rain, snow and ice, and be a great fit in my winter wardrobe.

However, it was only when I turned to the side when I realised that these weren’t the winning boots for me.

Thanks to the chunky sole, my size 5 feet looked more like a size 10. 

Yes, they’re labelled as chunky, but these are far too big and clumpy for me. 

Although I want a pair of boots that’ll last the whole winter, and for many years to come, I don’t fancy dragging these stompers around this season. 

Rating: 5/10 

A STRONG CONTENDER: £42.99 Chunky Chelsea Boots from New Look

Unlike the cowboy boots from Next which left my skinny legs on show, these chunky Chelsea boots from New Look had me impressed.

a woman in a striped sweater sits on the floor with her legs crossed
Abigail Wilson
These New Look Chelsea boots fit perfectly[/caption]

Initially, I didn’t think they’d be for more, but when I put them on, I was pleased with the fit.

At £42.99, they’re not dirt cheap, but they’re not going to break the bank either.

They come in black and a chocolate brown, and I have to say, I think they’d be great for keeping your feet warm in the cold weather. 

Not only are they flattering and comfortable, thanks to the cushioned padding, soft lining and flexible sole, but they can also be dressed up or style down too.

They’re sure to look great with jeans for running errands, or they can be dressed up with a skirt or dress and tights for a more punk rock evening look too.

Rating: 7/10 

THE WINNER: £24 Thigh Highs from Primark

I never thought I’d be a thigh-high boot kind of girl, but it appears I was very, very wrong.

a woman in a striped sweater holds up two black boots
Abigail Wilson
But it was these Primark boots that took the top spot[/caption]
a person wearing a pair of black knee high boots
Abigail Wilson
Not only are they incredibly comfy and flattering, but they’re affordable too[/caption]

After trying on multiple pairs of disaster boots, I finally found the winning pair – and much to my surprise (and pleasure), they were from Primark.

Not only did the trendy boots look super sleek and stylish, but at £24, I was gobsmacked.

Primark's best buys for Autumn

Heading into Primark soon? Keep an eye out for these items.

Here, Fabulous fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals her top 6 buys from Primark this Autumn.

Coat, £60
I know what you’re thinking, ‘£60 for Primark?’ Yes it’s a higher price tag than we’re used to from Primark but its worth every penny.
It’s from their Edit range which is more premium than the rest of their collection and it’s made to last.
It’s a mixed wool blend which is durable and warm, plus its a timeless straight silhouette which is slightly oversized and will last you not only this season but for many after.

Bag, £16
Big bags are back… In a big way, finally.
This tote screams luxury with its croc effect and burnt orange colour, plus its great for shoving in your laptop, lunch, spare shoes, purse – essentially everything you need for the day – all for £16.

Jacket, £32
Field jackets are on the backs of celebrities and catwalk models this season with designer brands Barbour, Burberry and Bottega all championing the utilitarian look.
They’re great for chucking over jeans or contrasting with a floral or floaty dress and are the perfect transitional jacket.

Dress, £18,
You may have seen, heard and read that leopard print isn’t going anywhere for autumn, so to encapsulate the trend this dress is a must.
Sleeves? Check. Midi length? Check. Ultra flattering square neck? Check. It’s got it all.
Pair with black knee high boots or your favourite trainers for the day and dress up with gold heels and accessories for the evening.

Jeans, £16
Barrel, balloon, horseshoe – whatever you want to call them, they are the must have trouser shape of this season.
I’ve tried Primarks pair and they fit like a dream, are comfortable and flattering.
So if you think you have nothing that hits the trend mark, swapping your go-to denim for this shape will bring you bang up to date.

Boots, £24
It’s boot season and instead of feeling like you need to buy one in every colour, length, height – its best to stick to a pair that you can wear with the majority of your wardrobe.
My jaw almost hit the floor when I saw that this black, knee-high, block heel with flat point and side zip (so there’s no tug of war to get them off at the end of the day) was only £24.
If you buy one thing this season, it should be these.

When I initially picked them up I wasn’t totally sold on them.

I raised my eyebrows at the slightly straight toe design, but as soon as I got them on, I was beaming. 

The black boots have a padded insole and the quality feels amazing. 

Paired with a little black dress, some sheer tights and statement jewellery, I think these boots are sure to be a real winner this winter

Rating: 10/10

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