Quality over Quanity: New In the High Street

Currently I am going through a lot of changes and experiencing so much that fashion is almost taking a back seat. For those who are not regular readers of my blog, a quick sum up. I have recently moved to Cardiff and started my dream post grad course of Magazine Journalism at the University. Alongside getting to grips with a new course and living in a new city I just have not had the time to shop! Which is completely insane seeing as I live so close to one of the greatest high streets I have ever seen, including a HUGE Topshop FYI. But, before I tackle the shops this weekend I thought I would do some research into what I should be investing my money in this season. I am bored of buying things in the sales which I wear once and throw away. Although I love a bargain I seemed to have lost sight of quality over quantity. Anyway, here is what I need to be buying on the high street:

Both Topshop: Jumper £42 and Skirt £36

For a while now I have been lusting after the matching suits that are filling the high street stores. Warehouse currently do an amazing concoction of jacquard printed outfits that would look amazing in the office but also as a transitional outfit into the evening. However I have never treated myself as my head has always asked, "when on earth would you wear that?" After all, I am not in the office just yet. Hence my excitement over seeing this two piece from Topshop as I believe it offers a more casual nod to the look. I love the fact it is a jumper and skirt which would look amazing together but work equally as well as separates. This is the sort of thing I would never normally buy, but really should. It is the perfect on trend outfit that could be worn many ways!


Zara jewel shoe: £99.99

Okay. Yes. This shoe is £100, and I am a student who cannot afford a Nandos at the moment, but, bear with me. I never spend a fortune on shoes, my mum has always told me to buy leather ones as they are the only ones that last but because I am such a heavy footed walker (attractive) I seem to ruin those as well  However when I spotted these on Zara online I just thought, wow, what a statement. Everywhere from Primark to Mango there are studded shoes on the high street but never ones that quite look like these. I could dress them up or down and they would make even a t-shirt and jean combo look stylish. Can you tell I am trying to convince my bank balance that this is a great buy?

Urban Outfitters Bomber Jacket £95

Urban Outfitters cross skirt £28

Urban Outfitters leggings £28

Urban has some amazing items that are currently new in stock! I was spoiled for choice searching this site and will definitely make it my first stop this weekend. I have been looking for a bomber for ages, but wanted one that would suit the colder months. This one is perfect, but the price tag is slightly high. Maybe I should start playing the lottery? This skirt also caught my eye as I do not own many and I love the on trend cross print. Finally these lavish leggings will jazz up my over-sized t-shirts or under dresses.

River Island t-shirt dress £32

There is so much in River Island at the moment, it really is one of their best seasons. I have managed to get two great dresses in there recently which will work for day or night (outfit post soon) with the student discount that is in Company Magazine. It is only £1 this month and a discount in River Island is so rare so quickly go grab your own copy before October hits. This t-shirt dress is basically what I always try and buy when I go shopping but never do. I think my reasoning is £30 is a lot of money for a plain grey dress but I always forget that I really need more day dresses. I wish my wardrobe was just dresses really as then wouldn't getting ready in the morning be so much easier?

So these are my favorite high street pieces that are in store at the moment, what do you think? Have you decided to change your shopping habits?

The Perfect Jacket for Autumn '12

My favourite jacket bought last season from Zara, which will be worn once more in Spring 2013

For me, I am neither a handbag or shoe kind of girl. I never get giddy over a new pair of shoes, in fact trying to find a pair of shoes that fit is always such a hassle I choose just not to look at my feet. (That explains why I rarely show my feet in outfit posts then..). Don't get me wrong I do get excited when I have a new bag to stuff all my junk into, but then I think I love it all a little too much. All too soon the straps break and I am left with a sorry state of leather.

Jackets however, never let me down. I still have hanging in my wardrobe a velvet jacket from Topshop my mum bought me about seven years ago. It was one of my first 'fashion' buys and although it is a tight squeeze I always feel great when I put it on. I just remember the excitement in my stomach as my mum said she would treat me and feeling so grown up when I wore it that Christmas.

A jacket can transform an outfit, making jeans and t-shirt suddenly a statement. In the same way as I will always champion costume jewellery, it is the finishing touch.

This season in particular has got me very excited about my favourite layer as there is so much choice. Do I want a new parka? Maybe a bomber? Or even the lavishly embellished one? Luckily the high street has some great options. Here is a simple guide of what to wear this season following your favourite trends from last season.

A bomber or a slouch jacket is perfect, from left: River Island £80, Zara £19.99 and Topshop £55

Muted shades are still in, from left: River Island £60, H&M £39.99 and Warehouse now £40

Keep the peplum shape or stay feminine with a bouclé jacket, from left: Topshop £45, Mango £59.99 and Miss Selfridge £30

The military parka is all over the high street or opt for a bright berry, the colour of the season. From left: River Island £55, H&M £29.99 and Topshop £58

My boyfriend bought me the River Island leather mix parka before he left to go travelling. Whenever I wear it I am instantly comforted whilst he is away. I suppose every jacket tells a story.

New Month New You

With September looming I cannot think of a better excuse to go shopping and get your next season wardrobe sorted. I used to be a lover of Spring, with the warm air bringing the chance to wear flimsy dresses but also a cool breeze ensuring you always wore a jacket. Now Autumn is seducing me, and I cannot wait to start wearing jumpers and leather, lots of leather.

Here are the top key pieces from the high street for next season and how I would style them for day and night:

Night Outfit:

From left: Top from Topshop £14, Necklace from New Look £12.99, Trousers from Topshop £70, Bomber Jacket from Zara £39.99 and Shoes from Office £45

I love these sequin trousers from Topshop, I think they are a great alternative from the disco pant and this colour will  be the 'must-have' of the season. Embracing the berry shades will be a essential. I really like this simple top too as it will look great with all the statement necklaces currently on the high street like this New Look one. The store is currently doing a promotion of buy one get one free so you can stock up on some beautiful necklaces to jazz up your outfits. To finish the look I have added this bomber jacket, a wonderful addition to your wardrobe that you can dress up or down. Finally I could not resist these toe capped heels which are a great height and prevent the outfit looking too gothic.

Day Outfit:

From Left: Dress from Urban Outfitters £50, Trousers from River Island £20, Trainer from Miss Selfridge £45, Jacket from Topshop £30and Necklace (£29.99) & Bracelet (£14.99) from Mango. 

In all the magazines layering appears to be a key trend for next season. I even saw some dresses over trousers, which I normally would never consider but can see it working with this dress from Urban. I like how it is asymmetrical so that you would only get a hint of these fabulous tartan trousers. I love all the boucle jackets on the high street so this Topshop one is a definite buy. I added some of these high tops purely for comfort and the fact I like mixing up casual pieces. This jewellery from Mango is so luxurious, and definitely worth a purchase.

What do you think everyone? What are you buying ready for September?

Mama knows best.

Wallis dress 

As I sat in a room more familiar than my own, I once again realized how much my mum has influenced my style. To get to the bare bones of this blog, I must say that without my upbringing I might not have felt the urge to write about fashion. But with every year of my life the passion grew, and that was because of one woman. My mum. It may be a cliché, but I am not someone to hide one when its true.

Today, as a common  ritual between my mum and I, she is showcasing her latest finds. I haven't seen her in a few weeks and her wardrobe holds some real high street gems. The thing with my mum is that she does not dress too young, or too old. She doesn't dress dowdy or as a slave to the trends. She knows her shape and what colours suit her, something which has been invaluable advice growing up as I know which colours drain my complexion. But enough about me, here is the woman that taught me everything I know about fashion:

How do you decide what to buy in the high street? 


I always dress to disguise my shape, trying always to achieve a slimmer line. I wear loose cardigans mixed with longer tops that may balance out some skinny jeans. I also make sure that if I wear a dress it has to be a shift and cut in proportion.

Range of t-shirts from right, Mango, Next, Warehouse, Peruna 

What colours do you wear once you have found the perfect shape? 


I normally choose bright colours, even in the winter, and especially white in the summer as it brightens my face and suits my complexion. As I have green eyes and brown hair I also choose some autumn tones as they always suit me.

Which are your favourite high street shops?


It is always important to discover which shops make clothes that suit you. For example, I always go to Zara for tops, but choose Wallis for trousers. I also normally find my jumpers online, especially on a brand called Wrap, as they do great deals for good quality cashmere knitwear. I would say overall, Zara is my favourite.

What is your inspiration for your style? 


I read lots of magazines to find out what the trends are and which stores are adopting them. I don't like wearing a whole outfit from the same shop so always shop around. You have to mix and match and hunt around, that is what matters.

Do you always wear the trends?

I do like wearing the trends but try and wear them my own way! I used to make my own clothes, but now it is quite difficult to get fabric, so I do think I have quite an individual style because of that.

Handmade tartan jacket by my mum!

What do you think of the idea of wearing 'vintage'? 


I was brought up not to wear other people's clothes, so I don't really like the idea. When I have visited a vintage store it is mostly hand-made stuff anyway, so very expensive for what you are buying.

Finally, describe your style in three words?


Young at heart!

So, as my mum shuts her wardrobe for another day, I know it is my turn. Like mother, like daughter, I had been shopping too.