20% off River Island online and in store for Students! TODAY ONLY

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This time of year is perfect for getting the latest look at an affordable price. With so many high street shops offering extra discount and student 'lock-ins' appearing all over the shop (couldn't resist), you really have no excuse but to indulge. I have already been raving about River Island this season all over this blog, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw this flyer a few days ago. If you are still a student I urge you to check out these special discount days. Tonight, the Cardiff Urban Outfitters is offering a student lock in with a fabulous 20% off everything. So make sure you know what is happening in your local area. These are my favourite pieces in River Island at the moment and ones that I will be definitely seeking with this discount.

From top left: T-shirt dress £20, Sweatshirt £30, Print leggings £18, Fur trim cape £35, Shoes £28, Necklace £4, Tartan shirt £30 Jacket £60

My Outfit of the Week #4



River Island dress (offer £20), H&M necklace (BOGOF £7.99), stud belt River Island (free with skirt), Argos white watch



This week technology appears to be my enemy. Not only has my laptop decided to breakdown, but when I use the computers at University they seem to want to reject my every word. Take this blog post for example, why does the computer suddenly not  have my default font? So I have to type it up in word first and then find my usual font. I just cannot bear inconsistency. Can you tell I am a perfectionist yet? I always find technological disasters happen all at once. Almost like a domino effect. The moment one buckles they all follow.

But, I did manage to take some pictures of a dress I brought last week. I have been meaning to do a post about this dress the moment I brought it but, as you can see, technology has other ideas. I went shopping looking for the perfect dogtooth print to update my wardrobe and in my mind I thought of some trousers. However when I saw this dress in River Island I could not resist. There was a special offer too so I managed to snatch it for £20. I have already worn it numerous times, dressing it up for night or down for day. In these pictures I have accessorised with a statement monochrome necklace from H&M and stud belt. I kept the colours simple this time but I have also worn it with neon accents, which works particularly well.

River Island is having a fabulous season this Autumn/Winter. I have found so many pieces that have fast become my favourites in my wardrobe. I recommend anyone to head over there now if you want something to really make an impact on your style. Plus, they are doing a range of student events at the moment. With an extra 20% off you really need no excuse!

 

Head to www.riverisland.com now!



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?

New Jewellery Fix: The Ear Cuff

Yesterday I found this little beauty in the Miss Selfridge sale. It was only £1 and although I had never thought to try out this trend before, it was worth a try at that price. I have been tempted for years to get the top of my ear pierced but my Mum's horror stories had always worked in a way to sway me against it. The ear cuff is the perfect way to achieve the same look, but without the pain. Hence I love this addition to my extensive jewellery collection.

Today I teamed it with my new favourite River Island jacket, a Levi denim dress and plain pumps. It was so nice to finally wear this jacket without feeling too warm, the cool breeze is actually welcome in my wardrobe. I love wearing Autumn clothes as I am a big fan of layering, it adds so much interest to your outfit. That's why I love this ear cuff, it makes this outfit a little extra special. I even went out today and brought another from River Island for £4!

What do you think of this new trend in jewellery, will you be embracing it?

The New Bags: Rucksack VS Satchel

I was recently in Topshop, a palace of treasures on Oxford Street, when I stumbled upon the bag collection. I say stumbled, the minute you enter the store you are surrounded by them. The smell of leather and plastic beautifully merged. I noticed that Topshop had really endorsed two particular bag styles, ones so old school they were chic. Reintroducing the rucksack and satchel, the perfect bags to cram all your stuff into! But which do you pick? Here are some of great examples from the high street:

From top left: Topshop £36, Marks and Spencer £39.50, Accessorize £45, River Island £35, Urban Outfitters sale £20, H&M £14.99

Temporary:Secretary Jewellery Lucky Dip

Here I am wearing, TU jeans, River Island jacket, Warehouse blouse and jewellery by Temporary Secretary. 

Temporary:Secretary is a UK fashion and style blog that has great pictures and content but also a fantastic personality. When I read other blogs I like to feel invited into their stylish world. Temporary:Secretary does just that. A few weeks ago I discovered that there was a jewellery store attached to the blog so I decided to take a look. The items range from ice cream earrings to moustache necklaces all at reasonable prices. If you like quirky pieces then this is definitely the place for you to search. They also do a 'lucky dip' section where you can purchase 5 mystery items for £10 or 12 items for £20. As there was too much choice, I decided to take the risk and ordered my lucky dip. 

Below are the results! When they arrived at my doorstep I was delighted to see the effort the company had gone to to make sure my items were delivered in great condition. Beautifully wrapped in tissue paper and ribbon, each item came in a little bag. I also received a free gift, a cute charm bracelet, with my order. I could not have been more chuffed, even my mum was impressed! She said it was like christmas!

balloon necklace

ring and bird earrings

apple core necklace

the beautiful packaging and free gift

I was so pleased with all my items-so the risk certainly paid off. I also received a great multi-coloured chunky bracelet which is not shown here because my camera decided to run out of battery! The balloon necklace and ring went perfectly with my outfit today so I know I will wear all these items. I think the lucky dip concept is a great idea as a birthday present for your friends due to its pretty packaging! Not to mention the cute designs that are stocked at Temporary:Secretary, who can't love an apple core necklace?!

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.

My Outfit of the Week #2

Here I am wearing an Adidas t-shirt with a high low grey skirt and stud belt from River Island, then a fur gilet from Next. This is a great example of how to make your wardrobe transition into the next season. I am also not quite ready to let go of the sport luxe trend so have played around with that style here too.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend, I am off to have a girlie night in with my friends and then sort out my wardrobe tomorrow. What are your plans?

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?

Dungarees? How to Style this late Summer Trend

Although in my title I have hinted that this is a late trend this summer it has actually been on the minds of celebs since May 2012. It however has only been brought to my attention through Rita Ora. Yesterday she performed at the V Festival wearing a pair of bright red dungarees.

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Since she became popular this year I have always envied her ability to throw together various garments and look effortless cool. My style is much more co-ordinated and however much I try I never feel comfortable clashing prints or colour. But I was a bit stumped by this outfit. Did she really need to add those Timberland boots?

But I didn't hate the dungarees. In fact with the whole one strap look it did actually look okay. I have had only one previous experience with this trend, aged about thirteen and swore never to go there again.

Rita may have taken the plunge yesterday but through some research I discovered that this summer many other celebs have been donning their 'rees.

Alexa Chung and Rachel Bilson

Here Alexa has kept the look simple by just adding some statement accessories, I especially love the cute ties on her shoes. Rachel Bilson looks equally as casual as she teams her baggy dungarees with a simple white t-shirt. Unfortunately I think this looks a little sloppy compared with her normal chic outfits.

If you still remained unconvinced by this trend, take some advice from Rihanna. She pulls of the look by adding a graphic t-shirt and rolling down the straps so that it only hints to the trend rather than embracing it completely.

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Here are my top picks for how to get this look on the high street at a great price:

Make a statement like Rita in these 'rees. From left: New Look sale £11 and Republic £35

Keep it cute in this dress like Alexa from River Island sale at £15 

Or choose the boyfriend fit like RiRi and Rachel. From left: Urban Outfitters £38 and Topshop £38

Has this changed your mind about this trend? Will you embrace it now? Please comment below :)

The London Olympics: What I wore

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of watching Team GB at Earls Court. It was for the women's Volleyball and I had an amazing day, witnessing an atmosphere unlike any other. There was music, cheerleaders and a continuous Mexican wave. Before the match I managed to buy a huge union jack scarf from Next that was great for waving in support. At £14 it was a bargain too!

My Next scarf and great flag too at £14

Here I am wearing a River Island jacket and camisole, Oasis Jeans and Office brogues. 

On Friday I jumped on the tube to Stratford and entered the Olympic park. For miles all I could see were swarms for people as they milled between the different venues. The architectural was incredible, the atmosphere spectacular. This time I would be seeing Men's hockey but unfortunately our session would not contain team GB. This did nothing to prevent me wearing patriotic colours however! Before we left for the park I managed to take these quick photos with my tripod.

This is an old denim waistcoat that I customised with some studs to update it, from Miss Selfridge. I am also wearing a Wallis necklace that I recently brought in the sale at £2

Here I teamed one of my best bargains (pleated H&M skirt at £3) with a French Connection striped top and a hint of red in my nail varnish.

Men's Hockey with Belgium vs South Korea

Tomorrow, I am at the Excel to watch the Boxing. I better start planning my outfit now..