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 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

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 :)

Tricky Trend: Satin Lace PJ Shorts

T-shirt  and lace shorts from Urban Outfitters, bag from Topshop, flower flip flops from Office and necklace from Dorothy Perkins 

I woke up this morning and thought, today I'm going to wear those lace shorts I brought in the sale but thought I would never wear. Suddenly I was inspired to tackle this tricky trend. We all know that the pyjama pant has been all over the high street and looks greats with a loose vest and blazer. A trouser that looks incredibly chic. But these shorts were slightly trickier to style. I only decided to buy them because they were Urban and a steal at £9 (could you have resisted?). They were also incredibly comfy and I had visions of adding some thick tights and a top for a cheeky night out.

But today I've simply worn my favourite t-shirt and added accessories to try and prevent the outfit looking like it's bedtime. What do you think? Have I managed to pull off this look?

Marks and Spencer in Fashion Crisis?

My complete Marks and Spencer outfit at £43 (shoes, bag, necklace not inc)

Recently I have been hearing with great sadness that Marks and Spencer's has been struggling in the current economic climate. It has been reported that they have had a 6.8% fall in sales of general merchandise, the worst they have had in three years. This illustrates that the British store, which has been around for 128 years could be in jeopardy. 

When I heard this news I was admittedly confused. The brand have, in my eyes, only been improving. With their ranges like Limited Collection and Autograph they now appeal to the younger adult, and their basics are still fantastic quality. But unfortunately my opinion appears to be the minority. Kate Bostock, who has been the head of clothing for Marks and Spencer's for the past eight years has reportedly had to step down due to these low figures.

 I can only say I am baffled. Marks and Spencer's never falters with quality, their prices are still completely competitive against the other high street stores and they do create stylish garments. But something must have changed. Maybe their attempts at re-branding, with fancy adverts and celebrity models, have not been quite as effective as they, and indeed I, first thought. 

Marks and Spencer's do not try to be Topshop, or Urban or even Zara. But this does not mean that if you like these shops you should rule out M&S. Recently I checked out their sale and found this gorgeous pink blazer for £20. These on-trend silky pyjama pants were also in the sale at £20 and there was this pale pink tank at £4. That is under £50 for an outfit I know I will wear again and again because of the high quality of the fabrics and great fit. 

Hopefully this outfit will inspire you to take a look inside M&S again and see what they have to offer. Please let me know on what you think of this topic. What can Marks and Spencer's do to compete with the other high street retailers? 

I love this pink blazer because it is so versatile, perfect for summer days&nights: £20

These trousers are a great fit, hiding my tummy and accentuating my waist: £20

I accessorised by adding this Topshop chain necklace (old) and Clarks stud sandals (old)

My bargain of the Week: Urban Outfitters £9 Tee

I found this t-shirt when I visited Cardiff last week. It was hanging on its own amongst a bunch of dresses in Urban Outfitters. I snapped it up immediately, as I knew the dip dye/ tie dye print is totally on trend and would look great with some jeans. They only had a large so I wear it baggy, but I like the slouchy look. I also have a suspicion that it is supposed to be a cropped tee, so the extra size makes it that bit longer- and easier to wear! At £9 it is a fashion steal!

Here I have added a Topshop necklace which I also got in the sale. Urban has some great items still in the sale so if you have one near, definitely pop in. Let me know if you get any last minute bargains!

The Graduate Girl

Possibly the most uncomfortable outfit I have ever worn, the cap and gown will never make the catwalk. Here I am with my gorgeous boyfriend who wears Ted Baker. 

How did 12 days go so fast? I cannot believe my last post was such a long time ago. But please forgive me, as I have been uber busy trying out too many different jobs, then finally donning my cap and gown for my graduation (!). I have seen that lots of bloggers have done Instragram posts of their week so as I have been trying to take more pictures to illustrate my current chaos! 


Graduation was probably my hardest fashion challenge as there were so many factors to consider. I needed something that was quite long to contain my dignity as I did not fancy showing the audience my underwear. Then it needed to be a colour that actually went with the gown-I went navy as it is my favourite colour and complemented my University colours of claret and silver. I opted for a nude blazer too, but slightly regretted this as it would have probably looked better in silver. However it looked nice with my ankle cuff shoes from River Island so it did not bother me too much. I kept the look pretty simple with only some pearls to add a small touch as the gown is so fussy and heavy anyway! 


I saw some really beautiful outfits by some of the other graduates. My favourite being a yellow prom puff dress a la Carrie Brandshaw which one graduate chose, she told me later it was especially made for the occasion! The peplum was also a popular choice and I think Zara wins the high street graduate prize as many outfits had undoubtedly been brought in their store! It was a memorable day and for any other fellow graduates out there, congratulations! 

Mum & Me: She wears Coast dress and Minuet shrug, I wear Urban Outfitters lace dress, Warehouse jacket and belt

My gorgeous disco pants by Glamorous, but they had a rip in them so I had to send them back :(. Top by River Island, kimono by Zara and heart necklace by Miss Selfridge

This was the outfit I wore to travel in; skirt by Warehouse, top by Topshop, fringed waistcoat by H&M 

Basically bored in the car to Swansea so I admired my nude nails and St Tropez spray tan by Champneys after reading this months Company magazine.

After 3 amazing years, I will never forget this place. 

So, that is a small snapshot of my past week. Now its back to the wonderful world of the high street and everything it has to offer. 

High Street Looks #1

This week, for the first time, I decided to take a picture every day of my outfit choice. The pictures are not the best quality, so bear with me, but hopefully you will get an idea of how I mix the high street into my style. This blog will primarily still have fashion news but, to add a more personal touch, I have opted to see what the reaction is to this sort of post! Please add your comments and tell me if you hate or love my outfit!

merging print

Shirt: Topshop, Sweatshirt: Topshop, Jeans: Marks and Spencer, Bag: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Topshop

studs and things

Jacket: Miss Selfridge (studs added for customisation), Dress: Asos, Shoes: Clarks

 strawberry picking

Fringed waistcoat: H&M, Vest: Topshop, Trousers: Cheap Monday @Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Schuh, Bag: Urban Outfitters, Headband: Miss Selfridge, Sunglasses: Primark

fifty shades of grey

T-shirt: Urban Outfitters, Jumper: Topshop, Jeans: Vero Moda, Shoes & Bag: Topshop

a rainy day

Raincoat: Limited Collection @Marksandspencers, T-shirt, bag and shoes: Topshop, Jeans: Marks and Spencers

Jacket: River Island, Blouse: Miss Selfridge, Skirt: H&M, Necklace: Primark, Shoes: Marks and Spencers

hired or fired?

Best of the Sales: Urban Outfitters 1000s of new items added

Lace shorts NOW £40 

My next sale analysis comes from my favourite high street retailer. When I hear a sale has hit Urban Outfitters I get butterflies in my stomach with excitement and my bank balance quivers in dread. I am such a sucker for Urban, I could spend all day in their shop-what with their mix of cool music and quirky outfits. I remember my first ever outfit I brought there, I was about sixteen and remember looking in the mirror in their changing rooms (don't you just love how big they are?!) and thinking I had finally managed to look like the indie chick I had always wanted to be. Although I may have grown out of the band t-shirts and clashing skirts, Urban has just grown with me. 

So far I have managed to avoid the sale, I know it can't last much longer as they have just announced that new lines have been added. Here are my favourite picks from these new items!

High waist bikini, bottoms £13 and top £10

Ripped denim shorts was £40 NOW £20

Split midi skirt was £42 NOW £20

Maxi Aztec Skirt was £40 NOW £20 

This would be perfect for festivals and is a bargain at £20

This dress was £58 and NOW £30 

Hackney Weekend Festival Fashion

So this weekend I was extremely lucky as I attended Radio 1's Hackney Weekend on Saturday, where I danced to the likes of Nero, Maccabees and of course of the incredible Jay Z. It was such an amazing day and I kept my eye out for all the festival fashion! Denim shorts were the usual staple, but dip hem dresses and skirts made a new entry as ladies teamed them with their wellies. Florence and the Machine rocked this trend on the Sunday when she wore this beautiful dress below: 

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I also saw so many people in disco pants by American Apparel- I was incredibly envious as they looked as amazing as what the reviews say! They have risen even higher on my wish list now..One lady that I thought would have definitely donned some of these beautiful pants was Jessie J, as she always seems to be in them these days. For this gig however she wore some quirky black and white leggings and orange crop top. Not one of my favourite looks from this singer but glad to see the blunt fringe bob is back!

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My favourite outfit of the weekend though, which some may think is surprising, was from Rihanna. She wore a graphic t-shirt, tiny shorts, fish net cycling shorts and lots of gold bling. This may not sound like a fashionistas favourite attire, but I loved the fact she wore something fun and actually quite wearable for a festival. She did not wear sky high heels, and although most of us could never wear shorts THAT tiny, her outfit provided us all with a little inspiration for the coming festivals. I love the fact that it looked like she had put on what she felt comfortable in, even if it might not have been a favourite outfit for the fashion critics! I also need some of those sunglasses for future festivals! 

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A fellow cycling shorts lover was myself, as I decided to layer some H&M lace ones over tights. I added a bold print dress from Wallis, parka from New Look, rucksack from Urban Outfitters and chunky gold necklace from Dorothy Perkins. Not forgetting my Primark essentials, some sunglasses and white pumps that I customised with some studs.