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.

Time for a Revival: I'm not wearing Vintage

Source

Why and when did the phenomenon of wearing vintage explode?

I remember when there would be cries of disbelief that people would want to wear second hand clothes. And now? I almost feel ashamed to show off my new high street outfit. Suddenly the right choice these days is to spend your pennies on clothes that have a delightful aroma of out of date perfume. Now, don't get me wrong, it is nice to occasionally nip into a charity shop and find an usual piece of jewellery that will look great with my new dress, but whenever I have tried to embrace the 'buying actual clothes part' they always remain at the back of my wardrobe. 


Quite frankly old clothes just do not excite me. 

Kate Moss models for Mango 2012

And why would they, when on my doorstep we have shops filled with affordable creative designs in good quality fabrics. The high street receives so much bad press that people fail to acknowledge how lucky we are to have so much choice within clothing. Shopping for me is like visiting a museum, I find it enriching rifling through the rails and seeing the innovative designs there. Places like Topshop are even transgressing onto the catwalk with their Topshop Unique range. But I worry that all too soon the boarded up shops that are becoming a regular sighting will stamp the end of our high street.

Source

 As I surveyed the sight of a closed La Senza I realised it was time for a change before, sadly, it is too late. A couple of months ago I went to review a River Island student lock in. I stood in the enormous queue waiting for the shop doors to open. Not even the pouring rain dampening my spirits. It proved there are still people out there who value our high street.

I have started this blog to illustrate how wonderful our British high street is and hope to bring the focus back on our retailers. As i am an avid high street shopper I hope I can bring my ideas on what to wear this season and how to get the look with high street garments. My target audience is anyone who believes: out with the old and in with the new! Keep reading if you love the high street, never wear vintage but still feel you have a quirky individual style!

 

Happy Shoppers: students queuing up in Swansea waiting for an exclusive discount at River Island