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?

Sheer: Inspired by Topshop Unique S/S 2013 for Autumn 2012

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Ever since last Friday I have been glued to the twitter feed on my phone. I have moved into my new flat in Cardiff and won't have proper internet until mid October, an obvious nightmare for a blogger, so I might be a bit AWOL until then. However I have managed to throw this post together, but apologies for the picture quality, I had to compress the pictures and it has not done the picture any favours (note to self never do this again). Anyway, back to last Friday. Of course the reason for my latest Twitter addiction is London Fashion Week.One of the shows to really catch my eye was Topshop Unique. As I am a high street fashion addict I always await this show with pride. I think it is fabulous a high street retailer can make the catwalk. 

For spring 2013 Topshop Unique embraced the 'sheer' trend and I loved it! By sheer luck (excuse the pun) I found this gorgeous black panelled top in H&M in the sale (£10). I thought it hinted to next seasons trend perfectly and would be a great update for my wardrobe.

I wore it last night and thought I better take a few pictures as I never do a 'night out' outfit post. I teamed this sheer top with a neon bandeau top which co-odinated with my new neon H&M necklace (£6.99), a faux leather skirt from Wallis and simple black wedges from New Look. I really loved this outfit especially the dipped hem at the back with different sheer panels. 

What do you think? Have I managed to pull of this look, inspired by Topshop Unique? Please let me know your thoughts!

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

My Outfit of the Week #3

Yesterday I went to Radio 2's 'festival in a day' in Hyde Park and this is what I wore. I decided to really have fun with my outfit, a sort of celebration of all the festival fashion I had witnessed this summer. I always feel quite shy wearing hats, but yesterday I did not think twice. I absolutely love this trilby from H&M, it fits me perfectly so it always makes me think it was created just for me! I also wore my favourite Disco Pants from Glamorous, if you want a pair I have seen them stocked in House of Fraser, so you can even get them on the high street! This Topshop t-shirt is also one of my favourites as although I brought it last year it is still very much on trend. Finally my old faithful denim cut-off jacket from Miss Selfridge is perfect for festivals as it keeps me cool but adds a little extra warmth. Oh! How could I nearly forget my bum bag, which I borrowed off my dad but somehow has stayed in my hands. It is my festival essential as you can dance freely but still have all your possessions handy.

Here I wear: Miss Selfridge jacket, Topshop t-shirt, Glamorous disco pants and bum bag!

The whole day was fabulous. I have never been to a festival with such a nice atmosphere, everyone was so friendly and I loved the way you could bring your own picnic. It was like a giant garden party! Not to mention all the talented acts that entertained us all day. My personal highlights was Rebecca Ferguson who looked stunning in a gold dress and nude killer heels. Jessie J also smashed it and got everyone dancing from teenagers to fifty somethings. It was the perfect end to the summer. 

Me and two of my best friends enjoying the sun and music!  (photo courtesy of Alex Flegg) 

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?!

Delilah in Topshop for FNO: Get the Look!

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Currently grey and neon are my favourite colour combination. So, when I saw this picture of Delilah performing at Topshop in Oxford Circus for Fashion Night Out, I was compelled to blog. I love the neon lace peplum skirt teamed with the casual top. Kudos for adding some statement jewellery to the look too! Here is how to get this style:

Peplum neon skirt: £40, open shoulder top £14 *currently out of stock online, bra necklace £30, skull and spike bracelet set £12.50

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.

Recycling the High Street: Ebay

leather Trousers, denim shirt, embellished skirt and basic blouse all available for bids on Ebay

This summer has been a struggle as my search for a job was fruitless. But my salvation has been Ebay as I have auctioned off my past high street buys to others. Throughout the past months I have kept up the habit and it has given me some much needed money. The irony that this money has been spent on more high street clothes has not been lost on me. It is just an endless cycle.

Today I have spent the whole day sorting through my wardrobe, putting nearly thirty items onto Ebay in the hope that others will love what I now cannot afford to keep. If you would like to see what I am auctioning, (today it ranges from leather trousers to cute embellished skirts) then please have a look at my ebay account HERE.

If you do fancy bidding on some of my items lovely bloggers, then please let me know. If you win I will give you free postage as a thank you :)

Have you relied on Ebay this summer? What has been your best ebay purchase?

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?