Clothes Haul

Being an unemployed graduate means that shopping trips just aren't as frequent as they once were. The termly student loans seem such a distant memory away now. Anyway, having worked pretty hard last month with my two part time jobs, I decided to treat myself. I was all geared up to push the boat out in Topshop and River Island which, given the state of my bank balance, are practically Chanel and Dior in my world. Walking in, I got that glorious waft of brand new fabrics, that are yet to be worn and are just begging to come home and grace my wardrobe. Little do they know, I actually have no room left in my wardrobe and so they would have to be hung on the outside of it...but hey, its not like I'm rehousing a dog or something.
I walked around both shops, literally praying that something would jump out and grab me, alas it did not happen. I was genuinely disappointed with the selection in Topshop; it was well past January sale season but they still had a large, messy sale rail near the front of the store and there were very few of the SS12 trends I would expect to see in a store that prides itself on bringing high end fashion to the high street in record times.
River Island's clothes were a lot better than the last few seasons. I actually love RI and think it is the place to go if you want something a little more unique and less generic than Topshop...it is heartbreaking when you see twenty other girls and sometimes guys wearing the jacket you bought last week in the same town and, heaven forbid, wearing it better than you. What I am also pleased to see in RI is that the prices appear to have dropped dramatically. I really feel that Topshop has become so overpriced what it is as of late, almost as if it has become a little too big for its boots. A high street leader it may be, but I don't want to pay for champagne when I'm actually getting sparkling wine. That's not to say that the products in Topshop aren't great; they are. And the quality is also excellent. But if RI can reduce its prices without compromising its quality then I don't see why Topshop cannot do the same.

A selection of jewellery from New Look and Primark

Anyway, I have digressed. I ended up in New Look, a shop I have overlooked in recent years as somewhere more appropriate for 12 year olds looking to emulate their favourite trend setting icons but I cannot resist a bargain and couldn't resist when I saw that they had a BOGOF on jewellery. I managed to purchase some beautiful rings, with a real vintagey, antique feel to them, as well as some coral heart earrings, and a chunky beaded charm bracelet. The best thing of all was that I only paid £8 for the lot!
The next stop was Primarni. My issue with Primark is that I always see such gorgeous things in magazines from the store, but I go in there and I can never find anything. I was again, a little disappointed. My least favourite trait within a store is when mannequins are dressed in an item and it is nowhere to be seen. In theory, the item is supposed to be right next to the mannequin, yet in Primark this wasn't the case and they definitely lost themselves a few sales because, in all honesty, I couldn't be bothered to traipse around trying to locate the top I wanted, mainly because it was probably hidden underneath a pile of leggings. I did manage to pick up a few sleeveless blouses from Primarni...you know the ones with the cute collars? One was in the gorgeous mint gelato colour which has been so big at the SS12 shows such as Prada and Jonathan Saunders.

Primark Blouses

I seemed to have a small jewellery fetish on this shopping spree because I also bought a gorgeous vintage inspired necklace with a floral pattern printed on to a ceramic-esque heart as well as a floral bow ring with matching necklace. The last stop was H&M where I purchased a beautifully feminine boucle jacket. The tweed style fabric was reminiscent of Chanel's infamous suits and for £29.99, the quality and cut was incredible. The shape the jacket creates is great and definitetly value for money. The great thing about it is, that it can be dressed up or down. It will look great with some jeans. There is also a bright orange thread running through the dusty pink colour of the jacket which brings a modern edge to a classic style.

H&M Boucle Jacket

Close up of jacket fabric

Overall, despite the shaky start, it was a remarkably successful trip which has eased my shopping urges. Better get back to work so I can fund the habit as I don't suppose Mr Pradatini will be splashing out any time soon.

Little Miss Pradatini

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