Winter Bits and Bobs!

Ok I lied, uni is overtaking my life and I broke the promise to blog every week! But I'm forcing myself to stick to time plans even if I have countless samples, sketchbook work + a Christmas craft fair to organise and make for. Which I'm very excited about with Christmas literally just around the corner! My knitwear is officially out nearly every day and I'm making DIY lace and brown paper gift tags as we speak. I love getting crafty at this time of year as Christmas decor is all about re-using things again and again, plus things like gift tags take a minute to make!

Below I've put together some of my current favourites from this year's winter ranges...

Dunelm Mill & Kirstie Allsopp for Tesco:

Dunelm are doing a beautiful Nordic inspired range at the moment, with cosy throws, lanterns, fairy lights, etc. at the forefront-
Throw: £6.99, Floral Storage Box: £3.99, Floral Lights: £3.49, Tea Light Holder: £4.99, Heart Box: £4.99, Canvas: £14.99

Kirstie Allsopp (my part craft idol) has produced a range for Tesco and I absolutely fell in love with the patterns when I saw the collection-
Note Cards: £8, Box File: £10, Photo Album: £12

Fashion Union:

Biker Coat: £50, Cropped Fluffy Jumper: £25, Check Coat: £60, Floral Tartan Dress: £24, Rabbit Jumper: £18, Snood: £9, Velvet Skirt: £16, Chelsea Boots: £25

Topshop:

Tartan Skirt: £32, Cable Knit Jumper: £46, Nails in Moondance: £6, Lips in Beguiled: £8, Rabbit Jumper: £45, Pom Pom Scarf: £16, Pinafore: £15, Fur Clutch: £30, Shorts: £34, Fur Jacket: £68, Boots: £190 

Cath Kidston:

Cup and Saucers: £30, Fabric Bundle: £25, Floral Bag: £50, Mac: £30, Scrapbook: £12, Lamp: £48, iPhone Case: £24.95

AW13- The Trends

Fashion Week is fast approaching and fashionistas around the world are preparing for yet another intake of what trends we'll be inspired by and wearing in Spring/Summer 2014. Like many, I anticipate what direction designers and brands are going to take next and lust over the designs that grace the catwalk and beyond. 

The fashion world witnessed Autumn/Winter 2013 collection shows back in February and I'm looking forward to reviewing some of my favourite looks from Spring/Summer 2014 shows in an upcoming post. With the introduction and development of high street brands now hitting the catwalk such as Topshop Unique, H&M and a collaboration between Rihanna and River Island, many of us can now shop the trends at a reasonable price. Whilst we hold onto the last of this year's Summer fashion, I've put together some of my favourite pieces that are shaping key looks for the months ahead.

Topshop: Tartan Tee- £30, Trousers- £42, Skull Scarf- £22, Miss Selfridge: Printed Tee-£32, Printed Playsuit- £39, ASOS: Shredded Jumper- £28

 

Miss Selfridge: Floral Print Dress- £45, Printed Organza Dress- £25, Topshop: Ruffle Top- £34, Zip Satchel Bag- £32, Zara: Floral Blouse- £25.99

Topshop: Cobweb Snood- £16, Mini Block Heel T-Bar Shoes- £35, Fashion Union: Rabbit Knit Jumper- £18, Primark: Pastel Coat- £25, Zara: Trousers- £29.99

Forever 21: Floral Jumper- £19.75, Boohoo: Leather Buckle Wedge- £25, Dorothy Perkins: Floral Necklace- £12.50, River Island: Check Tee- £28, Sandals- £55, Accessorize: Bag- £13.50, Fashion Union: Jumper- £15

Primark AW13 Collection

Primark, Primark, Primark. I applaud you. Never have I been so amazed by the success of a budget fashion chain like them this year so far. After recently teaming up with ASOS, the online retailer reported a huge surge in sales after beginning the partnership with the company. 

Now I know that the words "Primani" and "sweatshop" in the same sentence are seen to argue the reflection on the production quality of clothing made for the thousands of fashion forward individuals that shop at Primark. The dissertation I recently wrote is based on a very similar topic where I considered the argument of urban and rural China and why certain areas are bound by eco and ethical concern. It's a topic as a consumer and fashion student that I feel very strongly about and it always brings debate when talking about Primark especially. To those that shun the company though for the standards that production workers endure, I feel that we should take note and look at other high street stores and how their products are also produced. Primark aren't the only ones and as a budget chain, they seem to receive the hardest criticism.

Despite the name they may have made for themselves in terms of production, the company continue to provide many of us with their thrifty fashion forward clothing and accessories at budget prices and this continues with their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. The latest collection is formed around the grunge look- a continuation of the 90s Nirvana style currently being seen left, right and centre in Spring/Summer collections from designers such as Phillip Lim and Dries Van Noten. 

Priced between £6-£30, it's certainly a collection that will fulfill the demands of any clothing budget. Here are my favourites from the collection: 

Uber cute pinafore dress! This could be worn all year round and I could see it being worn with....

This pastel knitted jumper! The colour combination works so well and teamed with woolly tights it could provide such a lovely winter outfit.

SHOES SHOES SHOES. Can never have too many! I'm loving the black and cream strapped flats at the bottom left & right.

MORE SHOES! These move away from the grunge look that the main collection targets but they would go with any outfit and are perfect for any season.

Pastel tones have been the lovechild of my summer thus far and these pieces send me Topshop Unique vibes seen in their own AW collection. I love!

Front view of the coat above left. Look at that collar and the fit looks absolutely amazing. This may just have to be my new Winter coat!

Tartan- a pattern notorious for its part in grunge inspired clothing. 

These Paisley trousers (£16) are seriously cool. Forever 21 are also currently selling a similar pair slightly cheaper than Primark but I think this whole outfit works extremely well together.

This contrast top would also work well with the denim pinafore dress and is a striking addition to the collection.

What do you think about Primark's upcoming collection? I think it's fantastic value for money for any budget and there are some key pieces which can be recycled into other seasons.