Bargain Alert!

Basic Scallop Edged Vest
Where: Topshop
Colour: Black, Cornflower, Camel, Slate, Cream, Cranberry and Navy
How Much: £15

These are selling out fast and could you imagine it any other way, great tops at a mere £15.  These scalloped vest have an expensive touch and look and are versatile enough for work, nights out and daywear.  I've been down to Topshop and bagged the cream, the black and the cranberry and suggest you do the same asap!  Very on trend with the scalloped edge and trapeze cut!  Don't miss out, and don't inform your mates till you've bagged yours first!

Purchase of the Day!

Overdyed Pegleg Trousers
Where: Warehouse
How Much: £45
Colour: Light Blue

Great staple for your wardrobe, these pegleg trousers have a paperbag hareem feel and are remarkably comfortable, not to mention how soft they are.  Great trousers for a busy day as can be worn for work of play.  Although they are called light blue on the website they look pretty black.  I've been rocking them today with a baggy tee and boots great combo!  Available in store and on the website.

Fashion Freedom?

So I am back from Morocco and although the holiday was super it's great to be back in my usual shopping centre haunts.  Although I went to Morocco looking for some time out and a tan it provided a new way of looking at fashion for me.  There is a small shopping precinct in Marrakesh with European brands like Etam and Zara most of the locals do their shopping in the souks, a local open air market.  Within the souk there are stalls specialising in pottery, brass, spices and souvenirs but when it comes to fashion the stalls are few and far between.  There are the stalls with fake Louis Vuitton and Gucci and then the traditional dress stalls which stock leather sandals which are a far cry from this seasons gladiator style.  They consist of triangular pieces of  coloured leather which would not look out of place in an Ali-baba production at the local Theatre Royal.  The stalls also stock the traditional tunics which again come in a range of colours and are long and baggy with a triangular hood.  After watching locals in their outfits with nothing but fabric colour to differentiate from one another it made me feel grateful that I had the opportunity to express myself in my attire and that alongside that there was also enough choice around me so that I can express myself.  At points as guilty as this feels to admit it I felt pity for those people, I did not pity them for the way they live, or for where they lived their lives but for the lack of individuality they had.  When I feel uncomfortable in my clothes I feel trapped and I wondered if this was how these people felt.  After sitting on these thoughts for a while I started to question if it was possible that I'd got it all wrong, was it possible that I in fact was the trapped one.  While I had variety and choice when it came to fashion am I really free to wear what I want?  I would say 'No' every magazine tells me my hairs the wrong colour, every advert tells me I should loose weight, every music video makes me re-look at my wardrobe, if we all looked the same would the media be able to manipulate us the way it does?  Imagine if trends did not exist and we had the freedom to wear whatever we wished, the money that would be saved , the stress it would save and the effect it would have on the environment would be massive.  I would imagine a cotton tunic and leather sandals would beat stiletto boots and mini dresses in the comfort stakes too.
So this poses the question which culture is trapped,  what torture is greater the lack of choice or is the pressure to conform?  As a 20 something in 2010 pressure to conform is something I know all about, on a daily basis I question if my lipstick is the right shade of red, my trousers are the right length.  The scary thing that we have with our fashion culture is that it not only impacts us but hits our children just as hard.  I have spoken to girls as young as 9 who worry about their leg hair and girls of 11 concerned that they don't wear thongs, some to scared to do PE at school as they're afraid that their friends will ostracize them due to their choice of underwear.  Is this right, No, is it possible that the volume of choice has become to much and set us against each other, leaving everyone in constant competition to look the best or have the most, the simple answer is 'Yes'.  Are we at fault for this? Not completely, the burden must remain mostly on the media but we play our part.  For that reason we have the choice to make things change for the better with small steps, 'How', by putting less pressure on our girlfriends.  I urge you to encourage your friends to find the true them and embrace it even if their signature style is boot cut jeans, it may not be current but it's comfy and it suits them, and who knew they may just bring them back.
So remember next time you see that batty lady over the road with the pink hair,crazy shoes and glitter dress don't giggle at her appreciate her individuality and see if you too can learn something from her style!

Having a quick break!

Just a quick note to let you know I am off on holiday tomorrow and as a result my shopping will be put on hold for a whole week but I promise to be back soon with tales of Moroccan purchases and expect lots of swimwear updates!  Have a great week, happy shopping ladies, do me proud and get buying, those purchases of the day won't find themselves!!

Purchase of the Day!

Leopard Frame Sunglasses
Where: Topshop
How Much: £16
Colour: Leopard Print and Floral Print

What better purchase to make at the start of an Indian Summer weekend!  These sunnies are great fun and double smash the trends, animal print and a flat frame!  As many trends in one item as LOOK magazine!  Available in store or online and come with a cute little protective pouch.  Although these glasses are a fashion statement they are classic enough to wear day to day but are guaranteed to add a bit of kitsch to the most boring outfit!  I am off to Marrakech tomorrow and I intend to rock my outfits up the souks with these winners!

Is it really too expensive?

Shopping is my favourite pastime and in the past I was too eager to buy before looking at the price tag, but as the recession has crept up on me it has started to make me consider how much I spend on an item.  Is £200 for a pair of jeans too much? Is a top at £20 reasonable?  The real question is where is the item from and how often will I wear it?  I have a price system per store, so in Topshop a reasonable priced top is £25 and a reasonable priced dress £35, anything over these prices and I do a lap of the store to decide if I will really wear the item.  Different stores have different price systems so a reasonable top in H&M is about £12.99 and a dress £24.99, its important to bear this concept in mind when shopping, I promise it'll bring an end to your unwanted bargain finds in Primark!!  More important than having store pricings is to consider the items VPW, 'Value Per Wear', this has and will continue to be my shopping guardian angel as it puts things in perspective.  A pair of new G-Star jeans at £180 may seem a bit excessive but when you consider that the average pair of jeans is worn 428 times during it's three year life in your wardrobe it actually makes those G-Star jeans a mere forty-two pence per wear!!  Give up your daily chocolate bar and your jeans are paid for, who wants a chocolate bar anyway when you have new sexy jeans!  The VPW will really help when you are raiding value retailers like Primark and H&M, when you buy a top for £15 - £20 , really consider the VPW, is the item gonna be a one time hit if so, is £20 per wear a bit much?
However if my husband reads this and asks if I have considered my VPW on my Louboutins it is important to make everyone aware that we are looking at value per wear and they hurt like hell so I remove them at least 30 times per night out so actually a total bargain, even if I do only wear them once in a blue moon!!!!!

Purchase of the Day!

Chocolate worker ankle boots
Where: Debenhams
How Much: £50
Colour: Chocolate

In the past I've been one to knock Debenhams footwear it usually looks cheap and is behind the trends but these military boots are certainly competition for the rest of the high street.  The boots are by Red Herring and a real winner, to make them look a little more urban I suggest only lacing to the 4th eyelet, makes them less department store and more Brighton boutique.  As a fan off All Saints boots these are a mega close match, the best bit they don't come with the £165 price tag!  I suggest you pop to G-star with your saving to grab some baggy boyfriend jeans as they look great tucked in the boots, pair with a plain white tee and your good to go, instant style which is comfy too!

Heeling too old!?

Now as a fashion conformist I've had a heel or two in my time.  I have no problem buying beautiful shoes with amazing heels even though I know full well they'll spend their entire existence in my wardrobe.  I am aware this is a fashion crime, beautiful shoes deserve to go to the finest restaurants and the trendiest nightclubs.  My problem is while I could stand on a six inch all day long when I was 18 I now need to seek a bit of comfort in my shoes.  Why is it that seven years ago I could withstand a nine hour shift in platforms then change to an even higher heel for my stint in the local clubs.  I guess I could surrender and start wearing a lower heel but instead I have started devising ideas to get me through the evenings in the highest heel status possible.
 
Tip 1: Start hosting dinner parties, with 'Come dine with me' being so popular everyones into it and it gives you maximum sitting down time so your toes don't take your weight!
Tip 2: Invest in some rollasoles, a cute pair of flat pumps which are small enough to fit in your handbag.  When the burn gets to much pop these pumps on before the walk home.
Tip 3: Stick to platforms instead of heels as there is less pressure on the feet.
Tip 4: Heel switcharooney, here is a tip to having sexy long legs all day, as long as you wear different heels to work and play the change in heel height will make your feet feel as good as a rest!
Tip 5: Remember to break in before you breakout, shoes are never dance ready so give them a good break in first, my tip is around the house while you do the hoovering, another idea is a fitness DVD, if you can withstand the pain for the duration of the DVD you are definitely dance floor ready.
Tip 6: Maybe an old wives tale but maybe not, bath your feet in Epsom salts, then get a wine bottle out and roll it under the arches of your foot (have a glass or two, that'll dull the foot pain) then pop your feet into your shoes for the evening, works wonders.  Another extra tip is to warm the shoes up first.
Failing that pop some gel pads in your handbags girls!

Purchase of the Day!

Chunky Cobweb Snood
Where: Topshop
How Much: £16
Colours: Tobacco, Black and Plum

Knitted snood with cobweb effect, bang on trend and a great outfit maker!  Jeans and T-shirt not making you feel like a trendsetter pop this snood on and it'll instantly give your outfit some style.  Snoods are the in product on the urban scene this season with the likes of Jude Law, Kate Moss and the Saturdays making them a staple I'd suggest you get one quick.  A great piece for your changeable wardrobe too as it's an easy to remove warm layer.  I have this in the black and the tobacco but I would suggest the tobacco as a must as it's one of the colours that will be talked about this season.  On a budget, check out H&M they have a similar snood for £7.99.

Changeable weather, changeable wardrobes!

Is anyone else struggling with the changeable weather?  It's hard enough trying to put an outfit together in the morning each day let alone having to then make sure the outfit will withstand a complete 360 turn in temperature change.  I am finding that of a morning I am wrapped up in my leather jacket, with a boho scarf and military boots but come midday I am ready to pop on my gladiator sandals, what is a girl to do?  Apart from the pure annoyance of it I am ending up red faced and sweaty for my meetings or alternatively have to pop into Primark for a quick fix cardigan.  My advice for a perfect October outfit is of course to use some layering but more specifically think carefully!  Replace your boots with brogues a great early autumn staple, your feet won't get wet in them like they will in your sandals in the quick downpours but they are still airy enough to keep you cool in the warm afternoons.  Capri pants or Chinos in a heavyweight fabric are a good idea too, the thick fabric will keep you toasty but the gap between your trouser and shoe will give you some aeration.  On top keep to layering, a stylish silk top with a cardi and blazer jacket top it off with a chunky scarf, this look will give you a few options throughout the day, don't forget your most important October accessory.......... your umbrella ladies!

Purchase of the Day!

Stretch Flower Border Vest
Where: Topshop
How Much: £30
Colour: Off white with black print

I Purchased this today and love it, it gives the opportunity to do floral but with a sophisticated twist!  It has already had it's first outing with some black hareem pants, killer heels and a beige blazer.  Although not clear from the photo the top is quite sheer so can be worn with a white bra for a sexy night out look or pair with a black camisole for work wear.  Great with a blazer and heels or black skinnys for a more casual look.  It's available in store on online but be quick certain sizes have already sold out!

Net-Style: Wedding House is about to begin.

Net-Style: Wedding House is about to begin.: "Turn over to Channel 4 for 8pm as their new wedding reality TV show is about to start. 'Wedding House' has been tipped for the next big thi..."

Wedding House is about to begin.

Turn over to Channel 4 for 8pm as their new wedding reality TV show is about to start.  'Wedding House' has been tipped for the next big thing in reality TV, a show where couples get to make their fantasy weddings reality - sounds totally tacky and therefore I'm in! 

I only need what I want!

Defining need in shopping terms is nigh impossible, when we go on a country walk we need wellies, when we are starting a new office job we need some smart low sensible heels and yet although we know we need these items we don’t need them like we want a new pair of platform boots which admittedly have no need at all (apart from fulfilling our life).  I think it is true that when we look at need in a shopoholics terms what we are actually saying is that ‘buying essentials is an excuse to go to town’.  So when we venture into town at the end of the month on a limited budget needing new light bulbs and white sports socks what are the chances of bringing home the readies.  Inevitably we will end up with that new dress for tonight that we wanted instead of our 'need' items and as a result will walk about in rolled down black socks in the dark until pay day.  Why are we wired like this?  If you are reading this and are not a compulsive shopper you will of course opted for the sports socks and light bulbs and no doubt pocketed the change into savings and be left wondering why there is ever a need for a new dress when there are plenty in your wardrobe at home.  Let me fill you in on this, us compulsives have no control over our actions, we will stand in the cashier queue worrying how we will be able to read the paper each morning in the dark but the scent of a new purchase scrambles our brain.  I have been told in the past that this consumerist behaviour is linked to dealing with anger and sadness and will leave you regretful or depressed however my experience is quite the contrary.  The feeling I get with a new purchase (after my card has gone through without being declined) is that of elation, before I have walked out of the shop I know where my new purchase will sit in the wardrobe and what it will look best with for a night out with the girls.  What is more satisfying pleasing a need or pleasing a want?  I think it is fair to say that what is a need to one is in fact not an essential to another?  While one person can do without a new pair of platforms another will make do with a leaky tap.  So I guess what I have found in my shopping experience is that want and need are closer than we think and their true definition can only be determined by the user!
Would I change my days of living on super noodles for new super shoes?   Would I change the year I had without a TV license as I spent it on a holding payment on a new Gucci handbag?   Should I stop calling in sick on the last day of the month as I have run out of fuel and spent my last twenty pound the day before in Topshop?  More importantly would I turn the clock back and start living my life by need not want…………………….. no chance!

Purchase of the Day!

PU Quilted Jacket
Where: Warehouse
How Much: £55
Colours: Black and Stone

A great biker jacket, spot on fake leather, so far no one has realised it origin!  So on trend for this season but still classic enough that it can carry through to next season.  Very similar to the jacket Cheryl Cole wore on X Factor on Saturday, can't guarantee you'll look like Cheryl in it but it is worth a try!  Best thing, this jacket is not only likely to make you look bang on trend but it'll leave you with pennies in your pocket as your average  basic leather this season will set you back £140!  Net Style maths says you'd save £85 for this jacket best pop to Topshop for the new Annex boots with your saving!

Tiff bags next top model crown!

Well Britain's next top model is over till next season and our new NTM is crowned without a hitch unlike Australia's show.  Winner aside a disappointing show, a poor presenter with far too many replays and it has to be said although the Saturday girls are the hottest bods in the celeb kingdom right now their their live vocals left a lot to be desired as did Joy's Union Jack dress!  Loving Charlotte's bright blue eyeshadow, get yours from Rimmel, try 'Colour rush mono special effect' in 'Tempted or Alluring shade', currently available at ASOS for £2!

9pm Britain's Next Top Model Final Tonight!!

Don't forget to tune into Living this evening for the final of Britain's Next Top Model.  Elle has called the shots so far but now it is our chance, who will you pick to fly the flag for new talent on the fashion scene Joy, Alisha or Tiffany.  Finally the live show promo pics have been released and it's safe to say that finally Tiff has a winning hair doo!  I'll be backing Alisha, who will you be supporting?  Check back tomorrow for BNTM gossip!

Is less more?

Within fashion this is a very difficult concept, those outfits that are talked about for years after they’ve walked the red carpet are always more, they are embedded as a visual print in our minds for longer than we care to remember but realistically when we associate these memories with good taste there seems to be little to no link.  Think about it, can you visually recall any red carpet outfits in your mind without seeing Bjorks swan dress, Jordan’s pink slink round sequin number or one of Lady Gaga’s crazies!  Now although these fashion creations will receive ultimate press coverage it will almost certainly be for the wrong reasons.  You may wonder how this relates to you and your wardrobe, it’s simple…………… we all have those wild pieces in our wardrobe, that crazy neon green sequin dress we bought in the sale, the full length dress with wild horses printed on it or the 8 inch stilettos with red and blue heart detail which we looked fantastic in ten years ago.  While these pieces have probably been in our wardrobe for a few years the amount of times they’ve been worn could usually be counted on our ears alone, if that.  In fact a recent study of women’s wardrobes have found that within our closets us ladies alone are stashing £2.8 billion pounds worth of clothes that are not worn, this translated into individual talk equates to around 10 items per person.  Don’t get me wrong these bold items will make you feel like a celebrity and they’ll make you feel adventurous however that’s just when you are looking at them in your bedroom.  The issue is that as adventurous as they make us feel to gaze at them we are never adventurous enough to wear them, don’t feel defeated we all have those items but empower yourself and get rid.  By having these eccentric unworn items in our wardrobe it stops us from developing our own actual style, a basic wardrobe of things you actually wear is much easier to work, so go ahead clear it out.  What’s even more ideal about this scenario is there are women out there who believe it or not will pay a fortune for these obscure pieces so get them on Ebay and spend the gains on a new classic Mac or a well cut pair of jeans, staples you’ll feel great in and that will be talked about for the right reasons. 

Handy clear out tips:

• Throw out memory items, just because you wore something for a first date with your boyfriend doesn’t mean you need to hang onto it for your last date too.
• Don’t double season without a wear, fair enough you won’t get wear out of a summer dress in winter nor Ugg boots in summer but if you have two whole season without wearing something it’s ready to leave the wardrobe.
• Get rid of unworn showstoppers, you keep thinking there may be an opportunity to wear it down the line but realistically unless you are planning to join the circus any time soon I very much doubt it.

And it all started with a little red shoe!

Have you ever thought that your obsession with fashion was growing to dizzy heights?  Do you frequently lose whole days when you have just popped out for some new tights?  Do you find yourself falling for every trend?  Does the local Topshop assistant know you by name?  Have you lied in order to get that new 'it' dress?  Do you have sleepless nights wondering how you will afford your next handbag?  Do you love the feel of new clothes?  Has shopping stopped becoming a way of life for you and actually is now you life ....................................... well you are in good hands!!  From a lady who has faked car parking tickets to excuse money from her joint bank account for Topshop boots, spent days ebaying just in order to purchase a new All Saints dress, lived on super noodles for a fortnight to get a LBD and most commonly spent a small fortune on fashion magazines comes Net Style!!
I envisage this blog as a non stop shopping haven, I promise to update you on purchases and give you up to the minute advice on what to look out for in a boutique near you!  With an extensive retail background I'm always ahead of the trends but more importantly understand fashion is about the individual!  Fashion magazines are not there to be imitated, they are there for inspiration ,this is my advice.  We need to be realistic ladies while messy hair and mini skirts rock on the under twenty's its more Kate Bush on the moors on the over thirties, meanwhile classic vintage looks sexy and mysterious on an older woman and a little mum's dressing up box on the teens!  My advice just stay true to you, the you inside and you'll look great on the outside!
For me the obsession of shopping is not just that fresh feel of a new purchase but the whole package.  One of my greatest childhood memories was my first shopping experience, not my first shopping encounter but experience, where I recognised the feeling of being special that was linked with a shopping trip ........... I was six and I was in a shoe shop, the desired purchase red patent Mary Jane's for a family wedding.  I remember seeing the shoes, they were at that very moment in time the only thing I needed in my life, as I sat down and the shop assistant attended my Mother with a coffee and I a juice and a lolly.  Already I was feeling like a very important six year old, as she measured my feet and brought me the correct size, I hit princess status, dancing around the store in my new princess slippers.  I can remember the battle to remove them from my feet and the clincher of the deal was that they would be wrapped in magic tissue, with that I pulled them off as I observed the assistant wrap them delicately as if they were pieces of fine art, for me that is of course exactly what they were.  This day marked a huge point in my life, it was the start of my daily obsession of playing shoe shops but more importantly it marked the day that would shape my work life and spare time, I had become a slave to shopping.............and I would not change it for the world!