Archive for the ‘Bargain Hunter’ Category

I’ve always steered away from store cards for the simple fact that “high interest rates” and “crippling debts” have to be two of the scariest phrases used within the English language.
Recently though, I’ve found myself leaning towards being in favour of this said store card.

I mean, I can see how everyone cringes and shudders and holds up handmade crucifixes at the mere mention of the word, but I don’t think the guys behind these store cards are the mind-warping crooks we make them out to be.

I mean sure, the guys at the Bank companies don’t exactly cut off their right arm to tell you about payments, but it’s not hard to work out how long you have left before the dreaded interest rates start teaming in.

The key, my friends, is to use the store card only when it is absolutely necessary. Look out for the shockingly brilliant discount days and take advantage. Providing you know you can definitely pay off the debt within the next month or so, then there should be no reason to get behind with payments and end up in a sea of drowning paper statements and red-lettered notices.

For the most part, I think I’d rather pay outright for an item of clothing than deal with the hassle of paying at a later date. Saying that, though, some retail outlets are so desperate to have you use their store card that they’re willing to give you a whole chunk of money off in the mere hope you might forget to make your next payment. Totally worth it, if you ask me.

Question time: What is your take on the whole store card fiasco? Useful or totally, evilly unnecessary? Any cringeworthy or positive experiences?

I’m not a fan of Ms. Moss but kudos to her, Sophie Ellis Baxter and Lily Cole for alerting me to the latest revolution in nail colour technology.

Ladies beware: I think I have found the answer to speedy drying yet chip resistant polish. And, what’s more, it’s only £2.99 a bottle. Behold…. Rimmel’s I ♥ Long Lasting nail polish!

You know, I’m not much of an advertisement whore but I’m completely head over heels in love with this product. I wouldn’t even consider myself much of a nail fanatic; if anything I find nail polish shopping a chore and a bore rather than a God-given pleasure.

But there is something about the Hotshot and Electric shades which really caught my eye when skipping my way through Boots the other day. And what’s more, the cute “♥” symbol on the packaging really appealed to my girlieness. Proof, then, that it really is the smallest of things which make your day, and that I really am so gullible as to be won over by a ‘♥’ symbol on the packaging of a nail polish bottle.

On the subject of hands, I also decided to update my ring collection now that the high street is awash with super-discounted jewellery sales. The dimpled oval ring on my index finger was an absolute steal at £2 from Wallis (reduced by £8!) and the very fussy beaded piece on the middle digit was slightly more expensive at £9 from Oasis. I felt the detailing was worth it though, and being a student meant I got a couple of quid off the price tag!

Oh man, I am such a sucker for cocktail rings and pretty nail polish colours. What are your favourite nail polishes, and are you a fan of pretty rings? Spill.

(Scarf: Marks & Spencer, Dress: H+M, Cardigan, Sunglasses and Shoes: Primark)

So the other day I happened to accidentally stumble into Sandhurst’s very big and very impressive Marks & Sparks, and simply couldn’t resist this faux fur scarf despite my more-than-just-a-little-bit-embarrassing credit rating.

Don’t you just love it? I have to say, I really seem to be developing a fetish for all things fur lately. Faux fur, may I add, before PETA start chucking rubber maggots and red paint at me.

So lovely dear squishy readers, please do tell me what you think of this fabulous fur revival. I think I am very almost tempted to raid the January sales in the hope of grabbing me an absolutely furtastic coat bargain. That, or I might actually start to bother raiding the local thrift/charity stores.

P.S. – Follow me on Google Friend Connect if you like this blog! >> Please look to your right :)

.
These days its easy to ignore the feminine florals we all know and love from our childhood years, what with the terms military, edgy and rock-chick floating about this season’s catwalks like some kind of contaminating disease. So here’s a little preview of today’s outfit – a cheeky rebellion towards the gothic blacks and metallics that contemporary fashion demands. Of course, a little modern twist had to be included with the addition of opaque tights, big, chunky black workman boots and my favourite woolly coat from Jane Norman which everyone else seems to acquire these days.
.
Oh, and before I forget to add, the dress came from a little boutique called “Miss Butterfly” in Southampton. I’m pretty sure the boutique pops up elsewhere across the UK too; in fact, I remember first discovering it in London’s Brent Cross, much to the sheer frustration and annoyance of the boy, who could barely move my frozen figure which stuck, rooted to the floor, gazing at all the beautiful laces and pastels and silks and other girlie bits.
.
P.S. I promise to write a “proper” post within the next week, but uni work is being a tad demanding at the moment!
.
P.P.SMaddie, if you’re reading this, your entire wardrobe appears to be sitting idly in my front room. Please collect your beautiful garments before I find myself wandering around in your very lovely metallic green snood. I might just write a post about it.

Seeing as I have nothing else to write about, I thought I’d share a picture of Sunday’s mostly-black-but-not-so-wack outfit. Ok, so it’s nothing particularly special or awe-inspiring, but it features one of the comfiest dresses known to man, and for that reason alone, I feel it deserves a post to itself.

This dress, ladies and gentlemen, is my one true love, my saviour, my knight in not-so-shiny-but-black armour. This dress, ladies and gentleman, is the £16 Warehouse parachute dress. And I’m not going to lie; that £16 was the best £16 I’ve ever spent. Ever.

In reality, I’m not cut out to be a haute-couture-vintage-wearing-label-bashing fashionista. I know that. I just like my clothes. (Maybe a bit too much, but that’s not for me too decide). The point is, I’ve recently found myself waking up and reaching for the same old trusty wardrobe classics, day after day. Only very occasionally do I feel my inner artiste creatively surging through the mismatching garments and accessories, throwing anything together with as much creative endeavour as I can muster.

That’s why, my friends, the odd simple and ridiculously comfortable garment should be an acceptable statement piece within the wardrobe of any burgeoning fashion enthusiast. Providing, of course, it doesn’t involve tracksuit bottoms or anything which can’t be dressed up as well as down.

So ladies, a stylish but wonderfully casual and comfortable parachute dress is very much recommended for this season. Layer with long sleeved tops and tights to combat those winter chills, or simply belt up and accessories with long necklaces and big bangles for evening glam!

QUESTION TIME: What are your favourite staple pieces in your wardrobe? Do you have a simple dress or garment which you find yourself wearing time and time again?

I’ve just realised this post is very similar to a previous post regarding classic wardrobe items. Oops.

P.S. Big thank you to everyone who has complimented and supported this blog! You know who you are!