Posts Tagged ‘Topshop’

There’s no doubt that the brains behind Topshop are good ones. Sir Philip Green and his empire have worked incredibly hard to provide us (the average everyday consumer) with high fashion pieces at affordable high street prices. And now, with Green’s favourite high street retailer making itself known stateside as well as over here, more and more of us fashion-conscious people are immersing ourselves in the greatness that is the Topshop brand.

But whilst I have very few negative comments to make with regards to Topshop and its endless collections, I can’t help but feel that its infectious spread on the consumer nation has resulted in the rise of the “Topshop Tabitha”s.

“Topshop Tabitha” is a young girl, probably between the ages of 16-23, usually still financially dependant and scrounging off her parental guardians, though she may be partial to a little part-time work in the customer service department of a well-known superstore. Tabitha is fashion-conscious, but not necessarily fashion-savvy. She reads well-known fash trash such as Look and More, yet she could never tell her Balenciaga from her Bottega Vaneta.
As the name might suggest, Topshop Tabitha spends what little money she has on… well, you guessed it… Topshop. Everything she wears is Topshop. The skirt, the shoes, the jeans and the tops. All. Bloody. Topshop. When Topshop Tabitha goes to flaunt her latest trendy finds at yet another college friend’s party, she finds herself surrounded by similarly-clad Tabithas. Sound somewhat familiar?

I think I was a bit of a Topshop Tabby at one point. Scratch it, I was. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with proving your loyalty to your favourite retailer sometimes. And believe me, I’m in no way making a mockery of the Topshop Tabithas out there – better to be fashion conscious than completely fashion indifferent, no?!
But when it comes to originality, us ladies can never win with the big brand names, no matter how lovely they are. There’s only one way to avoid wearing those same damned key pieces as everyone else – and that’s to vary where you shop. Vary vary vary. Oh, and throw in a bit of vintage too, that’s always original.

So, I admit, with this very lacy, very ruffly outfit all courtesy of Topshop, I was a little worried I might be joining a whole host of other Tabithas as I handed over my debit card. Thankfully though, I made sure the pieces were selected from the “Last chance to buy” rail, which hopefully might mean they’re somewhat limited edition…?! Or maybe I just need to stop worrying about everyone else having the same clothes. If I was really that bothered, I’d stick to my mother’s hand-me-downs or something. I hope you like the outfit by the way – I’m planning to wear this with patent black heels and black opaque tights for mine and Julius’ first year together.

Question time: How do you feel about Topshop? Are you a fellow Topshop Tabitha, or are you far more varied in your wardrobe choices?

Fight as you might, there’s no denying that Winter is here. But fear not ladies, because if anything is going to save you from the sadistic whips of Winter’s winds this season, it’s your chunky knitted accessories.

Yes, it’s true, chunky is definitely funky. Topshop, Vivienne Westwood and Julien MacDonald were all at it this season, with scarves, jumpers and dresses emitting enough neatly-woven warmth to make your great-great grandmother proud.

Now, I know the term “chunky knit” hardly screams sex appeal, but that’s not to say you can’t be woolly and sexy at the same time. As with any fashion trend, it’s all about how you wear it.
Thankfully, knitwear, no matter how chunky, can be worn by absolutely anyone and everyone; from the lollipop-stick-skinnies to the more generously-sized apples and pears. So, as long as you accessorise with your body shape in mind, you can hardly go wrong with this trend.

Firstly, if you’re curvy, determine where exactly you are at your curviest. Those with broad shoulders should avoid covering them up with a knitted scarf, instead fixing the scarf in a neater knot around the base of the neck. Longer, narrow scarves are best for broader shoulders as they draw the eye downwards rather than across.
As for knitted dresses, jumpers and cardigans, solid colours will work better than mind-boggling patterns, which will confuse your natural shape. Don’t be too tempted to stick to darker colours however – bright colours can look just as good on curves as they can on more slender or athletic figures. This season, bring out your more daring side by experimenting with pinks and purples, and maybe some peacock blues as well!

Those of you with more slender builds: for narrow shoulders, drape a knitted scarf asymmetrically across your shoulders to instantly even out your figure. Dare to volumise with super chunky cable knits and grungy rips, and show off toned legs with a short jumper dress, opaque tights and ankle boots for cosy winter chic.

With that said, remember that no one can go wrong with a good chunky-knitted hat and matching mittens/gloves. The high street is full of funky knitted accessories, including some gorgeous fingerless-tramp-gloves-cum-mittens – some beautiful examples of which can be found by on Accessorize’s website.

So what are you waiting for ladies and gentlemen? Get chunky and get funky!