Thursday, April 23, 2009

BIENTÔT LES VACANCES























The sun is shining and soon, it is time to go to even sunnier destinations. I know I am; next week, I am going to the South of France for a long week-end. Don't be jealous.

After a little shopping trip I came back with fresh prints from Zara and Primark, adding to that new sunglasses and a simple white cotton T-shirt .from Primark. When buying the shorts, which are all the craze this season, I had this old top from COS in mind.

The wedges are extremely comfortable but for an even more comfortable look, try Superga or Bensimon.

The bag: a week-end tote should always be stylish... Try Longchamp, Obsid, Samsonite.

These lace ups by Bensimon are great and are sold in many attractive soft colours. I just love them as they are feminine and urban.




Tuesday, April 21, 2009

1001 Reasons to buy Primark ( and other cheap fast fashion retail brands)

Some people argue that when in a recession, one should buy fewer but better quality garments, i.e luxury brands, rejecting the concept of "Fast Fashion". It is widely believed that, because it is so cheap, one just throws them away after being worn twice even if it is in good shape.

It is my experience that, unless you buy the creme de la creme of the ready-to-wear, top brands rarely provide with a quality in proportion to the price as they are also mass produced. But more to the point, regularly shopping at Primark, I get a lot of satisfaction from low price products that are in fact quite decent and it is not rare I get compliments.

The recipe is very simple: to shopping at Primark, H&M etc apply the same rules as with up market brands:one should buy consciously and sparingly, and with a bit of taste, one can even make it not look cheap.

Browsing through my wardrobe, I remembered this outfit I sported for a garden party in the country side last year. It really made a sensation because it was simple, yet, slightly modern thanks to the belt but it makes a perfect outfit for a week-end holiday.

The chiffon blouse actually falls very nicely as it is polyester. Worn with a discreet camisole under, it made a chic effect. The cropped trousers are wide and straights with pleats which give them an elegant side, ( notably a good cut for curvier women).

Although the materials are not natural fibres, it is perfect for summer it is very light and doesn't make you sweat and doesn't wrinkle so I would recommend it for travelling or holidays.

SHOES:
For daytime, I would wear the outfit it with plimsolls. And so should you invest in plimsolls as they are 1. In fashion, 2. Comfortable 3. Feminine 4. Cheap, so you should buy them in several colours

When it comes to plimsolls, the rule is simple, don't go for the NON branded. I am not a snob but when it comes to plimsolls, original ones ARE of better quality and excellent price/performance as they have been proved by time - some of the brands exist since the 1930s- and have a certain je-ne-sais-quoi, that really adds up to the outfit thanks to good taste colours: Spring Court, Bensimon, Superga

For the evening, I'd take mules with kitten heels and add simple but glittery details. Here a necklace by Obsid and a slouchy clutch by Primark. Although the clutch looks great, the Polypropylene smells terribly but I like the clasp and the shape as well as the proportions. Much nicer than the little numbers at Accessorize one affectionates so much in England and that I find tacky and expensive for what they are...