Showing posts with label Topshop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Topshop. Show all posts

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Last dress a day under £100

Did anyone see Sir Phillip Green on the news talking about closing 250 stores? As owner of the Arcadia group it is hardly surprising that BHS, Dorothy Perkins, Topshop and Wallis on the women's side won't be affected by the current economic downturn. Topshop is probably the strongest performer followed by Dorothy Perkins with BHS and Wallis undoubately languishing.

There is no doubt that retailers will look to cut costs with stores shutting, product line shrinking and staff being made redundant. Those stores with a global presence like Zara and H&M will ride it out better than most with their strong performances in emerging markets. Also Zara and H&M are in the right price bracket to weather the storm.

The fashion pack favourite Topshop is surprisingly only a small player whose has only made a small dent into other markets. It can survive off its Oxford Circus store alone I suspect but it will be interesting to see how the store fairs.

But these are future considerations so lets make the most of its current offerings to select a great party dress. I have to admit I struggled as a lot of the items were poor quality, too short and often garish. I went for a black dress. I know, cop out but really the best I could find on the basis all of the selections have been on piece and an attempt at reusing after the parties have long gone.

This Boutique dress should tick the boxes of elegant, the right length and easily work in the future on many an occasion. Why methinks it will last well into your advanced style twilight!



Oh go on if it is party party garish you want I will make one other suggestion! If you are of a weak disposition when it comes to screaming fashion then look away. Just think of it as doing my bit for saving a nation's retailer.






Friday, 25 November 2011

High St Pick of the Week

I've been so obsessed with dresses and sparkle this month I decided to pick something that complimented both. As much as I love a good coat to snuggle up in I often tend to keep it light when going out in a dress if I'm door to door in taxi or car. It was so cold the other night in London I was wearing a full on duvet whilst sporting orange satin trousers underneath!

I love a bit of marabou and so it was with a squeal of delight I stumbled across this little number!!





Wednesday, 7 September 2011

New Rule, One In One Out

In my increasing drive for wardrobe efficiency, I like to introduce helpful new rules. The only point of my rules is to make me think, evaluate and hesitate. It is all too easy to suddenly need or want something but without doing a double check on your current stock!

I've decided one in, one out is a simple proposition to prevent overstocking. If I have too many clothes I get overwhelmed and have to clear my wardrobe out. I have no aversion to hoarding but I have no capacity or funds to allow me to do this. I have to keep a strict check on it all.

I wanted to buy two tops for the A/W season and I spied two that fitted the bill on Topshop.com
With free p&p and returns on orders over £75 (mine was £76 in total) I was happy to take a punt and avoid the shops. I actually loved three but luckily the third one was out in my size. I've longed for a navy star top for ages and I love the sleeve detail on this one.



Every winter I add some floral to my wardrobe and having sold my other floral tops because they weren't quite right, I finally feel as if I've found my favourite.
Both of these are keepers. I will wear them until they wear out. I'm really into wearing things out too. Once an item is bobbled to b*$"*&^ or beyond repair they go to the textile recycle collection bank.

The final top, the one that got away is a gorgeous red number and I'm still tempted but prudence has got the better of me.


Before I hit the send button to seal the deal, I had to select two items from my wardrobe to go on eBay as part of my one in one out strategy. One item has been sat waiting to be sold for ages my Comptoirs des Cotonniers cardigan, unworn and unloved - if I'm honest I'm a little to busty for it, otherwise it would be a winner! The other is a dress I've worn once and it is a little bit big for me - that's ready to wear for you! It is a fabulous violet colour and I had to add a belt to make it fit my small waist. I've listed the dress but so far for some reason unknown to me I've not been able to list the cardigan, so that is one my to do list. The sales won't pay for my spree but it will help ease my mind and keep me in check!




Pearl Lowe dress get bidding!



Soon to be on eBay!

Do you apply such rigour to your wardrobe and spending habits?

Sunday, 7 June 2009

Random retail head gear

I was reminded of this Face magazine 1990 photo shoot by Corinne Day when I was browsing in Topshop Oxford Circus because on sale were feather headdresses like this Native Indian one worn by Kate Moss in this photo.

Why they were there amongst the trilbies I know not but I was actually very tempted! I'll let you know if I end up sporting one.