Primark Autumn/Winter 2014

It is nearing the end of August now, which means as soon as September comes, most of the high-street shops if not already, will be supplied with all the new autumn/winter stock.  Not all that many everyday fashion shops show their new stock until it's official release, or at a press day; especially not online. But Primark have gone above and beyond, and have released the official AW14 campaign on the web.  

Primark has a very shaky reputation. Especially after the recent bad press about the manufacture's working conditions after a worker sewed a message into a garment pleading for help. Although I believe they are working on the matter, I am here to talk purely about the clothes.

The SS14 had some very strong pieces which were extremely affordable and 'non-primarky', although as normal there were quite a few naff pieces which are still in store now, trying to be flogged for a quid or two.

This AW14 collection looks too, like it has quite a few strong pieces, especially in the shoe and outerwear departments. Here are a few pictures of Primark's newest collection.

This fluffy coat above has to be my favourite item of the whole range. It is a direct copy of Topshop's Tea Pea coat which was extremely popular last year. 

The whole collection has some very good individual items which are very impressive within itself, although in my opinion, the collection lacked unity and togetherness. The styling in the photos has many weaknesses, although quite a lot of the clothes were nice.

Quality is often the most common problem with Primark's clothing, which is completely understandable considering the cost of the clothes to make. Although, sometimes, the quality can be too low to even be worth buying. Its hard to tell if these clothes in the pictures are good quality, the only way you can really tell is when they come in store and see them for yourself.

Overall, this collection has some strengths and weaknesses'. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Mini Haul: ft. Charity Shops and Beauty

July Favourites

1. Etsy  2. Asos  3.Asos  4. Topshop

1. Opening Ceremony  2.Shark  3.Asos  4.DKNY

Superdrug's own De-Stressing Aloe Vera Mud Mask

I have by no means got acne, but I do get breakouts quite frequently. I thought it would be a good idea to buy a face mask to eliminate my breakouts. I bought this mud mask from Superdrug, and my feelings toward has changed with use. The first time I wore it, I kept it on for tha amount of time instructed, and after only five minutes, my face was burning. When I took it off after 15 full minutes, my skin was left red, sore, and extremely warm. I decided I must have kept it on too long. Next time I used it, I kept it on for only 5 minutes, and my skin was left feeling very soft and clear. This is a good product, but is obviously very strong, so if you buy it, take this into consideration.


Scheckter's Organic Energy Drink

I think this must be the first edible thing I have included in my favourites, as I am by no means a food or drink expert. The energy drink market is obviously very popular, but most of the drinks available are filled with horrid chemicals and a common animal product Taurine. This energy drink is completely different to all in its category, as it is 100% organic, natural, and vegan. It labels itself as 'berry flavour', when to me its taste is primarily pomegranate. You can find this is most supermarkets and health stores, as well as Boots which is where I found it.

Book Review: Talking Fashion

I read a quite a few fashion books. I've said this numerous times, but fashion books in general are my favourite genre - if it is a genre. I've read many over the years, but a few weeks back I picked up the book 'Talking Fashion' by Jan Kedves from the library, and I'm so glad I did.

This book was different to most books about the intriguing world of fashion. Most other books are either 'what to wear' kinda books, or hardcore history of couture books, either of which can be tedious. The concept of this book was basically interview after interview. It includes interviews with Raf Simons (being the most famous) to fashion illustrators, photographers - the lot.

Because it consisted of interviews and interviews only, it was written (obviously) in a completely conversational matter. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I personally found it very refreshing. Easy to read, and not mind-clogging at all. Casual and relaxing - something very new to the world of fashion literature.

Raf Simons was probably the most famous person who was interviewed in this book.

The pictures were also very well chosen and placed. Each relevant to the current subject the interviewee is talking about. Good quality with suiting captions, the pictures were un-faultable. 

If you, like myself, are an avid fashion reader, I recommend this book to you. It's oh so easy to read, and not at all tedious. Also, its very new and up to date. You can pick this book up for around £13.50 on Amazon UK. Its definitely worth the read. 

3 Picks: American Apparel

American Apparel has been a huge brand for a little while now. They have grown in popularity very quickly, and currently seems the be the 'cool' place to buy clothes. Their very simple, kind of 90's looks have sparked interest with fashionistas all over the world; not just America. They have some very lovely bits and pieces for all styles and ages. Here are my top 5 favourite items from American Apparel.com!

The Grid Print Lolita Set

Colours: Black/White

Price: $88.00/£51.41 
(together, also available separately)


In the very playful cut but very minimal print, this Lolita inspired two-set is a great summer set. On the expensive side, but could be worn many ways. 

Medium Wash High-Waist Jean

Colours: stone wash

Price: $90.00/£52.58

I loved Mom jeans way before they were in fashion, and although I believe Thrift Shops are the best place to get them, if second-hand isn't your jam, then I think American Apparel offer a good substitute. 

Tennis Skirt

Colours: white/black/red/peach/navy/cream (more)

Price: $54.00/£31.55

The rather famous and widely copied Tennis Skirt has been extremely popular over the past few weeks. In my opinion, rather short, but nothing a pair of cycling shorts couldn't handle. 

June Favourites

1.Rag and Bone  2.Monki  3.Chicnova 4.Blackfive

1.Etsy  2.Amazon  3.Oxygenbotique  4.Jades24

This month was the month when I eventually got my hands on a pair of Birkenstocks! I have loved them as long as I can remember, and I knew
I really needed a pair so I just bit the bullet and bought a pair. Their simple look and easy to wear style makes them the most practical sandals you can buy. I love mine, and will do for many years to come. 



Mandara Spa is a chain of luxury spa's all around the world. For Christmas, I was kindly given a huge set of all their amazing products including shower cream, scrub, hand cream, body cream, bubble bath, and this amazing oil. Oils are not normally something I buy, so I was most excited to use it. This oil is amazing; it makes your skin so soft, smooth and silky. Its in a easy to use bottle, and is not at all sticky. It smells lovely, and I can't explain how much I think this oil is worth the buy.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS: Not everyone I know liked this movie, and I'm really not sure why. This movie is very popular right now, and the book even more so before. It was moving, happy and very sad. It made me think differently. It's an amazing movie, and I recommend everyone to head over to their local cinema and give it a watch because it is definitely worth the hype. 

Birkenstocks - Love or Loath?

Some love them and some despise them - for a pair of shoes, they're pretty controversial. They've been around for a very long time, and have come in and out of fashion magazines ever since - but still not all that many people like them, which I must admit is completely understandable. They're big, wide, clunky, heavy and completely unflattering, but for some reason they are so naf and ugly, I absolutely love them.

They're minimalistic in the most stocky way possible. Despite their totally unattractive features, they go practically with anything. They seem to go through popularity phases - and I don't know if it is just me, but they're in one currently. There's a variety of styles such as the classic double strap (the pair I have), the one strap, toe post, triple strap and many more. They're also available in pretty much an colour or texture. Also, if you're not prepared to dish out on the real Birkenstocks, you can buy them from anywhere such as New Look, Topshop, even Primark.

So, do you love or loath these shoes? Let me know in the comments:

Summer Staples

Summer is soon approaching - although I doubt England is really going to get that hot, the rest of the world isn't quite so unlucky. So whether there are a few nice days this summer, or you have a tropical holiday planned, here are a few things fashion & beauty related that I would call staples to have at hand this summer. 

Haul| Primark, eBay, Zara, Rimmel, ect