Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Your Questions

"Miss. Blog - I have a question.  If people are skint, what are the key items of clothing for this season?   As sadly we can't afford to buy everything!" Sophie

Well Sophie, following fashion is all well and good if you've got the cash to splash but if you are working to a strict budget (as most of us are nowadays) then it is important to go for longevity (style) over novelty (fashion).

Here are my tips for 5 of the best wear them now and next year items for all you budget babes out there

1) At number one it has got to be a good quality black coat.  In winter you will be in your coat more than you will be out of it so it's worth spending the time going round the shops and trying on different styles.  There are so many "blah" black coats out there that will do absolutely nothing for your figure and will in no way help brighten your dreary winter day.  You want to put on a coat each morning that looks and feels great (and one that doesn't attract fluff - possibly one of the most annoying things of some black costs / macs).  Look for ones with unique / unusal detailing - maybe a ruched shoulder, funnel neck or a ood belt.  Remember don't be put off a coat if it has ugly, cheap looking buttons - these can be replaced easily (even by me...and I tell you now, I am no whizz when it comes to a needle and thread!) 
H and M in my opinion should be your first port of call for looking at inexpensive winter coats.  They have a good selection and nearly all are priced at under £60.


As seen on....me! - £34.99

£34.99

£34.99







£24.99
available in store and at shop.hm.com

top tip - get in there early with your winter coat purchase before they sell out of your size or your friend buys "that" coat before you! 

2) Two or three fine knit sweaters.  These will become staple items in your winter wardrobe.   They should be comfy, soft and most importantly easy and good to wash.  Next is a great shop to go to for basic knitwear at good value prices.  I spotted this speckle sweater in there last week and at £18 each you could afford to buy a couple at once.  They come in dusky pink, grey, navy blue and camel.

available instore and at next.co.uk

3) Scarves - Brighten up your winter wardrobe with a selection from Primark.  Priced at £3 and £4 each you can justify buying a handful.  They look lovely worn indoors with plain jumpers and tshirts, and to keep the cold at bay worn outdoors with your winter coats and cardigans.

top tip If you go for the oversized versions I found that they made great sarongs / coverups on holiday for those moments where you can't face walking from your sun lounger to the bar in just your two piece :-)

4) Topshops basic tank tops - these have been a top find for me.  They are made from silk like material at the front and cotton at the back.  The back is also longer than the front, so you dont have to worry so much about the "muffin top" look that we all dread exposing.  They come in a range of colours and can be worn for work or play.  They look smart and business like under a suit or fun and flirty tucked into a short skirt with black tights, heels and a sparkly necklace for a night out.




£16 each available in store and at topshop.com

5) Colour pop bag - this little beauty is sure to brighten up your outfit.  Wear for drinks after work with the girls or on a night out with your fella. Perfect size for your phone, keys and lipgloss (maybe even a mini toothbrush if you are planning on staying out all night!)  And get this, it will cost you just eight of your english pounds - good old Dotty P's!
 available in store or at dorothyperkins.com

top tip - use this as your passport and travel document holder when you go on holiday. 

EXTRA!
For those of you that have worked overtime or had an unexpected windfall and fancy treating yourself to a little something extra, then I'd suggest buying a collar necklace.  Wear with a simple round neck tshirt or jumper to give your outfit a whole new luxe feel.   Look in Topshop, River Island and online at ASOS.com for a great selection

 Faux leather and bar collar - £30 @ Topshop
Spike rows collar £45 @ Topshop (my personal favourite one)

Mesh necklace £35 @ Topshop

P.S - if any of my other Madeons have any fashion / beauty questions do email me at emmataylormade@live.co.uk and I'll do my best to advise and inspire you :-)

1 comment:

Sophie21j said...

EmmaTaylorMade,
Thank you for this!! I may have to purchase your coat its lush!! and cheap!!! Brilliant!!
I will email over another question in a couple of days!!
Thank you !!
S xxxx