Credit Crunch Couture

Everyday we are told on the news about the economic crisis, and how Britain as a nation is struggling with money. 

So, how can ordinary people, be expected to afford the designer clothes we see everyday in magazines and on the television? Well here is how to dress well on a student budget:

Hunt around: Many of the street stores try to copy designer looks, so most probably they will have similar clothes. From personal experience, I bought a black top from Topshop for £15, two weeks later I saw an identical match of it in Primark for £4. Waiting and searching for a better deal could save a lot of money, and also will ensure that you really want the piece, instead of it being an impulse buy. 

Try different shops: Everyone has their favourite clothes shop, and always shop there, meaning you're stuck with those shops prices. Branching out to look at stores you might not have considered before will mean that not only will you find a shop that will provide a slightly different style of clothes, but may even be cheaper.

One man's trash...: Charity shops don't have the stigma that they used to; nowadays all the cool kids shop in second hand shops, searching for that vintage bargain. The recent number one song "Thrift shop" by Macklemore will certainly have raised their profiles. 

Customise: Many a time I have taken a pair of scissors to a dress or pair of jeans in order to create a new item of clothing. It means that you can finally use the clothes that are hidden at the back of your wardrobe with the tags still on, creating the piece that you really want with minimal spending involved. Even dying clothes can transform them, and all with only of few spins in the washing machine. 

Good clothes don't have to break the bank, by simply changing simple habits and realising the potential of the clothes you see, any budget can achieve amazing style. 

Summer 2013

Here is a quick guide to the fashion trends for summer 2013.

(1) Topshop

Monochrome: This season will be monochrome mania. Designers such as Topshop Unique, Marni, and Marc Jacobs showed pieces containing checks, and the bigger the better. A statement piece would be checked black and white trousers, such as these from Topshop (1), paired with a chunky jumper to see through till the sun shines (hopefully!)

(2) ASOS

White shirts: Crisp white shirts were all over the catwalks, with Victoria Beckham, Preen and Lacoste styling models with clean and simple looks. The white shirt is a classic piece, and has been en vogue since the days of Coco Chanel. This shirt from ASOS (2) is one every girl should have in her wardrobe  paired with a statement trouser or skirt, or even poking out of a jumper, this look will always be stylish.

(3) Warehouse

Statement skinny trousers: Following from the previous item, bold trousers are in, in particular ones with vertical stripes running down the leg. Tailoring is key here, they must fit perfectly. Tops must be sharp and strong to be worn with these trousers, the more masculine the better. Warehouse has a black and white pair (3) that are certain to have you turning heads.

(4) New Look

Split front skirts: Demure, yet sexy with a flash of leg, split skirts were featured by Osman and Alexander Wang, from structured fits to flowing types. New Look has this double split skirt (4) that would look great with a crop top revealing just a hint of midriff. Warning: Avoid an Angelina Jolie though, that can't have been comfortable.

(5) ASOS

Metallics: Even if the sun doesn't shine this winter, you can. With golds, silvers and bronzes you can be your own Olympic medal. ASOS have this metallic shift dress (5) which would look perfect for a summer night out.

Country girl at heart...

Nashville, the popular American TV series about a selection of country singers is being shown here in the UK, and boy do I love it!

The show centres on country music queen Rayna James, a 40 year old star who is trying to ..........her career again, whilst juggling two daughters and the mayor for a husband. Alongside her is rival Juilette Barnes, a young woman in the same industry, with a huge tween fanbase and massive record sale, but a troubling family and a need to break away from what she knows. 

For me, the reason that I love this show is simply the music. Never before have I been interested in country music, but now I will search for the songs featured on the show , as well start to search for similar artists and songs.

Country music doesn't get much airplay in the UK, and it is only through artists such as Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum that the British public start to become aware of this huge music genre.

So engrossed am I in this programme that when passing by cowboy boots in shops, I have to take a second look and decide if I can really pull off the country girl look.

Nashville even manages to showcase the talents of Lennon and Maisy Stella, young sisters who play James' daughters. who are YouTube sensations in their own right.

The show manages to tell great stories, without compromising an amazing soundtrack. The accents are pretty catchy too, nowadays every sentence I say seems to start with "How y'all doin?"

Nailing it!

It seems that a persons nails have become as important a feature as their outfit, with fashion editors, celebs and ordinary folk going crazy over tantalising talons. 

One of the reasons as to why nails are such an important thing right now in fashion is the ability to transform any outfit, and I mean any! A simple black dress with minimal accessories can be completely transformed as an outfit if it is accompanied by bright red nails, or even stars and stripes, it guarantees that your look is anything but boring.

Katy Perry was first seen with wacky nails when she adorned them with photographs of her then Russell Brand back in 2010 when she attended the VMA's. Everyone was a bit confused and it seems Perry was ahead of her time, as now it seems everyone wants a piece of this trend.

Nails are even capable of grabbing headlines after Lindsay Lohan was papped at her court date in mid 2010 with the words f*** you written on one of them. Whilst this may not have been the cleverest thing to do, it certainly showed the danger with your digits!

Nail wraps were a popular phenomenon last year when they first broke on to the market, jazzy nails with minimal effort, it was always going to be big! 

There are many different nail wrap designs, from animal print to the popular tribal designs. Also, nail varnishes are now being created that change texture as well as colour. Nails can be leather, denim and even pearls after beauty brands are realising how individual people want to be. 

Making a statement with your style doesn't just have to be about the clothes you wear any more, expressing yourself through your nails is definitely here, and it sure doesn't look to be going anywhere. 

Beanie Babes

During fashion week, not only is it the opportunity to know what we will all want to be wearing in a few months time, it is also gives an insight into what the people inside the fashion world wear, how they make trends wearable.

(1) Local Heroes

This years fashion weeks were no different, and it was apparent very early on of a growing trend.

Beanie hats were seen on every off-duty model, a staple accessory whilst running between shows.

Beanie hats were once associated with skater boys whose trousers were so low it defied the point of wearing them. However the cool kids have brought them back.

Model of the moment Cara Delevigne was rarely seen without a trusted beanie in tow, matching her wacky headwear to her personality.

(2) Miss Guided

And for once it seems that fashion is being sensible. Not only are they actually warm (who knew?!), beanies can also transform any bad hair day, so whilst looking hip and bang on trend, you're actually hiding the birds nest. Although hats such as 'Bad Hair Day' hat (1) as seen on Queen Delevingne, from Local Heroes, do give the game away.

For a brave soul Miss Guided offer beanies in bright neon colours (2), seen here in green, that really enable the wearer to stand out from the crowd.

(3) Topshop

However, all beanies don't have to be such a statement, Topshop have this adorable burgundy hat (3), perfect for livening up a winter's day.

Whilst it may seem that Spring is soon approaching and (hopefully) knitwear will be banished for a few weeks, beanie hats will always be in fashion thanks to their practicality. So whether it is for warmth or style points, the beanie hat will definitely come up trumps.

Back to School

It seems the fashion world is yearning for school days; running around the playing field, plaits in hair, daisy chains and pinafores finishing just above the knee.

Yes, pinafores are back. These easy to wear pieces can transform any outfit to S/S13 catwalk ready.

     

(1) Topshop

'It' girl Alexa Chung was first spotted wearing pinafores last year, with ankle socks and satchels, but while this look may seem to creep a tad too far into school girl territory, pinafores are one of the best ways to say: "I know I look good, and I haven't even tried."

Even how you wear this trend conveys simplicity and effortlessness. Instead of being a standalone dress, pinafores suggest that the wearer has just thrown it over the top of their outfit, needing an extra layer, almost like an old, favourite coat, however this one is right on trend.

There are plenty of dresses available in shops now, from tomboy dungaree style to LBD pinafores, showcasing    the versatility of the pinafore.

(2) Bitching & Junkfood

Topshop (1) has a bleach denim dungaree style dress, perfect for festival frolicking. The low cut sides and back mean the rest of the outfit is not hidden away. Bitching & Junkfood also has this plaid dress available at ASOS, (2) mixing a grungy pattern with the preppy item, for those who don't want the clean and cutesy look. Miss Selfridge has a spotted pinafore playsuit (3) also tying in the season's trend of monochrome.

(3) Miss Selfridge

Chloe A/W 13 featured pinafores with low fronts and large brass buttons, meaning this season's hottest trend will carry on through till winter. Worn with an oversized coat and petite brogues, this is definitely how you would have wanted your mum to dress you as a kid.