Christmas Sale // Some Guidelines

Christmas Sales. Both a girls worst enemy and best friend. A many gems have been found by women everywhere in these sales. But my lord the shop floor can be a battle ground of terrible fashion decisions.  Christmas sales can be so luring, especially when that red tartan minidress is reduced by 50 %. Resist. People will tell you what shops they're hitting first, and their approach to finding the elusive dress in Topshop in their actual size and not two sizes too big. I have not, yet, gotten to explore Grafton and Henry street for some bargains, but I thought I'd share my guidelines for readying myself for the busiest sale of the year.

Research.. 

If you're making plans to head into the sales, do a spot of research of whats on sale prior to going into the shops. There really is no harm to, and it gives you an idea of whats going to be on that sale rail in Topshop and what prices to expect. It can also result in knocking off certain shops from your adventure giving you more time to dig in the bargain bin.

Expect the Weird and Wonderful...

The likes of Topshop, River Island, Forever 21 will put out some god awful leftover clothes from two summers ago that never sold. Just remember that, sometimes there is no harm to scan those out of season rails. There may be a classic jacket or summer dress to be found, and you'll be sure that not many others have picked up the same piece. 

Step Back And Assess..

Red tartan. PVC midi skirts. What was the 'seasons hottest' is now just a mistake for your 2014 wardrobe. Put that tartan dress with the pvc sleeves back on the hanger and leave it back on the unwanted rail. You may think it's a good idea, I mean c'mon it's a steal at only  12.99 from 34.99. Just no. Come january when the resort and spring/summer collections have been released you will never wear these things again. Save yourself the money and frustration when you look into your wardrobe with a hearty exhaling sigh saying to yourself 'why did I buy that'.  Remember step back and assess. 

Hottest form of Hell is the Changing Rooms..

True hell of Christmas Sales are the changing rooms. Best way to deal with the stupidly long fever inducing queues to try on one piece of clothing is to wear something thin under your coat. Wear a thin cami you can leave on , whilst whipping off every other piece of clothing off in a quiet part of the shop near a mirror to admire the gem you found in the sales. This will save you sweating like a pig in the over-heated changing rooms and lets you use the mirrors on the shop floor to your full benefit. 

General Rules ...

• If you're not going alone to the sales, ensure to bring a friend who will be brutally honest with you. Do not bring your mother. She will think you look lovely in everything you try on. Even if it were a palm tree printed Moomoo. 
• Bringing you boyfriend for ' a cute day out together' is a no go either. He will be bored. And will try to escape at any chance he gets. He will be of no help unless your shopping day, entails the lingerie section and a personal fashion show. 
• Think of parties and event you have coming up in your calendar, christmas sales are a good time to find a special dress or piece for a big event. Don't be afraid to pick up some essentials in the sales, socks, cozy pjs, home wear that kinda thing
• Most of all dont forget to keep hydrated and to eat. Food is fuel.
• And for godsake do enjoy yourself! Let the excitement of new clothes bring joy to you and your wardrobe. 

Happy Christmas and New Year, hope you all had a great christmas x

Christmas Run Up // The Dress

With December now firmly started,  our minds are frantically trying to find that perfect christmas dress. Christmas is ultimate party season, even those who are spending their lunches eating the chicken fillet roll and drink deal again because 4 quid is all they can spare on a bit of lunch, will find the ways and means of getting themselves 'that' dress. 

With so many options and trends at the moment, some I which I feel are quite familar to the last three christmas season dresses...- anyone getting blurry eyed fom all those sequins and sparkles too? - There are some showstoppers to be found. 

I've been procrastinating from writing a much dreaded review on a gallery visit, so instead Ive trolled the internet looking christmas party dresses that I personally think are quite the dingers. Some are following the trends, others I think are better takes on the trends *ahem sequins again.  All the dresses Ive chosen are from popular sites and shops everyone would say they would go to seek out a dress all year round.

Lacing it Up -  Lace is feminine  girly and can be  re-worn for every season. I know at Christmas time we all tend to go for darker colours. It's just a thing. Blacks, deep reds, navys and greens, I think the festive season goes to our heads a bit too much. But throwing that aside, with lace I personally think a bright colour is the way to go. Its far more fun than black. And do you really need another black dress?? Be a bit brave go for a bright orange like this skater style one from Missguided, its party worthy, and the bright will ensure everyone is looking at you, but it is available in other colours too if you'd rather not. 

Minelli Contrast Lace Skater Dress in Orange  - 40.78 euro 

Some other lacey looks ;

Missguided - 47.58

Sequins ... Again - I'm not going to lie, every year this trend pops up at christmas time. And everyone goes mad for it. I, personally hate it. Most ones that are affordable, again I think, are tacky looking most of the time. But thats my taste. I think if you want to do the sparkly look, you need to add a bit more rock'n'roll to it. Toughen it up a bit. Some people do look great in these style dresses, but they're just not for me. Plus whenever I have tried one on, it itches like hell. And I can only imagine the heat in them in a crowded room. But, what I did find in Topshop and Missguided were some quirky and gatsby-esque sparkly dresses. The snake cut out dress is personally my favourite, with the metallic look to it you do get the sparkly sheen when the light hits it, and the colours are gorgeous, you could pair it with black, gold, or silver heels. Its one of those dresses you can make really flirty or punky. It's a ten from me.

Missguided, Giraja Sequin Rose Embellished Shift Dress - 74.78 euro

  
Topshop, Embellished A-Line Dress , 65 pounds

Topshop, Snake Cut Out Bodycon Dress - 45 pounds

The Sexy Number - C'mon what is there really to say on this one. It's a go to. Especially, if you've your eyes set on someone for that New Years Kiss. Off the shoulder and midi length is perfection in my books, think Jessica Rabbit. Just remember if you're going to strut your sexy self in velvet, get a size smaller if you can, velvet does stretch! And baggy velvet dress doesnt do much for anyone, even possibly Scarlett Johansson. If you're going to go sexy, just keep a balance of the amount of skin on show. Midi length skirts are huge this season, and really look great on anyone, you've just got to have the confidence in yourself. The midi length is great if you want go for the sexy look too for an office party, as it can seem quite demure and classy. As I said before, Jessica Rabbit. 

Missguided, Rila Velevt Bodycon Bardot Midi Dress, 40.78 euro 

Urban Outfitters, Sparkle & Fade Velvet and Lace Bodycon, 69.00 euro

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*I'm not going to keep going on and on about all the possibilities and styles of dresses you could be looking at for Christmas, because it's pretty much endless. I hope this gets the ball rolling on what you might like to look for if you don't already have an idea.  

Keep it fresh and original.*