Spots versus stripes

There is an old saying that you are either a Gucci girl or a Prada fan- never both. This grew out of the rivalry between the two fashion giants, but whether this still holds true today is debatable. Although I would consider myself (without a shadow of doubt) to be firmly in the Prada camp, I have always been more challenged by making a decision between the other dispute- spots or stripes?

CELINE AW13/14

FENDI AW13/14

ROLAND MOURET AW13/14

MOSCHINO PRE FALL 2013

As it turns out, I may just make like Miu Miu in their AW13/14 collection and wear both at once. You're a long time dead, after all.

Photo Credits: dazed digital; Vogue; MSN; The Life of Raina; furinsider.com 

Magic moments

Ever made the mistake of buying a pair of trousers, skirt, top or jeans that are way too tight, but you persevere and wait until you've shifted those last few pounds you always meant to exercise off, but needed a bit of motivation to do it? I have.

My 'motivation' trousers are a lovely summer cropped tailored, flat-fronted pair by McQ Alexander McQueen. Bought at my usual UK 8, I was heartbroken when I got home to find they were small to size by almost a whole dress size. Not ideal. They waited patiently, unworn, hanging in my closet (still with tags attached) teasing me and splitting my heart between my two loves: food and fashion.

It is shameful to admit that I have had these trousers for two years and, up until now, I have been unable to do up the top button (resulting in a very un-graceful dance to wiggle them on and then straight back off again). This morning, one very rare 'slim'-feeling day, I reached into the depths of the wardrobe to pull them out... et voila!!!

Forget Magic Mike, this is Magic McQueen. They both know how to make a girl feel good, but the big difference is one is about taking clothes off, the other is about putting them on. But with these trousers? I'm Team McQueen- can you blame me?

Features: Castor Jacket by RM Roland Mouret; Pink stretch-crepe cropped zipped shrug by Narciso Rodriguez; Faux fur clutch by Ceannis; Striped cotton trousers by McQ Alexander McQueen; Heels by Aldo Rise X Preen

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Bargain hunters

I am often known for sniffing out the best bargains whenever I step into a store. It began many years ago when I would head straight to the 'sale rail', and take great pleasure going through the rack to find a special piece- I saw it as 'the hunt', very hunter-gatherer-esque. Things have now changed, and I hate sale rails with a passion and I avoid any store which looks like a jumble sale like it was the plague (take note, H&M). If I can't see what the store has to offer without having to rummage, I feel claustrophobic and march straight out of the door. As a result, certain stores get blacklisted, never to be revisited again.

This is reflected in my closet which is organised with a military precision so fierce that it would put MI6 to shame. For me, it's important that I know where everything is, what I would need it for, and what I would put together (or what I wouldn't!) so I have very little to think about in the mornings when I stand infront of the wardrobe scratching my head. But while my shopping likes and dislikes may have changed, one thing remains: I love a good bargain.

My biggest 'steal' is by far my white RM Roland Mouret "Castor" jacket, purchased at the 1st anniversary sale of TheOutnet.com and, with a price tag of just- I kid you not- £1, it was a total saving of £1,135!

I know that many people who tried to access the sale were unlucky and experienced a blocked site. The website simply couldn't keep up with the amount of traffic generated by the sale, leaving many customers disappointed. This makes this jacket even more special to me and a reminder of the result of perseverance and pure luck.

Further deals in my shopping repertoire include a Michael Kors "Hamilton" bag, worth £370, that I managed to find for £160, a pair of Paul by Paul Smith tan boots, reduced from £500 to just £100, and a Tibi "Mila" silk dress with a price tag of £250, bought at the very impressive cost of just £49.99. Who said student life has to be tough on your style?

I believe that most things in life are accessible, it's just a question of throwing yourself head- and heart- first into the (often infuriating) waiting game. I also think that when hunting for a bargain, look to the classic staples that will work hard for you, get better with age, and generate comments from others regardless of where you are, how long you've had it or your age. I can happily see myself wearing my Castor jacket in my 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.

So, with that in mind, ready on your marks...get set...

Photo credit: TheOutnet.com