IS IT DISHONEST IF I DISCLOSE IT?

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I'm back again with something that is probably not a popular opinion, it that a concern of mine? Nah.

In 2016, I posted about why I think it's okay to wear/own replica designer wear, and whilst I expected a few people to kick off on me, no one really seemed interested. (A blessing in disguise or sort of disappointing?)

This time round I want to highlight the stigma surrounding publishing an outfit post compiled out of clothing that still have their price tags attached. No, I don't mean 'uh oh someone forgot to remove the label and I can still see it!!!111', I'm talking about buying clothes to feature before returning them back to their rightful store.

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand people turning their noses up at the idea (or at least to some extent), even if just for the fact it's a bit unhygienic. However, some people argue that bloggers are simply faking what they own and it's dishonest.

Here's the thing; if you're a blogger who likes to show off what they own then it's best to not buy simply to feature - that's pretty much a given, right?

But, if you're someone like me who wants to show off style more than possessions then I think it's perfectly fine. My dream job is to be a stylist, of what description I've still not decided, but fashion often doesn't come cheap and I still want to show off my styling potential.

Just recently I was advised in a lecture to buy clothing just for a photoshoot and then return it. By an industry stylist. Yeah.

So, I've decided this is the way I'm to go about it if I can't afford something I really what to show y'all. I fully promise to disclose this in my posts if/when I have only purchased for a post. (With that being said, I do own everything in the above outfit)

Pinafore - Primark (Similar)  //  Blouse - Alex Chung x Marks & Spencer  //  Jacket - Forever 21  //   Hat - H&M (Similar)  //  Shoes - Vans  //  Earrings - Primark

Maybe it's time to move forward and stop being afraid of people having a negative opinion of us for doing what we want :)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this so please let me know in the comments or via Twitter.

S xo

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Photography: Lynne Ball (my mama)

SMART CASUAL

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I know, I know, I know, I said that Tuesday's were gonna be the day for putting out outfit posts, but in my defence what I had planned to post today isn't finished and this was, so I guess you're getting it early!

Once again this is an outfit compiled solely of sale items, and sadly these TO DIE FOR platform brogues have just sold out :( (Take a look in store though as they are only £12!)

Oh Miss Selfridge, you've treated me so well in the footwear department this sale.

I've been so obsessed with platform shoes for the past 18 months or so and I've been itching to get a hold of some lace up brogue types since daily swooning over the Stella McCartney range. Here's where Miss Selfridge came and saved the day with these super comfortable and uber chic pale pink high street alternatives.

I think we all know what my go-to shoes will be for the rest of the year!

This blouse is yet to have it's first outing but it was love at first sight when I first spied it in my local New Look store, fast forward 8 weeks or so and I found it in the ASOS sale for about £11. It's a little oversized but I like to style it half unbuttoned so the material drapes to avoid me looking like a beach ball (definitely no name pun intended). I've paired it with these Topshop tailored trousers from a couple of years back which are the main source of my go-to smart wear.

Blouse - New Look  //  Trousers - Topshop  //  Shoes - Miss Selfridge  //  Sunglasses - New Look

S xo

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WHY I'M OKAY WITH REPLICA DESIGNER WEAR

Being so into fashion often leads to multiple heartbreaks every single season. Whether it's a Chloé bag, Gucci blouse or  Balmain dress, we're left feeling blue at the sob-worthy price tag and knowing we'll most likely never own them.

This leads us to go and seek out alternatives and similars for just a fraction of the price.

Now, I know this receives many mixed views, and I do anticipate some ear bashing on Social Media for what I am about to say, but I'm actually okay with replica designer wear. This includes counterfeit versions of the real thing.

I'm now remembering why I'm so scared to post this.

As you may know, I like going to Turkey for a cheap vacation, it's ridiculously affordable in terms of package deal, food, drink etc. It's also the 'Fake' goods capital.

Previous posts of mine have featured, the likes of 'Chloé' and 'Chanel' bags, perhaps you didn't notice the brand logo but the design most probably looked very familiar to you.

When you love a bag so much, as I do the Chloé Faye & Drew, you'll likely do anything to have one at least similar to the real thing, like trawling for hours around the bazaar in Marmaris and up and down the shopping strip in hopes of finding a great and affordable alternative. That's what I did.

I can't tell you the amount of times people actually thought I had a real Mulberry Bayswater costing around £800, when in fact it was a £29 replica.

But here's the thing; I never claim that they're real, yes it would be fun to watch people's stunned faces thinking I'd shelled out all that cash, but the satisfaction should stay firmly within the bag you've purchased and how much you adore it.

Sadly the real thing would cost at least 1 month's wage and as a soon-to-be student, that money is not available for me to invest in something that will have depreciated to nothing by the time I come to sell it a few years down the line.

I think it's time to stop frowning on others for not owning the 'real thing', £1.000 is unreasonable for a bag these days so is there any wonder that half of us actually own a replica?

I would also like to point out though, that yes it's a little dishonest of us to be parading our 'fakes' and it somewhat appears to mock the original designers work whilst taking the exclusivity out of designer products, but until their prices reduce and I stop being paid minimum wage, the only way I can go is by using replica or high street versions.

Celine

Additional inner bag, Celine 

Chloé 'Faye'

Chanel 'Boy'

 Mulberry 'Bayswater'

Chloe 'Drew'

I'm intrigued to hear your views on this, so please let me know in the comments below.

S xo

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BLUE JEANS, WHITE SHIRT

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For the duration of summer, I'm definitely planning on sharing a new outfit each Tuesday, however choosing something new each week is something a little more difficult than first realised. The reason? I'm now unemployed and money isn't quite as easy to spend when you're living off your savings. Still, time off is definitely rewarding!

This shirt was pushed to the back  of my wardrobe some months ago, after buying a thicker, prettier and crisper shirt from a River Island sale, I decided this was not to be worn unless desperate seeing as it's so paper thin (no thanks). But, after pulling it back out of the closet, I found it super comfortable and looks surprisingly neat with my trusty old Jamie jeans which are virtually sewn onto my legs. Sorry not sorry.

I'm a sucker for sales, in fact most of my clothes are purchased at a reduced price (although that's totally not good for a future fashion student, time to bite the bullet and buy this season) and these shoes are no exception. These Miss Selfridge shoes are comfortable yet totally gorgeous and versatile sandals that I'm now going to wear forever!

Shirt - H&M // Jeans - Topshop // Shoes - Miss Selfridge

I guess it's time to raid the pile to find the next outfit!

S xo

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TRENCH KINDA GAL

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Trench Coat - Aquascutum  //  Blouse - H&M  //  Jeans - Topshop  //  Shoes - Topshop 

Firstly I'd like to apologise for the constant garden pictures, I'm constantly trying to find the confidence to go elsewhere, in public, to shoot some shots but the thought somewhat terrifies me. The thought of other people watching me, who most probably don't understand, scares me silly. I even grew fed up when taking these snaps because I felt horrendous in them all (see how my hairstyle changes 3 times?) however I managed to salvage a few to share because I was fully committed to his post. #blogplans

I'm currently on the flight to Turkey (I'll be sunning myself by the time you read this) and I have high hopes that pictures will be taken in pretty settings with people around and I won't care, but we'll not rely too heavily on that! 

Moving on. If you know me in person then you'll probably know how I live in these jeans 89.9999% of the time I'm out of work, they're the comfiest pair I own and make me feel the best I've ever felt! Because of my shape and size, I find that Topshop's Jamie jeans do the trick. 

I've paired them with this pale blue blouse that has been a constant Spring staple since I purchased it a few years back, it looks cute with the majority of my wardrobe and is so comfortable that I can be relaxed yet look chic-smart.

How cute are these mules?! Thanks to a sale a few seasons back, I purchased 3 (oops!) pairs and they are the lightest shoes everrrrr, I've even bought 2 pairs along with me on this trip. They bring a spring/summer feel to all my outfits and make me think the sun is finally gonna show!

My Aquascutum trench is another staple, you wouldn't believe that it was a hand me down would you? It may be 2 sizes too big for me, but thanks to the coats belt - and my mum - it fits much sleeker and is the perfect companion for the vast majority of the UK's weather (except for this weekend! Must wipe my brow).

The whole outfit makes me feel my age (finally!) without feeling terribly uncomfortable. Definite Spring go-to!

Ps. Totally not wearing these jeans and shoes to travel in...not at all.

I definitely reached the point with these photos where I gave up, this was the result. 

S xo

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