Best bits of London Fashion Week online

ph: fashion-ocd tumblr

I've been out of the country while LFW raged on at home so I've scoured the web for some of the top resources I've tapped into to keep abreast of the action and would like to share them with you. The tardiness has meant that I am getting behind on Paris Fashion Week, argh

:: The Guardian's summation: What's hot and what's generally a bit rubbish (Simon Chilvers' opinion though!)









:: FT.com's Vanessa Friedman and Carola Long's insightful and rich commentary

::Style.com's visual feast of all of the SS12 looks if you just want to build a brain collage

::Topshop's blog Inside-Out's specific article on David Koma

::The Times Fashion's twitter feed, check out #LFW

Finally! a Forever 21 in London

Some excellent photos of Sandra, blogger responsible for 5 inch and up, and some beautiful shots of what we can find in-store. Looking forward to bagging some bargains in the new Forever 21 flagship on Oxford Street!

(ph: from 5 inch and up)

Cheap smells

(photo: pearled, flickr)

Word of mouth endorsement is such a powerful marketing tool. My friend Jo mentioned the Cheap Smells web site to a group of us last night over supper. We were talking about the best products to take on a long haul flight... then we ended up talking about great places to buy branded lotions and potions at discounted rates. Just like play.com, but sells beauty products instead of cheap DVDs, Cheap Smells is located in the Channel Islands so it receives certain tax breaks which it passes onto us, the consumer, how kind. 

They predominantly push the perfume, fragrance, and aftershave products, stocking some top end brands such as Chloe, Gucci, Calvin Klein, YSL, Vera Wang, mid-range brands such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Tommy Hilfiger, to the very affordable: Kylie, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears...etc. 

However, I found their skincare section slightly more exciting. They offer a long list of Clarins products, including some impressive gifts and sets as well as the ever-useful Eight Hour Cream by Elizabeth Arden.

Postage is included in all of their prices, and it's still cheaper than buying from high street department stores.

You can go to the web site here: CheapSmells.com

21 again... Forever 21 hits London town

photo: lovesnic.tumblr.com

Forever 21, the affordable fashion retailer, made its first voyage across the Atlantic back in 2010 to the iconic Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham. Come July 27th, the fashion retailer will become resident in the former HMV space on London's Oxford Street. If you're unfamiliar with the brand and its product, I would describe it as New Look with more edge. 

The retailer has three main sub brands for women: Forever 21, Heritage 1981 and Forever 21 girls, they're all in a similar price bracket, for example, £10.50 for a tee or vest is quite standard. I personally prefer Heritage 1981 as there is more of an Urban Outfitters vibe to it. Check out their web site for a look at some of their LA wares and prices.

Bip Ling, flavour of the month, is fronting the campaign celebrating the London launch. Some good pics of her here.

A Saintly Selection

photo from who-needs-words tumblr

AllSaints Archive is a cleverly branded sale / discount / clever ruse to get rid of the stuff they have lying out back. It seduces us with its promise of 50% off, but I'm more than willing to be drawn in by £100 leather jackets and £30 statement jewellery pieces. (no bags though).

AllSaints are a bit of a law unto themselves in the fact that their designs and main construction materials don't fluctuate much from season to season so AllSaints Archive is definitely worth a browse. It also means you can avoid elbows at sunrise when the AllSaints sales are on in-store.

Check it out here

fashionable ebay tips - selling

(photo: myheartisaddicted's tumblr)

Selling


Having seen a lot of clothes and accessories listed on eBay, I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of eBay listings. Here are a few tips which only require an ounce of common sense and a little bit of time.

1. Title
It may seem very obvious, state exactly what you're selling in the title as this will increase the likelihood of your listing coming up in searches by the sort of buyer that you're targeting. I've seen some terrible titles for some pretty decent items. Don't forget to include:
:: The name of the brand/designer
:: The size (if it's a 12 you might also want to include 'Medium' too to get more hits)
:: Whether it's brand new
:: Anything particularly interesting about the item e.g. 'Real leather' or 'This season' are good options to attract attention

2. Photos

(photo: fashiontoast)

Rumi from fashiontoast started her super successful blog as a result of all of the interest she got from her (now defunct) eBay shop, Treasure Chest Vintage. A lot of her success can be attributed to her eye for key pieces but also to her styling and Colin (the bf)'s photography skills. Which brings me to my point about photos on eBay listings: make the item look appealing!

As we're becoming increasingly exposed to and accustomed to slick styling and graphics from the likes of Net-A-Porter, ASOS, The Outnet, Topshop, and popular blogs, a dark photo of a bag laid flat on a stained carpet just doesn't quite cut the mustard.

You don't have to have an amazing camera, just a good amount of light, I prefer shooting my items on a sunny day rather than using the flash which changes the colour of items.

3. Description

Keep it simple. There are so many listings chock full of colour, different fonts, links, pictures, tables, stars you name it. When eBayers are searching/browsing all they want to know is what condition the item is in, whether there are any imperfections, the dimensions and perhaps some inspiration/ideas on how to wear it/style it.

Sometimes I like to insert photo inspiration which includes the item or demonstrates the particular trend. I usually get the images from the internet or magazines. eBay don't charge for uploading photos for clothing listings so whyever not!

A topshop leopard never changes its spots

Bought these Topshop beauts at 25% off thanks to my friend's 'relative of an employee of arcadia' discount. Can't wait for the weather to improve to bust them out. What do you think??

You can find them on the Topshop web site here, and they're in the sale!

just cos...

Gratuitous close ups of my high street sales treasures from COS and asos, as mentioned in my top of the shops post. I love the semi-roughness of the waffle knit and the stiff circle hem on the shift dress. yum.

if you're braving the high street sales, try these top of the shops first...

(photo: velvetstuddedhearts tumblr)

I indulged in some lunchtime and post work shopping, but without the guilt thanks to the prolific high street sales going on at the moment.

Here are my recommendations for those looking for a few bits for holiday, while saving some money for cocktails, a second third pair of sunglasses, sandals, wedges... or the overweight luggage charge.

The COS sale

30% and 50% off some of their past season items, nonetheless the old stuff's still got it!. If clean lines, quality fabric and cut, and the odd detail here and there make your heart quicken then head on down.

I bought a gorgeous white chunky knit for £28.50 (was £59) and a classic white tee with zip detail breast pockets for £17 (was £34). Will post photos soon!

Find your nearest store here

The Dorothy Perkins sale

Dotty Ps are offering 20-50% off online and in-store. I find that Dorothy Perkins used to be the place of choice when you wanted something reasonably on-trend but cheaper than forking out at Topshop prices, however, the prices seem to have risen lately but the quality of the fabric and design haven't really risen correspondingly.

Nevertheless, the 'third party' labels they have in-store are also included in the sale, which makes a browse more worthwhile. In fact, I bought a leopard print jersey dress there at lunchtime, was £40, now £17. Will post a photo later!

The Urban Outfitters sale (Accessories)

In addition to the various discount codes that you can use at Urban Outfitters (see my previous post here), their online accessories sale is pretty decent.

30-50% discounts off a good range of accessories means you're definitely spoilt for choice, perhaps ignore the headbands... I like the look of the knuckle ring (£8), the beaded skinny belt (£12), and the rhinestone cat's eyes sunglasses (£10).

The ASOS sale

I was so pleased as punch with my jumpsuit sale find on asos, as featured in my previous post that I also bought this dress (£30), which I'd been pining for at Christmas time when it was featured in Vogue and totally sold out.

I'm particularly impressed with the shorts selection (109 items at around 30-50% off) and the sandals selection, flat and heeled (231 items at around 30-70% off).

Like these from All Saints at asos (£58 from £145)

And these from Diesel at asos (£45 was £90)

I hope you enjoy and feel free to share your sale stories with me! 

save money.Urban Outfitters 20% discount until midnight. uh oh.

Get 20% off at Urban Outfitters online, by using promo code 'WELCOMEBACK'

x

my asos life.

asos pu panel jersey jumpsuit, £22 in the sale

My most recent sales purchase. I wasn't sure what the jumpsuit would be like when it arrived (sometimes things aren't quite what they appear with asos), however I was delighted with the result.

I layered a cream lace top with exposed zip over the PU top and wore some block-heeled boots to lengthen the legs, they need all the help that they can get.

jumpsuit (asos) 

jacket (topshop)

lace top (topshop)

block heels (asos)

UO discount. uh oh.

Went home for a family supper on the weekend: mooli clear broth, chicken and rhubarb stir fry, chinese five spice pork, wood ear mushroom glass noodles, aubergine and whelk hotpot... yum.

Not only did I indulge in some of mum's cooking, but I found this gem in my pile of letters. According to this Urban Outfitters mail, we can benefit from a 10% discount in their online store (urbanoutfitters.co.uk) if you use the discount code 'HISUMMER'. Plus, if you spend £75+ you get free delivery! Uh oh indeed.

My top picks from Urban Outfitters

splish: O&O bright solid dress in blue, £36 with the 10% discount

splash: The Cambridge Satchel Company 14 inch satchel in green, £97.20 with the 10% discount

splosh: Alexander Wang Wing Tip glasses in silver, £194.40 with the 10% discount

bloggers on a budget.

(photos from nataliehartleywears and netaporter)

I just love it when bloggers mix high street with top labels. Natalie Hartley, who has recently been featured in Net-A-Porter's blogger edit magazine, is a London girl who is so adept at wearing pieces from oasis, miss selfridge, office, accessorize, topshop, urban outfitters (you get the picture) with gorgeous bits from isabel marant, marc jacobs, acne, 3.1 phillip lim etc.

Not only are her outfits interesting, eclectic and affordable, but she is generous with her fashion forward tips... InStyle fashion editor advice... for free!

Visit her here 

cheap kicks in the grid.

introducing the mmb grid: a collage of high fashion goodies available on the high street. especially researched and sourced for your bargain conveniences. after all, we're busy girls, non?

links and sources (l-r):
:: ashley olsen at cfda 2011. bag, the row. (look magazine)
:: miller bag, asos white. £145.00. (asos.com)
:: natalie hughes from canned fashion. trousers, vintage versace from etsy.
:: coloured skinnies, new look. £26.99. (new look)

fashionable ebay tips - searching

(photo: chaneljunk's tumblr)

True love
I have a love, love, LOVE relationship with eBay. The ever-escalating addiction has recently been fuelled by my purchase of an iPhone and the eBay app. Browsing and bidding on the Temple tube station platform: on-the-go bargain heaven.

Spreading the love
According to Marti Pellow, love is all around so why not share some of my searching, browsing, bidding, selling tips that help me with my bargain urges, whether it be high street or top designer. This list is work-in-progress and if you want to share any of your own eBay tricks please comment away!

Useful search terms 

Trend names

Sellers who sell trend-led clothing often use 'trend' names as part of their listing titles e.g. 'Navajo' is a recent fave or 'Colour block' is a good one for the recent hot spell, sometimes I browse 'Granny' too! then refine by category: Women's clothing, Women's accessories and Vintage Clothing & Accessories.

Celebs

If you like a certain celebrity's style then sellers will often use their name to denote an item which is in their style, for example, Alexa Chung, Kate Moss, Kate Middleton, Olsen, even Rumi from Fashiontoast.

Related labels
In order to increase traffic to their listings, sellers will often insert names of designers and labels related to or similar to the label of the item they're selling in the listing title. For example, 'Acne' and 'APC', 'Alexander Wang' and 'Rick Owens' and 'Margiela'.

So, if you're looking at Margiela tops you could end up bidding for several Alexander Wang bags - eek.

This Season
'topshop this season'
'net a porter this season'
'asos this season'
...
you get the picture.
I find this quite a good way to separate the really old stuff from the new stuff, the majority of which are still in store so you can definitely buy something at about 60-75% of the RRP.

More tips on making the most of saved searches, last minute bidding and selling to come! 

N.dulge yourself like it's 1999

Indulge? You don't have to ask me twice.

Space NK launched their N.dulge loyalty card relatively recently so during a recent present shop (you know: two presents for her, one present for me etc.) I couldn't resist the flawlessly made up Space NK customer service representative dressed in black when she proffered the glossy leaflet.

Similar to the Boots Advantage card, you get a point for every £1 you spend (online and in stores), and for every £100 spent you get a £5 voucher. There are lots of other benefits which are articulated here.

Despite the silly name, it's probably worth it if you're like me and often find yourself in there when you're craving a 'lotions and potions' hit.

space nk cadet

Apparently, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Well, I don't know about that. But what I do know, is that there is such a thing as a free Eve Lom lip balm. I was pleasantly surprised having sacrificed one more smidgen of my e-mail privacy by signing up to Space NK's N.dulge card (which was also free), to find that they e-mailed me on my birthday with a coupon for a free Eve Lom Kiss Mix lip balm worth £14.

Big tingly kiss for Space NK from me x