Primark SS13: My Top Picks

I'm not quite sure why it's taken me so long to get around to this post, when I'm 99.9% sure that I source a larger proportion of my wardrobe contents from Primark than any other fashion blogger, and, way before I even thought about blogging, I signed up to PR programs purely for the purposes of feverishly checking for new Primark drops (weekly, if not daily).

I'm as excited as ever by the new collection - in my opinion it's a great mixture of girly vs sporty, romantic vs fierce, and '50s inspired loveliness vs '80s inspired madness, featuring a new spin on some old and new "classics" such as the biker jacket, peplum top and wedge hi-top.

So, without further ado, here are my top clothing and accessory picks for SS13 from those released so far (including a few gems you might not have seen on other blogs or in the lookbook). They're trickling into stores gradually - some snuck in as early as December, whilst you'll have to wait until March to get a glimpse of others...

 

The Clothes

Yellow Polka Dot Dress

An irresistibly cute, demure '50s style updated with a foot or two lopped off the hemline and a cheeky keyhole - love the cut, collar, colours, everything!

China Print Dress

Cap sleeves, lantern shaping, neckline notching and piping combine with porcelain print to make this the perfect summer dress.

Cut-Out Dress

You may have noticed by now that I'm a sucker for a cut-out, and this style makes a nice change from the typical side-waist versions we're used to by now. I love the circle skirt and sweetheart neckline - like the first two, it's a cute contemporary take on a classic '50s style.

Cat Print T-Shirt

I have wanted one of these for so long! Have actually been considering having my own cat's picture put on a T-shirt... may have to after all, as my mum apparently finds this one scary!

Dungarees

Well, I'll try anything once! Even though mum keeps telling me how much these remind her of her favourite maternity outfit (in 1985). They look fun.

Floral Tapestry Print Biker Jacket and Skirt

Loving the combination of tapestry/carpet print and contemporary styling - this would make a ridiculously cute suit, but the jacket would also look great with skater/circle styles, or shorts.

Cream Lace Midi Dress

I actually already have this (coming soon to an outfit post near you) and love, love, love it - due to my relatively large chest, even though I sized up, this comes up more empire line than waisted on me, but I actually quite like the Austen-a-like effect! It's lovely and floaty and romantic, and, much as I love a mini, I always find below-the-knee cuts so elegant. It's sheer, but comes with a mini removable slip, which is great, but I think I might get a bit more experimental with what I slip on underneath at some point - watch this space!

Net-Sleeved Peplum Top

I've happily owned up to my peplum addiction numerous times on here over the last few months, and this would be a perfect addition to my collection - loving the rock/lady clash.

Tube Maxi Skirt

Much as I love my swishy maxis, I definitely need this shape in my wardrobe ASAP. Sleek, slinky, and how perfect does it look with the top?

My Favourite Lookbook Looks

Love the dress and the net shorts, although I probably wouldn't style them together or turn this into such a sporty look!

Amazing shirt detailing, and love the colour and wash of the jeans - perfect as separates, or as a fun new way to do double denim...

Footwear and Accessories

1 (£18) & 2 (£15) - Now I've got my classic black and white wedge hi-tops sorted, it's time to branch out... tie-dye, studs, pastels... oooooh...
3 - The perfect vintage-look wear-with-anything cowboy boots. Need now.
4 - An ear cuff fit for a princess
5 - A diva-esque twist on the classic nude court (£12)
6 - A rocky spin on the classic ladylike box clutch
7 - An always-in-style lug-anything-anywhere fringed bag
8 - Owl wrist cuff - the thinking woman's arm candy
9 - Studs upon studs - perfect for rocking with the box clutch above!
10 - This entire mix and match multipack costs £2 - that's less than 17p per earring!

What do you think of the new collection? Will you be looking out for anything this season?

See my Primark High Summer 2013 highlights here

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5 More Ways to Wear the Peplum

If you've read my original How to Wear the Peplum post, or indeed much of the rest of my blog (e.g. my recent How to Wear Sequins or How to Wear Disco Pants posts - check out all my peplum-labelled posts for more), you'll probably know me as a self-confessed peplum fanatic... So here are 5 ways I've been wearing 2 new additions to my collection of beloved beauties this season:

The Sheer Lace Top

Gothica

Peplum Top and Shoes: Primark (Current), Skirt and Bandeau Top: Jane Norman (Past Season)

For a romantic feel, I decided to layer one of my new sheer lace peplum tops over a sweetheart-necked bandeau top (and my favourite swishy pleated maxi), adding a cute, girly touch with matching ankle socks and glittery slippers peeking out.

Colour Pop

Top: Primark (Current), Jeans: Primark (Past Season), Belt: H&M (Past Season), Shoes: Marks & Spencer (Past Season)

Yes, I did get the same top in white too - they were £6 each, it would have been rude not to! For Forever 21's Coloured Denim Day back when I was taking part in their #21DaysOfStyle Instagram challenge, I teamed it with plum skinnies and cute matching accessories, for a winter-appropriate whites and brights look which will also be perfect for transitioning into S/S.

The Pencil Skirt

Office Chic

Skirt: Primark (Current), Jacket: Forever 21 (Past Season), Body: New Look (Past Season), Shoes: Dorothy Perkins (Past Season)

Aaand my prediction re: accumulating a new peplum skirt came true - spooky! A peplum pencil is perfect with a simple, sleek body and cropped jacket for easy statement-smart style - I'd love to try tucking in a skinny knit too, for a classic Marilyn-esque feel.

The Pussybow-Pencil Colour Block

Skirt: Primark (As Above), Blouse: Primark (Past Season), Tights: Primark, Shoes: Marks & Spencer, Coat: New Look (Past Season)

Trying out some plum-based tonal colour blocking for a twist on the classic pussybow blouse-pencil skirt combination, and a double dose of peplum with a vintage-inspired jacket - a little bit forties, a little bit eighties!

Rock Chick

Skirt: Primark (As Above), Top: H&M (Past Season), Boots: Primark (Past Season)

And to drag it into the 21st century... an experimental juxtaposition of lady with diva, courtesy of my newly rediscovered studded crop top (first featured in How to Wear Disco Pants). I think my peplum pencil skirt will look great with cutesy '50s style bralets come summer, but for now I feel the need to toughen up a little!

What's Next for the Peplum?

The peplum ain't going anywhere (yay!) - stay tuned to see me rocking my new Boohoo peplum belt with anything and everything... We should be seeing softer, more relaxed-fitting peplums and experiencing a deluge of pep-hems as S/S approaches - as much as I love the classic waisted version, I'm excited to see what the new season brings!

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How to Wear... The Body Chain

No longer confined to fetish clubs and, er, "red rooms", the body chain has become the ultimate statement necklace, with delicate gold strands and strings of pearls to adorn those who aren't into the leather harness and buckles look. Here, I scratch the surface of its surprising versatility.

The Pretty Party Dress
A delicate jewelled version adds a bit of edge to a classic girly frock without spoiling its sweetness.

Body Chain: Freedom at Topshop
Dress: Dorothy Perkins (Past Season)
Shoes: New Look (SS12)

Modern Rocker
A simple multi-strand body chain is perfect for amping up a plain vest or tee, and works especially well as part of a "rock chick" look, with metallic, leather, studded or just plain dark denim skinnies. A single ear cuff is the cherry on top, whilst a denim shirt turns the volume down a bit - a leather blazer would dress it up whilst maintaining the feel of the look.

Body Chain: Freedom at Topshop

Ear Cuff: Miss Selfridge

Jeans: Parisian at New Look (Past Season)

Boots: Primark (Past Season)

Shirt: Tammy (Past Season)

Vintage Vixen
A pearl variant adds wow factor to a little black midi (and would also look amazing with flapper style shifts, and pencil, lantern, tulip and skater shapes). I think it works particularly well with a monochrome or single-colour palette.

Body Chain: Miss Selfridge (still available in many stores, although not currently online)
Dress: eBay

A metallic fine-chained piece, like the one featured in Modern Rocker, above, gives a slightly subtler edge to a multi-coloured vintage-style ensemble, as illustrated in yesterday's post, where it ramps up the glamour and adds impact without competing for attention with the colour pop pencil skirt.

The AW12 Wear-With-Anything Super Chain
If you're yet to take your first steps into the world of body chains, you can't go far wrong with this Primark buy for £10 - it's elegant enough to wear with vintage party gowns, but edgy enough to wear with leather and studs - and the mixture of gold and silver strands means it will work with most tones of garments and accessories.

Tomorrow: How to Wear Faux Fur and Winter Warmers

See more posts featuring body chains here

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How to Wear Metallics, from Dawn to Dusk

Metallics are surprisingly versatile, and really shouldn't be confined to your wrists and neckline, or to the 9pm-3am timeslot - they're a great way to add a touch of fun, glamour and stardust to your look throughout the day, and the year.

How I Wear: The Tee
How I Wear: The Jeans
Making Metallics Work For You
This Season's Best Metallic Buys

How I Wear: The Tee

Dawn

A loose metallic tee looks stunning with casual separates for day - denim, tweed, chocolate leather - after many, many months of searching for a version in the perfect cut, shade and price, I found this one fairly recently and haven't had nearly enough time to explore all its possibilities yet! Warm tones draw this look together and stop it from looking too "party party" (black shorts with killer heels could easily turn it into an evening look). For a more business-like look, you could easily tuck it into a high-waisted pencil skirt and team with a blazer and opaques.

Top: Forever 21 (AW12)
Shorts: Primark (Past Season)
Shoes: Primark (Past Season)

Dusk

I've combined a typically casual silhouette - loose tee and skinnies - with luxe fabrics and statement accessories (embellished cape and feather-trimmed boots) in a black-and-gold palette to try to create a bit of a rock chick vibe here.

Top: As Above
Trousers: Primark (Past Season)
Cape: Primark (Past Season)
Boots: Primark (Past Season)

This kind of top also looks great tucked into high-waisted flowing skirts for a girlier feel (see one example here).

For more glamour-driven takes on metallic tops and accessories, check out my posts here and here.

How I Wear: The Jeans

Dawn

I like to tone my metallic skinnies down with a loose, casual top for daytime - an oversized vest or tee for SS, and a chunky knit for AW. The contrast in proportions and textures keeps it acceptable pre-cocktail hour, and also minimises the potential leg-widening effects that sadly come as an occupational hazard when donning gold trousers. I always like to team them with at least a slight heel for the same reason - black brogues add a smart-but-quirky touch to take the disco factor down a couple more notches.

Jeans: AX Paris at New Look (Past Season)
Jumper: River Island (Past Season)
Shoes: Dorothy Perkins (Past Season)

Dusk

For a higher-octane take, I've stuck to a simple, neutral-toned, loose top to let the jeans take centre stage, but added higher heels, silk hair tie and a statement bangle stack in a warm-toned metallic and animal print palette to subtly amp up the glamour and add a bit of edge with a tribal vibe.

Jeans: As Above
Top: Primark (SS12)
Shoes: New Look (Past Season)
Bangles: Primark (Past Season)
Scarf: Accessorize (Past Season)

You can experiment to your heart's content with statement accessories when creating a metallic-based evening look - rock chick, disco diva, Baroque princess... Try a more daring top for a sexy twist - black shades with gold accents would look stunning for AW nights - perhaps a sheer shirt (like this one from Primark, below, £14) or a peplum top with Baroque-style embroidery.

Making Metallics Work For You
In terms of picking your perfect shade, golds tone in most effortlessly with warm/tanned skin tones, whilst silvers work well if you're pale, but, to make a statement, try the opposite (this also applies to metallic make-up). Bronze and pewter are great in-between shades which suit everyone and are slightly more subtle and wearable than full-on glitterball shades.

Yes, shiny surfaces and light, bright tones can make things appear larger than actual size. Use metallics judiciously to draw attention to your best assets, or try using darker, more muted metallic tones, like bronze or pewter, in areas of concern, and/or teaming with neutral separates whose tones and proportions flatter - e.g. pair metallic skinnies with tops that have some length and volume to help curtail their leg-swelling properties.

And if you're not quite brave enough to go the whole Queen Midas hog, try a metallic accessory or two to add pep to a neutral ensemble.

This Season's Best Metallic Buys
Uber-embellishment, Baroque print and metallic flocking will be joining the ubiquitious party season sequins and now-classic metallic jeans and tees to make this season a dazzling one!

A metallic jacket is a great way to add a bit of glamour, edge and fun to an autumnal outfit (which you can always remove if it all gets too much!). I've just invested in this bronze Primark biker jacket, above (£25), which looks even better in real life - you wouldn't know it wasn't real leather - the shade is a knockout, but muted enough to retain a sense of casual elegance. I also love their jacquard bomber jacket, below, for an easy, casually glam take on the baroque trend.

Metallic shorts and skirts will look great with tights and chunky knits for day, as well as dressed up for evening - I'm tempted to invest in a pewter-toned leather-look pleated skater skirt, or a sumptuous Baroque number like this one from River Island.

And for a chic alternative to the typical little gold dress, look no further than Sainsbury's! This beautiful Tu shift (£40) will look just as good toned down with a black blazer and opaques for day as it will glammed up with a statement necklace and killer heels for evening.

Tomorrow: How to Wear Sports Luxe

See more posts featuring metallics here

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How to Wear... Pastels

Pastels always bring sweetness and sunshine to an outfit, whatever the weather – you just need to get your colour mix and proportions right to ensure you look (slightly) closer to your age than your shoe size. Proportion-wise, I tend to go for a typical forties/fifties style silhouette, or team a looser top with a slim bottom half. I usually stick to a maximum of two main pastel tones per outfit, but sometimes sneak in an additional shade or two for accessories.

The Candy Skinnies

Pastel skinny jeans look great either colour blocked with other pastel shades, or set against neutrals.

Baby Blues

Pastel capri pants work well with a sweetheart-neckline bandeau and retro-inspired accessories for a vintage feel (the cute belt also helps to disguise those annoying top-bits-of-jeans-showing-through-tight-tops lines and bumps!). A retro-inspired crop top would also work well here, if you have the guts!

Jeans: Primark (Past Season)
Top: Jane Norman (Past Season)
Belt: Primark (Past Season)
Shoes: Office (Past Season)
Hair Band: Primark (SS12)

When Life Gives You Lemon

Diaphanous chiffon blouses in pastel shades add casual glamour to a colour-blocked look (this more muted pastel-toned number would also work well tucked into a pastel boucle skirt for autumn). For a bit of extra fun, I’ve added a pop of pink on shoes and lips to the sun-and-sea palette, and layered on a couple of skinny plastic kids’ hairbands in pink and aqua tones to tie the look together.

Jeans: Primark (SS12)
Blouse: Primark (Past Season)
Shoes: New Look (Past Season)
Hair Bands: Tu at Sainsbury’s (Past Season)

Lilac Fields

To maintain waist definition and take away some of the casualness, I sometimes like to cinch in my floaty chiffon tops with a skinny waist belt. This combination of lighter-coloured top, hip skimming draping and cinched waist is also the most forgiving option for anyone worried about pastel skinnies being too unforgiving for their body type (pick a top with floaty sleeves if you don’t like your arms).

Jeans: Primark (SS12)
Top: Primark (Past Season)
Belt: Forever 21 (SS12)
Shoes: Office (Past Season)

The Frothy Skirt

I tend to pair pastel skirts with neutral-toned coordinates to avoid looking too much like the Sugar Plum Fairy (although more muted pastels can take it – say, a dusky pastel-toned boucle skirt with a contrasting pastel sweater or blouse).

I have had this tutu skirt in my wardrobe, complete with tags, for about 3 years – existing only to be intermittently stroked and admired, because, even though I wasn’t brave enough to wear it, it was just so preeeetty. But, some time over my last week or so of browsing other people’s street style for inspiration, I was struck by the number of net skirts that seemed to be making their way to picnics in the woods, skipping sessions in meadows (possibly many other bloggers are actually fairies) and generally out of the house, so I determinedly dusted it off, flicked off the cobwebs (don’t worry, using artistic license here) and finally snipped off those tags.

I love the grungy pairing of tutus with casual band tees and sweatshirts, but it didn’t quite feel like me, so I decided to keep it feminine and frothy, but add a bit of grown-up vintage elegance with a peplum and heeled brogues.

Skirt: BooHoo.com (Past Season)
Top: Primark (AW12)
Collar: Topshop
Shoes: Peacocks (Past Season)

Swapping the tutu for a pleated midi gives a slightly more traditional, primly elegant vintage-style look, still fun and feminine, but more appropriate for work/royal garden parties.

Top: As Above
Skirt: Jane Norman (Past Season)
Belt: Forever 21 (SS12)
Shoes: Primark (Past Season)

Transitioning Into Autumn/Winter
Pastels are still very much acceptable this AW, perfect partners for the sophisticatedly sweet fifties look which stalked the runways. Team pastel skinnies and skirts with ladylike lacy tights (or pastel opaques if you’re brave!), heeled brogues and court shoes, and pastel or neutral-shaded knits, jackets and coats in heavier fabrics like wool, boucle and tweed. Boucle/tweed skirts (pencil, tulip or whatever other shape your heart desires) will also look simply gorgeous in pastel shades.

Tomorrow: How to Wear Neon

See more posts featuring pastels here

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