Real Talk: As I’ve got older, especially since I left uni and got a full time job, I’ve avoided just “popping in” to Primark and loading up on stuff. I’ve tried my best to save my pennies and splurge on higher quality, more classic items that I know will eventually lead me to one of those sought after grown-up lady wardrobes. Occasionally though, the pull of “Oh, these shoes are only a fiver!” is too much and I crack. Today was one of those days.
In my defence, since I dyed my hair I’ve been wandering around in a bit of a daze, scratching my head at my wardrobe full of dark, rich, jewel tones. With candy coloured hair has come a lust for lighter colours and neons, something my repertoire is seriously lacking. Since I have a wedding coming up, I’m not really in the market to be handing over a lot of cash for clothes (especially compounded with my dangerous skincare habit) so Primani was my first stop to pick up some summer appropriate clothing for those 3 days when the northern weather might rise above 10 degrees.
The colours of the day were clearly cream and pink. I’m a big fan of layering as the studio I work at can get a little chilly, and my current collection on cardigans and sweaters is heavy on the oxblood, purple and black. To layer over the pastels and neons I’m drawn to these days, the first item I picked up today was a light, loose, cream knit. It’s a cardigan with no button to fasten it so it falls freely to around the top of my thighs. It’s perfect for the warmer weather as it’s very light and ideal to add a bit of warmth when a tshirt isn’t quite enough. I got it in a couple of sizes up for ultimate slouch and it cost me £10.
The other top I bought is a drop back long sleeved tee in a speckled cream, not unlike the ever-popular Topshop Fleck Top with a seam down the back. I have another Primark one of these in an oxblood colour and it is the most comfortable item of clothing I own. I thought this would be perfect to wear with high waisted jeans and my ever-growing collection of patterned leggings, and it’s a steal at £6.
For £2 I got a chunky ring in a textured, gold finish with a pink, marbled stone in the centre. I wear a lot of cheap, costume style rings as bigger and bolder is better when it comes to my sausage fingers. I like to change my jewellery up a lot, so spending money just seems like a waste. £3 got me a necklace made from big, wooden, coin-shaped beads in a hot pink colour. I’m looking forward to wearing that with plain, lighter coloured tops and my new pink Joni jeans from Topshop.
Lastly, SHOES. I find it difficult to buy flat shoes because my feet are a half size and high-quality shoes can either rub my feet raw or have me clawing my toes to keep them on. For pumps I always turn to Primark because I can buy the smaller size and within a few wears they’ll give and be super easy to slide in and out of. The first pair I bought today were a laser cut, peep-toe pair in gorgeous coral. And yes I will be matching my lipstick to my shoes, thank you very much. They cost £8 and I can see me chucking them on with everything from jeans to skater skirts.
My second pair are hot pink flip flops with gold detailing. They were a bargain at £4 but the flat, rigidness of the sole does worry me slightly. I’m hoping they’ll be super comfortable and ideal for chucking on on days like this one where the weather is warm and everyone starts stripping off. Hopefully, both these pairs can get me looking a little more feminine for the summer as I’ve settled into a nice routine of wearing battered Converse nearly everyday – the pop of colour should help me rediscover some style!
This weekend I finally caved and ordered Hydraluron too after watching (lifechanging). Look forward to a full review on that, I’m really looking forward to getting my paws on it and I’m skincare obsessed at the moment. What are your current retail obsessions/concerns? What have you been buying recently?