28 Days Later: The Horror Of Returns

Welcome back,

My blog isn't normally a place where I rant. Well, this isn't really a rant more of an observation. My best friend and I were talking about my weird shopping habits. I don't try things on, I don't ask shop assistants for help, I don't ask my friends' advice and I don't do returns, ever. I don't know why exactly...just all of these things that come hand and hand in shopping freak me out. I just don't like doing them. Anyway I wanted to talk about the stages of returning an item and the horror about policies and statuary rights that really makes me feel like I am in a horror film. Welcome to 28 days later, the aftermath of your impulsive shop.

1. DENIAL.
This is the stage that is the easiest. Normally this denial comes with items that do not fit properly. I try them on at home and look in the mirror and think... it looks a little weird here but it'll do, I mean I don't mind my body looking a little odd when I like the idea of these clothes- actually I look good, I like these clothes. Or if its shoes my mind works a little like this: I don't mind squeezing my foot into this prison of a shoe and not being able to walk- they look cute, comfort is not important. You know what I am a warrior and I can stand this pain if my feet look this awesome. 

Oh how naive you are past-tense me, you are about to embark on a journey of which there is no return.    

2. ACCEPTANCE/REALISATION.
To me, acceptance that an item isn't what you envisioned is the most sad realisation. This is when I realise no it won't do, my hips look like the size of China and I cannot walk without being in searing pain or looking like a penguin. Great. I look in the mirror and wish I had not been given my body as it seems clothes I like are not made to suit it. Dammit. That's when it hits me. I stop feeling sorry for myself and feel a wave of panic and fear lap over me.

I have to do the unspeakable and return the item.

3. THE JOURNEY.
Whether the item has been brought online or at store I still have to make my way to the post office or said shop. I clear my schedule so I can deal with this abhorrent task and I can guarantee you that every obstacle possible will be in my way to get to my destination. I can feel my adrenaline pumping and my mind ticking over about what I am going to say when I get there. But then my train of thought is cut dead in its tracks as an overwhelming feeling of anger erupts when I witness the huge line of people.

Dammit. Dammit. Dammit.

4. THE BATTLE.
I finally get to the front of the line! It is my turn to get a step closer to returning that accursed impulsive buy. I can feel everyone else in the line staring at the back of my head thinking- great...what is she doing...hurry up. At this point I try to look behind me to assure my fellow shoppers that I am indeed trying to make this process as painless and as fuss free as possible however instead of understanding nods being exchanged I am confronted with the stank face. Fabulous. The clerk or sales assistant will then proceed to ask a million questions about the item that I just don't know. I am awkward and start spurting out yes and no answers to open ended questions whilst stank face behind me starts huffing at my incompetence at being a human. Now I hate returns and people. To top that all off if I am at the post office I have to pay an obscene amount to return some ill-fitted item. Again, I am investing in something I quite obviously do not want.

5. THE AFTERMATH. 
You walk away from the counter and you say it's finally over. A warm calming energy comes over you and you feel safe, that is, unless your at the post office. Then you realise you will have to wait for the item to be returned to the retailer and are still out of pocket for the product and the postage. Wow. Will it be returned within the returns policy notice period? There is nothing to do but hope, only hope.

*I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I did writing it. Just a little note this post was just for a little bit of fun. Obviously I am not saying this is the most horrific thing to happen in the world. Its just a bit of fun.

*CIAO*

OOTD: Romper Rights

Welcome back,

Sorry I have been a bit m.i.a lately, again. I am trying not to make a routine of it. There isn't any excuse, I just haven't been writing as much.

But on with the post! I wore this outfit to PURE London, which I did a previous blog post on. Feel free to look at in my archive. Anyway I wanted something comfortable and durable that I could walk around in all day without feeling the need to fidget. Enjoy!

Urban Outfitters Hat.

Asos Romper. 

Topshop Shoes.

H&M Bag.

*CIAO*

PURE London Fashion Weekend

Welcome back,

This month I got the opportunity to go to PURE London fashion weekend.

For those of you that don't know PURE London is a fashion event that is compiled of fashion shows, seminars, lectures and stalls/units containing this upcoming season's collections by designers big and small. The best thing about PURE is that anyone can go, you just apply via their website. I went as a student and had a great time browsing the expo.

I have attached a few photos of my favourite upcoming designers and trends for autumn/winter '15 that I cannot wait to try.

Firstly I want to talk about jewellery.

It seems like the large statement pieces from this summer are carrying over to autumn/winter. Silver is to be a common base this coming season complete with large rope and beaded designs. I love the simplicity of the necklaces above. I could see myself styling these with plain coloured turtle neck jumpers in the winter to add a little excitement to an otherwise rather normal outfit.

Heavily detailed Aztec inspired designs also dominated the stalls at PURE. I particularly loved the piece above. I would definitely wear this on a night out with my favourite LBD (little black dress). The earrings to the left also caught my eye, I love the bold shapes and unique designs. They are everything you would want in a statement earring- wear them with your hair up for even more impact. 

Overall I felt all the jewellery had a very exotic feel inspired by many different cultures, whether they were Indian, Aztec or Native American. They would all make amazing stand alone pieces or as layered pieces to intertwine designs and give a more bohemian feel like the image above.

Now let's get on to talking about a girl's favourite item to shop for. Bags!

One of my favourite bag designers at PURE was Claudia Canova. I had never heard of this brand until stumbling across their stall at the expo. All of their bags had a little pop of colour which makes a welcomed change from last years monochrome pallets. The patterns were also to die for. I really loved the eye motif that was printed on several different bags. The perfect way to spruce up your work wardrobe next season.

PURE also had some really beautiful clothing items. I would show you all my photos but this post would be the longest in the world if I did. Here are just a few of my favourites. 

There was a really small Spanish brand at PURE who specialized in leggings. These leggings were not just your basic black, they were made of a spandex/lyrca combination with amazing patterns and designs. The above skull and rose motif would look amazing with a plain crop top and trainers for a casual weekend. 

I also loved this more subtle pair. The muted grey in combination with the white and flower accents look positively chic. The cherry blossoms are so beautiful. The helpful lady at the stand also told me that each pair is handmade and the designs hand painted, making every pair unique. 

When at PURE I also normally find a few mannequins I like. Here are a couple. 

I thought I was sick of the monochrome trend but after seeing this outfit combination I fell in love with it all over again. I love the silhouette of the cinched in waist and slightly oversized t-shirt. The mesh on the neckline also adds a bit of texture which is needed in a black and white colour pallet. I could see myself rocking this look up London with a pair of black minimalist heels for a classic city chic look.  

Another trend I noticed at the expo was pastel, it seems the colour pallet has made a come-back this autumn/winter. I particularly enjoy the coral coloured lace dress above. The dress feels warm, flirty and perfect for a party. Pair it with some nude heels and simple accessories for an easy outfit combination. 

I hope you enjoy this post and even if you didn't go to PURE I hope you got a feel of what it was like. 

*CIAO*