Summer Sale Edit '14: River Island

Keeping with the monochromatic palette that I've been loving recently, here is a list of sale items I've been lusting over from River Island, most of which are black and white. Thinking ahead to the Autumn, I've included a couple of coats which can be thrown over jeans and skirts to protect us from unfavourable weather, without having to worry about being fashionable. I also have included a couple of splashes of blue and pink, which compliment the other items harmoniously.

Black check oversized jacket 

(£30 down from £65)

White perforated panel leather jacket 

(£75 down from £150)

Navy diamond jacquard oversized coat

(£30 down from £65)

Light pink polka dot shirt 

(£15 down from £38)

Black and white geometric print skirt

(£17 down from £28)

Turquoise leather pony skin cross body bag

(£35 down from £65)

Black and white floral print cigarette pants

(£20 down from £38)

Aqua rolled brim bowler hat

(£5 down from £20)

I really like the idea of a completely monochrome outfit, for example the cigarette trousers with a white shirt, with the pop of colour of the blue hat. 

Which is your favourite? Would you wear any of the items together?

Talia xxx

Summer Sale Edit '14: ZARA

Zara used to be a simple brand- essentially, it emulated an iconic capsule collection consisting of a few key shapes, styles and items which were re-released each season. The way they kept it fresh and relevant was simply to change the colour and pattern of these pieces, depending on trends forecasted from the international bi-annual catwalks. Recently (and by recently I mean in the past three or four years), Zara has become a lot more mainstream, and a consequence of this is that the quality of their products has unfortunately decreased. For the same price to the consumer, what was once leather and silk has now been swapped for polyurethane and polyester. Zara became no different to any other mass-produced high street chain.

On the other hand, I can still see the appeal of this popular brand. The people behind Zara always seem to keep on top of current fashion trends- many of their cult items are regularly sold out, and re-sold on eBay for a much higher price, sometimes for up to 800% the original RRP. It is also a store praised for its designer 'dupes', making luxury high-end fashion accessible for all. Here I have picked a few items from their summer sale which I think are key winners- pieces that are wearable and timeless, and that are valid for the remaining summer months and that can transition into the Autumn too. 

Sporty crop top 

(£9.99 down from £19.99)

Combination fabric dress 

(£15.99 down from £29.99)

Faux leather dress with straps 

(£17.99 down from £39.99)

Faux leather skirt 

(£15.99 from £29.99)

Guipure layer shorts 

(£17.99 down from £29.99)

Printed flounce dress

(£25.99 down from 45.99)

Printed peplum top in sea green

(£15.99 down from £29.99)

Striped top 

(£12.99 down from £25.99)

Printed blue dot shorts 

(£9.99 down from £19.99)

Leather ankle strap sandals with track sole 

(£19.99 down from £39.99)

What's your favourite sale buy from my picks? Are there any others you think are good value for money that I've missed off? 

Talia xxx

Sale Edit: Motel A/W 13

 Motel is a brand renowned for its Black-Milk inspired leggings, use of mesh and mermaid sequins. Never a place I've shopped at before; however it is taking a turn for the best by introducing some more mature and at the same time grunge-y items. No wonder it is a hub for the young crowd, the website offers 20% discount for students and free UK delivery and returns. Here are some of my top sale picks:

Vintage Girl Dress in Red - was 45 now 27

Thinking ahead to Wedding Season, this dress could be teamed with a fascinator for a more formal affair, and can be toughened up with a leather jacket and a statement necklace for the after-party.

Bonnie Long Sleeve Crop Top  with Sequin Pow - was 19 now 12

This would look great with high-waisted jeans and Dr Martens, or some laid-back dungarees and a pair of low-top converse sneakers. There is a variation of this top with the word 'ZAP' instead in yellow and pink sequins. If necessary, this can be used for superhero-themed fancy dress.

Mary Daisy Open Back Floral Lace Playsuit in Black - was 60 now 29

This is a great summer piece that would look great city-roaming with leather sandals and some round quirky sunglasses. Black is a colour which I think is easy to pull off in the summer, looking instantly chic and definitely different to the myriad of bright hues and garish florals we are bombarded with, so this playsuit is an easy and multi-purpose piece, with uses for both day and night.

Ronnie Crop Top in Black Metallic Mesh - was 22 now 19

Yes, it probably is not acceptable to wear this top anywhere other than a rave, with its short hemline and daring transparent nature. However, it does not fail to catch eyes, and is perfect if you have a sporty collection of bras which would otherwise remain untouched. Paired with trousers or jeans, this top will keep a party outfit understated yet undeniably cool; a body-con skirt or skimpy shorts will not do this top any favours, however, and will scream 'try-hard' and 'sci-fi freak' and possibly attract some other insults about lack of clothing in this cold weather.

talia xoxo