Primark in Paris is like Prada (well not quite...)

Being an English student in Paris c'est un peu difficile: cost of living is high on a student budget and an intern's income... Paris is full of beautifully expensive boutiques, appetising restaurants and streets upon streets of happy hour cocktail bars thus I can never quite justify spending 60+ euros on a plain coloured t-shirt, for example.

High-street shops are few and far between as individual retailers sell chic, à la mode pieces which I often lust after, at high-end prices. With a choice of H&M, New Look, Zara and Mango, as international high street retailers, it's so difficult to pick up your average Joe tank top, basic knitwear or cheap and cheerful tights {let's face it, most get thrown away after one wear!}.

An inbox flooded with magazine emails:

Having been overloaded the last few months with subscription emails from the likes of Look magazine, Marie Claire, In Style and Company, all featuring articles on the latest Spring/Summer wardrobe must-haves from Primark, there was no doubt that I was looking forward to going back to the UK for a weekend for an overdue shopping spree to ol' Primarni.

When living in the UK Primark, can become fairly dull at times as friends end up buying the same dress, t-shirt and shoes, yet in a city where Primark is unheard of and their clothes non-existent, in a city where fashion is at it's forté, so long as you compose your outfit well, you're on to a winner.   

So upon a trip back to the west country, I went on a little shopping spree to Primark {where I probably spent the same amount on a gazillion pieces than I would have here on one piece in Paris}. After the raving reviews of the SS13 collection by fashion and beauty magazines, I had high{ish - it is Primark after all!} expectations and hopes for a happy and positive outcome at the checkouts, and I was indeed pleased with my finds and purchases.

A few of my money saving, à la mode, SS13 purchases and I wouldn't be caught in the same outfit as a single Parisian. Primark products are as far and few between as Prada products. Originality? Win! 

Definitely looking forward to going back for another shopping spree soon without breaking the bank! & I hope that you find your own bargains chez Primark.

Bonne soirée

E x

Parisian Spring Style

After a preeeetty chilly and harsh winter here in Paris, the sun is gradually beginning to show it's face and as a true Brit I immediately wanted to whack out the shorts and flip-flops, however, I would have looked significantly out of place roaming the Parisian Rues and Boulevards in such attire. 

How to dress for Spring when the Parisians are still walking around in puffa jackets and woolly hats and scarves? I opted for an outfit which would be acceptable in this city, in jeans and a large knit jumper {with no vest top underneath to let in the warm breeze!} but which brought out this season's in colours and which was still light and cool to wear.

Neon pink large knit jumper H&M, pale blue jeans Primark

Triangular necklace: Primark

Aztec pattered beaded bracelet: Primark

Shoes: Converse All Star Seasonal Mint Ox Trainers from ASOS as seen here. 

Although I must admit, I mixed two of the season's trends, pastels {Converses} and neon {jumper} I think they worked well here and didn't clash!? 

Thoughts? 

Happy Spring! 

E x

Back to Punk?

The Met Ball/Met Gala, hosted by Vogue, considered as the world's top red carpet event by style magazines and fashion industry experts, is a ball held annually to celebrate the opening of the Metropolitan Museum's fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute. Described by the fashion industry as the Night of Nights, the red carpet event is said to be the biggest social event held in New York and once again attracts dress-to-impress celebrities who dare to push the boundaries in top designer dresses.

Last night brought punk back to the fashion industry and not only for the acquired taste. By means of embracing this years exhibition theme, we saw spikes and studs, lace and leather, full gowns and dresses that barely covered on top celebrities and models alike.

In a palette of black and burgundy deathly-punk colours, there were few vibrant burst of punk-y pink and rebel-red throughout the night from the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Beckinsale and Kate Bosworth to name a few. 

As always with red carpet events, outfits are either a big thumbs up or a massive no-no. Here's a round up:

Photo credit Vogue.co.uk

Left to right: Gwyneth Paltrow in a hot-pink, custom-made, couture Valentino ball gown; Kate Bosworth in a Balmain mini-dress; and Kate Beckinsale in an Alberta Ferretti dress matched with a pair of punk-style lightening bolt earrings.

Photo credit Vogue.co.uk

Black to back: Cara Delevinge in a studded Burberry and Emma Watson in a custom-made Prabal Gurung gown, both looking as gorgeous as ever!

Photo credit Vogue.co.uk

Blake Livley swooned in much like the Black Swan, in a Gucci Première strapless ball gown.

Photo credit Vogue.co.uk

For me, faux-pas' were seen on Queen (King?!) Katy Perry who wore an AW13 Dolce & Gabbana beaded dress; Madonna who although looked great for her age didn't quite work Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci-Casadei-combo (in my opinion) and finally Miss Kim Kardashian, whose stylist need a big kick up the bum. Soon to be mum also wore a Givenchy by Riccardo Tiscia ball gown.

Photo credit Vogue.co.uk

Kristen Stewart looked stylish in Stella McCartney while SJP, as ever, rocked her look this time in a Giles Deacon ball gown with a Philip Treacy Mohican headpiece, however I'm not so sure about the tartan over-the-knee boots, but punk is punk (right?!).

Photo Credit Rex

Who were your favourite dressed A-Listers? And whose outfit made you wince? I'd love to hear your comments!

E x