Sunday 29 July 2018
How I Shop The Summer Fashion Sales
As a shopaholic, I adore summer sales and any sale in general. However, when you're shorter on time, it's sometimes hard to browse through endless rails or have the patience to do so either. I've created a little shortlist of tips to help the sale rails appear less daunting, and to aid you in finding the best pieces for your summer wardrobe whilst being on a budget!
DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST ONLINE
I actually first saw this dress on the online Zara sale, but with little funds at the time, I left it abandoned in my basket. Shopping the sale in-store, I kept an eye out for the dress that I knew I had my eye on, and by chance, it was there. I prefer to try things on before I buy, because a lot of things now just aren't how they appear online or they don't fit me how I would want them to. However, not everything online will be in-store, so it's always worth checking both. I often find when a sale is first announced, it is best to be one of the first people looking at it online. Whether its on your commute to work, or on a chilled evening at home, you have to be committed if you want to make the most out of the sales. The convenience of online shopping also helps, as you don't even need to leave your house now to get something new for your wardrobe, so really, there isn't much commitment at all, you just need to beat other people to it!
GO EARLY IN THE MORNING
Sale rails are stressful for everyone, because no one seems to respect them enough to keep them tidy! Although sales assistents try their best, I can tell you from first hand experience, when it's busy, it is impossible to keep a sale rail looking on point throughout the working day. This is why, if I am shopping in-store, I like to be an early bird and get there while it's tidy and the shops are pretty much deserted. I find the best pieces, in my own time, and I don't need to hunt through piles of clothes on the floor or queue for the changing rooms!
MAKE A BUDGET & AVOID BUYING UNECESSARY ITEMS
In general, I try to stick to this tip when I am shopping. You must remember that stores, shops, and supermarkets are designed to tempt you into buying extra things that you often don't need. To avoid this, keep a check on your budget and don't be tempted by the products lined up by the till unless you actually need them.
ALWAYS TRY IT ON
This is more of a recent tip that I have established. As a child, I never ever wanted to try things on, because I found it boring and most things fitted me anyway. However, since my body type has changed and from dropping a few dress sizes, my size seems to vary between shops. I am actually not 100% sure by any size, I have to just try it on these days and if it works, it works, and if it doesn't then sadly, it can't come home with me.
CHECK THE RETURNS POLICY
If you're rushed for time, I understand that sometimes its not feasible to try everything on. That is why you must always check with the sales assistant what their returns policy is. It varies between shops anyway, but some stores have different policies for their sale items also. Shoutout to Topshop for keeping their sale returns the same as normal with your receipt and sending the money directly back onto your payment card. No thank you to that credit note or exchange only!
FORGET IT'S DISCOUNTED, WILL YOU ACTUALLY WEAR IT?
I am still training myself on this one, and I'm improving I must say! I am quite limited on space, and I try to be sensible with my money, but every one knows that I love clothes. In the past, I've often bought things and not been 100% in love with the item, or I have bought it and never felt confident or comfortable enough to wear it. It is such a waste, and therefore now I will only buy something if it wows me and I know that I will wear it! Don't be fooled by a good deal, it may be a huge discount but its not a good deal if it doesn't benefit you and if you don't ever wear it.
ENQUIRE ABOUT STUDENT DISCOUNT, IF YOU HAVE IT
Often a lot of shops still offer student discount on sale items, so if you have it, make sure you ask and make the most out of it while you can!
There you have it, my favourite tips for getting through the summer sales. If you have any tips that I haven't mentioned, be sure to leave a comment below & I'll add them to the list! Happy shopping all!
Friday 20 July 2018
Keeping it Cool In & Outside of the Gym
"I'm a believer that gym visits don't have to be boring, so why should your gym-wear be?"
Surrounded by workout videos and inspiration now at our fingertips, no one really delves into what you can wear outside of the gym, after, or on your way to your sweaty session. I typically favour matching sports bra and legging sets in the gym, but outside of the gym, I like to layer up with a sweater or a hoodie for a cool and casual look. Attractive womens hoodies can be hard to come by, but the new range by NICCE has got us all covered. From pretty pastels, to urban styles, I’m sure most people will feel catered for by NICCE with this range.
Today, I'm sporting the sand coloured NICCE hoodie, which provokes a classic and relaxed style through an oversized fit. As a fan of pastel and neutral tones, this nude colour flatters my brunette colourings and skin tone, whilst contrasting with my dark workout clothes. Personally, I gravitate towards lighter tones in the summer as they're softer, and easier to wear, hence why this neutral was a winner for me!
Although I’m referencing the gym in this post, I also adore wearing hoodies while I'm chilling at home, or to cover up in the cooler summer evenings. There’s not much better than relaxing in your own space, propped comfortably in front of Netflix, wrapped up in your premium soft oversized hoodie!
GET THE LOOK
Since becoming a bit of a gym bunny, I like to think I've nailed what to wear when training and what to wear afterwards too. I've narrowed it down into simple catagories: the WELL FITTING BRA, the BOTTOM SCULPTING LEGGINGS, PERFECT FOOTWEAR, and the POST-WORKOUT CHILL GARMENTS.
1. The perfect sports bra can be hard to come by. I find the bigger the straps, the better they are at supporting you, whilst also being comfortable. As pretty as some of the thinner strapped bras are, I find the complex strap designs get confusing and they end up twisted, taking an element of comfort away.
2. If your gym leggings aren't flattering you, then girl, you are doing it wrong and there are better out there. Key things to look our for when picking leggings are: make sure they're squat proof, the appropriate length, tight but not too tight, shaped around the muscles, contain dry tech fabric so that sweat is a no show, and that they are designed to offer a flattering fit.
3. Obviously, in the gym you are expected to wear appropriate trainers. However, I find that flatter style trainers are better for when you're training with weights, especially on leg days as they aid your stability and balance. I adore the style of knit trainers, however if you are training hard then consider getting a stronger shoe or be prepared for toe rips. Also, if your shoes are light in colour then always wear white socks!
4. As gym-wear is often deliberately skin tight for muscle compression and built to show off your shape, it’s somewhat comforting to be able to throw on a looser fit hoodie and call it ‘effortless chic’ after you’re done training. Oversized fits, like the NICCE hoodie that I am wearing in today's post are ideal for this. You can pick your own favourite from the range here, and let me know which style is your favourite fit in the comments.
*This post contains sponsored content*
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)