British Style
Paint Splatters: British Style on a Budget
Who’d have thought that your old paint-splattered t-shirt reserved only for DIY could become the trendiest item in your wardrobe? This season, designers have delved into their paint boxes and splattered blouses, dresses, skirts and pants with Pollock-like prints.
Ad hoc expressionist designs were kept chic on simple shift dresses at Chloé, and Marios Schwab featured vivid prints on floaty chiffon dresses with edgy cut-out detailing, whilst Pringle of Scotland showcased A-line frocks fit for summer garden parties in fabrics decorated with delicate, crayon-like scribbles. Clashing is a big style statement this summer, as seen at Dries Van Noten, who set off dripping paint-patterned skirts with blouses featuring magnified florals. And it looks like this isn’t a one-season wonder, with gorgeous ombre prints crossing over into Fall, at Christian Lacroix.
Bring out the art student within by opting for a top in a popping paint splatter print, such as this one, £18 ($36) from Topshop, or pick up this vest for £9.99 ($20) in the Urban Outfitters sale. Tick all the boxes with this scribbly dress from Miss Selfridge (£28/$56) complete with this season’s drop waist. Put your best foot forward in these paint-splattered Converse sneakers, on sale for £25 ($50) at ASOS, or better yet, do it yourself with some fabric paints from your local hardware store, and wear your art on your sleeve, literally.
Seventies: British Style on a Budget
Fashionistas are raiding the attic for high-waisted flares, kitten bow blouses, fringed vests and wooden platforms, as designers embraced seventies retro.
Trust Biba (the famous British high street store that opened in the 60s and has since been relaunched) to channel the best vintage vibe, with high-waisted, wide-leg pants, paisley kitten bow blouses, jaunty berets, and flowy maxi dresses. 70s hippie chic was also a big look at Derek Lam, who showcased very wearable chiffon blouses with retro balloon sleeves and fringed leather bags hung nonchalantly on the shoulder. Other designers opted for a clean-cut Riviera style: models at DKNY were monochromatic in white flares and black floppy hats, Diane von Furstenberg favoured the glamorous headscarf-and-bug-eye-sunglasses combo, and every fashion editor wanted to get their hands on D&G’s quintessentially 70s high-waisted indigo flares.
The 70s was all about denim, denim and more denim, so don’t be afraid to wear it head-to-toe. Try a vintage-look denim waistcoat, like this one, £30 ($59) from Topshop, or go all out with this button-up jumpsuit: we think Farah Fawcett would approve. Wear your 70s flares (which are all over the British high street this season) with a kitten bow blouse: TBF loves this one, £35 ($69) from French Connection. Finish off the look with the must-have accessories: a floppy hat (this straw version, £18 ($36) from Accessorize is perfect) and a pair of super-high wedges, like these from Peacocks, at an unbeatable £12 ($24).
Budget Shopping Guide: British Style on a Budget
OXFORD CIRCUS
Oxford Circus has all the best high street shops Britain has to offer, and many huge flagship stores, such as Topshop and Primark.
Topshop
36-38 Great Castle Street, London, W1W 8LG
www.topshop.com
Topshop needs little introduction. Since starting out on the British high street, Topshop stores have opened all over the world, and most recently, New York. But the flagship store in Oxford Circus, London, is a must-see. Comprising four huge floors of fabulous, on-trend pieces, such as this tuxedo jacket, £55 ($110), Topshop is known for its unbeatably sensitive responses to the catwalk. Spot the ‘Balenciaga’ floral suit, the ‘Luella’ shirt, and the ‘Miu Miu’ skirt, all at a snip of the price. Spend a couple of hours in the Shoe Lounge – prices range from about £25 ($50) for a pair of ballet flats or gladiator sandals to £60 ($120) for some killer platform heels, and although they aren’t dirt cheap, the quality is great. Avoid at all costs the ‘vintage’ section – overpriced, charity-shop sourced rip-offs, and instead head to the denim section. Whether it’s ripped-up, acid wash skinnies you want, or indigo denim wide-legged jeans (TBF loves these, at £40/$80), there’s something to suit most budgets.
Primark
499-517 Oxford Street, London, W1K 7DA
www.primark.co.uk
Primark is a fast-fashion mecca, stacked to the brim with disposable fashion at unbelievable prices. The too-good-to-be-true prices mean that the quality of clothes isn’t the best (a hem coming undone here, a button falling off there) experiment with the most adventurous of trends (like the jumpsuit) without spending a small fortune on something you’ll never wear. This super mini dress a la Miu Miu is a bargain at £12 ($24), and in the sales, items are often reduced to just 50p ($1)! The basics are poor, scratchy and tend to shrink in the wash, but keep an eye out for the cashmere sweaters and cardigans, and the accessories section where you can find on-trend jewellery from £1 ($2), like this chunky Marni-esque necklace (£3/$6). The Oxford Street flagship is filled with shoppers fighting for the last must-have bargain. TBF much prefers the Birmingham store. Top tip: go there on weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.
New Look
500-502 Oxford Street, London, W1C 2HW
www.newlook.co.uk
New Look is yet another bargainous destination on the British high street with a really great plus size range (Inspire), and has recently added large shoe lounges to the bigger stores, much to the delight of budget fashionistas everywhere, as New Look’s shoes are some of their strongest trend items. Co-ordinate your shoes to your outfit, with some heeled Mary-Janes in a variety of candy colours, from about £25 ($50). This season, the store’s designers have taken inspiration from the fifties: the key pieces to look out for include this floral-print prom dress (£28/$56) and this retro polka dot bikini (complete with Brigitte Bardot-style high-waisted bottoms), £20 ($40). Finish your look off with a pair of brightly-hued, oversized sunglasses, only £8 ($16).
Peacocks
www.peacocks.co.uk
Peacocks is often seen as Primark’s less fashionable cousin, but bargain shoppers should not underestimate this budget store. Because it’s a little off the fashion radar, you can find things at tiny prices, and unlike Primark, there are usually most sizes in stock. This safari shirt dress ticks all the boxes for this season, and is only £14 ($28). The shop also has a delectable selection of gladiator sandals, this summer’s must-have, at around £10 ($20) each.
THE BEST VINTAGE AND MARKETS
If you love vintage, then you’ll love Brick Lane. Take a wonder and you’re bound to find a one-of-a-kind vintage shop stacked to the brim with bargains from throughout the decades. Portobello Market is also worth a visit, but keep your eyes peeled for over-priced secondhand clothes.
Beyond Retro
110-112 Cheshire Street, E2 6EJ
www.beyondretro.com
Beyond Retro is a huge warehouse devoted entirely to vintage clothing and accessories. Arranged in colour-order, the shop is easy to navigate, unlike many other mish-mash thrift stores. There are rows upon rows of vintage logo t-shirts for about £15 ($30) each – a great present for a boyfriend or brother, or for yourself, if you belt at the waist. Although they’re a little pricier, it’s worth checking out the crazy, 80s taffeta prom dresses, and the beautiful antique Japanese kimonos.
Absolute Vintage
91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
www.absolutevintage.co.uk
Vintage is a Budget Fashionista’s best friend. You can pick up some unique pieces at bargainous prices, but London vintage dealers have become savvy to the demand for second-hand clothing, and in recent years the prices have soared. Absolute Vintage, Brick Lane’s best-kept secret, is one of the few places where you can still buy vintage at reasonable prices. Beyond Retro’s vast warehouse is certainly a spectacle, but if you want one-of-a-kind vintage on a budget, Absolute Vintage is the place to venture. There is a small clothing section, but the shop prides itself on its shoes and handbags. Pick up a pair of patent, black Bally court-shoes for £20 ($40), or a cute clutch for £15 ($30).
Portobello Market
Located on Portobello Road, Portobello market is famous for its antiques. Fashion-wise, the market is made up of stalls selling expensive handmade clothing by up-and-coming designers (worth a look but not budget-friendly) and lots and lots of vintage. It’s up to the savvy shopper to sniff out the bargains from the overpriced pieces which aren’t vintage at all. Keep your eyes peeled for the £5 ($10) stalls – rummage through bubble skirts, broderie anglaise summer dresses and silk neckerchiefs, all £5. Don’t be afraid to haggle for a bargain! Tired shoppers need refreshments – visit the man who sells coconuts with straws in, just at the end of the clothing stalls.
OUT OF TOWN DEPARTMENT STORES
If the Oxford Circus crowds are too hellish for you, one of Britain’s out-of-town department stores, such as Matalan, might be more your thing. Want designer labels but without the huge price tag? Head to Britain’s favourite designer outlet, Bicester Village.
Matalan
www.matalan.co.uk
It’s the small prices that bring visitors to this out-of-town department store. If you can ignore the shapeless, old-fashioned t-shirts, there are some real hidden gems. TBF is loving Matalan’s new, fashion-forward collection, Et Vous: pair this chiffon, tiered-front top (£14/$28) with this sateen, tulip skirt (£14/$28) from the new range with these cut-out sandals (£18/$36). There is something to suit most shapes and sizes, as most of the ranges run from UK sizes 8-20. This graphic print dress, with black ribbon sash, will cinch you in in all the right places, and your purse will love you for it, at only £16 ($32).
Bicester Village
50 Pingle Drive, Oxon, OX26 6WD
www.bicestervillage.com
Bicester Village is an outlet shopping centre about an hour’s drive from London, but it is definitely worth the drive. Find loads of designer brands at discounted prices under one roof. For shoe fetishists there is Salvatore Ferragamo and Jimmy Choo, where shoppers have been known to grab a pair of Choos for £60 ($120). Pick up a discounted Anya Hindmarch purse, or a classic trench coat at Burberry or Aquascutum. The outlet Ralph Lauren store sells polo shirts and sweaters at a third of the price, or alternatively, head to Jack Wills, Britain’s answer to RL. If you lust after expensive, silk lingerie but can’t bring yourself to part with all that cash, you’ll love Bicester Village’s Agent Provocateur and Myla outlet stores – look out for AP’s signature seamed stockings for £10 ($20).
Plaid: British Style on a Budget
Once reserved solely for Scottish kilts, tartan (or plaid) made waves on the 1970s punk scene in London, after being revolutionized by Brit designer, Vivienne Westwood. There was hardly a designer in sight that didn’t use a little bit of plaid this season, and British It Girl, Agyness Deyn, can’t get enough of the stuff.
This season, it’s all about mixing prints, if you’re bold enough. Characteristically way-out D&G layered up clashing tartans in classic red, navy and green tones, as did Prada and Just Cavalli, who added leopard-print tights into the mix, if you thought it couldn’t get any more zany. Designers at Gucci paid homage to plaid’s punk heritage and opted for skin-tight, checked slacks with a studded leather jacket, patent shoe-boots, and smoky eye make-up. Thakoon and Dolce & Gabbana showcased more wearable plaid, in muted grey and brown, and Chanel couldn’t have been further from punk: Park Avenue princesses strutted down the runway in the fashion house’s classic, tweed suits in a subtle tartan, with demure white tights and two-tone shoes – very Blair Waldorf.
It’s festival season, and a festival wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a pair of rain boots – make like Agyness and pick up a tartan pair from Primark, £8 ($16). This plaid blazer from Topshop could easily pass for Vivienne Westwood, but is a snip of the price at £55 ($110). Miuccia Prada would surely approve of these tartan-print tights – get yours now for £4.99 ($10) in the Urban Outfitters sale! Check, mate.
Images courtesy of Elle and Style Finder.
Carrie Bradshaw Pick n’ Mix - British Style on a Budget
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
Trends may come and go but the one constant in British fashion and life is eccentricity. Kate Moss’s ability to throw on a fedora hat and a leather jacket over anything – whether it’s a ballgown or a pair of jeans – is what has made her a style icon. Other Brits on the fashion radar who love to mix and match include Alexa Chung, Agyness Deyn and Daisy Lowe – all of whom flounce around London in a haze of florals, leather, and tie-dye, and yet, it works. But the Queen of mixing and matching can be found on the other side of the pond – the inimitable Ms. Carrie Bradshaw, thanks to super-stylist Patricia Field. Who would have thought that a logo-emblazoned chiffon blouse would work with printed trousers? A statement coat with a gingham skirt and pearls never looked so fabulous. Capes and mannish suits and cocktail gloves and costume jewellery…and corsages, oh, the corsages. The new movie won’t disappoint; Carrie looks as wonderfully bizarre as ever in knee-high socks and cardigan dresses, evening gowns and oversized patent bags, and lashings of clashing floral prints.
At the Spring/Summer shows, designers took a leaf out of Ms. B’s book and mixed it up. Mismatching patterns fought for attention at Dries Van Noten and Prada – Miuccia added patterned tights and forties-style t-bar heels, and black eyeshadow added a rock n’ roll edge. At Betsey Johnson, models looked as though they had raided the dress-up box, as they strolled out in frou-frou prom dresses, larger-than-life hair bows, and punky fish-net socks. Carrie never forgets to accessorise with statement pieces, such as the Timmy Woods Eiffel Tower purse she totes in the film – she’d love Viktor and Rolf’s violin-shaped necklace.
If you’re a Brit, you can at least pretend to be a single gal in New York by heading to the UK high street, and picking up some unique pieces. Topshop’s flower-print cocktail dress (£50/$97) is perfect for sipping Cosmos at Bungalow. Carrie doesn’t do minimal when it comes to accessories: think Office’s wacky Eiffel Tower necklace (£15/$29) or Warehouse’s quirky zig zag belt (£28/$54). Mimic Manolo Blahnik with these super-strappy ‘lattice’ sandals from Faith (£38/$74), and throw on a clashing jacket, like this one, £14 ($27), from British online vintage haven, I Heart Cheeky Chops (psst, they ship internationally!), because, as Pat Field knows, vintage is a Budget Fashionista’s best friend.
Images courtesy of elleuk.com and tfs
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