January Fashion Fix

I thought it was about time I brought the Fashion element of my blog into action, so I've decided to do a little post about some of the bits I picked up after Christmas and during the sales. Anyone who knows me or follows me on Instagram will know how much I love finding a good bargain or two!

I tried to buy some statement pieces that will see me through the change of season, not that it ever really changes in Ireland...but you get the gist. Where I can I've left direct links to the items on the pictures so you can shop them easily just by clicking on them!

Without further ado;

1. The Blazer

I've been on the lookout for a 'Prince of Wales' style blazer for quite a while now, but couldn't really find the type I was looking for. That was until I went into the Zara sale! These blazers are so popular lately and they're such a versatile, statement piece. They can be worn casually throughout the day, or paired with skinny jeans or leather look trousers and heels, and the transition from office wear to night attire couldn't be easier!

This Zara blazer is so comfortable, it's slightly over-sized which I love, and it doesn't have the stiffness you would expect a blazer to have. The best part about this particular one is the price... it went from €60 to just €19.99!! Worth every cent if you ask me!

2. Mesh Block Heel Shoe

Although I bought these with the intention of wearing them for New Year's, I spent my night in bed with the flu so they're still waiting on their first outing. However, I already know these are the type of shoes I'm going to live in! The block heel gives that extra little bit of comfort, and the open toe adds a touch of classiness. The Sock Boot style shoe has really made an entrance this year and I can't see them leaving the Fashion world any time soon!

These ones I got from River Island. I hadn't shopped there much since I stopped working there because let me tell you, the discount is sorely missed!! And saving for a masters is not easy when you love to shop... You can always count on the River sales to find a good bargain though. They were originally €65 and I end up getting them for just €28 (£25).

3. Shaggy Cardigan

While I'm ready to say goodbye to the cold weather, I'm not quite ready to say bye to the clothes that are associated with it. The Shaggy Cardigan isn't to everyone's taste, but I couldn't leave this one from Bershka behind! Not something I'd typically wear on an average day, but it's definitely something that can be worn as the statement item for a dressier or more fashion-forward occasion. I'm picturing this one in Paris while I'm visiting Trade & Fabric fairs with my course!

The great thing about Bershka is that even without the sales, everything is really reasonably priced. This cardigan went from €35.99 to just €12.99. I'm not usually a pink person but this one caught my eye, it has a slight shimmer in it too so it definitely makes it look more expensive. They're quite a generous size so I stuck to a S/M and it fits perfectly! It also comes in grey if pink isn't to your liking. I can't wait to outfit plan with this one!

4. Printed Shirts

As much as I love all things fashion, my love for shirts goes above and beyond. I've somehow managed to dedicate an entire wardrobe to them, and yet I continue to buy more. The thing I love about shirts is that they can be styled in so many different ways, all it takes is a bit of imagination and maybe the odd safety pin!

The first shirt is also from Bershka. It has a black and white polka dot print, pretty simple but it can so be dressed up so easily with the right outfit and accessories. Knowing me I'll probably do my signature 'Deep V' or tie it up in some way or another! And, it was only €9.99 so you can't go wrong. I got this one in an XS and there's still plenty of room.

The second shirt I bought was from Zara.

Originally €29.99, I got it for just €12.99! This one is a lighter material and it has a floral print which I'm not usually the biggest fan of, but once I tried it on I knew I had to get it. It sits so nicely and falls in all the right places. Unfortunately I couldn't find the link for this one online as it seems to be sold out, but I got mine in Dundrum so it could still be in stores!

5. Skirts

The first skirt I bought was from Missguided. I can't express my love for this shop enough! More often than not they have discount codes even if you're not a student, and you can normally count on a 2-3 day delivery. Little tip, always pay in £.. it works out so much cheaper!

This little denim skirt is slightly different than normal because it has a curved hem, but it gives it a bit of an edge! It's quite short but perfect with tights and boots. It also comes in petite for those of you who are on the smaller side, much like myself! This wasn't in the sale but I did get it when there was 30% off everything, so it worked out around £18.

The next skirt I bought was more on the dressier side. It's a burgundy faux suede skirt with an adjustable belt. I had previously bought this one in a dark green and loved the way it looked on, so when it went down to €9.99 in the other colour I had to invest! It's so soft and less restrictive than denim skirts. I got this in a S, but originally tried on a L without realising and it was just as nice because you can tighten the belt as much as you want!

6. Sports Dress

Also bought for New Years, I thought I'd try something a little different. I've yet to wear it out but I'm thinking of pairing it with black knee-high boots or fishnet tights and ankle boots. It's definitely the type of thing that can be worn casually too. Since I have a small frame, dresses like this can look like a sack on me, so I also tried putting a belt around it and it made such a difference! This is only £22 normally but once again I got it with discount so it was around £15.

7. Swimwear

You might be thinking it's a bit early to be buying swimwear, but since I'm going to Puerto Rico at the end of March I decided to pick up a few bits while I saw them.

I don't know why, but I absolutely love swimwear. It's certainly not for my love of walking around in it, but I suppose it's a constant reminder that I'll be getting out of this weather soon. I've also decided to use it as my gym motivation so we'll see how that goes!

The first pieces I bought were also in the River Island sale. I have a thing for high-waist swimwear, I just find it so much more comfortable and flattering on my body so I tend to stick to it. I got these bottoms for just €4 from €17. I love bikinis because you can mix & match so you don't always have to buy a set. Size 8 in these ones.

I also got a gorgeous khaki swimsuit for €14 from around €45/50. It has a plunging neck line and the back is basically a mirror image of the front. The sides are cut out too so it's little more on the risque side but it would be perfect for a pool party! The crochet detailing adds a bit of colour & gives it a bit more life. I got this one in a 6, it fits nicely everywhere just a tiny bit small around the chest area. Seems to be sold out online but the product code is 704744.

Last but not least, I went back to Missguided and found a high-waist bikini for less than £20. This one is multi-coloured with a graphic print, it's so different to anything I own and I can't wait to roam around Puerto Rico in it! I went a size up in the top because they tend to be on the smaller size (8) and stuck with a 6 on the bottom and they fit lovely.

Keep an eye out for outfit posts with these items on Instagram in the forseeable future!

Until next time,

R x

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