The Beauty Run : May 2016

Fashion - Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Style Spy: The Perspex Takeover

Ever since seeing Jonathan Anderson send his models down the catwalk sporting clear garments for his Loewe SS16 show, I was literally ...

Selena Gomez

Who doesn't love a sample sale? We know we do. These events... small or big are the perfect time to get those big dollar items for less. Some designer sample sales mark their excess merchandise down to a total of 75% off. YES. 75% off. Exciting huh? Whether you're in London, or you're located in any city around the world you can always find a hot sample sale somewhere some how. But how do you find out when and where they're happening?

Don't worry. We've got you. Here is a list of tools we like to use to keep an eye on upcoming sample sales:

Kendall and Gigi

Chicmi

An online fashion calendar for events and sales that are going on in London, LA and New York. Sample sale listings include anything from high street retailers such as French Connection to Reiss, to high end designers such as Versace. For those of you that like to attend fashion events, talks or exhibitions, you can also count on Chicmi to keep you in the loop.

Some sample sales are free and open to get into, whilst popular sales require you to either RSVP or book. FYI Sophia Webster has a sample sale taking place on June 6th, which you need to book in order to get into. Click here for booking details. Yeah we know... Sophia Webster for less! *controls excitement*

Curate Sales

Curate is a partnership of fashion industry directors, meaning the team organise all sale events listed on their platform. In order to get access to these exclusive events, all you have to do is sign up and violá.. you get sent all invites to upcoming events directly to your inbox. Invitations usually admit two which is great for a bit of retail therapy with a friend after work.

As these events are invitation only, its important you bring a copy of your invitation for admission. Exclusive sales put on by Curate have included a Victoria Beckham sale with EVERYTHING at 70% off (exciting, yes I know) and Joseph. So yes honey, get signing up if you love a good bargain and of course desire luxe for less.

aSample

aSample is an app which you can download for free on iOS or Android. The app allows you to organise sample sales by date/category, get directions to the location through the platform AND allows you to add events to your phones calendar. Pretty fabulous huh?

Old Trewman Brewery

So much goes down in this space in London's Shoreditch, but man oh man... this location is also home to some of the most amazing sample sales. Although they don't organise the sample sales, they're a good page to follow to get updates on upcoming events that are happening in the space. A few months back, there was a urban wear sample sale which included brands like Billionaire Boys Club and BAPE, which can usually be quite pricey. In fact the Reiss clearance sample sale is taking place here from May 26th - 29th.

Style Barista

This is a website which gives you the inside scoop on offers and sample sales in cities such as New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Antwerp and London. If you live in Paris or just happen to be visiting in June... count yourself super lucky as June's sample sales include Fendi (2nd - 4th) and Hermés (from the 22nd). For more info on these sales along with others click here.

So yes ladies, shopping luxury for less is more than possible if you follow our guide. We hope this helps you get those items you've been lusting after without breaking your bank balance.

The Beauty Run xo

Fashion - Monday, May 23, 2016

Your Guide to Sample Sale Shopping

Selena Gomez Who doesn't love a sample sale? We know we do. These events... small or big are the perfect time to get those...

Fashion - Monday, May 16, 2016

Let's talk about Mr Choo

No. You're not dreaming, you don't have to wake up. These shoes are real. This is where all of your childhood cinderella dream...

Marjorie Harvey

Hermés on a H&M budget? Pardon? Yes you heard it correctly. This post is for all of those wanting to look hella expensive on a minimal budget.

Flashback to my 17 year old self, I remember walking into college one day and a girl outright asked me "Are you rich? Your outfits always look good". But gurrrlllll, let me tell you... This wasn't the case! You see... I was just super smart with money and I knew how to hustle. And I mean hustle as in 'shop well'. I would buy items that didn't cost me much, as you DON'T need a lot of money to look good.

I would collect all of my pocket money each week and my lunch money (yes, I opted for packed lunch instead) so I could save and buy those key items I had my eyes on (and no, I didn't spend everything I saved on clothes). Even now as a young working adult, with a much bigger budget for clothes, bags and shoes - I've carried over some of the buying habits I developed as a teen. Here are some tips on how to look expensive on a budget:

Master your sale shop method

Why buy a pair of socks on sale or a pointless set of PJ's when you know you can afford to buy this stuff at any time of the year?! Honey... Buy the high quality, expensive pieces you know your bank balance will thank you for later. When sale shopping, look for the high quality items like blazers, coats, shoes and handbags - things you know will stand the test of time and can be paired with many other things.

Another thing to do when sale shopping is to set yourself limits. For example, telling yourself you're only going to spend £15 max on a blouse - unless you decide that you REALLY can't live without a particular item. This will prevent impulse buying just because an item is on sale. Unless you've had your eye on a real expensive jacket, and you've been waiting for it to go on sale for months - wait until the end of the sale period to do a big shop. Stock continues to get marked down more and more throughout the sale period.

Buy items that are classic timeless
Do you understand the power of a simple white blouse, a pair of well fitted skinny jeans, court shoes and a classic leather jacket? I've always been for simple dressing. If you're shopping on a tight budget, buy items you know will stand the test of time. With items that are simple and classic, you'll always look expensive and well groomed, and buying these items mean they can be paired with a number of other things in your wardrobe. So, as much as you love that T-shirt with the unicorn on it that looks like its on LSD, its really not wise if you're trying to stand the test of time.

Iron and lint roll your clothes

I sound like a mum, but I can't express how important ironing your clothes well is. The key to looking more expensive is to make sure your clothes aren't crumpled. If your iron isn't great, invest in some starch spray. Another thing that I can't live without are lint rollers to get rid of all dust and fluff, especially for black clothes.

Tailor gang
Dry cleaners and tailoring services are cheap so definitely make use of them. If those badass new trousers you just bought are too long... get them taken up. If your dress would look better taken in a few cm at the waist, arrange to get this done. If your blouse is too low and showing way too much cleavage... Get this fixed! Well fitted clothes can make you look a million bucks without spending a million dollars.

Ultralight beaming whites

Literally, one of my pet peeves is 'off white' whites. Omg *hyperventilates*. T-shirts, jumpers, tops etc etc are very cheap and can be, no... MUST be replaced after they lose their white glow. As everyone keeps screaming "highlight on fleeeek", keep your whites on 'fleek' too.

Quality control

Investigate the quality of your clothes before buying. Look at the seams, the finish and the feeling of the fabric. The better quality your clothes are, the more likely you'll look like you've just stepped out of a Hermés store *snaps fingers*

You really don't need to spend a lot of money to look good. The more simple you keep it the better. Think before you buy, be strict and always ask yourself "would I still wear this in 5 years?". Now lets toast to looking a million bucks.

Love Malika x

Fashion - Tuesday, May 03, 2016

How to look Hermés on a H&M budget

Marjorie Harvey Hermés on a H&M budget ? Pardon? Yes you heard it correctly. This post is for all of those wanting to l...

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Style Spy: The Perspex Takeover

Your Guide to Sample Sale Shopping

Let's talk about Mr Choo

How to look Hermés on a H&M budget

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