SILVER SUNDAY

  I'm wearing: H&M jumper Forever 21 skirt Office shoes Urban Outfitters necklace H&M shoulder bag Various bracelets & rings
You know, before I started reading fashion blogs there is no way I would have worn silver, let alone mixed it with other metals. I was a gold lady through and through, opting for luxurious-looking jewellery, ensuring all my hardware matched up. Now, from absorbing streetstyle blogs and outfit posts, I realise mixing metals is practised by the most chic of fashionistas and adds an edge to the plainest of outfits.

Today was spent in top-to-toe silver: first up welcoming Chris's parents with a brew on their first visit to our new flat, then knocking around Castlefield with the man himself, going to the Artisan Market (to buy a wooden Buddha windchime - I'm obsessed) and for a few drinks in the area's beer gardens. The ideal way to see out the last rays of summer.


These shoes + this graffiti in Castlefield = a reminder to be happy.

CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

 Vintage dress & belt Forever 21 jacket & necklace Tunisian medina bag  Surface To Air shoes
This outfit perfectly epitomises my dressing ethos; seamlessly mixing vintage, designer, medina, and high-street to create a modern bohemian look. Or at least, that's what I like to think. The dress ranks up in my favourite garments, and it does have a fabulous backstory (don't they all?). In 1983 my dad worked in Pakistan and brought this dress back for my mum. I'm not sure how it came into my possession but it's now such a staple I can't imagine life without it. 

After lusting after Surface To Air shoes for the longest time I saw these cool shoes in Urban Outfitters last year for £20, and snatched them up quicker than you can say "they're a size too big". The weather has only been sandal-suitable the past week so they got their first outing, and consequently ripped the back of my legs to shreds. I am upset. And in pain. Be careful what you wish for.

 

NEVER ENDING FUN

Topshop hatWildfox t shirtForever 21 skirt, shoes & bag
I wouldn't normally wear so much of one brand in one outfit but my trip to Forever 21 last Saturday really demanded this. Despite my collection of sample, designer, and on-trend shoes, never before have I received so much attention over a pair in one day: I was chased down the street in Liverpool yesterday by someone wanting to know where they're from (Forever 21, if you're curious, with the wonderfully floaty skirt being another F21 special). Finished off with a Wildfox tee and ancient Topshop hat this was the ideal Californian style outfit for not-so-ideal Manchester weather. I know that since moving to Manchester from Cheshire, the country's capital of antiques markets, car boots, and vintage fairs, I have really missed these chances to rummage, so I was really pleased to hear that Real Radio are holding a car boot on Sunday 5th August at Salford City Stadium. Seller pitches are £10 each, with all proceeds going to When You Wish Upon A Star - granting wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. I know bloggers like Sara Waiste and Jazzabelle always get beautiful second-hand pieces so I'm really hoping to do well at this city car boot. Let me know if you're planning to visit and we will strategise!

FOREVER 21 IS COMING TO TOWN

For as long as I've lived in Manchester rumours of a Forever 21 opening have flown around fashion circles. It's going to be in the old Schuh on Market Street! No, in the Arndale! Forever 21 are very fussy about their stores - the size, particularly - so when two units totalling 20,000 square feet became available in the Trafford Centre they snapped them up.

The wait is nearly over with the store opening this Saturday at 10am (the 21st, natch) and although I predict scenes akin to a One Direction meet and greet, it'll be worth it as the first 300 customers through the door will get a gift card. 

I got the chance to visit the Oxford Street store to get a feel for the brand before the grand Trafford Centre opening. I was expecting a stark Primark-esque space with clothes in piles on the floor and women changing in the aisles - but actually it is much calmer, with excellent retail standards - meaning it's easier to find your size - and cute vintage-inspired installations. It's easier to shop in-store as everything is merchandised into packages; I find the website totally overwhelming, with 900 dresses to scroll through and no indication of style, shape, or pattern. Yes, it's busy - it is Oxford Street after all - but the store is so big that you never feel claustrophobic. 

Forever 21 will never fill my wardrobe simply because I like unique pieces too much for that, but their clothes complement my vintage/DIY/hippy market wardrobe perfectly; I have some lovely pieces to show off from my visit, including an expensive-looking maxi skirt and some very Marant-ish wedge sandals. It's a pleasant shopping experience and although I don't have the guts or patience to go this Saturday, I will be visiting again!

See some other bloggers views of Forever 21, with gorgeous photos: English Rose from Manchester, Kisses and Cross Stitches, Fashion-fade & The Quick Red Fox.