Summer Haul June 2013

Some Simple Summer Shopping Suggestions!

I recently noticed a lot of people doing spring/summer hauls on fashion channels on YouTube so I thought it might be fun to do an article on my own summer haul! I hope you like it, if you have any opinions please drop a comment with some feedback. 

As you might have noticed from my earlier articles I love summer fashion. Its a time where you can ditch coats and overcoats that cover up outfits and you can wear shorts, skirts and dresses without looking stupid and being frozen with the cold. 

I have a lot of summer clothes and love them all so I have condensed my haul to the clothes I bought on my last shopping trip in Cork city.

Petite Ladder Back Dress

My favourite purchase by far must be my animal print sun dress from Topshop! It is white with orange animals printed all over. Every time I look at it I can see a new type of animal. I think it is really cute and looks gorgeous with a glowing tan. I was lucky enough to get it in petite to fit perfectly. I got a size UK 6 in petite as they are slightly big fitting as I am usually an UK 8. What really sets this simple but elegant sun dress off is the ladder back. (photo below). I paid €55. It is a lot of money for just a sun dress however I couldn't leave it after me.

The ladder back

Petite animal print dress from Topshop

Tribal scarf
Being petite, I find scarves one of the most difficult things to buy. Every shop from Penneys, River Island or Topshop have rails of beautiful scarves ranging from oriental designs to chequered print. We see a variety of materials from cotton, wool to soft silks.

Although there is a plenty supply of scarves on the high street, my problem is there are too big. These long silk scarves look very elegant and stylish around the necks of tall thin models, but what about the petite? It takes patience and of course luck to discover an affordable scarf to your preference of material, design and length. 

I found my white tribal scarf in New Look. I wasn't looking for it but I couldn't leave without it! It is light and doesn't smother your face and it only cost €7.99!

My tribal scarf from New Look!

This particular scarf is easily adapted to most looks and outfits. The oranges Purples and blues shine through with a lot of colours. I find it effortless to add it to my look. 

The tribal scarf easily adapted to any outfit.

"Lightweight" scarves are a perfect summer essential for breezy days at the beach or cool nights. They are especially suited to the normal dreary weather in Ireland.
If you are willing to pay about €30 or so on a "lightweight" scarf you should look in Hollister. Hollister sells beautiful lightweight scarves in bright colours and prints. 

However, with some patience and dedication you will find an affordable lightweight scarf to your liking.
Tip: look out for scarves in Penneys and New Look.

Ethnic Flip-Flop

Flip Flops are the biggest summer necessity as we all know. Thy are great for the beach, down by the pool, a walk or at night. They can be worn with absolutely everything - skirts, dresses, playsuits, shorts and pants.

I always love having a variety of flip flops to choose from however when packing to go abroad I can never fit them in so I have to resort to a neutral long lasting pair of flip flops.

Before I bought expensive flip flops from River Island and places like that. They would cost from about €40 or €45. I consider this expensive considering I get 2 weeks a year to wear them. River Island's flip flops are lovely without a doubt. They last for a long time even with wear and tear.

However, this year I purchased a beautiful pair of leather ethnic jewelled pair of flip flops from Penneys. They are genuine leather. I am not certain about the price. They cost about €17.  I have worn them fro a few weeks and still look perfect. They are even comfy. They are truly a perfect bargain. They are still available to buy. What I most liked about them is people asked me did I buy them in Zara or River Island which proves they look expensive without costing too much!

Penney's Ethnic Flip Flops only €17

Alphabet Madness 

Throughout the high-street we see a generic trend. Anything with "GEEK" or "DORK" printed across it is seen in every shop window. Although I don't like this trend one bit, I do like the alphabet trend. 

I found a stylish black high waisted shorts with white letters printed all over them. These are dressy shorts which I would personally theme with a white blouse.

TIP: Don't attempt to dress these shorts down.

They are also affordable, only €13 in Penneys and are still available to buy.

Wooly Wooly

I know summer isn't a time to wear wool. However, I wouldn't rule it out of your wardrobe altogether. I found a lovely wool jumper top with three quarter length sleeves with turn ups. it is a light material and very comfy. It is a periwinkle blue colour with a cream crochet elephant.

I themed this top with light denim bagg shorts with lace detail on the pocket. I wore this on a sunny day

This was only €17.99 in New Look and is still available.

TIP: Crochet is all in fashion. Check River Island for crochet pieces. I will have another article soon about crochet.

Vans + Socks = ? 

I have always admired those frilly socks with the nice lace trim and when I was shopping in Cork City I decided to buy a pair. I got an idea to try something new and wear them with vans. I originally was going to buy real vans from Schuch however, I decided against that and instead bought vans in Penneys just in case I didn't like them. 

Vans are probably meant to be worn casually but lace socks is a perfect way to dress them up. I also would like to buy a pair of brogues and wear the socks with them. However, I will not wear them with heels. 

I found that Penneys vans are big fitting so I had to buy mine in the children's section. I bought a grey pair, meant for boys but vans are unisex. They cost only €7.

I stupidly bought two pairs of frilly socks in River Island for €5 each! Later I found them in Penneys for 3 pairs for €3.50. Watch out for bargains! 

I think this style is for anyone who has the confidence to wear them if they are in a small town. If you are into fashion and want to try something new, go for it. A lot of people wouldn't agree with this but, who cares? channel your own style for you and no one else! 

I would wear vans and socks with shorts, maybe a skirt if you have long legs and turned up skinny jeans or cigarette pants.

Penneys vans size UK2. Only €7.

River island frilly socks €5.

I will have another haul within a month or so as I am always picking up new bits and pieces, an article on crochet trend is also coming up.

Thank you for reading and feedback is always welcome!

- Love Ella x