Matalan's Hot AW12 Collection

Yes, yes I know...we haven't even had a summer yet but already we're being prepped for the new collections for the new season. The weather has been awful and while the shops are on the final legs of their summer sales, already the first drops of AW12 are starting to sneak in.

Some people might find this crazy, and will still be searching for that perfect summer maxi dress, but personally, I embrace the autumn/winter collections, and I get so excited when they start appearing on the high street.

I was perusing a few of my favourite fashion websites this weekend, and I came across a group of pictures from an AW12 collection, which made me stop in my tracks. I never normally shop in Matalan, but what I have seen so far of their AW12 collection has really impressed me. On trend, easy to wear, super stylish and so affordable! What a fabulous combination.

I have put a few of my favourite pieces below. I can't wait to start my autumn shopping, and this collection is where I'm going to start. What do you think of Matalan? Do you think it's too early to start shopping for the new season? Enjoy x

silver brogues £14

clutch £8

leopard print jumper £25

paisley skirt £18

peter pan dress £28

appliqué prom dress £30

sheer skirt £20

brocade shift dress £30

shimmer jumper dress £35

slip on shoes £10

Harvey Nichols New Sale Campaign - A Step Too Far?

If you're a fashion fan, you'll most likely be aware that the sales are a-coming! I personally am not that bothered about sales, but I love sale campaigns - especially those of the big department stores.
Of all of the campaigns so far this year, there is one that sticks out and is currently causing a lot of controversy in the fashion world, and that belongs to iconic department store Harvey Nichols.

Harvey Nichs are not one to shy away from in-your-face campaigns - there is their cartoon lookbook starring hand-drawn supermodel Polly Beans, and their Christmas campaign featuring girls walking home late at night in different levels of dishevelment along with the slogan "avoid the walk of shame this season."

Well, their ad banners to publicise their upcoming sale are no different! They show male and female models with extremely wet...ahem...crotch areas and the slogan "try to contain your excitement." Ooh blimey!

Twitter has gone crazy over this latest ad campaign, with some tweets declaring their disgust and others thinking it's genius. I actually don't know how I feel about them - they are pretty gross but at the same time they certainly grab your attention, which I guess is kind of the point!

What do you think of this campaign? Enjoy x

Summer Sales!

Now I am not normally a fan of the sales. Scary, stressful and so called "fashion lovers" treat every store like a jumble sale; picking items up and discarding them in a haphazard manner, whether the item costs £10 or £100. Basically, it makes me a little freaked out. I also am against buying "sale items" which are only brought out during the sale period. You don't need it, you don't want it and a lot of the time, you don't even like it that much, but, it's in the sale so YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT!!

Saying all that, I am a fan of finding jewels, items which I coveted at full price and are now amazingly half price! Also, finding things which I know will stand the test of time, are classic or will carry onto the next season's key trends. So, I wanted to share a few things that I have found and bought myself, and also pieces which I am still considering snapping up. In short, my pick of the sales!

Here's what I have found so far:

This stunning tribal dress from Warehouse is a total bargain, £60 reduced to a mere £20! I've got mine on order and can't wait to try it on. Tribal prints are always a winner and is a trend which will emerge summer after summer

This little black dress from Topshop is ideal to take you through to the next season...and black never goes out of style! Love the glittery bow detail! Bargain at £25

Love this silk playsuit by Traffic People from Topshop. It's got that great 70's feel about it which will still be big for AW11, and at £35, this is a trend you can definitely afford to invest in!

This mink suedette shorts from Miss Selfridge are a must have at £20. Wear them with gladiator sandals now and thick ribbed tights and boots in the autumn.

Just love these leather loafers from Miss Selfridge. £30...yes please!

Love this mustard yellow dress by Z Spoke by Zac Posen from the Outnet...only £79.50. This is the perfect autumn dress

This tweed blazer by Sara Berman at ASOS is the perfect jacket to keep you stylish and warm on cool summer evenings and is a steal at £160!

Love polka dots and cropped detailing...that's all really! £35 from ASOS

The perfect biker boot from River Island for £35!!

Another nod to the ever popular 70's trend...and for £15 from River Island, you can't go wrong really!!

This classic maxi by French Connection was £155 and is now £61! I picked one up for a couple of weddings I have this year and I know I'll get loads of wear from it. The slinky silk dress is flattering and beautiful, and I love the embellished halter neck - perfect for adding a touch of drama!