Highstreet brand Spring clothing haul

Hello and welcome to another blog post! A very different blog post to one I've written before, today I'm going to be talking about new clothes I've recently been trying on. 

With Spring arriving I decided to treat myself and considering I'm a cosy jumper girl I've had to try and get out of my comfort zone with new styles. Spring is the best place to start for me since it's my favourite time of the year; the weather is a perfect not too hot- not too cold ('all you need is a light jacket!') and there are a lot of floral patterns which I love the most. 

I've never written a clothing haul before and to be honest, I've had some hesitations. This is because I've always centred this blog around craft, art, books and my life. However, considering this, there are lots of reasons why I would want to talk about clothing...I have a level 3 extended diploma in Fashion and Textiles (Distinction), I've learnt to make clothing and I've gone through the process of research, learning techniques, designing and making. On top of all of that, I wear clothes so this topic really doesn't come out of nowhere.

Above all, I really love clothes and I feel like I'm constantly growing and changing and the items I once loved sometimes no longer feel right. It's important to me that I feel completely comfortable in what I'm wearing so that when I'm out and about I reduce the feeling of shrinking into myself when I'm feeling anxious. Because there have been many a time when anxiety has hit its peak and I feel like I'm dressed in a costume and so far away from myself. Hard to explain but it happens a lot.

So I'm on a mission to find clothes that I feel 100% comfortable in. I turned to Matalan and New Look -always the sale section first as I'm very thrifty and the thought of spending an obscene amount gives me a heavy feeling in my chest.

Just a quick note before I dive in. I've created links to most of the items below. Links featured marked with a "*" are affiliate links. This means I receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing a product through this link. This doesn't affect you as the consumer or the product price. It's also not a paid-for promotion or a collaboration/advert with the brands featured.

New Look--------------------------------------------------

Navy satin slip dress.

*Navy satin slip dress: https://rstyle.me/+V4qsOCZCHSzDlbctLiYMjg

 

Firstly, this dress instantly reminded me of Kate Hudson's dress in How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days- even though it's ever so slightly different in the neckline and back. This has a cowl neckline which I quite like as it's not too low that's uncomfortable but low enough that I don't feel like a granny. 

The silk is super comfortable and smooth to touch. At first, when I tried it on it was very static and clung to me however it must have been having just got it out of the bag as wearing it since has had no issues. It doesn't feel like a heavy garment that I'm restricted in and always conscious of the fact I'm wearing it. It's full length and overall not showing much skin which I appreciate.

You can't see pant and bra lines although I would want to wear a strapless bra in future as the silk is fairly thin- but not see-through.

I don't yet have an event in mind that I'd wear this too but I loved it so much, especially for the low price, I knew that I would regret returning it. Besides, I felt good in it and grown-up.

Navy ditsy floral dress

*Navy ditsy floral dress: https://rstyle.me/+OpcyvTpKeYJ36SZBKrAbXA

Just the floral spring item that I was looking for, in a navy colour that best suits my strawberry blonde hair and skin tone. As soon as I saw this dress, I loved it. I'd have to get comfortable with the puff sleeves as I own nothing with this volume. There's an elastic frill hem which means that the sleeves ride up slightly- not enough to resemble an 80's shoulder pad but a softening shoulder feature.

I feel comfortable wearing it with tights and it's not too short to wear with bare legs on summer days. The neckline is also at a comfortable height. 

Boots definitely go with it which is a huge checklist tick for me and I can also wear it with white trainers.

Note that there are no belt or belt loops so I had to get a size that felt comfortable and breathable. Features a comfortable elastic waistband for a subtle A-line skirt.

I adore the small ruffles on the shoulder and buttons down the front. It has a slight '40s vibe with its pretty pattern and without the collar.

I can imagine wearing this to a spring/summer BBQ, day to day or an interview of some kind. I just really love it, it has such a lovely floral pattern and chilled vibe. Plus it has such a soft lightweight material that's perfect for spring and summer as it's not clingy to my skin.

Matalan------------------------------------------------------

Cream spotty belted midi linen dress

*Cream Spotty Midi Dress: https://rstyle.me/+L1jnVAC9wH5LMxlxNo7VEQ

Walking into Matalan for the first time in a while, I was so excited to see this on the mannequin. I don't own anything with spots like this and I really liked it. Unfortunately, trying it on didn't give me the same excitement. The colours, print and style I admire, however, a big bear of mine is see-through clothes and this dress is fairly see-through. Typically I would fix this by wearing a vest top underneath but even a super long vest top didn't feel right for this dress- especially when I intended to wear this on hotter days. 

Positives: lightweight material for breezy spring/summer days, nice midi length.

Negatives: see-through. I also found that the shoulders didn't feel right on me.

If anyone has any tips for see-through clothes let me know.

Tie waist denim midi-dress

*Sleeveless Tie waist denim midi dress with belt: https://rstyle.me/+A-H5lcCU8uybR9HHl1wOWA

Especially with the curly hairstyle, I had on this day, I'm really into this aesthetic. Denim dresses have always been in my mind as a really nice, easy to style, cool-girl outfit and that it was. However, with its bulky belt and thick denim, I felt like I was wearing a costume. I'm not used to wearing dungarees or such so that would be something to get used to.

It's an amazing dress with so many features I like about it, but it didn't feel right on me. I've decided that I have to really love my clothes in order to feel comfortable in them and I would give this a 6/10.

I'm sad to let this one go as it has features I love; two big pockets that I can actually use, a 90's style denim feel thanks to the faded blue and thick material, modern buttons down the front centre, the fact you can wear it with anything.

I'm wondering if the dress is perfect for me but I'm overthinking it. Typical Libra, I'm indecisive but going by how I felt in it, It's not a winner. 

Here's hoping for a denim dress that feels right for me one day.

Black floral jumpsuit with belt

*Black floral jumpsuit with belt: https://rstyle.me/+iZRy68xw0-uliTuA66HKQw

Can you tell that I got really into taking photos?

Lightweight black floral jumpsuit with a large scale print and a tie belt. Featuring quarter length sleeves and buttons down the centre front of the bodice, allowing ease when getting dressed. Wide leg midi length with a light breezy quality.

I loved this jumpsuit on this day when I'd made an effort with my hair. My family also loved it, however, I couldnt make up mind mind for ages whether I liked it or not. As an introvert I know i'm 100% overthinking it and to be totally honest I still have those niggling thoughts. But that being said, when I made the effort to feel good and do my hair, the jumpsuit felt great. It's a comfortable fit and I like the length. It feels sophisticated and casual and like it can be worn to almost anything.

Long sleeve t-shirts in navy and grey

*Long sleeve t-shirt in grey: https://rstyle.me/+Lwikizt7vLps5DOctjhGgQ

Since purchasing these two tops, I've worn them most days. This style of plain, soft with a slight stretch and full sleeve is my absolute most comfortable to wear. I wear these tucked into my joggers, wide-leg trousers and jumpsuit- they're the easiest items to pair with most outfits and really quickly. 

I always always recommend these basics and they're great loungewear pieces too. I have a couple pyjama tops like these two and they are brilliant- they don't stiffen after washes in the machine and keep their size.

Zip-up hoodie

*Zip up hoodie: https://rstyle.me/+QP_hT79G1-5ARQYeE35SKg

Hoodie in navy with large pockets on the front and a zip fastening. Lined with a fleece type material which makes it very cosy.

Again, another item that I've been wearing most days since purchase. In fact I'm wearing it as i write this. I've stayed clear of hoodies since I was a teenager, so I'd forgotten how comfy and easy they are. Lockdown has brought me to loungewear and that's where I'm the happiest.

Mum you're so blooming lovely make-up bag

*Mum makeup bag: https://rstyle.me/+VCJfbpNVJ4STTgZ9s7tIeA

As a surprise because it's a Thursday and I love you gift, I bought my mum this pouch. (It was also in the sale and so good for the price). I thought this bag was so beautiful and very fitting for my mum who loves flowers. I knew she'd also really cherish the words written on the front.
The bag is pale pink on the back and has a zip fastening. 

My mum absolutely loved it and now uses it everyday.

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As ever, thank you for reading this weeks blog post. I found doing the 'photoshoot' for this post so much fun so no doubt I'll return to fashion chat again.

All the love and keep safe,

Buddy xx

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