Technical issues (yes Rachael I STILL don’t have broadband!) means this post is a little overdue but there’s nothing like a good weekend blogging catch-up sesh. The Arcadia press day is always a mammoth event, housing Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Burton, Topman and Topshop under one roof, it’s a hulluva lot to take [...]]]>

Technical issues (yes Rachael I STILL don’t have broadband!) means this post is a little overdue but there’s nothing like a good weekend blogging catch-up sesh. The Arcadia press day is always a mammoth event, housing Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Burton, Topman and Topshop under one roof, it’s a hulluva lot to take in. Topshop is always last, like the sought after mythical treasure, the suspense builds as you traverse the rooms.

Below are Topshop’s offerings, the first thing I noticed when I went in was pleating, or more precisely self-pleated fabric. It’s my new obsession and has got me fingering dodgy old lady two-piece suits in charity shops while wondering what delights I could make with the wrinkled fabric. Tozzashozza’s pleated dress came in maxi length with a pleasingly old lady-ish print. Self-pleats = the future, I swear! Carrying on clockwise they was a gorgeous lemon-yellow tunic from their brilliant Unique collection. It had a completely different vibe from the rest of the collection, sneaking in some ’60s mom there.

Middle section, above: the beauts sporty/lingerie tops really grabbed me, the piece on the right was actually a lovely shade of aqua but the picture doesn’t really translate the pretty colour. I’ve just realised my first ever crop top was mint green, man was I proud of that crop top. TS have a lot of black on black texture pieces for next season, but black makes me look tired and reflects off my dark circles so I didn’t really feature that, sorreee. Crunchy, crunchy embellishments, this is where sequins are heading next season, TS also have a fantastic pair of crunchy sequinned hotpants, mm.

Evans announced a new Beth Ditto collection for Sept and they’ll also be stocking this fetching pair of lace panel jeggings. They even had a laptop set up so you could see their blog in action, which is a nice touch for retailers. Evans are definitely one to watch in the future, they’ve been working with plus-size bloggers in the US and it wouldn’t surprise me if they made a move stateside sometime soon.

Next up: the wildcard. Topman jewellery has already appeared on this blog before, there was such a variety to choose from at the preview. Who doesn’t want a ring that says ‘hate my life’? I definitely need one of those for grumpy Mondays. Also loving their fox rings and necklaces, as well as the bright kid-colour sheep rings. Their military necklaces are some of the most convincing faux antique jewellery I’ve seen on the high street, they could totally pass for market stall find.

The real surprise of the evening was Wallis, who went all Celine on us with a tasty plethora of soft leather skirts and more capes. I’m so happy capes are back on the high street this winter, there’s nothing like a good cape for a bit of drama. Cock a snook at their knitted maxi skirt (middle pic, below), it’s definitely the kind of thing my primary English teacher would have worn, with some court shoes and a patchwork leather jacket. That is a way of saying I like it.

Unfortch no spottings of Phillip Green, or his uberschloane daughter Chloe, boo. I heard someone was going to make a reality show around Chloe, which would be ten shades of amazing.

If you forget plastic neon rosary beads and cheesy dogtags, Topman actually has some really good jewellery on offer. Wandering around Topman yesterday I was surprised to find a range of fun stud earrings among the T4-style dodginess. The red articulated skeletons are a standout favourite of mine, the numbers are pretty sweet and instore [...]]]>

If you forget plastic neon rosary beads and cheesy dogtags, Topman actually has some really good jewellery on offer. Wandering around Topman yesterday I was surprised to find a range of fun stud earrings among the T4-style dodginess. The red articulated skeletons are a standout favourite of mine, the numbers are pretty sweet and instore they also had little paperclips and creepy sperms (who would want them on their ear? Oh that’s right, Giselle would).

It reminded me of going to the jewllery shop on Thurloe Place after school and picking out some of their 50p a pop studs. We all had miniature taps, nails, peace signs, boots and other little things poking out from our ears. Tresemme cool. That also brings me back to learning how to raise one eyebrow by holding a Travelcard over the dormant one, good times!

Back to the jewellery, also on the Topman site is their jewelry range in collaboration with Husam El Odeh but not for long as it’s all on sale. It’s a whimsical collection with references to car mechanics. My favourite piece is the little soldier pendant, it looks like he’s shimmying up the silver chain. It’s fun yet still quite delicate and you can bet not that many other women will be wearing it, I’m buying one now for the bargain price of £10, get it before it’s gone!