Newsflash: Primark is available at ASOS!

I can hear the sigh of relief being breathed by cash-strapped fashionistas across the land: finally, Primark has dipped its toes into the scary world of online retail, bringing its pocket money-friendly prices to an even wider audience. 

 Bargain-hunters, your prayers have been answered. 

[All images via ASOS.com]

As someone whose home town doesn't have a Primarni to its name, I'll be relieved not to have to schlep my way to the nearest store in order to get my fix, especially when the items I've been lusting after in magazines aren't always reliably stocked in my local branch (but rest assured, there will always be an inexplicably plentiful supply of comedy onesies doing the rounds and being abandoned on the shop floor, amid the detritus...). It can also be maddening knowing that Primark offers the product that I want, but for some reason its entire stock is in sizes 8-10, for no apparent reason other than to taunt me. Pfft. Well, with ASOS to the rescue, surely things will turn a corner, knowing how efficient and successful the web retail giant is - even at a content marketing event last week, two speakers chose to use the website as an example of great strategic marketing, and rightfully so. 

 One of the six products currently available; the parka.

To those who think that Primark might seem like a very low-end acquisition for the brand, you only have to consider ASOS' target market (young women who want to stay on-trend) and its origins as a provider of celebrity-infused fashion. It's not long since the website began stocking high street labels like River Island, Motel and Lipsy, so Primark feels like a natural addition to the brand directory as ASOS continues being relevant to, and in the price range of, recession-crippled Brits. Whilst its high-end efforts such as the Black range are laudable, what keeps the site at the top of shoppers' online bookmarks is its affordability - the idea that you, too, can have a piece of the pie for less, even if you're a student or you're on a very tight budget. 

I definitely feel that this is a step in the right direction. Having Primarni on the books can only add to ASOS' reputation as the go-to site for British women, especially if it means you can replace the jumble sale feel of rush hour Primark with the sleek and sophisticated feel of the online retailer's homepage. And as for the perfect first purchase from this shopping marriage, I'd have to choose the studded parka (£22) - great for festivals, taking into consideration the high risk of crap British summer weather along the way...

The A-Z Sale Edit: ASOS and Zara

[Image via ASOS].
ASOS Twisted Pencil Skirt in Tartan
Why I love this skirt: it's very Vivienne Westwood-esque, calling to mind her tartan bags and capes.
What it does for your figure: if you're looking to give yourself curves then this is the piece for you. The drapery accentuates your hips with semi-circular arcs and the bright yellow draws attention to your figure. Meanwhile your waist looks tiny and anyone conscious of thighs will enjoy the coverage that this knee-length skirt has.
Price: £31.50 (was £45.00)

[Image via ASOS].
Stylestalker Snake Leather-Look Bustier Dress
Why I love this dress: it gives a nod to the fetish trend with snakeskin and leatherette, but you're not stuck with a bodycon piece that is unforgiving. Instead it billows outwards.
What it does for your figure: if you're blessed with big boobs then this is the dress for you. Finally you don't have to hide them, and you're also not making them look ridiculous. Instead the corseted top holds you in and stops you getting that weird 'shelf' effect that can often happen (believe me, I spend my life trying to avoid it). If you're not so blessed in the abs department then any rounded stomachs will be nicely disguised by the floaty chiffon skirt.
Price: £37.50 (was £125)

[Image via Zara].
Metallic Trousers
Why I love these trousers: basically they're really shiny. You know how you sometimes get those magpie moments and you just need something sparkly to cheer you up? Well, these might work.
What they do for your figure: instead of hiding behind shapeless black harem pants (yeah, they're a winter staple, but you've got to shake things up sometimes), you might want to give these a go. The straight cut means that your figure is elongated, but don't expect to be a shrinking violet - you are going to be looked at, so make sure you feel confident - regardless of your shape - when you wear metallic trousers.
Price: £29.99 (were £39.99)

[Image via Zara].
Patchwork Clutch Bag
Why I love this bag: whether you actually own an iPad or you just love the wallets that have hit the shops to hold them, you could well be lusting after this baby. It's compact and sleek, with a mixture of different textures - suede, faux snakeskin and a soft backing.
What it does for your figure: not a great deal, as it's only a bag. Let's not pretend it can hide flaws or emphasise your best bits, unless they're your hands. On the plus side, it might make you feel more organised! I would prefer if it wasn't made from goatskin (checked the label and was slightly horrified), so it's not going to be on my purchasing list any time soon, but I do admire the design and that's why it's made my sale edit.
Price: £39.99 (was £79.99)

Stand-out Shopping: Because we can't all afford catwalk prices

[Image taken from Oasis online].
As I've been blogging a lot about Fashion Week and catwalk shows recently (aside from the Look Show), I thought it would be good to redress the balance with some bargains from the high street. First up is this swallow keyring from Oasis, which is an excellent £4 in the sale.
Trend boxes ticked: Bird prints (massive at Miu Miu for this season) and leather lust (faux leather and studding).
Wear with: A plain but sturdy handbag, a 90s-style floral dress and some kick-ass biker boots.

[Image from Oasis online].
Yup, I found two pieces from Oasis that I wanted - their sale starts today, as I was kindly reminded in an email this morning, as does Warehouse's. This dress caught my eye for its draping, and it's now down to £30.
Trend boxes ticked: monochrome (it's always coming back, but particularly now because 60s colours are everywhere), fabric clashes (think Michael van der Ham now and Alexander McQueen's McQ line two seasons ago - it's another recurring thing), ladylike (Mad Men and The Hour have got us all craving nipped in waists).
Wear with: minimal jewellery (maybe a nice chunky ring, but no necklaces or it breaks the flow of the dress) and your hair up.

[Image from Topshop online].
I was lucky enough to see Simone Rocha's collection at LFW and it didn't disappoint. She's kept a lot of the same ideas in her Topshop diffusion line, with sheer arms against stiff shirts, but obviously at a cheaper price point. The salmon pink in this dress is very fresh and it certainly caught my eye. At £90 it's not cheap, but if you've got the cash then it will probably become a wardrobe staple for you.
Trend boxes ticked: androgyny (in the form of the shirt, with its high neck hiding any femininity and the rest of the fabric bypassing any thought of cleavage or hips), ballerina (the tulle-type sleeves in a sharp pink), fabric clashes (though this is a cleaner take on that look, with everything a little more clinical and neat).
Wear with: Chelsea boots or brogues, some ankle socks in an acidic shade, and strong eyebrows or lips.

[Image from ASOS online].
Paperself lashes are going to be massive. Stocked at ASOS and trialled for free on Fashion Week visitors (including myself), they are an excellent style statement which - if you're careful - you can wear again. This pair is called 'Clown' and it's a bit cheeky but fits in well along the lash line, with the little sections of chequerboard, zigzag and tent popping out nicely. Not one for a job interview, perhaps, but certainly something to consider for a night out.
Trend boxes ticked: the outrageous (think Nicola Roberts' new solo music, Henry Holland, early Gareth Pugh, Pam Hogg et al), ladylike with a twist (for example, the recent Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan for SS12 had chandelier-esque pasta earrings and onion print dresses).
Wear with: a manly shirt (or even the Simone Rocha for Topshop number) or a minimalist dress, with plain coloured tights and some metallic shoes.

ASOS Menswear: Essentials with a fashion twist

Three to get you pulling shapes...
The Stripe T-shirt gets a Fred Perry logo and suddenly becomes smart/casual.
The ASOS Sweat Shirt with tan shoulder detail looks sharp.
This Contrast V Neck from Villain is quirky but wearable and would look great with jeans.

Three to get you into yellow...
This King of Spades T-Shirt is very cool, with the neon effect and bright sunshine hues.
For a more eye-catching stripe, look no further than this Boat Neck Top.
The mustard Shorts wouldn't suit everyone, but they'd work well with Dr. Martens or Vans and a tight t-shirt.

Three to get you accessorizing...
A Backpack for all seasons (except intense snow)? This is man heaven.
For an edgier approach to eyewear, go for these Angular Sunglasses. I have a huge head (basically man-size) and I'd definitely consider these blokey shades to make things a little more stylish.
I'm an anatomy addict since writing about it in an Art Theory essay. This Spine Pendant is a bargain at £8.00 and it's not offensively gory. Definitely makes a change from those naff St. Christopher rings from Argos that so many unimaginative men insist on wearing (urgh).

[Images taken from ASOS.com].

I'm really impressed with ASOS' Menswear department at the moment. It covers the trends without alienating its customers with unwearable fashion. The buyers know what the average bloke wants and needs in their wardrobe, and gives them a push in the right direction. There's also a very good range of designer pieces for the male shopper, so it's worth looking for special occasions as well as everyday browsing.

An Old Favourite

I bought this dress from ASOS a good few years ago (the picture is from 2007) and it's still going strong. Peacock print looks great in blue and purple tones, as seen here, and also in green tones. It's one of those patterns that is feminine but not too twee. With this dress, there is a further styling element of the print in that the dress hangs in fluid lines, off the shoulder and on the hips. I think when I've finally worn it out then I'll use the fabric for cushions or something, because I can't bear to get rid of it!