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...

Vintage Accessories

I bought this very retro ticket holder from Oxfam for £5. It's incredibly organised and has that edge of glamour that modern travel really doesn't conjour up (delays, airport lounges, bad coffee anyone?). So please let me indulge in my dream of travelling in style with this little gem.

Sometimes you just want to roll the dice and see where you end up.

This picnic hamper was another local Oxfam purchase - £4 but very sturdy. It's not one of those posh ones that has different sections, but it will certainly do the job as an alternative piece of luggage for day trips. The hat is from Urban Outfitters in New York (though it's a couple of years old, but you can pick up similar bowlers in a wide range of shops at the moment).

The beauty of wicker is that it's intricately made and it shows good old-fashioned craftsmanship. It's also remarkably resilient. In case you're wondering, my cameo print duvet in the background is from Primark (£10).

What are your favourite vintage accessories, either genuine or modern copies? And are you enjoying the huge vintage revival at the moment in fashion, or do you crave a bit of futurism for a change (a la Versus by Versace)? Personally I love the retro look as it's very British and a little bit eccentric at times, with clashing patterns, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Work Wear Overhaul

Is your work dress code one of those horrific 'smart-casual' categories, leaving you somewhere between jeans and a trouser suit? This jumper dress, from Stella McCartney at Net-a-Porter, is a great example of how to avoid flashing flesh whilst also not looking too uptight. It injects colour without blinding anyone sharing office space with you (take note, lovers of neon). The high street should have something similar next season, so keep an eye out.

If you feel too frumpy in trousers but you need something smart, this Primark dress (from the Autumn/Winter collection, as seen at Look Magazine Online) is the perfect solution. You can pick up a slip to wear underneath it, then add brogues or sandals depending on what the weather is doing at the time. The mid-length of this dress means that it's appropriate for work, but just keep the cleavage area covered. The shape of this piece is similar to Miu Miu's SS/11 collection, showing how the British high street is really listening to designers but hopefully moving away from producing carbon catwalk copies.

For classic shapes in neutral colours, see these three pieces from Vivienne Westwood online [collaged by me]. With a simple pin-tuck, the pinstripe pencil skirt is more flattering and forgiving on the hips - great if you're not exactly boyish in figure. The Dryad dress is an example of how to do work function chic - still looking smart, but with a more relaxed and summery vibe in white. Lastly, the striped shirt with tie-print detail shows how you can have fun with your 9-5 wardrobe. On the high street, look for skinny ties or shirts with piping detail and contrasting cuffs.

Is your workplace full of creative types and fashion-led outfits? Take a tip from Alexander Wang [also at Net-a-Porter], where you'll find the edgiest sunglasses for popping out of the office on a coffee run, the sensible black maxi skirt that spirals into ribbons, and the sheer shirt with leather edges. For similar products, check out River Island, Urban Outfitters and Topshop. Similar shirts are widely available in the sales at the moment, if you're willing to add your own panels.