Dresses
As someone that doesn’t have time or enjoy last minute shopping, I like to think I shop smart and buy as I find. Again forever the bargain hunter, I’m an avid online sale shopper, I know my favourite brands and I usually wait for them to go in sale where I stock up on my fave items, and store in my wardrobe for when I have a special occasion to wear them. I am guilty of sometimes having up to 30 brand new dresses at a time, hanging with the tags on in my closet. But at least I always have something to wear for most occasions, that I have bought because I love and haven’t been ripped off.
Is truly one of my favourite ever dress brands, in the sale they usually go down to £80-150 each, when they are regularly over £300 each. They fit perfectly, the fabrics are beautiful and never fail to look stunning at any event.
AQAQ
I remember buying my first AQAQ dress when I was 18, their style has always been about accentuating a feminine silhouette. Their pieces are well made and cater for petite frames. Again I hold out for their sales and buy lots, I really have got some stunning dresses that I’ve picked up for £20-£30 and really stand out on a night out.
More of my favourite brands / websites are: Ronny Kobo, Three floor, Never fully dressed – they do the best summer stuff, the senorita dress is my favourite (I just bought 2 more in different prints, in the sale from £79 down to £29 and put them away for summer, see girls the bargain mission really does come in handy), they have also nailed the wrap skirt which looks amazing with a plain vest and jewellery, they also did a wrap dress last year that was made out of tracksuit material, and looked amazing, I bought white, black and grey.
Fashion bunker – finders keepers / cameo / the fifth / keepsake – Australian fashion is stunning
Also every year Topshop bring out a blinder or 2, last year the polka dot maxi went crazy.
In terms of casual dresses, i love a shirt dress in a check or tartan- i buy most of mine from Zara, a jumper dress with over the knee boots is a true fave in the winter – I found mine this year in H&M.
Work attire
For work in the office i live and die in a shift dress or trousers with a knit / blouse, all mainly from Zara, and because i would rather spend my money on my favourite items of clothing, again i tend to wait for Zara to have a sale and buy 10-15 dresses at a time that go down to £20-£30 per item, that way I can stock up. God knows what I would do with out Zara.
Skirts
I do love a leather skirt, long / short / skater style I think they are really versatile can be worn with any footwear, a plain t-shirt, body, jumper or shirt. I find Zara or Monki always have a good variation. I also love a long skirt these days they some how now look trendy and quite elegant rather than old fashioned, I bought 3 in the summer last year from a local boutique and wear them with a plain vest, long necklace, denim jacket and sandals. Another find has been the wrap skirt (almost like a sarong) which Never Fully Dressed do so well, and in so many prints I have bought quite a few myself, also with the matching tops but they can also look amazing with a roll neck in the winter, or vest on the summer – I love versatile clothing – (worth waiting for the sale).
My favourite swimwear brands are – Heidi Klein, Calvin Klein, a recent discovery – Andy begus, kiini bikinis are also gorgeous, gutted that Victoria Secrets no longer do their swimwear selection that I used to buy lots of online 😦 £100 is usually my budget for a bikini, and again I wait for a sale on Heidi Klein, and buy a few at a time I find the quality and styles to be classy and stunning. I’ve never been one for swimsuits that have cut outs and are funny styles, I’m all about the right tan lines so a simple but chic bikini does it for me.
Favourite Sunglasses – Tom ford, Celine, Chanel (but I shall do a blog post on accessories)
Gym wear
I’m all for cute gym wear but considering it’s worn to work out and get sweaty in I don’t believe in £100 leggings.
Pink Soda is currently my favourite gym wear brand, a top and leggings totals at around £40 which isn’t extortionate, I do love a matching set too which you always get with pink soda! Only thing is if you see something you like buy it! As JD Sports is the only stockist if something goes out of stock it rarely comes back in.
Ivy Park is also a favourite I love the branding and style, a little more expensive than Pink Soda and but no better quality.
Gym shark is currently all over my insta, and looks great on, although I’m yet to buy a set.
Then there are the usuals like Nike and Adidas, although I always try and buy in an outlet as you can pay £70 for Nike leggings.
Lulu lemon – too expensive in my opinion but yes they do beautiful work out attire.
Underwear & pyjamas
I do find if you buy decent underwear, and wash it correctly it will last you.
Huge fan of Calvin Klein crop tops and pants they’re so comfy.
Summer wear
I have to say as much as I love boutique shopping, and supporting small businesses. I live in Essex and many cheaper styles stocked in the boutiques are usually at the markets for half the price. Every summer me and my sister usually do a market run, where we pick up summery sets, maxi dresses, jumpsuits and comfortable summer wear to team with sandals and wedges. Perfect for pub gardens or just day to day. Last year we picked up wide leg, pleated trousers in a kind of Lycra material, for £10 each, we bought them in 4 colours and I wear them with a fitted Primark t-shirt, jewellery and a lightweight jacket and always get so many compliments on them.
Never Fully Dressed last year covered my summer wardrobe, I literally couldn’t buy enough, their styles are gorgeous and comfortable. Perfect for all your evenings on holiday!
I hope you enjoyed reading… back soon with more recommendations and all the things we love ❤️ XOXO
Emma Mack MUA 