Thursday, 22 November 2012

How to shop in Primark




It’s been there for us through and through; from that one time you needed that last minute - cheap- purchase for a night out, for the times you couldn’t afford to go to Topshop because you went into your overdraft, for the excuse to buy a onesie, or for the time you realised that you’re in dire need of an underwear fix.
Primark- or Primani has it all.
It’s the ultimate student-friendly high street gem lending us a cheap and cheerful alternative from the other slightly more expensive high street brands out there. Let’s be honest though, the budget king that was Primark has put its prices up. It’s also extremely messy - ALWAYS - so no matter how many people are recovering a section, it’s still a nightmare to shop in. So here are a few tips to make your shopping experience less of a mission impossible for a somewhat tolerable one.

Always check the price signs properly.
Imagine you’ve been waiting a good 10 minutes in the queue and it’s finally your turn to be served next. You walk up to the counter with a dress you believe to be £10, but low and behold, a nasty surprise flashes on the register.
“Um, excuse me but I thought the dress was £10? The sign definitely said it was £10”
The cashier shows you the price tag, it’s actually £14.00. Oh.
So you think, well I guess it’s only 4 quid and you’re in a rush. Fine. So you buy the dress anyway. But you could have sworn the sign said it was for a tenner…?
Well it did, but perhaps you failed to notice the teeny- tiny “From” strategically placed before the supposed, larger printed price. Any item on the rail or table you were looking through is from a certain price. This is especially the case for folded items like jeans or t-shirts. Always check the price tag on the item to see if it matches the price sign to avoid any disappointment once getting to the tills.
Don’t trust the hangers.
Any experienced Primark shopper knows NOT to trust the size the hanger says. Usually the store is such a mess that clothes are just flung onto any given hanger, even if it’s not the right size. Check the label before you pay for the item. It will definitely save you from coming back and queuing up for customer service!
Always check the shoes are in the correct pair.
Because the shoe aisle is the messiest section of the store (alongside the underwear section).
They don’t have your size?
Nonsense! Primark always tend to overstock and still have MORE in the stock-room. Just kindly ask an employee to go and check if they have anymore. If they don’t there’s always bound to be another delivery sometime soon. Or to save time you could check one of the many other branches around town!
The art of the paper bag. 
Is annoying. If you think your items are too heavy for the bag ask the cashier at the till to double-up your bags. The last thing you want is the bag to rip on the bus revealing ALL those cute french knickers you picked up for a £1 each...
Need to return something?
You don’t always have to go back to the same Primark you bought your purchase from if you want to return or exchange it. How inconvenient would that be, say, if you bought something from one whilst visiting your mate at uni only to find out much later (returning home later) that it is damaged. As long as you have the receipt you can return any Primark item to any Primark store.
No receipt?
It’s OK, I’ve heard Primark will still allow an exchange for the current price of the item you want to return. Go ahead.
The final and most important tip of all:
Check your items!!!
Especially if they happen to be jewellery, underwear or cosmetics because Primark do not accept these if you want to return them. If you have your eye on a necklace- check that it’s in tact. Wanna by a tin of lipgloss? Check it hasn’t been imprinted by another’s fingers. If you want to buy a four pack of underwear check they haven’t been opened or you’re more than likely to open a packet of underwear with an array of different sizes…  (I’m being serious).
Good luck!

Image from: Wikipedia.com

Thursday, 15 November 2012

Soap and Glory 'Feel Good Factor'


One day, after running out of my usual Johnson's day cream, I found myself in Boots. I wanted to try something new. Brace yourselves...



POW- this was my choice! (obv)
I've always been intrigued by the Soap and Glory range. I mean, one cannot fail to notice just how feminine a product it's marketed as...  Obviously the Soap and Glory folk know how to target the growing "shabby chic" trend with their retro packing and vintage imagery. Let's be honest, the vintage market is bang on trend right now and has been for quite some time.



I'm not going to lie, the pretty packaging is what attracted me the most, but enough about the aesthetics- Soap and Glory is more than that. This "Facial Moisture Lotion" contains SPF 25 and "SUN- TRIGGER" antioxidant vitamin balls (whatever they are) and claims that with daily use it'll "help protect skin against wrinkles, sunspots and dryness". So why not?

I do always feel a million times better in the morning after I've moisturised and it's always great when you find a product that leaves you feeling fresh as opposed to greasy. I've been using the Feel Good Factor for quite a few weeks now and I can safely say it's a pretty good cream to start the day with. I always use it before I apply my makeup and it's good in consistency, not too thick, so my skin absorbs it pretty quickly. You don't need much at all for an even coverage and the best thing about it is that it's light and does not leave the horrid oily residue on your face like some other creams out there. It's slightly more expensive than some of your average high street creams at £12 a tube but so far all I can say is that it was worth it.


I guess the packaging is just a plus.

Saturday, 3 November 2012

Some AW12 Wants:

The goth/grunge look has got to be one of my most favourite trends this season, mostly because I love wearing black in general, but also because I just cannot get enough of the skulls and the studs and the lace and the leather. I love it all. It'll be a sad day when this trend is no more. There is just one item that I really want most of all and that is: The Leather Jacket. 

This Jacket from Mango in particular has caught my fancy. It's faux leather and I enjoy the gold zips. Black and gold is such a classy mix.    


MANGO Gold Hardware Biker Jackt £44.99


These next two wants are rather random but I'm loving TOPSHOP's latest Galactica collection: a range of "galactic glamour with a techno twist". I love the cute design of the crystal planet jumper- this is ideal for the cold winter season, adding a touch of sparkle to the day. The skeleton tee is just an awesome print.. and I want it. 
TOPSHOP Knitted Crystal Planet Jumper £55.00 
TOPSHOP Petite Skeleton Tee £20.00




















Thanks for the read!


Pictures from: www.mango.com, www.topshop.com