Where I Find My

Inspiration

My first job after graduating was in advertising at a company that published magazines. During the interview, I was unsure which of their 16 titles it was that I’d be working on (home interest – Good Housekeeping, Country Living / young women’ s – Cosmopolitan, Company / Prima Baby or Harpers Bazaar etc.) but I knew straight away I would make a beeline for Harpers Bazaar.

Throughout University and my early dabble with pay checks, high end fashion always got my attention. Back then I remember obsessing over Chanel watches and YSL pumps. Of course though, I was a grad on £19k a year (sounds a lot for 11 years ago but don’t forget rent in London can set you back £900 or so a month) which meant disposable income didn’t cover the empty box that it came in let alone the cost of the actual fashion purchase.

From that moment, I focused my attention on luxe for less. I enjoyed taking inspiration from the runway and interpreting it in my own way on Oxford Street and Regents Street. I began to streamline my wardrobe to cater for a mix of practical and sensible work uniform (even sewing gold buttons on the front of a navy stretch high waisted midi skirt), workout gear and fashion trends that had actual real life potential. I made every single piece in my wardrobe work hard.

I couldn’t afford Chanel handbags or Prada purses, instead I’d look for rare vintage pieces or easy to wear accessories from Gap, Cos and Russel & Bromley. It’s where my love for fashion started and where my personal style developed.

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Flash forward to now, aged 34 having climbed the career ladder, become a mum, wife and home owner, my spending has changed but my approach to fashion hasn’t. I don’t buy things because other people have them, I’m not easily influenced by fad fashion and each piece is a considered purchase. While my wardrobe is a mix of high end and high street, I still love inexpensive pieces that look luxury but don’t carry the price tag. Of course, I do love my brands and there are some excellent (more affordable) ways to buy them now (such as TheOutnet.com) but right now there are loads of great pieces that don’t break the bank but look like they may have. Check out my edit of the best new season luxe for less below.

Edit: Best Of New Season Luxe For Less

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What’s in your basket?