I’m a bit of a competition junkie. I see a competition and I just jump on it – especially if it’s something where you have to use your creativity to win. So when I saw MoneySupermarket’s Passion for Fashion competition I had to give it a go. They’ve challenged bloggers to create five AW12 looks under £200 based on different occasions to win an iPad 3 AND a £1000 shopping spree to purchase the items in their outfits and an iPad. Yes girls, that was not a typo. ALL OF THAT. Can you blame me for having a go to win?! The looks that you create should be on-trend for AW12, great value for money, and suitable for our great British winter weather. Here are my five outfits …
jumper: Monki (£28), trousers: Topshop (£40), shoes: River Island (£30), coat: Mango (£99.99)
Total = £197.99
It was surprisingly difficult creating an outdoors outfit to stand the rigours of the great British winter for under £200, partly because I fell in love with this Mango coat the minute I saw it, and that’s already shaved off £100. Still, a good coat is a must for winter, and this one is well worth the investment. It’s mannish shape, military khaki colour and contrast sleeves are key trends for AW12. It looks smart enough for work when done up as in the image above, and when it’s undone it flops open nicely for a more casual look. I paired it with cute printed trousers from Topshop (the fun print of these will work great in summer too) and simple black boots, because when you’re traipsing around in the muddy outdoors there’s nothing better. These shoes are a bargain at £30, and the slip of oxblood gives another nod to AW12 fashions.
top: Topshop (£48), skirt: Oasis (£42), shoes: ASOS (£50), bag: ModCloth (£22), earrings: Dorothy Perkins (£6.50)
Total = £168.50
Leather is key this AW, so for a fun party look I teamed this pleather skater skirt from Oasis (save money by going for faux leather) with a sparkly top and cool perspex heels with an on-trend retro shape. These heels are so cool, and the platform heel means that even if you’re splashing home late at night through the rain, they’re not going to get ruined and your feet will stay lovely and dry! A colour block envelope clutch adds some brightness and cat earrings inject a little British whimsy into the look. As with all of these outfits, these pieces are great for mixing and matching with the rest of your wardrobe, so even though they’re a little pricey you’ll definitely get value for money from each item by wearing them over and over. Plus, keep an eye on sites such as Money Supermarket if you’re shopping online and you may well find discount codes that make these items even more affordable.
jacket: InDressMe (£42), top: Topshop (£26), jeans: Topshop (£45), shoes: H&M (£29.99), bag: Need Supply Co (£30) , ring: John Richard (£15)
Total = £187.99
I’ve only ever had one boyfriend (me and Callum have been together since we were 14) , so I’ve actually only ever had one first date – therefore I’m not sure I’m the most qualified to give style advice for one! But this is the sort of outfit I think I’d wear. Something simple, fun and subtly sexy, and suitable for most activities a first date might entail. These H&M wedge shoes are perfect for a date as they’re leg-lengthening but not too high, and won’t get ruined if it’s raining out. I don’t think boys always get fashion trends, so I’ve kept the AW12 references to a minimum – a hint of peplum and an owl ring. The most expensive item here is the jeans, but I think you’ll all agree with me that a great pair of blue jeans go a long, long way. I had a pair from Topshop I bought when I was 17, and I’ve only just upgraded them (I’m 22 now)! That’ a lot of wear for your money.
blazer: SheInside (£23), shirt: VJ Style (£16), skirt: Topshop (£16), shoes: Zara (£29.99), bag: Topshop (£25)
Total – £109.99
It’s all about the little details when you’re trying to stay smart and professional but don’t want to lose your personality. I love the subtle shimmer of this skirt (in AW’s top colour – oxblood) and the lime accent of this cross-body bag, both from Topshop. I’ve topped it all off with these Zara cuff heels (which I’ve featured in an outfit post before) as they are the comfiest things ever whilst still looking smart and sexy, and they literally go with every single outfit you can think of, so they’re well worth the price tag. And if it’s cold out, just add some black tights – they’ll look great with the colours in this outfit. I think this look appears really expensive and actually has some of the cheapest items, and you have almost £100 left to treat yourself with!
top: Monki (£12), trousers: H&M (£25), jacket: Topshop (£48), shoes: AX Paris (£29.99), bag: New Look (£19.99)
Total = £134.98
For this outfit, I went with a more edgy, tom-boy style, which is how I like to dress when I’m just running around doing errands or browsing shops. A bit off-duty model – minus the model part! I actually just bought a similar camo jacket from Topshop, so I can definitely say they’re the perfect item to complete any casual outfit, and at £48, although a little pricey, it’ll definitely be a worthwhile investment. The jacket’s camo print and mannish shape tick the military and boyfriend-wear trends this AW12, while pairing it with faux leather trousers keeps your silhouette feminine. This whole look is really great for our rainy British winters – wedge trainers are practical for wet weather (but will be great come summer too), and faux leather trousers are easy to just wipe down if it’s raining out.
So those are my five outfits! Which look is your favourite look?
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top: c/o Junk Food, shorts: Hollister, shoes: c/o Keds, bag: vintage, bracelets: c/o Cutey, cuff: vintage, ring: c/o Rock n Rose
