Designer Handbags Over Highstreet

One thing that is a common factor when I work in retail is that my spending increases also. I guess many can relate to this problem and now that I'm in a luxury retail environment, I guess is a big factor to how I have changed my shopping habits.

Now I really see the investment and benefits of buying something designer instead of fast fashion. Everybody loves abit of shopping in Primark, New Look or H&M but now I've definitely cut down on what I will spend in stores such as those.

For example, I can outrightly say I will always go for a designer/higher end handbag now. The difference in quality is astounding. Sofar, this year I have invested in two Mulberry bags and one Alexander McQueen (hopefully will be adding Valentino to the list before the year is out, so definitely watch out on this space)! Granted, I give my current Italian-brand 'Coccinelle' handbag alot of abuse by overloading it and generally flinging it about; but I expected more of it when I purchased my second one. I was super careful with it on my first outing (as my other bag had ribbing that became damaged easily). Nevertheless, the ribbing came off completely at the bottom corners of the bag. Beyond horrified as the bag was around £250/300.

I've found the bags that I have purchased (which are designer) general wear and tear is not really an issue and that if treated well, should last for years to come. Granted, the price points are significantly higher but now I generally can justify it. I'd prefer if a bag which I rely heavily upon will last than having a disaster such as a strap to snap.

Most designer bags can be easily fixed when they are within warranty (always good to double check though as each designer/company differs with their policies).

August/September 2015

The past few months have been a regular rhythm of work interspersed with more work. It's all been good though and I feel as if I have settled into my retail job comfortably.

I started my degree placement mid-September with a local milliner and am enjoying putting my retail experience into practice with my degree placement. When deciding whether to do a degree placement or not I was somewhat torn - timewise and financially can it be worth it? I decided I thought it was after talking it through with several people. At the end of the day, experience in the work industry is expected and taking a whole year out to focus on that will help achieve that level of experience; alongside learning new skills.

Luckily, my placement is flexible timewise so I can work quite alot. Also, my placement is in Belfast City Centre (which I'm in every day) so is really helpful geographically. At the moment Grainne is still settling in to her new premise so even little tasks such as painting a piece of furntiture or sorting the stockroom can be a great help.

June/July 2015

It's been good to get a slight break off for a  few weeks since I've finished second year of my Fashion Management degree. I have only one unit to resit (sewing). I'm not overly surprised - I never really took to the subject and really struggled with remembering the steps and doing well with basic sewing techniques. Although I did not pass this unit; I'm happy with how I did. I did everything by myself and tried my best. I have a written piece I have to submit by mid-August so I have ample time to complete this task.

I took a jump career-wise and applied for a job more related to the field of my degree. Surprisingly, the day of my interview I got the call back with the offer of the job, which I have not accepted. It took about a month roughly to get the paperwork sorted with HR.

I had my first day two weeks ago and have been really enjoying it. It's been a good change as I've got to meet new people with similar interests and is a stable job with plenty of overtime. Plus there's other perks too such a staff discount etc...

I couldn't be happier at present as work seems to be really taking off and hard work is starting to pay off.

May/June 2015

Thankfully have finished second year of my fashion degree (for the most part) after my second go at it. This year academically was summed up by a great quote I found the other day 'a year in university is like a Boojum - it starts off promising, but by the end your just trying to keep it from falling apart'.

Practically, my fashion skills for this course (Pattern Making and Sewing) are my weaker areas compared to an academic piece of writing. Therefore I'll probably have to come in in my own time and try to salvage what I have done. That'll be interesting; when I work unsupervised it usually ends up a pure shambles. I could possibly salvage my top but would need to completely redo my skirt (it just is that bad.

I've decided to take advantage of a placement year; I don't think many others in my second year class are availing of this opportunity. Completely understandable too. Many placements are unpaid or may just cover travel. An obvious drawback for alot of people. However I've decided it's still a worthwhile opportunity - many jobs insist on a level or amount of experience and this is one way to gain it and hopefully get a great reference as well!

I think it will help give me time to prepare for final year as well - I seriously need to learn how to Harvard Reference with a dissertation looming in front of me...

April/May 2015

Finally all moved in what seems like a very long two/three weeks. I've said it once before, I'll say it again not moving again. Hahaha.

Of course moving with all intents and purposes was a nightmare. The van man was anything but pleasant and was beyond late. Wasn't impressed at all. Thankfully, all is moved now though I have no idea were anything is or could be.

My immune system is already kicking me when I am down with a throat/flu virus and with final assignments creeping up and roughly only 3 weeks to go before I finish second year it literally could't happen at a worse time. Although in saying that I can still function, just not talk much...

Struggling through by the skin of my teeth it seems but I'm getting a lot further than I got last year (I think so anyway). Wouldn't recommend anyone to move during Easter, it takes over everything and I got very little assignments done. Probably not going to get Stellar results due to this...

March/April 2015

With April fast approaching I'm wondering where this year has went. A lot of change is happening and I'm super excited to be beginning a new chapter. No I'm not pregnant or anything mad like that (I can barely look after myself never mind a child). I'm just moving.

Very spontaneous, granted but very exciting and somewhat terrifying at the same time. The new house is much bigger and offers a lot more compared to what I have at the moment. So it's car trip after car trip trying to lug my belongings over to the new place all the while trying to juggle redecorating (definitely needs a refresh and tidy up). All in all, we'll most likely be in Easter weekend.

As for work it's ebbing at the moment; I am very busy with some potential new clients to begin shortly. Have to admit with everyone being off for Easter break it can throw lessons in to some disarray which can be slightly irritating as I do need some time off for myself; especially with moving...

However I am taking Thursday off to see my family and go to the orthodontics which I'm really looking forward to. I haven't seen them in ages. I also have reduced work time this Saturday and all of Sunday and Monday off.

History of the Shift Dress

The history of the shift dress can be traced back to the 1920’s from the trend of the popular flapper dresses. Dresses of that time period had a simple, defined shape, a loose fit and very little waist definition. This is a contrast to earlier dresses and restrictive styles such as the corset. In the 1920’s flappers wore them with more embellishments such as layers of fringing and beading. Forty years later in the 1960’s, the dresses were given bright, floral prints.

Twenty years after this fabric experimentation began with a jersey fabric and a layering style with a shirt used as an undergarment (this then became termed as a jumper). In the 1990’s the shift dress returned again and became a staple in the working female wardrobe as a business wear piece. From 2000 onwards to the present day the shift dress has become mainstream and is seen as a classic piece updated through trends and seen on the catwalk for many consecutive seasons (both Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter).

The earliest classic knee length shift dresses were introduced in 1957 by designers Cristobal Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy in their Parisian collections. Three years later in 1960, fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer designed a print shift dress; further promoting the style. Apparently, Lily (who owned a juice bar) created the dress to hide juice stains on her clothes. She then sold her signature 1960’s shift dress and named it the ‘Lily’. A year later Lily had closed down her juice bar and was selling her dresses full time. Trendsetting of the shift dress involved many influential people including Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Jackie Kennedy and more recently, Michelle Obama.

The effect of the shift dress in culture and history was significant. The shift dress was seen as a youthful, modern dress which redefined the female shape; which then resulted in the shift dress becoming a symbol of the sexual revolution. The shift dress was both stylish, yet practical for everyday-wear. Named the shift dress as a result of the ‘shift’ in culture.

The shift dress is a usually short dress, with a straight silhouette. The dress is typically sleeveless, the neckline high but contrasts with a short hemline.