Purses and Passports

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

Italian Outlet Mall Shopping Trip

On a recent trip to Italy I returned to the The Mall, a group of high end designer fashion outlet stores. It’s a wonderful concrete oasis jutting out of the countryside outside of Florence, with great coach connections to the city.
I first discovered The Mall about 10 years ago when it was a lot smaller and a lot more shabby. Shoe boxes were stacked up and the rails packed haphazardly. Unfortunately, the days of buying Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci shoes for £30 are long gone. The stores are now very similar to the ones you’d find on Bond St and the price tags definitely higher. There are still bargains to be found though, if you go with an open mind and lots of energy you’ll find yourself a treat or two.

I loved this soft leather pleated snakeskin

print skirt but it was 2500 euros!!

Due to the current high demand for Gucci I started there, waiting for it to open, hoping not to miss out on any bargains. I ignored the bags and headed for the accessories. The sunglasses were fabulous and plentiful and, as they were mostly ignored by the handbag focused tourists, the prices were great too! I snagged a couple of pairs for me and one for my husband...

As jewellery is my obsession, I focused on the cases containing the sparkly things! I found some beautiful pieces that I could wear every day. I didn't buy them all!

Prada was next, I found myself a beautiful coat for £140 and a wool kilt for £100. Not to everyone’s taste and a few seasons old but I loved them and I think that’s the key to successful outlet shopping. It’s easy to get excited by the prices or latest trends but if an item makes you happy and you feel you’ll get good wear out of it, go for it.

I had my eye out for a new handbag and had a good idea of the shape and colour I wanted. I trawled around all the shops and as I was about to leave Mui Mui and Prada, I spotted this black beauty and snapped it up. The pink was just not quite me, as much as I loved it and it is my favourite colour (I sound 8 years old saying that...)

All in all it was a successful shopping trip, there were lots of tempting things I left behind. The logo scarves and shoes in Gucci, sunglasses in Fendi and a cute little handbag in YSL, but you can't have everything as that's just greedy! And expensive!!

The Mall is a slick operation that can easily contend with the thousands of tourists who barge through their doors almost every day of the year. If you love designer items and fancy a trip to Italy make sure you squeeze in a day trip!

If you have any questions about my trip, please feel free to message me here or on my instagram @annapurser

Click here to visit their site The Mall

Sustainable Denim - Lindex

After attending a fashion event at Lindex in Westfield a few years ago, I fell in love with this exciting Scandinavian brand.
In case you haven't heard of them, Lindex is one of the leading fashion chains in Europe and it is great at following trends as well as covering off classic pieces, whilst staying affordable. It's relatively new to the UK, with only two stores in Westfield Stratford and Shepherds Bush, but it is also available online at www.lindex.com. What I like about Lindex is that is also prides itself in dedicating everything it does to sustainability production.

Now that recycling is part of our daily routines, and we feel guilty for forgetting our 'bags for life' when we go shopping, being mindful about what we wear shouldn't be a huge stretch.
Producing denim is an extremely involved processes, it uses cotton which in itself is not the most ethical product you can wear. It uses gallons or water and is responsible for a huge amount of chemical pesticide and insecticide use too. However, we love our denim, most of us having at least one great pair of jeans in our wardrobes, and thanks to Lindex we have have ethical choices.

In 2015 Lindex launched a denim collection made using sustainable fibers, including organic and Better Cotton, and which uses low impact washing processes to reduce water, energy and chemical consumption. There is no premium price for these denims, and this production technique has now been implemented to all of its denim, called Better Denim.

Another innovative idea that particularly interests me is the range called Re:Design. It's a collection of exclusive upcycled products redesigned and remade in Borås, Sweden. These items may have ordinarily have ended up in the sales but instead are imaginatively re imagined in to wonderful original pieces. Some given new details or taken apart and put together again. But be quick! If you are interested in snapping up any of these limited edition pieces they are available online now.

The Kimono, part of the Re:Design range, made from six different pairs of jeans.

Wear with a denim jacket and jeans for an 'triple denim' experience!!

Unfortunately, I am only beginning to learn about sustainability in fashion but I can enjoy my Lindex denim a lot more now, knowing that huge efforts have been made to make it in the most sustainable way possible.

This wheel is very helpful in understanding the process

If you would like to read more about what Lindex are doing please check out this link, http://about.lindex.com/en/denim/

Lemons and Leggings

As a regular gym goer, I have been buying lycra for years. Trends have come and gone with the length of the legging, cut of the vest or brightness of the print. At the end of the day, with sports gear, it's all about individual preference and what works for you. I used to buy Lululemon clothing when I visited New York as the quality is outstanding. Which is why I was so excited about Lululemon's new concept store on Regents Street. It is huge, and beautiful and stocks everything you could possibly need (or not need but want anyway!). It's the largest Lululemon in Europe so if you can't find what you need here, it's not worth having. The store is calming, cool and well laid out. There's even a cafe upstairs and an area for their free classes.

The trend this season is muted tones, no fluros here i'm afraid!
Think earthy and zen.

My favourite leggings, the subtle embossed pattern detailing is gorgeous

This lovely set is from a collaboration with Central St Martins. Lululemon challenged the students to create prints inspired by nature's perfect imperfections. They printed their creations onto their iconic styles, creating a limited-edition collection. It's certainly unique and I would definitely stand out in the gym in these fresh, modern prints.

A stylish gillet is a must have for any keen exerciser. Ideal for layering if you're working out outside or just to throw on for your car journey to the gym.

A super flexible athlete shows us how good Lululemons lycra is at holding you in whilst you're upside down.

Even their mats looking incredible, I need one in every colour and pattern, with this special storage built especially for them.

Everyone needs their own mat, you never want to put your face where someone elses bottom has been...

As with all their stores, the staff know their stock and whether you need clothing for running the marathon, taking a yoga class or just doing the school run they will give you advice on the best choices for you.

Just go, take a look around and grab a juice from the cafe, you never know you may be inspired to take a class but either way you will come out feeling fitter than when you went in.

From Spots to Smooth Skin

For years I have had problems with my skin. In my teenage years I was spotty and blamed hormones, but as I got older I always thought surely they should have settled down by now! I hated having such uneven skin, dry forehead, greasy spotty red cheeks and chin. My skincare routine was always patchy often sleeping in make up and not wearing spf every day. However I always tried to look after my skin. I still failed to have that beautiful, glowing, evenly toned, dewy skin that some women had. I'd ask them what they did and they always replied, nothing at all! That just didn't work for me.

The doctor prescribed various contraceptive pills and I tried expensive facials and creams. After getting very down about my skin I the returned to the doctor and was given some steroid cream, it worked a little but made my skin became very sensitive and I was still getting sore breakouts. Luckily my beautician came to my rescue. I was sceptical at first, she hadn't experienced the break outs I had had, plus I thought that the product was on the pricey side. What did I have to lose! Environ saved my skin and my confidence.

It's not just for people with problem skin although they do have a programme for everything from roseca to wrinkles. Whatever kind of skin you want, you'll get it with Environ. They have been around since 1990 and they don't advertise, just relying on word of mouth and recommendations by trained beauticians. I could go in to detail about the science behind the products but for now I just want to tell you my skin story.

Earlier this year my sister and I met the wonderful Uzo Aduba, 'Crazy Eyes' from Orange is the New Black. The first thing she said to me was 'Wow, your skin is incredible!', then looked at my sister and added, yours too! Then stared at us like we were aliens. Until you've experienced bad skin I don't think you can appreciate what a huge compliment that was. My sister and I have been using similar products for about three years now and have no plans to stop.

These are the products I am using currently. It may seem like a lot but you can cocktail the creams together and apply them at the same time. They are very concentrated so only one small pump is needed to cover the whole face. You will need far less than you would usually use of your current product so make Environ good value for money.

The sebuwash lathers up to leave your face feeling lovely and clean but not dry.

The moisturising toner you just wipe around the skin with a cotton pad.
The AVST is a system that you build up, you start on 1 and work up to 5, allowing your skin to get used to the increasing amounts of vitamin A. This is your main moisturiser, a bottle lasts about 6-8 weeks.

I add colostrum to strengthen my immune system. I also use c-boost as I have pigmentation around my lip line.

My favourite product is the sequence eye gel which is incredible, you only need a tiny amount and it really helps with those fine lines around your eyes.

Finally, in the mornings I apply the Rad spf 15, which sits on the surface of the skin to lock in vitamins and act as a barrier against uv and pollution.

Two masks I use to help keep my complexion clear are the Revival Mask, which is a face lift in a bottle, a really powerful anti-ageing mask.

I also use Hydrating Exfoliating Masque which can been used as an exfoliater which is much gentler than a regular gritty exfoliant OR a mask to combat oiliness OR it can be left on overnight to hydrate the skin. It drys the oil not the skin. A really great, all round product.

From time to time I have an active vitamin facial. For part of this 90 minute treat my mask is attached to a machine which sends sound waves through the skin to aid penetration of active ingredients and Iontopheresis which works like a hammer hitting a nail, getting products in to the skin.There are lots of different kinds of facials available but your beautician will be able to advise you on the best one for your skin type.

I know I look like i'm enduring a weird science experiment but it is actually very relaxing!

I am really happy with my skin now and often get compliments. I wear a lot less make up and feel I have achieved that much desired dewy, even toned complextion.

If you have problem skin or would just like to try some skin care products that actually work then find your nearest Environ beautician and arrange a free consultation. Please do not buy products online, only buy from a registered beautician! My beautician, based in South East London, is Joanna Neil. 07747 106961. For more information on Environ or to find your nearest stockist go to www.iiaa.eu. You are also welcome to message me if you have any more questions about my personal experience.

H&M x Kenzo

I made it! I was lucky enough to win a couple of tickets to the H&M x Kenzo shopping preview evening the night before the launch, thank goodness! (I still had to queue in the freezing cold but didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn for the pleasure.) It was at the huge flagship store on Regents Street, booze and a DJ were promised so I was looking forward to a fun shopping event but knew that it would still be a bun fight!

My plus one arrived, my mum. When you need help with these things you choose a professional, ex first day of the Harrods sale shopper! I had my list of 'wants' on my phone which i quickly briefed her with, along with photos. This was no time for errors.

The doors opened promptly, we were swept in with the queue, thrust a huge shopping bag and carried in with the bass of the music. 37 seconds later we re-convened at the end of the rails clutching huge bag fulls of all our goodies in various sizes. The locusts had been and the rails and table were looking very sad.

Due to the collection rules of one size of each item per person, we had to make sure we had the right sizes before leaving the store. We dumped our bags in front of a mirror and stripped off. The birds of prey were circling waiting to see what would be disguarded. Despite the tension, everyone seemed to be enjoying the crazy. We passed on a few pieces we didn't need and luckily the favour was returned in the queue when my poor mum was feeling very sad that she didn't get one of the ruffle sweatshirts. A girl in front of me was deciding over one and when she decided it wasn't for her was kind enough to pass it over.

The biggest win of the evening the much converted black pinafore dress. Yes it was £149, but it makes me so happy! It makes a change from the jeans and trousers I live in and it's so warm!

Here I am wearing it to a gig for my Dad's Birthday. I got much abuse from the family, toilet brush cover, duvet, peasant etc. Even a group of drunk men took time out to shout across the road at me! Honestly people have no idea of fashion darling! This all had my family and I in stitches and didn't fade my love for my new dress in any way.

The other lovely pieces we managed to grab were these,

Shirt for me

Shirt for mum

Jumper for spoilt husband

Scarf for lovely friend

Here are some of the gorgeous pieces I have picked up in previous collaborations and still love...

Marni

Isabel Marant

Matthew Williamson

Alexander Wang

Isabel Marant

So how did you get on? Did you manage to pick up anything? I'm already looking forward to November 2017... who will it be??

H&M Collaborations and Me

I have been a fan of the H&M collaborations since they first started in 2004. The combination of high street prices for designer items and the limited production was too much to ignore. In the early days as long as you wandered in to an H&M a few days after the collections hit stores, you could probably pick up a few choice pieces. However, many bargain hunters caught on to this great offering. Before you knew it, mum I would be getting up at silly o'clock on a cold November morning; camping out in front of our nearest H&M anxious and nauseous waiting for our wristband that would be our ticket to unique and coveted items. We would stumble out, laden with bags, delighted with our overspend and swearing to wear them all for a lifetime. To be fair, my wardrobe is still punctuated with pieces from Matthew Williamson ('09), Marni ('12), Alexander Wang ('14) and more.
I still love and cherish these unique buys and hope the next collection will bring me such additions...

I was lucky enough to preview the H&M x Kenzo collaboration this week and I was not disappointed. The collection is stunning, as a lover of colour and print I couldn't get over the mix of patterns and designs. It's certainly not for everyone, some pieces I would rather enjoy them hanging on my wall than on my body. But as usual there are a few affordable, collectable trinkets like the key ring, purses and sunglasses. There are always sunglasses. There is a real Japanese influence with a beautiful kimono coat and jacket including flip flops, based on the Japanese Geta sandals...

Here are some pics to whet your appetite...