The Power of the Mannequin

On a recent shopping trip I began contemplating the power of the shop mannequin.  I began this reflection after I found myself uttering the question ‘yes but where is the shirt that’s on the mannequin?’.  Now I like to consider myself pretty in control when it comes to shopping, I know what I like and I like to think I also know what suits me.  However this all changed when looking at a certain green tartan shirt in River Island lately.  Now as the photo below shows, this shirt looks pretty unremarkable hanging on the hanger...

Green Check Tartan Shirt - £26.99 - River Island

  But wait, this is where the magic of the mannequin comes in.  The particular mannequin in question stands directly at the front, as you enter the shop, arms outstretched.  The shirt is paired with a cute little vest and tucked into some denim shorts.  Suddenly images of camp fires and summer evenings are conjured up and you find yourself searching for your size on the rail.  Sometimes the clothes are laid out adjacent to the mannequin, otherwise you have to trawl around searching.  Luckily in this instance the shirts lay nearby.  I pick one up and on my way to the changing room I see a number of girls also clutching the same green shirt, all of whom, I’m convinced, are seduced by the lure of the mannequin.

To provide another example, we have Zara.  Zara has recently created an online shop.  I, for one, had been waiting for this moment for a long time, desperate to finally be able to have Zara delivered directly to my door.  However upon browsing online the night before and entering the shop itself the next day, I soon came to realise that I, in fact, do not just love Zara clothes but the atmosphere of the shop and most importantly the mannequins.  

Whilst it’s both fun and creative putting together different outfits, people are also in need of easily digestible fashion.  They want to be inspired, see what goes with what, and how different colours, materials and accessories can go together.  Mannequins don’t just have the power to entice you into a shop but aid your shopping experience once inside.  They provide a comfort, demonstrating how wearable the clothes truly are.  So whilst I love the internet for its convenience, I’m certain that nothing will ever be quite the same as a glorious walk around the shops. 

Love Lipsy

I love Lipsy dresses.  Lipsy has quickly become my go-to on the high street when in search of beautiful day and party dresses.  The range includes lots of different shapes including babydoll, bandeau and one shouldered dresses to flatter all different body shapes.    Here is a selection from my Lipsy collection and why they work...

 

Floral Print Babydoll dress

The babydoll shape of this dress with a tiered skirt is very flattering as it is fitted on the bust but skims over the hips.  The floral print is summery and fun and the black exposed zip creates a slightly edgier look.

Rose Lace Tea dress

This dress has a beautiful rose print with black lace edging.  As with the floral dress it is fitted on the bust and skims over the hips.  The frilly sleeves make this dress very girly and is perfect if you like to have your shoulders covered.

Rose print Pencil dress

This is a perfect dress for creating and accentuating an hourglass figure.  The scoop neck top with the fitted pencil skirt make this a classic style with a gorgeous rose print.

You can buy Lipsy on www.lipsy.co.uk which has also recently started to stock other brands such as Miss Sixty, Junk Food and Disney Couture.  Of course you can also get your hands on their dresses through ASOS (another love of mine!).  So next time you’re in the market for a new dress definitely check out Lipsy.

Dolly Bow-Bow - A recommendation

I have a bit of an obsession with necklaces.  In particular girly, charm necklaces.  Case in point, I have three birdcage necklaces, which I justify to myself (and others) by simply pointing out their different shapes and of course different coloured birds. 

My insatiable appetite for necklaces is not helped by the continually changing stock of Topshop and Accessorize, which I frequent regularly to ensure I do not miss the latest scissors, sewing machine or hand mirror charm that they decide to attach to a chain.

Recently in order to feed my addiction I have turned to the web, which leads to my latest discovery...Dolly Bow-Bow.

Dolly Bow-Bow is a little treasure of charm necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings all handmade by Katie Murnane, who also has her own youtube channel under the same name.  Here are a few of my most recent finds...

Scrabble Tile necklace - 18 inch chain - £4.99

Polly Pocket necklace - 18 inch chain - £5.50

Each Polly Pocket necklace is unique so keep checking back for different ones!

White rope heart lock bracelet and pink rope heart bracelet - 6 inches - £6 each

Each piece of jewellery comes in a little pink organza bag and the postage is free within the UK.
 
So there you have it, my latest find for all things girly and now if you’ll excuse me I must be looking at this swallow necklace, because I need it, you understand. 

Urban Decay - A Love Affair

It’s 6am and I’m peering at my laptop, which is casting an eerie glow around my otherwise pitch black bedroom.  Am I putting the finishing touches to a late-night project?  Am I conducting vital research into global warming?  Oh no, I’m clutching my credit card, a look of glee on my face, as I place the coveted item into my basket.  Oh yes...the Urban Decay Naked palette.  Now this may not have reached the universal hype that my mind somehow believes it has, but all I know is that it is continually selling out in America and going for double the price on ebay.  All this may seem slightly eccentric but I’m constantly reminded of three words, Alice.In.Wonderland.

Now you may remember the Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland palette, in fact many of you may have got your hands on it.  Here is a reminder of the little beauty...

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland palette

Unfortunately I missed out on this white rabbit, and couldn’t quite bring myself to pay the extortionate prices that they were going for on ebay.  However fast forward 6 months and may I present to you, the Naked palette...

Urban Decay Naked palette

Now this was love at first sight.  A gorgeous array of 12 neutral (and therefore wearable!) eyeshadows, 2 eyeliners and a primer potion.  Suddenly Alice faded into insignificance, cause let’s face it, Sin, Smog and Chopper were the only colours with a real dent in my Ammo palette.  As for the packaging, there was no frills and adventure like with Alice, this was sophisticated, this was serious.  

Now after coming across this baby online, I started to scour blogs and twitter for a release date, and finally came across 23rd August at the House of Fraser.  Aha, now I don’t live near a House of Fraser but I pinned my hopes on the same online release date.  Lo and behold 23rd August arrives and the Naked palette pops up on the House of Fraser website. 

Which leads me back to my bedroom where I have finished my purchase, and Naked is finally on its way to me.  I breathe a sigh of relief and crawl back into bed, now let’s just hope it doesn’t break my heart.