Ten Confessions of a Shopaholic

After 3 weeks straight of essays, portfolios, evaluations, articles and exams, I have succumbed to the primal instinct which all females have: the urge to shop. I didn't go crazy mind, but it is an absolute must to treat yourself when you've had a month like I've had. So, I thought I'd do a bit of a fashion-blog piece and show off my Top 10 buys of the last few months.

1. This leopard print shift dress, with exquisite bow detailing (£39.99, River Island), was purchased less than two hours ago, in the wake of my weeks of hard work. It looks fantastic on, and I was dead chuffed as I could still fit in the Size 6. Proof that these first few days at the gym have not been wasted time. It will look just as good in the day with black tights and my heeled brogues, as it will out on the town with tanned legs and big heels. And for all those Kat Slater wannabees out there, THIS is how you do animal print, ok?
2. Ignore the dire skirt and boots combination they have going on in this picture, and the fact they have dressed it on some Long Tall Sally kind of woman; for a top US fashion store they really ent got it right here. But the Starlight Maxi Skirt (£12.80, Forever 21) is actually wicked with a light coloured top and high, nude heels, and on me it actually meets the top of my foot - where it should sit. I wore it to my friend's 21st recently and I was so happy in it all night. It's quite dressy, without being too over-the-top - and the slit up the side makes it slightly more modern than the traditional maxi skirt of Summer 2010. Black, with just a hint of sparkle, it can really spice up any night out.
3. During the River Island January Sales, I also picked up another Maxi item, in the form of a floor-length, black, floral, fishtail dress. It fits perfectly, and for only £15 it was an absolute steal! They no longer have it in stock, which means I have no photo for you, but I'm sure I'll be snapped wearing it soon enough. It requires nothing but a big pair of nude heels and a smile. Classic glamour: done.
   
4. As Topshop are being stingy and not allowing me to post the image here, I'll link to it instead. This simple, yet oh so effective, Basic Cream Zip-Back Vest (£28, Topshop) was a Christmas present from my friend Marty, and it literally goes with everything. I've worn it with high-waisted skirts, leggings, harem trousers...you name it, it will go with it. Swing tops like this look great tucked in or left loose, so I'd grab one in as many colours as possible if I were you.
5. My new highlight of my shoe wardrobe has got to be these drop-dead gorgeous Partytime Leopard Print Peep-toe Platforms (£45, Asos) - another fabulous Christmas present, but from the boyfriend this time. They are pain in shoe form, but also sex in shoe form - swings and roundabouts really! I have an almighty crush on these shoes, and I simply can't get enough of them. They are a truly classic design; simple black suede upper, with a dark brown leopard-print wedge, and a toe-crunching 6 inch heel. Yummy! They already go with several outfits, and I reckon they make the perfect partner for my new leopard print shift dress (see Number 1).
6. The love-of-my-life shoes above, also team more than nicely with another River Island bargain. My mother bought me this beautiful black, ripped mermaid skirt for Christmas (£15, River Island), and it was literally top of my wish list for months in the run up to the festive period. I team it with my leopard print heels, and my cream swing top for a sophisticated look. Sexy, sleek and fitted - it has certainly earned its way in my wardrobe.
7. Now for something a bit more casual, and it comes in the form of a blue bird-print swing jumper (£16, New Look). It's loose fitting, and looks great with my jeans and cream ankle boots. It's one of those tops you can throw on any time and feel good in. Plus, its dead comfy and I think it looks a tad more expensive than it was - which is always a plus.
8. Back to my shoe library now, and another recent triumph comes in the form of these red velvet shoe boots (£25, random one-off shop in the Bullring Link). I was literally mooching about, frantically trying to find something a bit special to wear to my friends birthday just before Christmas, and these babies just jumped right off the shelf at me. I was that over-whelmed by love for them, I can't actually remember where I bought them from! However, I do know that they help give a much needed colour injection into some of my day and evening outfits. Oh so high though! They are literally to-the-bar-and-back shoes, for sure.
9. I had this gorgeous military coat (originally £59.99, New Look) to keep me warm in the winter months as an early Christmas present from my darling mother. It fitted me perfectly and the piping detailed and raised shoulders gave it that extra touch of va-va-voom. Unfortunately, I picked a dud one, and after weeks of sowing buttons back on and repairing rips in the lining, the shoulder finally ripped as I bent down to put on my shoes and I'd finally had enough. So it had to go back I'm afraid, but I did manage to swap it for an almost-identical black version, with a high collar and cut-out military-style front. Slightly less practical, but I haven't had a single button come off yet, so it gets my vote!
10. And finally, in the top right-hand corner of this picture you will find my most recent Primarni purchase: a feather-print chiffon crop top (£8, Primark). It is pretty, dainty and looks so good just draped over a plain black dress. To be worn in the day, with leggings and flat boots, or of an evening with sheer tights and big purple heels. Bird-inspired jewellery looks beyond good with this, so when I hunt some out I'll let you know.