Autumn Primark Haul

Hi everyone! Today's post is a little overdue - I lost control in Primark a couple of weekends ago and bought a few bits and pieces that I'm sure will be staples in my autumn wardrobe..

First up is this incredible statement spiked necklace. This necklace has so much going on it definitely needs to be worn with an understated jumper or top, but it's pretty amazing and adds that little extra something to most outfits! I think this was about £4 which is ridiculously cheap compared to other high street stores (TOPSHOP!)

Another necklace, this one is slightly more toned down but still adds a particular edge to a plain oversized jumper (i.e. all I ever wear in the winter). It has three different shades of metal which I love because mixing metals is one of my favourite ways to wear jewellery and I can tell I'm going to get a lot of wear out of this all year around. Again I think this was around the £4 mark.

On to oversized jumpers, I bought the big black fluffy Primark cardigan that pretty much everyone owns a couple of months ago and I love it! I wear it far too much and so when I spotted this jumper, my cardigan's fairer and snugglier sister, I couldn't resist popping it in my basket! I don't often wear white/cream but the texture of this jumper is amazing and it's so soft and comfortable on. I've been wearing this with a black skirt and polka dot tights, with one of the statement necklaces I bought worn over the top. It's simple but bang on trend and oh so warm and snuggly for those colder autumn days! Plus this was only £10 which is CHEAP.

By far my favourite jumper already, this royal blue beauty drew me to it like a magnet when I saw it in the shop! It's actually got full length sleeves but I find rolling them up gives it a nicer shape and a bit of structure. This is quite a fitted jumper with a round neck, which I'm not so keen on, but worn with some patterned leggings and statement boots it looks great! And the best thing? This was only £8 - SO much cheaper than similar jumpers I've seen on the high street.

On to shoes and statement boots! I spotted these gorgeous lace up boots absolutely ages ago but they didn't have them in my size. I kept checking back at my local Primark but after a couple of weeks I gave up hope. And then I saw them in a size 6 - bear in mind that I'm usually a size 4 or a 5 in boots (space for socks!) - so I picked up some insoles and they fit fine! The insoles actually make them even more comfortable. These are by far the comfiest heeled boots I own and I've worn them loads already. They're definitely worth the wait, and the £18 I paid for them!

Last but not least are these cut out flats - I saw some very similar to these in Topshop but when on closer inspection I discovered the Topshop ones were made from leather I was heartbroken! So imagine my delight finding these in Primark! I think these were £8 or £10 which is far cheaper than the Topshop alternatives. I've worn these already to a gig with black frill top socks, tights and a black jersey dress and leather jacket. They're surprisingly comfy and sturdy to wear and I'm looking forward to styling them in all sorts of different ways over the autumn months.

Have you had any spending sprees recently? Where did you splurge?

xx

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Westfield London Haul - Kiko Cosmetics, Forever 21 and Primark

Hi guys! One of my best friends from Uni came to stay with me for the weekend a good few weeks ago now, and despite being surrounded by cultural and exciting things to do in London we decided to stick to what we know and head to Westfield.. I didn't intend to spend anything but of course managed to pick up a few bits and pieces..

If you're a follower of Bee's Knees you'll know Kiko is one of my favourite nail varnish brands, so when I spotted this gorgeous blue polish I had to have it! It was only £2.50 in the sale, so even cheaper than my usual brand Barry M! When I saw this in the shop it looked like a potential dupe for Nails Inc Baker Street - I will investigate further and do a full post on this soon!

We also headed to Forever 21 - a store which I always find to be hit and miss in terms of clothing. Despite spotting dozens of things and trying lots on, I only came away with this cute 3/4 length sleeve striped tee, for around £7 if I remember rightly. A bargain and it's really soft material too.

This was the point when my friend had to head home, and I decided to 'stop off' at Primark. Well you know this isn't going to end well...

I saw this electric blue lace skater dress as soon as I walked through the door and picked it up immediately. I am (clearly) really into blues at the moment and thought this would be a great buy for summer (but with tights I think it could also work in winter?) This was on offer and I think was only around £10 so a bit of a steal, and I'm happy with the way it fits - it's very flattering.

Whilst in Westfield I saw a girl with a bright red skirt on, and decided I wanted one too! This one (which looks more orange than red in the photo for some reason..) was £8 from Primark and it's perfect - made from slightly heavier material than you would expect but this means it doesn't fly up in your face on a windy day! I've already worn this with sheer black tights, a cream peterpan collar blouse and jacket. Great for the colder weather we've been having.

This navy baseball jacket was on the sale stand and marked down to a mere £7! I really like navy but I don't own that much of it in my wardrobe. I thought this would be a great little jacket to throw on over pretty much anything. It's casual but the material is actually a soft, silky more expensive feeling quality which means it works for dressier outfits too!

I am one of those girls who can never find a pair of jeans that actually fit; I always have a big gap at my waist! To solve the problem I decided to grab this cute tan jean belt from Primark, as it was only £2 (from memory).

You probably already know I'm a big fan of frilly socks, and when I saw the selection at Primark I went a little bit nuts and picked up lots of pairs! The single ones are a mere £1.50 each, which is far more reasonable than the same style of socks from Topshop, and the pack was £2 I think for 5 pairs.

Last but not least I invested in a couple of floral pillowcases - I already have these in blue and adore them! For only £2 they're easy to pop into your basket without a second thought, but they look delightful on my bed!

So there you have it - my unintentional Westfield haul. What do you think of my purchases?

xx

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Mini Primark Spring Haul

I popped into the Stratford City Primark with my sister when she came to visit a couple of weekends ago. Somehow she always manages to visit at this time of year and without fail we always shop and spend quite substantial amounts of money - it's becoming something of an annual tradition! Although I'm not going on holiday this year, I did pick up a few pretty Spring/Summer buys from Primark that I hope you'll like!

This green & yellow striped dress was something I spotted in the TCR Primark and lusted after, but unfortunately they didn't have my size. I was hoping that they'd have it at Stratford City and literally ran to grab one as soon as I saw it! I think it's a beautiful shape, really well made and something just a little bit different to the average summer dress you often find in Primark. It was a touch pricey (for Primark!) at £15 but I would have paid £15 for it at any other high street shop as it's so gorge!

These huge round sunnies were such a bargain at £2! I used to buy a new pair of Primark sunglasses each summer but I think in the past couple of years the standards have slipped... but I always check out the new stock when it comes in! I tried these on (along with a million other pairs - me and my sister can't be the only sillies who do that for fun?!) and it was instant love. The watercolour frames are cute but not OTT and I will be popping these on as soon as the weather picks up.

Finally (and least interestingly) these cute grey frill top socks! These were only a pound or two but I think it's worth sharing them as Topshop sell the same thing but for double the price. Make sure you don't get ripped off and pick the cheap ones up from Primark!

Have you bought anything for Spring lately? What did you get?

xx

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Primark Clothes & Homeware (cushions!) Haul

Last weekend I finally admitted to myself that I had given in and failed at my spending ban. I did manage almost a month with no spends at all, but then for whatever reason completely fell off the wagon and now admit that it's over. I will try and do an April spending ban to compensate, but in the meantime sit back and enjoy my haul posts! Today's is about the purchases I made recently in Primark.

First up is this somewhat infamous monochrome alphabet shirt. I'm sure this will be seen a lot this Spring, especially after Lily gave it her seal of approval recently (blog post HERE). I picked up a size 12 as it was the only one left, so it's very oversized on me but I still love it! At only £12 it was a bargain and I'm sure it will be a staple in my S/S13 wardrobe!

I also grabbed this grey marl tee - £4. I've seen a lot of these grungy-looking tops around but everywhere else they were priced a little too high. Good old Primark selling this for £4! I think this will be a super versatile piece and I've already worn it with coloured jeans and a leather jacket.

How cute are these cushions? I have a major soft spot for adorable cushions and had to have these two as soon as I saw them! I spent a fair bit of money on cushions similar to these when I first moved into my flat in June last year, so to find these for £6 each was a real highlight of my Primark shopping trip! The lady fox is my fave.

Finally I just have to mention these bargain floral pillowcases - only £1.90 for two! I have four pillows on my bed and as most duvet sets only come with two pillowcases these are a really gorgeous way to cover the extra two pillows! No more white pillowcases!

Have you popped into Primark recently? What did you buy?

xx

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January Primark Haul

I popped to Primark at the White Rose Centre in Leeds when I was at home over New Year to pick up a few bits. I was definitely inspired by the YouTube haul videos I've seen recently, a lot of bloggers seem to be picking up the same items!

You've almost certainly seen this nude studded clutch before, £6.

These soft pumps are incredibly comfortable and ideal for popping in your bag in case your heels give you sore feet! £4.

I picked up these various sizes of pearl earrings to go with my Marilyn Monroe costume, a steal at £1!

These are my favourite simple black ankle socks, and they're only £2!

It was love at first sight for these burgundy velvet ankle boots - how beautiful are they?! Only £10, they were a bit of an impulse buy!

I'd seen this collar all over blogs and had to pick it up for myself - £5.

The same for this long silver cross necklace, only £2.

I adore this metal statement necklace, and can see myself wearing this a lot with shirts, jumpers and dresses alike! For only £3 it was a total steal.

And last but not least, my hair is finally feeling a little longer! It's almost long enough to tie up now, for the first time in 4 years! I have no hair ties whatsoever, so these were a must-buy, especially as they were £1.

Have you picked up any of these items from Primark?

xx

Little Primark Christmas Haul

I am addicted to the new Primark on Tottenham Court Road! Even on a weekend right before Christmas its nowhere near as bad as the old Oxford Street store! I popped in recently with my boyfriend and picked up some wintery feet coverings!

I love snuggling winter socks - it's one of my favourite things about this time of year! These were £3.50 from Primark which is a real bargain compared to other stores.

HOW CUTE ARE THESE?! I love festive socks and was delighted to find the last pair of this set of 5! And for only £2.50 - happy days!

If you read my post HERE  you'll know that I am a recent convert to Primark Super Cosy tights! I've been wearing mine so much I decided to invest in an extra pair, at only £3.50 they're fantastic value.

xx

Oops...

Despite buying some new boots only a few days ago... I accidentally bought these little boots from Primark while I was back home!

I've been looking for some cheap, simple black ankle boots for AGES (literally about a year) so when I saw these I literally could not stop myself buying them! They're perfect! And at only £10 I could justifty buying them despite the fact I work 5 days out of 7 and these are definitely not work shoes! Oops!

xx

In These Shoes?

I'm not usually a Primark girl, but whilst browsing with a friend a few weeks ago these incredible chunky heels caught my eye and it was love at first sight..

I don't think they look like Primark shoes at all! And how delighted was I when I arrived at the checkout to find they had actually been reduced to £4?! I didn't have any brown shoes before I bought these beauties but they go with so much I love them! The chunky heels are bang on trend for AW11 too!

Have you unknowingly bought anything that turned out to be an absolute bargain recently?

xx

First the Earth was flat

I popped into Primark when I was up in Leeds visiting the fam a couple of weekends ago, and picked up some bargain comfy flats!

I'd wanted some comfy pumps for a good while after seeing a friend rocking them in a gorgeous summer outfit with shorts. I bought these two pairs for £2.50 each - ridiculously good value and they're mega versatile! 

I also picked up these cute little brogues for £8 - super cheap given that identical shoes can sell for £30+ in other high street shops! They're not the most comfortable flats I've ever owned but I'm hoping that can be remedied by wearing them in around the house! I've already worn these out with a cute tea dress and cardigan.

Where do you buy your comfy flats from?

xx

For the summer..

I'd just like to open with a huge WELCOME to my new followers! I have a lot of blog traffic but here at Bees Knees it's nice to know there are people who stick around to hear my ramblings! I'd like to reward you with one or two (depending on how much procrastination I end up doing.. I have work to do eep!) midweek posts!

I've shopped quite a bit recently. In fact I have a mahoosive order from Peacocks sat next to me on the bed itching to be tried on! I'll start off with some other bits and bobs first though!

 

This cute summery frock is from Primark for £5. I don't shop at Primark often at all, for two reasons really:

1) I live in London and if you've ever stepped foot inside the Oxford St store you'll understand why I NEVER go there!

2) I find that a lot of the decent stuff from Primark is bought up by quite a few people, so you end up wearing the same things as other people. I really don't like wearing something I know a lot of people own and wear!

I was back home in Leeds for a few days and decided to pop into Primark to see if they had any nice finds, and bought this dress, the headband from my previous post on accessories, and a hat which I'll talk about in a moment.

The dress originally had straps but I cut them off as I prefer this style of dress to be strapless. At £5 I didn't feel guilty when I made this decision! It's cute, light and airy, nice summery pattern - ideal! I've already worn it out this week, with my distressed denim shirt & some jersey Zara gladiator sandals! God bless the early Spring sunshine in London town!

This is the Primark hat!! I love it! It was a real bargain too - can't remember how much exactly but if I'm not mistaken it may have been £4? Ridiculously cheap anyway when you compare it to similar styles that are selling on ASOS for in excess of £20! It's cute, floppy and quirky as anything, and I love the colour (I was torn between red and blue but red's always been my favourite colour!).

 

This AMAZING sundress is £10 from George at Asda! I know, ASDA! I was on holiday with my Mum shopping for food when I spotted it and instantly fell head over heels in love! I knew I had to have it! Didn't even try it on in the store, but when I eventually did at home it fit like a glove! This is no mean feat - I'm a bit of an atypical shape for most dresses - hourglass but smaller on the hips with an ample bosom! But this dress fits like a glove and looks like it was made for me! I love how the colour looks against my fair skin and the little birds are so sweet!
Purchase of the month I think, and it's only the 5th!

Last but not least is this lovely denim button up midi skirt - £19 down from £44 at the Mango outlet store. I love Mango but I've never bought anything from their full price stores, unfortunately they're often just out of my budget! But I do frequent their outlet stores with my Mum in tow, and was delighted to find this gorgeous, unique and bang on trend skirt! I'm actually wearing it right now! I teamed it with a plain white vest and a rust blazer that I posted about a WHILE ago! It makes me feel very chic and almost Parisian!

xx

Radiant Jewels!

I hadn't realised before but I don't usually post about jewellery! So here's a bit of a 'haul' post on bits and pieces I've picked up over the past few weeks.

I bought this gorgeous long LOVE necklace from ASOS for the bargain price of £3.50! I think its so cute and quirky, can't wait to wear it out! Linky!

I also got this beautiful bangle from ASOS for £3.50 too! It's difficult to photograph but engraved around the bangle it says 'your dreams will come true if you have the strength to believe' but I love it because it can also be read 'if you have the strength to believe your dreams will come true'! So optimistic and lovely! Linky!

Another ASOS bracelet! £2.50 I think this is a really unique piece that looks much more expensive and is quite versatile in terms of what you can wear it with. Linky!

Last ASOS bracelet is this random little oversized ID bracelet with 'Love' inscripted on the tag. It's a bit tacky but I think in a good way! I paid £3.00 for this. Linky!

This cute cocktail ring was £2.50, also from ASOS! I've been looking for a gold and black cocktail ring for aaaaages (literally almost a year!) and I'm so pleased to have finally found one to suit me! A lot of the ones I saw but didn't buy were a bit oversized and chunky for my taste but I really like this mini version! Linky!

I love love love this kitsch lock ring! It has a definite Alice In Wonderland feel to it! I thought this was another bargain at £2.50 and will give a quirky twist to any outfit! Linky!

This is possibly the CUTEST ring of all time! I love it so much! I bought it from Etsy and had to wait a couple of weeks as the designer is located in the US but boy it was worth my patience! It fits perfect, looks cute next to my other rings (you can see my silver branch style ring that my Aunt bought me for my 21st). I think all in it was around £10! Amazing!

Finally a quick mention for this lovely Primark headband - an absolute bargain at £1.50, its very different to all other headbands I've seen and own!

Have you bought any particularly memorable jewellery recently? Where's your favourite place to shop for accessories?

xx