This Week I Bought...

Last weekend the UK was bathed in beautiful sunshine and all I wanted to do was run out and buy lots of brand new summer clothes. Of course, I exercised a little willpower but after brunch with a girlfriend on Sunday, I decided that a couple of new things would be alright. Particularly if I found some bargains. And I did.

When in pursuit of value-for-money summer attire, I always make a beeline for H&M. Their summer collections never disappoint. You might remember that back while snow was still lying fresh on the ground in January, I was picking out my favourite things in their Spring Summer Catalogue?

Last summer, I spent weeks months searching for the "perfect" maxi dress until Very.co.uk very kindly gifted me this gorgeous patterned bandeau Rare maxi dress. Which incidentally, is the dress I wore for the aforementioned brunch.

I don't know about you but a bandeau maxi dress has just never seem appropriate for work, so my requirements for a maxi this summer are something that I might be able to wear to the office on a "dress-down-Friday". So when I saw this navy maxi in a slightly heavier jersey material, I knew I had found "the one":

For just £12.99 it ticked the bargain box too. Whilst there I picked up a hot pick long-sleeved cropped cardigan which I plan to throw on over my maxi dresses in the evenings when temperatures drop.

By Monday the UK looked more as it should in April; grey and a little bit drizzly. And I was on a train to Scotland, where I bought:

Postcards.

I don't know about you but I love receiving a handwritten card in the post and therefore like to bestow the same pleasure on friends and loved ones. So I spent a very happy morning sipping green tea and writing postcards in Palmerston's Cafe in Dunkeld.

So after all this shopping, I asked on Twitter, what did you buy this week? And here are some of your answers (thank you ladies!):

If you want to be included in next week's "This Week I Bought..." post, send me a tweet. In the meantime, leave me a comment here and tell me what did you buy this week?

BARGAIN HUNTER: cheap and cheerfully chic

Best Actress Oscar winner Natalie Portman proved that you don't need designer gowns to look effortlessly chic when she arrived at the Vanity Fair Oscars-after-party in an H&M dress that could be yours for less that £30 when it hits stores next month!

Source




The dress - which will retail for £29.99 - is a part of the high street store's new eco-friendly range, Conscious Collection, which launches on 14 April in all stores across the country.

The Conscious Collection which is for women, men and children is made from enviromentally-adapted and greener materials such as organic cotton, Tencel® and recycled polyester.

“It’s not just about organic cotton any more, the possibilities for creating a complete fashion statement with eco smarter materials are huge now. By designing recurring Conscious Collections we have the opportunity to show in a variety of ways what’s possible using more sustainable fabrics,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M Head of design. “Shades of white are the season’s biggest fashion trend and it feels right for this collection. White creates a romantic feeling with lace and Broderie Anglaise, but is also the basic colour in a sporty, relaxed style and in a preppy tailored look for men.”

There's no reason, then, not to wear green without spending a fortune.

Lanvin for H&M Lookbook

I can't wait for the Lanvin collection for H&M designed by the legendary Alber Elbaz.
Check out the lookbook video here. Love the ruffles!

Hennes bikinis

Every London bus that seems to pass me has a bevy of bronzed beauties (including Daria Werbowy, Julia Stegner, Erin Wasson, Sasha Pivovarova and Lara Stone) in H&M’s bikinis, from its summer collection, on the side of it. I simply love these bikinis, not only are they bargainous, prices start from £3.99, but they are simple, available in a selection of cool colours and safari and ethnic patterns and also have lots of bandeau styles which I love. I always find difficult to find bandeau bikinis unless you’re on a beach in Rio. Bandeau tops are perfect for ease, style and most importantly limit tan marks – bonus. I’m rushing down to Oxford Street on my lunch today to pick up a selection before they sell out! To see the models speak of their favourite summer experience see their video courtesy of H&M.