Black(ery) Friday Picks

So, as it turns out, I'm a hypocrite.

I've spoken in the past - in fact, just yesterday on Twitter - how I don't really 'buy' in (get it?) to the Black Friday mass hysteria. A day once celebrated for absurd savings on things like televisions, it seems as though every retailer now jumps onto the discount bandwagon. Consumerism is at an all time high - and, whilst I'm sure you don't want to hear this on what is essentially a haul post, it is having some severe side-effects.

With all that said - I'm a hypocrite. Because I totally gave in, too. More of my thoughts about this after I show you what I grabbed:

   

   

So firstly, shoes. I never used to be a huge shoe lover - I had my Vans slip-ons, I had some frumpy black boots, and that was all I needed. Even up until very recently, I owned a lot more workout trainers (that I never wore, because I never work out...) than brogues and boots. As I began to follow more style blogs, I realised the importance of a good all-around shoe, particularly if you turn up your jeans at the bottom like I do. I have never been good with high heels, and I'm over the moon that I've finally found a style that allows for loafers and brogues. The closer my heels are to the ground, the better I am as a human being, believe me.

I bought two pairs of black ASOS Design loafers with slightly pointed tips - one pair in suede, and one in leather. I also finally gave in and indulged in a pair of flat Dr Martens, which I have wanted for so incredibly long. I'm personally very much over the high-top look, and once you've broken them in (ouch!) Dr Martens are some of the most comfortable shoes you'll ever get. Dr Martens also have vegan alternatives to their range, so anyone (with a sadistic view on their bank balance) can enjoy a pair of their own.

Finally, I knew I needed to invest in a pair of statement shoes - for times where my outfit is very monochrome, where no piece has a pattern - these leopard print babies will pick up the slack. Slightly heeled, but not high enough to cause me discomfort - these loafers will add height as well as a pop of colour to a look. Just remind me not to wear a snakeskin headscarf so I don't end up looking like a trophy hunter!

All products on ASOS are 20% off with the code HELLO20 until 8am on Tuesday 27th November.

*Suede loafers - ASOS

*Leather loafers - ASOS

*Leopard heeled loafers - ASOS

*Dr Martens classic flat shoes - ASOS

   

You may or may not have noticed that a new staple in my wardrobe is a pair of large, thin 'gold' hoops. My current pair are from H&M, and, whilst they do their job, they are a little on the flimsy side. Nothing wrong with cheap and cheerful! However, I figured whilst I was shopping on Black Friday (I fell into the trap!) I would look around for some stronger, slightly smaller alternatives. These pairs by Steve Madden and French Connection respectively both seem a little stronger, and I believe they will serve as great replacements for my current hoops. I'm particularly excited about the Steve Madden open hoops - a style I've never worn before!

*Steve Madden open hoops - ASOS

*French Connection closed hoops - ASOS

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Finally, a couple of extras from ASOS - my heart broke the other night as I reached into the washing machine to grab my Stradivarius striped jumper, only to find that I'd completely ruined it. Whilst I thought everything in my dark wash was colour safe... alas, it was not. The soft cream stripes are now a miserable, weird grey tone. Black and grey stripes? Not on-brand for me, compadre. Black and white stripes have been a long-term staple in my wardrobe for many years, and whilst I was hoping to carry my Stradivarius jumper into my new look, fate (and bad washing decisions) intervened. I picked up a cheaper alternative at Pimkie via ASOS for a casual look, as the wide stripes seem to be about the same width as the ones on my deceased ex-jumper.

I also picked up a headscarf from Rock 'N' Rose on ASOS, because of course I did. Not much to say about that one. I'm collecting cool headscarves. It might turn out to be the worst collection video of all time one day.

*Pimkie Striped jumper - ASOS

*Rock 'N' Rose leopard print headscarf - ASOS

   

Finally, last but not least - I really indulged. It was at this moment that I realised Black Friday had well and truly caught me. I am a huge, huge All Saints fan, but I tend to hold back as much as I can - despite their high-quality clothing, their prices are often pretty steep. However, with the 30% Black Friday discount, I finally let loose and invested in two striped pieces (of course they're striped...) that I've had my eye on for a while. The striped Marcel jumper has narrower stripes than the Pimkie jumper above, but will look wonderful underneath a leather jacket or long tan or black coat due to its basic design.

The Marcel striped cardigan was a love at first sight product for me - I have never been much of a cardigan wearer, but I have been extremely inspired by style bloggers pulling out these bad boys over the last couple of months for the Autumn/Winter season. As I am learning more and more about the power of layering, a cardigan (striped, nonetheless!) in this cut is going to be an essential for my wardrobe and I have zero regrets. I may wear this item until it is in rags.

All products on All Saints are 30% off online and in store for a limited time. No code required.

*Marcel jumper - All Saints

*Marcel cardigan - All Saints

Now, I want to say "My rule is that if you don't need it at full price, you don't need it at a discount", but quite frankly, I didn't need any of the items I bought. I, like you, like many others who have not embraced a more minimal living style, like to treat myself. Also - as I'm in the midst of embracing a brand new style - when I find clothing that I think will work and it's at least 20% cheaper, I can't always resist as much as I would like to.

That said - on today of all days, despite my own failings, I urge you to be aware of throwaway culture, and the effects that fast fashion is having on the environment. I am no saviour of ethical fashion, but as I received my confirmation emails for these items, I began to ask myself - whilst Black Friday is a wonderful day for retailers and shareholders (and good for bloggers who use affiliate links, if we're going meta here) is it really good for us?

Labels: looks