Some run a 5K in them, some just look good in them

Six months ago I joined a gym, purchased some neon Nikes from ASOS with a 20% discount voucher and carried on with my life. Imagine my shock tonight when I saw from Cocorosa wearing the exact same trainers as me!

Admittedly, although mine are six months old now and battered by hours on a treadmill/elliptical trainer, they are doubtlessly the most comfortable and eye-catching shoes I own. Cocorosa styles them much better than me - neon sports bra and sheer shirt is ingenious. When I'm pounding the calories on the treadmill the last thing I'm thinking is: why can't people (almost) see my midriff? Although this should potentially be the first thing on my mind.

My housemate once told me she wouldn't be seen dead with me outside the house in these. Perhaps I'll show her Cocorosa's post and perhaps she'll change her mind? Perhaps I need to get Cocorosa to show me some styling tips first.

Fur: stuff it

This woman has nonchalantly draped a toy fox - a "tox" if you will - accross her shoulder as if it's the most normal thing in the world.

Perhaps it is the most normal thing in the world - the Harper's Bazaar article presented this photo alongside the caption: "A playful stole lends whimsy to a graphic print coat."

If this were a real fox fur, the questions would be: is this cruel? is this ethical? etc. etc.

Because this is a "tox" we're asking: is this stupid? is this playful and whimsical?

"Playful" would have been the last word I'd use to define her statement. By re-appropriating the "animal" part of "fur" we're encouraged to rethink how animals are used within the fashion industry.

If she can rock a "tox" with such class I am doubtless that I can too. Just get me the right graphic print coat and I'm ready to re-appropriate the giraffe stuffed-toy as a scarf.

Hero and Leander: Christopher Marlowe's epic love narrative? Or just high-art pornography?

The theme of love is what makes me enjoy this poem so much. The portrayal of a first love between youths who believe that anything is possible, who are driven by their instincts and accept that perhaps it doesn't run as smoothly as it should makes this poem a classic transcendent of it's time.

Leander's almost abusive treatment of Hero is a massive fissure in the text for me though. He pulls her and chases her, gets her into bed and fights to keep her there. Hero's avoidance of him sets her up as the hunted and provides an uncomfortable point of uncertainty in the character. Leander's dominance is what defines him and makes him the attractive protagonist, however it is also presented as a deterrent by the narrator.

The narrator is never explicitly set up as male; the ambiguity of the narrator's sex means that the "homoerotic" attention paid to Leander is unfounded. The narrator's gender is indistinguishable therefore whether the erotic ideas applied to either character is "heterosexual" or "homosexual" is unfounded. The poem's attention to the character's bodies and the language it subsequently uses is doubtlessly eroticising both the characters and the events.

The turning point in the text is post-climax (pun intended): "That mermaid like unto the floor she slid" (l. 799). Without this comic moment the poem would be less than a two dimensional suck-up to the Classics. There's a human-humility of this moment - a tense post-coital exchange is what the reader's expecting, or perhaps another romantic moment, - the tension and passions are broken with a very natural accident. It's comical in juxtaposition with the heightened passions of the previous moments and very explicitly beautiful.

When I was revising this text it was one line that made me spiral back into love with this classic text. A line so good Shakespeare quoted it in As You Like It: "Who ever loved, that loved not at first sight?" (l. 176).

Because first love is just that blind and just that dependent on seeing someone.

Cara Delevigne: absence makes the heart grow fonder

Her trademark "goofy" faces have rocketed her to online fame - as have her relations with the likes of Rita Ora - but her attempt at becoming not the straight-faced model is so drastically the other end of the scale, it puts her completely out of the bounds of "normality".

On the one hand she's crazy and unrelatable because who can copy this?

On the other hand she's an elite supermodel with job offers flooding in by the dozen. All the main shows at fashion weeks, H&M, Burberry.

I like her. I think she's coping really well with such pressure. Being (gulp) only six months older than me, she's accomplished more with more of a level head than I can ever hope to achieve. I cannot do anything but commend her.

Except, for me, she's become the Emile Sande of fashion. She's on tv, in magazines, I can't click a link without her being somewhere on the page and as great as she is and as much as I want her to high-five me and share a Desperado with - if she was to turn up in my local bar I would not only be not-surprised but a little pissed off.

We need a break Cara. I love you and that's why you have to leave.

Girls: Season two or more appropriately, Boys

As season two draws to a close we see the relationships of the three girls we've come to put up with come full circle. But have we completely lost interest in the girls by now? What about the boys?

To kind of reiterate Leandra Medine's point in her season finale recap all of the characters end up exactly where they were when the series first began. Except, not really.

The complete role reversal between Charlie and Marnie shocked even me. I love him. I want to know what happens to him in the next series more than I have ever cared about Marnie. At the beginning of season one I thought: "This is her. this is the girl who's exactly like me". Now? No. Dear God, I hope not. She's pathetic. She's become the Charlie she despised. Charlie, he's the same character with a backbone. I don't know what episode it was Marnie gave him hers but it's clearly slipped my memory and worked out a lot better for him than it did her.

I really, really hope Ray's new job isn't a way to get rid of him. He's got the potential to go much further in his character's development and I love the fact that he's a Charlie Brooker meets Chandler meets Gunther kind of guy. All this depressing action is going on and he's the only one with any sense to actually air it aloud. Yes, I see why him and Shosh broke up and it's terrible because you can see how much she really did like him. But I think they'll both be great without each other too. I can't wait to see if Shoshanna embraces the Sex and the City lifestyle she's always dreamt of (see: episode one).

Adam is such a fine-line character. His alcoholism was a bit of a kick in the gut from nowhere, the repercussions of his drinking weren't really discussed, his girlfriend is still his girlfriend - and this is just in the last few episodes. It more than unnerved me in season one when he just let Hannah decide if he should love her or not and then went with her decision. But I think that might be why so many women are ready to fall at his feet - we told him what we wanted and he did it. Although, everyone's kind of ready to ignore his unusual sexual behavior toward women and I guess that's the fissure in his character.

I was a little disappointed in this episode because it got too carried away with a "Hollywood Ending". Don't get me wrong - this is the ending I wanted to see. I wanted the escapism, the fairytale, the love story. I wanted Adam to run across the city shirtless and pick up Hannah for no other reason than to hold her. But it didn't feel right. It didn't feel like it's all going to work out okay. Not for Hannah and Adam, not for Charlie and Marnie and not for Shoshanna or Ray. It felt like this is only the beginning of something bigger.

P.S. I don't have an issue with Jessa being/not being there because she wasn't there at the very start and that all ties in well with coming full circle, however, I do have an issue with her accent. That is not British. That right there is internationally schooled American-British. Just fyi.

Top ten fashion bloggers

10) www.wheredidugetthat.com

An Englishwoman in New York, Karen’s approach to blogging sees her splice street style with DIY and daily outfit posts for the ultimate in all round fashion blogging.

9) www.businessoffashion.com

More like a newspaper than a blog, it does what it says on the tin. Constantly updating with snippets from the most popular and interesting online fashion articles.

8) www.letmefeelikeadoll.com

A student from the continent, Laia mixes Barcelonian styles with a vintage twist for a unique look.

7) www.fashiontoast.com

Rumi Neely is the one that started it all, the root of my fashion obsession; a little taste of LA since 2009.

6) www.bryanboy.com

His Anne Hathaway ‘Can you please spell Gabbana?’ impression is flawless! Bryan has the caricature, stereotypical attitude everyone associates with fashion and it’s fabulous, darling.

5) www.befrassy.net

A modern day Carrie Bradshaw, Audrey Leighton Rodgers’s posts are so visually compelling as she twirls and jumps through the beautiful city’s scenery.

4) www.thesartorialist.com

The critically acclaimed street style blog has made it every girl’s dream to be shot by Scott. After all, his work is featured in the V&A Museum; he’s kind of a big deal. 

3) www.shewearsfashion.com

The lowest-budget blogger on the list.  The vintage-lover’s Ebay store, YouWearFashion, sells thrifted, rejuvenated statement pieces at student-friendly prices.

2) 5inchandup.blogspot.co.uk

This blogger combines Finnish and English fashion to create elegant minimalist outfits.  Recently graduating from London College of Fashion, the blogger proves that you can rock both brains & beauty.

1) www.manrepeller.com

“Man Repelling” is dressing in a way which does not attract male sexual attention. The endlessly hilarious Leandra Medine gets me everytime.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/top-ten-fashion-bloggers/

Masion Martin Margiela for H&M

It’s been a mad A/W for H&M and it’s only just started. The chain have been bringing out the big guns this season to prove that they not only belong well and truly on the high street with their purse-friendly prices, but that designers, and even the catwalk, better watch out.

The first big campaign was the Lana Del Rey collaboration. Having the American icon model some of their signature A/W pieces led to phrases such as “I love my Lana Del Rey dress” being casually thrown about student halls all over the kingdom.

A little later H&M announced that Vogue Japan’s Editor at large, the inspiring and eccentric Anna Dello Russo, was designing an accessories collection for them. The collection sold out in under 24 hours and her iconic “Fashion Shower” promo video has nearly half a million Youtube hits – check it out, you won’t regret it.

Maison Martin Margiela is the latest house to collaborate with H&M. Upstaging the comparatively tame Marni for H&M 2011 collection, this latest collection features blow up coats, super-oversized jeans and necklaces made from a lock of hair: step aside fashion beginners this one’s not for you.

Certain pieces are there simply to change the way we think about fashion, the faceless watch, for example, is bound to be a sell out cult piece. But doubtlessly we can guarantee the success of yet another collaboration. So, on the 15th November when the MMM 4 H&M collection is released, we can predict more ‘out of stock’ notifications.

But what’s next for the Sweedish power-house? Maybe we’re on route for a line of Lagerfeld’s leggings or perhaps Wintour’s wedges. Either way H&M are doing extremely well for themselves and our student budgets.

First published by Spark* newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/maison-martin-margiela-for-hm/

Make a bang at bonfire night

With firework night coming up and tickets to Reading Lions Fireworks Extravaganza selling like crazy, it’s only natural to start bringing a little pre-christmas sparkle into our winter wardrobes.

Ditch those studs, we need some real girly shimmer! Sequin shorts are hitting the stores in every colour and every style, from high waisted navy at Missguided to little golden hot pants at Ark.

For a night out on the town wear them with killer stiletto heels, a button down chiffon shirt (bandeau required) and a statement necklace, more glitter is better. Zara’s latest accessories collection is perfect for eye-catching pieces, see the art deco styles for an outfit with a bang.

Alternatively, ankle boots, a fitted blazer, loose fitting vest and tights will ensure explosive style for cocktails with the girls or even a blazing-hot date.

To go all-out disco-ball and achieve some super shimmer, this H&M skirt is the ultimate emerald beauty. A showstopper on all counts, pair it with a leather jacket and whatever else you like, it’s guaranteed nobody will notice anything else about your outfit except your sparkly booty.

The Reading Lions are holding their Fireworks Extravaganza at Reading Town FC’s ground at Scours Lane, on Saturday November 3rd, so don your sequins, brave the cold (thick coat recommended) and rock your shimmery pins under the starlight.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/put-a-bang-into-your-bonfire-night/

A night out at the Oracle Reading

At 8:30PM on Tuesday the 16th of October 2012 the Oracle opened their doors to hoards of excited students.  Wallets bulging with ready-to-spend-cash, feet freezing from the hour long wait in the cold, the floods of teenagers fought the urge to sprint to their favourite stores but instead maintained a “we are British, the British do not sprint, the British walk, very briskly” attitude.

The atmosphere was instantly overwhelming.  Between the low lighting, blaring music and free drinks (courtesy of Lola Lo’s) it was as if the shopping centre had converted into a club for the night, but so much better.  The evening only got better thanks to the deliciously free food that was thrust at us; thank you Tampopo, you’re next on the Riverside list to eat at!

Diving into Topshop first was the best idea of the night.  The sale section was rampant with bargain hunters, tearing through the racks, picking up item after item; I’m sure I saw a fight break out over a cream chiffon top.  It was like feeding time but these shopping animals were not tame.

Half an hour into the Takeover, Topshop and Topman were one in one out, crazy by any standards, as both till points were queued round the store.  New Look received the same treatment not much later on into the evening.

Speaking of queues, hitting the kids section to purchase a super slick blazer from H&M cut a good portion of queuing time, making sure we didn’t miss out on Violet Class killing it in Republic.  The live indie music was a sweet contrast to the club feel of the other stores, Republic nailed its unique selling point for the night and drew a more alternative crowd.

The nifty little purple discount cards given to shoppers added to the ‘exclusive’ feel of the night, while acting as a cute (not to mention free) memento, replacing the space in our purses where our money used to be.

Overall, a successful night at introducing the freshers to the Oracle, getting plenty of new clothes unbelievably cheap and for Reading’s economy.  David Cameron will be so pleased.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/a-night-out-at-the-oracle-reading/

Sheep chic

As the nights get longer, the days get colder, and winter slowly creeps in, we need something snuggly to remind us that the holiday season is just around the corner, where fireplaces and heating are patiently waiting for us. What is it that keeps us from shivering through these cruel months? Why, something warm and wooly, of course.

This year’s Wool Week (15-21st October 2012) gave designers the chance to showcase their designs in a different context. Harvey Nichols dressed their Knightsbridge department store up as a ball of wool, complete with knitting needles and Topshop provided us with some sheep-chic numbers to warm our upper-halves with pride.

Wool doesn’t have to mean a jumper or classic winter accessories anymore (we’ve all sported the wooly hat/scarf/gloves combo). Now you can get your toasty mitts on dresses, cardigans and last year we even saw the rise of the knitted legging. Yep, you can be head to toe in sheep! Although it’s not advised.

A good rule to stick to is one chunky knit per outfit, then layer, layer, layer! Chunky knit cardigan with a light knit sweater? Hot!

Generally, the chunkier the knit, the more expensive, but luckily Primark always have a bargain (even if it’s not real wool) and if you do splash out a little more, it’ll be a staple piece able to last you year after year.

Light knits are perfect for sub-zero cool at the Christmas party. Get a studded cardigan or a print sweater and team with leather paneled leggings for super warm clubbing style. No more teeth chattering in the queue for Q. It’s finally cool to be warm.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/sheep-chic/

Festive Accessories

Baby it’s cold outside! Make sure you wrap up with a fur collar meanwhile channelling some classic glamour. Audrey Hepburn eat your heart out. A classy addition to any coat or jacket Topshop’s fur collars turn crimbo chic. Pair with some leather driving gloves to pump some 20’s elegance into your everyday outfit.

Keep your tootsies toasty with some holiday-themed socks. New Look is offering 3 pairs for £4, so you can mix and match your reindeer with your robins and your snowmen with your Santas. Not for you? These would make a perfect stocking filler. Who says we can’t sport candy-cane socks all year round?

If you need to make a statement this season, go for an embellished clutch. Accessorize have a stunning palm-sized, hardcase clutch available in a range of colours. From a sultry black to a teasing teal. Perfect size for your lipstick but not much else. Then again, only thing you should be carrying this holiday is your fine self. Add some chandelier (note; not christmas tree-shaped, chandelier shaped) earrings to continue the glitz from your hands to your head.

Speaking of jewelry, make your neck the conversation piece of the Christmas party with a jaw-dropping piece of art. When it comes to necklaces, the bigger the better. Less is just less. See ASOS or Nelly.com for some visual treats.

Finally, if all the sophisticated stocking stuff doesn’t do it for you, head to the festive-favourite, Claire’s Accessories. This season we’re treated to a selection of comedy santa-hats, christmas tree earrings (complete with baubles and a bow!) and even a Rudolph-themed headband. Well, if you can’t beat em…

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/festive-accessories/

Fashion forward sportswear

Maybe the Olympics has spurred you to want to be part of Rio 2016 or perhaps the looming new year and the expectation to get your butt into the gym for a new years resolution is driving you to the SportsPark. Whatever your motivation, you need to look damn good, and how are you supposed to achieve that when you’re sweating one out? Easy.

Now, ladies, you need to strap your girls down. If you’re in the A cup club good for you, but us bigger than Bs need a suitable sports bra to keep Thelma and Louise from causing havoc in front of the boys. H&M offer good quality support sports bras ranging from £9.99 to £14.99, where can you go wrong? And if you blow the new year’s resolution it’ll look super cute for next fresher’s sports night out.

If your lady friends are supported make sure your feet are too. We’re talking trainers without the word ‘wedge’ in front, whoever thought we’d see the day. Perfect for a yoga cool down these mint Nikes scream chav turned chic, but if you’re aiming for gold turn to Adidas for less comfort more swag as you glisten through your workout.

Layer up with a pair of three quarter length leggings and a simple t-shirt. If you’re feeling confident and want to channel Jessica Ennis rep the tighter tees. However if you’re more of a vintage gal, opt for an oversized slogan or band tee, this Topshop one is particularly apt.

Finally, pop some fun into both your workout and your outfit with some novelty headphones. Check out Skullcandy for best in-ear sound quality and colour range, these INK’D Rasta ones are definitely my favourite.

Now all you need is the gym-goers ultimate accessory, the membership, and you’re set. Happy exercising!

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/fashion-forward-sportswear/

Men's fashion week

Kicking off on Monday 7th January, London’s first fully dedicated Men’s Fashion Week came to town. The ‘week’ technically only lasts three days, but it’s a massive step up from the previous day tagged onto the end of Women’s fashion week.  This means that

Racking your brains about where you’ve heard about J.W. Anderson before?  That’s because he collaborated with Topshop last year.  His wacky designs aim to bridge the gender gap with dresses, pleats and the trademark knee-high boots – showing a lot of leg for a sex so hairy.

Winner of the 2012 Menswear Emerging Talent Award, Jonathan Saunders was always going to bring big things to the catwalk.  Clashing colours, a broad range of textures and some very practical A/W layering, Saunders made a designer collection very wearable.  He also jumped on the horizontal stripe bandwagon with the likes of Oliver Spencer, Hardy Amies and Shaun Samson (all names to look out for over the next few years).

Thought you knew oversized? Think again.  Sibling do oversized and they do it well.  Their flowery “please kill me” motif on super soft knitwear seems so incongruous, but it works.  The designers Sid Bryan, Joe Bates and Cozette McCreery love juxtapositions like their intrusively bright red leopard print trousers against cute and cuddly baby blues and pinks.

Richard Nicoll’s spaceman theme seemed to transcend all earthly fashion boundaries.  As an award winning womenswear designer we were on tenterhooks anticipating his first menswear collection.  He delivered with metallic jumpsuits, structured bomber jackets and the hue of A/W13: “safety orange”. Plus, we all love a good beanie.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/mens-fashion-week/

Pixie Lott for Rock 'n' Rose

Rock ‘n’ Rose have always had fierce competition in producing quirky vintage style jewelry, but with their new collection designed by none other than Pixie Lott, they’re soon to be the crowning jewel of the online accessory boutique.

Lott models all the pieces in the collection and strongly emphasizes that bigger is better. Floral crowns, Rock ‘n’ Rose’s trademark piece, have been reinvented with a bit of pixie dust as super oversized. Spring has come early!

Bang on the goth trend, Lott has designed half the collection for the girls with a darker side. Braclets, necklaces, earrings and rings all sport iconic crosses, some “overloaded” others simplistic and more suitable to the student budget. She continues the goth trend with a super oversized luxe bow headband, available in both satin black and a deep lustre red.

Sticking with the vintage style of the site, Lott brings in baroque to diversify the collection. The pearl collar necklace is my favourite accessory, a classic statement piece, what’s not to love? Her vintage stone rings would go perfectly with this to dress up a simple LBD.

The collection maintains an air of fun in spite of the darker vintage pieces. Her cat ear headbands successfully prep us for next halloween. There are two versions: jeweled leatherette and pearl beaded, both a cute and unique accessory to add a touch of purrfection to any outfit.

Pixie’s collection is so different to anything else currently offered on the high street. The inspiring, individualistic pieces scream the statement that when it comes to fashion, Lott has landed.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/pixie-lott-for-rock-n-rose/

London Fashion Week

While students of the UK were out experiencing their first week of being a fresher, a novel experience only due once in our lives, London was experiencing a week that we’re lucky enough to enjoy twice a year. Long awaited by those in fancy cars and fancier heels, London Fashion Week fell upon the capital again in one of it’s most exciting years to date. Only available to the industry slaves, experts or the very famous, securing a ticket to one of the events is much like being scouted to be a model – most likely to never happen to any of us.

But instead of sitting at home, living vicariously through Instagram and Twitter (the main sources for instant pictures and information on #lfw) I decided to do a Mary Poppins, jump into the picture and see if it came alive. And boy oh boy, did it come alive. Somerset House became a hub of labels, the only noises being the clicking of a camera shutter or perhaps a stiletto across the cobbles. The atmosphere was both excited and unexpectedly calming – no doubt a side effect of all the fashionistas effortlessly oozing glamour, a great relief to silence the nervous first-fashion-week-please-don’t-disappoint butterflies doing somersaults in my stomach. Shows were beginning and ending all over London, models were pulling up in Mercedes’ while cameras which ranged from the modest blogger to broadsheet journalist zoomed in on every accessory, every slight expression. Girls were pulled aside, photographed, thanked and moved on. It’s the fast pace you expect from an industry that spends six months working on a collection, to churn it out in a catwalk show lasting less than twelve minutes.

Some of the most groundbreaking names (I’m looking at you Mary Katrantzou) predictably delivered their statement style with a new season twist. Working hard to stay in the spotlight since her explosion onto the London fashion scene, the graphic stamp print was sticking to what she knew best. Others were a little more wild with experimentation, Peter Pilotto asks exactly how many patterns can we cram onto a piece of fabric? While Zoe Jordan’s cultural mashup is the ultimate cool in ready-to-wear; from European traveller, to effortless business woman, her collection painted a persona with every outfit. Not that I got into any of the shows; despite my pleading, my wailing, my pure desperation. Next year perhaps. Although ladies, remember for the upcoming February 2013 fashion week, it’s a massive faux pas to turn up in flats (this includes Toms, even if you are trying to emulate everyday New York fashion) when nothing less than a four inch heel is acceptable. Unless you’re male and in metallic teal brogues that scream nothing less than ‘extravagant merman’, of course.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/london-fashion-week/

AW13 London Collections

With Fashion Week just around the corner (15-19th Feb), we’re looking back at the AW’13 mens collections from a couple of weeks ago to get us in the mood. Here are some of the pieces that caught our attention of a few of London’s hottest designers.

After winning the Emerging Talent Award for Menswear at the 2012 British Fashion Awards, we were expecting big things from Jonathan Saunders. He did not let us down. A kaleidoscope of bright colours and a nod to 90s sportswear dominated his presentation.

Richard Nicoll is an award winning womenswear designer, but how did he fare during his first menswear collection? He must have done something right as his standout “safety orange” was later named the hue of A/W13.

Soft baby blues and pinks clashed with vibrant leopard print reds and mixed monochrome in the Sibling collection, the designers aiming to subvert convention through their flowery “please kill me” motif.

Androgynous knee-high boots, complete with ruffles, are the trademark piece of J.W. Anderson’s “Mathematics of Love” collection. Creating male curves using peplum coats, pleated shirts and fitted mini dresses the designer pushed gender, sex and fashion boundaries.

First published by bengtfashion.com: http://www.bengtfashion.com/blog/mens-london-collections/

i-D: Gyaru

We love what this i-D Gyaru-styled photo shoot has done with the SS’13 Fred Butler bracelet and necklace. This Japanese craze is all about making yourself look as perfect and doll-like as possible, so if our new collection fits the bill, we’re on board with it!

The SS13 Fred Butler collection will be available at BENGT mid March. Watch this space!

First published by bengtfashion.com: http://www.bengtfashion.com/blog/i-d-gyaru/

The Oracle’s Student Takeover: Be Prepared

Firstly: get informed!

Like “The Oracle Student Takeover” Facebook page and secondly sign up for queue jump by RSVPing to the event. If you don’t you’re guaranteed to be left standing out in the cold while watching all the people who planned ahead snap up the free Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Like a far more glamorous freshers fayre, there are freebies, opportunities to win spot prizes (£10 vouchers? Every little helps!), even complimentary cocktails. Time to get your Carrie Bradshaw on and shop, shop, shop! Do not forget to check in at the HMV entrance to the Oracle, without your exclusive discount card how are you going to get that bag you’ve been eyeing up for weeks?

The ones you need to know:

Topshop and Miss Selfridge (concession in Debenhams) are both offering 20%, which is double their regular discount, so persuade yourself that the jacket you’ve always wanted isn’t that expensive now, what are student loans for anyway?

For ultimate bargains, and topping up your A/W12 wardrobe with trend pieces at rock bottom prices, hit up Republic and New Look. Again, both offering 20% off. The big name and one of the busiest stores on the night, run over to H&M first to ensure you grab the sizes you want before they’re all gone! Cheap, good quality and stylish, we’d buy the whole shop without the extra 20% off but this makes it so much sweeter.

Top tip: queue upstairs?

There’s a till point downstairs in the kids section, swing by that one to avoid any unnecessary waiting; use the time saved enjoying a complimentary facial in Lush. Now onto shoes, my weakness! Office are offering 20% off for one night only. Last year I left with a pair of fringed, suede stilettos which became my favourite statement winter piece. Nothing says Christmas like red fringing! If beauty’s more your thing, Urban Decay are offering 10% off while the Body Shop are offering 20%! Who said we can’t pamper ourselves now that we’re students.

Above all have fun! This is a free event totally different to any freshers activities, with live music and an electric atmosphere it’s a great way to get to know a different side of your new friends as well as their wardrobes. I went with three friends last year who I now live with, so remember, students that shop together stay together.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/the-oracles-student-takeover-be-prepared/

Man Repeller x Three Floor

After just launching Three Floor’s new collection imagine our excitement at seeing uber blogger Man Repeller featuring one of their iconic embellished pieces. Leandra simultaneously styles down the mismatched dress with a plaid shirt and up with rhinestone-coordinated heels. Take a leaf out of her book and add some subtle sparkle to your wardrobe with the iconic Three Floor embellishment here.

First published by bengtfashion.com: http://www.bengtfashion.com/blog/man-repeller-three-floor/

Staple, statement or fad?

A woman’s wardrobe should ideally divide into three simple categories: the trends, the awe-inspiring and the classic. Or, in fashion terms, the fad, statement and staple. This quick guide aims to tell you where to buy and how much to spend on clothes and accessories to keep you in the stylish loop of campus fashionistas.

Fad or trend pieces are the in and outgoing pieces that survive one season at a time, often decades apart. Spend your absolute minimum on these (anything over £30 is a waste) if you can’t ignore them completely and want to stay on trend. The neon trend is possibly the best trend any of us could have followed this summer. Last seen in the 80s and even resurfacing briefly during the early Spice Girls period of the 90s, for a total low-cost raid elder relatives wardrobes, if that fails, find any small accessory you can. Go for a neon yellow or pink for maximum output for minimum input, H&M earrings, or a Primark satchel should satisfy your trend craving for a teeny price, with the bright colour blasting any outfit into 2012 with a bang. Speaking of accessories, the category where “statement” gets thrown around a lot. A study was conducted into how many times a street style blog used the phrase “statement necklace” it happened more frequently than Nick Clegg manages to disappoint.

Embellished clutches, engineering-required earrings and extravagant arm parties are a safe bet, but I’m a firm believer in shoes. Make a good shoe a statement piece and it doesn’t matter what else you’re wearing. Budget £30-£70, see Topshop and River Island for the ultimate in outrageous yet wearable style.

Finally, transcending trends, understated but timeless, see: staple wardrobe. Like a staple diet, we’re talking your basics, your can’t-live-withouts. How to tell if it’s staple or fad? It would suit anyone from Marilyn Monroe to the Cheeky Girls (believe it or not). Yes, your basic staples should consist of t-shirts, jeans, leggings etc, but cut the boring stuff, we’re only interested in one thing. No budget, it’s priceless. No specific store, once you find it, you’ve found it. Flattering on any shape or size, designed with power and sexuality in mind, the symbol of eternal glamour. The only staple piece a woman needs is her little black dress.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/staple-statement-or-fad/

Studded leather ankle boots

While the laws on copyrighting shoes and clothes in the UK are still pretty slack, it’s time to take advantage. High street and online stores are copying straight off the catwalk at record paces, meaning you can grab almost-designer pieces for cheap. With winter coming in and a grunge trend sweeping Britain, leather studded ankle boots are flying off the shelves!

But where can you get the best quality ones for the best price?

Missguided’s Ketina Studded Western Ankle Boots are cheap, cheap, cheap! These faux leather interpretations come with silver buckles and stud detail and are also available in black, red and brown. £45.99 for ankle boots is a total saver, if you’re willing to scrimp on quality. For the amount of time you’re planning to spend in them, there’s a real potential for them to fall apart. Wet socks are a nightmare in winter. Nothing like catching a cold from hole-ridden boots, but it happens. Still if you just can’t stretch the pennies perhaps it’s best to double up your socks and try to wear them only when necessary.

Office’s Nighthawk stud black leather are a little more pricey coming in at £80; a more than justifiable price for your two new best friends. Looking cute with some camo print shorts or even putting your favourite LBD bang into the A/W grunge trend, these will ensure your feet won’t get punctured by stilettos in the union. Made with real leather and silver detail, you’ll wear them day in, day out, trying to keep your tootsies warm in everything from puddles to a foot of snow – forever loving the Great British weather. Also available in animal print pony skin (£85), with gold buckles and studs for the more alternative among us; less suitable for weather extremes.

If you want the real deal, Chloé’s original design studded leather ankle boots retail at a breathtaking £850. Unfortunately these are no longer available on net-a-porter. The python version however are, going at the slightly higher price of £1,135. And that, ladies and gentleman, is also the price of sanity.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/studded-leather-ankle-boots/