To all of you in the US I can only best describe Matalan and Primark as stores similar to Target or Old Navy – cheap, on trend clothing – disposable fashion. I remember Primark as a child and recently it has had somewhat of a revival. Just as we in the States refer to Target as Targét (well at least in my neck of the woods) – Primark is often referred to as Primarni.
It takes some energy to sift the wheat from the chaff but all in all it is worth it. Yesterday I scored 2 pairs of jeans. I know their jeans are fab as I have a couple of their printed ones – the floral ones from last summer being the most worn. Yesterday I got some gorgeous smoky blue/grey striped ankle skimmers (though they actually feel full length on me!), and a pair of cheapo boyfriend jeans – mainly because I couldn’t justify leaving them in the store at just 13 GBP each. Their sizing is definitely a bit hit or miss as the skinnies are a UK 10 and I had to go to a 12 in the boyfriend jeans. There’s a bit more distressing on the boyfriend jeans than I’d possibly like, but then if I use my very vivid imagination and pretend I’m not in freezing Bury, sun kissed knees peeking through the denim, in the Atlanta sun, might work well with them…
I had to head across the street to Matalan – they are normally located in retail parks – as is the one in Bury. I was skeptical as I wandered in but that quickly dissipated and I was overwhelmed with sheer joy! Again sifting the wheat from the chaff was required – but more on a style basis than quality as everything seemed to be really well made considering the really low prices. I ended up picking up a couple of jersey maxi skirts (couldn’t decide between the grey and the black), a pair of pewter silky trousers and some fabulous polo shirts with silky trim. I sized up to a UK 14 on the shirts worried they may be too snug especially after a wash – plus the placement of the pockets made me a bit nervous – but the UK 14s are perfect – loose enough but not huge. I am now smitten with Matalan.
Heading back to the bus station I had a quick nosey in H&M. Low and behold they had some fabulous looking boyfriend jeans – that were the right amount of faded, distress and are also described as ‘tapered leg’. So off I went to try them on. I took a 27″ and 28″ into the changing room – I always try the smallest size first so I can be a) elated when they fit or b) optimistic the larger size will work. The 27s were perfect – and still oversize. They really do fit like a men’s jean and even have a slightly lower crotch that some will love or some will hate – personally I love the fit. I think these will be worn often this Spring.
Don’t ask me how I am going to get all this home – I don’t know yet.
For my little shopping jaunt I wore a pair of my new shoes. The Office Nighthawk boots in red – a cheap imitation of the Chloe Susanna boots. I got them for 30 GBP in the sale and I love them. They are great quality, lovely leather and incredibly comfortable – plus my gamble of buying a UK 6 paid off and they fit perfectly. I wore them with Zara camo trousers and an H&M jumper layered over an H&M tank. The scarf is an old Boden jersey scarf that I love.
Now off to the Trafford Center – Mum and Dad are in the market for an iPad.
Related articles
Poppy's Style 