Spring/Summer 2017 Primark Haul

It's that time of year again, folks! We're now into June, scarily halfway through the year but the official classification of summer begins. With the beautiful weather we've had over the past few weeks I'm feeling a little spoiled and I know it's more than likely to be jinxed and forecast to change drastically to what us Brits do best - dark skies and drizzle, but it's really upped my excitement to dress lightly, airy and colourfully, and it's also made me realise I do not own enough fresh, contemporary summer clothes.

Summer To Autumn: The Transitional Primark Haul

Hello and happy 'it's nearly Friday' you lovely lot! What better way to kick off October on my blog than with another one of my signature Primark hauls? As we transition into autumn it's awkward to conjure an outfit that fits both the weather condition and your inner style which means it's best to always head to the safety net of shopping - the place where you can pick up anything from versatile basics to a couple of printed pieces and wild risque's out of the box - and of course, that place is good ol' Primarni. 

Summer Holiday Primark Haul June 2016

Yes, it's that time again. My most cherished time of the year. Time for me to gather my collective Primark pieces into one giant seasonal haul and A) work out how to photograph my purchases without awkwardly holding them up to a camera, B) more than likely encourage the entire population to go hunt down the splurging attire and C) feel the mighty force of guilt as I register for the umpteenth time just how spendy I inescapably got.

The Twelve Stages Of Shopping In Primark

When I was writing up my Primark haul I had a short brainwave that I just knew I had to act on. It occurred to me that shopping in Primark (or Primarni better known to some) isn't just an ordinary task, it is in fact a wild journey that brings an influx of emotions, thoughts and feelings and although there may have been similar posts that have been done before, I felt it was only necessary to share my take on having an open door to the spellbinding store and the stages we go through when we take a deep breath and head forward - because, let's face it, no matter what our status or how much we're in denial, we're all Primark worshippers at heart.

It's Time For A Spring Primark Haul

It happened. It had to happen eventually. You accumulate a few bits and bobs over a couple of months and then the annual seasonal, splurge worthy trip to Primark is inevitable, even when your subconscious is telling you not to shove everything you see at first sight into the basket whilst blocking out the notably higher prices and lack of cash in your purse. 

2015's Autumn/Winter Primark haul

Yes, it's that time of year again; the season change means it's a perfectly reasonable excuse to go on a mass raid in Primark. Primark is my one true love all year round but there's something about the autumn/winter stock that draws me in more than the spring/summer.

A summer holiday Primark haul

Although I keep exclaiming the fact my bank account is running low, I always (I mean, always) find time to 'just browse' Primark, which ironically turns out to be another spending spree. Before you know it, you're reaching the tills with another basket full of little treats and random items which you can only find in the world of messy underwear and emoji t-shirts.

Primark have some really lovely summer clothing and accessories in at the moment and I just couldn't resist. Their bikini choice had me hovering round the section for around half an hour deciding which bikini I should add to my collection of 'swimwear I will probably wear once and then dump in a drawer'. I don't think I go into Primark actually intending to buy loads but there's always something in there that catches my attention and I convince myself it's worth the bargain buy! Anyhow, without rambling too much, I'll crack on with showing you what I've bought over the past few months.

blue shirt - £9.00 | rust cold shoulder top - £8.00

white boho cami - £3.00 (sale) | black boho cami - £3.00 (sale)

lace off the shoulder top - £9.00 | camel ribbed vest - £4.00

cream lace kimono - £8.00 | black lace kimono - £8.00

striped wrap cropped top - £6.00

long sleeved striped crop top - £5.00

striped bikini - £6.00 | floral bikini - £10.00 (£4 bottoms, £6 top)

coral crochet bralet - £5.00 | white crochet bralet - £5.00

striped beach bag - £3.00

from left to right: nude lace up flats - £10.00 | black pointed flats - £6.00 | camel and white satchel - £6.00 | black open sandals - £8.00 | black cross mules - £14.00 | white bag - £3.00

from left to right: black phone holder bag - £4.00 | orange nail varnish - £0.80 | festival ring set - £2.50 | silver earring set - £2.00 | bracelet set - £2.00 | ring set - £2.00

nude coloured hat - £8.00

pink vanity bag - £5.00 | white travel bag - £3.00

white neon detail pyjama set - £10.00 (£6 top, £4 bottoms)

As you can probably tell, Primark is the reliable place to buy my beloved stripes but I also love how it tempts me into varied colours such as the rust coloured top which I would have never gone for if it wasn't waving in front of me at only £8.00! Primark's jewellery and shoe section is another firm favourite; the cute, simple earring and ring sets are ideal for daywear in the summer (even if they do turn your ears and fingers blue after a while) and it's guaranteed you'll find some perfect flats for every occasion. The black mule style shoes are probably one of the purchases that made me the most happy (and the most comfortable for my poor feet). They're a wide fit but I wouldn't say they're any wider than usual, not that I noticed anyway. I feel like they're something you'd find in Topshop for a fraction of the price and I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of them. I also reach for Primark when I desire a new hat as they seem to bring out a new shade in the same fedora every few months and it's always to my tastes!

Most of these impulse buys are sensible ones (trying to justify myself here) and will be mainly worn on my holiday to Spain starting from this weekend. I've seen the crochet halterneck bralets around the blogosphere and from a few YouTube gurus so was thrilled when I spotted them in my local store. I don't think I can venture into town without hitting Primark and as it's such a big store, I'll always find something different. Whether that's a good or a bad thing, I'm yet to figure out!

Have you been Primark shopping lately? Anything nice you've picked up?

Bridie x

A very black and white Primark haul

The only time I seriously consider YouTube is when I'm well and truly shopped out Primark style. My awkwardness, clumsiness and god awful voice is pushed to the back of my mind because all I want to do, for once in my life, is to display the array of Primark finds in suitable lighting with me giving a real demonstration on how they look. I find photographing clothing and accessories way harder than photographing products but hopefully you get the jist of what I've picked up on yet another over-spendy Primark haul. 

That jist being near enough all black and white; I've always loved basic black and white clean cut colours but my love just keeps on growing, especially when I 'just pop' into Primark. I think I'm now at that point where I spend half my life trailing the 3 floors of Trinity browsing the freshly new, modern and recent stock that just keeps on building (seriously, every time I go in there, it's being updated with something new that I just can't resist!). You must be telling a few porkies if you say you can enter Primark with the intention of just purchasing the necessities you went in for because once you're in there, it's like a force is vigorously pulling you towards every inch of goodness. Even the rails you aren't particularly appealed to, you still have to route through just in case you miss anything and then have to face the fact you may never see it again.

Lately, I've been drawn towards the homeware and the shoe department in Primark. They have some really lovely unique and reasonable pieces to brighten up your home and the same goes for the shoes. Their current sandal game is extremely strong, whether that's a flat sandal or a block heel, there's just about every choice visible. As you can probably see, this reflects in the following unveiled list...

From left to right: black pointed heels - £12.00 | tan block heel sandals - £14.00 | rose gold sliders - £8.00 | white sliders - £4.00 | snake print sandals - £4.00

throw blanket - £3.00 | patterned mini drawers - £5.00 | pineapple candle - £2.00

small cosmetic bag - £3.00 | earrings - £2.00

jacquard bag - £8.00

grey/ice blue bag - £8.00

monochrome bikini top - £8.00 | monochrome bikini bottoms - £4.00

geometric skirt - £4.00

striped high neck knit - £5.00

black polo neck top - £8.00 | monochrome striped knit - £12.00

white boho crop top - £5.00 | black boho crop top - £5.00

cream scuba coat - £23.00 | d-ring waistcoat - £17.00

navy blanket wrap coat - £10.00 (sale) | v neck d-ring top - £10.00

emoji t-shirt - £6.00 | striped night shirt - £8.00

white cotton trousers - £7.00

I don't think I've ever been this pleased with a Primark haul. Apart from the odd unavailable size (like the white version of the high neck top I was wanting) I managed to collect lots of brilliant value, gorgeous items that will see me through to the spring/summer. I very nearly jumped for joy when I spotted the waistcoat and the scuba round neck coat (one left in my size, if that isn't fate waiting for me then I don't know what is!) and I didn't hesitate in chucking them in my basket with the rest of the tangled mess that was weighing my hands down. The d-ring style which is around everywhere at the moment is such a classy detail that can make or break an outfit and this one is almost identical the Topshop one! They had the exact same one in black and it took so much power for me to discipline my spending needs (but it hasn't taken away the fact I am still lusting over the black version). The coat is also a great dupe of this current Zara one and that's what I love so much about Primark; almost three quarters of the price but still a decent quality and not cheap looking in the slightest. There's nothing better than a member of the public asking where you got *insert said item here* from and you smugly answer, "oh, it's only Primark", like the ultimate goal has been met right there and then.

Once again, I definitely do have to clarify this wasn't all bought at once, it's been spread out over the last few months and has mainly been bought through the funds of my eBay selling talents (although who needs an excuse when Primark's involved?!). Unsurprisingly, it doesn't look like my spending stops there as Primark have released a sneak peek of their summer stock and there's some serious soul pleasing bikinis and beachwear on there. I've already began a small amount of my summer shopping but I think I can always rely on Primark to give me that final push.

Have you picked up anything in Primark, lately?

Bridie x

Huge Autumn/Winter Primark Haul

Well, I've gone and done it again, I've spent my life savings in Primark. Having easy access to at least three Primark's is not good for my lack of self control when it comes to shopping. Every time I walk in there, there's always something brand new that catches my eye and I just can't say no because I know I'll regret it when I can't find said item on my next trip (I have such a problem, seriously!). It's not only the shop themselves that encourage me, however, it's the Primark website, their Instagram and Twitter pages filled with fresh new stock and style inspiration. Not to mention, the bloggers and the YouTubers who coax me into taking another trip into town to see if I can find the gorgeous pieces they've displayed. In my defence, everything I bought has been in moderation from the end of August/beginning of September up until now but to put it straight, I am just purely an openly admitted Primark addict. Yep, that's me all over.

Their Autumn/Winter range has seriously impressed me this year. The prices do keep rising but the quality is well balanced and I do think as a whole the concept of what Primark has to offer has changed. It's not seen as tacky anymore and Primark's become a more enjoyable experience (apart from maybe on a weekend or in the school holidays when it's a children running riot and clothes shoved on the floor kinda day). Anyway, on to what I bought...

Tile Print Shirt - £10 | V Neck Top - £5

Nude Collared Lace Trim Top - £8 | Pink Tartan Scarf - £5

Check Trousers - £12 | Pink Fluffy Skirt - £8

Rose Print Dress (sale) - £5 | Black Fluffy Skirt - £8

Tartan Night Shirt - £7 | Burgundy Jumper Dress - £8

Taupe Jumper Dress - £8 | Dogtooth Dress - £13

White Quilted Dress - £5 (sale)

Monochrome Skirt - £10

Camel Skirt - £10

Pink Cardigan - £9 | White Duster Coat - £17

Monochrome Scuba Jacket - £20 | Pastel Blue Boyfriend Coat - £23

Tote Bag - £10 | Dog-tooth Satchel - £6

Brown Fedora Hat - £7

Grey Fedora Hat - £7

Black Mule Boots - £16

Boots - £15 | Brown Shoes - £12

Statement Necklace - £6 | Set of Three Necklaces - £3 | Earrings - £1 each

Coconut & Vanilla Candle - £1.00 | Silver Glass Candle - £1.50 | Gingerbread Headphones - £3

Long Necklaces - £2 each | Pink Purse Bag - £1.50

My favourite of the bunch has to be the shoes, hats and bags. The accessory and footwear section in Primark at the moment is so on point and I could have picked up so much more (but the stop sign inside me did make an appearance eventually). Also, the sale items I picked up were such a bargain and I think they'd be great staple items which can be dressed up or down. In particular, I have an image of the rose print dress being a dress I wear for the Christmas party/get together season. Topped with some jewellery, high heels or blocked ankle boots and a monochrome clutch, it would be my ideal festive outfit. Speaking of Chritmas, Primark have just about released their Christmas collections and oh my god, everything is so so cute. I already have a Christmas/homeware haul in mind where I purchase way too many Christmas decorations and candles but for now, I need to put a limit on my spending habit!

Have you picked up anything in Primark recently?