How I Mix High Street & Designer Fashion

WHY I LOVE MIXING DESIGNER & HIGH STREET FASHION

With age my style has evolved and so have my favourite places to shop for clothes. Also, as my career has progressed – from working every Saturday in my teens, to a university degree and now a full time career in marketing and running Lurchhoundloves – my disposable income has increased, which means the designers I browse through online has gradually changed. But, throughout the last 15 years one thing remains the same: I still love the high street.

When I Buy Designer

The majority of the designer items in my wardrobe are handbags, shoes and accessories – you have all seen my Gucci belt (too many times probably). Personally, I like to spend more money on classic wardrobe staples that will last for many years and are items I get a lot of use from – I mean you wear shoes and use a handbag every day! I often find that there is a noticeable difference between the quality of high street handbags and designer handbags too.

Designer Staples Elevate A High Street Outfit

I could be wearing a whole outfit from Primark and by mixing with designer footwear, or a handbag, it can completely elevate my look making it more refined and seem more expensive. Take for example, this Boohoo Co-ord that I wore in my holiday outfit lookbook here with a YSL handbag and Isabel Marant Sandals (which I got in the sales). The co-ord was only £25 and a few people have asked me if it is designer and then can’t believe the price when I tell them!

Shop My Favourite Designer Investments

Why I Go High End on Footwear

When it comes to shoes, as I have big feet (size 8’s that seem to be evolving into size 9 shoes on the high street?!) I find that I have to sometimes splurge on designer shoes for comfort and fit. Most of the time I try to buy them in the sales, with the exception of my Gucci Loafers – which have been the best purchase ever – and my Balenciaga Race Runners that are again another great purchase of mine.

P.S I waited months for my Balenciaga race runners to be available in my size. At the time of writing this post they have come back in stock in all sizes here and other colours: YAY!. So if you are after a pair I would recommend buying whilst available, I am tempted to get another pair myself.

SHOP BALENCIAGA RACE RUNNERS

When I Buy High Street

For me, the high street reigns supreme 90% of the time. There are so many amazing places to shop these days, my favourites being Zara, Mango, Topshop, ASOS, to name a few. Including very affordable clothing at Primark and online shops such as Missguided and Boohoo, where you can shop the latest trends and get good value for your money on most items.

As trends come and go the high street is my favourite place to shop for ‘trend’ pieces. For example, take this Chicwish bright pink skirt. I am loving experimenting with bright colours at the moment, but by the end of Summer I could have gone back to my monochromatic ways and this bright pink beauty may not see the light of day for another 12 months.

High End High Street

I also love to shop at ‘high-end’ high street shops such as Reiss, All Saints, Whistles that are in-between the high street and designers. As they offer great quality wardrobe staples such as leather jackets, trousers, blazers and skirts that will generally last longer than the cheaper equivalent from fast fashion outlets, but don’t have a hefty price tag that some designers do.

For example, a Whistle’s leather jacket may set you back £300, but compared to an Acne leather jacket for £1500 you are getting designer quality for a more attainable price.

Shop My Favourite High Street ‘High End’ Pieces

High Street Or Designer Fashion?

How do you like to shop for your clothes? Do you also love mixing high end with high street pieces, or do you prefer one to the other?

To get to know my personal style a bit better and how and where I like to shop for my wardrobe, watch my fashion tag video here or below. Don’t forget to click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly fashion videos if you aren’t already!

I AM WEARING

Skirt c/o Chicwish

Shirt c/o Chicwish (DIY: I cut out the black vest layer)

Balenciaga Race Runners – Back in stock in all sizes & more colours!

Balenciaga Mini City Bag