Fashion
At home in New York City over Christmas break, I took advantage of its fabled post-holiday sales, thinking I'd stock up before returning to Oxford's exorbitant prices.
Despite my initial cynicism, however, I was recently surprised to find a sign advertising a 70 per cent off sale at Whistles. After leaving with a £10 skirt, I felt inspired to browse other High Street sales and discovered a plethora of great finds all around Oxford.
Although some are excited by the prospect of sale shopping, many students find sale season equally overwhelming, and understandably so. The choices available within one's budget constraints multiply exponentially and choosing what to buy can be difficult. Nevertheless, as we are going through our university years, it would be unfortunate were we to be deterred from taking advantage of this discount period. Check out the following sales for particularly worthwhile bargains.
TopShop/TopMan and Miss Selfridge are both running buy one, get one free promotions on top of already significant markdowns.
TopMan has loads of reduced casual evening wear; for example blazers are £25. Additionally, it is running a £10 off promotion on some of its new collection, and the two for £10 deal on basic cotton t-shirts is great no matter what your style is. Ladies, browsing the racks at TopShop and Miss Selfridge is quite worth the time, as most items are now under £20. The chiffon-like, evening tops and dresses can easily be worn into next season as they are made of light, colourful fabrics.
It is beyond me why being seen shopping at Marks and Spencer's is considered taboo by much of the British youth, but fear not, the sale rack is in the back of the second floor where you will not easily be spotted by passers-by.
Reputation for coolness aside, M&S is holding one of the best sales in Oxford. At last check, a very trendy, Chanel-like tweed blazer was selling for £25 and a fun wool skirt with an embroidered flower was priced at £9. Just make sure to buy a size larger so as to allow for a pit-stop at the food department on the way out!
French Connection's sale is similarly impressive with men's striped button-down shirts marked down to £10-£15 and women's woollen miniskirts at £15. It is also conveniently organised by price for those of us on a strict budget.
Finally, if you are hoping to find a cheap frock to wear to a ball season, visit Monsoon for evening dresses marked down to around £40.
Likewise, Debenham's has reduced some evening dresses to £40-£80 and also offers a rather extensive sale on men's eveningwear £120 suits and £20-£35 shirts. The lingerie department warrants a visit as lace bras are now £10-£15 and there is a huge assortment of other sexy underwear. Who knows - perhaps we can even get rid of our reputation as most undersexed university this New Y ear.
While shopping the sales, always keep in mind that a price tag should never be the sole reason to buy something. If an item is not comfortable, or you don't particularly love it, it will end up unworn and will serve as a closet "filler." The following mantra should be adhered to during all shopping ventures, sales or no sales: "If I'm not going to be excited about wearing it, I don't buy it". Good luck and here's to great finds!
We are seeing a return to the brilliantly individual trend of hats. They are an instant way of turning an average outfit into one that makes a real impact and they can be easily accessorised for a unique twist. The students we saw looked good in all styles, but two favourites were the beret and the trilby for classic glamour. Wear them in any colour (except one identical to your coat - otherwise the outfit will wear you). Thankfully they give much needed warmth in mid-January and even solve the odd bad-hair day. Just make sure it suits your face shape and wear it with confidence!
Best Buy - This grey and white newsboy cap looks flattering on most people and goes with almost any outfit. It is available at Accessorize and costs £15.
Sarah Kessler, Pembroke, Hat from New York
Jon Ramsay, Corpus Christi, Hat from River Island
Anna Mikhailova, Worcester, Hat from Accessorize
20th Jan 2005