Oh My Word, It's A Primark Haul | Late Summer 2020 Affordable Fashion

 

There's something about a Primark haul that feels like a throwback to simpler, more optimistic times. Times when the world didn't feel quite so heavy. It reminds me of my days at university, when what to wear out that night was my most pressing concern. Things are different in so many ways now. 

I can't really remember the last time I went into a physical shop other than a supermarket, which is crazy. But recently, the office I worked at shut down for good (I'm now officially permanently home-based, at least until they lease a new premises!) and I went in to clear out my desk. 

As I was in the city centre, I decided to pop into Primark. I was on the hunt for some of their lash cluster sets, and I also like to look for basics and trend led pieces if I ever go there. There's nowhere quite like it, after all. No item was over £15.00, and the choice on offer was amazing. 

So here's what caught my eye this time….

Multitone Woven Straw Hat | £5.00

One of the few positives about lockdown this year has been that the summer weather has generally been beautiful. We've really been able to make the most of our garden and appreciate our time at home. 

Of course, with restrictions beginning to ease, many people have also been able to go abroad. I'm insanely jealous and in bad need of a break, but at the moment things are changing all the time, countries are flying on and off the air bridge list all the time, and we've decided not to try going away for now. It's too stressful with two small kids, and getting stuck in quarantine now could affect Theo starting school, which we can't risk. 

Which is all a very long-winded way of saying - this hat is sadly not going to be seeing any beaches soon, even though it would be perfect for them. There's nothing more chic or practical than a wide-brimmed straw hat on holiday, and I love the black and beige together here. Pair this with an off-the-shoulder sundress and a some flat sandals and you've got a great high summer look. 

Pleated chiffon headband | £2.00

I'm still on a strong headband game right now. For me, they've replaced the statement necklace as an easy way to throw something on and look instantly a bit more pulled together - plus, they're also a handy solution to bad hair days! 

Primark is a great place to pick them up cheaply and get a variety of different looks. This one is ultra-wide, and I loved the dalmatian spot print and pleated chiffon fabric. This will brighten up plain tees like a dream. 

Assorted cluster lashes | £4.50

This is sort of the whole reason for my Primark dash. I do my own lash extensions, but for a while now I've preferred using these cluster lashes, because they are just so quick and easy. 

Primark normally sells smaller packs for £1 each which is amazing considering the equivalent from Eylure or Ardell costs almost £7.00. I wanted to go in and stock up, but they didn't have my usual ones. 

What they did have were these larger packs, but they still work out cheaper. I grabbed a couple of packs to keep me going. 

Yoga pilates trainer liners | £3.50

Basics are as much a part of the reason I love Primark as the trend-led items. I always use one of my rare trips there to fill up my sock drawer or my tights or plain vests. The shoe liner socks at Primark are great because they have such a wide selection. 

These cotton ones have special silicone grip soles to stop you slipping about all over the place during your downward dog. They have ventilation mesh, seamless toes and a special fabric blend that supports your feet - there's a lot of technical stuff in there! 

You could pay a lot for a specialist sports sock somewhere else, so two pairs for £3.50 is an absolute bargain. 

Shoulder padded sleeveless white tee | £5.00 

Talking of basics, it's all in the details. You can spend a lot of time searching for the perfect tshirt or pair of classic jeans. And it's also the little details which can update something and make it modern. 

That was the case with this plain tshirt. It has shoulder pads and a cropped, sleeveless cut that just elevate the design a little and nake it look very current. I'm definitely pining for the 80s and 90s at the moment - I can't stop watching old films from back then - so I'm more than happy to bring the shoulder pad back! 

This will go really well with straight cut jeans and a long blazer or tucked into a pleated midi skirt. A simple update on an essential wardrobe staple. 

Blue striped tiered midi shirt dress | £15.00

This dress ticked all the trend boxes for me. I'm a huge fan of a shirt dress anyway - they are eternally chic to me - and I absolutely loved the fresh, ticking stripe fabric, the longer midi length, the tiered skirt, flared sleeves, grandad collar and drop waist on this. It has so many great little design touches that make it look so much more expensive than it was. 

I took one look at this and could immediately see it all over my Insta grid! There's something very 'Roman Holiday' about this and I think it's the ideal breezy piece to pop on with a pair of white trainers and look instantly on point. And you just know Zara has this for three times the price! 

Navy puff sleeved smock dress | £12.00

The last piece I chose was another throw-on-and-go summer dress - this time a little smock dress with puffed sleevs. I'm loving this smock trend at the moment - it's so fresh and youthful, not to mention a comfortable dream to wear. 

This will look amazing with flats and a little cross body bag, but equally good with ankle boots, a teddy bear coat and a floppy felt hat when it gets more autumnal. 

So that was my Primark haul this time - have you been in lately? What did you find?