After finishing all six seasons of Gossip Girl within the space of about 2 weeks, I was greatly inspired by the glamorous lifestyle and high-end outfits worn by all of the characters throughout the show. Not only was I inspired to dress ‘better’, it also lead me to getting a job so I could actually afford all of the new clothes I wanted. Of course, no job at my age at least could help me to buy all the Valentino dresses and Elie Saab coats I desired. So, I had to search for cheaper alternatives within my budget.
Primark has always been a favourite of mine. This is due to the incredible prices and pretty great quality of clothes. Of course, it is no Dolce and Gabbana but I believe it is great considering the affordable prices. For example, I have been buying the same leggings for years from there which are currently £2.50. One may argue that if I bought from a different brand and spent more money on them then I wouldn’t have to buy as many pairs but I generally can’t afford to branch out on a pair of leggings which are usually worn as lounge wear anyway.
One item that I’d been saving up for was the Longline Duster Jacket Coat which was £25 in my store. As cliché as this may sound, I fell in love with the coat the second I saw it, found my size and proceeded to the changing rooms.
With around £2.40 in my pocket, I knew I was torturing myself but I just couldn’t restrain. Taking it off the hanger, I put the coat on and felt the wealthy, powerful feeling I’d been waiting for. It all seems a little extreme for a coat but I stupidly believe it changed my life. I got home and searched the house for spare bits of change: under the couches, in old bags, coat pockets. I managed to scrape together roughly £11 which was still £14 from what I needed. On my search however, I did find an old 20 dollar bill from a trip to New York and so, on my way to Primark, stopped at the exchange shop and bagged myself a further £14.67. I didn’t feel like the shop assistant would appreciate £11 of my money being in 5ps and 10ps so I took my money to the bank and put it on my card to pay like that. I got to the shop, found the coat section and of course, the jackets were there, but my size wasn’t. Devastated. Truly devastated. In my desperation after coming so far, I got on the train and went to the next closest store which was 3 stories more that my closest Primark. I arrived and lo and behold it was there! I ran (not literally obviously – store rules and everything) to the checkout and bought the coat, ripped off the tags and wore if immediately. I glided through town, coat on, Starbucks in hand, feeling on top of the world.
You may not even think it looks that good on me and frankly, I’d agree. But, considering how I felt wearing it, I don’t think that really matters.
If you haven’t gathered – I would highly recommend this coat. Not only is it affordable (for most) and stylish, it may also make you feel as great as I did. If this isn’t your style, then my message to you is this:
Find something you love, something that inspires you and makes you feel like a better, stronger person and fight for it until it is yours because, honestly, nothing beats a bit of happiness.
xoxo
Style & Secrets 