Primark survival guide!

I am a massive lover of Primark, or as I like to call it Primarni darling. However, a lot of people may be put off shopping there for a number of reasons. Sometimes a trip to Primark really can feel like venturing through a war zone. So here I am about to set out some golden rules so you too can enjoy the pure delights of Primark!

1. Find your Primark!: By this I mean find your favorite Primark in your local area. In my experience, the branch you go to can really affect the experience of shopping in Primark. In my area, there are only two Primark's I will venture into that is the one in Ealing Boadway and in Tottenham court road. There are also some Primark's in my area that I hate even stepping foot into due to the complete mess of the place. So search around and find a nice, organised store.

2. Check tags: One of the things that people love so much about primark is the cheap price tag, however it is very common in primark for the size on the hanger to differ to the actual size of the item found on the tag. So always, always make sure you've double checked the sizing before you blissfully walk a way with something 6 sizes too big.

3. Things to look out for!: Okay so there a certain items that primark are awesome at selling. For example thier basic items. If your looking for some vests, shorts etc for holiday Primark is your best bet. some shorts can be on the pricier side for primark- around the £12 mark but they have plenty of shorts for £5 or under which is such a steal. Their vest tops which I love are usually around £1, also a steal! Primark also have an array of very lovely pj's and nightwear which I adore for such a small price. However there are a few things I'd probably not go to primark for, such as shoes which are almost the same price as New Look shoes but the quality isn't as good, plus new look to student discount so for inexpensive shoes I'd recommend hitting up new look (Especially the Oxford street one were a whole floor is dedicated to shoes!)

4. Sizing: Now one down side to having such cheap products is the sizings can be off, way off. I'd always recomend trying on outfits in an array of different sizes as honestly, you never know with Primark.

5. Don't just buy everything you see!: Now this is a big one for me. Right so set the scene you are in primark and seeing a bargain after bargain after bargain. But trust me those £3 t-shirts add up and that skirt that you wouldn't normally wear but you are tempted to buy because its only £2 IS NOT WORTH IT! Honestly the amount of stuff I have purchased from Primark not because I needed it, but simply because I thought it was a good deal is embarrassing. So although the deals can look amazing, stop and think to yourself. Do I need this? and do I like this?

6. Find the reduced section! It's there in every primark, lurking, waiting to be found. Honestly some of my favourite primark purchases have been from this section of the shop. I once even picked up a top for 50p two years ago, that I still wear now! You can really get some amazing deals in this section, but again make sure you actually like the stuff.

7. Disheartened by huge crowds? If you are someone who dislikes large groups of people in a hot and sweaty shop then find a quieter time to go. I recommend first thing on Monday morning! Whilst most normal folk are nursing a hangover or enjoying a lie in, you can be a primark shopping queen or king and enjoy a quieter less disorientating experience! Another good time to go is a school or work day in the morning. If your not one for crowds i'd definitely recommend avoiding Saturdays and bank holidays!

8. Sieve through the junk: Now there is no getting away from the fact that primark can sell some junk, however there are many gems within the junk. Many people ask me how I ever find nice things in there and the truth is there are a ton of nice things. Primark is the fastest store to get new trends from the catwalk into their stores. They also tend to do replicas of other, more expensive stores clothes such as topshop for a fraction of the price so it is always worth looking through the racks to find these gems. If you think something may look nice try it on! You never know it could become your next staple item.

9. Be prepared to wait in a long queue: I mean this shouldn't be too hard, it's British culture after all. We queue for everything! However yes in Primark, although they usually have a load of cashieres on at once it's just so busy you will be queuing for a bit... or more than a bit, but it is 100% worth it for the absoloute bargains you have just picked up. All I'm saying is don't think you can pop into Primark for 5 minutes if you have somewhere you have to be after, it takes dedicating some time!

10 Look at Primark hauls on youtube: Now Primark have such a quick turnover in clothes you can go one time and they will have completly different stock two weeks later. If you are planning a primark trip I would recomend searching for a Primark haul on youtube. Search the filters to within the same week or month so you can have a look exactly what is in stock at the moment and see if you fancy any of it!

So this is my primark survival guide. Primark can be such a great store. Yes the quality isn't as great as other stores but 80% of the time I am not looking for amazing quality just something that looks nice that I can wear for 6 months- a year for a fraction of the price of other stores. I have lost count of the times I have seen something in Topshop for £75 but bagged the exact same product in Primark for under a tenner!

Rachel x

Low price life savers!

Okay so as a student whose just finished A levels and about to start university in September it's safe to say I am pretty damn skint. So there are a few things that I have come up with that are absolute lifesavers for me that I think may help a fellow sister or brother out.

Boohoo.com
Hands down I adore boohoo. I even brought my prom dress from there for £15 (Steal I know!) the clothes are so reasonably priced with outfits for all occasions. Their casual clothes a great and good quality for the price and their formal wear is stunning for such affordable prices. They often have sales and deals on their postage and packaging and their returns are simple and easy. Could not recommend them more!

Charity shops
Only recently have I really got into the delights of charity shopping and I would urge everyone to give it a go. You can really find some great gems for such good prices, plus you are helping out a charity! And not only for clothes, books and dvds are normally dead cheap as well.

Look online before you buy!
So especially for things like makeup always look online first. You know when you run out of foundation or shampoo and want to nip to the drug store and buy the same brand? Well first check the websites of superdrug, boots, savers, Tesco etc and see which shop is selling it for the cheapest before you go, this way you can be sure you are getting the best offer.

Self tanning
This is aimed at you people who fork out a load on getting a spray tan. I have been using the same amazing self tanner for the past 2 years and I am delighted to inform you it costs £3 for such a lovely finish. It's the st Moriz tanner that you can get from boots and Tesco. It's very similar to the st Tropez tanner but for a fraction of the price. I would recommend getting it in the dark shade. This fake tan does wonders, it doesn't go streaky or look orange but instead gives a lovely brown natural tan glow. Youtube has a ton of different videos on the best way to apply it which I would definitely recommend you watch!

Find out where you can cut spending
For example stop buying food and just bring it from home! Or stop buying all the coffee's and bring one in a flask. These simple steps can save so much money you wouldn't even realise you are spending. This means you can save the money from this and put it towards things you really need or something you will really enjoy!


So I hope my little tips help you out!
Rachel x

Time to get fit!

So, exam season is finally over (Thank God) so now I actually have time to go out and do and achieve things and first on my list? To get fit. During exam season my eating went tits up and I barely went running. I've decided that now I'm on summer and have two and a half months till I start university what better time than to get fit. I've decided to set some goals for myself, with the idea it may inspire some of you lovely people. 

-Run daily: Running is something I've been very on and off with. I go through periods of a few weeks of loving running round my streets in West London and then sinking back into the old 'Oh it's raining' 'Oh I'm too tired' excuse laden ways. However I am now determined to go running everyday so I can built up by strength especially since half of my course is in drama which I will need to keep fit and healthy for. 

-Drink more water: I am ridiculously bad at remembering to drink. This may sound idiotic but I swear I just don't feel thirst I can go a whole day without feeling the need to drink which is obviously not good, especially if I go out drinking alcohol later on. Drinking more water will not only flush out toxins in  your body but give you lovely clear skin and keep you healthy and energized so I really need to up my water intake

-Stop eating chocolate/sweets: Obvious one right? Just stop eating the sugary stuff that has no nutritional benefit to your body. It's probably the most obvious and hardest rule to implement but I have to. 

-Take up yoga every other day- Not only can yoga aid with weight loss and toning but it's also healthy for the mind. I find yoga relaxing and a great thing to put into a daily routine. Just search for a quick video on youtube and get started!

So those are my four basic rules, if any of you are joining in then let me know and I hope I've helped you! I'll update on my progress later

Rachel x