Window Shopping at UK Urban Outfitters Online

Recently, I've been seeing a few dresses and stuff I want from the UK Urban Outfitters site. But seriously, why are the things there so expensive? I'm not saying they cost as much as Prada, but I can't get around to justifying the clothes for what UO is charging.

Take this Kimchi & Blue double layer tank top for instance, my sister got it last week in the States on sale for 15usd. And guess what? It's on sale in the UK too! Only, it's now down to 15pounds. Seriously. OK, so I understand rent and wages are much higher in the UK, but still! I just need to rant.

Here are the clothes I'm interested in:

I like that this Lux dress is simple, bright, young and seems good for day or night. And the braided neckline is a nice detail too. But I'm not sure about dishing out 45pounds (=85usd) for a jersey dress.

A fun, summer day dress by Free People. I'm imagining walking around in malls in this dress and sandals. I've got a dress that's got a similar cut and it's old so it needs to be replaced. But this dress, (which I can't even decide if I like the grey or pink version better,) costs 50pounds! Although the more I stare at the dress now, the more I'm not sure about the prints.

I love this dress by Religion. The top bit is made of elasticy cotton material, and I'm guessing the skirt bit is made of chiffon-like material. The dress has definite potential for fun nights out. It's 65pounds but the material and cutting looks pretty decent. Now I just have to find it in a shop to try it out. And I'm also really liking the feather necklace. (I think the model's got two on her in the photo.) So many things I want!

And then there are the graphic t-shirts. I know graphic tees are so 2005 but they seem like something I lack in my wardrobe. I especially love the grey Bon-Jour tee. But as usual, these tees are pricey -28pounds each! Seriously, aren't normal graphic tees like these like 28usd on the US site?

Since I seem to have no decision-making ability o shopping these days, what do you think? Which should I buy and which should I just leave?

PS. I wasn't bother to calculate the USD equivilant for all the prices above since I assume everyone has some idea about the current exchange rates.

Image Credits: www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk, www.urbanoutfitters.com

SS08: Colorblocks

Remember the AKA Dress I was obsessing over this winter? Well it seems that it is coming back to haunt me, because now I am seeing colorblocks everywhere! They are looking better and better too. Colorblocks are especially refreshing when compared to the floral and print patterns one usually sees in a spring/summer wardrobe. They are bright, sharp and bold.
The first brand that comes to mind when one thinks of colorblocks this season is Marc by Marc Jacobs. There are loads in that collection. Most memorable is probably that colorblock dress with the row of gold buttons coming down the front off center, but I showed that dress yesterday (fourth picture on the left). So here, I'm going to show this more geometric one (left) also from the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection. Orange is not my favourite color, but it works here. For something a bit more femininely styled, I like this dress from FCUK (right).
More boldly and sharply, there are these dresses from Cynthia Steffe (left) and DKNY (right). They are the definition of colorblock dresses (since you can actually SEE the color blocks really clearly as opposed to the dresses before which are more complex).
More subtly, there are these ones from J Crew (left) and FCUK (right). I love how the design of both is simple and sophisticated yet fun because of the color blocks! I love the color combo of these two (left: Mint Jodi Arnold, right: Mr. Abbott). Who knew yellow and grey would go so well together? Also the knot on the Mr. Abbott dress is cute!
Something more casual, there are these two options from Alisha Levine (left) and FCUK (right). My friend actually has the FCUK dress in black/yellow. The contrast of black/yellow is much sharper.
And if you are just looking to play around a little with colorblocks, you can try getting these fun but super versatile colorblock tees from Vince (left) and Ella Moss (right)- just to brighten up your wardrobe!

Image Source: Shopbop, Saks, J Crew, Nordstrom and FCUK

Do I Look Too Much Like a Sailor Girl?

Nautical inspired clothes (read: anything that is navy and white, and possibly red,) has been a must-have for the past few summers. A TimesOnline article suggests that the nautical look is so favoured because nautical clothes represent a highlife, (presumingly of a life that involves many luxurious holidays, yachts, beaches and seaside houses,) that most of us can't afford but do aspire for. This season, the runway collections offers the starry nautical look (see Chanel,) knit dresses and the 70's look.

The usual, nautical-inspired look is basically a striped top with jeans/ shorts.
A question that's been nagging me every time I see a nautical-looking item is this: Would it make me look like I'm dressed in a sailor costume? I don't mind looking a bit cutsy or too navy and white, but I really don't want to look like I'm some fashion victim who's literally dressed like a sailor.
Take this sailor-like outfit Blair is wearing: Leighton looks great in it, and Blair can totally pull it off, but that's because she's a tv character with a strong sense of style. I'm not sure it would translate well in real life.
Take these two tops from Top Shop. The top on the right is just too sailor-looking for me. And I've actually tried on the top on the left, but it kind of made me look like a 12 year old. I might be aiming to look young, but I am not aiming to look like a kid.
When I first saw this dress I thought it was cute but was way too sailor-looking and kiddy for me. But the more I stare at it, the more I want it! It's so cute and I love the details -the collar and the buttons. Alas, now that I want to buy is, it's sold out on asos.com. I totally regret not ordering it when I first saw it now!
As usual, Urban Outfitters provides some ideas on how to wear the nautical look in a young and stylish way: The key is to wear one nautical item, and the rest should be a bit plainer, or a add a splash of colourful to make it look like a chic and modern outfit. Match them with 'in' accessories, like long, charm necklaces (-no anchor charms though!) or sandals (-love the tan-coloured ones on the right).
So question: Is this APC sailor dress too sailor-looking? And is it too kiddy looking? It looks cute on the model, but then everything looks ok in catalogues. Would it look really boring?

Image credits: www.apc.fr, www.urbanoutfitters.com, www.topshop.com, http://city-celeb.org, www.asos.com