The AF Bloggers Budget Challenge - Matalan
When I was contacted by Sera from The Agoraphobic Fashionista about taking part in a blogger challenge to create a complete outfit for £20, I was very excited, given my bargain hunting skills. So armed with my money, I headed to Matalan, wondering how I would ever chose just one outfit....BUT...the sale stock was all gone and I found myself really struggling to find something within budget. Struggling and being driven mad by two 3 year olds who were wrecking the joint, so I pounced upon two items that were side by side and added up to £20. Brace yourself...
I know, snakeskin. What WAS I thinking?! In my defence, they're not THAT bad and they do match the top. And the great thing about these blogger challenges is that they often push you outside your comfort zone. You've seen me in endless jeans and trousers since this blog began but never once have you seen me in leggings. I don't own any...and I'm not sure why. I think I like the 'support' that jeans give. But I digress...on to my animal print outfit...I know you're dying to see what this looked like on me :)
Trying my hardest not to laugh in the mirror...but I genuinely (first for me) couldn't decide whether I liked the leggings or not. Tried a picture looking down at them and it wasn't ::too:: bad...
I do really like the top - these linen style tops were in Zara last season. They're lovely and light and not too clingy. So the top's a keeper. My necklace is my own - good old Primark - love it lots!
But I'm afraid after asking the girls over at Avenue 57 and Mr SGS, the leggings are not for me. As a concept, I could do leggings again. They were super comfy and look lovely with the pumps but I'm afraid as soon as Mr SGS said my legs looked like two scary pythons, they were back in the bag with the receipt.
Oh, and one thing I can say about Matalan in Belfast - they have very friendly staff, especially Dale on Returns/Exchanges. Great to meet a young shop assistant with a smile on his face. Of course, it's just occurred to me that he may have been trying not to laugh at my purchase...
The other bloggers that took part in the challenge today are listed below:
The Agoraphobic Fashionista
Avenue 57
Book Worm Mummy
Click on the links to see what they chose from Matalan for just £20 also...
I love that tshirt .. I might have to sneak into my local store again and buy it!
ReplyDeleteThe leggings aren't *that* bad on you but when you dress so well at all other times it's a bad choice in comparison.
It's interesting you say about the staff because at my local store the staff are amazing - friendly and very helpful without being intrusive - and this was from both young and old staff - I'm a stickler for good customer service and Matalan seem to have their staff VERY well trained.
Fiona
Thanks Fiona....they're ok but would have felt v self conscious of my legs...not a good thing! Glad you found the service good too. Did you see Matalan have thanked us on Twitter! x
DeleteI'm so tempted to have a go at this to , but trying not to spend anything as you know!! May window shop it! x
ReplyDeleteOr bring it home and return it again! lol Avril x
DeleteI really love that, the top is lovely and chic, practical and stylish, love it! I actually will admit, those leggings look FABULOUS on you!! I think on me it would look like 2 snakes that have both eaten a rather large saveloy ;) but on your pins they rock!! You look lovely hun, fab outfit choice and especially under difficult circumstances (I can never clothes shop with the kids!)
ReplyDeleteSo funny - I think no matter what the shape of your legs, it's going to look like 2 snakes...lol! I think it's because the print is so realistic! Thanks for your lovely comment....kids are a nightmare for shopping with but at least you don't muck about making decisions!! Avril xx
DeleteAvril you look great in the leggings. If I had your legs I'd wear them. If I wore them it would look like two pythons had eaten your whole family!!! But you have to feel comfortable and if you don't it matters not how good you look . I don't think we have matalan
ReplyDeleteHi Regina...yes, we will just avoid those leggings full stop. Much too realistic! Would look good for fancy dress tho, don't you think? Pretty sure there isn't Matalan down South. Come visit!! x
DeleteI love the t-shirt - wish I'd visited Matalan now while I was back - oh well - next time! xx
ReplyDeleteYes Joanna! Make your list for next time! Matalan is great for kids too - I get a lot of my girls' things there xx
DeleteLeggings are great, you can dress them up or dress them down. Not so sure about the snake skin pattern though!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am definitely going to look for some less patterned leggings. Really enjoyed wearing them and there's no bulk at the waistline (belts/buttons) to add to the bulk that's already there! x
DeleteI always wear Zara leggings, they are really thick like riding pants-you'd like them! x
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip Gemma-Louise...will have a nosey in Zara next time I'm in town x
DeleteI love leggings! I wear them alot. you def have the legs for them, but maybe not snakeskin - but just saying that cos I dont like snakeskin.
ReplyDeleteI love the red pumps that Sera is wearing - only £6 :)
Hi Gail, yes, I'm going to get a couple of pairs for winter now...so comfy....but not snakeskin! I'm so over that now! lol. Sera's outfit is fab. Can't believe she got it all for £20. Shopping with her next time :) xx
Delete*All seeing* ;) it's a date Avril :P xx
Deleteyours is defiantly my favourite look!you could also dress it up with heels! Kudos!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fashionfloozy.co.uk/
Aww..thanks so much...and thanks for dropping by. Off to check out your blog now :) Avrilx
Deleteaww thank you, i hope you like it! x
DeleteAvril, you have my utmost admiration! Putting yourself out there wearing something that you don't think is your best look is hard (as I know only too well) but you know what? I reckon you could pull it off as well as anyone. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth! It was a bit easier to do it knowing that it was a challenge. It's too easy to write things off because you think they won't suit you. You have to try it out and sometimes it'll work and other times....well, it doesn't! lol x
DeleteReally like your look and I want one of those tops! Well done on the challenge x
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharron! Was great fun - Sera's a wee star for organising it. Took a lot of work and time to co-ordinate x
DeleteYes Avril well done to Sera for organizing the challenge... it is a fabulous idea! I think my hubby is related to yours, that is definitely the same reaction I would have got:) Have a brilliant weekend!
ReplyDelete~Anne xx
I echo all the other ladies' sentiments! Your legs are slammin'! And I have to pick up a few of the Tops definitely though I have serious accessory envy right now ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Avril for taking part it's been such a blast to organise and you've all been SO great you've all made the debut so smooth and FUN!!! :D
xx