My high street secret...

... that I've decided to share.  

I first discovered this store a couple of years ago and to be honest, it did sort of slip off my radar.  But last week when I was on a desperate jumpsuit search, I ventured in. 

Well lucky for all of us I did as......call off the dogs, have I found some gems. 

I am talking... Forever21.  Mostly the domain for those young enough to my daughter but hell, I have old elbows and can get down and dirty with the best of them.

Although to be honest, it's not needed.  Having said that, I did go on a week day and not on a Saturday where I imagine you would need a gas mask to protect you against the potent onslaught of the 2015 equivalent of Loulou from a gaggle of pubescent girls.

But during the week, as a shopping experience it really was no different to New Look or H&M and infinitely preferable to Primark.  Quality wise, I would put it on a par with the former two but with the price tag of the latter. 

And the best thing is that the chances of running into a friend wearing the same thing is virtually zero.  Something that can't be said for Whistles, Topshop and don't get me started on Zara.  It is the best kept secret on the high street. 

Yes you do have to wade through a lot of detritus that would make you suck your breath over your teeth were your teenage daughter to come sashaying down the stairs in it but there is absolutely loads that is not to be sniffed at and that I would wear in a heartbeat.  And at amazing prices, for quality that I thought was easily as good, if not better, than the other more economical High Street brands. 

eta - DISCOUNT KLAXON - some lovely lady on Twitter has just messaged me a discount code - SURVEY21 for 21% off.... 

So you're not going to be buying an outfit for a wedding there but for every day, throw on fashion then it really is worth a look.

Top of my list are those little Summer extras that might not last forever but as soon as the sun comes out, these are going to be a major part of your go to list. 

Lots of their tops are ideal, thrown over a pair of shorts or jeans.  Both the first two have adjustable straps.  I can also add that they're not skimpily cut.  Everything I've tried on (and bought) I've done so in my own size as opposed to having to size up assuming that they're cut for the "tinier boned" (ie not had their body ravaged by childbirth) teen market. 

Geo Print Cami top £12.00 

Striped Floral Print Cami £12




Embroidered Gauze Peasant Top £21



Similar version again £21



A plain white version - 100% cotton.  Absolutely adore this one.   There are loads loads more of this ilk online. 

Cap-sleeve peasant blouse £15



Moving onto dresses and these are actually very wearable.  More tunic than boho smock.  I'm loving them at this price for flinging on on a warm day with flat sandals. 

Abstract Print Tunic Dress £19



Floral Print Shift Dress £18




Fear not if boho isn't your thing, I was also particularly taken with their chambray. 

Life in Progress Chambray Round Collar Shirt £19




And chambray joggers - absolutely adore adore adore these.... 

Life in Progress Chambray Joggers £21



Speaking of trousers - couldn't help but spy these in my beloved olive. 

Woven Cargo Joggers - £22



Going back to denim - I defy anyone to guess where this is from.  Toast?  Perhaps......Forever 21?  Never.  This with anything high waisted - jeans, pencil skirts, culottes - simply so amazing.

Cotton Denim shirt in Denim £18



And in the light denim again £18



Staying with denim and it was always going to be a slippery slope from dungarees to a dress version.  Absolutely love this - and look at the price.

Suspender Button-Down Maxi Dress £19





And of course the reason I went in originally - to hunt down a jumpsuit.  The more I look at these pics, the more I am kicking myself for not buying this.  What a numpty.  This is amazing.  FOOL!  And you can also see how lovely the changing rooms are.  Spacious, clean with excellent lighting. 

Denim Utility Jumpsuit £30 



This is me in a medium (I think... actually I can't remember, it might be the small.... sorry, that's not remotely helpful, is it?!) 




Two other things to note that I saw and, if I didn't already have very similar, I would definitely have got. 

Starting with a smarter navy coat - I have one from H&M that was a total steal a couple of years and I have never ever seen since.  I am constantly being asked where it's from and this is the most similar I've ever seen. 

Cuffed-sleeve Crepe Topcoat £26 Wear over jeans or to a wedding.  I promise you will have this for years and years and years. 



And the fabulous olive drawstring utility jacket £38  This is a drapey fabric as opposed to a twill sort of utility.  Perfect for the slightly warmer days but when you still want some coverage.







But what did I come home with?

These.  Beauties.

Crackled Metallic Lace-up Sandals £15



Except I bought them in the black and the tan - not the gold.  I have to say, not sure the gold would be on my list of wants but I bought the black and the tan as I couldn't decide which ones to keep and there weren't many left.  Well, clearly I'm going to keep both for £15 each.  They are unbelievably like the Ancient Greek ones and whilst they're not leather, for a tenth of the cost, I can live with that. 

Here are the black ones I got.  





Similar but in white are still available. 

Strappy toe loop sandals £7




And my pick of the rest would be these rather fabulous Espadrille Flatform Slides £15



Also available in the white



And with a bit more detail - the faux leather espadrille sandals £15



And pure, chic simplicity in red - faux leather crisscross sandals £14 also available online in white.



So.... thoughts?  I honestly was more than impressed and can't wait to go back and try on some of their basic tees which looked great but the proof will be in the changing room.  And maybe think about sneaking that jumpsuit into my basket..... Well - if the weather isn't going to get any better any time soon....

Speaking of weather - what on earth to wear?  Frankly today I couldn't be bothered.  Day of working from home and catching up on paperwork, along with the round robin of school runs and supermarket. 



Off white jumper - Kin by John Lewis
Paint splattered khaki chinos - Zara
Leopard print pony skin skater shoes - Next
Trench coat - Banana Republic
Cognac cross body bag - Campomaggi from Plumo

Will be back tomorrow and I am determined to nail something that has been eluding me all Summer....