Blog Sale: Topshop, Abercrombie and Fitch, Miss Selfridge, Delia's, Gap, Forever 21, American Eagle and River Island

Hello Cheeky Bunnies :)

So I could do with making a bit of money at the moment because I'm planning another travelling excursion. On top of all that, I did a serious hunt through all of my clothes (as my room is full of them!) and realized I have so many items which deserve good owners who will give them the wearing they well and truly deserve... As much as it kills me, these are the first few items which I am going to sell:

My Size 10 Gap Shorts are really nice and good quality. However, they are a little big for me... to be honest, I'd say they are closer to a size 12, which is why I've listed them as such. I tried them on a couple of times but never wore them because they were a little too baggy. My friend tried them on once and I was amazed by how they can hug the right body in all the best places... her big butt looked great in them! The bids start at £0.99.

I'd always wanted a pair of these Topshop Hot Pants so I snapped them right up in the sale. Sadly, these too ended up being closer to a size 12 than a 10 so didn't fit me like I wanted them to. They are sexy with a relatively high waist and they show a nice bit of butt cheek if you have the right figure :P The bids start at £0.99.

These Grey Short Shorts from American Eagle would look awesome with a crisp white t-shirt and flip-flops or gladiator sandals. Once again, these shorts were slightly too big for me, so would fit a size 12 comfortably... Are you sensing a pattern here? I have a thing about girls with big butts in short shorts haha :) They are super flattering and show off the curves which you know you have! Bidding starts at £0.99.

This Abercrombie and Fitch Denim Mini Skirt is one of the things which hurts me the most to get rid of, as every time I've seen it in my drawer I've wanted to wear it, and I've tried it on a few times. However, it has just been one of those things I've never got round to wearing so I've decided enough is enough and I'm sure there is someone out there who would wear it as often as it deserves! This skirt would fit a UK size 10 the best and would look great with some sky-scraper wedges on a holiday. The bidding starts at £0.99.

I feel like a stuck record but these Yellow Floral Delia's Shorts were such beauties when I spotted them in the States but they just don't fit right :( These are for girls with a size 10 waist and a size 12 butt as they felt a little loose on me. I love the intricate floral design though and they would look great with a pair of booties and a blazer for winter. Unsurprisingly, the bidding starts at just £0.99.

These Miss Selfridge Floral Denim Shorts are just too cute. I'm just gutted to be selling these but they just don't fit :( I tried on the size 10 in store and they were a little too snug so just went ahead and purchased the 12's but when I got them home I found them too large. Its a real shame because I thought they'd look great for festivals this summer with wellies, but it just never happened :( The bidding starts at £0.99.

This Lacy Topshop Crop Top looked absolutely gorgeous on the hanger in store, but as a bigger busted lady I have to admit it really wasn't very flattering for me as it just made my boobs look overwhelming! Its a great item for a chick wanting to draw more attention up-top though as it gives the impression of a bigger bust. Plus, the lacy embroidery is just so cute. It will fit a size 10 best. Bids start at £0.99. 

This Floral Cotton Mini Dress from Topshop is so comfy as a simple throw-over during the summer. It looks equally good with heels and a denim jacket for the evening though. It will fit a size 10 best as the elastic waist can make things a little uncomfortable as it could cut into anyone bigger. I've never worn this but was always saving it for a day when my legs would be brown... Sad times! The bidding starts at £0.99

This little Topshop White Lace Vest Top is one of those things that I've bought in the pas thinking, 'Ahhh that will look amazing with skinny jeans' and in the heat of all the excitement I forgot one major thing... I DON'T WEAR JEANS. Idiot brains. Anyway, it will fit a size 12 the best, but looks cute and slouchy on a size 10 frame too. The bidding starts at £0.99.

As you can see this Pastel Green River Island Top actually still has its tag attached because once upon a time I thought I had a belly worth showing off... Whoops! HAHAHA :) Just kidding, we all know tops like this look awesome with high waisted skirts, shorts and jeans but to be honest, its just not my style... I've never owned anything in this colour before and don't really know how to work it. I'm sure you can though! Will be comfiest on a size 10 but would suit a size 12 too. Bidding starts at £0.99 

This Full Topshop Mini Skirt can be so adorable with a tiny cropped t-shirt, a belt and heels. The reddy-pinky polka dots MAKE this skirt worth wearing. Plus its really short which automatically makes it sexy, but with it being quite a full skirt too it moves in an amazing way... You all know the feeling you used to get when you spin and your skirt flies up and you feel like a naughty princess... that's the feeling you'll get with this skirt on. It will fit a size 10 most comfortably. Start your bids at £0.99.

Another one of my favourites, especially for autumn/winter, is this Forever 21 Floral Mini Skirt. I bought it in the States last summer and literally forgot I had it. It will fit a size 10 perfectly and looks good with an autumn coloured blazer (I know this because that is how the mannequin was dressed in store!) Wish I had clothes to wear with this :( Start the bidding at £0.99

This Purple Jersey Skirt from Topshop is great to pull on over a bikini on your holidays. I bought it about a year before I went on my next holiday though, so by the time I was next by the beach my style had changed. If I was to wear it I'd probably go with a plain white t-shirt, a pale denim boyfriend shirt and a pair of white pump shoes. The skirt would be most comfortable for a size 10. And you've guessed it... the bids start at (any guesses?) £0.99

My boyfriend nearly died when I emptied my carboot into his house telling him I had 'a few bits to sell on eBay' bless him! He literally stood with his hand over his mouth shaking his head saying, 'Are you selling on eBay or moving in???' (which I should discuss with him really because he shouldn't be so concerned about that concept really... but that's a topic for another blog post entirely!) And yet, I knew I had to get rid of these things, so please if you can help take them off my hands in any way it would be really much appreciated! Each of the items are in very good condition (I take good care of my clothes... they are my babies!) and they are all clean. Also, if you decide to purchase any of these bits on eBay please send me pics of you wearing them because I'm really interested to see how you would style them up! This is my first ever eBay selling experience, so let's make it a good one...

Have you had much luck selling on eBay in the past? Can you think of a more profitable way of getting rid of unworn clothes? Do you see anything you like here?

To buy, please click on any of the links above and please keep an eye out for my next Blog Sale blog post which should be up in about a week. Happy bidding!

Love and snuggles

GabriellaSofia

Guest Feature: Fur, Friend or Faux? by Erin Allenn...

So it's time for my fourth guest post since I decided to take my blog break, and I can genuinely say that this whole guest post idea was fantastic and I am a genius! I've had such a great response from handfuls of budding writers and awesome bloggers alike and everyone has been really supportive. One such beautiful blogger is the lovely Erin from The 411 of Fashion. 

When this lady contacted me expressing her interest to write about the very important debate about genuine versus faux fur I leaped at the opportunity of having her on board. As a fashionista, and not necessarily an animal rights activist, I've often wondered to myself where I would draw the line in terms of what I would do to look good. It's a very personal thing really, depending on your own personal beliefs and some, like me, have what some people may call an 'odd' standpoint on the controversial topic. I believe that if I could get a good price on a vintage genuine fur, then I would buy it. I might not wear it as these days it can be kind of dangerous to sport real fur in public due to violent animal rights activists. However, I'd consider it a fair purchase, as I'd be owning what I think of as a fundamental piece of fashion history. Having said that, I would NEVER buy a new fur item, because these days we all know how awfully these animals are treated, and generally have a better idea of the difference between right and wrong. I also like to think that I'd never purchase from a brand that has used real fur since we learnt how horrible it is to kill animals in order to enhance our personal appearance. Even if I was about to purchase something not-fur-related because I'd hate to be seen as supporting a company that endorses cruelty in such a big way.

Like I said, some people may think that's a huge contradiction, but it's how I feel and it's a very personal topic where I think everyone is allowed their own opinion if they can argue it validly, intelligently and respectfully. Anyway, enough about what I think, let's see what the rather talented Erin has to say about this often compromising issue...

***

"You murderer" With those slanderous words shouted at the poor Kim Catrall in the ever-forgiving film Sex and the City, we have to wonder if real fur will ever grace fashion weeks again? Whether we like it or not, everybody wants to create a reaction within the fashion landscape, even if it is wearing a ferret around your neck or a rabbit on your body. With fur always being a hot topic and the mass media always having something to say with reactions flying everywhere and dividing the industry, I began to think about my opinions on this topic. Would I sport a fur coat if I had the opportunity or just stick to fake fur? Would I want to create a reaction or just sink into the background of the fashion industry? An industry which usually encourages controversy.

Why must animals die when faux fur can look as chic as this?

With star studded celebs and hot-to-trot models tottering around with real fur jackets, gilets and scarves including the likes of Kate Moss, plus the ever-increasing popularity of vintage clothes, it's no wonder that the public domain has been hunting real fur jackets in recent years. However it's big name designers such as Mathew Williamson, Burberry and Mulberry who have previously used real fur in their collections that come as a shock. 

With electrocution, gassing and drowning as the top three ways that animals are killed for fashion it just shows the harsh realities of what designers are willing to do in order to cause a reaction. Of course we know how competitive the fashion world can be. However, what some designers will do to stay at the top of their game is horrific in my opinion. 

With real fur being ever-so-easy to get hold of and at the cheapest it's been for a long while, fashion conscious ladies of all ages are having a field day. Vintage stalls and festivals are in their prime with real fur being sold left, right and centre. A friend of mine bought a rabbit fur jacket for £15 - I must add my reaction was one of shock. Of course, this is all a case of personal preference.

Charities forcefully fighting the use of real fur including PETA set up a campaign using big name models announcing to the world that they are against the use of real fur with the slogan 'We'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur'. I'm sure this grabbed 99.9% of the male population, score! On a more serious level though, the release of this has had a hugely positive impact in the fashion world with real fur slowly vanishing from fashion weeks and fake fur rapidly becoming an ultimate must. Real fur momentarily became a craze of the past as fake fur sales rocketed.

Rocking another faux fur. You can still have that animal print look... without supporting murder of our furry friends! Check out your high-street faves for cruelty free chicness this A/W 2013.

However, our new found obsession with the fashions of the past has brought the debate back into the public eye and I have no doubt it will be everlasting. Real fur versus fake fur. Animals being killed versus animals kept alive. I know which one I'd pick. For me, wearing a rabbit has never been appealing.

***

Its funny because to be honest, before Erin contacted me, I didn't find the debate between faux and real fur to be a contemporary or relevant one for us today... Following the 'We'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur' campaign which Erin refers to, I just kind of thought it was universally decided that, yes, it's wrong and unnecessary to use real fur and no we won't do it anymore. However, our obsession with trends of years gone by has allowed real fur to sneak back into our fashion consciousness and leaves us questioning exactly where we stand... My opinion is the same as in my little introduction, but I'd be interested to see what my readers have to say about the topic... Would you buy a vintage fur? Would you wear it? If Chanel decided to use zebras to make coats (and you were a millionaire) would you buy one if it looked nice enough?

Thank you for reading and definitely go and check out Erin's blog here. She does some fabulous outfit posts and her hair and make-up are always perfection... GO FOLLOW! Haha :) Thank you Erin, you've been great and you're more than welcome to guest post again. I've really enjoyed working with you :)

If you're interested in guest posting for HauteFuture, please check out this link and send me an email.

Love

gabriellasofia

x 

Jewelry Review - QueenVictoriana

So today I'm writing a review I've been excited about for a while... I'm so excited because this is the first time I've received a freebie and been asked to write an impartial review about it.

QueenVictoriana is a vintage inspired jewelry line designed and created by University of Birminghams English student, Ellie Dobson. With an array of beautiful designs at reasonable prices ranging from £5 to £15, your unusual 'bling' is sure to catch the eye of most passers-by. I love this range especially because there are so many styles to choose from... Chunky pearl chainwith old watch parts making up the pendant? No problem. Skinny brass chain with a remarkably ornate key hanging low? Head to QueenVictoriana! Circus-themed heart-shaped locket on a gold chain with multi-coloured enamel? Ellie's got it!

I was invited to select a £5 item from the collections and I selected this beautiful bird-pendant hanging from a clear bead attached to a skinny no-nonsense chain. When I received the item it was lovingly placed into a white pouch which I'll be using to keep little bits and bobs in (probably for my random stud earrings or for any little gems I might be using for nail art or eye jewel tutorials!)

When I opened the pouch and emptied the cute little necklace into my hand, I had to admire it for a couple of seconds before putting it on. It's really quite simple... A bird hanging from a chain... But it was honestly so pretty I had to stop and look! Very cute indeed.

Just look how sweet it is!

What I especially love about this necklace is that it is so subtle and sweet, it doesn't draw too much attention to my cleavage (which is a big problem I have with any kind of hanging necklace as the pendant needs to be positioned in the right place so it doesn't look like it might get lost between my breasts!) Just check it out...

The design is so classy and sophisticated, but at the same time adds such an eclectic look to any outfit... That's what QueenVictoriana is all about! Being different without being tacky. That is something that I definitely think more young girls need to be aware of! I think it looks great with this Forever21 kimono, but it would look just as gorgeous with a plain black T-shirt. You've got to love versatile jewelry right?

So, to conclude I would say that QueenVictoriana is an excellent investment... The great thing about classic, vintage-inspired pieces is that they are timeless, they'll never go out of fashion because they've already survived numerous eras already and I don't see them going 'out' anytime soon. Also, if necklaces aren't quite your thing (firstly, what is your problem??? But secondly,) then check out the gorgeous brooches and earrings Ellie makes. They are just as striking and gorgeous, here are just a couple of examples;

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to QueenVictoriana now and treat yourself, your mother, your boyfriends mom, your friend and your grandma... Christmas is coming up and these pieces would put the 'WOW' into any party outfit! Plus, if you add HAUTEFUTURE10 at the checkout then you'll get an awesome 10% off!

Hope you like the review and be sure to come back and let me know what pieces you like or actually buy, I'd love to hear from you!

Love

gabriellasofia