Wardrobe Renewal for the Cold Weather - Winter Fashion Haul | Shop2Today

Hello lovelies!

As you probably already know, I stopped buying so much excessive stuff as I used to where I once did hauls practically every week, whether that was beauty, makeup or fashion related. I came to a point where I just was tired of this constant need of buying new things that I don't even use enough as I would like or need to!

I returned to work (from 2 years maternity leave) this past May and as I work as a sales assistant in a big fashion retailer, it's hard to resist all the good deals and employee discounts that we have! I have been buying more for my little one than for myself, but, for this fall season, I picked some new bits to add to my existing wardrobe, just to spice things up a bit! 

These were all a 70% off deals so I thought I'd get them because those are pieces that I'll probably wear a lot! Plus, it's hard to resist a bit of good shopping!

Here is my haul in photos:

These lovely pants were on my wishlist! I just love them, they're wide leg, ankle length and quite high waisted.

This black checked flannel shirt is a bit oversized and I got it in XS (34 EU), but I often wear it unbottoned with a cute tee underneath. It looks great with jeans or leggings.

This warm and cozy knit mock turtleneck sweater is actually from the men's section! I got it for less than €4 (on super sale!) It's very warm and ideal for those upcoming winter days; I also love the color!

This patterned jacket is super nice and when I saw that it went on sale, I decided to get it! I wear it a lot to work.

This oversized, light striped sweater is a must in everyone's wardrobe, as you can combine it with so many things.

Another super cozy and warm item for the upcoming winter! I love to wear the color grey and I like how this cardigan is super soft! It was also on sale, which made my decision to purchase it easier.

This lovely, wide-cut lace dress is just fab! Burgundy is definitely the color of the season and these sold out like crazy! I was able to get my hands on it (the price was also super affordable) and I'll be wearing it a lot for work! I like to be fashionable at work and I think it's nice to dress up when you're working with customers, as they often get inspired by your style!

Sometimes, the temptation of buying some new bits is very big, but there are times when we're a little strapped for cash... :-/ However there is a way to spread the cost on desired items! There is even a way for you to even buy now and pay later.

With shop2day you can find the best solution for you, based on your finances so you can pay back what you've borrowed in monthly or weekly installments. 

They'll compare for you the UK's most popular online catalogues and stores that offer finance options to their customers. Isn't that exciting?

Some of you may find that you prefer not to buy clothes on credit, but when it comes to electricals, furniture and appliances, it's a different story!

Buying those categories can be a challenging task as prices can be quite high and the selection of styles, colours and fabrics is so big that it makes it hard to choose from. 

Sometimes we don't even have time to explore all the options and visit all the stores, so online option and checking out what catalogues offer, seems like such a great idea! The fact that there is option for you to buy electricals, furniture or appliances on finance using a pay later payment plan from an online catalogue, makes the things much easier.

Let me know what is your fave thing  from this haul? Have you also already added some bits to your fall wardrobe? How do you manage your finances when it comes to shopping and have you ever used shop2day's services?

* in collaboration with shop2day

Come thrifting with me in Italy & meet my friends! (& Thrift Store Haul!)

Hello guys!

Most of you already know, I just love thrifting! I'm kind of addicted to it actually, it's always very exciting as you never know what "treasure" you may find...

I discovered the pleasures of thrifting when I was living in the UK; for a while I actually worked at Pdsa charity shop in West Ealing, London, and that was such an unforgettable experience that has really opened my mind towards thrifting and second hand stores!

I still have some of the things I bought at Pdsa store, such as my boyfriend fit Replay jeans, Fendi bag and other super cool items (branded and not!).

Most of those things were actually brand new when I bought them, and I paid just a fraction of the price for them! How amazing is that??

Anyway, I'm super glad that I found this cool charity shop here in Italy, close to where I live, so I even got my friends addicted to it! haha

In one of my recent visits to my favourite thrift store, I took my photo camera with me, and vlogged this little adventure ;)

I also presented my two dear friends, Raffa and Stefanka, and we even managed to film a quick OOTD segment for you guys!

So I hope you're going to enjoy watching this vlog:

By the time we finished thrifting, it was super dark outside, so we couldn't film our haul immediately that day, but I did get to show you everything that I bought, in another video, that I named:

Thrift Store Haul: Winter Fashion & Easy Thrifting Guide!

A few useful tips for easy thrifting:

1. Dress in layers, and preferably wear leggings. Many thrift stores won't have fitting rooms, so it's easier to see if the clothing item actually fits you, by trying it on, on top of your leggings, or a basic T-shirt/cami.

2. Wear a cross body/messenger bag because it'll make browsing through the clothes much easier for you.

3. Wear your hair in a loose ponytail, or a simple braid (especially in winter time)...updos and voluminous buns are a no-no, if you think of trying on hats and beanies (lessoned learned! ha!)

4. Don't dress up for thrifting, wear a simple style clothes. Some charity stores aren't the safest places (once I had my umbrella stollen at a thrift store! ugh!!)

Also, some places offer bargains and very cheep clothes, but they might raise the price of the items when you ask for it, if they see you're all fancy & dressed up...because they may think you're wealthy and can afford paying a little extra! (apparences can many time fool people!)

I have to say I was super happy with the things I found this time!

It was a very, very successful thrifting spree!

I think, with this thrift store haul, I'm now all set for the Winter season :) Yes, it was that good!

I also found a lot of brand new items, overall, I returned home with 2 gigantic bags full of clothes!

So make sure to check out my haul video, because I showed you all the items I got & I also tried them on, so you can see how they look like on! :)

Before I go, I'd like to ask you a question:

Do you like thrifting?

What was your best purchase ever from a thrift store?

We can continue to chat about thrifting on my facebook or twitter! :)

Kiss from Italy,

xo, S.

Winter Fashion Haul! Preparing My Wardrobe For The Cold Months!

Hello beauties!

I have another fashion haul for you :)

Hopefully you'll enjoy watching this one!

It's getting colder here in Italy day by day, and I was trying to prepare my wardrobe for the arrival of the cold winter months! (ughh!)

I'm definitely a summer girl, and I can handle fall (I even have fun with layering!), but when the winter arrives, it always leaves me puzzled in terms of what to wear to stay warm, but stylish...all these layers & layers of clothes sometimes make me feel (and look?) like a penguin! lol!

So this haul is all about knitwear, warm materials, cozy clothing items & footwear, and of course, a girl needs to accessorize too, so I threw in a few new accessories finds too!

You can watch my winter fashion haul, here:

I got most of the items from H&M, but I do have some nice things from Stradivarius, Terranova and some local italian stores, such as Natura House...

Accessories...

Peter Pan spiked collar! This will embellish any simple sweater :)
Earrings from H&M, great for completing your styling & dressing it up!

 Footwear love <3

Suede like ballet flats from my local supermarket!
Found this crazy offer, they were reduced to 2€ a pair!

Burgundy colour is my colour for this season!
I just love these suede booties from Promod.
They have a bit of a heal, a chunky one, so they're actually really comfy even for long hours at work!

Nordic print booties from Natura House.
The brand that makes these is "Red Girls"
Haven't seen these anywhere else, but in Natura House shop.
They store pretty original things there, that's why I love it!

Brown studded booties...are a must!
Here in Italy, everybody has a pair! :)

Warm winter accessories...

Cute beanies & mittens from H&M
I love this green colour!

Infinity scarf with pom-poms, 100% pure cashmere scarf (in beautiful burgudy colour, another awesome find at H&M!),
last but not least, a scarf from Natura House (loving these fallish colours!)

Cute legwarmers from H&M!
Every Autumn & Winter season legwarmers are my must have!

Other H&M finds...

Cozy cotton basics at 9.95€
This is great layering piece.

These high-waisted skinny pants are very flattering because they'll tuck in your tummy & hug
your curves perfectly!
I love them in burgundy, but this model also comes in a variety of different colours!
At only 9.95€, these are a must!
Check out your local H&M stores for these pants :)

One dressy top, not too warm, but it's going to be perfect for the upcoming festive season :)
I'd style it with black or burgundy colour leather pants! :)
...and some heels!

I just love the way this sweater has been knitted.
I already featured it in my OOTD video HERE!

Long, neutral colour cardigan, great for layering!
I love the way it's been knitted, in a braids pattern, and the shiny threads that it has :)

"Lana del Rey" pink sweater. :)
This one is so warm, soft & cozy!
And I love the pop of this baby pink colour for the colder months!

Lana del Rey wearing "my" pink sweater, in the H&M 2012. Fall Fashion Campaign
I did a make up tutorial on her look on my Sonia Verardo (english) channel.

You can check out Lana del Rey H&M Fall 2012. Fashion Campaign  (Make Up) HERE!

Overzised sweater, to wear with leggings or jeggings!

White sweater with a zipper details...Originally I went for the size L as I wanted to wear it with leggings, or jeggings, but it stretched out so badly that I had to return it and exchange it for the size S.
Now it fits so much better!
See my OOTD wearing this sweater HERE!

 Other stores...Stradivarius, Natura House, Terranova...

A denim shirt is, all year round, a wardrobe must -have!
I just love this one, embellished with golden metal studs on the collar :)
Also cute for layering, as the studded collar pops out underneath your sweater :)

Nordic print leggings!
I've been on a look-out for a pair (or two, ahem!) of nordic print leggings the whole past winter, but couldn't find any in the local italian (or croatian, for that matter) stores!
It seemed an impossible mission!
Finally, this season, they have arrived to our stores here in Italy: I found this cute pair at Natura House shop!
<3333 them!!!
You can see how I styled them HERE!

Another pair of nordic print leggings (grey & white combo), I found at Terranova (italian fashion brand/store) in Croatia!
These are a bit lighter material than the other ones, but still very winter-yyy :)
Can't wait to wear them and style them into an outfit!
I was thinking, with an oversized grey (or white?) sweater....

This was my haul!

I hope this kept you entertained & gave you inspiration as to what are you going to buy this season to update & prepare your wardrobe for the cold winter months!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Kissss from Italy,

xoxo, S.

Please take a moment to vote for me in Starcentral's magazine FASHIONISTA OF THE MONTH Poll! It really means a lot!

You can vote for me every day :)The contest is open until November, 21st. 2012.

Thank you so much!!! 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR ME (AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE)!

♥

Fashion Haul: Pull & Bear, Bershka, Accessorize, Zara!

Hello dolls!

First of all, Happy San Valentine's Day!!!

♥♥♥

I hope you're all having an amazing day, spending it with your loved ones & eating tons of sweets ;)

Moving on to my fashion haul...

...(the winter sales are still going on, so I just can't stop myself! lol)

I have divided my fashion haul into a two parts, videos: The first part is where I'm showing you the clothes/accessories that I bought, and in the second part I'm quickly "modelling" my newest purchases!

You can check out my video to see all the things that I got during my recent shopping spree at Bershka, Zara, Accessorize, Pull & Bear...where else? lol I lost track of the fashion stores that I visited...

(hit the play button bellow to watch my video!)

My purchases from:

I love aztec print!
It's one of the big trends for the upcoming season!
I got this cardigan on sale for 9.99€

Color blocking (orange/yellow) leather bag!
This was such a steal!
Originally 49.99€, I got it for only 9.99€
Again, a great purchase for the upcoming season, as this bag can really easily pass for a new collection, and not the item I got on sales!

Razor back, black top with sparkly metallic threads.
Great for every day, or going out!
Also, a great layering piece!

 My purchases from:

Oversized, dark blue top with cut-out details at the sleeves!

Golden, oversized top.
Very sparkly & glam :)

My purchases from:

Cute ear muffs, mittens & scarf that will keep me warm in these, still very cold winter days!

What I got at:

This faux fur jacket has been on my wish-list for the entire winter season!

I got it in a size S
Reduced from 79.95€ to 29.99€, I consider it a good deal ;)

I was most excited with this faux fur gilet!
I've set my eyes on it ever since the beginning of the winter season.
Olivia Palermo wore this gilet in one of her super stylish outfits!

Original price 49.95€, but it arrived in my store only for the sales (!!!) at 19.99€
I was happy the day I bought it... ;)

Cute black, quite sheer, "Peter Pan" collar top!

Zara's new collection is all about blouses & tops with "Peter Pan" collars, so I was lucky to get this one on sales!
It was actually the only one left!

Cute & warm knitted cardigan, great for layering over a plain basic T-shirt!

Extra long & warm scarf with golden threads.
I find it beautiful & I wear it all the time!

I got it for 9.99€, original price was around 30€ (quite expensive!!!)

Here you can check out the part two of this video (where I quickly model the clothes that I showed you in my haul)!

Hope you enjoyed my haul & that you found it inspiring!

If you hurry up, you can probably still find some of these items on sales!

Have a beautiful day!

xoxo Sonja