Dear Santa (My Dream Christmas List)

Black Friday: Why?

An American tradition, on the following Friday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday marks the shopping frenzy that becomes when prices are discounted, and essentially starts off the Christmas shopping season. Sounds harmless, but with it becoming known for it's trampling of shoppers, even shootings, what is the point? All of this for a bargain? And why now, has it been adopted by the UK?

Asda, of all places.

Shopping Savvy

Daily I get frustrated by the frivolous purchases that some students (or low income buddies) make. Hoards of on-trend clothing from Primark; pieces that will only see the light of day for the week that they are fashionable, or will fall apart mid-twerk at the student union. I don't have a job, my income is solely from student loan. The only other income I have is anything I can tear myself away from and sell on eBay. I will be very open and say that I pay £400 a month for my flat in London, not including bills. I pretty much support myself fully, bar the time my (lovely, generous) boyfriend had to help me out financially because I worked for free for two months during the summer. Yet I have a wardrobe full to the brim (and I mean to the brim, plus three large drawers dedicated to yours truly) with amazing clothing. How, you ask? I think it's about time I share my shopping savvy with you!

Shopping Mecca

There's plenty of new arrivals this year for acclaimed shopping streets Regent Street and Conduit Street.  The first J Crew outside of North America is set to be placed on Regent St this year, being a favourite of Michelle Obama and a very fashion-forward, casual brand. It will be located on 165 Regent Street, previously home to Burberry. It will be interesting to see the reception that this American brand receives in a very British street. The CEO says "If you can't make it there, you can't make it anywhere".

Another exciting store opening is Dior on Conduit Street. There is a lot of buzz behind this new addition due to the sheer volume of rent to be paid! For ten years lease on the 3,300sq feet, Dior will pay £308,500 a year, which is the highest rent to date on the street. It is expected that many other luxury brands will follow suit, and Conduit Street will soon become another well-known shopping location.