Muted Tones

Who do you think you are?

It wouldn't be a standard blog post if I didn't have a rant about something or have a view. In fact, it would probably be a very boring blog altogether if I didn't give my opinion.
So, I will begin (brace yourselves)... Who do Topshop think they are!? Obviously, I know they are a high-street clothes shop, but lately I have started to wonder if they know that any more? My rant/opinion like many of my previous posts has come as a result of a personal experience. This particular post has come after spending many hours yesterday 'screen shopping' (the internet version of window shopping) and after searching for Christmas gifts for my girlfriends I decided on the rational, two for them, one for me. Which, I think, is a perfect Christmas present ratio. After deciding on a treat in the form of a bag I started to browse Topshop's many lovely offerings until I came across bag costing... £700!? After checking I had my contact lenses in right I re-read the price again. 'Yeap' to my shock I had read it right! Yes, the bag is part of the 'Unique collection' and has been featured on the Topshop runway, but that doesn't mean its any good. Like I have said in many of my blog posts I am not naive, I recognise that fashion is a business, but since when did Topshop begin to neglect there 'bread and butter' customers and start to think they are in the same league as more established brands such as Mulberry, which has the heritage, and therefore, the credentials to charge that? I understand that Topshop employ designers, but I feel I would be more likely (if I could afford to) to buy something from a 'virgining' talent than a massive company with faceless designers. I know that is quite hypocritical of me as I do happily buy pieces from Topshop's lower price bracket, but that's the nature of highstreet fashion. I feel with £700 sorts of prices they are playing with 'the big boys', the luxury brands who have 'covertable' pieces, and again, I am not discrediting the designers who work there, more the cheek of Topshop to think they can demand that sort of money. Maybe, its the way the items are placed on the website with all the other handbags? Maybe there should be a high end page, or a separate website altogether to make the item feel more luxurious and worth the money? I also think it speaks volumes when there is a no reviews on a piece. Don't get me wrong, I love Topshop and I love the high-end feeling you  
get from some of their pieces. I also really love the aesthetics of their ad campaigns, but I feel they should remember first and foremost they are a high street store. There is nothing wrong with striving, but perhaps I would respect the expensive pieces more if they gave the designers name on each piece. I sort of feel like 'unique' is such a general and 'blah' way to describe some seriously talented people. Maybe I am letting my inner hippy out and I am trying to 'stick it to the man' as I feel Topshop are sort of sucking designers and their creativity up and spitting them out. Perhaps I am totally wrong (it wouldn't be the first time), maybe Topshop is nurturing designers and giving them a valuable platform they never would of had? Or maybe its just a business and if your shit sells you don't need a name. Does it just boil down to money? What do you think about High-street stores charging High-end prices? Finally and totally unrelated to the  post here is WIWT. 
Hollie x

Coat-Reiss

Jumper- TK Maxx

Shorts- Zara

Boots- Topshop

Jubilee Style

Its nearly the Diamond Jubilee so I thought I would fly the English flag and wear an outfit wholly made up of the British high street.
Enjoy the Pics
Holly x    

Dress-Marks and Spencers

Hat- Topshop

Bag-Topshop

Shoes- Reiss