Latest news with #TraceyLeaSayer
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Legendary high street chain teases ‘biblical' comeback in UK with ‘cryptic' posts sending millennials into meltdown
WHILE other outlets are pulling their shutters for the final time, one high street chain is set for a major comeback. The fashion retailer has teased a "biblical" comeback across the UK with a series of social media posts. 2 High street shoppers may see the return of a fan favourite very soon (stock image) Credit: PA While the "cryptic" online posts didn't confirm any exact details, fashion fans have shared their excitement over the potential return. The beloved shop has gone through a rollercoaster few years but now looks to be making a highly-anticipated comeback. Cryptic posts Topshop posted a picture of a store hanger on Instagram earlier this week. The beloved brand, which was purchased by Asos alongside Miss Selfridge in 2021, remained tight-lipped about the latest development. It simply captioned the post: "" The store's acquistion occurred after the collapse of its former owner Arcadia. After purchasing both fashion outlets for a combined £330 million, Asos sold 75% in Topshop to the Danish holding company Heartland. This deal, amounting to £135 million, also included a stake in Topshop's counterpart Topman. Topshop recently confirmed it plans to open up stores again this year. Michelle Wilson, MD at Topshop and Topman, told Drapers that the brand has something up its sleeve for August. Pull&Bear Opens New Flagship Store at Silverburn: Fashion Fans Celebrate in Glasgow! And with recent posts on the Topshop account hinting at a new development, this may not be far off. Recently, the brand posted a series of tennis balls with Topshop printed on them in preparation for the upcoming Wimbeldon final. "Game. Set. Topshop," the brand wrote in the caption of the cryptic post. High street return Topshop and Topman are set to return to the high street for autumn via a wholesale partner. 'We have something planned in August to bring Topshop back into real life again, with a more semi-permanent presence than the one-day pop-up,' the Managing Director said. Why the high street still rules! Fabulous' Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer shares her thoughts. I WAS 10 when I first discovered the utter joy of high-street shopping for clothes with my mum and nan. Going into town on Saturday became a family tradition – a girls' day out we would look forward to all week. My mum's favourite shop was M&S, where she would gaze at jackets with big shoulder pads and floral sundresses, while my nan would make a beeline for John Lewis and their classic coats and elegant court shoes. I was all over Tammy Girl – Etam's little sister – and Chelsea Girl, which was later rebranded to high-street fave River Island. I would spend hours in the changing rooms, watched keenly by my two cheerleaders, who gave the thumbs up – or thumbs down – on what I was trying on. Frilly ra-ra skirts, duster coats, polka dot leggings, puff balls, boob tubes… I tried them all, often making my nan howl with laughter. Fashion wasn't so fast back in the 1980s and every item was cherished and worn until it fell apart – literally – at the seams. At 18, I went to art college and my tastes became more refined. Extra cash from a part-time job in a bar meant I could move on to slightly more expensive stores, like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and the mecca that was Topshop. I knew at this point I wanted to work in fashion because the high street had totally seduced me. One day, I wrote an article for a competition in a glossy mag about my love of retail therapy and my favourite LBD – and I won! That led me to where I am today – Fashion Director of Fabulous. It's not just me that loves the high street – big-name designers are fans, too. When Cool Britannia hit in the '90s, they all turned up in one big store. Designers at Debenhams was a stroke of genius by Debenhams CEO Belinda Earl, designer Ben de Lisi and fashion director Spencer Hawken, who introduced diffusion ranges from John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Betty Jackson, to name a few. This meant we could all afford a bit of luxury and wear a well-known designer's signature style. Years later, I hosted a night with Debenhams and Fabulous for 250 readers, who were in awe meeting all the designers. It was a real career highlight for me. In 2004, H&M started rolling out their international designer collabs. Karl Lagerfeld was first, followed by Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Versace and many, many more. I could barely contain myself! Then in 2007, Kate Moss launched her first collection with Topshop, with thousands queuing along London's Oxford Street. I remember sitting behind Ms Moss and Topshop boss Philip Green at a London Fashion Week Topshop Unique catwalk show. I had my three-year-old daughter, Frankie, in tow and we both made the news the next day after we were papped behind Kate, my supermodel girl crush. At the time, the high street was on fire. Who needed designer buys when Mango stocked tin foil trousers just like the designer Isabel Marant ones and you could buy a bit of Barbara Hulanicki's legendary brand Biba from Topshop? High street stores even started to storm London Fashion week. Although Topshop Unique had shown collections since 2001, in 2013 River Island showed its first collection in collaboration with global superstar Rihanna, who was flown in by a friend of mine on a private jet. KER-CHING! A whole new generation of high profile high street collabs followed. Beyoncé created Ivy Park with Topshop's Philip Green and I even flew to LA for Fabulous to shoot the Kardashian sisters in their bodycon 'Kollection' for Dorothy Perkins. I am pleased to say they were the absolute dream cover stars. Fast forward to 2024 and while the high street doesn't look exactly like it did pre-Covid, it has made a gallant comeback. Stores like M&S, Reserved and Zara, and designer collabs like Victoria Beckham X Mango and Rochelle Humes for Next are giving me all the feels. The supermarkets have really come into their own, too, smashing it with gorgeous collections that look expensive, but at prices that still allow us to afford the weekly shop. The last 30 years of high street fashion have been one big adventure for me. Bring on the next 30! 'In the shorter term that will be something with partner support and in the longer term we will do something standalone." Wilson said she was "excited to see Topshop back in person" and said their collaboration "will surprise people". In April this year, Topshop launched a pop-up at Defected Records and shoppers went wild for it. They recorded a sale every three minutes, which Topshop bosses have said is proof that there is demand for the adored store. Wilson added that they aren't trying to "recreate" the Topshop that millions knew and loved. She explained that the clothing store will be given a 2025 makeover to allow it to compete with the current climate. Shopper reactions "This could be an Oasis level comeback!! Biblical," wrote one excited Instagram user. "As someone who used to work in Topshop, this is everything," agreed another person. "Desperately looking for clues…. Is this what we ALL are hoping for?!" commented a third fan. "Please god get back and save the high street shopping experience," pleaded another shopper. "The world is healing," joked another Topshop enthusiast.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a fashion editor – here's my eight style hacks for a perfect outfit including ‘rule-of-three'
SOME women look effortlessly stylish – but these queens of cool don't just roll out of bed into a show-stopping outfit. Fashion Director Tracey Lea Sayer shares the tips and tricks she applies to her own wardrobe, whatever the occasion. WE all know that the fashion rule book was scrapped years ago. Social media has taught us that anything goes style-wise as long as it makes you feel good. Individual style should be celebrated. What was it Coco Chanel said? 'Fashion changes but style remains.' After 30 years of working in fashion and having made some absolute howlers of my own, I can honestly say that when I stay true to my own individual style I look a million times better than when I am trying to copy someone else. So these are my style rules — for me! The ones I apply to my everyday wardrobe. I can't guarantee they will work for you but you might find a few tips to help you get ready a bit quicker in the morning. They are my go-to rules on days when I look in my wardrobe and think 'I have absolutely nothing to wear'. Try a few out and see if it gives you the style lift you need. 1. I use the rule of three when building an outfit, that's: one colour, one texture and one print. Three is the magic number that adds just enough interest to an outfit without it feeling OTT. 5 Viral TikTok Fashion Gadgets Tested So a block colour like butterscotch yellow, a ruffled blouse that adds texture, plus a hint of a print, like a snakeskin accessory, always works for me and makes me feel balanced. 2. Since turning 50, I've never worn shoes darker than my outfit. It works for other people but not for me. There is something about a summer look or a work suit with a heavy black shoe that makes me feel really dated or like I am working in security. My go-to is a cream loafer with a pair of wide-leg navy trousers and a white shirt or a snakeskin sandal with a chocolate brown suit. 3. As I've got older I only wear lighter colours around my face. If I had to choose one item of clothing I had to wear every day it would be a white, oversized shirt. It not only smooths out my wrinkles because it bounces light back at me, but it also makes me look clean, put-together and ready for anything. A white shirt is the easiest item to take from casual to smart, too. Wear it with jeans for the weekend, then add a suit for work. 5 4. Never wear uncomfortable clothes or tight shoes. As I have got older, I feel that comfort is key. I don't buy anything that squeezes me in or isn't easy to take on or off. Life is too short to not get naked quickly. 5. I like to find my three words or phrases of the season. They can be a colour, a decade or even a theme. This summer, mine are buttermilk, the Nineties and yacht-dwelling millionaire. These themes aren't so much trend-led as extensions of my style already. I had my colours done a few years back and can highly recommend it. I am a spring, which equals warm, bright and light colours. Buttermilk is a perfect spring colour and happens to be the colour of the season, too, so that one was a no-brainer. The Nineties still calls to me and has done for years, so a power suit with an Oxford stripe shirt is my workwear go-to. Then finally, the yacht-dwelling millionaire. In my fashion fantasy life I waft around in crisp white shirts, loud wide-leg Versace-esque trousers and lashings of (fake) gold jewellery, so that's ideal for summer style. Have fun picking yours. Hottest fashion trends of 2025 Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street. The East/West Bag Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber. In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder. They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too. Powder pink Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025. Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own. If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour. The shell jacket The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025. We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket. Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'. Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion! The turn-up jeans While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different. This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups. For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold. Peep-toe shoe Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event. After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style. From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street. Sheer blouses See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now. Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season. Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks. 6. Just like my diet, my outfit needs to be balanced, have contrasts and look good. I like to play with proportions. The crop of a jacket or the length of a pair of trousers can totally change the look. And no matter what they say, size doesn't matter! Wearing oversized high street items makes them look more expensive, so I tend to size up if I am s hopping on a budget. The clothes in my wardrobe range from a size 8-16. How you feel is the most important thing. 7. Mix it up. Have fun, experiment and try new things. Some of my best looks have come about by trying things that shouldn't work but unexpectedly do. A long tunic dress looks great over wide-leg trousers. An oversized bomber looks fab over an evening dress. And a simple scarf can be worn in so many ways — as a bandana, a neck tie, a belt, a hand bag accessory, a headband, a beach sarong. Try out a different look every time you wear it. 5 5 8. Finally, wear what sparks joy. Above all, clothes should make you feel happy. Everything I have in my wardrobe makes me smile. Whether that is a two-piece suit the colour of the pink panther, a bright yellow quilted coat that makes me feel like a ray of sunshine or a glam liquid-gold metallic two-piece that's as comfy as a pair of pyjamas. Now it's over to you to decide your own rules. And don't forget to break them once in a while.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
From starfish prints to shell embellishments, sea-inspired fashion is making fashion fun this summer
Hottest fashion trends of 2025 MARINE-inspired fashion is making waves on the high street. From fun lobster-embellished bags to seashell prints, the coastalcore trend has evolved for summer, and these ocean-inspired pieces are making us all want to book a holiday immediately. There's something for everyone, from fun printed dresses to seashell co-ords. And if you just want to dip your toe into the trend, this season's accessories have had the seaside treatment too - think chic crab bag charms and shell-shaped jewellery. Whether you're jetting off on your summer holiday, heading to the beach or want to wear the trend all year round, our fashion editors have picked out their favourite coastalcore pieces. Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director 3 There is something about going on holiday that turns me into a fashion magpie - I take lots of trinkets to adorn myself with when I am away. Seashells, starfish prints and faux coral all feature in my jewellery collection, and I am happy to say that this year's prints include lots of lovely marine life, too! I am a huge fan of Farm Rio, so I am thrilled that this cute dress has been reduced from £225 to £158 in the sale. I stalk this brand regularly and often buy it on Vinted to get a better price. Add in a pair of classic toe-loop TKees sandals and a cute crochet bag that I will add bag charms to, and all need now is to feel the sand between my toes! Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor I'm all for summer dressing, and nothing screams summer holiday quite like a seashell or starfish piece of clothing. I've headed to the supermarket for this shirt, for just £18 from Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's, and you can get matching trousers if you want the co-ord look. The orange/red colour reminds me of sunsets and would look perfect on the beach. I've teamed it with cream trousers, a raffia bag, gold earrings and a pair of flat sandals. And with the heatwave we're currently enjoying, this is the perfect cooling look for the scorchio days in the UK, too. Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant 3 I have a pretty neutral wardrobe, so I'm loving the shell prints that are currently taking over the high street. After my seasonal wardrobe clearout last weekend, I'm trying to be more mindful when investing in trend-led pieces. This shell-embellished skirt is a splurge at £249, but I know it will work beyond this holiday look, and I can style it for party season, too. Plus, it'll never really go out of style, so it will stay in my wardrobe for years to come. Here, I've teamed it with the matching tee, which will be a staple go-to all summer, some gold sandals and a gorgeous beaded bag from NA-KD. If you're looking for fun holiday jewellery, Parfois has some great affordable options, like this shell choker necklace, that finishes off this look nicely. Hottest fashion trends of 2025 Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street. The East/West Bag Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber. In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder. They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too. Powder pink Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025. Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own. If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour. The shell jacket The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025. We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket. Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'. Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion! The turn-up jeans While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different. This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups. For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold. Peep-toe shoe Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event. After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style. From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street. Sheer blouses See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now. Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season. Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.
The Irish Sun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm a mum & Primark has become too expensive – here's the supermarket where I got almost 40 items for less than £80
AS prices are skyrocketing, millions of cash-strapped parents are looking for ways to slash costs wherever possible. A few years ago, many would've popped inside Advertisement 2 One cash-savvy mum revealed where she bagged a mega pile of cheap kids clothing for less than £80 Credit: tiktok/@loobyluckey 2 The thrifty mum gave the supermarket a go after dubbing Primark 'so expensive' Credit: tiktok/@loobyluckey But over the last few months, furious ' Another commented on the frock: 'Primark isn't Primarking any more.' One former customer, mum-of-five and Advertisement read more on shopping The Ahead of the The mega supermarket has long been a firm favourite for During her trip to the store, the money-smart TikToker nabbed a total of 14 pairs of shorts, 14 summery tops, as well as five pairs of colourful leggings. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive The monster haul, which came to just £79, also included six sets of adorable pyjamas that her kids are sure to love. Sharing the jaw-dropping finds, the mum said in Primark's mini dress is a copy of a £135 designer version - it'll give you a gorgeous hourglass figure & perfect for date night ''So instead of going there, I went to ASDA instead. ''I got the girls a pack of shorts each, all seven of them cost me about £8. Advertisement ''So that was 14 pairs of shorts for about £16.'' How Asda has upped it's game By Fabulous' Fashion Director Tracey Lea Sayer Take a whizz round the aisles in Asda it is hard not to notice how good the George at Asda clothing range is at the minute. Add into the mix their recent collaboration with fashion designer Roksanda, celebrating 40 years of London Fashion Week, which is full of the designer's signature colour blocking dresses, oversized Borg fleeces and bold stripe co-ords, it is easy to see why the brand is on fire! All proceeds from the range go to The British Fashion Council to help promote young designers, so a win win! There also seems to be a return to quality in the clothing range. 'Style Stories' with fashion influencer Erica Davies is a capsule collection of Autumn must-haves which delivered not only on style, but on great pocket friendly prices starting from £7. Gorgeous quilted jackets, slogan sweats and a chocolate faux sheepskin flying jacket are among my faves. Plus, George at Asda has just been crowned with the Best Kidswear in our Fabulous Fashion awards voted for by the Fabulous readers. Click to buy enables you to shop the whole range online or you can just have a browse while you do the weekly shop. You are welcome! The bargain haul also included gorgeous summery vests that cost the mum just £12 for five - or just £2.40 each - as well as two Moana T-shirts slashed to just £4 on sale. Not only this, but the ''I thought I did really well. The whole hail cost me £79 and I definitely feel I got more clothes from ASDA than I would've got from Primark.'' Advertisement Raving about the affordable collection, the mum went on in the comments under It's not just the thrifty mum pleased with the retailer's clothing range - heaps of other fans flooded to comments to praise the supermarket. One customer wrote: ''George clothing washes so well and they are great sizing.'' Another mum chimed in: ''I swear by Asda and Sainsbury's clothes for my son. Great sizing , quality and doesn't cost the earth.'' Advertisement
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I've been desperate for a pair of £85 mesh jelly shoes for summer – I found the EXACT dupe for a tenner
THEY'RE one of the most divisive fashion trends to have made a comeback this year. But one stylish woman who was delighted by the re-emergence of jelly shoes had set her sights on a pair of ballet-style mesh jelly flats. 6 Abby was thrilled when she found this £10 pair of mesh jelly flats at Asda Credit: TikTok/@abbybella3 6 She has had these £85 ones on her Net-a-Porter wishlist but they've been out of stock for months Credit: TikTok/@abbybella3 6 So she was thrilled when she came across this amazing dupe on a random Asda run Credit: TikTok/@abbybella3 6 The Iro shoes will set you back a whopping £85 - and the Asda ones are virtually identical Credit: The only problem? They were £85 and out of stock. So Abby was thrilled when she popped into her local Asda and came across an almost exact copy of the Iro shoes, for just £10. She took to TikTok to share her find, as she began her video: "I need to show you girls what I've just bought. "I am so happy with them. "You girls are all going to be like, what the f**k has she bought now?" Even Abby's pal "ripped the s**t" out of her when she told her she liked the shoes, but she insisted she has "so many ways" in her head to style them up. And while she's had the designer footwear on her Net-a-Porter wish list for months, but they've "been out of stock for the longest time". "They're £85, which I know is so ridiculous for a pair of jelly shoes, but I just love them," she said. She then delightedly held up the Asda ones. "They look identical to the ones from Net-a-Porter, but they're not £85, they were £10!"she gushed. Fashion fans are running to Asda for 'amazing value' holiday jewellery - including must-have £3.50 claw clips "I'm so happy with them. I know you're all thinking, 'Yuck, they're hideous'. "You wait until you see me style them because you're all going to change your mind, I promise you!" Asda's version also come in different colours - including pink, orange, green and black - just like the Iro ones. "Asda pulling through again," Abby captioned her video. And, somewhat surprisingly, the comments section was almost immediately filled with people praising Abby for the find. "OMG I love them! You make my day darling! You are also a bad influence on me," one laughed. How Asda has upped it's game By Fabulous' Fashion Director Tracey Lea Sayer Take a whizz round the aisles in Asda it is hard not to notice how good the George at Asda clothing range is at the minute. Add into the mix their recent collaboration with fashion designer Roksanda, celebrating 40 years of London Fashion Week, which is full of the designer's signature colour blocking dresses, oversized Borg fleeces and bold stripe co-ords, it is easy to see why the brand is on fire! All proceeds from the range go to The British Fashion Council to help promote young designers, so a win win! There also seems to be a return to quality in the clothing range. 'Style Stories' with fashion influencer Erica Davies is a capsule collection of Autumn must-haves which delivered not only on style, but on great pocket friendly prices starting from £7. Gorgeous quilted jackets, slogan sweats and a chocolate faux sheepskin flying jacket are among my faves. Plus, George at Asda has just been crowned with the Best Kidswear in our Fabulous Fashion awards voted for by the Fabulous readers. Click to buy enables you to shop the whole range online or you can just have a browse while you do the weekly shop. You are welcome! "Love them, I had something similar 35 years ago when I was 10," another said, adding "on my way to Asda!" "I have a gold sparkly pair of these from Primark from about 15 years ago- will get them out of the loft!!!" a third remarked. "I used to wear those in the 80's with my jelly bag," someone else remembered. "They blistered the hell out of my feet. Love them though!" "I absolutely love them," another agreed. "Can't wait to see you style them and love love love the fact they're clear." "I'm running to Asda for Orange ones if they've got them cos WOW!" someone else exclaimed. Not everyone was on board with the trend though. "I fear only you could pull these off... my ugly toes in them," one wrote. As another insisted: "My feet could never!" 6 She also picked up this gorgeous fruit-print vest top in the store Credit: TikTok/@abbybella3
