Why you should buy (and keep) high street designer collaborations.

It’s easy to forget that 10 years ago the only way we could get a designer label on our backs was to max out our overdraft and credit card. But, with the help of some of our high street honeys, H&M, Topshop and Target (lucky Americans) are just some of the brands have helped the financially challenged get a piece of that designer pie, and thank the Fashion Gods for that!

If history has told us anything, is that these collaborations have proved that fashion is indeed a sport. From setting alarms, mapping out your game plan, pulling on a comfortable outfit, only to head outside the store meet your team and check out the competition (three hours before doors open). But all I can say, if my Lanvin Tulle Dress, Versace bracelet or Meadham Kirchhoff cardigan has got anything to do with it, these collabs are more than worth the hassle (and the bruising) when searching for investment pieces in your wardrobe.

As you could imagine I’ve experienced many a high street / designer collab in my time. Setting my alarm for some, hitting refresh for others, and scouring eBay for most. If I could give any tip to shoppers it would be to make a list of what you want, and if your smart, what I think will be cult like to sell on eBay afterwards. It’s something I never do and end up keeping forever in my collection, but a list does help as long as you have the willpower to stick to it. I’ve made it down to most of the store collaberations that caught my eye, but the one that got (geographically) away, was Meadham Kirchhoff for Topshop.

I remember the day it launched, candy-colored fuzziness, frills, glitter, pentagrams, ruffles, there was everything a ‘go big or go home’ girl could ever wish for in a collection. So when I found out it was only going to be in the London stores, my heart sank. I was going to have to depend on…THE INTERNET! Surfing bright and early, the only thing left in my size, on my list and within my budget was this glorious cardigan. It’s one of these pieces that I love it more and more as the hype fades. Even shoving it on over a pair of jeans and a polo completely sasses up the entire outfit, as does the rest of my collaboration purchases! Worn with other pieces from the collection can be a bit much, but keeping them for a rainy day meshed into your wardrobe can be a limited edition dream come true.

Cardigan – Meadham Kirchhoff for Topshop, Jeans – Topshop, Polo – Biba,

Bag – ASOS, Trainers – Converse

Of course Balmain for H&M is the next big collection on everyone’s lips, launching in just a few weeks time on November 5th. Balmain isn’t really my bag, but I am really eager to see the individual pieces to double check that there may be something that will work well for future me. What do you think? What has been your favourite high street designer collab purchase? Still thinking of that one that got away? Always, always try ebay and Depop. The internet is a truly wonderful thing!