Mar 20, 20182 min read

A Gucci look with a little help from the High Street

I don't really remember when I was infected with Gucci fever, but I've been battling with it for over 20 years. It comes in waves, with highs and lows, and some really intense periods of painful desire and clouded judgement. I have been known to awake from a cloud of disorientation surrounded by shoes , bags, clothes all with a Gucci influence, and sometimes it's so bad, that I awake with a beautiful paper bag, ribbons, gift box, and a new handbag or new pair of shoes and instant regret and unconditional love all at the same time. On a serious note though, while I have so much love for my favourite designer brand, I equally have huge love for the high street.

My number one choice for clothing is the high street. From the prices to size ranges, to catwalk inspired fashion to dependable basics, we are pretty spoiled for choice in the UK and Ireland. We have the best homegrown brands like Topshop, River Island, and of course Primark, and also have our pick of Europe's finest shops like H&M, Zara and Mango, not to mention everyone's favourite online retailer ASOS. I love to have as much newness as possible in my wardrobe, and fall in love with new fashion at the drop of a hat, so i'm not one to pay designer price points for my clothes, as I would never have enough money to support my shopping habits. That being said, I am partial to a designer handbag splurge, and my birthday and Christmas is the time of year when my wishlist gets silly.

A month or so ago, I spied this delightfully Gucci inspired cardigan from Zara, which I snapped up straight away. It is a really good quality knit, and has some thoughtful details such as the pearl buttons and patch pockets. It's one of those cardigans that can be easily dressed up with a pair of heels for a smarter look, or with a pair of trainers for a weekend relaxed outfit. At the moment it probably works best under a coat, but once the weather decides to give in to Spring, the cardigan is thick enough to act as a "coatigan".

I paired this Gucci dupe with my new favourite Gucci red Ophidia birthday bag. It's in a delectable red suede, has black patent trim, gold hardware, chain strap and a dark blue and red Gucci ribbon down the centre. This is the medium size, which has a slightly longer strap allowing it to be comfortably worn cross body. On my feet are some Mango courts in a black textured fabric, with a square toe. The heel height on this is around 2.5 inches and is super comfy, definitely something you can wear all day. I added my favourite Madewell jeans which I've customised by chopping off the hem, to balance out the outfit and add a touch of casualness.