Topshop Scandal

Yesterday was a sunny day so my flatmate and I decided to go shopping in town. When walking past Topshop, we noticed a lot of security and a crowd of people handing out flyers titled "REINSTATE THE TOPSHOP TWO". For those of you that know me... I can be a bit of a loudmouth and was intrigued by the flyers; so we approached one of the people handing them out. We soon discovered that the 'Topshop Two", Carolina and Susana were cleaners in Topshop's flagship store on London's Oxford Street, but were suspended and then ultimately sacked for joining a trade union and demanding a living wage. 

At first I thought this story couldn't be true because of Topshop's reputation, it seems to be such an established company and as they are so successful I thought that they would be a great company to work for and would want the best for their employees... but clearly I was wrong!! 

Photo Credit - Google Images

The pair were receiving 'poverty wages' which was being managed by the Britannia Services Group (this is the company that are responsible for the contracts of cleaning staff at Topshop). It has been released that Topshop is well aware of the misconduct that Britannia is getting away with but are turning a blind eye... How are people supposed to support themselves on lower than the minimum wage?! After speaking to the man who handed us the flyer, I came home and took it upon myself to research more into this issue because I was in such shock.

When researching, I found out that this issue arose in 2011 and single mother Susana, was a cleaner at Topshop for over 6 years. Stress and anxiety resulted in her having months off work but she remained working under those pay conditions because her job was the only source of income and as a mother of three she relied on her wages. According to the Guardian, Britannia said they could not discuss personnel issues with the press due to data protection and privacy laws... Personally, I believe this is not a good enough response. 

"Susanas online petition currently has more than 32,500 signatures" (the Guardian, 2016)

I support the Topshop Two and hope they get the justice they deserve! Rant over!!

Pleats Please - Issey Miyake

I could spend all day in Selfridges, it is one of my favourite places to visit when in Central London and I can guarantee that my day will end browsing around the high end/boutique floor! Although the clothes are mega expensive and looking around this area can be very depressing when you are a student, this always gives me extra drive to do well in life because when i'm older, I WILL be owning these clothes!! The brand that i immediately go to look at is "Self Portrait", this has been my favourite brand for a while (as you can see from my profile picture - I am wearing one of their dresses from last season!) but it becoming well known and i like discovering brands or collections that not many people have heard of. 

During my recent visit at Selfridges, my aim was to find something original and unique that I hadn't seen in every mass market shop because to be quite honest, i'm getting bored of the high street stores! Issey Miyake's style has always caught my attention but when I saw the current collection featured in Selfridges, "Pleats Please", I fell in love. This collection includes clothing that is made completely from pleats and although this sounds bit boring, the amount of work that has been put into making each garment is crazy! Each item looks so elegant and the fabrics are so luxurious. Below are a few of my favourite items from the collection:

Photo Credit - selfridges.com

Photo Credit - Chloe Ferdinand
After the discovery of "Pleats Please", I was on a mission to find a cheaper version of something similar to Issey Miyake's style. At first this seemed a difficult task because at the moment, a lot of stores are stocking up for party season so there are lots of beads and sequins around. But, with determination, I found a black pleated dress from the boutique section in Topshop similar to the items above!!

Dress - Topshop, Shoes - Zara

Don't feel like you always have to start with high street brands because thats within your budget, get some inspiration from other places and create your own designer outfit.

Designer clothing is not impossible to own,  just find an alternative... 
until you can afford the real thing!