Zara Sale Bargains // AW13 Prep

On a recent trip to the Metro Centre, I decided to have a rifle through the Zara sale. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much as the sale launched a fair few weeks ago and I thought that I'd only find the unwanted left-behind clothes as is usually the case with big highstreet sales. Luckily I couldn't have been more wrong!

About 3/4 of the store was made up of rails of sale clothes, with only a small section dedicated to their new collection, which made for a very happy Holly. 

It really must have looked like a scene from Confessions of a Shopaholic as I stumbled towards the fitting rooms with handfuls of hangers as well as various garments slung over my shoulders...

I left the shop with four fantastic bargains - it would have been more if payday hadn't been so bloody far away! - and all four will be perfect for the fast-approaching Autumn/Winter (sorry, I know we're still basking in an uncharacteristically hot Summer here in England, but I do love A/W fashion!). In honour of these beautiful clothes, I decided to try something different with my outfit photos involving a DIY camera stand made of boxes, books and DVDs, and the beginning of a fling with my camera's self-timer.. I know the background isn't exactly professional (hello Ian Somerhalder calendar making an appearance in the corner) but I'm hoping you'll overlook that as it is my first attempt at this style of outfit post :)

Jumper: £7.99 from £19.99

I love this chunky cable knit jumper, I can't believe it cost me less than £8! It is such amazing quality, it's quite heavy which makes it feel even more luxurious and expensive. I think this will be the perfect cosy jumper for Winter and will look great with leggings, jeans or even denim shorts and boots in Autumn/Spring when the weather is at that in-between stage.

Jumper: £9.99 from £35.99

This black jumper with 3/4 length sleeves is such a stand-out piece for AW13 as the colourful floral cross stitch pattern is so eyecatching. I think this will look great worn on top of a shirt or blouse with the collar popping out or paired with a gold statement necklace. I'm sure I'll get a lot of wear out of this at university when the cold, wet weather inevitably returns to Newcastle. It'll be nice to wear something bright, cheerful and festive to improve my mood!

Jumper: £7.99 from £25.99
(Disco Pants: River Island  //  Boots: New Look)

For the past few Winters, I have been in search of the perfect slouchy oversized jumper. I am a massive fan of the slouchy casual look, I just think it looks undone and carefree yet stylish and feminine - a perfect combination. I spotted this mononchrome stiped jumper in a size L and thought it might be exactly what I was looking for - and it really is! I love this jumper off the shoulder with the baggy sleeves rolled up for an almost jumper-dress look. I would pair this with leggings or disco pants and boots as above for a casual daytime outfit.

Trousers: £12.99 from £39.99

These trousers are not something I would usually go for, but I'm so glad I tried them on as I am totally in love with them now. They are camel coloured with black stripe detailing down the sides and an ankle cuff with gold stud fastening gives them a more dressy feel, though these could be styled for day or night. I love these paired with my black and gold ankle strap sandals from New Look and a black cami top. These trousers are the perfect style update for my wardrobe and I know I'll have fun styling them in different ways.

So, not only have I picked up some great bargains to carry me through to next season, but I've learned my lesson - don't write off sales after the first few weeks as there are still some beautiful pieces hiding away, you just have to brave the messy rails and tables piled high with jumpers to find them, but it's 100% worth it when you walk out with reasonably priced, on-trend items that you're really happy with!

What do you think of these Zara sale picks? 
Should I continue to take my outfit photos this way?

Holly xo