Primark Special Part 1-Fabulous Accessories at Joyous Prices !

Yesterday I had an hour to kill in Town. I wandered into Primark and had a good root around the Accessories Department . I was both amazed and delighted. Within minutes I had to scurry off to the nearest till point and get myself not one, but two, shopping baskets ! I was in my element- my eyes ,then hands could not move fast enough to grab the, frankly amazing, bargains ! 

Honestly, once you can see past the initially off putting collection of truly awful stuff- the pink flamingo glasses a la Elton John early 80's- actually tbh I liked them in a Katy Perry way (30 years too late I hear you cry), the garish, bejewelled hair grabs ( who buys those pixie sized ones and what the h*** for?) , the handbags with corners so sharp they could take your eye out- you will discover some great additions to your accessories pile. Bags, Scarves, Jewellery.... A regular treasure trove !

The dresses I've used in the collages are those which I already own- bought in last year's sale at Hush. When looking for accessories it's a good idea to have in mind which of the clothes you already own that the particular item might go with. Buying a new dress to complement a necklace you've just spent £6 on is clearly a nonsense . Knowing you already have something beautiful in your wardrobe which you can enhance with a clever buy is key. Whilst one or two of the items I bought are of sufficient quality to " stand alone" , others definitely benefit from being teamed with a much higher value item. 

ALL THE ITEMS FEATURED ( bar the dresses) ARE FROM PRIMARK 

The first item which caught my eye was this very striking bead necklace. The combination of bold colours really grabs attention. It will bring to life the most plain of outfits and can genuinely be described as a statement piece. Imagine this on holiday with a plain maxi dress- black, orange, white, turquoise-it will work with a wide spectrum of colours- and will more than reward you for it's share of the baggage allowance !

Bead Necklace £6

The quality of the beads themselves, including the " gold " bead links is brilliant. So often a metallic finish, if not high end, can look cheap and ruin the overall look. Not so here.

Multi Bangles £3

This collection, like the others in different colour ways , somehow contrives to be both substantial yet delicate. The addition of the turquoise stone is a visual surprise and really adds to the impact. The colour pairings are really what makes these accessories a success.

The mono chrome look is a perennial favourite. This simple, tribal style, necklace makes a big impact when worn against a plain black or white top or dress. The design is simple and effective and it looks and feels far more luxe than the £4 price tag. 

Black and White Beadwork Necklace £3

It still withstands close inspection.

The design looked as good against the mosaic tile pattern of this dress as against a block of colour.

Adding this handbag develops the interest on the plain canvas of the dress. It really pops!

Handbag £12

The attraction of the bag is the colour combination. It does have those rather vicious corners I referred to and is not perhaps one to be offered round for handling but, as a statement- and for creating an impact, it's fabulous .

Mmmm , the proximity of the bag to the necklace in this photograph makes it look a bit geometric overload. In reality, given the distance between neck and hand, it does actually work. If you're nervous of overkill, swap the necklace for a plain one.

Necklace with Silver Beads and Faux Pearls £4

This is another Zara type necklace. Once away from the racks of other less subtle options, this looks extremely stylish and substantial. The different textures of the silver beads and the pearls make it very tactile and, worn with your existing pearl earrings, it looks high end. Note the additional beads near the clasp- a subtle but significant touch.

Necklace £6 

This necklace is very similar to those in Zara and a fraction of the price. The silky tassels are right on trend and their colours are strong and deep. More than a whiff of the casbah! The one string of diamanté type stones gives a pleasing weight to the necklace and ensures that it hangs well. It both 

looks and feels like a quality purchase.

The amount of detail, regardless of the cost, is impressive.

Adding this straw bag- a steal at £8 - completes that boho vibe.

The bag is well made although I've not yet road tested it with the usual holiday junk- towels, books, sunscreen etc.  I might wish that the handles were leather but it would cost a great deal more than £8 and at least you won't have to worry about staining the handles with your hand cream ! Or leaving it behind when the holiday is over and you're streamlining your hand luggage. The bigger the bag the more the Family will need you to carry!

Good close weave.

Large Embellished Canvas Tote £10

Talking of capacious bags, this one is a cracker! Perfect when you're planning a shopping spree in your jeans and perfect for the pool or beach.

Look at the detail! The beads and rivets are a delight. Again, this is a champagne item at a lager price!! I've been dying to say that- and now I can with justification . I'll be saying ' cheap as chips ' next!! 

At the other end of the size spectrum I found this rather fetching bum bag. I've decided that it will do beautifully as a glamorous dog walking accessory- just big enough for phone, dog treats and bags and some cash for a cuppa in the cafe. It would also do well for hands free holiday walks and, dare I say it, with a back pack?! You could barely buy two coffees for the price of this beauty! Washable too , with care, I shouldn't wonder! Dog treats have an unhappy tendency to crumble.

Bum Bag £4

Rivet detail on front of bag.

Primark really has done well with bags. The two below will save you the trouble of a trip to Vietnam or Cambodia- these look exactly like the kind you would find on your travels, at about the same cost and without the bother of bartering! Oh, and you could get a refund if it broke. No chance of that in Siem Reap market!! Clearly you don't get the benefit of witnessing a UNESCO World  Heritage Site but for £4, were you ever?!!

Fuchsia and Gold Canvas Shoulder Bag £4

Same style in Navy and Ecru £4

See how everything comes together in happy harmony when we consider the Far East!!

Three Ankle Chains £2

When it's only £2 you can laugh in the face of your Children's derision at you wearing an ankle chain. Do it on holiday if it feels like a step too far for the West Riding. You know you want to because you missed out first time round!

Pale Turquiose Bracelet Bundle £3

Pink Flower Bracelet Bundle £3

These bracelets are just so pretty and feminine without being saccherine. The colours are delicate yet definite. One of these is bound to slot in nicely with your holiday wardrobe . If Sienna Miller was down to her last fiver I feel sure that even she would be tempted!

In Part 2 of this Primark Accessory Round Up I will bring you 3 brilliant hats and loads of fabulous scarves .In the meantime,if you haven't looked in Primark before, I hope that this review will give you a nudge in that direction.