WIBTW (What I Bought This Week): NYC

I've just come back from two weeks working in NYC (which you will hear a LOT about in upcoming blog posts to follow), so this week's pocket money was spent in the Big Apple. We didn't have a lot of free time but my speed-shopping skills are pretty well-honed and I managed to pick up a few gems whilst there.

I discovered J Crew big time whilst out there, as although I've heard the buzz for years I've never actually been in a store till now. So I went a little bananas. But if you are selective the prices are really good (some stuff like dresses goes up to a few hundred quid) and I got a wool jumper, cargo pants, a scarf, horse print socks (of course) and a really lovely silk print skirt for less than £200, which I think is very good.  The customer service here was amazing (Simone you rocked), as it was most places in NYC. Us Brits have a lot to learn, I hate to say.

Kate Spade was a bit exciting. I wanted a lot in here, but as my bank called me whilst I was in there to check my card hadn't been stolen, I limited myself. I needed a new wallet and I got a gorgeous patent coral red one.

The cool shops of Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg were VERY tempting, with amazing designer jewellery but a little out of my price range. However I found an amazing jewellery designers shop opposite one of our many hotels on 8th Avenue called Phoenix Roze where I bought the cutest gold necklace with 'C' charm. I wear it every day now - it replaces a similar one that I bought last time I was in NYC and recently broke. So that's allowed, right?!

Here are some snaps:

H&M SS13

There was a full-on ethnic vibe when you walked into the H&M press room last week, showcasing the new SS13 range.

Colourful giant tassels (that wouldn't look out of place on curtains in a castle), embroidery, global prints and detailed embellishment - it felt a bit like walking around a Moroccan souk rather than a High Street press event.

What's nice was that it felt exciting - like you just can't wait to see this stuff in the shops. This is what the cool kids will be wearing.

And it's always a good sign when Fashion Editors frantically asking when pieces are out - basically because we cannot wait to wear them ourselves, usually.

A tropical twist and continuity of studs and leathers make this collection one of my favourites from the brand for a while.

Look out for fashionistas rocking the red giant tassel skirt early next year!

Here a few of my favourite pieces:

Holly from the H&M press team looking gorgeous in THAT skirt and applique jumper from the SS13 range.