My Primark story (Primark)

Member Name: shopaholicleo

Product:	Primark
Date:	12/09/08 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap basics, make-up, everything

Disadvantages: poor fit and hit and miss quality

Primark, a company that everyone loves and adores for its fast fashion and rock-bottom prices. It has enabled the very young to follow fashion and create their own look with accessories at a few pounds and jeans for not much more. When I was 12, I did love clothes but couldn't afford to buy any of my own, merely spending Saturday afternoons trying on clothes in Tammy girl and hoping my Mum would buy them. I guess Primark helps young people to update their look constantly and affordably, hopefully introducing budgeting skills, but I'm not totally happy with this throwaway attitude it could potentially create.

I buy few things in Primark, mainly because the fit isn't always great for me. The must-have dresses you see in Look tend not to do up at my bust, meaning I'd have to get a bigger size and sacrifice the fit elsewhere, so I've never owned one. Plus the fact that it's been in a magazine and is £8 means that most of your town is likely to own one. I'd recommend getting basics that you can mix with items from other shops, so you don't look like obvious Primark.

What is great about this place are the separates, as you're more likely to get a better fit if you're two different sizes. I find the skirts, shorts and tops are ok for holidays, and my Mum is always wearing her £25 cashmere hoodie which is perhaps the best value. You can't really go wrong with the jewellery and make-up items such as eyeliner and foundation sponges, which cost a few quid. I've never been I also go for the knickers and pyjamas, though the bras don't come in my size at the moment (and bikinis also don't come in my bra size, which sucks). I've also heard a tip-off about a red checked shirt in the boys department for a fiver, size 11-12, which is a dead ringer for Topshop at a fraction of the price. Leggings are also a good price. Bit wary of the shoes but the homeware stuff is great for University. All my Primark stuff has lasted ages, only bad experience is with a bag which broke as soon as I wore it outside.

I basically stock up here on underwear, leggings, pj's and the odd fashion item when it fits nicely. It's a good reasonable shop and I will continue to shop here, but I will not let it dominate my wardrobe as I prefer to spend more on things like denim and coats. I also used to work there and a knicker table is enough to bring me out in a cold sweat!

Summary: Every few weeks will do