Wish List Mondays #17 - Manchester Student Special

We've all heard of the old 'North-South' divide. The old stereotype of the slightly dim but ever-so-friendly Northerner, the posho Conservative-supporter from the South... While these cliches belong to a past generation, the North-South divide does still exist - although it's largely been transferred to the field of fashion. Universities have become a great levelling field for students from any background. Piled into halls and flats cheek by jowl, those from Chelsea can find common ground and acceptance from a Bristolian, a Yorkshireman, or a Scot; it really doesn't matter. That's not to say that university dulls your local pride, just that it irons out those out-dated social prejudices. No, local pride can still be found everywhere, it's just that rather than throwing verbal abuse at each other, we represent our roots in what we wear. In Manchester, where I go to university, students from 't'North' are wholly distinguishable from those from the South. While the colour palette might be a similar shade of black, the looks couldn't be more different... In general, the Northern style can be summed up in one word: FIERCE. These girls go big, or they go home. Big hair, big bags, and big lashes are contrasted with little dresses, leather, and studs. In the opposing camp is the Southern army. Rather than obviously dressing to impress, these girls prefer a more 'laid-back' look - but don't be fooled, they've spent just as much time perfecting their messy hair, smudged eye-liner and blasé swagger. 

In this week's Wish List, I've tried to capture the essence of the Northern and Southern lasses, respectively. So choose your side, turn your swag on, and don't forget to work it baby. 

Northern Lasses

1. Cross-Print Shirt, H&M, £13. Wear buttoned up to the top, here.
2. Bucket Shopper with Braided Handle, Zara, £80. Wear swinging from the elbow, here.
3. Mesh Section Dress, H&M, £13. The tighter the better, here.
4. Disco Treggings, Topshop, £30. Because life's a party, here.
5. Studded Biker Jacket, River Island, £65. Studs and leather, what could be better, here.
6. Oh My Lashes by Katy Perry, Topshop, £7. Flashes of lashes, here.
7. Hair Raising Spray by Nicky Clarke, ASOS, £16. The bigger the better, here.
8. Grey Matte Retro Glasses, River Island, £10. Geek chic, here.
9. Black Ruby Clutch, French Connection, £65. Ruby Tuesday, here.
10. 'Arabella' (woo) Black Stud Detail Shoe Boot, Stylistpick, £40. Strut your studs, here.
11. Baroque Jewel Torque Necklace, ASOS Premium, £40. Carry a torque, here.
12. Prickly Black Heels by Jeffrey Campbell, Coggles, £165. Because Manchester can be dangerous, here.

Southern Belles

1. 'Brooklyn Parle Francais' Sweat by Brooklyn We Go Hard, EndClothing, £95. Can't speak French, here.

2. Black & White Boyfriend Coat, Topshop, £75. Borrow from the boys, here.

3. Black Turtleneck Sleeveless Crop Top, River Island, £14. Top of the crops, here.

4. Faux-Leather Jeans by Denham, Coggles, £170. Hell for pleather, here.

5. Acrylic Watch Beanie, Carhartt WIP, £20. Jack and the beanie, here.

6. Suspender Tights, Topshop, £9. Suspender from school, here.

7. Acid Denim Hotpants, Topshop, £28. Acid attack, here.

8. Heritage Backpack by Herschel Supply Co., EndClothing, £55. Wear slung nonchalantly over one shoulder, here.

9. Metal Top Keyhole Round Sunglasses, ASOS, £12. Looking through the keyhole, here.

10. 'Allie' Flatform Chelsea Boot, Stylistpick, £35. Made in Chelsea?, here.

11. Metal Plate Peak Cap, ASOS, £18. Peak too soon, here.

12. Black High-Tops by Adidas, Office, £65. Show your stripes, here.

Love,

Belle x