We're in that transitional period between seasons. We have created a solid base of winter looks and basics, new, summer season pieces are appearing in stores, and we're frustrated in waiting for the cold, wet weather to turn into spring. Take a fashionable note from the autumn/winter runways with a polo neck jumper to wear under everything and anything. It's a perfect facilitator for the transitional wardrobe.
Fine knit, polo neck sweaters are just the thing to sit under statement outerwear. The high necks won't clutter the lines of jackets, giving a clean line and a sleek silhouette. Simple black polos clarified the message at Proenza Schouler, Moschino and Blu Marine.
Even at Versace, where they're not normally shy about flashing some flesh, super-fine polos showcased luxurious leathers. They featured firmly at Karl Lagerfeld and Hermes too, where they tamed outlandish PVC and sexy skins respectively.
Thick knit polos conjured up 1970s nostalgia at Chloe and Salvatore Ferragamo. In shades from caramel to chocolate, these are winter luxe peices that will transend the trends.
Making a feature of the neckline, Tommy Hilfiger kept to slim-fit bodies with slouching, oversized polos. At Etro too, necks lolled wide and loose, sitting between lapels of wool coats and blazers.
Pretty polos came from Ralph Laure. Crocheted, fine knits gave a lacy effect and were styled under floating, floral chiffons. Follow the lead for a great way to wear early, summer buys now. Layering a fine knit sweater under lighter fabrics will keep your style new and fresh whilst keeping that lingering winter chill at bay.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Zara Lost in Translation
With the queues outside the newly opened Zara looking set to spend another weekend snaking around Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall, I had to pick my time carefully. So, sacrificing my Friday night for the sake of fashion, I braved the crowds to see if all the fuss is really justified.
Being familiar with Zara stores in the UK I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the brand in Australia just not quite enough to queue to see it. The shop after all will still be here in a few weeks time when the novelty and the crowds have worn down and, given Zara’s fast turn-around of stock, there’ll be shiny new offerings on the shop floor that haven’t been trampled by the masses.
As a high street brand in Europe, Zara is a cut above. Whilst offering trend led fashion at affordable price points its designs promise clean, sophisticated lines that appeal to women aged from 20 to fashionable 50 year olds. It does a great line in basics making it the perfect place for work wear and also a one stop shop for constructing the ultimate capsule wardrobe.
Another great thing about Zara is the quality of its products. Yes it is fast fashion for the mass market but its pieces will last long after the trends have passed. Its tailoring is wonderfully sophisticated for the market level and its leather, sheepskins and coats, though they may come with a slightly higher price tag, are well worth the investment.
It’s no wonder then that Melburnians should be so excited at the prospect of Zara’s arrival, it promises everything that is lacking from the Australian high street. There’s always the fear however, that the restrictions and tastes of a new market will impact on what a brand will offer and from what I can tell so far, that seems to be the case with Zara. The magic seems to have been lost in translation.
With mens, womens and childrenswear spread over three floors the potential is incredible. Its clean layout and vast floor space also mean it’ll be a dream to navigate once the throng begins to wane. What will be left however, once the hype has quietened is just another range of shapeless, listless garments with little to set them apart from the rest of the Australian high street market.
As a plus point though, the prices are low. I’d say they’re even lower than their retail prices in the UK where prices generally are much better value than here, which is great for driving competition and for the fashionable consumer.
Style however, is the key word so keep it in mind when scouring Zara for a bargain. Its doors may be newly opened but it won’t be the foreseeable future that they’ll be closing. From this first look Zara needs time to her feet on foreign shores and as a fashion commentator and fashion lover, I can’t wait until she does.
Being familiar with Zara stores in the UK I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the brand in Australia just not quite enough to queue to see it. The shop after all will still be here in a few weeks time when the novelty and the crowds have worn down and, given Zara’s fast turn-around of stock, there’ll be shiny new offerings on the shop floor that haven’t been trampled by the masses.
As a high street brand in Europe, Zara is a cut above. Whilst offering trend led fashion at affordable price points its designs promise clean, sophisticated lines that appeal to women aged from 20 to fashionable 50 year olds. It does a great line in basics making it the perfect place for work wear and also a one stop shop for constructing the ultimate capsule wardrobe.
Another great thing about Zara is the quality of its products. Yes it is fast fashion for the mass market but its pieces will last long after the trends have passed. Its tailoring is wonderfully sophisticated for the market level and its leather, sheepskins and coats, though they may come with a slightly higher price tag, are well worth the investment.
It’s no wonder then that Melburnians should be so excited at the prospect of Zara’s arrival, it promises everything that is lacking from the Australian high street. There’s always the fear however, that the restrictions and tastes of a new market will impact on what a brand will offer and from what I can tell so far, that seems to be the case with Zara. The magic seems to have been lost in translation.
With mens, womens and childrenswear spread over three floors the potential is incredible. Its clean layout and vast floor space also mean it’ll be a dream to navigate once the throng begins to wane. What will be left however, once the hype has quietened is just another range of shapeless, listless garments with little to set them apart from the rest of the Australian high street market.
As a plus point though, the prices are low. I’d say they’re even lower than their retail prices in the UK where prices generally are much better value than here, which is great for driving competition and for the fashionable consumer.
Style however, is the key word so keep it in mind when scouring Zara for a bargain. Its doors may be newly opened but it won’t be the foreseeable future that they’ll be closing. From this first look Zara needs time to her feet on foreign shores and as a fashion commentator and fashion lover, I can’t wait until she does.
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