Do you have that one friend who always manages to uncover amazing clothes from the jumble sale style racks of Primark, but always end up with nothing of real value yourself? Welcome to my world!
Admittedly, I don’t have a brilliant relationship with Primark, I’m extremely bad at ‘rummaging’ and despite putting aside a whole day for a Primark spree on regular occasions, I often find myself giving up halfway through as it’s either busier than rush hour at Paddington Station or so messy that it is impossible to rifle through (no matter how much patience you have!).
However, despite the above. I am hoping that having a sneak peek at the new A/W collection for Primark (which is sometimes a rarity) will enable me to rebuild my relationship with the bargain store and so I can once again brave the store.
I often find Primark trends are a bit hit and miss, especially with regards to authentically re-creating a certain style correctly (as sometimes they produce cheap, tacky versions of whats on trend). However, it seems that this season – Primark have tastefully reinvented winter 2012’s staple pieces, meaning we can all afford boucle dresses, printed trousers and Gucci inspired contrast colour sandals, at Primark prices!
So, here are my top picks from the new collection!
From top right clockwise: Black Sandals – these sandals are very Gucci-esque! They come in a range of colours, from classic plain black to an on trend colour block print! They are currently stocked in Primark stores nationwide and are priced at £12. Spotted Flocked Trousers – I love these spotted flocked trousers, Topshop did very similar pair last season but they sold out pretty quick (no wonder!). These are £15 and are available in stores now. Leopard Print Boots – Although I love anything leopard print, I may not be brave enough to wear these boots just yet however for £20, I might just buy them to look pretty in my wardrobe! They are also available in a gorgeous floral print! Form an orderly queue! Cream Collar Blouse – This cream blouse with black collar and pleated front is very Zara-esque, especially with the collar detailing! It is in stores from the end of August, priced at just £12. Houndstooth Shorts – Houndstooth featured in Alexander McQueens last collection and has been spotted on Cheryl Cole in recent weeks! These shorts are perfect to wear this Autumn, especially with a cream blouse or a black tailored blazer! If you fancy living up to Caroline Flack’s ‘short suits’ mantra, there is also a matching peplum top available. The shorts alone are £12. Peplum Top – This grey and black peplum top is in stores from mid August onwards and is priced at just £12. The ever popular peplum shape carries through to next season and is super flattering, so buy soon to avoid disappointment.
From top right clockwise: Grey Blazer – as always, Primark have an amazing selection of blazers and workwear in store for next season’s collection, many of which rival more expensive brands. This blazer in particular is due to retail at £22. Beige Coat – this Crombie Coat isn’t something I would normally pick up, however I really like the beige colour and the contrast pocket lines. It looks like it could have been picked up at ‘The Kooples’ store, but at just £30 it is a fraction of the price. Parka and Leather Mix Jacket – the Primark version of the parka mix jacket isn’t my favourite on the high street but for £25 I don’t think you can argue! It looks just as good as the Zara and River Island versions which are at least double the price, if not more. Studded Slipper Pumps – these studded slipper pumps are very on trend for Spring Summer. I have seen versions in Topshop and in Office for about £50 or so, however these are just as nice (and for just £12)! They are in stores now! Boucle Shorts and Jacket – There are a lot of boucle inspired pieces through out the autumn/winter collection, in the form of skirts, shorts, dresses and jackets. The gorgeous yellow colour of these shorts are really exciting, will certainly brighten up your A/W and are far better than the standard blacks, creams and greys that were everywhere last season! The matching jacket is gorgeous too and would look just as good with jeans as it would paired with the shorts. They drop into stores nationwide from September, the shorts are £12 and the jacket is £26!
After looking at this lot, maybe I am ready to give Primark one more shot after all!
