The Giles Gold collection by Giles Deacon for New Look has been very hit and miss over the seasons, as we've discussed many times before. However, each new collection does bring us the odd little gem, and this time around I'd say it's the silver sequin blazer,
which made me think of Rachael's wardrobe snoop and her 'gameshow host' blazer. If only this one were pink! Still, it remains a ridiculously ostentatious party piece that I can just imagine worn slouchy (perhaps a size too big) and casual (sleeves rolled up) over a LBD or a pair of skinny jeans for festive nights out. It's £70, and though it's out of stock online it's probably stick knocking around instore.
Click image to enlarge, full product details after the jump
Capes were big news a couple of years ago but I can't seem to get them out of my head at the moment. They're great if you wear lots of layered clothing, batwing tops or ruffles and are a stylistic cut above your average black winter coat.
DePloy's cute Hetty cape is a quirky item that is surprisingly versatile, team it with fitted pencil skirts for a sexy silhouette. The Dorothy Perkins chunky knitted capelet looks great with contrasting textures, try a leather skirt or shiny leggings for maximum contrast. New Look takes the military stylings that were so popular a few seasons ago and uses it on a cape that will fast become a wardrobe staple.
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My inner hippy is calling to me. Ever since I saw pictures of my mother in the 70s wearing her fun fur coat with her pageboy haircut, I've wanted one of my own. Mom's was cream, bracelet-sleeved and fastened with one hook at the neck. It actually still resides in the closet under the stairs at their house, but it's so chunky, boxy and hairy that I couldn't wear it now even if it didn't smell like mothballs.
However, modern faux furs have benefited from 30-odd years of fabric development, and more up to date, flattering shapes. I tried this baby on in Dorothy Perkins at Westfield yesterday and I was very tempted to buy it (it's £65). It's surprisingly close-fitting, so it doesn't add to much bulk, but it still has that luxurious, toasty-warm feeling that you get from a cosy faux fur.
I'm still cautious of buying faux fur in case someone thinks it's real, though. I don't want to be floured at fashion week!
There are a few additions to Peter Jensen's latest range for Topshop, including a polar bear sweatshirt and this colourful mac.
It reminds me of a Rowntree Fruit Pastille Lolly, so much so that I want to start eating the different colours separately as per my control freak eating method.
As for actually wearing it I'm not so sure, the colours are great and it would definitely brighten up a grey winter day but four ultra-bright shades is perhaps a little too chirpy even for black-fearing me! If you think you can take on the cheery hues snap up the jacket for £120 at Topshop.
When talking in detail last week about shopping for the perfect coat, I emphasised the idea that it's worth splashing out on something beautiful if you can. In Winter you'll get more wear out of a good coat than any other item in your wardrobe, so I see it as an investment.
But I'm now going to contradict myself completely. The truth is, especially in the current financial climate, a lot of people just don't have £150+ to spend on a coat, even if they factor in the cost per wear over a period of time. This is why folks like George at Asda are working to bring truly cheap creations to the masses.
George's 'Little Black Coat' is the ultimate in credit crunch fashion - it's 66% wool, it's fully-lined, it's a classic, timeless shape...and it's £15. Obviously, it had to be our Bargain Pick of the Week.
Is it me, or do these coats look identical? When I spotted ASOS.com were flogging a pretty, frill-fronted teal green coat with a tie at the neck, I felt like I was suffering from deja vu. A few weeks before, I'd tried on a very similar coat in Primark. So similar, in fact, that having hunted down the press image of the Primark coat - seen on the right - I'm almost convinced it's same garment.
All this would be fine, were it not for the fact the ASOS one is £70 and the Primark one only £25. Hmmm!
[l-r coats from Wallis (£65), Topshop (£95) and Miss Selfridge (£75)]
If there's one thing worth shopping around for, it's you winter coat. With weather like we get in the UK, you'll be getting a lot of wear out of it, so it's worth having a good think about what will work best for you. As this is the season of the statement coat, it's easy to get fooled into buying something covered in frills, embellishments or details, but remember you need something practical too.
To help you find your perfect coat, I've put together my ultimate guide to shopping for outerwear. If you have any questions or additions, do add a comment. I'd love to hear from you all!
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