It’s quite difficult on a hot summer’s day in June - think flip flops on, SPF 50 on tap and roof down on the car, ah, ok that last bit was a slight exaggeration - to look ahead to Autumn Winter, but that’s what the fashion industry does. Like Marty McFly, it’s all about the future.
I jetted off to London on Friday to bring you a sneak peek at Penneys Autumn Winter 2014 collection and, wow, was it good.
Left: Coat €30, Gilet €17, Trousers €14, Boots €20. Right: Coat €30, Skirt €7, Boots €18Imagine an adventure into the wilderness amidst cosy dogstooth cocoon coats, sequined kimonos, pleated matte leather mini skirts and lots and LOTS of shoes. It sounds like fashion heaven doesn’t it?
Now, it’s not common that I wish the next season was here already and even though the weather is glorious and my spring summer wardrobe looks rather on trend, Autumn Winter has always been my favourite season. And Penneys has me hopping up and down in my Manolos.
Left: Coat €32, Dress €16, Shoes €15, Bag €18, Cuff €6, Rings from €3. Right: Coat €35, Jumper €5, Bag €12.The collection is one that’s classic but edgy, and it takes catwalk trends to a level that’s accessible to all and affordable.
“Northern Lights” is inspired by the expansive Nordic landscape represented by cocoon style coats and plenty of metallic pieces, a combination that makes my fashion-filled heart flutter.
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“Retrovision” gives Miu Miu a run for their money by taking mod to a prettier place that makes colour blocking easy to style. A high neck blue shift dress was a particular favourite of mine; imagine 1960s air hostess uniform except a lot more chic!
If you fancy something more funky, then the “Urban Renewal” is all about you. I reckon even Marc Jacobs will be jealous of this one with it’s monochrome palette splashed with “warning sign” red and other eye opening shades. There’s even a silver puffa jacket in this collection! (My inner sixteen year old is leaping inside at the thought of this).
Coat €40, Jumper €15, Skirt €12, Shoes €15, Socks €3.50.“Schools Out” is a boyish look with Crombie-style coats, mannish tailoring and structured shirts. This look I ADORE (I’m partial to a collar so I am), and I’m quite excited about the introduction of shirts, which feel luxurious to the touch. Penneys have really upped their game with fabric quality for next season.
“Garden Army”, inspired by the allotment peeps, is full of wearable urban-wear such as combat trousers, luxe parkas and blurred floral prints.
Houndstooth coat, €40 (September), Faux fur clutch, €10 (September)Gold Floral Jaquard Dress, €16 (in stores October),
Multi colour shaggy fur jacket, €32 (in stores October).
Over the Knee Heeled Boot, €24, in stores August
Herringbone Twinset Jumper, €15, in stores September (skirt available to match)
But the collection that has me most excited is “Slavomania”, an eclectic mix of folk/punk/grunge/vintage styles which will have every fashionista in the country scrambling for patch faux fur jacket and metallic brocade dress. I anticipate the abundance of outfit posts we’ll see on instagram (yours truly included) come September.
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So we might be enjoying this splendid weather, but once the cold days return, I can assure you, Penneys will have you sorted!
Do you see anything in this AW14 collection that is catching your sartorial eye? And are you a fan of Summer or Autumn fashion?
