Category: Buyer’s Blog

Snake print has slithered its way into the designs for Autumn and it is not just confined to clothing. Snake print shoes and boots have also come to the fore. Check jackets and trousers are a key look for Autumn and the ability to weave in a hint of colour from claret to blue or green make a great excuse for a pop of colour to complement the piece. Structure is creeping back with blazers worn with jeans or as a complete trouser suit.

However tempting all this sounds you will have to wait six months before it is in store.

EMU is a new brand to us this season and although we have started small with a selection of their fabulous sheepskin slippers we have more styles to come in the spring. The owner of the brand likes to get out and about to see where his brand is placed to maintain its integrity. We were lucky enough to meet him and his UK colleagues when he visited the northern hemisphere. His passion for the brand was wonderful, quality and styling are hugely important but so to is the welfare of the supply chain from farm to store. The process is monitored along the way and each step a shoe makes from start to finish does so with care for the people and environment from which it comes and is made. For now we have the slippers £49 in cream, dove grey and charcoal.

Prince of Wales check is probably the one we are all more familiar with and tends to be saved for tailoring jackets, trousers and skirts. Tartan is not just for kilts, Burberry being the most iconic fashion tartan. Probably best kept for accessories and not the Bay City Rollers all over look. Window pane check, clean cut square check and great on soft flannel trousers and jackets. Gingham check you can leave to the summer months.

It would be hard to pick out winners as all the collections were fabulous, Marc Cain and Joseph Ribkoff certainly disappoint but there were other highlights that deserve a mention. On the wedding front John Charles had some lovely surprises, fluid fabrics, softer lines sat nicely alongside the more tailored outfits. Riani pink collection which managed to blend hot pink, pale pink and dusky pink to create a fabulous look. Just White, now while you may think of this as a basic element of your wardrobe, basic doesn’t have to be boring, and it was full of new styles, colours and designs. Colour is still around and the shirt-waister or button through dress has made it into most collections. It’s now turn for the shoe buying!

One unlikely winner, even now in the World Cup, is the waistcoat and it is all thanks to the dapper looking England Manager Gareth Southgate who has single handed been instrumental in M&S selling out of men’s waistcoats. With Bloodwise launching Waistcoat Wednesday, as a way of double support for the charity as well as the England team, it is not only M&S that has had a run on this item of clothing.

Even if football isn’t your thing, isn’t it wonderful to see a smartly dressed man and all credit to Gareth Southgate, who I am sure will be slightly surprised to discover his new found style icon status.

We might even see a return of waistcoats for women but in the meantime I will be digging mine out from the back of the wardrobe to wear tomorrow!

As you will have noticed, photographs of Meghan Markle are everywhere at the moment. I recently spotted this one of her in a linen shirt. Linen as a fabric is a bit like Marmite. You either love it or you hate it. I love it.

When temperatures begin to rise at home, or if I’m packing for a hot holiday, linen is my hero fabric. It is exceptionally cool, in fact it’s proven to be cooler than both cotton and silk. This is mainly for two reasons: it has a very high absorbency level and its structure is slightly firmer allowing freedom of movement between fabric and skin. There is no peeling your top off at the end of a summers day. Forget having to expose parts you are conscious of over summer, linen will enable you to wear more without any unwelcome hot flushes. Linens longevity is worth investing in – the fabric itself is strong, but a good quality linen will still have a soft handle/feel.

Look out for brands such as Crea, Oska and Rosso35.

If The Duchess of Sussex can embrace the crumpled look, we all can.

For over 15 years the Marc Cain buy has always been one of my favourite trips. The showroom is gorgeous and it really helps to see the pieces together in their stories/collections. We replicate this in the way we merchandise our Marc Cain room in the shop.

Every season there is a particular colour scheme that catches our eye. This season look out for a bright pop of Coral and Orange which should be arriving in the shop around June. We love buying the new Marc Cain Bags & Shoes which always complement the fun and unique collections. These AW18 designs are to die for!

Racing Season is here and the sun is shining. Finally, it’s the perfect excuse to pick out a beautiful dress and, more importantly, a big hat!

When it comes to choosing an outfit for the races there a few things to consider:

1) Is there a dress code?

Some events/enclosures have specific dress codes which require a certain dress length and hat size. Others, such as Huntingdon Racecourse, are not strict but ask ladies to wear “Smart daywear with a hint of playfulness”. It’s not everyday you get to wear this outfit, so have fun with it!

2) Can you wear those shoes all day long?

Be sure to invest in a pair of shoes that are formal, but also comfortable. Good quality leather will mold to the shape of your foot and will make wearing a heel so much more comfortable.

3) Do you feel fabulous?

Floral, vibrant, monochrome, classic – whichever you feel best in, go for it.

We have been stocking Repeat for over 20 years and the collections never dissapoint. This brand is well known for its quality knitwear and is a huge favourite amongst many of our customers. Every year we get excited when Repeat deliveries arrive in the shop and every season they bring something new. From knitwear to blouses, jeans and dresses, we have been lucky enough to watch the brand grow over the years.

On Friday 30th March we will be holding a Repeat fashion show, using the current Spring/Summer 18 collection. Here you will be able see how the pieces work together to create outfits and most importantly how they look on a body instead of a hanger!

If you would like to come along and watch the show please call us on: 01480 811333 or email Becky at: becky@annefurbank.com