Three Brands I’m Paying Attention To Again

It’s always nice when brands that were once?firm favourites reignite your interest. Here are three I’m keeping my eye on right?now.

There’s a buzz about the current collection?from Warehouse that we haven’t seen in quite some time. Ten years ago I would have frequented Warehouse as often as I do Zara now, but somewhere along the way the brand?fell off my fashion radar. This year, the creatives behind the high-street retailer?have built a fresh collection’that’s trend oriented?but offers longevity too, plus the pieces feel that little more grown-up than in past seasons. The brand still has some way to go before it becomes a fixture on my seasonal hit list, but it’s made a strong start for AW16.

This puffa jacket is one of Warehouse’s strongest pieces. It’s the style of outerwear everyone is wearing right now, but what I like about this version is?that it’s been?given a really unique feel with the gorgeous furry detailing on the shoulders.

I may be the only woman in the country who has never bought an item of clothing from Asos. I used to browse now and then, but never felt the urge to click and buy. I like to feel that collections are carefully curated and considered but?Asos has always felt a little’more like a virtual version of TK Maxx, with a bit of this, that and the other. But recently, while in pursuit of a velvet pleated skirt, I came across a beauty from Asos – to my surprise. It?prompted me to take another look at the site?altogether.?In terms of choice, it’s never-ending, and although the styling doesn’t always appeal to me (that’s another?area in which?Warehouse has really improved, as well as?its choice of models), a?focused (this is the key word here) search?always yields results. I plan to risk?the velvet skirt, and if it looks?and feels good, I’ll be revisiting asos.com very soon.

Since Jigsaw closed down on Grafton Street before the beginning of the recession, I’ve checked out the UK website only sporadically. Back then, the brand was a little too floral and twee?for me, so without either a bricks-and-mortar base?here or a department store concession,?I wasn’t overly bothered by the loss. But since it returned to Dublin on St Anne’s Street, I’ve done a little digging and discovered a far more relevant label than the one that was. The swing print dress, below, is a perfect example. The fluid silhouette, graphic print and overlong sleeves feel so modern and fresh. It’s not cheap, certainly, but it offers some great wear-forever classics that have a strong fashion edge.