Miss Thrifty: In search of cheap frills
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By Sinead Van Kampen
Monday Nov 2 2009
Frozen Peas... check. Baby food... check. Black asymmetric faux leather rock goddess biker jacket teamed with a pair of Miu-Miu shaped club heels... er, check!
There is nothing new about supermarkets bringing us clothing, but a quick peek at the recent launch of Tesco's AW09 seasonal collection sees the supermarket behemoth move steadily into a retail sector whose usual fashion devotees are most likely to inhabit the aisles of Topshop and Zara.
The collection is well priced, and for the most part distinctly on-message, ticking quite a few style and fashion boxes. It brings some creative use of prints, satin, velvet and sequins and hits the nail with a few of this season's must-haves trends, including more than a sultry nod to the whole leggings-jeggings-shoulder pads look.
If, like me, you don't need a label for a fashion fix you may well be pleased with what's on offer. As you'd expect with Tesco, the prices are affordable, in fact, incredibly so, but it's not exactly a wear-it-and-bury-it collection either.
Anyone feeling generous with the Clubcard Points will love the Mathew Williamson-inspired animal print sequined dress, which at €35 comes in cheaper than your average shop. If you prefer to keep your sparkle above knee height, Tesco's gold sequined tunic will add the necessary glam and is long enough to give you the veneer of modesty should you happen to team it with a pair of leggings or skinny jeans.
Shoppers finding it difficult to embrace this season’s leather trend may have found the perfect get-out-clause. If you're waiting to see how that whole leather look develops, €33 might not be a bad way to test the water with a fitted asymmetric biker jacket. It's worth a gamble, since getting the look right means you'll strut like the queen of chic and getting it wrong means you'll have taken your fashion cue from the Dundrum Chapter of the Hells Angels. Wear it with jeans and a vest for a casual look or use it to grunge up a dress in the evening.
If you prefer more opulent attire the pink satin dress may be more you. Elegantly priced at €18.50, it could be a useful addition to your festive wardrobe and spilling a glass of office party Merlot down the front won't spoil your fun. Cut just above the knee, the dress looks great teamed with a pink clutch bag and grey lattice shoes.
My favourite is the Alexa Chung-inspired ankle boots. With a heel that should be high enough for the right amount of lift, they will look great teamed with skinny jeans for day or your best pair of night-tights. Who knew such versatility could be bought for €21?
With so many supermarket chains offering clothing, I was a little sceptical about Tesco's AW09. However, as they seem determined to make the leap from offering basics to becoming a legitimate alternative to the high street, the question still remains if a weekly supermarket shop can really satisfy our fashion cravings, or are we all just looking for the next cheap thrill?
Sinead Van Kampen is the editor of The Savvy Shopper. For a rundown on fashion and food bargains plus regular insider tips visit TheSavvyShopper.ie website.
- Sinead Van Kampen
