A few days ago I flew to Dublin, as huge budget chain Primark - Penneys as it's traditionally called in Ireland - invited me to cover their spring/summer collection for This chick's got style. By chance a massive store had just opened that same day in my country (4.000 square meters of shopping space in Almere, ladies), which was a huge success. I know Primark is located in countries many of my readers come from, and that you like a good fashion deal, hence the picture overload of what to expect while gearing up for summer!
I was aware Primark in London carried some cool pieces but since they're not yet located in Amsterdam I hadn't been able to follow each collection as closely. Which made me all the more curious... After all, we're talking about a fashion chain that has prices ranging mostly between 7 and 30 euros. Settled in at the industrial building where the presentation took place (I was welcomed by handsome boys, sushi and lemonade... I'll love anything at that point!) I was pleasantly surprised at the detailing and spot on trends. Seen above are the more trend focussed items that will hit stores in quite limited amounts. There were quite a few items I wouldn't have minded secretly slipping in to my big handbag to take home. Let me take you through my faves and the trends as .
My favorite picks
1) red and white woven jacket in the last picture, €29 (in stores february) LOVE! 2) denim shorts with tribal detailing, 3) photo print trousers €17 (in stores february), 4) Western denim bomber €19 (in stores March), 5) black and white jogger trousers €17 (in stores february) and 6) all of the printed a-line dresses (between €17 and €21).
Primark trend report for spring/summer 2013
1) New old West, with a nod to the queen of modern country: Isabel Marant. Included lots of printed denim, Western shirts, collar details and even porcelain prints.
2) Swagger, an urban collection inspired by sports and pop culture. You'll find cool black oversized jogger pants to be worn as trousers, bold printed bombers, casual baseball jerseys and fun sweatshirts.
3) Global traveller, breathing festivals and endless summer nights. Tribal prints were not too overdone (those denim shorts with the woven on motif were really well executed, as were the jeans), a black sheer maxi dress Kate Bosworth would easily wear to Coachella, and some good accessories.
4) Retro beat, featured retro femininity done in a more young and messy way. With sheer panel dresses, laser cut (faux) leather jackets and shorts and many dresses with an old school a-line silhouette but executed in modern digital prints.
5) Crystal couture, basically anything you'd wear to a dreamy high tea. Candy colors have been around for a while, and the focus was on pastels like mint green and light pink with a bold neon pink. This sweet trend featured embellished sheer button downs, brodery Anglaise, colored lace and high necklines.
