Our whirlwind visit to the PURE London fashion Show at Olympia this month gave us a huge insight into what the key ‘trend’ themes are for both the Autumn/Winter 2010 and the Spring 2011 seasons.

Military Look Jackets

There were strong themes within the ‘youth’ trends of the military look, the country look, the collegiate look and the glittery sequin look.

Themes that are set to continue are the maxi dress, leggings and check shirts – so no need to throw those away if they are lurking in your wardrobes! Yet!

If you are looking for a few key items to stock up on as you look in the shops are –

• A hacking jacket/tweed jacket
• Printed T-shirts – photo prints, digital prints etc.
• Knitwear with animals
• Chinos
• A sequin top for dressing up!
• The basic staple of a pair of jeans is still required – low, large rear pockets help shape bottoms and elongate legs

Layered Look In Linen

A fantastic trend that we also spotted was a linen layered look. This was especially apparent in the continental European suppliers of fashion and of course caught our eye as it particularly suits women in 16 plus sizes – stylish, comfortable and very wearable.

Checked Shirts and Hoodies with Embelishments for Men

For guys the great casual look of jeans, t-shirt and checked shirt over the top is still ‘in’. There are some great styles in hooded tops – not always the traditional ‘hoodie’ look but also some new styles with buttons and epaulettes to add more shape and interest.

As for footwear the main word for both men and women is – boots! Ankle boots, brogue styles shoes and boots which is great because they go with just about anything!

Happy shopping! If you want more advice please contact us.

Katy and Vicky

To shop for big sized menswear please go to www.extralargeclothing.co.uk

To shop for women’s lingerie and swimwear, please go to www.harwayeslingerie.com

Triumph have announced their Lingerie Design Inspiration Award winners – have a look at this link for the winning designs – they are fabulous. We are so lucky in this country to have our own dedicated lingerie design course at De Montfort University in Leicester. One of the winners entered from this Uni, two others from Central Saint Martins. These events, although a little OTT for most of us, ensure that lingerie design continues to attract the interest of the best designers and can only be good for the future of women’s lingerie. Keep up the good work!

http://www.triumphinspirationawarduk.com/

We have become members of the Stamford Endowed Schools Foundation Card scheme.

This allow the schools to provide more fully and partially subsidised places for bright, local children who would otherwise not have the means to attend the schools. Finding a school place is an incredibly stressful time for parents and often the children too, particularly at secondary level, so we are delighted to help.

The two highest peaks in sales for lingerie retailers are 1. Christmas and 2. Valentine’s Day. Opinions vary as to whether the peak is for gift purchases or just women buying their own lingerie in time for a romantic liaison. What do you think?

Have you ever bought lingerie as a gift, or had it bought for you?

If a loved one were to buy you lingerie, which item would you rather they bought? e.g. bras, briefs/thongs, PJs, swimwear, sports bra? Practical, romantic or sexy?? Send me an email to katy@harwayeslingerie.com or post a comment here!

Well it may be snowing and the country is grinding to a halt, but life in bra world continues apace! A lady has just phoned having received the letter I sent her in August, to order 5 bras, a perfect order for a day like today. So if you are snowed in, why not stay home and shop online? Go to www.harwayeslingerie.com or www.extralargeclothing.co.uk to order!