Supermarket Chic!
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
From Super market to Super stylish, we check out the latest in budget fashion.
Supermarket fashion for all ages.
Many of the big grocery supermarkets have introduced clothing lines to their ranges in recent times. It's becoming increasingly easy to pick up style for your kids when you're doing your weekly shop. Today we look at supermarket style, both North and South of the border and for both Adults and children.
Annemarie O'Connor
Annmarie O'Connor is a freelance fashion writer, blogger and personal stylist. Her credits include The Irish Examiner, Elle, Dazed and Confused, Image, Trace, IF, The Irish Independent, Chictoday.com and iVenus.com
Over the past 8 years she has interviewed the likes of Terry de Havilland, Zandra Rhodes and Ben de Lisi, and has gained a cult following with her blog: I Blog Fashion which is being made into a book. She is also the organiser of the monthly Fashion Bloggers' Brunch events in Dublin.
When we think of picking up bargains in our weekly supermarket shop it normally doesn't include a pair of this season's on-trend brogues or pussy bow blouse. That is until now. The proliferation of bespoke supermarket clothing brands has created a burgeoning 'fashion democracy'. No longer do people have to travel far or spend as much to have their finger on the sartorial pulse. Chains like Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsburys and Asda have all opted to give their customers more value for money by including men, women and children's clothing into their already competitive offering.
Surprisingly the supermarket brands can hold their own with the bigger high street chains which is good news for recessionistas, working mums and anyone looking for a good bargain.
The Labels
Fred and Florence - Tesco
The exciting and trendsetting Autumn Winter collection from F&F at Tesco has launched and features styles that are strikingly bold and beautiful. Power dressing, clever accessories and ultra chic are all back on this season's fashion agenda.
www.clothingattesco.com
Cherokee - Tesco
The Cherokee range is a collection of fashionably casual pieces that combine to make a great capsule wardrobe. For women the look is effortlessly stylish and chic on-the-go. For men it's street-style, casual dressing.
www.clothingattesco.com
Tu - Sainsbury
Tu has something for everyone from basics to fashion pieces inspired by catwalk looks. Attention to detail is key, with trims and linings adding extra detail. After only three years, Tu has become the ninth largest clothing retailer in the UK and is available in over 270 Sainsbury's stores.
www.sainsburys.co.uk/shoppingandservices/clothing/
Aldi
Aldi represents superb quality at unbeatable prices. It's 'special buy' offers often include fashion lines like this season's children's wear. Priced from €3.99 for long sleeve tops to only €14.99 for winter coats.
www.aldi.ie
Lidl
Lidl's chain of discount food stores aims to sell top quality products at the lowest possible price. Their range of men's, women's and children's wear are exceptionally priced from €6.99 for a girl's gilet to €39.99 for ladies' leather boots.
www.lidl.ie
Adults
Outfit 1: The Supermarket Suit
Pinstripe jacket and trousers, Lidl €27.99
F+F purple stripe shirt (one of a 2 pack), Tesco €18
F+F purple striped tie (one of a 2 pack), Tesco €7.50
Men's leather business shoes, Lidl €22.99
Outfit 2: Sophisticated Style
F+F signature cashmere sweater, Tesco €60
Cherokee jeans, Tesco €27
F+F bag, Tesco €23
F+F patent Mary Jane shoes, Tesco €27
Outfit 3: City Chic
F+F tweed jacket, Tesco €53
Cherokee wide-legged jeans, Tesco €27
Tu leather gloves, Sainsburys £8 (€10.11)
F+F tiger print peep toes, Tesco €15
Outfit 4: Smart Casual
White shirt, Lidl €9.99
F+F grey suit jacket, Tesco €23.50
F+F cashmere v neck sweater, Tesco €52.50
F+F brogues, Tesco €30
Kids
Outfit 1: Value for Money!
Navy trousers with belt, Aldi €6.49
Cherokee 2 piece tee and striped vest, Tesco €9
Khaki jacket, Aldi €14.99
Tu canvas velcro boots, Sainsburys £8 (€10.11)
Outfit 2: Christmas Dress
Tu cardigan, Sainsburys £10 (€12.60)
Tu dress & bag, Sainsburys £20 (€25.20)
Outfit 3: Winter Warmers
Brown hooded quilted coat, Aldi €14.99
Khaki top, Aldi €3.99
Cherokee jeans, Tesco €10.50
Brown boots, Tesco €21
Outfit 4: Smart Casual
Tu striped jumper, Sainsburys £8 (€10.11)
Tu striped scarf, Sainsburys £5 (€6.25)
Cherkoee jeans with belt, Tesco €12
Tu clothing is available in the following stores:
Sprucefield (Lisburn), Dungannon, Forestside (Belfast), Hollywood Exchange (Belfast), Coleraine
Aldi clothing is available in its 58 stores nationwide.
Lidl clothing is available at stores nationwide.
Tesco clothing is available in the following stores:
Full clothing range (Ladies, Mens, Kids, Baby, Accessories, Essentials) available in the following stores:
CLAREHALL EXTRA, WEXFORD SQUARE, FINGLAS CLEARWATER, ARKLOW SQUARE, EDENDERRY SQUARE, CLONMEL SQUARE, KILLARNEY PARK, TULLAMORE SQUARE, DOORADOYLE, TALLAGHT, MAYNOOTH, CELBRIDGE, CLAREMORRIS, NENAGH, NEW ROSS, MIDLETON SQUARE, MAHON, LUCAN
Extensive clothing range (Ladies, Kids, Baby, limited Accessories, Essentials) available in the following stores:
CARRICK ON SHANNON, WILTON SQUARE, KILRUSH, LIMERICK COONAGH, NAVAN, MONAGHAN, BRAY, DUNDALK, LONGFORD, NUTGROVE, ARDKEEN, CASTLEBAR, GREYSTONES, CARLOW SQUARE, CAVAN, GALWAY, BALLYBRACK, TRALEE MANOR, ROXBORO
Limited clothing range (Ladies, Kids, Baby and all Essentials) available in the following stores:
NEWCASTLEWEST, GOREY, LETTERKENNY SQUARE, ROSCOMMON, PORTLAOISE, YOUGHAL, WESTPORT, GOLDEN ISLAND, MULLINGAR, PAUL STREET (CORK), THURLES, ASHBOURNE, JERVIS STREET
Kids, Baby Clothing and Essentials available in the following stores:
BALLINROBE, MITCHELSTOWN, LISDUGGAN, ABBEYFEALE, TIPPERARY, BLOOMFIELDS, POLEBERRY
Baby and all essentials available in the following stores:
DUNDRUM TOWN CENTRE, BALLINASLOE, SLIGO, TULLOW, SANTRY, ARTHURS QUAY
All essentials available in the following stores:
BALLFERMOT, MALLOW, ROSCREA, RATHFARNHAM
Tesco's new flagship store in Maynooth is opening on Monday 3rd November with the largest Tesco fashion range in the country including ski gear.