Awear = A+

If you could give grades for fashion brands it’d be fantastic… points depending on style, trends, quality and, of course, price! Well, I was at the Awear Press Day last week and all I can say is the new Spring/Summer line ticked every box.

I remember back when I was in school and my mum shopped in Awear…it was slightly less trendy, always approachable and affordable, but rarely a fashionista’s first port of call! Well how times have changed - it seems in the past 8 years Awear has been giving top British brands like Topshop and River Island a run for their money and has become top of the fashion leaderboard.

This Spring is going to be a delightful array of nudes and peaches and pinks…just imagine rummaging through a ballet dancer’s trunk of goodies and hey presto. My favourite piece from the ‘Dakota’ collection has to be the stunning layered tutu-inspired skirt… toughen the look up with a cool t-shirt, denim shirt opened and flat leather boots to go for the glunge look. Or for those of you Carrie lovers…channel the opening Sex and the City credits and wear with a simple nude bodysuit underneath!

Another theme Awear is doing is the new take on last year’s military trend…a combination of utility and ethnic warrior. My must-have from this collection has to be the ultra-gorge green playsuit with ruffle detail…team with boyfriend cardi, over-sized shades and flat sandals or boots for daytime chic or go glam at night with chunky gold accessories and killer heels.

For high summer expect Miami Vice meets Cocacabana…the vivid collection is a refreshing surprise among a season so full of pastels. An array of bright and colourful dresses and individual pieces that will have you feeling like you’re on holiday even if you’re stuck in dull old Ireland. Channel Halston in these layered chiffon dreams that Nicole Ritchie and Rachel Zoe would ‘just die’ for. But your just gonna have to wait in high anticipation until June/July to get your hands on these gems. I have already put in a request for a long purple and blue maxi dress that usually I would consider too girly…but I’ve fallen in love!

And for my star buy of the season it has to be this strapless number… the neutral blush tone works perfectly with the uber soft, faux suede material, and the cut of the fabric gives the leather a new feminine look. Taking inspiration from the likes of Philip Lim and Hermes who gave leathers a much softer look for the Spring/Summer season, Awear’s new take on the must-have little leather dress from last season is ultra-girly, ultra-soft and ultra-wearable. You don’t need to be Angelina Jolie to get leather clad in this little number.

Top marks for Awear this Spring /Summer, showing that as usual…the Irish do it best!