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Everybody is familiar with the abundance of high street shops in Nottingham,
which, although offer a highly commendable range of up to date fashionable
garments, are often unbearably busy.
You're also likely to find your just-purchased, brand spanking new
top on the back of someone else.
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| Fashion show |
What everyone is not aware of are the quiet backstreet
boutique style shops that put forward a whole host of original, yet
highly trendy, designs.
These precious stores cater for many tastes, but most importantly
you are unlikely to find someone else wearing your new treasure. Jenna
Jack reveals her top favourite finds...
Birdcage
On the very edge of Hockley is the very quirky shop "Birdcage".
On entering this store the first thing that hits you is the refreshing
atmosphere, bright colours and sparkling clothes. This store is a
treasure trove of original and colourful treats - from graphic print
knit tops to eccentric blazers and skirts. To the right of the shop
is a colourful range of accessories - neon print bags and sequined
emblazoned sandals. Sparkle and detail are key elements to the majority
of pieces available. Lace trims, net bows and a rich selection of
gems and sequins really set off this exquisitely designed and original
selection. The cute birds in the window add a nice touch as well!
Cin 2
Delving further into Hockley, just up from Revolution is "Cin
2". This has a recently opened women's wear section downstairs
which benefits well from the grounded men's section upstairs. The
clothes available are similar for both sexes offering Diesel, Porn
Star, Evisu and many more "top of the high street" ranges.
The garments are traditionally dark in colour but the ladies have
the option of purchasing some interesting vintage pink tops and some
pleasing pastel delicates. This is quite expensive but well worth
a look as it has a well-recognised selection of merchandise, but is
set in a more relaxed, novel environment.
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| Fashion show |
Boxer
Boxer is an independent company that has benefited greatly from its
recent move away from concession stores. Its new retro surrounds are
exceptional and really give Boxer the recognition it deserves. The
clothing is in keeping with the environment and together produce a
very underground vibe. The more alternative labels such as "Blood
and Glitter" are available, and the street flavour is clearly
apparent. This store is destined to become more popular as the incoming
street vibe develops; the bright funky shape mixed with recognised
retro styles secures Boxer as a definite up and coming trend hotspot.
There is something to suit even the smartest urban underground clientele.
Yum Yum
Something for the girly girls among us when Claire's Accessories becomes
too girly is "Yum Yum." More recognised for being a piercing
palace it has developed its stock from jewellery to an array of predominantly
pink trinkets. The jewellery range remains extensive with plenty of
glitz and sparkle to be had and the prices are reassuringly expensive.
The clothing and accessory series "Hello Kitty" has found
its home here and there are plenty of novelty Kitty gifts to play
with. This is a haven for gifts for your favourite girlfriends, providing
they love pink and all things sparkly and cute!
Going down to Hockley and hunting for these
boutiques will not only secure you a place in the fashion stakes but
also provide a breath of fresh air from the hype of the high-street,
and will uncover many a hidden treasure to delight your senses.
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Fashion
advice by Lisa Poole-Mckenzie
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| It's time to look ahead
to what we'll be wearing in the coming year. Lisa Poole-Mckenzie
looks at what's hot for 2004... |
Colours
The future is bright. Soft pastels will brighten up a rainy
spring, becoming brighter shades of hot yellow and red for summer.
Whilst yellow is beginning to line the rails of your favourite
stores, if you look closely, green is where it's at. From apple
to lime to pale grape, green is having a renaissance. It may
be a bit shocking or even scary at first, but test it out on
a bag, shoes or accessories. |
1950's
Prada set the tone this season for a restrained take on the
fifties and it won't be long before it hits the shops. Circle
skirts, braclet-length sleeves and cropped jackets will give
us a grown-up elegance with a girlie twist. Chances are, if
you're pear shaped, you've got a great waist - so make the most
of the 50's styling. A-line dresses will look stunning. |
Cardigans
The cardigan has waited patiently at the back of the wardrobe
- but it's finally back in vogue and they're already going down
a storm in the new collections on the high street. Sexy and
slightly prim, cardigans appeared in the majority of catwalk
shows, clinched over circle skirts or chiffon dresses, accessorised
with heavy belts or even ribbon. Cardigans aren't just a bad
reminder of school uniform-start bulk buying now! |
Trench Coats
The modern classic still has legs and if you don't already have
one, it worth the investment. There are some rather cool versions
on offer this spring. Designers at Debenhams have some nifty
little trenches in print, strawberry and white, while Gap has
delivered a troop of ultra-cute pastel numbers certain to brighten
up those rainy days. |
Prints
One message that sounded louder than any other from the catwalk
was that prints were going to be huge - literally. Everything
from computer generated screen prints, cartoon motifs to psychedelic
60's and soft 70's blooms, prints will be everywhere and on
everything. Not just on clothing but shoes, bags, belts and
accessories. This is no time for minimalism. Keep those surface
areas looking crowded. |
Shorts
You may need a lot of convincing on this one but shorts are
the new mini skirt. Shorts appeared with alarming regularity
from designers such as Betty Jackson and Marc Jacobs, many of
which had turn ups. Wear them with a neat shirt, cardigan and
sweet kitten heels. Treat them like cropped trousers rather
than hot pants. New Look have a wide range that won't break
the bank if you fancy giving it a try. |
Please note : What not to wear
As ladylike has swept the board we must pack
away the punk pieces and utility chic and leave the masculine tailoring
to the boys-wear a dress instead. Decoration has become softer and
less try hard, so banish the Bling Bling. For the slouch boots the
end is nigh, although they are comfortable they are not quite right
with chiffon dresses or shorts. |
