What are your thoughts on the way we are seeing more of designers such as Orla Kiely bringing a line out in the High Street that is within the price range of the every day shopper? Debenhams have their usual collection of names, plus a few more. Marks and Spencer have enlisted Betty Jackson, Orla Kiely and Sonja Nuttall for their Autograph collection this season and Sophia Kokosalaki who was really big at London fashion week is collaborating with Top shop.
There are many, many more , I could go on! However, on my recent visit to London I popped into the Uniqlo store on Oxford Street and picked up these two tops from Orla Kiely at Uniqlo....she is obviously spreading her net a little wider than M and S.
A part of me loves to be able to get my hands on a few items such as these for prices under £20 . The dress was £19.99 and the top £14.99, but the cynic in me thinks why do they then feel they can still charge such extortionate rates for similar products that aren't being produced on mass. Is it just exclusivity? An interesting thought.
We don't have a store locally so I don't think I'll be bumping into someone wearing these in every colourway in the school playground unless online has taken a battering too and all us mums will be standing in line like an Orla Kiely rainbow......
An interesting post and food for thought. I love the Orla Kiely prints and bought mugs and a couple of storage jars to add more colour to my cream kitchen. Your top and dress are gorgeous and what an amazing price! I didn't know about the Uniqlo link. It was a lovely surprise to see that you were my new follower - thank you. I've had time to look through your lovely blog and I'm pleased to be following you too!
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Ah - thank you . Yes I popped over and enjoyed your blog so added myself. I do love these clothes - there were racks and racks of them in many colours though!! X
DeleteHa ! I'd love to see the mum orla kiely rainbow - what a picture that would make.
ReplyDeleteThat top is lovely on you - browns really suit you.
I suppose they would argue that the more expensive designer range has different materials used etc !
Joanne
http://www.balletpumpsandroses.com
xx
Hee hee - it got a bit like that with Boden raincoats at one point . I don't go there anymore!! Thats the joy of a unique find at charity - no one else should have it! X
DeleteI'm undecided about this. On the one hand I think Orla Kiely is a bit over-exposed at this stage ... on the other hand, I was thrilled when a pal of mine living in London picked up some of the scarves in Uniqlo for me. Now that I've seen it, I think it's definitely true that the diffusion ranges in tandem with other stores are definitely of a lesser quality. Still, it's nice to occasionally get a little bit of designer on a budget :)
ReplyDeleteYes I agree - bit undecided, although I am pleased with my little purchases so I suppose I am being a little silly really! Ha! The quality is good too so feel happy on both counts.
DeleteThese two pieces are lovely - I especially like the dress with the contrast collar and cuffs - really cute! I agree with the cynic in you though! x
ReplyDeleteThe dress is my favourite - they have some lovely colours online in this too! X
DeleteThe dress is gorgeous with a neck. The outfit with pants and beautiful shoes is very successful.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I have worn it a lot already.
Deleteooh...too cute!!
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit and the dress! And the shoes!!! These are great buys!
ReplyDelete(PS. I'm back!)
I have a love hate relationship with Orla. Some prints I really like, some are a bit overdone. However, I am still looking for an car print duvet for my boys beds because I think that was a really cool one. So I must like.
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