Matalan Autumn Winter Press Event

Winter 2010 has barely been pulled from our wardrobes and replaced with Spring but already the world of fashion retail is embracing Autumn/Winter 2011 at their press event days.

Hot on the trail is retail value chain Matalan. After a massive brand overhaul and marketing revamp, the womenswear collection for this upcoming Fall is set to take the retail world by storm.

Fashionistas will be ditching their overpriced Topshop ensembles in favour of popularly priced, high quality staple pieces brought to you by a brand on a mission - to deliver fast fashion at affordable price points.

Observantly inspired by street trends of the fashion consumer, vintage influenced pieces filled the rails at the press event and caught my eye. The navy spotted peter pan collar detail dress (as seen below) I predict will be a huge seller - team with ankle socks and brogues for true vintage style or follow the mantra of Twiggy and add a pair of Mary Janes - very 60s don't you think?

Thankfully, Matalan have fully embraced the 70s trend of Summer 2011 and have cleverly adapted the key pallazzo pant in paisley print, teaming them with faux fur gilets and jackets - embrace the trend in advance now on those chilly early mornings to work! I adore this pair (as seen below) the quality of material used was high and you could easily have mistaken these for a Topshop pair (minus the price tag). Ruffle front blouses in silk and bow detailing add a high fashion element to Matalan's 70s collection.

Another item which caught my eye was this beautiful mohair-like jumper. Super soft to the touch and fully utilising the animal print trend with zebra stripes. Be inspired by Matalan's Retro Prim story and style yours (when you get your hands on one in the fall!) With a floral A line skirt - the clashing of the prints will be show stopping.

Reworking my favourite trend from last winter is Global Traveller -full of reworked chunky alpine knits a la D&G clashed with tartan and hand crafted patterns. This fabulous hooded jacket (see below) will be an absolute steal at just £35. Soft faux fur lining, snowflake embroidered patterning plus leather toggle detailing hits eskimo-chic on the head. I'll be wearing mine with a denim midi and clashing printed legwarmers.

Part of the same range is this hooded Aztec shawl, pair with a maxi skirt for a granny-geek look or with an Alpine knitted skirt for ultimate snugness.

I was impressed with what Matalan had to offer at their preview press event. If that was just the 'preview' of the Autumn/Winter 2011, cannot wait for the full collection to hit the shops later in the year - summer 2011? Roll on winter 2011!