Warehouse VS Designhouse

Warehouse prides itself as "design for the high street" and rightly so if their Autumn Winter '11 collection is anything to go by. This season they have a clear vision of where their brand sits; in a sophisticated, simple yet ever so glamourous pallette of masculinity vs femininity with boyfriend blazers and 'teddy boy' dressing which celebrates the female form alongside cinched in waists and embellished detailed seperates.

And where have all these ideas come from? Naturally from the brand's in-house design team, but of course the collection is heavily influenced from what we have seen on the designer catwalks.

Take the Portrait of a Woman range, as pictured below. Its strong, seductive focussing on the element of Androgyny alongside feminine details such as embellished belt buckles and silky shirts.

On the Dolce & Gabbana catwalk, we saw masculine inspired pieces such as tailored jackets, buttoned up shirts and a monochrome pallette.

Can you see the resemblence within the details of the pea coat and how both the designer and high street brand have used a gorgeous felt fedora to add a finishing touch? Uncanny!

Or how about the Mods collection? Its all about taking influence from 60's mods and then updating the look with tougher leather details such as the "new fetish" style gloves.

Look out for graphic stripes and monochrome checks too. Warehouse have mixed their glam this season with both animal print and fierce leather pieces just like Marc Jacobs did too, giving any feminine pencil skirt the rawness it desperately needs!

eAlongside the popularity of fetish gear this season, YSL introduced a more classier and seductive take on the trend with sheer cut fabric. However, the standout figure hugging piece is enough to rival that of Yves Saint Laurent using two tone colour and raunchy animal print accessories - and who said the high street can't rival designer?!

Paul Smith is a huge influence to Warehouse this season; think 'teddy boy' glamour meets rock and roll queen! The tapered shoulders of the Warehouse pieces are so professionally done you would have to look twice to realise it was a high street steal! Don't forget to buy one in poppy red - Warehouse's "it" seasonal colour!

Stella McCartney eat your fashionable fedora hat as Warehouse influences your fall collection and does it great justice! Think trapeze style tees in shimmery gold and textured material; the stripe and block embellished detail is a key piece!

Cinched in waists celebrate Warehouse's embrace of the feminine form as opposed to Stella's more shapeless items.

The one shoulder detail will be huge this fall; make like a Warehouse girl and team with their signature chain mail clutch! Warehouse gets it 'spot on' (sorry!) with spotted detail tights also seen at Stella's show.

Sugar and spice and all things nice - Warehouse releases our inner sweet tooth with sugary pinks and red pastels in the perfect girly antidote to this seasons tougher collections.

Team your textured swing jacket with a jacquard dress and make lke the 60's with patterned tights. Warehouse have been inspired by Bottega Veneta with stylistic features such as thigh skimming block colour coats teamed with this year's iconic midi skirt.

Warehouse rivals Bottega's mixing of textures with their cable knit snood matched with their woven jumper and leather bag.

Harlem Chic references late 70's street style in a patchwork mix of faux fur ala Pringle of Scotland. Warehouse sticks to street style trends taking direct influence from vintage finds such as the leather satchel and ethereal print tea dresses.

Gilets are the ultimate cover ups as seen on Pringle of Scotland catwalk. I love how Warehouse have defined the waist with a tan belt and how the prints make for a truly autumnal feel throughout the collection.

Heritage is a trend that repeats every Autumn Winter in fashion, but this year Warehouse have taken up a level with aspects of masculine tailoring and clever layered pieces. Prince of Wales checks teamed with luxurious knitwear and tweed. Faux fur seeks 1970's glamour with fur lapels and cuffs.

Inspired by Paul Smith, the range coincides with traditional British attire updated with an unexpected twist of textured suiting, the iconic trench with button and pocket detailing.

Masculine high waisted trousers are cinched in at the waist with tan belts and paired with classic brogues - don't forget that injection of Warehouse poppy red!

Prints and textures take a lead from nature including leafy patterns and faux fur in warm autumnal tones. Fur was huge for Prada this fall and the same can be said at Warehouse too.

The final collection Magazine contains arts and craft type patterns taken directly from the Proenza Schouler show! Think body skimming shapes, flamboyant faux furs (told you they would be huge!) to add a touch of decadence.

Stripes, chevrons and zig-zag prints in vivid jewel colours make for a bright bold winter.

Abstract patterns are teamed with black a-line skirts, pintuck shoulders and oversized buttons accessorize bold jackets and dresses in luxurious silk and satin.

If you are paving the way for one hell of a sophisticated Autumn and Winter then Warehouse is THE ultimate shopping destination. Full of individual looks that cover all the key trends yet still pack a punch of the brand's iconic edge, attitude and glamour. Happy shopping.

All Press Images Taken From www.warehouse.co.uk

All Catwalk Images Taken From www.elle.co.uk