Some of the county's finest boutiques reveal what styles will be on your wish list this season
Imagination
Who are we? What do we specialise in? We specialise in occasionwear for the mother-of-the-bride/groom and guests at the wedding.
What’s hot this season? The bolero and fitted dress (just below the knee) are definitely here to stay for mothers-of-the-bride. There are however, some beautiful dress and coat outfits for the more formal look.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?Dresses are here to stay having taken over from the skirt and the trouser. I would say you need a great day dress and a fabulous evening one. However if you can only have one then go for the day dress – you can always dress it up with jewellery and/or a belt for a special night out.
Where to find us? Imagination, 34 High Street, Tarvin, Chester, 01829 741455, www.imaginationfashion.com
Crissan
Who are we? What do we specialise in? For ladies who feel let down by the High Street, we have versatile ranges of occasionwear, cruisewear and casual seperates with accessories to match.
What’s hot this season? Colour, colour, colour!
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A versatile dress with a sleeve.
Where to find us? Crissan, 23 Church Road, Cheadle Hulme, 0161 485 3154, www.crissanclothes.co.uk
Verity Plum
Who are we? What do we specialise in? We specialise in the cream of European fashion designed especially for plus sizes from 16 to 28.
What’s hot this season? Textures, textures, textures real or implied – lace, fur and digital prints all bring texture to autumn collections this season.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?Printed denim – choose between lace or snakeskin print jeans THE animal of choice for this season.
Where to find us? Verity Plum, 9 Minshall Street, Knutsford, 01565 755577, www.verityplum.co.uk
Vicki Allen
Who are we? What do we specialise in? A warm welcome is accompanied by a wealth of experience and personal service. We have a passion for fashion. There’s an eclectic mix of stylish and unique quality fashions in sizes 10 to 20, finished off with fabulous scarves, jewels and handbags.
What’s hot this season? Animal prints and jewel colours are hot. Patterned trousers and coloured jeans are a strong feature too. Don’t be afraid to mix and mis-match. Anything goes.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A dress! Stand alone or layered, a dress is one of the most versatile, must-have items. Team with a scarf and boots for daytime or add some bling and sky high heels and you’re dressed to party. For even more variation, shorter dresses can be teamed with a pencil skirt orskinny trousers. Throw over a little cardi, jacket or wrap and you’re good to go.
Where to find us? Vicki Allen, 205 Ashley Road, Hale, 0161 941 1627,www.vickiallen.co.uk
The Editeur
Who are we? What do we specialise in? We are a designer womanswear boutique specialising in classic and timeless pieces that will become favourites in your wardrobe, but still keep your outfits subtly on trend and always stylish. We believe that underwear if the foundation to any woman’s wardrobe and have a great designer lingerie and nightwear section and offer a complimentary fitting service to our customers.
What’s hot this season? We’re loving leopard print, leather and lace which features heavily in the Alice by Temperley and Red Valentino Pre Fall collections. Look out for statement leather jackets, feminine dresses with lace details and a monochrome colour palette.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?The Alice by Temperley Lottie dress is our favourite item this season. It’s a really versatile piece because it can be dressed up for the evening with a pair of heels or worn in the day with a pair of black tights and winter boots.
Where to find us? The Editeur, 36 Bridge Street Row, Chester, 01244 400318, www.the-editeur.com
Angela Beer
Who are we? What do we specialise in? We provide the ultimate ladies shopping experience with 8,000 square feet of luxury designer fashions and staff that deliver unrivalled personal service.
What’s hot this season? The McQ collection from Alexander McQueen.The collection details the vision of creative director Sarah Burton that draws on the rich design archive of Alexander McQueen.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?Nyla Tailoring Coat by Temperley London.
Where to find us? Angela Beer, 43-47 Woodford Road, Bramhall,0161 439 2630, www.angelabeer.com
The Trafford Centre
Who are we? What do we specialise in? At The Trafford Centre we offer lots of designer and high street stores, many of which are flagship – which means the latest trends are always in stock.
What’s hot this season? Heavy knits, either solid autumn colours or bold prints, teamed with a knee length skirt for a feminine twist.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A mid-length cardigan. To give shape add a thick waist belt to keep warm and stylish.
Where to find us? The Trafford Centre, Manchester, 0161 749 1717,www.traffordcentre.co.uk
Sue Huntington
Who are we? What do we specialise in? As an independent retailer, established for almost 20 years, we specialise in stylish day wear, mother-of-the-bride, evening and occasionwear with labels including Betty Barclay, Gerry Weber, Olsen, Condici, Ispirato and Joseph Ribkoff. We also have a large range of accessories, shoes and bags to complete your outfit.
What’s hot this season? Oranges, bright pinks, green and shades of blue.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?A simple little shift dress with three quarter sleeves in a bright colour.
Where to find us? Sue Huntington, 195 Telegraph Road, Heswell, 0151 342 6434, www.suehuntington.co.uk
Broadbents
Who are we? What do we specialise in? Founded in 1903, Broadbents is a family run business with two fashion stores in Knutsford and Stockton Heath. Broadbents has everything from special occasion to evening and day wear, from business dress to holidaywear and a splash of contemporary fashion for all ages, style preferences and price ranges.
What’s hot this season? There is so much that we love but particular favourites are an exquisitely soft faux-fur longer length gilet in pearl shades or its sister garment, a full cape in matching fabric and colours.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?Joseph Ribkoff’s version of the little black dress. The red version is featured in Cheshire Life and it will take you anywhere, day or evening.
Where to find us? Broadbents, King Street, Knutsford, 01565 632568 or The Forge, Stockton Heath, 01925 263727, www.broadbents-uk.com
Andrea Claire
Who are we? What do we specialise in? We are a friendly boutique established in 1995 that strives to bring you the best in independent fashion from around the globe. As well as a specialist occasionwear shop, Andrea Claire also boasts her own Joseph Ribkoff Studio, making her the destination shop for this fabulous label.
What’s hot this season? This season sees a fabulous spectrum of berry shades from rusts and oranges to purples and rubys. Keeping with the jewel tones, colbalt blue plays a prominent part, especially in the dress collections. Animal prints are still strong, not only in neutral tones but also in fabulous rich colour. Occasionwear features sequins and lace for a glamorous and feminine touch.
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be?It’s always about ‘the dress’ so a great buy would be a fabulous print dress to take you to any occasion and remain in your wardrobe for seasons to come. Gina Bacconi has the most fantastic range this season that fit the bill, like this stunning snake print dress.
Where to find us? Andrea Claire, 59-61 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, 0161 485 3331, www.andreaclaire.co.uk
Hoopers
Who are we? What do we specialise in? We offer an authentic shopping experience and an eclectic mix of luxury brands. With four department stores and three menswear stores in quintessential English towns Hoopers has a reputation for service that makes you feel special. We specialise in fashion, lifestyle and beauty.
What’s hot this season? Transitional pieces that can be worn many ways have been absolute staples this season thanks to the chaotic weather we have had this year!
If I could only buy one key piece this season what should it be? Ronen Chen’s Isabella dress (�202) from the Partly Cloudy collection - a digital smudge print, jersey midi it ‘has its own signature, creates its own strong look that can be built up season after season’.
Where to find us? Hoopers, 35 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, 01625 525381,www.hoopers.ltd.uk
