A|wear Showtime Collection: "Puttin' on the ritz"*

 I love a good home-grown success story so I was happy to see Irish highstreet fashion chain A|wear, which celebrates its 25^th anniversary this month, making a splash in the papers yesterday for their festive Showtime collection. Launched backed in 1985 with a single store, named Gaywear(!), as of this month, the brand now has 40 stores across Ireland and the UK. 

And I was happier still to be invited along to take a wee advance look at the collection, which mainly comprises pretty, vintage inspired party dresses with a distinct 1920s feel, along with a selection of cute cardigans, boleros and shrugs.  There's a lot of nudes, greys and berry shades in there: my pick for the Chrismas party season is this purple  flapper number -- also used in the shot above -- which, with its scalloped hem, layers and intricate sequinned detail, felt weightier and more expensive than its €60 price point would have you believe.

 This little art-deco inspired beaded clutch, at €30, also caught my eye.

 The two pieces that I really fell for though were part of the Urban Warrior range:  I'm mad about this 90s inspired printed jersey maxi skirt, a bargain at €28, which, paired with a slouchy jumper or boyfriend cardie would look really amazing with my new lace-up Rockport boots (there’s a post on those coming up soon, I’m sure you're on tenterhooks).  It's a look that really brings me back to my youth.

I also loved this short, lightweight butterfly-print kimono jacket at €35, which would add a touch of boudoir-chic to a basic jeans/skirt and vest-top combo and would also look good over a simple little dress. 

The most exciting news for me though was the announcement of a small vintage selection being introduced in the Henry Street Store. Each individually sourced piece will cost only €35 and, if it takes off, there are plans to roll it out in further stores.

The Showtime collection is available instore now, as well as from awear.com. To nab a bargain though, email party@awear.ie for an invite to A|wear’s 25^th birthday party on November 10^th, at which all items in the Grafton Street store will be available at a 25 percent discount. The night promises all sorts of fun and frolics, from goodie bags to makeovers to a 2-hour DJ set by Irish MTV presenter, Laura Whitmore. 

Will you be there? I'll race you for that maxi...

*Post title: Lyric from Fred Astaire, 'Puttin On The Ritz'