Refresh your summer wardrobe with these stylish picks from three Harrogate boutiques

This weekend is my favourite time of year – the clocks are going forward! Finally!

And after a glorious week of weather, I think most of us are getting in the mood for summer.

We are finally able to turn our attention to the spring-summer 2022 fashion trends. While we might still need to have a chunky knit on standby, rest assured, balmy eves are just around the corner.

So with that in mind, it’s time to clue up on all the biggest styles, colours, prints and It-pieces set to dominate the season ahead.

And fortunately Harrogate has some incredible clothes shops – both independents and chains – so you don’t even need to travel to get kitted out.

Here are some top picks from three fashion boutiques in Harrogate:

Infinity & Co, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza

Infinity & Co owner Sam Gallagher models her first spring summer outfit choice.

Sheer pink top with tassels: £99

White trousers: £45

Straw bag with statement tassel, sparkly trim and leather strap: £92

Shoes: Model’s own

Sam Gallagher, owner of Infinity & Co boutique, which moved from a pop-up unit to a bigger space at the Victoria Shopping Centre seven weeks ago, said:

“Across the whole of this season we are seeing lots of bright colours coming through and I think we are all ready for that after the last two years.

“What we are seeing as we are coming into summer is the brights are becoming more neon and we have seen a lot of Aztec influence – in bag straps, in embroidery, so this top is a typical example of what we are seeing coming through. We are also seeing the bohemian trend going bigger this year. So this top is a combo of both the Aztec and bohemian trends.

“The white trousers are a “magic pant”, which is a new technology of fabric, which doesn’t go see-through when it stretches, so you can buy a size 10-16. For an independent this is great as it means we can stock a lot more styles. They also have an elasticated waist, which I call ‘lockdown clothing’, so when you are feeling a bit bloated it’s comfortable.

“Then you have this gorgeous straw bag with a statement tassel.”

Joined by Bailey the dog, Sam models her second spring summer outfit choice.

Dress with gold embroidery: £99

Bohemian-style tassel pendant: £28

Shoes: Model’s own

Sam said:

“This is from a new collection that we have got in, which has really pretty gold embroidery and, again, lots of beading.

“I’ve teamed this with one of the bohemian-style pendants, which we have got in loads of different colours. It’s just great for layering.

“It’s so pretty and would be great for going beach to bar or a garden party, or for a drink on West Park.”

Mint Velvet, James Street

Tan casual leather jacket: £299

Bronze sequin ruffle top: £69

Hazelnut Monroe crop wide trousers: £79

Anges white leather saddle bag: £119

Fern gold metallic wedges: £169

Manager Suzie Poole said:

“This year there is lots of tonal dressing with neutrals, such as whites, creams and golds. There is usually some sparkle added to this with sequins. It’s kind of a reaction to the pandemic – casual but with a bit of extra sparkle. It’s about making you feel a bit more special about the outfit you’re wearing.”

Ivory gathered back shirt: £79

Zest chunky v-neck tabard: £79

Utility slim jeans: £89

Camille tone leather loafers: £99

Gold ball pendant: £29

Supervisor Terina Daly said:

“Lime green is really on-trend at the moment and bright colours in general. It just looks really fresh. The lime seems to be a colour that suits everyone, even though people can be scared of brighter colours.

“We have noticed more people coming in since the pandemic saying they need some more colour in their wardrobes.

“Animal print is also huge and it’s coming through a lot in accessories. So if you don’t feel confident enough, you can just wear a headband and have a little pop of print.

“The military trend is still big and these khaki trousers are really popular. We also do them in other colours.”

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Porters, James Street

Universal Works navy bakers jacket: £249

Oliver Spencer navy and cream conduit stripe T-shirt: £85

Universal Works light olive fatigue trousers: £135

Hoffs Bangkok City beige and orange trainer: £99

Carhartt Nomad script bucket hat: £45

Carhartt WIP Vista tie dye socks: £20

Website manager Charlotte Woodhead said:

“This outfit is smart/casual with some nice layering. With the warmer weather coming, it’s nice to have a bucket hat for summer vibes, which you can use to dress down an outfit.”

Traffic People ITJ Cleo animal print jumpsuit: £120

Matt & Nat chili vie vintage bag belt: £70

Rebecca Jones, website assistant, said:

“The jumpsuit is made with a really lightweight fabric, it’s really floaty with three-quarter length sleeves and a wide leg, which is great because if it’s too long it’s really easy to hem up. It has a really flattering waistband.

“Jumpsuits are here to stay as it’s an outfit in one, you don’t have to worry about what you have got on top and bottom.

“They are really smart and easy to wear. You could dress this up with a pair of heels and a nice blazer, or down with a pair of trainers and a leather jacket. We do this jumpsuit in different colourways.

“The bag is made from a sustainable vegan leather. It’s what you would call a ‘bumbag’ and it’s really on-trend to wear them across the shoulder as it’s a more stylish way to wear them. We do them in black as well.”

Harrogate Fashion Week is back this summer

Harrogate Fashion Week is back in the diary as its organisers have confirmed dates for summer 2021.

The event, which usually takes place twice a year, was last held in January 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic but is set to welcome guests on August 1 and 2.

Event director Wendy Adams said:

“We are delighted to confirm that Harrogate Fashion Week will be going ahead this August after such a disappointing 2020 and we are looking to ensure the event celebrates the endurance of the fashion industry.”

Read more:

The fashion week’s fifth edition will be held at the Harrogate Convention Centre, which was transformed into a 500-bed NHS Nightgale Hospital during 2020 but was not used for any covid patients.

The hospital facilities were dismantled earlier this month.

Although the summer show has previously had a July date, the organisers have chosen August to give the centre time to be fully ready for visitors.

Marble, Pomodoro, John Charles and Lily & Me are among the womenswear brands booked to attend, along with footwear labels Caprice, Legero and Lotus.

Sarah Moody, the show’s director, who is based in Harrogate said:

“It’s expected to be a busy selling season and many brands have already reserved their stands in the excitement of getting back to face-to-face selling.

“We have had more special occasion and promwear inquiries than ever before, so definitely see a growth in this area.”

 

‘A Century of Fashion’ goes under the Hammer

Yorkshire based auctioneers Tennants are preparing to auction ‘a century of fashion.’

Tennants Auctioneers’ costume, accessories and textiles sale will offer a selection of outfits from the Victorian Era to the present day.

Classics by Chanel, Gucci and Chloe will all be going under the hammer as well as many vintage costume pieces.

The auction will take place at Tennant’s flagship site in Leyburn, North Yorkshire on Saturday 22, August.

Tennant's

Tennant’s ‘ A Century of Fashion.’

Sarah White, Costume and Textiles specialist at Tennant’s told the Stray Ferret that there will be over 200 lots on offer:

 ‘It’s a different sale to usual this time… it’s got more bulk to it in the costume, but we also have a fantastic selection of modern Chanel, leather goods, 20’s daywear and 30s and 40’s costume which people like and want to buy.’

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So what sort of price can you expect to pay for these pieces?

‘The Chanel items tend to go for between 300 and 500 which is a fraction of what you would pay in the shops, the other items anywhere from £200 upwards, but there’s always bargains to be had so it’s best to come and have a look.’

Have you changed the way you run the auctions due to COVID restrictions?

‘We have had to change the way we work, so the way we set out the room for viewing and the saleroom for bidding, but with regards to selling the items the prices have been strong and the market is very strong. This is our second costume sale since lockdown, but with the online bidding, it is a really good platform for buying, as people can still see photos and we provide condition reports.’

People will be able to go and view with items at Tennant’s on Thursday and Friday between 10-4 and on Saturday before the auction from 7.30 am, the sale starts at 10.30 am.

Alongside live bidding in person, there are also digital alternatives for browsing and bidding. A fully illustrated catalogue is available where bidders will also be able to bid live online or leave commission bids.