We compare purse-friendly chains Primark and Reserved in our search for winter fashion on the high street
The Polish fashion chain opened in its first UK store in Oxford Street earlier this week and has been dubbed the 'Polish Primark'
WITH the new season comes an exciting fashion store chain whose purse-friendly clobber is set to shake Primark’s dominance on our high streets.
Originating in Poland, Reserved has been a huge hit in Europe, Russia and the Middle East, with revenues of £1.2billion in 2016, and it bagged Kate Moss to do promotion work.
On Wednesday she helped to open its first UK store, in London’s Oxford Street, amid a fashion frenzy that has seen it dubbed “the Polish Primark”.
But could our fave bargain store chain really be under threat?
We picked six near-identical outfits at both stores and got model Laura Coleman to choose her winners.
The Check Blazer
Primark verdict 2/5
Laura says: “I really don’t like the ruched detailing on the jacket sleeves – it looks cheap. The trousers were bad quality and they were much too tight.
“It’s a thumbs- down for fit and quality.”
Reserved verdict 5/5
Laura says: “The T-shirt was lovely and soft, such good quality.
“I would buy the complete outfit but I think I could get better quality trousers for a similar price at somewhere like Zara.”
The biker jacket
Primark verdict 5/5
Laura says: “This version of the outfit feels much more comfortable, perhaps because the sizing is more generous.
“I loved the high-waisted skinny jeans – such a bargain. I want a few pairs.”
Reserved verdict 2/5
Laura says: “The pearls made for a nice alternative to the usual studding or rivets and because of this it feels more on-trend.
“The jumper is a bit mumsy and I wouldn’t rush out to buy the jeans either.”
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The lace dress
Primark verdict 3/5
Laura says: “I love the pearl detail on the boots and also the softness and oversize cut of the jumper.
“However, the dress didn’t match up to the Reserved version – I’d say it’s well worth blowing your budget on that.”
Reserved verdict 4/5
Laura says: “The shape and the lace of the dress are gorgeous and the boots are cool.
“Underneath the jumper, the detailing at the top of the dress is so chic and looks expensive, although the adjustable straps at the back let it down.”
The leopard coat
Primark verdict 2/5
Laura says: “I loved the blouse but the material was quite static and just clung to me. The shoes felt so heavy, I almost tripped over – not very practical for a night out.
“The skirt was great and an absolute steal for £8.”
Reserved verdict 4/5
Laura says: “The quality and texture of the coat is amazing but the sizing seemed too generous, even for an oversized style.
“The shoes were nice – they looked expensive and were very comfortable.”
The floral dress
Primark verdict 3/5
Laura says: “A really sweet dress – I feel very youthful in it. The detailing is nice but for me, the skirt section of the dress kicks out too much because of the material.”
Reserved verdict 4/5
Laura says: “The design of this dress is spot-on, cleverly managing to be both cool and cute.”
The white shirt
Primark verdict 4/5
Laura says: “The trainers were minimal and cool and didn’t look cheap at all.
“The detailing on the shirt sleeves is nice.
“The jeans fit well and the fashion detail was cool.”
Reserved verdict 2/5
Laura says: “I wasn’t a fan. The shirting fabric is quite flimsy and the creases were so hard to iron out.
“The jeans didn’t fit very well but the embroidered detailing is good, and the trainers are gorgeous – they could pass for designer.”