new upscale brand from the brains behind ZARA

Great news for fans of the Spanish brand Zara, who have launched a new, slightly more upscale clothing and accessories line. Not yet in the UK, I checked out their new brand Uterque on a recent trip to Barcelona for the Bread and Butter street trends fair (review blog to follow). I was pleasantly surprised by the collection of well designed, reasonable quality clothes and accessories, which were priced pretty well too. Particularly impressive were the bags, ranging from totes, shoppers and day bags to natty little evening bags. The quality and dye of the leather used felt as though it should be carrying a hefty price tag, but didn't. Contemporary takes on classic seventies and forties designs lent the pieces a sense of longevity that would ensure you get good value out of your purchases. I particularly liked a small rectangular tan leather shoulder bag, great for a 'casual night out' get up - or could easily be worn with a smart safari trouser suit this spring/summer. Trying desperately to stick to my budget, I opted for the chic little midnight blue suede and gold trim tube clutch pictured, to go with a midnight blue cashmere number for an upcoming wedding. In the sale, a very reasonable €29.90; given 2007 exchange rates it would've been a steal! A black textured pencil skirt for the same price also had to come home with me - its a classic and will do me for a few winters to come. I don't know when Uterque will reach our shores, but keep a keen eye out... its definitely worth a look for value purchases. Bring it on over here!