Bonprix A/W 2013: My edit

It may come as a surprise considering the curated nature of my wardrobe but I’m an incredibly safe shopper. Let me elaborate. When I lived in the UK, I would occasionally go out of my comfort zone to try out a high street store I’d never shopped in, and ofcourse, I’d hit the vintage and charity shops at any given opportunity but being back in India means that I rarely venture outside my comfort zone of ASOS, Modcloth and Etsy. Apart from pricey international shipping, there’s also the issue of all major payment gateways such as Paypal, Amazon and Google Checkout being blocked in this country. As a result, very few online stores are actually accessible to me anymore.

When I was contacted by bonprix to check out their A/W range, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I vaguely remembered hearing about them a long time ago but didn’t have any actual recollection of the kind of clothing they stock. I’ll confess that most plus size fashion is a huge disappointment for me since my taste is rarely catered to. However, despite my misgivings, I kept an open mind as I browsed through bonprix’s selection of plus size coats and jackets, and I’m glad I did because I was pleasantly surprised. I found several pieces that I really like and a few that I absolutely love. This is an edit of my 10 favourite pieces from their Winter collection including what I’ve taken to calling “The Coat”.

1. Knit beret gloves in terracotta: While I regard beanies to be an abomination, I’m rather fond of their close sibling - the knitted beret. This one comes with matching gloves, which is excellent. I also love warm hues for winter - rust, terracotta, fox, and every warming shade of yellow are what keep me cheery through the darker and gloomier months.

2. Cable knit jumper in navy: For the last few years, my winter strategy has involved a long sleeved dress under a warm woolly coat. Being back in the tropics, however, means that my cold weather wardrobe needs a complete overhaul. Jumpers have turned out to be my salvation and I’m strangely obsessed with cable knits. I love this navy cable jumper - it’s versatile, looks perfectly snuggly and is a classic piece to boot.

3. Fox jumper in orange marl: How much do I love this?! I’ve been looking for the perfect fox themed piece since last winter and not had any luck till I came across this jumper. The menswear inspired look is perfect for the direction in which my style has been heading of late and the fox itself is super cute.

4. Coated cotton winter jacket in olive: Ever since I came across my old quilted parka while unpacking my wardrobe, I’ve fallen in love all over again with rugged, outdoorsy outerwear. I rather like the popper fastenings on this one and the corduroy accents speak loud and clear to my British Heritage aspirations.

5. Wool blend coat in navy, AKA The Coat: This coat is undoubtedly bonprix’s standout piece as far as I’m concerned. Even though I don’t need a winter coat this year, it’s still interesting to look around for the perfect one (and I’ll need all the warmth I can get in a couple of years when I move to North America.) For some reason, I just kept hitting a blank wall with coats this year - there was nothing that really called to me until I saw this beauty. It gets military right without being overt, the leather look trims are spot on, and the quilting makes me burst into cries of delight. Yeah, I might be a wee bit obsessed.

6. Piped cape in red checked: Leather (look) trims and piping could possibly be my new thing because they are one of the reasons I love this cape. I’m yet to get my tartan fix this season, and this bright red and black variant is gorgeous and festive.

7. Hooded cardigan in maroon: I’m not really a big cardigan person but sometimes there’s nothing better than an oversized chunky cardi to lounge around in (Baileys hot chocolate optional but highly recommended.) I’m a bit of a homebody and much of my time is spent reading or writing in a chilly apartment - this hooded cardigan with its checked lining looks like the perfect winter warmer on days I don’t feel like venturing very far from my bed.

8. Tartan wool blend blazer in orange/berry/tan: Three words: Doctor Who vibes. ‘Nuff said.

9. Canvas satchel in blue/tan: I’ve looking around for a hard wearing everyday bag that will match most of my outfits too, and I think I’ve found a strong contender with this canvas handbag. I always love bags that give me the option of a shoulder strap as well as handles, and the stitching on this one keeps things interesting yet discreet.

10. Fleece zip hoodie in red pattern: Fun fact - I was obsessed with hoodies about a decade ago and refused to wear anything else for a long time. Even though you wouldn’t have been able to force a hoodie on me last year, I’ve grown sentimentally fond of them of late and have been contemplating a sportier look. And what’s winter without a bit of fairisle?

(Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by bonprix but the opinions are all my own.)