Since Lipsy opened (and when did that actually *happen*, by the way? Because I don't remember it actually *happening* per se, I just remember that one day I turned around and it was *there*) I have rarely entered, because somewhere in the back of my mind is this nagging prejudice against Lipsy. I can't say where it came from, but for some reason I have the idea that Lipsy do 'tarty' party dresses and make bad quality crap. Of course, every time I go in, I remember that although I am kinda wrong, Lipsy still isn't for me.
Lipsy make unapologetically, unashamedly ostentatious party wear that really does contend with offerings from Topshop and Miss Selfridge, for fairly good prices. The thing is, if you're not looking for ostentatious, then you're a little screwed. I think my main problem with Lipsy is that they pile too much on one dress. So in one dress you get sequins, mesh panels *and* ruffles, body-con, backless, *and* fringe detail. It's just a little much, and every time I've tried something on in Lipsy I've felt like a little girl dressing up for her first big party. There's something faintly ridiculous about most of the designs, a certain off-ness that takes them from being something I would wear, to something I don't even consider. I guess I'm not really Lipsy's target audience. I'd rather sit in a grubby bar drinking whisky and discussing the Pixies, than dance on a table to Beyonce. These dresses just, well, they kinda scream "Printworks on a Saturday" to me. I know that sounds snobby, but that's how I feel.
This branch seems to carry most of what they offer online, though they do seem to favour their party lines over their day dresses. The staff here are as rude and inefficient as you are likely to find in any clothes shop, and I ended up leaving without buying a dress I actually *wanted*, because the sales assistant was so unhelpful, and expected me to pay full price for it even though it had a tear in it (it was the last one in my size).
If you're a party girl and you need something to wow in, Lipsy's a good bet. I just feel like anyone I know would be laughed out of the room if they turned up in one of their ruffly sequinned numbers. read more