The Chain Gang: Eryn Brinie (and reflections on TopShop)

So, I went to TopShop this weekend. I'm going to wait to level my final judgment, but you know when you meet up with an ex-crush from high school? You're walking into the restaurant all giddy and excited and 16 again...then a receding hairline in khakis and those Steve Madden man shoes comes your way? Ok, ok it wasn't that bad, but I did leave feeling a little, well, deflated. 

There were lots of pieces that reminded me why I loved the store in the first place (the shoes, the Preen dresses), but the general shopping experience doesn't match the awesomeness that is their London flagship (and occasionally the quality doesn't match the price tag). However, it is a great place to pick up the occasional romper or sundress. And the basic knit pieces hit the sweet spot of great fit for a great price. I love that the store asserts its own style instead of knocking off runway looks (thus avoiding tragedies like last summer's ubiquitous Dior gladiator sandal rip-off), and it's brought great British designers to the States. Lots and lots of pluses for our cross-pond neighbor, but don't go expecting retail transcendence.

Anywho, while I was in the neighborhood, I hit up some of my other favorite sartorial emigres. New York has welcomed a host of foreign chains to the island in the past few years, and I thought that in the wake of TopShop it might be fun to stop into some of them. So this week, I give you Eryn Brinie. 

Eryn Brinie
Country of Origin: South Korea
Specialties: Great jackets, vests and skirts that playfully mix textures (think silk-lapelled tuxedo jackets made of light sweatshirt material...it works, I swear). Ideal for layering.
Currently coveting: A gray buttery leather motorcycle vest.
Lost in translation: Be aware that the cuts didn't expand much on their trip from Asialand. Nana Banana often finds her trunk junk to be too much for their more fitted dresses. But the more slender among you should do just fine.
Currency conversion:On par with Zara. Blazers will run you about $150, skirts $75ish.

Here is a crappy shot that I took inside the store (hard to take undercover photos when you're still learning how to use a new camera).

And here are some less crappy photos lifted from their website.  Enjoy! 

Comments

[nanabanana]

I know! Isnt that such a sweet look? I don't know that I could pull it off as it does seem to require some serious lankiness. But I do plan to experiment with maxi dresses and blazers/sweaters this spring.

[Molly]

I am glad you deflated my expectations early so that I won't go in with too high of hopes, but I'm still looking forward to heading there. Was at a dinner party last night with a Brit in this flimsy but fun t-shirt dress with a striking print, which was of course, from the london top shop. We were talking about it and she gave me the ups and downs, but her favorite thing is the different looking prints. I'm excited. Especially for flimsy summer fare.

[V]

I love the look of the grecian style long dress with the oversize blazer! Prom night memories!