French Connection’s Summer fashion show in Edinburgh.
In my latest outfit post I was tentatively dipping my toe into spring dressing with a few transitional wardrobe classics, and while the weather in Edinburgh may still be having other ideas (April showers is something of an understatement), the latest high street drops have ensured that my enthusiasm for all things sartorially spring-related is far from waning. As if I wasn’t craving warmer weather enough, last week the friendly folks at French Connection Edinburgh invited me along to a wee showcase of their gorgeous summery offerings.
I’ll put my hands up and say that FCUK usually teeters on the edge of my shopping radar – probably as it’s on the slightly pricier end of high street style for a postgrad-turned-freelancer like me, but I left with a wishlist as long as my arm. Blogging is a dangerous pastime. I was particularly besotted with French Connection’s take on feminine tailoring for SS14: classic cuts with a contemporary twist and eye-catching details. There’s something for every sort of spring/summer girl – whether you prefer feminine frocks, sporty separates, or statement tees and skinnies. I know which camp I fall into! What about you?
The pink tennis drop waist dress pictured above has gone straight to the top of my wardrobe wishlist – the perfect, versatile piece for spring/summer. Thanks to its softly tailored aesthetic it would be at home in the office or at a chic cocktail party – with a few styling tweaks. I was similarly enamoured with the pink tweed jacket above: gorgeously feminine, while the biker cut toughens things up. FCUK must have heard about my collar obsession – this embellished number caught my eye and I was loving the combination of pale pink and navy.
A fresh, seasonal palette of dewy pastels and citrus shades was the perfect partner for soft, feminine fabrics, from chiffon pleated tops to sheer blouses. Sumptuous angora, tweed and buttersoft leather added textural interest, and there was a smattering of French Connection’s signature sparkle. Cocoon shapes and graduated hemlines added a chic twist and androgynous appeal; my favourite was the navy cricket-inspired jumper that would be lovely with the pink tweed.
Accessories came in every sugared-almond hue too; I was a particular fan of those beautiful nude scalloped suede heels for their go-with-everything appeal, and the chic leather pouches are perfect for easy summer night style (if only I didn’t feel the need to carry everything and the kitchen sink in my bag!).
After browsing the new collections we were treated to a mini fashion show, where FCUK’s top Summer picks were styled to perfection. Here are some of my favourite looks – I particularly loved how the versatile pink tweed jacket was styled with jeans, peplum tee and heels for a smart/casual spin.
Breton stripes (with a sprinkling of embellishment) and white are a match made in heaven for spring/summer, and pairing a parka with a summery frock gives extra wardrobe mileage – some styling ideas I’ll definitely keep in mind for the coming months! While I don’t think I’m brave enough to step out in that bandage dress any time soon, I loved the lemony hue and scalloped heels combo.
Sparkles and tongue-in-cheek statement tees are probably what French Connection is best known for (remember those slogan T-shirts?!). I do like fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously. On the other end of the fashion scale, softly tailored separates were among the most covetable offerings – the two-piece is so versatile and this leaf-print duo in particular caught my eye.
French Connection’s summer soirée certainly left me filled with wardrobe inspiration for the coming months – it’s rapidly becoming one of my favourite high street collections this season, and I have a feeling one or two pieces might have to make their way into my wardrobe very soon…
Thank you for having me French Connection! What are your high street favourites for SS14?