'INVESTMENT' - FASHION SPEAK FOR GUILT-FREE SHOPPING! YESSS!

Posted by Fashion Junior at Large

I love this time of year. Not just because of the milder weather and longer lighter days but because it's one of those rare periods when you don't have to feel guilty about shopping. A complete wardrobe overhaul can be justified as an 'investment' for the season ahead. I've got my eye on these little 'investments' this spring:

(From top left)

1. Laser cut waterfall fronted leather jacket, ASOS, £120. I got this last week and I can't tell you how zzzexy and expensive it looks. Leather is sticking around as a major trend for AW as well, which makes it an even better investment.
2. Floral print leggings by Hermione De Paula, Browns, £120. Since seeing her first stand alone show this season and meeting Hermione herself backstage I've become a big fan. The girl knows how to make a great print.
3. Lace up suede ankle boot, Urban Outfitters, £55. Urban is one of the first places I head to for shoes. These navy booties with cream laces are high on my wish list.
4. 'Bad Bunny' jumper, French Connection, £45. 'Bad Bunny' must be the best garment name ever! Why is the bunny bad I wonder? This looks like a nice low-key Sunday afternoon in the pub jumper to me.
5. Jersey maxi dress, Full Circle, £50. Forget floaty bohemian long-length dresses, it's all about the jersey maxi this season.
6. Blush summer dress, Hoss Intropia, £171. Gorgeous on-trend colour and a shape that works whatever the occasion. I intend to picnic in this little dress come summer. Check out the new Hoss Intropia store in Covent Garden for impeccable service and lots more demure dress options.
7. Backless mule, River Island, £44.99. I never thought I'd see the day I wanted another clog (the last time I wore one I was 9. It was patent lime green. Hot huh?) but lo, that day is here. I love this clog's Fashion Junior friendly price as well.
8. Cats eye sunglasses by Luella, ASOS, £68. Not quite as amazing as the Alexander Wang ones, but a pretty close second. Cats eye is obviously the shape of choice for the season. A good 'investment' wouldn't you agree?

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DO YOU LIKE FRENCH CONNECTION'S NEW 'MAN' AND 'WOMAN'?

Posted by Fashion Junior at Large

How are we all feeling about the new French Connection campaign?

Since my boyfriend started working as a junior creative at ad agency Adam and Eve I've found myself naturally analysing adverts in terms of their originality and creative quirkiness, which is why I'm really enjoying the new French Connection 'For Woman' / 'For Man' campaign.  

Not everyone feels the same way (I believe one colleague used the word 'desperate' to describe it), but I think it's a pretty brave attempt by the brand to push their image in a totally new direction. You don't see many highstreet labels doing anything anywhere near as odd and interesting as this...

'The Man; a rugged, bearded and outspoken character who tells our customer how to dress. He has the physique of a bare-knuckle boxer, the brain of Voltaire and a discerning eye. Other men can learn much from him'

'The Woman is understated yet sexy. Her description is brief, as we know little of her. She is beautiful, enchanting, capricious and mystifying. We don't even catch her name'

The campaign was masterminded by Fallon London (the agency behind that Cadburys gorilla ad we all banged on about so much) who told me 'The overall brief was to launch the French Connection spring collection with a nod to the style and playfulness of the brand's original DNA'. Hence 'Franglais' lines like 'he knows not what sequins is' (check me out with my adopted knowledge of ad-land terminology).

Stephen Marks, founder and chairman of French Connection, hopes the love it or hate it buzz around the ads will translate to sales: 'We believe we have created an impactful and intelligent campaign which we hope will encourage talk-ability amongst our loyal customers and fashion opinion formers worldwide'...jobs a good'un Stephen.

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