The weather may be wintery and miserable outside, but my mind is firmly set in spring mode. Maybe it’s the post-fashion week blues or longer daylight hours that’s caused my seasonal clock to skip a beat, or perhaps it the flurry of new season stock arriving at my favourite stores? I’m inclined to think it has more to do with the latter and my desire to shrug off my dull winterey threads in favour of new pastels and prints.

Back in November I was invited along to Mint Velvet’s SS13 press day. Spring seemed a long way off then, but I still enjoyed the opportunity to browse through their delectable collection and indulge my post-BFAs self with a relaxing hand massage courtesy of the spa at the Sanderson hotel.

I’m already a huge fan of this brand and bought no less than three dresses from their AW12 collection. Needless to say I think I’ll be buying even more from their SS13 collection, I can see this becoming quite a costly business!

Amongst the MV pieces for Spring/Summer are their classic styles reworked with warmer colours and updated prints. Previous seasons has seen them stick to a more muted tone, but bright oranges and yellows abound this season making me dream of beaches, blue skies and summer days to come.

Favourites from the collection include the mosaic trench coat, the pleat bib dress (a shorter sleeved version of the black dress I bought last season) and the Zanthe print dress.

I was 14 years old when French Connection began branding their clothes ‘fcuk’. An age I spent battling my inner desire to rebel with my otherwise straight-laced temperament. As such, a t-shirt featuring the phrase ‘too busy to fcuk’ was the perfect choice for my conservative rebellion.

14 years on and the relationship with French Connection that began in my early teens is still going strong. Gone is the controversial slogan that originally enticed me to the brand, instead remains a fashion-forward clothing range with a quirky spin on design. Their SS12 collection is no exception, blending unique design with a true sense of style.

Recent purchases from the fashion mecca that is French Connection have consisted of mostly party pieces; a maxi dress for my Dad’s 60th birthday party, a ruffled navy dress for my cousin’s wedding and a sequinned top for last month’s Christmas festivities.

This season’s collection will undoubtedly be called upon again to help me out with impending merriments and the forthcoming London Fashion Week. And to that end I have selected and edited my favourite pieces from their new collection (including one sale steal) below:

1. Lost and Found matt satin dress is an understated contemporary piece. Slip it on with a statement bangle and a chic chignon for timeless elegance.

2. French Connection’s imperial lux trench coat is perfect for that changeable spring weather! Layer over a wrap dress and team with a pair of neat court shoes for a ladylike look that will see you through the season in style.

3. Sarah silk classic shirt is a sleek way to inject a pop of colour into your work wardrobe. Wear this spring-fresh piece with chinos and stacked sandals for a polished look.

4. Winter moire taffeta strapless dress is a quirky take on a classic style. An eye-catching party dress, pair with metallic accessories for extra sparkle.

5. Lost and Found crepe-satin maxi dress is a sophisticated evening piece, ideal for that black-tie event. Pile your hair high and slip on some chandelier earrings to invoke old-school Hollywood glamour.

It’s true to say that even after 14 years my French connection is still very much present.

theitgirl
xx