French Connection S/S '11 Lookbook

A few days ago i received the French Connection Spring 2011 lookbook and ever since i have been meaning to share with you my favourite pieces. I love their tongue-in-cheek advertising, remember those FCUK slogans which caused uproar? They seem to be able to capture the modern twenty-something woman perfectly embracing their feminity, chic workwear, relaxed tailoring sit equally as well next to sexy leather shorts and flirty sun dresses revealing a hint of flesh. You will find pieces in this collection that can work for any eventuality - wedding, date, work, lunch with friends, going to a gig, cocktails...the list is endless.

Please note whilst some images are my own, i admit my photography skills are not fantastic hence some images are sourced from their website.

And the inspiration behind the campaign? French Connection say: "This season we have decided to challenge our customers in the way they consider themselves. Moving forward from the idealized image of Man and Woman we have created scenarios that confront the viewer with the question "You are Man?" and "You are Woman?". "

This is one of my favourite campaign shots...

The idea of ladies who lunch in white dresses, fishnets and heels eating burgers oozing with ketchup is brillant! Would a "real lady" sit on the kerb eating take-away?!

The collection is divided into five colour stories; Into The Blue, The New Romantics, Minimalist Monochrome, Lux Louche and Shades Of Grey.

Into The Blue Takes inspiration from the French Riviera in classically chic navy and white.



Top £62, Jeans £72, Shoes £135



When Spring approaches it's so easy just to whip out your staple blue and white stripes and red accessories but there's not a stripe in sight throughout this collection. It's about time someone reinvented the typical nautical look and proved white jeans are not just for TOWIE-types and can be super stylish. I love this navy sheer blouse perfect for a day-to-evening transformation, add a bright contrast cami for day and for night leave a little to the imagination with a backless bra.

The New Romantics Delicate pastel shades of pink provide a dreamy, ethereal palette for spring.

Dress £135, Shoes £135

Top £47, Skirt £67, Shoes £135

Combining two key trends, draping and pleating this pieces could be straight off the catwalk. The Mine And Yours dress with sweatheart neckline would be perfect for a spring wedding just throw on a cropped grey jacket. This colour palette could wash you out but either work your natural glow and go pale and interesting or fake it and if anyone asks where you got your tan say St Tropez of course! South of France or bottle - who cares?


Minimalist Monochrome Create a clean but striking silhouette in black and white.

Top £62, Trousers £87, Shoes £115

Shirt £67, Shorts £155, Shoes £130

The first look is pretty much what i'm rocking at the moment for work, tapered trousers with blouses or shirts, although i'm not sure about the white trousers. They remind me when i wore white trousers one and then it rained and you can guess the rest... Plus they'll be a bitch to keep clean and who can afford dry cleaning these days? The second look is one of my favourites, i'm loving shorts for day and night and it's not often that we can get away with wearing leather shorts without being propositioned no thanks to Pretty Women. I've got some pleather shorts from Topshop but they're more hotpant style and need to be worn with tights really to avoid looking too trashy, but although FC's are quite pricey add a demure blouse and they're first date ready.

Lux Louche Perfect the downtown look by contrasting soft drapes with tough leather.

Click above for larger images

Outfit 1: Jacket £300, Trousers £77, Shoes £130
Outfit 2: Jacket £300, Top £57, Trousers £67, Shoes £130
Outfit 3: Top £47, Trousers £77, Shoes £135
Outfit 4: Jacket £115, Top £22, Shorts £155, Shoes £135, Bag £115
Outfit 5: Top £57, Skirt £170, Shoes £135
Outfit 6: Jacket £300, Skirt £67, Shoes £135

I couldn't really pick out my highlights from this trend as i love them all!! All of the looks are perfect for off-duty days, although they are quite trend-led they will see you through this transeasonal period when it's note quite warn enough to breaking the brights and bare arms. As you can see an emphasis is on leather and a muted palette with shades of charcoal most prominent. I'll definitely be taking inspiration from these pieces on "nothing to wear" days trying to emulate that off-duty model look.

Shades of Grey From charcoal to silver, grey is your go-to for understated and elegant style.

Jumpsuit £125 Shoes £130

This has to be the statement piece of the whole collection, very geisha girl inspired with bat-wing sleeves and kimono wrap belt. Although it would be ideal for a meal as it could disguise a multitude of sins and you wouldn't have to go hungry but to be really appreciated standing at all times is required - this is one piece that deserves to be admired. I'm not sure i could pull it off but i love to see a girl who could!

And to finish another good campaign shot....