capsule wardrobe

9/04/2015

Introducing Gray & Willow from House of Fraser

Having a reliable, capsule wardrobe is something of a sartorial art form, and one which takes a while to master the intricacies off. New brand Gray & Willow from House of Fraser have taken all the difficulty away, having released a beautiful collection of modern, versatile, luxury separates for AW15.

The brand is designed in house, and concentrates on a range of womenswear and homewear. Calm and understated, it mixes a casual yet comfortable aesthetic with a modern Scandinavian style. Created to go beyond seasonal trends, the items offer everyday luxury which blends in with what's already hanging in your wardrobe. Harmony is key, with the prints and colours of the range inspired by the beauty of the Nordic landscapes.

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser

Image (c) Gray & Willow / House of Fraser
The clothing range goes up to a UK size 20, and currently offers a whole range of separates from dresses to jumpsuits. They also have a range of beautiful low-key homewear items, and you can check out both by clicking here.

It's really hard to pick a favourite item, but I'm quite in love with the Gray & Willow Glacier Print Ponte Layer Dress (£79) as the print is just stunning. It's the perfect item to layer with some thick tights, big boots and a long, chunky knit!

Until next time,

Introducing Gray & Willow from House of Fraser

9/04/2015

3/09/2015

Summer Dreaming - Spring Into SS15 with F&F and their Utilitarian Traveller


I love pouring over look books, but it takes something really special for one to stick out amongst a sea of PR prettiness. Yet the SS15 offering from F&F did just that when it fell into my inbox. With a mixture of stunning art direction and beautiful separates on show, their introduction of "Utilitarian Traveller" chic for Spring Summer 15 really raised the bar had me dreaming of the impending warm temperatures.

The collection which drops today is from the F&F main range, with most pieces going up to a UK22. There is an understated feel to the collection, with laid back silhouettes and loose fitting separates ready for exciting adventures with a classical style.

SS15 - (c) F&F.

SS15 - (c) F&F.

SS15 - (c) F&F.

SS15 - (c) F&F.

The lookbook was shot on location in the Nevada desert by fashion photographer Frederic Pinet. In it, we see a collection introduced which combines a utility feel with flowing 70s shapes. Long-line waistcoats and flared trousers mix with maxi dresses and trench coats for a series designed to be layered together. The colour palette consists of light and neutral hues contrasting with khaki and stone creating the ideal selection of mix-and-match separates. What we have with F&F's SS15 offering is the perfect holiday capsule wardrobe which also translates well for tough city living at the height of Summer.

The relaxed silhouette is key, but pieces such as the khaki-trench and loose fitting trousers are such classic shapes that they will go beyond seasonal trends to become key, classic wardrobe staples.

In addition to the look book images, we can also expect too see a take on the sports lux trend, with all-in-one shorts suits, smart joggers and neoprene shift dresses blurring the lines between office and gym wear. We'll also be seeing a futuristic 50s nod, with metallic tees, bomber jackets and tailored shorts all finished with a retro shape. Nautical Breton stripes and kitsch prints and polka dots will also make an appearance, once again putting forward an easy to wear selection which follow trends without dating.

(l-r) F&F Black Wedge Sandal £22, F&F White Crossover Sandal £10.
(l-r) F&F Black Flared Trouser £25, F&F Black Sheer Pleated Dress, F&F Black Utility Jumpsuit £28, F&F Long Black Waistcoat £22.

(l-r) F&F White Flared Trousers £25, F&F Longline Shirt £18, F&F White Flared Culotte £20, F&F Long White Waistcoat £22.

(l-r) F&F Navy Trim Kimono £18, F&F Khaki Trench Coat £38, F&F Safari Utility Parka £35.

It's almost impossible to pick my favourite item as I think many of them could easily be the basis of a killer capsule wardrobe. However my love for the F&F Khaki Trench Coat knows no bounds, and despite being a fairly modern style, it wouldn't feel out of place with my 1940s loving aesthetic. The F&F Black Sheer Pleated Dress is also stunning, and is the perfect holiday item to go from beach to bar as the summer sun dips. My final pick would be the versatile F&F Long Black Waistcoat. It's a piece which works well to compliment a smart pair of trousers, but would also fit over a  pair of denim cut-offs for a laid back 90s look.

With so many stunning pieces to choose from, which are your favourites?

Until next time,

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Summer Dreaming - Spring Into SS15 with F&F and their Utilitarian Traveller

3/09/2015

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