I love this quote from Finery's brand book - it's so true!
Many of you will be familiar with the brand Finery which launched a little over a year ago now. The brainchild of three co-founders, Caron Downie (former Fashion Director of Asos and Buying Director of Topshop), together with her former colleagues Emma Farrow (former Design Director at Topshop) and Rachel Morgans (former Buying Director of Asos), the brand "caters for a category of stylish women who were becoming dis-illusioned with a High Street which provided quick turnover trends at budget prices."
To celebrate the launch of Finery going into six John Lewis stores (Oxford Street, Peter Jones, Cheadle, Trafford, Liverpool, Birmingham) I was invited along to meet the team in our local Birmingham John Lewis. It's the first time that the collection has been available in a bricks and mortar setting so it was exciting to get to touch and feel the clothes and it was lovely to meet Caron Downie who was so gentle and unassuming, despite her success.
The collection is relatively small and Finery intend to keep it that way. It's not desperately seasonal either, with the clothes designed to be worn all year round. Emphasis is placed on the cut, the finish, the feel and the comfort factor. I like that the clothes and shoes are a little bit quirky and that the brand has its own strong identity but with a good price point.
Englefield blue boucle coat (£145)
Sorry I can't link to this but it's navy and frilly so it had to be included!
Finery's shoes and boots are brilliant - very London/flat/chunky and stylish. My favourite are these Peep toe ankle boots (£125) - which clearly aren't flat, or chunky, at all!
Marks for ingenuity have to go to this striped jersey tee (£35) which, due to the zip at the back, can either be worn oversized, or fitted. Two in one - brilliant!
One thing that I do - oh yes I really DO - need to invest in, are some tailored trousers. I have jeans, coated skinnies, pleather leggings and wide legged trousers but I don't have a pair of smarter tailored trousers, which I feel are missing from my wardrobe. So I think that these pleated peg trousers (£49) could be a good option and I shall go back and try them on another day.
And finally, with all things frilled being such a big trend this season, I think that I may add this ruffle jersey top (£29) to my wardrobe. It's girliness will be great with ripped jeans, cut offs, or smarter wide legged trousers and trainers.
So if, despite having heard about Finery, they haven't quite made it on to your radar yet, now might be the time to take a closer look. I find that seeing a brand in the flesh always makes it easier to identify with and to start building a relationship with. It's not currently available at John Lewis on line but fingers crossed that may change at some point soon. Happy shopping and have a lovely week! x
