Hushhhh the launch of Spring/Summer 14

UPDATE - For 10% off, free delivery and free returns, use the code SPRING14.  Enjoy xx

At last, the new Spring/Summer 14 Hush stock is here.  Just to pre-empt any queries, no I haven't been paid by Hush and I've had nothing new yet from the collection to review.  One of the reasons I started this blog was to find companies that are different from what is out there on the hight street - the proliferation of Zara (even though I'm not cured of my addiction) made me keen to hunt out smaller companies that you're not going to bump it ever second person wearing X coat.

And if they're British, hell, that's even better.  Yes, I have become vaguely evangelical about them.  Hush is one of those companies.  I've been a fan of their loungewear since I accrued some last season and they invited me to write a piece for their newsletter and blog.  They were then kind enough to invite me to preview their new range which launches today. (actually they invited me to a fabulous lunch at their founder Mandy's house but I couldn't make it as I had a birthday lunch.  SOB) 

Wow - what a change a season makes.  It's still very much *Hush* with the signature dusky colour palette but there is a much more urban feel to it.  Still hugely wearable but slightly edgier with an increased range in both the sorts of pieces they have, the fabric and the colours (there are some amazing prints in both daywear and nightwear)

For me, they've managed to completely nail that difficult look to master.  They perfectly straddle that line between mutton and frump, delivering a slightly edgier collection that isn't going to send your husband or your kids guffawing into a corner whilst they grapple your dogeared copy of Grazia/Elle/Vogue from your (not sweaty or too wrinkled yet, thank you very much) hands.

Whether or not this is what they were trying to achieve (and I did get the sneaky nod that yes it is although clearly they were far too polite to coin it so crudely), for me, it has worked perfectly and is the ideal port of call for circa 40 (and plus...) shopping. 

Of course, most of us do like to shop around, building a wardrobe from different shops but I honestly think I could put together pretty much an entire casual summer look from the collection - hell with a couple of the dresses, you could just go straight out with some heels on.  Actually it's almost as if someone has created a perfect capsule Summer Wardrobe.  The pieces work so well mixed up for a super laid back, weekend look/school run/chore day/camping holiday (which is handy) or dressed up slightly for a smart/casual meeting, lunch or shopping with friends.  And throw on some heels and glitz and you're set for a night out.  

Without further ado let me show you my favourite pieces. 

Starting with jeans... Oh yes, they look like they have mastered the perfect Boyfriend Jeans. I cannot wait to try these on and report back.  Their first foray into denim.

Boyfriend Jeans £75

They were worn in their press preview pack with this jacket and tee which was one of my favourite looks of the whole collection.  This jacket is absolutely gorgeous in both the blue and the pink.  I think the blue would probably be more useful but actually I don't have anything in this pink and it really would add that perfect pop of colour to all those old neutral summer favourites.  This outfit is so me, it's clear to see why I love the collection so much.

Knitted Crop Jacket £80






And in the pink 







The tee that I would wear under it would be the Cotton Slub V tee which I have to say looks better in real life than it does in this pic.  You can't see the side vent detail which just elevates it from a necessary basic to a tee that you don't mind showing off. 

Cotton Slub V Tee £27



Hopefully you can get a better idea of the tee from this pic. 





The other option would be the Sheer Crew tee £35.  I was very taken with it in the grey.  Looked really great with both the blue and pink jackets.  A silky fabric suddenly making a basic into something far dressier.  Admittedly here it's dressed down.  Duh. 





Another tee which caught my eye is the Scoop L/S tee £35 which has a slight batwing edge to the sleeves - idea for layering with a vest underneath for dress down days.  Wouldn't be wearing mine with my jama bottoms.








Actually get a better idea of the shape from the teal one.



For me though, my favourite piece was the Draped Dress.  Now I know I shouldn't say this but it is so so Acne.  The fabric is a lovely (washable!) tencel style fabric that I did the crease test on (ie scrunched it in my hand for a couple of mins - you can so tell whether it's going to look like a dog's dinner after 20 minutes on).  Perfect.  Not a line on it.  The detailing and drape on this is stunning.  Would easily pass muster on a night out or in the summer with a pair of flat sandals.

Draped Dress £50  Only available in black. (I'd so so love this in another colour.  As well....)






Two other dresses which I have my eye on for the summer are the Nectarine Boxy Dress £49.50.  This was a teensy weensy bit more creasy, I won't lie, it really wasn't that bad but the colour is just sublime.  



Beautiful detailing at the back. 



Another must have on my Summer dress wish list is the Venice Beach Dress which I shall rechristen my "Eurocamp Dress".  It doesn't have the same ring about it clearly but this is the perfect summer dress for me.  The most fabulous casual linen slub jersey fabric which is just the right amount of dressy without looking like an overdressed tit. 

Venice Beach Dress £40 also available in black 



And whilst we're talking about summer, I couldn't not mention the denim shorts.  Yes we have jeans but oh my lord, these shorts look amazing.  The perfect length, the right amount of distressing and that beautiful soft "I've had you for ages and you're my favourite" feel to them. 

Denim Shorts £45








And you can get a glimpse behind of the most amazing lime and green print which you can go and search online but I will leave for a slightly more summery thread.  

I plan to grab a glass of sparkling water (not drinking during the week - who's bright idea was that in half term...) and have a good old nose through the rest of the site.  Hope everyone else enjoys it - would love to know what your favourite bits are.  Other gems I shall be looking at in more detail another day are the trousers - so many lovely pairs.  Ditto the shorts. Hubba hubba.

Tomorrow I shall be back with bags.  Oh yes, have I found some gems today. 

Another day of half term - boys at football again, I had the joy of going to the Roller Disco with the 9year old and her friend.  Alas, they wouldn't let me partake (which is handy as I had better things to do than spend the rest of the day in A&E) but I did get to groove along to the music whilst watching them and mainlining coffee.