Cast your mind back 4 or 5 years and you will probably remember Whistles as a brand beloved of yummy mummy’s and 40-somethings. Just a couple of weeks ago I went to show my father a newly purchased Whistles silk shirt but before I could unwrap my proud purchase he had uttered the unforgivable question, “Whistles? Aren’t you a bit young for them?” Well Daddy dearest, that just shows what you know. As I’m sure you know, the name “Whistles” is now synonymous with fashion forward, good quality clothes that look just as home on the pages of Vogue as they do on the streets of London. Think modern, covertable collections that reference the “must-have” trends of the season but are by no means dictated by them.

At some point over the past few years this quintessential British brand has been catapaulted out of the school of “nice-but-dull” clothing inhabited by Hobbs, L.K Bennet and Kew to become a fashion editor’s favourite. Indeed it has been a remarkable transformation and can be put down to one remarkable woman, former Topshop director Jane Shepardson. Since Shepardson took over as Chief Executive of the brand back in 2008 Whistles has experienced a veritable style revolution. Three years and several collaborations with London’s “Queen of dresses” Roksanda Ilincic later and Whistles is well and truly on the fashion radar. It is surely the ultimate in high-end high street and each season offers up a divine selection of semi-affordable pieces that inevitably head straight to the top of my wish list.

True to form, Whistles has delivered one of THE most delectable SS11 collections I have laid eyes on yet. Their neon pink “Carrie” skirt has, after all been the most tweeted about item this season! My bank balance definitely wont thank me, but these springtime treats are just too good to resist.

“Carrie” neon pink pleat skirt £90

“Verity” tweed jacket £175

“Lorna” lace dress £175

Blue cropped skinny jeans £80

“Paloma” high-waist city shorts £75

“Nelly” pleat lace skirt £175

‘Ellie” broderie lace dress £135

“Claudia” print dress £140

Even just looking at these sunny day delights gives me a violent urge to grab hold of my credit card, leg it to the nearest Whistles and empty my account on a summer wardrobe beyond belief. However, having recently attended Whistles’ AW11 press day I can safely say that there are going to be a whole lot more delectable looks coming our way next season so I should probably start saving right now!

Love Ella. X