Fran & Jane

I’m waiting for that wealthy distant relative to pass away and leave their estate to me. The day that happens I’m heading for Fran & Jane in CHQ (it’s cruel, but we’re all friends here and I feel I should be honest).
It’s been a long time since I’ve been left speechless in a clothes shop, but rest assured that the sight of those silvery cocktail dresses, fabulous chunky cuffs and necklaces, plus those… SHOES.
Someone get me a fan, I’m having a hot flash.
The shop itself is a little bit of luxury as well, from velvet draped changing booths and a rather commanding till /​podium, to the sweetly complimentary lighting that makes almost everything look fabulous (I said almost, Constructed Black Mini Dress with Shoulder Pads). As of this posting the shop has put a fantastic selection of late autumn merch on sale from at least 30% off. There’s a certain nude and black taffeta number, reduced to € 130, that’s just begging like a pet store puppy to come home with me.
I’d better start calling around the family…

Hmmmm Kate and Alexandra, I’m a little from column A and a little from column B.
I agree with Kate — some of the dresses here are beautiful, but I also agree with Alexandra — these dresses are very highly overpriced.
This Fran & Jane store is MUCH nicer than the Clarendon St branch, it has a nicer vibe and is more tastefully set out. I’m really not a fan of the tacky accesories at the entrance to the store though, I think they could do without these.

I have to disagree with Kate. I found Fran & Jane a bit of a ripoff. The clothes did not merit the high price tags. Some of the dresses were quite boxy and would make any figure look bigger. I’m pretty sure that most women want clothes that make them look younger not older. I wish that this Irish designer would make dresses that enhance women’s femininity.
The shop itself was very glamourous and inviting, making me think of a boudoir, but once you separated the clothes from the décor the whole experience was a let down.

Fran and Jane has kind of surprised me. I remember hearing about it a few years ago when it was just one boutique, run by a mother and daughter. I walked by it lots of times and never ventured in, until lately when I realised they were everywhere — not just stand alone stores but they were being stocked in popular shopping centres like Dundrum Town Centre and Arnotts, and now in the CHQ.
I went into the CHQ store and I can understand why they’ve become so popular — their clothes are beautiful. The store itself is a decadent boutique with lush décor and glamorous chandeliers. The clothes are quite high end — you’d be looking at in the region of € 250 for a dress, but they do stock cheaper too — and they are lovely.
I’d recommend this boutique for occasion wear — maybe if you were attending a wedding or going to the races.