Category: Fashion

AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit II: SS17

This post was created in collaboration with AIDA Shoreditch.

Mads Nørgaard Boutique Sudina Stripe Shirt | Wåven Fenn Flare Jeans in White | Veja Nautico Pekin V-10 Leather Trainers | Finlay & Co. Arlington Sunglasses in Pink Marble | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0401 Ring in Gold | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0402 Ring in Gold | Matthew Calvin Meteorite Ring in Rose Gold

For the second look for my AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit I went for quite a classic look with a modern twist. White jeans are a summer perennial and if not worn with more white, look great with a stripe. This high-waisted, flared cut is a lot more flattering than the fit of most white jeans I’ve tried. They’re from Wåven, a British brand I’ve featured before but never their jeans. (I have a denim jacket from their menswear collection that gets a lot of use.) I have to wonder why when the fit is actually really good. I definitely need to try a few more styles.

Stripes always look great with white denim but instead of a classic Breton I went for a beautiful shirt from Mads Nørgaard, a Danish brand who know quite a lot about stripes. In Denmark everyone knows them and more than likely owns one of their long-sleeve stripe t-shirts (they’ve been making them for years). The shirt was my favourite piece from the shoot and actually came home with me. It’s a really soft cotton that feels floaty yet structured.

Veja are a French trainer brand that have been on my radar for sometime but through no fault of their own have never quite made it into my wardrobe. Something that I need to change. I love the retro style of this pair with the red and blue details, and off-white sole. They are pretty comfortable, too. Aside from the obvious they have some great green credentials. They believe in fairtrade, the use of organic materials, reducing CO2 emissions and work with many initiatives to do things in a more sustainable way. For more information take a look at their Project page.

Finlay & Co. are the British sunglasses brand that first came to everyone’s attention with their wooden sunglasses. They still work with natural hardwoods but also Mazzucchelli acetate now. I don’t often wear pale frames because they usually make my eyes look small but these frames are large enough not to.

You can see my first look here.

AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit I: SS17

This post was created in collaboration with AIDA Shoreditch

Rakha Organic Double Layered Blouse in White | Levi’s Made & Crafted Slouchy Taper Jeans in Bay Blue | Sol Sana Parker Mules in Black | Good Life London London Eros Pendant in Gold | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0401 Ring in Gold | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0402 Ring in Gold | Matthew Calvin Meteorite Ring in Rose Gold

I’m super excited to share with you my first look from my AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit. I’ve known the lovely team at Aida for a little while now, we met over a delicious hot chocolate with rum a couple of years ago when they did an in-store event with my mate Lindsey from Ropes of Holland. If you live in East London you’ll have probably been in to their gorgeous shop or café. It’s full of Scandinavian and Scandi-inspired brands (the dream) that are beautifully displayed throughout the store, alongside lovely ceramics, inspiring books and magazines, and other homewares. There’s also a men’s section downstairs.

I stuck with my favourite palette of white and blue for the shoot, including some stripes of course. It was great to be introduced to some new brands like Rakha (I’m wearing their organic cotton blouse in this outfit); they’re a London based fashion brand whose clothes are made with ethically sourced, sustainable materials. Louise Kragh is a very affordable Danish jewellery brand, I’m wearing a couple of their rings alongside the Meteorite ring which I made with Matthew Calvin recently (more on that soon).

Out-Of-Office

Raquel Allegra Peasant Dress in Black | Davina Mulford Panama Trilby* (Now Closed) | Wood/Grey Round Woven Bag* | Ancient Greek Sandals Taygete Sandals in Tan* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Felice Dahl Första Pendant Necklace in Gold

I find it hard to actually take a break; owning a blog is like owning any small business, there’s always something that needs doing, emails keep flooding in and things can’t stop just because I need to. I’m away with my husband’s family in Croatia and the last thing I want to do is lock myself away in the dark to answer emails, write and edit all day (if you’ve tried doing any of these in the sun, you’ll know it’s impossible anyway). This is my time to sit by the pool, read my new Kindle and absorb as much vitamin D as I can, whilst spending some quality time with Dan and my new family.

My out-of-office is on and although I’m checking my inbox sporadically I won’t be answering anything that is not urgent. I’m also keeping things tidy by deleting all the spam emails so that come my return to London I won’t be inundated with an inbox full of unread emails that will have me running for the hills. Sorry to those of you who are reading this and have just realised that I genuinely will not be replying to you this week but I really do need to take a break.

The only work I have been doing is shooting my outfits and sharing photos of the beautiful towns I’ve been visiting in Istria. This place is extremely beautiful but also extremely hot right now so my shooting time is limited to just an hour in the afternoon as the sun starts to go down and I can bear to wear anything more than a bikini. Dan’s stepped up to the role of photographer and has been helping me capture a few shots before dinner. He’s doing a great job, don’t you think?

Our Wedding in Provence

Charlie Brear Chartres Dress | Whistles Cornel Suede Point Pump

A year ago today we had our wedding in Provence. It was actually our second wedding ceremony, we did the first (legal one) in London’s Chelsea Old Town Hall with our closest family and friends, to make things easy. If you marry in France you have to be in the country for 40 days beforehand. To all intents and purposes the ceremony in France was the main one but of course we’re celebrating both anniversaries this year. With this being the anniversary of our French wedding I thought it was about time I got around to sharing some photos and telling you a bit about the day/weekend.

I was never one to dream of getting married in an old castle, in fact I didn’t really give much thought to how or where I would get married until we started to plan it. All I knew is that I wanted it to feel relaxed and that (with the British weather being so unpredictable) it would take place in a warmer country. Fortunately, Dan and I were very much on the same wavelength and it was Dan who suggested the south of France. When I was growing up I spent quite a few summers there and have fond memories. Unlike me, Dan had never been, so it wasn’t somewhere I had expected him to suggest.

We got married in a beautiful chateau in a little village in Provence called Uchaux, it’s just outside Orange. There are some fantastic vineyards nearby (including Châteauneuf-du-Pape), lovely little villages with cobbled streets, fields of lavender and sunflowers, and lots of sunshine. The Chateau de Massillan is a beautiful hotel, mixing old and new in a typically Provençal style. The hotel had recently been carefully restored and renovated with sustainable materials. The chef, Frédéric de Bourlout, is passionate about local, organic ingredients and creates the most delicious seasonal dishes. Food was always going to be an important part of our wedding, my husband has worked as a chef for many years and although he spends more time overseeing the cooking these days he is still passionate about good food. Our wine came from the neighbouring vineyard, Dionysos, and many of our guest went wine tasting the morning before our ceremony.

We took over the whole chateau for our wedding with three days of celebrations, a barbecue on the first night so that those that hadn’t met before could get to know each other and others could catch up, the wedding day and a brunch on the third day so we could spend as much time with our guests as possible. We only had a small wedding of around 50 guests but it’s still hard to spend time with everyone. I was told that the actual day would whizz by and it really did but not so fast that I didn’t manage to take it in.

We didn’t get married until the afternoon when it was a little cooler but somehow the morning vanished quickly. It was stressful at times as I had organised everything and was the only one that knew what was supposed to happen when and how. I’m a bit of a control freak and found it difficult to hand anything over to anyone else, just in case they misunderstood me and got it wrong. Big mistake!! I would recommend you have at least one person that knows everything you have in mind and trust them. I felt anxious and excited in the morning and as the hairdresser did everyone else’s hair I had a bath to chill out. I did my own make-up, using these products.

The big moment rolled around fast and suddenly my dad was walking me up the aisle. We had our ceremony under the cool canopy of some huge old trees, with a stunning arch of green foliage and white roses. Our priest, an Englishman living in France, was a complete diva and said so many things we had agreed he wouldn’t, he even got the story of Jesus wrong. At the time we were gobsmacked but looking back we’re able to laugh about it. He tied our left hands together as part of a blessing and forgot to untie them. He started the string quartet off before my friend had done the last reading and instead of standing behind the arch, stood in front of me, blocking our guests (and photographer) from seeing me. But nothing could take the smile off my face. As we walked back down the aisle together it felt so magical, and right.

After canapés, hugs and champagne; we ran off to have some photos taken, before rejoining the party in the courtyard of the chateau for our wedding breakfast. Our tables were arranged in a horseshoe shape which made it easy for us to look around and take in all our friends laughing and enjoying each others company over dinner. The speeches took place in-between courses and were all incredible, I just wish we had filmed them. Dan gave the most beautiful speech and even had a few of our male friends with tears in their eyes. One of the most special moments was just after our first dance when we encouraged lots of other couples to join us for a dance. Looking around I could see and feel so much love from everyone. The rest of the night was spent dancing and drinking, somehow we stayed up til 3.30am!

Special thanks to our florist, Blandine, who was not only an exceptional florist creating stunning white and green bouquets and decorations but one of the kindest people we met during the planning of our wedding.

I did a little Q&A with Charlie Brear for their #FridayBride section, which you can find here.

Always In Denim

The White Company Three Quarter Sleeve Linen Blouse in White* | Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Levi’s 501 (Vintage) Jeans | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Finery London Flora Fan Peel Earrings* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Straw Bag (Bought In France)

It probably became clear some time ago that I’m always in denim. It’s one of those fabrics that’s never out of fashion, it’s unisex and crosses classes. It’s a leveller, and that suits me down to the ground. I don’t choose to stand out so it’s quite strange to have ended up as a blogger, sharing my style on a regular basis. I’m not the stereotypical loud, centre of attention kind of person that bloggers are perceived to be (and I’ve met many others who aren’t either). Even when I speak normally I’m softly spoken, I really have to project my voice to be heard.

“…finding my comfort zone has actually given me the confidence to experiment more with my style.”

I would never describe myself as glamorous. I don’t feel comfortable with hairspray in my hair, let alone when it’s styled. I feel overwhelmed by make-up, if I wear a lot it seems to wear me, which is why I stick with a natural look. And, I like to wear simple clothes with subtle details, it’s what I feel most comfortable in. That’s not to say I don’t wear dresses or that I don’t dress up for special occasions, I do, but just not in the same way others might do.

Being comfortable has always been an important factor in what I wear, not just physically but emotionally, too. I hate dress codes, I often don’t conform because they usually make me feel more conspicuous. And who likes being told what to wear anyway?

Believe it or not, finding my comfort zone has actually given me the confidence to experiment more with my style. I love to elevate the ordinary, taking my simple style and adding in a detail that changes things up. At the moment, I love adding a pair of statement earrings or a small splash of red. I’m actually thinking about trying a red lip on occasion. There’s one that MAC do, I think it’s ‘Dangerous’ that’s not too red and I reckon I might be able to carry off without feeling like everyone is staring at my lips.

I’m always going to love the classic, timeless styles and quality wardrobe investments but there’s nothing wrong with trying something new sometimes. Stay tuned for more denim and, occasionally, something a little bit different.

Black, In Summer?

Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | The White Company Silk Maxi Drawstring Dress in Black | Baia Trio Bag in Dove Grey* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Auree Jewellery Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | Kristen Elspeth Blade Ring & Axe Ring* | Lines & Current The Bar Earrings in Gold* |  Littionary 14k Tiny Yellow Gold Dot Stud Earrings | Dinny Hall Bijou Geode Stud in Gold* | Merci Maman Graduation Chain Charm Necklace*

I admit black may not be your colour of choice when it comes to what to wear on a hot summer day but come the evening, when the temperature drops a little and the sun’s rays no longer penetrate, it’s perfect. And if you have a golden tan then all the better for showing it off.

This loose fitting black silk dress feels amazing on, it’s soft on the skin, floaty and hangs really nicely. I knew from the moment that I first tried it on that I had to have it. It’s another piece in my growing collection of wardrobe essentials from The White Company. I’ve been so impressed with their collection this season and it’s been hard not to go in and buy up half the shop. I can see myself wearing this dress beyond summer and into next season, with the addition of a long sleeved t-shirt or jumper it may even make it into winter.

Denim Skirts & Linen Shirts

The White Company Linen Pocket Shirt in Pale Blue* | & Other Stories Denim Mini Skirt in Off-White | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | Komono Renee Sunglasses* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Wacoal Classic Reinvention Bra in Black*

I’m one of those people that will buy the same thing in every colour; usually in black, white and/or blue. You’ve witnessed my growing collection of linen shirts. But my other new obsession is denim skirts, I guess it’s just an extension of my love of denim, in general. And, with the weather being a little unsuitable for jeans most days I seem to have transferred my love to their summery alternative. There’s the black one I bought from Topshop a little while ago, this off-white one from & Other Stories and a regular blue wash one that I also bought recently in Topshop. I don’t think I’ll be buying any more for a while and I hope I don’t bore you with too many denim skirt looks. This off-white one feels particularly summery so it’s definitely coming on holiday with me to Istria in a few weeks.

Not The Cold Shoulder

Baukjen Medina Top in Black* | Paige High-Rise Sarah Straight-Leg Jeans in Sachi* | The White Company Leather Flat Tassel Sandals in Black* | Baia Trio Bag in Dove Grey* | Komono Renee Sunglasses* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Felice Dahl Första Ring in Gold* | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Lines & Current The Bar Earrings in Gold*

Finally, it’s time to show some shoulder, throw on some sandals and sunglasses. Yes, I’m excited that I can leave the house without a coat and not worry that I’ll freeze my butt off 2 hours later.

I’ve been dying to wear this Baukjen top for so long. It’s made from a really light soft cotton jersey and feels wonderful on; it’s not clingy in the slightest. For those of you heading somewhere hot, it’s a good one for rolling up and tucking into your suitcase, it takes up very little room and is perfect for day or night. I can just imagine it with a black floor skimming maxi skirt or printed wrap. But today, I’m wearing it with these Paige straight-leg jeans which I’ve barely taken off since I got them, they’ve been in and out the washing machine non-stop. They’re a similar cut to Levi’s 501s and a similar wash but with none of that crotch bagging that bothers every girl I know. So if you’re looking for a good alternative, these are a good style to try!

I felt like Baia is one of those brands that only those in the know knew about, until recently when Emma Watson got her hands on one of their beautiful bags and suddenly it feels like everyone knows about them. But I like Emma and what she stands for, so I’m not complaining that she’s let the cat out of the bag. They are very special bags, made by hand up in Yorkshire by my friend Susy. She’s incredibly talented and I love every single one of her bags (I own three).

Does anyone else struggle when they first wear new sandals? My feet seem to blister at the slightest little rub BUT this was not the case with these ones from The White Company. It’s unbelievable just how soft and comfortable they are. It’s like walking on velvet and because of the way the straps attach to the back of the heel you don’t get that horrible feeling you get with some that tie around the ankle, when you’ve done them up too tightly and feel like your feet might fall off.

That’s A Wrap

Wrap London Lena Cami in White* | Wrap London Elisa Trousers in Indigo* | Basket Bag from France | Penelope Chilvers Valencia Espadrilles | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | CFconcept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Kristen Elspeth Blade Ring* & Axe Ring* | Lines & Current Mini-D Drop Earrings* | Dinny Hall Bijou Gold Star Stud Earring*

I recently came across British womenswear brand, Wrap London. The brand have actually been around for years and are based just down the road from me. They share my love of well-made clothing, made from natural materials.

I’m very happy with this pretty camisole I got from them. It has some lovely details, there are little metal buttons down the front and metal beads on the straps, which criss-cross on the back. It’s designed to be a loose oversize style but I went down a size for a more fitted look. The trousers are also from Wrap London and are so comfortable. Again, I’d recommend going down a size as they loosen-up quite a bit throughout the day.

Mango Are Committed To A Better Future

Mango Committed Collection Linen-Blend Midi Dress | ME+EM 2-in-1 City Bag in Khaki* | COS Leather Strap Heels in Black (old) | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Mango Mixed Pieces Earrings | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Felice Dahl Första Ring in Gold* | Littionary 14k Tiny Yellow Gold Dot Stud Earrings | Hopscotch Small Gold Hoops

I very rarely feature fast fashion brands these days, as I know there’s a better way to do things. When I discovered Mango’s Committed Collection I wanted to show my support. Fast fashion brands are not going to be able to change their ways overnight but testing the waters with sustainable collections is a good start. And, if we support them by buying from these collections we encourage them to take bigger steps forward and change the industry for the better.

The Mango Committed Collection is manufactured in factories in Portugal, Turkey and Morocco. It’s been made with environmentally-friendly organic and recycled cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel. They’ve used environmentally-friendly inks to dye the fabrics. 

“The sustainable fabrics used for this collection such as organic cotton and recycled polyester have international certificates, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OCS (Organic Cotton Standard) or GRS (Global Recycled Standard) among others. Our Corporate Social Responsibility department has been working closely with the design team to ensure that the results meet the level of quality and sustainability planned for this collection.” Guillermo Corominas, Communications Director

Sunspel Factory Visit

This post was created in collaboration with Sunspel.

I imagine quite a few of you will remember the infamous Levi’s ad, in which a guy strips down to his boxer shorts so he can wash his jeans at the laundrette. The boxer shorts he wore (that revolutionised men’s underwear in the UK) were made by Sunspel. Daniel Craig also wore Sunspel t-shirts, polo necks and underwear during the filming of Casino Royale.

I discovered the brand a couple of years ago when I came across their Redchurch Street shop in Shoreditch. Even though they’re a predominantly menswear brand, I loved it from first sight. The shop’s clean, minimal style and the racks of clothing carefully merchandised in a neutral palette are all pretty heavenly.

Sunspel is a brand that takes great care over every product it creates and has done since it was established. They are specialists when it comes to cotton and for their top range jerseys they work with rare Sea Island cotton; a fine cotton from Montserrat in the West Indies that has an extra long staple length, fine uniform texture and silky lustre. This makes it smooth, strong and durable, as well as looking and feeling incredible. It’s also harvested by hand. They’ve always been an innovative brand and have developed countless techniques and fabrics, always endeavouring to make a better finished article. They’ve developed luxury fabrics, such as their warp knit (an evolution of pique cottons commonly used for polo shirts) was made to be lightweight and breathable but supremely soft. It was invented by Peter Hill, the grandson of Sunspel’s founder, so that he could keep cool and comfortable in the hot summer sun of the Riviera. There’s also loopback, the fabric traditionally used for sweatshirts, theirs uses an extra fine yarn that is tightly knitted to create a fabric that is softer, lighter and more resistant to pilling.

Sunspel invited me to visit their factory up in Long Eaton, just outside Nottingham, an area which was once the centre of British lace-making. An early start, a short train ride out of London and we arrived at the factory, which includes two of the red brick buildings the brand moved their (then) underwear business to, back in 1937. We were welcomed by the factory’s manager, John, a man with a wealth of knowledge about the industry.

I was introduced to many of the team at the factory and was given an insight into how their classic men’s cotton t-shirt is made, going from the cutting table, through to the finished packaged garment. When you’ve see this in-person it really changes your perspective on how you view a garment. Seven women were involved in the making of that one t-shirt, you couldn’t get much more handmade than that. They work with precision and speed. I got the chance to try using one of the machines, hemming the sleeves of a t-shirt; I went at half their speed.

Celebrating 100 Years Of The Breton

This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.

ME+EM Forever Summer Breton in Soft White/Cobalt* | ME+EM Girl Meets Boy Jeans in Ecru* | ME+EM Tailored Box Blazer in Navy* | ME+EM 2-in-1 City Bag in Khaki* | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White* | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black*

As you’ve probably gathered by now, I love a stripe and the Breton t-shirt (or marinière, as it’s known in France) is a favourite of mine. According to the NY Times, this year marks 100 years of the Breton, as a fashion item. It was in 1917 that Coco Chanel supposedly first took the classic fisherman’s top and turned it into an icon. Today it’s worn by men, women and children, alike, most probably unaware of its origins.

ME+EM (who are fellow stripe fans) decided that it would be appropriate to celebrate this momentous year with a tea party. I spent the afternoon with some of loveliest bloggers in London. We ate cake, drank Prosecco, had our nails painted and each styled our Breton t-shirts in our own unique way. We were lucky that it was one of the warmest days we’ve had in ages and got to sit outside and enjoy the rays.

In addition, ME+EM are going to be supporting sailing legend, Sir Ben Ainslie in the Land Rover BAR America’s Cup. The female support team will be wearing their Iconic Breton throughout the competition. ME+EM will be donating a percentage of the proceeds from sales of their Iconic Breton to the 1851 Trust, the official charity of Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing. The charity’s royal patron is HRH Duchess of Cambridge. It was set-up to give young people from all walks of life the opportunity to experience sailing, to understand more about the opportunities available to them in science, technology, engineering and maths, and to educate them on sustainability and consideration for the environment.

Feeling Good In Gingham with Justine Tabak

Justine Tabak Gingham Wrap Dress* | Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Labour & Wait Cotton String Bag | Kapten & Son Berkeley Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold*

A couple of months ago I discovered British brand, Justine Tabak. I met Justine and was introduced to her namesake label at a pop-up shop in Chelsea. I immediately warmed to her and her label. She works with small local manufacturers and uses mostly British made fabrics. She’s passionate about British design and takes her inspiration from all walks of life, from the Pearly Queens of the East End to the Lancashire Mill Girls. Her designs have quite a vintage feel but can be styled to look more or less vintage, however you prefer.

I took a couple of her dresses out to Lisbon last month and they couldn’t have been more appropriate for the city and its weather.  This gingham wrap dress caught my eye straightaway at the pop-up and I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear it. I’ve always loved gingham and it’s been great to see it back on everyone’s radar. For ages I’ve struggled to find it anywhere.

French Girl Style with Rouje

Rouje Raphael Dress* | ATP AtelierRosa Sandals in Black | A.P.C. Cotton Tote Bag | Kapten & Son Berkeley Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Kristen Elspeth Blade Ring in Gold* | Kristen Elspeth Spear Ring in Gold*

Okay, so I’m not a French girl but I do love their style and brands, and when a French girl with immaculate style starts a new clothing brand my ears prick up. Such is the case with Rouje, a gorgeous new brand from Jeanne Damas, the model and all round cool girl that’s often mistaken for a Doillon sister. The current collection includes pretty vintage-inspired tea dresses and tops, wrap midi-skirts and minis, and flared jeans. It’s a little bit Reformation, a little bit Réalisation and very 70s. I’m utterly in love with their dresses and skirts, although I’d love to see them in natural, non-synthetic materials.

If you’re heading off to the Mediterranean this summer and want to look like you have been living there for years, this is the brand for you.

Birkin’s Back

Vintage French Army F2 Field Jacket | Second Female Mayson Shirt Dress* | AlbaATN Jane Birkin Basket Bag | Adidas Originals Court Vantage in White | Kapten & Son Berkeley Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Kristen Elspeth Blade Ring in Gold* | Kristen Elspeth Spear Ring in Gold* | Kristen Elspeth Petite Thread Ring in Gold*

Back in the winter I put together a couple of mood boards to reference and inspire my style for the coming seasons, one for spring and another for summer. It was an image on of one my mood boards, of Jane Birkin clutching a basket bag that inspired this purchase and I’m so pleased with it. It’s been a talking point whenever I use it and certainly touches on man-repeller territory, Dan doesn’t get it. But I don’t really dress for others anymore, as my confidence slowly grows, the happier I am with my own style.

Jane Birkin has been such an inspiration to me, as she clearly has been to so many others. Her natural beauty and casual, confident style made her an icon in the 70s but I see so many references to her style in bloggers and celebrities today; such as Anne-Laure of Adenorah, Lucy Williams of Fashion Me Now and model/presenter Alexa Chung. With the 70s still being a huge style inspiration to modern designers, there are lots of references everywhere, a wide-leg jean, a floral wrap dress, and the odd basket bag. I love adding boho elements into my summer wardrobe so keep an eye out for my subtle homage to a style legend.

Celebrating 10 Years of COS

COS Cotton Poplin Shirt Dress in White* | Davina Mulford Fringed Cross Body Bag in Black* (Now Closed) | Faber Novella Carine Mules* | Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That Sunglasses* | CFconcept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Felice Dahl Första Ring in Gold*

COS recently released a very special collection to celebrate their tenth year – 10, a limited collection of ten pieces for women, men and children. The pattern-cutters and designers worked together to create each item with minimum waste, using the full width of the fabric, the pattern pieces of each garment have been cut so that they fit together like a puzzle. COS Creative Director Karin Gustafsson said of the collection:

“The design team took the opportunity to play and experiment in the pattern-cutting process, re-imagining the methods behind the design. The pattern-cutters and designers worked in parallel, referencing historical techniques that maximised the use of materials. As we look to the future we will continue to focus on the efficient use of fabrics and forward-thinking techniques.”

I think it’s wonderful that COS are focusing on creating minimum waste products, this has less of an impact on the environment but also helps to change the way the industry operates by showing that it is possible and encourages other brands to meet their standards. The more brands that commit to sustainable practices the better the industry will become and the less we (as consumers) will have to worry about the impact of our purchases on the people and world around us.

Feeling Fresh In Linen

The White Company Linen Classic Shirt in White* | Topshop MOTO Denim Mini Skirt in Black | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | A. Andreassen Elskling Leather Mules in Black* | Kapten & Son Berkeley Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold*

We all know how amazing and versatile a crisp white cotton shirt is but how many of you own a white linen shirt? Linen has quite a different feel, often stiff when you first wear it but softening with time, the more you wear and wash it. It’s especially good in the warmer months as it helps keep you cool whilst also being breathable. The White Company have a really great selection at the moment, from the quite classic style that I’m wearing here to more bohemian styles, that are perfect for any upcoming holidays in the Mediterranean. It does crinkle easily but I think that just adds to its charm.

You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been moving back towards a more monochrome wardrobe of late. I’m certainly not anti-colour but I do find it easier to create looks from fewer pieces with a lot of monochrome basics. There will be some colour, I promise, just styled in my minimal way. For now, this feels very me and I would encourage everyone to find what works for them. A little trial and error is not a bad thing. I have to admit this skirt was pushing it for me. I wasn’t so sure if I could still wear mini skirts but the response I’ve had from wearing this Topshop one has given me the confidence to get my legs out a bit more, plus I don’t want them to be so pale when summer hits. Maybe the last three weeks of going to the gym are finally starting to pay off.

I also wanted to mention the lovely story behind these mules from A. Andreassen. Their name ‘Elskling’ translates as little sweetheart or darling in Norwegian, and the heart motif on the top of them comes from a Scandinavian tradition when children at Christmas made paper baskets and hung them on the tree, filled with sweets.

New Discoveries This Spring

Discovering new brands and being able to share them with others is one of the things I love most about my work. Aside from the obvious (not being an advocate of fast-fashion), I don’t shop on the high street so often. This is partly because I like to share something other bloggers maybe aren’t and prefer to have a more individual style, and partly because I like to invest more in the sort of items I’ll keep for years to come. I spend a lot of time on Instagram researching new brands, it’s easy to disappear down the rabbit warren that it is, and once I get started I go from one account to another, the suggested followers function is one of my favourites. The fairly new save function has created an incredible hidden feed on my account, full of talented individuals and products. I’m sharing a few of my latest discoveries; I hope you discover something new, too.

Khaite

Last year, Khaite (pronounced “Kate”) launched exclusively at The Line and has already made waves this side of the Atlantic, gaining the attention of the style mavens at Matchesfashion.com, who have just stocked the latest collection. The New York clothing brand was founded by Catherine Holstein and is part of Vanessa Traina’s Assembled Brands. With luxury fabrics from Italy and elegant silhouettes, it’s more mature and confident than her earlier namesake label. It has a very European feel, mixing masculine and feminine elements. Ease is at the heart of the brand with classic knits and denim sitting alongside more structured dresses.

See more of the collection here.

Áeron

I’ve been following Áeron for just over a year now and have loved everything I’ve seen them create. The Hungarian brand makes the most stunning elevated basics in some of the finest materials available, including a Japanese suede that has become a signature of the brand. They’re the sort of pieces you will keep in your wardrobe for many years to come and will still be asked where they’re from, every time you wear them.

See more of the collection here.

Doên

Doên is a brand that really appeals to my bohemian side and, not surprisingly, it’s from Los Angeles. Their clothes have a beautiful feminine aesthetic, evocative of 70s California. Think pretty peasant tops, prairie dresses and knitwear in muted shades and vintage prints. The collective of creative women behind the brand look to support other women within the industry and especially their workforce. Across their website and social media platforms they showcase a beautiful lifestyle brand, bringing real women into their campaigns that represent the brand holistically.

See more of the collection here.

Teija

Combining her Nordic roots with Victorian techniques, Teija (the designer behind her namesake label) creates stunning contemporary designs, that have already been picked up by Dover Street Market. The designs are super minimalist but also wearable. Think frills, big cuffs and pin tucks in solid colours and classic stripes.

See more of the collection here.

Dressing Up Jeans

Marina London Dree Silk Dress in Navy (Now Closed) | ME+EM Wide Leg Crop Pocket Jeans in Off-White* | Adidas Originals Court Vantage in White | Danielle Foster Charlie Box Bag in Mirror | Lines & Current Henning Sunglasses in Black* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold*| Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch*

Dresses over trousers can be a bit of a Marmite look, you either do or you don’t, there’s no in-between. As you can tell from the above, I’m in. I was looking for the chance to wear this lovely Marina London silk dress again but with it being scorching some days and chilly others, it’s been hard to work out when but then these gorgeous wide-leg jeans arrived from ME+EM I saw it as an opportunity to give this particular layered look a go.

This beautiful dress has sadly been hanging waiting for attention for a few months, as some mysterious grease marks had appeared on one side and I thought it was a gonna. I was ready to give up on it (as gutted as I was) but then had one last go at getting rid of the marks. I’d tried corn flour, greaseproof paper and an iron but to no avail; my last resort was washing-up liquid. I found an article via Google that suggested leaving the area soaked in washing-up liquid for 3 hours. Now, I’m not suggesting everyone tries this (and I’m sure Marina won’t be too impressed) but I was willing to try anything to revive it. I admit the silk doesn’t have the same beautiful finish it had the day I got it but it is wearable once more.

If you haven’t come across Marina London before, you’re in for a treat! Marina’s beautiful aesthetic always inspires me. She works just with silk producing stunning wardrobe essentials you’ll become obsessed with. I have four of her designs in my wardrobe and I love every piece.

Throw Off Those Coats

Second Female Brook Knit Short Cardigan in Cypress* | The White T-Shirt Co. Relaxed Short Sleeve T-Shirt in White* | Second Female Tally Skirt* | Adidas Originals Court Vantage in White | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | Lines & Current Henning Sunglasses in Black* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold

I’m a realist when it comes to the weather here in London, when we’re lucky we get a few hot days in April, before the temperature then drops, (hopefully) rising again in July. Blue skies will always make me happy and when they come along I grab the opportunity to get out in the sun, even if that does mean I get a few strange looks, mostly from tourists wrapped up in heavy coats. I’ve been desperate to wear beautiful printed ra-ra skirt since it arrived. It has a bit of an Isabel Marant vibe but is actually from one of my favourite Danish brands, Second Female. I can’t wait to wear it with a pair of espadrilles and a camisole later in the summer. For now, the cardigan is staying on – also from Second Female.

If you’re in search of really good quality t-shirt, look no further than The White T-Shirt Co.. I don’t think these guys can be beaten on quality or for the softness of their t-shirts. They use GOTS certified organic cotton from Turkey, and they’re transparent and ethical about their production. They also wash really well, no shrinkage like lots I’ve bought in the past. I was recently interviewed by Ellie from Study 34 for The White T-Shirt Co. blog, we talked about the state of the fashion industry and what needs to be done to improve it, my wardrobe staples (like the white t-shirt, obviously) and how I tackle being a blogger whilst trying not to promote overconsumption. Read about it here.

I’ve also just discovered Adidas Court Vantage plimsolls, a much better alternative to the Stan Smiths. They’re made with a softer leather for a start, so no wearing them in. I think the sizing is actually more accurate, too. And, they’re all white, very pleasing to the eye for us minimalists.

Greens Are Good For You

Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Second Female Fabora Blouse in White* | Samsøe & Samsøe Lucy P Skirt* | Woman by Common Projects Original Achilles Low | Retrosuperfuture Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses* | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | Jessie Harris Sphere Hoop Earrings | Littionary 14k Tiny Yellow Gold Dot Stud Earrings | Hopscotch Small Gold Hoops | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch*

I have to admit that although it looks quite warm in these pictures it was actually a touch on the chilly side but eager to embrace the change in seasons I bit the bullet and wore a little less. My transitional dressing from winter to spring often includes tights and thermals.

Green hasn’t featured much in my wardrobe before but this lovely muted green (called darkest spruce) seems to fit quite nicely with my clean aesthetic. I’ve just had a lovely cardigan delivered that’s a similar shade, which I’ll be sharing soon. A pleated skirt is always a good investment. It’s a timeless design that shows up season after season. This one is fairly similar to a Proenza Schouler one I spotted back in the winter of 2015, proof (if you needed it) that fashion goes in cycles, it’s actually from the Danish brand Samsøe & Samsøe.

I worried a little when I first put on this Second Female top that I might be mistaken for an off-duty dentist but however I may appear to some I love this alternative take on a white shirt. I think I might try it under a dress next. In truth, I’ll probably try it with half my wardrobe, after-all, a white shirt goes with everything.

Spring In Stripes

Samsøe & Samsøe Sanella T-Neck Stripe Sweater* | ME+EM Leather Wrap Skirt in Black* | Air & Grace Copeland Trainers in Leopard* | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | Finery London Flora Fan Peel Earrings* | Kristen Elspeth Blade Ring, Axe Ring & Spear Ring* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That Sunglasses*

The clocks have just gone back so I guess it’s time to start getting my legs out, pale as they may be right now; I’m getting out the St Tropez tout suite. There’s always space in my wardrobe for a stripe. The French and Danish are two of my favourite nations for culture, style, food and design; and they each do stripes like no one else. I’m heavily influenced in my style choices by these two countries. This time around it’s the stripes of Danish brand Samsøe & Samsøe that I’m championing. Although I’ve thrown a little French into the mix with my beloved A.P.C. bag. Have you also noticed that the French tend to mix leopard print and stripes? It feels like a very Parisienne thing to do, I hope I’m channeling that vibe today.

The Frill of It

Topshop MA-1 Bomber Jacket in Navy | Second Female Evaline Shirt* | ME+EM AM to PM Forever Pants in Navy* | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White | PB 0110 AB21 Cross-Body Bag in Navy | Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That Sunglasses* | Finery London Cantire D Ring & Circle Earrings* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch*

I’m not averse to a cheeky frill, they bring a hint of femininity to my often tomboyish looks. Frills were a major trend last season and continue to be this season. I’ve noticed that there’s been a lot more continuity from one season to the next over the last year or more. This is possibly a reaction to fast fashion or part of the fallout from the recession but people are definitely looking to invest in items that are more versatile and long-lasting. Frills are definitely a good antidote to these more serious notions.

This gorgeous Second Female stripe blouse has a subtle frill, it’s a great one for the office as it has personality without being too loud. I’m still wearing trousers (as I’ve only just started back at the gym after a rather long hiatus and it’s still pretty chilly out) but I think it would look really great with a denim skirt or leather pencil skirt.

Another trend that’s not showing any let up is the bomber jacket. I bought this one some time ago from Topshop but I spotted a similar one in UNIQLO recently. I have to admit that my bomber jacket collection has grown to ridiculous proportions, I now have at least six.

New Boyfriend (Jeans)

Samsøe & Samsøe Kahlia Coat in Navy* | Armor-Lux Mariniere Top in Navy/White* | The White Company Brompton Jeans in Indigo* | Converse Chuck Taylor II Plimsolls | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Bag in Black | Abbott Lyon Silver Chain Kensington Watch* | Saint James Mariner’s Cap in Navy | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace*

I’ve discovered the softest, comfiest boyfriend jeans from The White Company. When you choose to wear a pair of boyfriend jeans comfort is usually on your mind. I’ve tried quite a few in my time but none feel as soft as these. They also come in a pale wash, white and grey; no points for guessing where I’ll be buying my boyfriend jeans from now on.

I’ve spent much of the last few months in stripes, what can I say, I’m a bit of an addict. I would really recommend Armor-Lux if you’re looking for a good Breton top, also known as a mariniere in France. They are well-made, soft and traditional in style, and they have a huge range of styles. They’re unisex so choose wisely when ordering, mine’s a size 3.

I’ll be sharing more spring looks soon, now it’s officially spring.

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