Category: Fashion

LFW AW16: Day 1

Saint James Mariner Cap | Samsøe & Samsøe Top | Maison Scotch Pleated Culotte Pants* | La Redoute Chunky Sole Brogue* | Brandts Jewellery Daisy Ring | Gemporia Arezzo D’oro Gold & Diamond Ring* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Nixon The Time Teller Watch*

I’m so sorry I haven’t been posting as regularly as usual. I’ve been on two trips, had London Fashion Week (LFW) and a broken hard-drive, all in the space of a month. I do, however, have lots of content to share with you.

First up is my outfit for LFW Day 1, I went for an almost all navy look with a touch of nude. I know from experience that this is not the time to start embracing 10 cm high heels so I wore these cool flatforms from French brand La Redoute. The first day of LFW is always the busiest one for me so I needed a pair of shoes that would still be comfortable whilst I dashed around Soho.

It was not the warmest of days so I opted for a warm high-neck sweater from Danish favourite Samsøe & Samsøe and some incredible pleated, cropped trousers from Maison Scotch. They remind me of the Yohji Yamamoto ones that Herb Ritts photographed David Bowie wearing back in the 80s.

Oi, Oi, Sailor!

Samsøe & Samsøe Kahlia Coat* | Samsøe & Samsøe Eta Sweater* | The White T-Shirt Co. Long Sleeve Round Neck T-Shirt* | Isabel Marant Étoile Davan Boyfriend Jeans | Saint James Mariner Cap | Jimmy Choo Rebel in Leopard Print | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers c/o MonShowroom* | Jenny Sweetnam Drop Ring/Necklace*

Isabel Marant manage to inspire at least one new trend every season, for AW15 it’s definitely been about the mariner cap, their Evie cap from the Étoile diffusion line has nearly sold out everywhere. Not willing to pay the price to have one sent over from the States I opted to buy mine from the classic Breton brand Saint James, quite possibly the inspiration for Marant’s version.

I’ve styled my mariner cap with a new pair of Isabel Marant Étoile boyfriend jeans which have a contrasting dark denim strip down the side, a denim take on a tuxedo trouser. I’m also wearing a classic navy blue coat from Danish brand Samsøe & Samsøe, who also made my pale grey jumper. And the plain white tee is by a brand that specialise in organic cotton t-shirts, The White T-Shirt Co. (more on them later).

Nixon Watch Customisation

Recently, I was invited by Nixon to pop into their new UK store in London’s Covent Garden. If you’re not familiar with Nixon, their background is immersed in boardsports and more specifically the California skate and surf scene. The store on Neal Street is very small but the interiors were so cleverly conceived and executed by the designers, Checkland Kindleysides, that they have created a store that has something interesting to see wherever you look. From the undulating wave of watch stands to the blue lighting you are reminded of the sea. A room of skateboard decks cleverly hides various watches allowing the team to make a different display every day.

The Nixon watch customisation bar brings the brand’s ethos to life “Team Designed, Custom Built”. Whilst at the store I was given the chance to customise my own watch. I chose The Time Teller, of the three watches available to customise it’s the one with the smallest case; the other two are The Sentry and The 48-20. It’s possible to start with any part of the watch, I chose the strap as I knew immediately which one I liked the most. You could start with the case, dial, strap or even the crown (the little knob on the side of the watch case). Through trial and error I went through a couple of cases, crowns and faces, and then decided upon what I feel is the ultimate combination, it’s very minimal and perfect for wearing everyday. The customisation doesn’t stop there, another little bonus is that you can personalise the back of the case with laser engraving.

Let’s Play

Comme Des Garçons Play Long-Sleeve Stripe T-Shirt | COS Black Mohair & Wool Cardigan | Cheap Monday Thrift Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans (brand since closed) | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers c/o MonShowroom* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Grey Fedora (found on Portobello Road) | Vintage Black Leather Belt (found on eBay)

The Comme Des Garçons Play collection is brilliant; stripe t-shirts and shirts, plain white tees, cute cardigans and jumpers, and (their collaboration with Converse) Chuck Taylor plimsolls, all embellished with the iconic Play heart. I bought my stripe t-shirt in Paris from the Comme Des Garçons Play shop in Le Marais, whilst there for Paris Fashion Week last October. It was on my wish list for ages and I’m so glad I have one of my own at last. Be warned, they come up small in size, so go one up from your usual size; I was lucky that the girls in the store warned me. I’ve kept the styling simple and casual for this look but it would look equally cool with a suit.

I’ve also broken out some new white kicks! My old Stan Smiths were starting to look a bit grubby. Ahhh, I love a fresh pair of trainers.

Not So Common, Yet

For Christmas, my fiancé very kindly bought me a pair of Common Projects! I became aware of this understated trainer brand about a year ago and I’d been dying for a pair ever since. They are very minimal in design, no stripes, no mention of the brand name, just ten digits on the side stamped in gold – a style reference, the European size and a colour reference.

Common Projects is not a new brand but it’s only just started to resonate with women, helped on by the support of Net-a-Porter. The company was started by Peter Poopat and Flavio Girolami, they launched their first collection in 2004. The womens collection, Woman by Common Projects, didn’t launch until 2009. Their slow rise to fame may have something to do with their cost, at nearly 4 times that of Stan Smiths, they’re not a cheap option but what you get is a beautiful, comfortable trainer made in Italy from premium Italian leather.

Grey & Navy Essentials

Samsøe & Samsøe Kahlia Coat in Light Grey Melange | Alexander Wang Grey Asymmetric Draped Sweater | Lemaire x UNIQLO Rayon Wide Leg Trousers in Navy | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers | PB 0110 Half-Moon Bag in Navy | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black*

As I’ve mentioned more than once, I’ve really gotten into navy and grey this season. It’s such an easy combination and always looks great.

I really wanted to find a good grey coat this winter, something versatile that would work with 90% of my wardrobe. Grey is an easy neutral colour to wear and works with every other colour, which makes it a perfect wardrobe essential. This one is from the Danish brand, Samsøe & Samsøe. It’s made from a wool blend and great for layering in winter or over a t-shirt come spring.

Style&Minimalism x Ille De Cocos Part IV

Ille De Cocos Merino Roll Neck Rib Sweater in Dark Grey Marl | Lemaire x UNIQLO Rayon Wide Leg Trousers in Navy | Topshop Herringbone Chambray Shirt in Pale Blue | PB 0110 Half-Moon Bag in Navy | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers | Jenny Sweetnam Statement Earring

I’m wearing Ille De Cocos‘ amazing grey roll-neck again but this time with a more casual look, with loose trousers and trainers. Roll-necks are so versatile and an essential in any winter wardrobe. I felt so warm and comfortable in this one. The knit has a springy feel, so whilst it’s chunky and warm, it’s also easy to move around in.

I chose a loose bun for this look so I could show off this incredible statement earring by one of my favourite London jewellery designers Jenny Sweetnam, a very talented lady. Sophia made it look so easy, I always think my hair is so difficult to work with but she said otherwise, so it just goes to show it just takes practise.

As with the other looks from my styling collaboration with Ille de Cocos, you’ll find them on their website.

A Perfect Shirt (Part I)

Baukjen Teresa Cotton Shirt* | Samsøe & Samsøe Hoff Coat Hat in Sand Grey | Topshop Cigarette Trousers in Black | Sekonda Seksy Leather Strap Watch in Blush* | Whistles Cornel Suede Point Pump in Black | Ace & Tate Nina Glasses in Autumn Leaves* | Fedora Hat (from a small shop on Portobello Road)

I own a few shirts, they’re a weakness of mine but with good reason, I tend to wear them a lot. If I’m wearing a shirt I don’t feel scruffy, even when I’m going for a casual look. They also reflect the androgynous style to which I’m so often drawn. They’re the foundation pieces of many of my outfits, and it’s taken me years to find shirts that work for my style and shape.

Baukjen are a brand that I often turn to for shirts. The fabrics they use are soft on the skin and hang beautifully. The cut is well-tailored across the shoulders but not too fitted around the chest and stomach, they have that borrowed from the boyfriend feel but without completely swamping you.

I’ve styled two of my favourites which you can find in their current sale, the Teresa cotton shirt (which I’m wearing in this post) and the Coco chambray shirt which I’ll be sharing in my next post. I will be wearing these all year round as they’re season-less styles. The Teresa, with its longer length, will also make the perfect beach cover-up.

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