88&Cloudless Archives - Style&Minimalism

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gold A-Peel

**Sandro** Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | **Kirei** Madina Shirt in Cream* | **Joe’s Jeans** The Vixen Skinny Jeans in Regan* | **Whistles** Cornel Suede Pointed Pumps in Nude | **A.P.C.** Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses | **Larsson & Jennings** Lugano Watch* | **Merci Maman** Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | **Finery** Flora Fan Peel Earrings* | **88&Cloudless** Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold*

Finally, I’ve got hold of a pair of these amazing earrings from Finery. I spotted them ages ago but only took the plunge last week when they came back on the site, and it was definitely worth the wait. I’ve worn them just once and have already been complimented on them many times.

Have you heard of a little British brand called Kirei? It’s pronounced ‘kee-ray’ and means beautiful in Japanese. They make incredible clothes, reminiscent of a couple of my favourite brands, Isabel Marant and Masscob. Aside from great designs they work with natural fibres, a prerequisite for me these days. They use embroidery and lace to elevate their simple, flattering shapes to create timeless clothes that I know will be in my wardrobe for years to come. Their new SS17 collection has just been released and it’s gorgeous.

I love the details on this shirt, the little tassels around the bottom and the embellishment along the edge of the placket. I can’t wait for the warmer days when I can wear it with a pair of denim shorts.

Cashmere Is King with Chinti and Parker

**Chinti and Parker** Star Slouchy Cashmere Sweater in Black* | **Levi’s** Vintage 501 Jeans | **Sandro** Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | **Adidas Originals** Stan Smith Trainers* | **Jaeger** Mini Oxford Cross-Body Bag in Black (sold out)* | **88&Cloudless** Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold* | **Kristen Elspeth** Blade Ring in Gold* | **Myia Bonner** Mini Diamond Circle Stud Earrings in Gold | **Retrosuperfuture** Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses*

It may sound like a cliche but once you’ve worn cashmere it’s hard to go back. When it comes to knitwear, cashmere really is king. It’s incredibly soft, lightweight and ever so warm – it’s said to be three times warmer than sheep’s wool.

Cashmere comes from the finer undercoat fibres of the cashmere goat. It’s usually combed from the goats during their moulting season and is then separated from the course guard hairs that are moulted at the same time. Each goat is said to produce around 115g each year, meaning for just one sweater the wool of 3-4 goats is required. This is one of the reasons for its elevated cost. There are several grades of cashmere depending on the diameter of the hairs, the best, Grade A is 14-15.5 microns thick and, the worst, Grade C is around double that at 30 microns.

“…for just one sweater the wool of 3-4 goats is required.”

I’ve tested out a lot of high-street cashmere. Initially I’ve been impressed but a couple of wears and washes later and it no longer resembles the jumper I bought. It’s moulted onto everything I’ve touched, there are bobbles on high-friction areas and it’s shrunk. Don’t believe the hype, it’s just not worth it. If you’re ready to invest in cashmere look to the high-end brands that work with the most respected mills. One brand I can highly recommend is Chinti and Parker, a London based clothing brand that specialise in a ‘classic-with-a-twist essence’. They cater for those of us with a more minimalist aesthetic as well as those looking for designs with personality (they collaborated with Miffy last year and have another exciting collaboration coming soon).