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London Fashion Week Style with ME+EM

This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.

**ME+EM** True Chic Stripe Jumper in Bordeaux/Navy* | **ME+EM** AM to PM Forever Pants in Navy* | **Woman by Common Projects** Original Achilles Low Trainers | **Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Myia Bonner** Mini Diamond Circle Stud Earrings in Gold

A lot of people (myself included, at times) feel like London Fashion Week is an opportunity to get dressed up and snapped by one of the big street style photographers, hoping you’ll find yourself on WWD, Who What Wear or Net-a-Porter the next day. It’s exciting to see yourself on one of these sites but at what cost does it come? It’s never brought me any extra interest as my name has never been published and all I’ve walked away with is sore feet, freezing cold and, more importantly, snapped in something that isn’t my true style. I still made the mistake last season of wearing heels for a day and my feet were ruined for weeks.

Feeling comfortable and confident are essential for me during London Fashion Week. There’s nothing worse than worrying about where to find a plaster whilst running between shows. I live in flats most of the time, as I’m often running all over town when I’m out, and heels aren’t practical – I save them for special events and dinners out with the hubby. During London Fashion Week I (now) stick to flats, usually a pair of Common Projects as they don’t rub my feet. With trainers I like to wear a pair of tailored trousers, I like the mix of smart and casual. This pair, with their paper-bag waist, are the most flattering trousers I own. I have them in black, too. They are ever-so slimming. And, it probably comes as no surprise to see me in stripes. It’s a look I feel comfortable in and leaves me to focus on taking in the new collections, the reason I’m there in the first place.

This Year with ME+EM

This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.

**ME+EM** Very Useful Cardi Coat in Grey Marl* | **ME+EM** Long Layering Tee in Soft White* | **ME+EM** High Rise Full Leather Legging in Black* | **ME+EM** 2-in-1 Cross Body Clutch in Claret | **ME+EM** AM To PM Chain Necklace | **Seven Boot Lane** Honey Ankle Boots in Black* | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Myia Bonner** Mini Diamond Circle Stud Earrings in Gold

This year has been an important one for my blog. It’s been just over a year since I decided to start including personal style posts. It was a big step, I’m quite cerebral and think things through for a long time before acting on an idea. I didn’t feel ready to put myself in front of the camera but felt I was missing out on incredible opportunities because I wasn’t willing to. It all changed when I was photographed at Paris Fashion Week by Christian from The Styleograph and then by Daniel from Stockholm Streetstyle, two major street style photographers. I realised then that a photograph is as much about the photographer as the person in it.

A few months in and I started to find that there were some incredible brands that wanted to work with me. Lots of people have told me over the last year that it’s not all about your Instagram following, that interaction on your blog and social-media are more important, but it’s not until these opportunities came along that I believed them and started to realise that something else I’ve been told over and over again is also true, it’s about quality not quantity.

One of the brands you’ll have seen featured quite a lot over the last few months is ME+EM. It’s a brand that fits my style and ethos very well; they make timeless, versatile, low-luxe clothing in fabrics that feel great on. They took a risk on me (a small, fairly unknown blogger) when they first approached me but I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and have put everything into styling and creating content with them that I’m proud to put my name to.

Last weekend ME+EM asked me if I’d like join them at their Elizabeth Street pop-up store to style a couple of looks from their current collection. We took a stroll through the Elizabeth Street Christmas Market, a beautiful festive street market, and took a few photographs of the looks I had styled. I got to work with Dina Tsesarsky, a photographer that always manages to capture a side of me that I like. My lovely friend Christina was there, styling and shooting a couple of outfits for them, too. It was a wonderful day and a reminder of just how things have changed this year. I love what I do and don’t mind all the hours that I put into it when I get to do exactly what only a year ago I had merely dreamed of.

Best Vintage Shops In London

**Belstaff** Roadmaster Jacket in Navy Blue (vintage) | **Baukjen** Thompson Striped Shirt* | **Paige** Verdugo Skinny Jeans in Black* | **Woman by Common Projects** Original Achilles Low Trainers in White | **Radley** De Beauvoir Tote Bag in Black* | **UNIQLO** Cashmere Scarf in Light Grey | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold* | **Dinny Hall** Bijoux Star Stud in Gold* | **Dinny Hall** Bijou Pentagon Stud Earring in Gold* | **Littionary** Tiny Dot Stud Earrings in Yellow Gold

I like new clothes as much as the next person but I also love a good vintage find and we’re lucky to have so many great vintage shops in London.

In the summer I picked up this Belstaff Roadmaster wax jacket in one of my favourite haunts in Notting Hill, a little shop that’s been around for years and is a major treasure trove of vintage clothes, shoes and accessories, Retro Woman (there’s a Retro Man a few shops down). It’s one of the few vintage shops where I have to decide which piece I’m going to buy as I stumble out of the changing room, arms laden. Last time I was there I tried on pieces from Joseph, Equipment and Nicole Farhi, all reasonably priced and in good condition. They have a brilliant selection of sunglasses, too.

Goldsmith Vintage is the best place I’ve found in London for vintage Levi’s. It’s pretty much opposite Electric House.

Best Vintage Shops In London

Retro Woman | 20 Pembridge Road, London W11 3HL
Beyond Retro Soho | 58-59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY
Beyond Retro Cheshire Street | 110-112 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EJ
Goldsmith Vintage | 253 Portobello Road, London W11 1LR (great for Levi’s)
Rokit | 42 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9HZ

Wardrobe Essentials with Jules B

This post was created in collaboration with Jules B.

**Suncoo** Leopard Print Coat | **Charli** Sadie Melange Boyfriend Shirt in White c/o **Jules B*** | **Charli** Judy Leggings in Iron c/o **Jules B*** | **Radley** De Beauvoir Zip-Top Tote Bag in Black* | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Woman by Common Projects**Original Achilles Low | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o Farfetch* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Pembe Bracelet in Silver* | **Gemporia** 9k Yellow Gold Stacker Ring* | **CF Concept** Drop Ring in Gold* | **Merci Maman** Graduation Chain Charm Necklace in Gold*

I’m often wear a shirt, jeans and white trainers; it’s my uniform on days when I don’t have time to think. You know the days I mean, when you’re up early, your brain hasn’t quite woken up and you wish you’d decided on an outfit the night before.

Charli is a great brand for essentials; like crisp white shirts, silk blouses, skinny jeans and (during the winter) really nice cashmere jumpers. If I’m going to be wearing pieces often they need to be well-made, I love the quality of Charli’s clothing. The white shirt is cut to a longer length so it’s great for layering under cosy knits. The skinny jeans are really stretchy so they’re super comfortable but hold their shape. I got them both from Jules B, a multi-brand website that stocks some great brands.

Timeless Originals with Barbour

This post was created in collaboration with Barbour.

**Barbour** Baffle Wax Jacket* | **Barbour** Stratus X-Back Crew Neck Sweater* | **H&M** Silk Camisole | **Paige** Miki Straight-Leg Jeans in Keiran Destructed* | **Seven Boot Lane** Honey Ankle Boots in Black* | **Saint James** Marine Cap | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold*

Barbour is a brand I’ve grown up with, it’s flitted in and out of my life for as long as I can remember. First it was the boys at school who wore the classic Bedale over blazers in the winter. Then, I remember the way the smell of wax would emanate off my dad’s jacket when he came to support me at lacrosse games every weekend in the winter. And when I was at university my friend Oli wore a Barbour on-stage as he performed with his band.

A Barbour jacket is one of those pieces I’ve always thought I would own at some point. I remember searching high and low for a vintage Barbour just as Alexa Chung made them popular again in 2011 but struggled to find one anywhere.

It was an exciting day for me when last week I received a beautiful invitation from Barbour asking me to join them at their London showroom. Their menswear team had designed a new collection for women, ‘Timeless Originals‘. The men’s Bedale has been so popular with women for so long that they decided to design a coat for women that merged the tailored cut across the shoulders of the women’s Beadnell with the less fitted shape of the men’s Bedale. The result is the Rain Bedale Wax Jacket. It’s tailored across the shoulder, has an a-line cut and a slightly cropped sleeve which reveals a longer ribbed cuff. The ‘Timeless Originals’ collection is made-up of iconic styles, redesigned with today’s needs and style in mind. It includes a collection of complimentary knitwear, trousers and shirts with two drops, one in autumn, entitled ‘Raindrop’, and another in winter, entitled ‘Snowdrop’.

The Baffle Wax Jacket is the most minimal design in the collection, a black waxed longline puffer jacket that, again, fits well across the shoulder. It’s the most on-trend jacket they’ve created for the collection. Puffers were big on the catwalk for AW16, featuring in many collections including those of Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Courrèges, and Marques’Almeida.

I had a wonderful afternoon with the Barbour team, shooting this look with Giles Smith, drinking hot chocolate in the showroom, and learning calligraphy in a private lesson with the talented calligrapher Lucy Edmonds, who founded Quill London.

Is It Really Autumn?

**Scotch & Soda** Basic Striped T-shirt* | **ME+EM** Leather & Suede Wrap Skirt in Black* | **Converse** Chuck Taylor II Low Top in Black* | **Danielle Foster** Charlie Box Bag in Khaki | **Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That** Sunglasses | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch*** | **Pilgrim Jeweller**y Innocence Necklace* | **Jessie Harris** Sphere Hoop Earrings in Gold | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold

I guess it must be Autumn, with Hallowe’en on Monday and Guy Fawkes’ Night just around the corner but it’s still so warm. Where has this year gone?

I’ve been stocking up on a few transitional essentials that will work just as well come winter, with some tactical layering. A stripe t-shirt is always close to my heart, this one is by Scotch & Soda. I have lots of classic stripe t-shirts in black and navy but the red stripes really bring this one to life, perfect when the dark mornings are encroaching and you need to feel awake when your eyes are barely open.

Leather is another of my cold weather essentials, warm and breathable, it will get you through those constantly changing temperatures you experience going from the hot tube to the cold street (the same does not apply to faux leather). When I saw this ME+EM wrap leather skirt I was smitten, not only is it a gorgeous design but it feels incredible, it’s made with super soft leather and the kind of suede you find yourself casually running your hand over throughout the day.

Shine On

**ME+EM** Luxury Leather Bomber in Soft Mink* | **Mango** Buckle Wrap Patent Skirt | **Charli** Scarlet Silk V-Neck Top c/o **Jules B*** | **Cambridge Satchel Company** Saddle Bag in Black* | **Common Projects** Original Achilles Low Trainers in White | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch** | **CF Concept** Drop Rings in Silver | Black Fedora from Portobello Road

Even though the days have been a little chilly lately, I’m sticking with skirts for as long as I can, I’m really not ready to wear jeans everyday which is usually what happens when it gets colder. I find it helps to wear silk and leather; most people assume that silk is best for the summer but it’s actually a good insulator and perfect for staying warm in the cooler months.

The silk top I’m wearing is by Charli, a British brand I’ve only just discovered thanks to the multi-brand website, Jules B. Charli make luxury separates like cashmere jumpers and crisp cotton shirts, all of which I love.

The black patent skirt I’m wearing is from Mango which, I’ve noticed, has already sold out in their London stores (I bought mine online). Patent is going to be showing up everywhere this season but this is my first foray. The big round silver buckle made this particular patent skirt stand out; Hoops are another big trend I’m keen on this season.

A Night In A 12th Century French Chateau

**Solid & Striped** Charlotte Bikini* | **BA&SH** Calvi Kurt Kimono* | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black*

Airbnb came up trumps for us with this one, a 12th century French chateau in the Loire region. Leaving the South of France and heading back towards London was hard but staying somewhere so beautiful certainly eased the pain. Gilles and Sylvie, the chateau’s owners, were very warm and welcoming, greeting us with a glass of wine as we arrived, even though they were running out the door. We made a new friend in their lovely little dachshund, Babushka, too. Sadly, we were only there for one night but I made the most of our time, taking an early morning swim in their lovely pool before heading for breakfast on the terrace, which has stunning views over the valley. For breakfast they went above and beyond, serving up delicious pastries, coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, yoghurts and fresh fruit; and all served to us on the most beautiful china.

If you find yourself traveling through this beautiful part of France I would suggest at least one night here but book early if it’s a weekend, as they’re usually booked up then.

Accommodation
12th Century Chateau in Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu via Airbnb

Lunch With Bond at The Colombe d’Or

**IRO** Yante Broderie Anglais Dress | **ATP Atelier** Rosa Sandals in Black | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Lucy Williams x Missoma** Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold*

Hidden behind a large stone wall in the pretty little town of Saint-Paul de Vence is an iconic restaurant and hotel, the Colombe d’Or. As you walk in through its giant gated archway you are met by a giant thumb, the work of French sculptor César. Hung on its walls are paintings and illustrations by Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Léger and Braque; centimetres from the pools edge is a giant Calder sculpture. Artists flocked to the Colombe d’Or from the 1920s through to the 1950s, where its owner Paul Roux would entertain them and in exchange for a piece of art would feed them and give them a bed for the night.

As I entered the courtyard I was struck by its beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Tables sit close together but with plants used tentatively here and there you are given your privacy. The waiting staff are kind and welcoming, there is no stuffiness here, even though the Colombe d’Or is a world-renowned restaurant and frequented by the likes of Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Jack Nicholson and Leonardo di Caprio. On the day we visited Roger Moore was also dinning on the terrace, I actually go to meet Bond!

The food was the best we had in the South of France and we ate a lot of very good food. The sea bass I ordered was exceptional and the crème caramel I had for dessert was just as I remembered it as a child. I can also highly recommend the house champagne, we were celebrating our wedding after-all.

Postcards From The Camargue

**UNIQLO** Broderie Anglaise Top in Black* | **Mango** Buttoned Denim Skirt | **ATP Atelier** Rosa Sandals in Black | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch* | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | **Missoma x Lucy Williams** Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold

We started our honeymoon in The Camargue, an area of France defined by its salt plains and marshlands; famous for its white horses, flamingoes and bulls. The Camargue is very different to anywhere else I’ve been in France, once affluent due to the salt industry, which sadly is not what it once was. There are beautiful houses but many of the villages are a little like ghost towns, even in mid-summer. The beaches however are incredibly busy.

For us, it was the perfect spot to unwind after the wedding and parties we had at the château. I was quite ill at the time with a chest infection which I still haven’t managed to shake. The peace and quiet allowed us both to readjust to a more relaxed state of mind and set the mood for the rest of our trip.

Accommodation

Chambre d’Hôtes en Camargue 4 (via Airbnb)

Summer In The City

**Armor-Lux** Breton Sailor Sweater* | **Closed** Pedal Position Blue Denim Jeans* | **Danielle Foster** Charlie Box Bag in Khaki | **ATP Atelier** Rosa Sandals in Black | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Nixon** The Time Teller* | **Gemporia** Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring* | **Gemporia** 9k Yellow Gold Stacker Ring* | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | **Lucy Williams x Missoma** Gold Graduated Fang Necklace*

If you follow me on Instagram, I apologise if you’ve already seen some of these photos. We shot them a little while ago but I’ve been travelling around and haven’t had the chance to post them until now.

A Breton sweater is a timeless classic and this one from Armor-Lux is made with 100% pure wool; some of the wool ones I’ve tried have been be a bit wiry and stiff but this one is neither, it’s soft and very comfortable. I’m going to be taking it with me to France for throwing on after a day at the beach when the sun has gone down and you start to feel a chill after a day of salt and sand. I can’t wait!

I live in denim and recently discovered a German brand called Closed, they specialise in denim but you can actually buy your whole wardrobe from them; I’ve already spied some gorgeous winter coats on their site. They manufacture everything in Italy so as you can imagine the quality is excellent. I have a couple of pairs of their jeans and they’re made with a soft denim that has quite a lot of give, I’d go down a size if you plan on buying some, as mine are quite loose.

Spring To Summer

**ME+EM** Leather Bomber Jacket in Soft Mink* | **UNIQLO** Breton Stripe Long-Sleeved Dress | **AYR** Sleeveless Shirt in White)* | **Baia** Leather Bucket Bag in Duck Egg Blue* | **Diemme** Garda Slip-ons* | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Nixon** The Time Teller Watch* | **Brandts Jewellery** Daisy Ring in Rose Gold | **Gemporia** Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring* | **Sophie Wallgren** Marta Bracelet in Gold*

Transitioning from spring to summer can be difficult, you leave the house when the sun’s out and it’s a rather pleasant 18°C and then the next thing you know it’s down to 12°C before you’ve even reached lunchtime. Choosing the right layers and fabrics is important for getting your trans-seasonal wardrobe right. A leather jacket over a summer dress is one easy way. Leather can be light but warm and the beautiful taupe colour of this leather bomber by ME+EM is perfect for a summer wardrobe.

Cotton is great for layering, it’s breathable so if it does heat up you’ll still feel fresh. I avoid synthetic fabrics 90% of the time, I never feel very comfortable in them and this I find is especially important in warmer weather when they can make you feel clammy. So you won’t be surprised to find that both the shirt and dress I’m wearing here are cotton.

A Weekend In Bilbao

I’ve wanted to go to Bilbao and visit the Guggenheim since I was at school and first came across the work of architect Frank Gehry. I’ve waited a long time to see it but it was utterly worth it, the building is stunning, glinting silver in the bright light and pale gold when it’s cloudy. We stayed just opposite the Guggenheim in the Miró Hotel, the first boutique hotel in Bilbao (more on the hotel later).

Bilbao is the perfect destination for a weekend break, it’s easy to get to, small enough to walk around and has lots of amazing places to eat. We headed to the Plaza Nueva in the east of Bilbao for dinner, the square has many pinxtos bars where you’re hard pressed to spend 10€ on two glasses of wine and a selection of pinxtos. I recommend taking cash as we found many of the bars frowned on using bank cards for anything less than 10€. Our favourite was Victor Montes in the south-east corner of the square, the food was very good and the service came with a smile.

Whilst in Bilbao I had to check out a few shops, of course. Trimmer is a small boutique in the centre of town which sells a lot of my favourite brands including Masscob, Spain’s answer to Isabel Marant. They sell both men’s and women’s brands, as well as a good selection of magazines, beauty products and flowers. Next door they have a café too. Another wonderful store to visit is Narata, a contemporary design showroom that works with local artists and designers, as well as well-known brands like SCP, Muuto and Hay. The owners Aristide and Ainara are very welcoming and clearly passionate about the people they work with. It’s worth popping in just to see they’re collaborative project, ‘NarataWorks’; the leaning lamps above are from this project.

Accommodation
Miró Hotel

Restaurants
Panko | Victor Montes

Shops
Narata | Trimmer

LFW AW16: Day 4

**Jonathan Saunders** Quilted Bomber Jacket in White | **Marina London** Dree Shirt Dress in Navy (brand closed) | **Samsøe & Samsøe** Lisa Jeans | **Common Projects** Original Achilles Low Trainers | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Renné** Halo Bangle in Silver* | **Jenny Sweetnam** Drop Ring/Necklace* | **Nixon** The Time Teller Watch* | **Gemporia** Arezzo D’oro Gold & Diamond Ring* | **Brandts Jewellery** Daisy Ring

It was time for comfort on LFW Day 4, out came my favourite white bomber jacket by incredible British designer, Jonathan Saunders. This beauty rarely comes out as I’m paranoid about getting it dirty but it felt like the right occasion. As it was a bit chilly I layered a gorgeous silk shirt dress by the talented silk magician Marina London over some straight-leg jeans. These ones by Samsoe & Samsoe fit me so perfectly, they’re non-stretch, mid-rise, in a blue wash that’s not too rinsed. I finished off the look with my best white trainers, that’s right, the Woman by Common Projects got another outing even though it was raining a little, I’m such a risk taker.

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.

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.