Armor-Lux Archives - Style&Minimalism

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.

A Few Winter Wardrobe Essentials

**Jaeger** Wool Wrap Coat in Black* | **Armor-Lux** Tricolor Breton Top* | **Samsøe & Samsøe** Lisa Jeans* | **Penmayne of London** Willow Fedora in Midnight Blue* (Now Closed) | **Jaeger** Mini Oxford Cross-Body Bag in Black* | **Woman by Common Projects** Original Achilles Low | **CFconcept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Rotary** Men’s Legacy Automatic Watch (use my discount code ROTARYSTYLE to get 30% off)* | **Merci Maman** Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold c/o **Not On The High Street*** | **Kristen Elspeth** Blade Ring, Axe Ring & Spear Ring*

I’m always looking for great essentials. Given all this chilly weather I’ve been in search of the perfect winter wardrobe essentials, building blocks that I can mix and match throughout the season, and beyond. During the cold months I tend to focus on finding great accessories and warm coats.

I first featured Penmayne of London’s stunning hats last winter when I was at Paris Fashion Week. I wore their Willow fedora in mink to a few events. I’ve always been a hat person and love discovering a new hat brand that puts beautiful craftsmanship above all else. I’ve owned quite a few fedoras but this one is by far my favourite, it has a great shape that holds (not floppy like some) and the brim is just the right width for me, not too slim, not too wide. Their hats are made to last and I know I will cherish mine for many years to come.

Jaeger is a great brand for wool coats, they’re well made, well tailored and feel good on. This long black one has been serving me well this winter. With it’s longer length I can tie it up and feel totally wrapped up. It’s been made with the softest inky black wool and looks great worn open or tied with its kimono-style waist belt.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her 2016

Keeping with the same minimalist theme as my earlier Men’s Gift Guide, this is my women’s one. I’ve put together a selection of well-made, timeless products that I think will make great gifts this Christmas.

1. Laurence King Publishing The New Garconne – How To Be A Modern Gentlewoman by Navaz Batliwalla | 2. Armor-Lux Tri-Color Breton Top | 3. Whistles Statement Disc Hoop Earring | 4. Comme des Garçons Floriental Eau de Parfum | 5. Rotary Legacy Women’s Watch | 6. Isabel Marant Étoile Marfa Mini Cross Body Bag in Black Suede | 7. Seventy Tree Circles Print | 8. Felice Dahl Första Pendant Necklace in Gold | 9. The Soap Co. Black Poppy & Wild Fig Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Gift Box | 10. Hush Cindy Silk Cami in Ecru | 11. Gucci Princetown Leather Slipper in Black | 12. Stelton Em Coffee Press

A classic Breton looks good on everyone and this one from Armor-Lux is made from super soft cotton that feels wonderful on (I know because I have a few). The Soap & Co. are on a mission to make products that are not only sustainable but can be used by all, each product has its name in Braille on the packaging. Buying jewellery can feel like a bit of a risk as it’s such a personal item but I think these Whistles earrings and Felice Dahl necklace will be crowd pleasers. I discovered Comme des Garçons Floriental only the other day when I asked someone what they were wearing, it smelt divine; it’s a unisex sent so great for men, too.

I’ve also put together a Pinterest board of women’s gifts.

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.

A Few (More) Wardrobe Essentials

**Armor-Lux** Cap Sizun Wool Peacoat in Navy* | **Bon Label** Sweater Dress in Marl Grey* | **Common Projects** Original Achilles Low | **Baia** Drawstring Bucket Bag in Duck Egg Blue* | **& Other Stories** Leather Obi Belt | **Saint James** Marine Cap | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Nixon** The Time Teller Watch* | **Brandts Jewellery** Daisy Ring in Rose Gold | **Gemporia** Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring*

I may be starting to sound like a broken record but I do love good wardrobe essentials, classic pieces that I know I’ll keep for years to come; it’s my thing. It came about when I realised that I had lots of clothes but couldn’t easily combine them to create outfits I wanted to wear. I decided to look for items that would be more versatile. When I buy a new item I challenge myself to envisage at least three outfits I could create, combining it with pieces I already own, before I allow myself to buy it.

In this outfit I’m wearing a few pieces I would consider essentials, a grey sweatshirt dress, a navy peacoat and white leather trainers. Each piece is well-made from good quality materials. If you’re looking for essentials that you’re going to wear regularly they need to be made to last.