Tag: Baukjen

How To Build A Sustainable Wardrobe

What we choose to wear can have a significant effect on the environment and I believe we all have a part to play in protecting the planet for future generations. By choosing your wardrobe carefully you can help make a difference.

1. Wear Your Clothes

Chances are you already own some amazing clothes. The most sustainable wardrobe is the one you already own as long as you wear it regularly. Challenge yourself to come up with new ways of wearing your clothes and accessories. I have a couple of sections on my ‘Style’ Pinterest board where I save photos of outfits for autumn/winter and spring/summer that are made up of items similar to the ones I own.

2. Choose Well

Only buy what you truly love and know you will want to wear frequently. If you choose well, you should be able to wear an item at least 30 times, if not more. Don’t buy something just because, at first glance, you think it looks nice or you saw it on someone else whose style you admire; don’t make a panic purchase. Give yourself time to consider how you’ll wear it with the things you own. If you can’t think of at least three ways you can style it, don’t buy it.

3. Buy Well Made

Look for natural fibres because they tend to wear and wash better than most synthetic materials; they also allow the skin to breathe. Good garment construction is also important, you want your clothes to last and if they’re badly made they won’t. If you’re unsure, check the quality of the seams and how well the buttons are sewn on (if there are any).

4. Only Buy What You Need

Most of the time we don’t need another coat, another pair of shoes, another pair of jeans, etc. If you choose well and buy well made then you are even less likely to need more.

5. Buy Timeless Designs

You’ll never regret it. These items never go out of fashion and often turn up in new trends anyway.

Plus, it’s worth it for the investment alone; if you do decide you no longer want an item, there’s likely to be a market for you to sell it on.

6. Clothes That Fit

How well an item fits will usually determines how many times an item is worn. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably not going to relax all day and, the next time you put that item on, feel reluctant to wear it again; another reason it’s important not to panic buy.

On the other hand, if you’re wearing something that fits you well, you’ll feel good about yourself and how others see you.

7. Take Care of Your Clothes

If you want to prolong the length of use of your clothes you need to treat them with care. Wash them according to their labels, you can always drop the temperature (but never raise it). Use a detergent that is eco-friendly and reduce unnecessary and damaging chemicals in our water systems. I use Ecover or Kinn, both are made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and still leave my clothes clean and fresh.

Mend holes, damaged seams and hems. There are plenty of tutorials online if you’re not sure how. You could consider the Japanese practice of Sashiko, if you want to add character. If you’re not comfortable mending your things yourself, get in touch with an alterations and repairs agency.

8. Secondhand & Vintage

It goes without saying that there are a lot of unworn clothes in the world, some that have never been worn at all. Secondhand and vintage clothes are often more affordable than the newly made. Though often associated with bright, cheaply made, synthetic clothes from the 60s and 70s; I’ve bought a beautiful wool jumper from Margaret Howell via eBay and a classic Belstaff jacket from a secondhand store in London. You need to think about exactly what you want/need and not deviate.

TOAST have recently started a clothes-swapping initiative called TOAST Circle. Customers can bring in items from previous seasons and swap them for other worn pieces.

9. Buy Locally Made

Supporting local artisans that produce goods using local materials means they are made with a low carbon footprint. It gives the brand the option to make-to-order, reducing deadstock. It’s also beneficial to the local economy.

Bramble Green Knitwear Aran Sweater | Baukjen Grandad-Collar Shirt in White* | Saltspin Radium Mid-Wash Mom Jean* | PB 0110 AB 52 Tote in Black* | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | Laura-Adèle Zodiac Wheel Medallion Necklace* | Otiumberg Small Graduated Hoops

Other things to consider…

Look for organic or Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton. Less water is used in the farming process, the cotton seeds are not genetically modified and no chemicals or pesticides are used to grow them. This is better for the farm workers and pickers, better for the ground that the cotton is grown in, better for the local water supply and ecosystem and (I believe) better for your skin.

The OEKO-TEX registered trademark lets you know about fabrics that are made responsibly. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) lets you know about fabrics that have been made with a minimum of 70% organic fibres.

Make sure the brands you buy from ensure their wool is mulesing-free. It’s a painful practice that involves removing a strip of skin from the buttocks of the sheep to prevent a parasitic infection called flystrike. It’s especially common with Merino sheep.

Try to avoid polyester or nylon, unless it is recycled or vintage. Neither is biodegradable and both are thought to contribute to microplastics found in our oceans. Buy a Guppyfriend washing bag to reduce your impact.

Look for brands that are visibly working towards becoming more sustainable in their practices. They offer a lot of information on their websites about what they stand for, what they are doing and what they are working towards doing in the future.

For special events consider renting something from By Rotation, HURR, Front Row, My Wardrobe HQ

Thoughts On Motherhood (part one)

It’s been a little while and I’m sorry I didn’t say I’d be away for so long. Motherhood is so new to me and I really had no idea what to expect or how I would find it. I thought I’d be away from the blog for three months, and then back to shooting and writing, but it’s been six months and I still don’t feel ready to commit to regular posts, just yet. Being a mum is my top priority now and I’m putting my whole heart into it. I want to be the best mum I can be to Isabelle and that means being present for her. My oldest friend told me last week that it’s the best thing I could possibly do, as I’ll never get this time with her again.

In truth, I feel so lucky and privileged to be Isabelle’s mum. She’s easygoing, settled and very happy the majority of the time. She only really cries if she’s tired, hungry or needs her nappy changing. It’s not always easy, it’s been very tough at times (there have been tears) but it’s incredibly rewarding in equal measure. She’s absolutely the best thing to happen to me/us in a long time.

Every day she changes; growing and developing new skills, and I really don’t want to miss any of it. I’m incredibly fortunate that my husband is supporting us and has given me this time to spend with her. So you can probably see why I might be a bit reluctant to commit to lots of post when they take up so much time to create, time away from Isabelle.

Depression, Anxiety & The Pressures of Motherhood

Pregnancy forced me to look inward and face the mental health issues I’ve struggled with in the past – nothing like bringing a little human into this world to make you want to get your shit together. I want to let go of the past and move forward as a happier, healthier person so that Isabelle grows up seeing me that way and is encouraged to be that way too. I’m planning to do some journaling to help get everything out of my head and hopefully put it all to rest.

I would describe myself as an anxious first-time mum, and I didn’t think I would be. At first I was nervous leaving the house with Isabelle, always worrying something would happen to her. I’m conscious that if not kept in check I’ll end up with an anxious baby; at the moment she’s far from it. At six months old she already has a wonderful, inquisitive, sociable and happy personality that is infectious to be around. I’ve gotten less anxious over time as Isabelle has become a little more robust and a little less fragile. As she grows I know I have to find the confidence to expose her to new experiences, otherwise I won’t be doing the best job I can. I’m taking it all one step at a time.

Over the last six months, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to meet Isabelle’s every need; feeding, changing, carrying, bouncing, pushing and generally entertaining her with a focus on her development. With little to no help from anyone except Dan, it’s been exhausting and overwhelming at times. Reading a few articles on Motherly and ‘What Mothers Do’ by Naomi Stadlan helped me to realise I’ve been doing more than enough. Friends and family regularly point out what a happy baby she is which helps reaffirm I’m doing a good job. It’s just so hard to know where to draw the line on doing a good job and running myself into the ground.

I thought I’d be the sort of mum that carried on with her life as before, only with a baby in tow. I realise now that I’d be doing Isabelle an injustice if I were to pretend everything was still the same. I’m not in a rush to return to my old life, this new one is far more exciting.

My Body, Now

In the 40ish weeks of pregnancy your body changes to the point you no longer recognise it. It takes a lot longer for it to recover, some say up to 18 months. Initially, I found it hard to cope with the ‘buddha-belly’ bump that was left behind after birth but it has shrunk and I now fit back into my old clothes (thanks to breastfeeding and a lot of walking). I don’t think my body will ever be quite the same again but I’ve found a new confidence and have fewer worries about it. I’m lucky that I didn’t gain any new stretch-marks (possibly due to my pregnancy routine). I still find it hard to believe that I grew this little person in MY body, it’s incredible.

Breastfeeding

It might not be for everyone but I’m so pleased that I’ve breastfed Isabelle. It’s not the easiest but I’ve been luckier than most, with both of us taking to it quickly. I credit Harriet, a Head Midwife at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, for insisting I persevere and showing me how to do it that first, shattered day. It helped Isabelle and I bond quickly thanks to the physical closeness, as well as the oxytocin (the hormone that also stimulates milk production). There are so many amazing things contained in breastmilk that she can’t get from formula, including some essential antibodies that continue to strengthen her immune system.

There have been a few struggles, too. The worst has got to be blocked ducts which I’ve had several time; once so bad that I ended up brandishing a needle to my nipple. Day-to-day, I feel sick almost every time oxytocin is released into my bloodstream. It doesn’t last long but catches me off-guard constantly. Usually, it’s just as I’ve made something to eat and then I don’t feel like eating. I’ve also found breastfeeding a little restricting at times, especially early on when I needed to feed her more regularly. Knowing where you can breastfeed comfortably makes such a difference. Legally you can do it anywhere. Isabelle also went through a phase of being so distracted when we were out that she wouldn’t feed, so I needed to be at home to feed her.

Sustainability

I look at the world so differently now and want to make it a better place for Isabelle, for her future. I’m thinking more about sustainability, how I can make more changes in my life and encourage others to, as well. You’ll see me featuring a lot more (if not all) sustainably and ethically produced products; alongside lots of older products that I’ve owned for a while. I’m also going to be passing on items that no longer work for me in the hope that they do for others. Keep a look out in my Instagram Stories and in the highlights under #PassItOn.

I’m wearing:
Baukjen Ashton Trench Coat* | Beaumont Organic NICO Organic Cotton Hoodie in Navy* | ARKET Organic Cotton Regular Overdyed Jeans in Pink | Woman by Common Projects Original Achilles Low Trainers | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Auree Jewellery Brompton 9ct Yellow Gold Bangle*

Joolz Day 2 Pushchair | Jem + Bea x John Lewis Odille Changing Bag*

Holiday Style With A Bump

Before I went away to Kos I was in a bit of a pickle about what to pack. I keep all my summer holiday clothes in a trunk in the bedroom. After going through everything I realised that about 90% of the contents wasn’t going to work this time around. I have grown a little all over since being pregnant, not just on my tummy as I’d hoped and expected. As I’m sure you can understand this left me feeling a bit disappointed, nothing some well-considered retail-therapy couldn’t fix.

Second Female Frappo Kimono in Dusty Pink* | The White Company Seagrass Circular Basket Bag* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Castañer Carina Espadrilles in Marsala

I usually spend my summer holidays in little cotton dresses, denim shorts or skirts, and bikinis. I decided to buy a pair of maternity denim shorts from Topshop (go for your pre-pregnancy size, if you do) but I ended up wearing them just once whilst I was away. I’ve become very self-conscious of my legs and I just didn’t feel that comfortable exposing that much of them. For a weekend away a month ago, I bought a Hunza G swimming costume from Net-a-Porter. It’s super stretchy and fits around my bump easily but after one swim I discovered it reveals my nipples after a few strokes. I don’t think anyone wants to be flashed by a pregnant woman so I went in search of some bikinis to take away instead. I found a great bikini from The White Company, the soft non-wired triangle style was the most comfortable to wear. I went up a size from my usual in the top and bottoms, and I found this worked well. I also wanted a couple of bikinis that were more supportive so I looked for brands that offered bikini tops in a cup size; Next offered the nicest designs.

French Connection Rhodes Poplin Relaxed Fit Shirt in White* | SEP Jordan Sinead Hijjab Shawl* | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | Annabel Brocks Bora Sun Hat in Truffle*

I lived in the three bikinis whilst I was away, they were perfect for sunbathing by our pool but for breakfast, lunch and walks along the beach I preferred to cover-up a little. Oversized shirt dresses, kaftans, and wraps worn with shirts (try French Connection) were ideal. I felt covered up but still comfortable and cool.

Second Female Tonga Silk Top in Black* | Baukjen Cecile Wrap Skirt* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Castañer Carina Espadrilles in Black | Rae Feather Macramé Clutch in Natural*

In the evenings it felt good to dress up (in England I’d been living in trousers, shirts and jackets), I’d been dying to wear a dress for weeks. Wrap dresses and skirts from my usual brands, in a size up just about covered my bump. I know I’ll be able to make them work after I’ve had the baby so they don’t feel like a waste of money. A-line dresses in soft jersey worked really well too, I felt so comfortable in the Beaumont Organic dress I wore and again it’s a style that will work post-pregnancy. Natural fabrics always work best in the heat as they’re more breathable than synthetics, linen being one of my favourites. I wore a lovely linen dress from Great Plains one evening which was the shortest length I felt comfortable in.

The White Company Cotton Stripe Beach Shirt Dress* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Top* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Briefs* | The White Company Seagrass Circular Basket Bag* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black*

This is the best time to invest in a good pair of espadrilles. Personally, I love Castañer and have a couple of their Carina wedge style. I bought a pair in Seville last year and another from Net-a-Porter this year. It’s not good for your back to wear heels when you’re pregnant but I’ve found these to be quite supportive. I wouldn’t suggest wearing them all day although I’ve survived a wedding in one pair. They’ll give you a some extra height in the evenings and help you feel a little more elegant.

Beaumont Organic Penny Dress in Black* | Rae Feather Macramé Clutch in Natural* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Hanishken Raffia Slipper Shoes | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle* | Matthew Calvin Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold*

Overall, I would suggest buying some good swimwear and loose fitting dresses in natural fabrics, that you feel good in (I found longer dresses more flattering). Don’t stress out and don’t spend too much money on things you might only wear a handful of times.

Rae Feather Cross Stitch Kaftan in Red* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Top* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Briefs*

Spring Style Staples with Baukjen

Baukjen Rhian Cargo Jacket in Khaki* | Baukjen Drue Cotton Shirt in White* | Baukjen Neath Jersey Pant in Black* | PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black Leather* | Air & Grace Cherub Sneakers in White Leather*

I’m eternally on the hunt for the best style staples, the building blocks to a good versatile wardrobe. I’ve teamed up with Baukjen to share a few of my favourites from their current collection. They’re an obvious choice for staples as they form a large part of their collections each season. They mix in some great on-trend pieces but always have a good selection of versatile essentials.

I’ve had an original French army field jacket for many years, bought in Camden one sunny day many moons ago. I love the style but it was never designed to by worn by a woman, it is wide across the shoulders and I’m never going to have the sort of biceps that will fill out the arms. I feel it’s finally time to retire it, now that I’ve found one that fits beautifully from Baukjen. My new (incredibly soft) cargo jacket is a classic “shacket” style, perfect for layering over shirts and t-shirts. It’s warm enough for this time of year and I’m sure will work well over a summer dress in a couple of months when it warms up properly.

The white shirt epitomises the concept of a style staple. This one from Baukjen has a Mandarin collar (otherwise know as a grandad collar) and a long straight masculine cut. It’s made from a lovely crisp white cotton that hold its shape well. I know I’ll be wearing it long after my pregnancy for that borrowed from the boys look.

Jersey pants have taken over where my beloved jeans left off. It’s been sad to say goodbye to some of my favourite denim styles (they just do not work with a bump) but it’s not going to be for forever. I once thought stretchy waistbands were only for toddlers but I was wrong. Finding a comfortable pair of black trousers has been a game-changer. They’re versatile enough to wear for work or at the weekend, depending on how you style them. I’ve been wearing them with the waistband rolled down (under my bump) with a longer length top. They’re not maternity trousers but they’ve been working just as well. I would rather not spend money on maternity trousers if I can help it as I hate the idea of buying something for such a short period of my life.

None of the pieces I’ve picked out from Baukjen have been designed specifically for maternity, they’re just versatile pieces that work for all shapes and sizes, as a good style staple should.

The First 3 Months of Pregnancy

Baukjen Rhian Cargo Jacket* | Great Plains Take A Break Jersey T-Shirt* | Levi’s (Vintage) 501 Jeans | Adidas Original MI Gazelle Trainers in Black | PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black*

I’m sure it hasn’t gone unnoticed that things have quietened down here on my blog, as well as over on my Instagram. The reason for this is that I’m currently growing a little person. The bump is six and a half months along now. We’re both really excited but it’s mad to think about how different our lives will be in three and a half months. (My maths isn’t off btw, most pregnancies last 40 weeks!! Thanks Pandora for breaking that one to me.) For me there have already been some big changes, some expected, others not so much. For the time-being I’m going to share a little of what the first three months were like.

The only sign that something was going on with my body during the first month was that my boobs started to feel particularly tender. I wasn’t sick once (phew) and found out fairly early on that I was pregnant. I kept my head down and carried on pretty much as normal – minus the alcohol, rare meat, sushi, etc..

The second month I started to feel really, really tired around 2pm everyday. This is the time of day that I’d have usually had a coffee pre-pregnancy but I’ve decided to avoid coffee whilst pregnant as it has so much caffeine in and it’s recommended you reduce your intake. To compensate I got into a bad habit of picking up something sweet to keep me going.

Not drinking over Christmas was a big tip-off to friends and family but we weren’t prepared to tell anyone until we were past the 12 week mark. I experienced a lot of anxiety about losing the baby early on. There wasn’t a specific reason for this, I just found it disconcerting not being able feel or see anything that was going on. Apart from taking another pregnancy test there’s no confirmation from anyone until your 12 week scan that everything is as it should be. The worst thing was that some of my friends started asking me if I was pregnant and I hated being forced to lie to them. (If you suspect your friend is pregnant please wait for them to tell you, don’t ask.)

By the third month I felt huge (little did I know what was to come) and as though everyone could tell I was pregnant. I was even more tired than before and my IBS was going into overdrive with anything and everything I ate. I felt like a balloon long before I thought I should and my regular clothes stopped fitting me super early. This is one reason my personal style posts dried up, almost immediately. The other is that I had zero energy for the first few months. I’ve been incredibly lucky not to have been sick at all but the exhaustion meant that I barely left the house and when I did it knocked me for six. If you’re in a similar situation I would recommend Floridix, it’s an iron supplement that has definitely helped me, that and afternoon naps.

I’ve had to make quite a few adjustments. Initially, I found going into town quite stressful, especially since it was during rush hour. I now only go in once a week if necessary, and never during rush hour.

I’ve found Anneli Bush’s accounts of pregnancy and beyond really helpful, as well as Alex Stedman‘s (congratulations to both of them). Having a couple of people share their experiences a little ahead has kept me calm, as well as giving me some style tips. I didn’t want to change my style because of my pregnancy. It’s been a bit of challenge, especially given I live in jeans at least 50% of the time. Alex Eagle (currently in her second pregnancy) gave me some great advice. She suggested buying some large vintage men’s shirts (and getting them personalised by Hand & Lock, so they feel a bit special) and investing in a really good pair of leggings from Live The Process (now stocked at Alex Eagle Studio).

My first move was to convert a pair of vintage 501s, swapping the front pockets for big wide strips of elastic (as seen above). I also bought a few men’s long sleeve t-shirts in black and white. That covered the basics for a little while. Going for a size up in tops and dresses during the first few months has made it possible for me to stick with the brands I usually wear.

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.

As One Year Ends, Another Begins

This post was created in collaboration with Endource.

Baukjen Ashcroft Leather Detail Blazer | Hush Maria Silk Cami in Black | Karen Millen Wide-Leg Trousers in Black | Karen Millen Leopard Print Court Shoe | Baukjen Curved Clutch Bag in Black | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold

New Year’s Eve is less than 24 hours away so I feel it’s a good time to reflect on what has been a wonderful year for me. The best part of which was getting married to an incredible man who is hugely supportive of my alternative job which I’m sure he still doesn’t quite understand. I’m looking forward to us celebrating a decade together in April. How time flies! Maybe then I will get around to sharing the photos of our beautiful wedding with you.

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some incredible brands and companies this year. The fact that they believe and trust in me to create something special for them has pushed me to work harder and take more risks, regularly leaving my comfort zone. I’ve met some wonderful people through these collaborations, some of which have gone on to become good friends. I’ve also found a group of great bloggers that I love spending time with, talented friends I trust, who give me great advice and truly inspire me.

Next year is already looking pretty exciting, I have a few trips booked, one of which is only a couple of weeks away, I just hope the Alps get some snow soon. I’m going to be sharing a lot more interior design content, since they have been popular over the last three months. I’m planning to up my game and may even share some posts that feature my home. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see more of.

All that’s left now is to put on my best party outfit and go celebrate another wonderful year and welcome in a new one.

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

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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