CFconcept Archives - Style&Minimalism

Styling Davina Mulford’s AW17 Campaign

**Davina Mulford** Fedora in Wine with Burgundy Band (Closed now) | **ME+EM** Icon Cable Knit Sweater in Cream* | **Weekday** Voyage Jeans in Wow Blue | **Adidas** Court Vantage in White | **Davina Mulford** Fringed Cross Body Bag in Black* (Closed now) | **Cate & Nelson** No. 165 Watch* | **CFconcept** Tusk Necklace

Last month, just before I headed off to Seville, Davina Mulford asked me if I would style and model some looks for her AW17 campaign. I’m a genuine fan of her namesake brand; I practically lived in one of her Panama hats over the summer and her cross body bag has seen me through many sartorial situations. Davina is lovely, talented and passionate; she’s also been very supportive of Style&Minimalism, always encouraging and there for a chat.

Her new collection features four colour variations of her traditional fedora (eight if you include her new monogram service which allows you to have your initials embroidered on the ribbon). She’s chosen a classic palette of navy, burgundy, pale grey and camel – so there’s something to suit everyone. They’re well-structured fedoras (no flimsy, floppy brims) that sit comfortably on the head. They come with a few sticky felt strips that you can place under the inner rim if you need to adjust the fit slightly.

For the campaign I styled four looks, each to compliment one of the four colour variations. I chose to style my looks with pieces from brands I regularly wear; including ME+EM, Baukjen and AllSaints. If you’d like to see some of the other looks, please visit the Davina Mulford blog where Davina has kindly shared an interview she did with me at the time. In it I share some styling tips and advice. If you have a read please do come back and leave a comment below to let me know what you think.

On a side note, I just wanted to mention how amazing this jumper is from ME+EM. It’s a merino-cashmere-mix and comes with a detachable collar that converts it into a polo-neck, a clever design that will see me through the winter.

Sadly since this post went live Davina decided to close-up shop. The struggle for small businesses to survive in this industry in the early years is such a huge challenge, even when you have an incredible product.

Autumn In Copenhagen

**Weekday** Voyage Jeans in Black | **Jaeger** Camel Coat | **Amplified** Ramones T-shirt in Grey | **Oliver Sweeney** Montemerano Trainers in Gold* | **KayK Goods** Leather Clutch in Black via **Etsy UK*** | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Sally Lane** Boomerang Earrings in Gold* | **Ace & Tate** Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | **Cate & Nelson** No. 165 Watch* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold*

Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities for design and that extends to architecture, too. There are some incredible buildings all over this city. We were staying in Islands Brygge, so it was the architecture here that we saw the most, and got pretty excited by. Everyday we walked past the incredible Frøsilo, two huge dockside silos that have been converted into private housing. We stayed nearby in one of the penthouse apartments at STAY Copenhagen, an old industrial building that was renovated by Holgaard Architects. The roof of the building has been converted into a huge roof-terrace. Large wooden steps undulate up and down over the 6th floor apartments, along the A-shape of the building, like a zig-zagging amphitheatre, with a large open area at the apex of the ‘A’, where we shot these photos.

My style in the last few years has been highly influenced by Copenhagen style. When I’m there I feel quite inconspicuous, most people dress the way I do and that makes me feel at home. Although, don’t even think about asking me to speak Danish, I’ve tried and failed so many times. Food-wise I’m always impressed and eat so well. This time around we ate out for dinner at Bæst and Scarpetta (one of the Cofoco restaurants), and had the most delicious porridge on Saturday morning at Grød in the Torvehallerne. I would recommend all three, Scarpetta also for its beautiful interior design. Eating out is a casual affair in Copenhagen, people dress well but they don’t get dressed up. It’s more about getting together with friends and family, and eating well in a relaxed environment; something I can totally relate to.

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 10 Years of COS

**COS** Cotton Poplin Shirt Dress in White* | **Davina Mulford** Fringed Cross Body Bag in Black* (Now Closed) | **Faber Novella** Carine Mules* | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **CFconcept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Larsson & Jennings** Lugano Watch* | **Merci Maman** Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold*

COS recently released a very special collection to celebrate their tenth year – 10, a limited collection of ten pieces for women, men and children. The pattern-cutters and designers worked together to create each item with minimum waste, using the full width of the fabric, the pattern pieces of each garment have been cut so that they fit together like a puzzle. COS Creative Director Karin Gustafsson said of the collection:

“The design team took the opportunity to play and experiment in the pattern-cutting process, re-imagining the methods behind the design. The pattern-cutters and designers worked in parallel, referencing historical techniques that maximised the use of materials. As we look to the future we will continue to focus on the efficient use of fabrics and forward-thinking techniques.”

I think it’s wonderful that COS are focusing on creating minimum waste products, this has less of an impact on the environment but also helps to change the way the industry operates by showing that it is possible and encourages other brands to meet their standards. The more brands that commit to sustainable practices the better the industry will become and the less we (as consumers) will have to worry about the impact of our purchases on the people and world around us.

Throw Off Those Coats

**Second Female** Brook Knit Short Cardigan in Cypress* | **The White T-Shirt Co.** Relaxed Short Sleeve T-Shirt in White* | **Second Female** Tally Skirt* | **Adidas Originals** Court Vantage in White | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | **Lines & Current** Henning Sunglasses in Black* | **Lucy Williams x Missoma** Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold

I’m a realist when it comes to the weather here in London, when we’re lucky we get a few hot days in April, before the temperature then drops, (hopefully) rising again in July. Blue skies will always make me happy and when they come along I grab the opportunity to get out in the sun, even if that does mean I get a few strange looks, mostly from tourists wrapped up in heavy coats. I’ve been desperate to wear beautiful printed ra-ra skirt since it arrived. It has a bit of an Isabel Marant vibe but is actually from one of my favourite Danish brands, Second Female. I can’t wait to wear it with a pair of espadrilles and a camisole later in the summer. For now, the cardigan is staying on – also from Second Female.

If you’re in search of really good quality t-shirt, look no further than The White T-Shirt Co.. I don’t think these guys can be beaten on quality or for the softness of their t-shirts. They use GOTS certified organic cotton from Turkey, and they’re transparent and ethical about their production. They also wash really well, no shrinkage like lots I’ve bought in the past. I was recently interviewed by Ellie from Study 34 for The White T-Shirt Co. blog, we talked about the state of the fashion industry and what needs to be done to improve it, my wardrobe staples (like the white t-shirt, obviously) and how I tackle being a blogger whilst trying not to promote overconsumption. Read about it here.

I’ve also just discovered Adidas Court Vantage plimsolls, a much better alternative to the Stan Smiths. They’re made with a softer leather for a start, so no wearing them in. I think the sizing is actually more accurate, too. And, they’re all white, very pleasing to the eye for us minimalists.

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.

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.

On Track with ME+EM

This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.

**Maison Scotch** Paris T-Shirt* | **ME+EM** Luxe Tailored Track Pants* | **Chinti and Parker** Good Girl Bad Girl Cashmere Sweater in Red* | **Woman by Common Projects** Original Achilles Low Trainers* | **ME+EM** Leather Handbag Filing Pouch in Black* | **Susan Caplan** Asymmetrical Ori Earrings in 18ct Gold Vermeil* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold* | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold* | **Retrosuperfuture** Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana*

The trend for tailored track pants is one that’s been hard to miss. Whilst brands like ME+EM spotted the trend a while ago it’s taken Chloe (who nailed the look in their SS17 collection) to bring it to the glossies and the legs of every other editor during fashion month. As always, with these things, it’s not a new trend but one that’s really been brought to the forefront this season with the wide-leg version, a chicer 70s inspired take on an otherwise quite sporty look.

Last year ME+EM released a beautiful red pair with white stripes down the side of the leg which I wish I’d bought or they’d brought back this season. Just as I felt ready to embrace the red this season they decided to go with a sharp black pair which is definitely more in keeping with my personal style. I’ve been wearing mine mostly with a crisp white shirt or simple sweater now it’s a little chillier out.

Positive Stripes

**Custommade** Jasmina Stripe Jacket* | **Samsøe & Samsøe** Mia Stripe Shirt* | **Paige** Verdugo Skinny Jeans in Keaton* | **Nike** Air Max Tavas Trainers | **Whistles** Leather Shoulder Bag in Grey | **Retrosuperfuture** Paloma Sunglasses in Matte Black* | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch*** | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Kristen Elspeth** Blade Ring in Gold* | **Dinny Hall** Signature Large Hoop Earrings in Gold*

I love a bright sunny day in winter, it really perks me up. The air feels fresh and crisp, colours are brighter and my eyes feel like they open wider. These are the days I’m most productive in winter, I jump out of bed ready to go. I spend less time in the shower and I’m out the door quickly.

Clothes can have as much of a positive affect on me and my mood as the weather. This beautiful striped Custommade wrap coat immediately gives me more confidence and I feel so comfortable wearing it.

It’s weird the relationships we have with our clothes. They can make us feel confident and relaxed but equally can make us feel awkward and uncomfortable. There are items we imagine will change our lives if we owned them and others that we already own but don’t realise just how good they make us feel. You find yourself reaching for them every time you get dressed; you know the pieces, the ones you always find in the washing basket whenever you want to wear them. I’m always aiming to build on these pieces in my wardrobe.

I’ve been reading ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying’ by Marie Kondo on and off for the last couple of months (I’m still only halfway through). She suggests asking yourself if an item sparks joy. This really resonates with me; buying, keeping and looking after the pieces that spark joy is what it’s all about.

Holiday Blues

**ME+EM** Supersoft Shirt in Blue* | **AYR** The Always Short* | **Cambridge Satchel Company** Saddle Bag in Black* | **Robert Clergerie** Vicolek Lace-Up Raffia Wedge Derbies | **Super by Retrosuperfuture** Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses* | **Lucy Williams x Missoma** Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold

I was away quite a bit this summer, and loved every minute. I’m so lucky to live in London but to travel is a dream. And, I appreciate London all the more for having left it. Early in the summer we spent a weekend in Lucca, Italy and shot this classic look whilst there. I’m always mixing blue shirts with blue denim, it’s so simple and so comfortable. The temperature was high but this loose cotton blue shirt kept me cool in the midday sun. The raffia shoes were equally appropriate for the hot weather.

We followed the Serchio river north out of Lucca to an area that’s quite mountainous with small villages dotted either side of the river. We stayed in a resort with beautiful old olive trees and lavender bushes that lined the paths. Our room had a stunning view over the valley and in the distance you could to the tower of the nearest village, Castelvecchio Pascoli. At night we sat below the cooling jasmine on the terrace and ate classic Italian foods and drank delicious wine.

A Few Nights In Marsanne

**IRO Paris** Yante Broderie Anglais Dress | **ATP Atelier** Rosa Sandals in Black | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | Vintage Belt | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch***

**AYR** Slip Silk Camisole* | **Mango** Denim Skirt | **Mango** Leather Sandals in Tan | **Hush** Spanish Dancer Scarf* | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch***

**UNIQLO** Stripe Linen Shirt | **Topshop** Straw Boater | **Super by Retrosuperfuture** Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana*

Red Print Dress (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | **Ace & Tate** Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Robert Clergerie** Vicolek Raffia Wedge Derbies | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles)

**Topshop** Straw Boater | **Ace & Tate** Rae Sunglasses* | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | **Dinny Hall** Bijou Star Stud Earring*

**Joseph** Silk Shirt in Navy with Cream Piping | **Levi’s** Vintage Denim Skirt | **Penelope Chilvers** Valenciana Espadrilles | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch***

**Solid & Striped** Anne Marie Swimsuit* | **AYR** The Always Short*

**Second Female** Off-The-Shoulder Top* | **Mango** Denim Skirt | **Penelope Chilvers** Valenciana Espadrilles | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | **Super by Retrosuperfuture** Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses* | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o **Farfetch***

There’s something about the village of Marsanne that I fell utterly in love with the first time we visited, over a year ago. We arrived at 11pm in the dark, stayed just one night and left the next morning after breakfast but I knew it was somewhere I wanted to spend more time. When we were planning our “mini-moon” around the South of France it was a given that we would spend at least one more night at Le Clos Marquise, with its wonderful owner Sylvie. If I could adopt Sylvie I would, she’s like a long lost French aunt who is not only an excellent host but a wonderful chef, too. When we first visited, Le Clos Marquise had only been open a month, now its four rooms are booked up well in advance. It’s such a special place, I know we will return again.

On this occasion we stayed four nights and ventured beyond the beautiful walled gardens. In the centre of the village is a wonderful little restaurant, hotel and shop called L’Atelier à Marsanne. At first I was confused, should I order lunch or scour through all the amazing homeware pieces in the shop. Dan was there to help me see sense, so we sat down and ate first. I ordered the most incredible (and huge) plate of scallops tartare with fresh nectarine. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so many scallops in one go, it was delicious. After lunch Dan and I looked through the Jars ceramics I’d had my eye on in the shop and picked out a few pieces for us and a few to take home for friends. I’ve been using the bowls and mugs we bought nearly everyday since we got back.

Can’t wait til our next visit to Marsanne.

Accommodation
Le Clos Marquise | L’Atelier à Marsanne

Food & Drink
L’Atelier à Marsanne | Le Globe | Les Aubergistes

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)

Park(a)life

This post was created in collaboration with Parka London

**Parka London** Cecile Women’s Classic Dry Wax Parka* | **C/meo Collective** Golden Age Top in Ivory* | **Hush** Denim Shorts* | **Cambridge Satchel Company** Saddle Bag in Black* | **Robert Clergerie** Vicolek Lace-Up Raffia Wedge Derbies | **Retrosuperfuture** Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana | **Missoma** Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Gemporia** Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring | **Gemporia** 9k Yellow Gold Stacker Ring | **Nixon** The Time Teller Watch

With Glastonbury at the weekend, we’re clearly well into festival season now. I’m wearing a few of my favourite festival pieces here; a parka, denim shorts and a shoulder bag (that fits all my essentials). If you think you’re going to be lucky enough to see some sun, a camisole is a must.

My coat is from Parka London who specialise in parkas, they have a brilliant selection of designs both in the summer and winter. This one is so beautifully made, I was really impressed when it arrived, as I’ve not come across the same level of quality in a parka before.

I’m hoping to make a cool flower crown with these beautiful giant hydrangeas.

Walking Tall In Marylebone

**Samsøe & Samsøe** Lisa Jeans* | **Topshop** MA1 Bomber in Navy | **Second Female** Eileen Stripe Shirt | **Triwa** Clyde Sunglasses in Havana | **PB 0110** AB 21 Shoulder Bag in Navy | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **La Redoute** Chunky Sole Brogue*

There are a few things in my wardrobe that I continue to buy season after season, pieces that are good, timeless basics. One of which is a blue and white stripe shirt and the other is a good pair of blue jeans. They’re two things I wear all the time and find great satisfaction in discovering new versions.

The Second Female stripe shirt in the outfit above has a pale blue stripe and is made from a cotton-linen textured fabric which holds its shape. It’s such a classic and could be worn in so many ways. One of my favourite ways is with a pair of blue jeans, and my current favourite jeans are these Samsøe & Samsøe straight-leg mid-rise ones. I love the fit, the straight cut with a slight taper and the little bit of distressing below the knee.

Less Layers, More Light

**Second Female** Sao Coat in Grey* | **ME+EM** Silk Shirt with Piping* | **Paige** Verdugo Skinny Black Jeans* | **MICHAEL Michael Kors** Saylor Ankle Boots in Black* | **Danielle Foster** Charlie Box Bag in Khaki | **Jil Sander** Sunglasses in Grey) | **Missoma** Gold Engravable Initial Necklace* | **Lucy Williams x Missoma** Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Gemporia** Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring* | **Brandts Jewellery** Daisy Ring

I love catching the late afternoon light, it’s my favourite time to shoot, when you’re bathed in a warm glow. It makes both your skin and hair glow.

With the weather improving by the day, I’m slowly peeling off the layers. There are no jumpers in this post, just a beautiful cream silk blouse from ME+EM, under my new oversize grey coat. I’ve been looking for a great pale grey marl coat for a while and I’m so pleased with this one, it’s soft and warm, and just the right length. I love being able to wear less layers come this time of year although six months from now you can guarantee I’ll be getting excited about how to layer things again.

These skinny jeans are a regular in my wardrobe, rain or shine. I’ve had them for ages and though they’re not the velvety black they once were, they’re still by favourite skinny black jeans.

Daytime Pyjamas?

**Triwa** Clyde Sunglasses in Havana | **Topshop** MA1 Bomber in Navy Blue | **Samsøe & Samsøe** Sanella Sweater in Cream | **The White T-Shirt Co.** Long Sleeve Round Neck T-Shirt in White* | **Samsøe & Samsøe** Tuersen Wide-Leg Trousers in Red & White Stripe | **Adidas Originals** Stan Smith Trainers via MonShowroom* | **PB 0110** AB21 Shoulder Bag in Navy | **Littionary** Tiny Dot Stud Earringsin Gold | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold

The closest I’ve come so far to the pyjama trend are these amazing wide-led trousers from Samsøe & Samsøe; they’re soft, loose and super comfy. Lots of friends have asked me my thoughts on the pyjama look, most have said that they don’t really get it, I’m still on the fence. I love a classic navy silk pyjama shirt with white piping (perfect over jeans) and I love a co-ord (a two-piece in the same fabric and print) so that would suggest that I’d have fully embraced the daytime pyjama look by now. I probably would wear it but only in a particular scenario and in my own way.

Chilly Spring Layers

**Massimo Dutti** Cashmere Coat in Beige | **Wåven** AW15 Mikel Men’s Denim Jacket | **Finders Keepers** Just My Luck Shirt in White* | **Zara** Skinny Jeans in Washed Black | **Adidas Originals** Stan Smith Trainers via **MonShowroom*** | Black Fedora (from a little hat shop on Portobello Road) | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Gemporia** Arezzo D’oro Diamond & Gold Ring* | **Nixon** The Time Teller* | **Sophie Wallgren** Marta Small Disc Bracelet in Gold* | **Jessie Harris** Sphere Hoop Earrings in Gold | Russian Wedding Ring

In spring it’s so hard to know what to wear. I left the house yesterday in a black t-shirt, skinny jeans and mohair cardigan only to discover it was just a bit too chilly to be out without a coat. I opt for layers when the weather is hard to read. I pick out non-bulky pieces that work well together, even when you discard one of them. Keeping the palette of my wardrobe quite simple and neutral gives me lots of options for layering. I’ll quite often layer a wool coat over this denim jacket or my black leather biker, two essentials most people have in their wardrobe, and then wear either a t-shirt or shirt underneath. I love a layered look visually too, there’s a depth to this type of look that makes it feel much more complete.

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

In The Alps

**G-LAB** Bellevue Jacket in Olive | **ME+EM** Stripe Layering Tee* | **NYDJ** Skinny Jeans in Black* | **Adidas Originals** Stan Smith Trainers c/o **MonShowroom*** | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold

I love being in the mountains, I grew up skiing from a young age (I was first put on skis at three) and have always found the fresh air, sun (when it’s out), and all-day exercise makes me feel so good. Being in such beautiful surroundings also helps. I’ve been going to Val-d’Isère in France regularly since I was 14, it’s such a great area to ski as it’s joined to Tignes forming the Espace Killy. We were so lucky to be staying in a ski-in ski-out chalet this time, oh the luxury of not carrying skis around.

I found just the right jacket for our holiday for après-ski, G-LAB make functional outerwear so their jackets and coats are technically perfect. They also look and feel really good. The Bellevue has an inner jacket and collar that you can remove in warmer weather but with temperatures below freezing there was no chance of me taking it out. In these photos I’m just wearing a long-sleeve t-shirt under the jacket and was fine.

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.

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.