Comme des Garçons Archives - Style&Minimalism

Transitional Trench

**The White Company** Soft Trench Coat in Clay* | **Comme des Garçons PLAY** T-Shirt in White | **Samsøe & Samsøe** Lisa Jeans* | **Adidas Originals** Stan Smith Trainers* | Straw Bag (bought in France) | **Larsson & Jennings** Lugano Watch* | **Lucy Williams x Missoma** Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | **Missoma** Small Initial Necklace in Gold*

If you buy one coat at this time of the year it has to be a trench coat. It’s the perfect transitional coat and a versatile one; wear it over a cashmere knit on chilly days and then swap it for a simple t-shirt when the temperature rises a few degrees. It’ll always looks chic with tailored black trousers or for a more casual look with dark jeans. I really like the simple design of this one from The White Company, no buckles or buttonholes, just a simple tie. I just need to be careful to keep it clean.

I’m also wearing a few of my favourite t-shirts. My Comme des Garçons PLAY t-shirt collection is starting to grow; I love their stripe t-shirts but this time I’ve gone for a short-sleeve white one. As with all their tees, I’d recommend going up a size.

Another collection that’s been growing are my jeans from Samsøe & Samsøe, they do a great straight-leg style.

Borrowed From The Boys

**COS** Men’s Wool & Yak Sweater in Dark Grey | **Side Party** Hackney Buttoned Corduroy Skirt in Grey Blue* | **Comme des Garçons PLAY** Stripe Long-sleeve T-shirt (always low in stock online, I got mine at Dover Street Market) | **Heist** The Thirty Tights in Jet Black* | **Jaeger** Mini Oxford Cross-Body Bucket Bag in Black* | **Woman by Common Projects** Original Achilles Low Trainers in White | **Saint James** Mariner’s Cap in Navy | **Kristen Elspeth** Blade Ring, Axe Ring & Spear Ring* | **Sophie Wallgren** Marta Bracelet in Gold* (now closed) | **Timex** Weekender Fairfield Watch in Khaki Green Leather*

Even though I have quite a few sweaters of my own I’m always want to borrow Dan’s. There’s something so wonderful about the feel of an oversized sweater, especially when it’s not yours. However, it’s rare that I actually do borrow his though, as his collection is a lot smaller than mine and I feel pretty bad for taking them away from him.

I spotted this charcoal grey sweater in the men’s section of COS a few weeks ago and have been living in it, ever since. It’s super soft (a mix of wool and yak), very comfortable and just the right size that it doesn’t swamp me. I’ve been able to wear it with everything.

This year I’m focused on curating my perfect wardrobe. There’s so much I need to sell or give to charity, pieces that don’t bring me joy (I’m in a Marie Kondo frame of mind) and that have lingered too long in my wardrobe. I want to open my wardrobe and have the problem of not knowing what to wear because I want to wear it all. This last year I’ve spent more money on items I want to wear until the day they fall apart, like this Comme des Garçons PLAY t-shirt (just seen) and perfect white leather trainers by Common Projects. (If you’re planning to buy the t-shirt go up a size and down at least one size for the trainers.)

If you’re looking for a great pair of tights I cannot recommend Heist enough. Not only do they have the coolest branding and packaging but they are also the most comfortable tights I’ve ever worn. This is due to their unique seamless 3D knitted design and a waistband made using a luxury sportswear technique that means it doesn’t dig in or roll-up. Kudos to Heist, they really have nailed it.

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.