Felice Dahl Archives - Style&Minimalism

Good Resort Wear with Caroline Constas

**Caroline Constas** Lou Off-The-Shoulder Top | **Levi’s** Cut-Off Denim Shorts | **Converse** Chuck Taylor Plimsolls in White | **Davina Mulford** Panama Hat* (Now Closed) | **Ace & Tate** Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | **Felice Dahl** Första Earrings* | **Felice Dahl** Ljus Necklace | **Felice Dahl** Första Cuff Bracelet in Gold | **Matthew Calvin** Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold*

As you may have noticed from my Instagram and some of my recent posts, I’m starting to travel much more regularly now. This summer I’ve been to Portugal, France, Croatia and Italy, and soon I’m off to Denmark and Spain. Travel is something I’ve always enjoyed and I made the decision earlier this year that I wanted to make it a priority in my life, as it has such a positive affect on me. I’m going to continue to share my trips here on my blog and my social media, and will do my best to inspire you with some beautiful places.

I don’t think it will be long before I’m travelling out of season and I know it’s going to be much harder to find suitable clothing. All is not lost, however, as in the last few years there have been some great resort wear brands popping up. Resort wear brands specialise in clothing, footwear and accessories for hot weather. In keeping their offering small they are able to focus on creating a well made, functional product. And another benefit is that they are available throughout the year, not just in spring and summer.

Caroline Constas is one of the new breed of resort wear brands I’m referring to. Caroline is a Canadian designer based in New York and surprise, surprise she loves to travel. Recently, I discovered their core offering which includes their Signature Cambridge Stripe collection – pretty tops and dresses in classic blue and white stripes, they specialise in off-the-shoulder tops and shirt dresses. They are incredibly well made, in a light twill cotton that holds its shape.

We photographed this look whilst away in Croatia in the little town we stayed in, Sveti Lovreč. There were lots of old buildings in pretty pastel colours, some with crumbling walls and a few derelict ones with hidden wild gardens that had sprouted up inside their walls.

An Evening In Bale

**Mads Nørgaard** Stripe Top* | **& Other Stories** Denim Skirt in Off-White | **Air & Grace** Shimmie Espadrilles in Red* | **Wood/Grey** Round Woven Bag* | **Ace & Tate** Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Felice Dahl** Första Cuff Bracelet | **Felice Dahl** Ljus Pendant Necklace | **Larsson & Jennings** Lugano Watch* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | **Matthew Calvin** Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold*

The little village of Bale in Croatia was definitely one of my favourites out of all we visited in Istria. It’s not a hilltop town in the Tuscan sense but it was built on slightly higher ground than the land surrounding it. Small pretty cobbled streets seem to wind in all directions and the walls of the buildings have that beautiful disheveled look that you find in the Mediterranean. There are a few little cafés, restaurants and konoba (tavernas). The central part of the town is much older and centres around a big old church.

We visited for lunch one day when passing through and then returned for dinner a couple of days later. We had a lovely three course meal in the pretty little courtyard of the Hotel La Grisa. We didn’t stay but the hotel has some simple but nice rooms and apartments.

Exploring Rovinj

**Cloe Cassandro** Tessa Top in Blue | **Topshop** MOTO Denim Skirt in Black | **Wood/Grey** Round Woven Bag* | **Ancient Greek Sandals** Taygete Sandals in Tan* | **Ace & Tate** Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Felice Dahl** Första Cuff Bracelet | **Felice Dahl** Första Pendant Necklace in Gold | **Felice Dahl** Ljus Earrings

Whilst in Istria we visited the coastal town of Rovinj. It has a very Italian feel with pretty pastel coloured buildings and a large marina. We sat in one of the many cafés along the waterfront, sipping on coffee and nibbling on croissants, one morning during our trip around Istria. It’s a bustling town in the summer, overwhelmed by tourists but you’ll still find a table at any time of the day.

I would highly recommend a walk around Rovinj’s beautiful old town. It has stunning steep narrow alleyways, lined with buildings that have stood there for centuries. There are archways around every corner and pretty bougainvillea trailing up many of the houses. It’s all pedestrianised but be warned the cobbled streets are hard to walk down as they have been polished by many feet over the years.

I don’t often talk about the negative (I much prefer to focus on the positive) but I’d rather warn you in case you plan to visit, that it’s not somewhere I would return to for dinner. I booked a table in the old town one evening at a restaurant that was, in all honesty, all about the view. I hadn’t checked the reviews and, had I, would have thought twice. The staff were so rude when we got there (unlike the experiences we had throughout the rest of Istria, I hasten to mention) and, to cut a long story short, after being called a liar and having water thrown over me, we didn’t eat there. My experience in another restaurant in Rovinj was not much better. This is a tourist town and being so busy the restaurants seemed to see us for the money we would spend.

I wish we’d had time to visit:

Mediterraneo
A chilled little bar/café with a stunning view over the sea and great reviews

Hotel Adriatic
A dreamy minimalist hotel with a simple palette of white and grey, with pops of green-gold

Out-Of-Office

**Raquel Allegra** Peasant Dress in Black | **Davina Mulford** Panama Trilby* (Now Closed) | **Wood/Grey** Round Woven Bag* | **Ancient Greek Sandals** Taygete Sandals in Tan* | **Ace & Tate** Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Felice Dahl** Första Pendant Necklace in Gold

I find it hard to actually take a break; owning a blog is like owning any small business, there’s always something that needs doing, emails keep flooding in and things can’t stop just because I need to. I’m away with my husband’s family in Croatia and the last thing I want to do is lock myself away in the dark to answer emails, write and edit all day (if you’ve tried doing any of these in the sun, you’ll know it’s impossible anyway). This is my time to sit by the pool, read my new Kindle and absorb as much vitamin D as I can, whilst spending some quality time with Dan and my new family.

My out-of-office is on and although I’m checking my inbox sporadically I won’t be answering anything that is not urgent. I’m also keeping things tidy by deleting all the spam emails so that come my return to London I won’t be inundated with an inbox full of unread emails that will have me running for the hills. Sorry to those of you who are reading this and have just realised that I genuinely will not be replying to you this week but I really do need to take a break.

The only work I have been doing is shooting my outfits and sharing photos of the beautiful towns I’ve been visiting in Istria. This place is extremely beautiful but also extremely hot right now so my shooting time is limited to just an hour in the afternoon as the sun starts to go down and I can bear to wear anything more than a bikini. Dan’s stepped up to the role of photographer and has been helping me capture a few shots before dinner. He’s doing a great job, don’t you think?

Staying Creative & Inspired Through Travel

**Star Mela** Veri Emb Top in Mustard* | **Levi’s** 501 (Vintage) Jeans | **Converse** Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White | **Ace & Tate** Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | **Felice Dahl** Första Cuff Bracelet in Gold* | **Mantra** Strength Necklace & Lotus Charm in Gold*

I’ve escaped the city to stay with friends in the French countryside. Montmelard where they live, is a small commune in Saône-et-Loire, about half an hour from Mâcon. As I write this I am surrounded by fields of Charolais cows and a menagerie of animals that my friends own, including two cats, a dog and two horses. It’s heavenly here even if the weather has been a bit on and off. I’ve started each day with a long walk in the forest with my school friend Hat (we met over fifteen years ago) and their dog Blanche. After working up an appetite we enjoy coffee, croissants and freshly laid eggs from their two chickens back at their house. The clean air and fresh food have been working wonders for me, and I feel much more energised since arriving.

I really felt the need to get away from London for a little while and seeing my friends was such a great excuse. Travelling really helps me stay creative and inspired. I love to discover new places, try new foods and generally experience a different way of life. It all contributes to finding out what suits me and makes me genuinely happy. I’ve been experiencing a much simpler way of life here, that doesn’t mean quieter, my days have been full. I’ve visited brocantes, on the hunt for pieces for my friends to resell, I’ve run around after their beautiful children, cooked meals with them, visited local markets, and generally embraced the slow internet connection. It’s reminded me that constantly checking my emails and Instagram account is not essential, life goes on and you don’t miss out if you only check them once or twice a day.

I brought this beautifully embroidered peasant top from Star Mela along with me. It seemed so appropriate as the brand’s owners Amanda and Kirstine are also inspired by travel and develop their collections with the idea of being able to throw a few pieces in a bag at a moment’s notice and still look good wherever you may go. I’ve found that it has worked really well out here, it’s a soft, lightweight cotton that is comfortable in the heat as well as later in the day when it’s not as warm. I love to add a bit of boho to my style in the summer, and wearing it with my Levi’s and Converse it still feels very me. It’s a warm mustard yellow which is something I’ve not tried before but have seen a lot in shops since Chloé featured a similar shade in their Spring/Summer collection back in 2015. It felt a bit daring at first but is actually quite easy to 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.

Mango Are Committed To A Better Future

**Mango** Committed Collection Linen-Blend Midi Dress | **ME+EM** 2-in-1 City Bag in Khaki* | **COS** Leather Strap Heels in Black (old) | **Ace & Tate** Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Mango** Mixed Pieces Earrings | **Merci Maman** Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold* | **Littionary** 14k Tiny Yellow Gold Dot Stud Earrings | **Hopscotch** Small Gold Hoops

I very rarely feature fast fashion brands these days, as I know there’s a better way to do things. When I discovered Mango’s Committed Collection I wanted to show my support. Fast fashion brands are not going to be able to change their ways overnight but testing the waters with sustainable collections is a good start. And, if we support them by buying from these collections we encourage them to take bigger steps forward and change the industry for the better.

The Mango Committed Collection is manufactured in factories in Portugal, Turkey and Morocco. It’s been made with environmentally-friendly organic and recycled cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel. They’ve used environmentally-friendly inks to dye the fabrics.

“The sustainable fabrics used for this collection such as organic cotton and recycled polyester have international certificates, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OCS (Organic Cotton Standard) or GRS (Global Recycled Standard) among others. Our Corporate Social Responsibility department has been working closely with the design team to ensure that the results meet the level of quality and sustainability planned for this collection.” Guillermo Corominas, Communications Director

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.

Cashmere Is King with Chinti and Parker

**Chinti and Parker** Star Slouchy Cashmere Sweater in Black* | **Levi’s** Vintage 501 Jeans | **Sandro** Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | **Adidas Originals** Stan Smith Trainers* | **Jaeger** Mini Oxford Cross-Body Bag in Black (sold out)* | **88&Cloudless** Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold* | **Kristen Elspeth** Blade Ring in Gold* | **Myia Bonner** Mini Diamond Circle Stud Earrings in Gold | **Retrosuperfuture** Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses*

It may sound like a cliche but once you’ve worn cashmere it’s hard to go back. When it comes to knitwear, cashmere really is king. It’s incredibly soft, lightweight and ever so warm – it’s said to be three times warmer than sheep’s wool.

Cashmere comes from the finer undercoat fibres of the cashmere goat. It’s usually combed from the goats during their moulting season and is then separated from the course guard hairs that are moulted at the same time. Each goat is said to produce around 115g each year, meaning for just one sweater the wool of 3-4 goats is required. This is one of the reasons for its elevated cost. There are several grades of cashmere depending on the diameter of the hairs, the best, Grade A is 14-15.5 microns thick and, the worst, Grade C is around double that at 30 microns.

“…for just one sweater the wool of 3-4 goats is required.”

I’ve tested out a lot of high-street cashmere. Initially I’ve been impressed but a couple of wears and washes later and it no longer resembles the jumper I bought. It’s moulted onto everything I’ve touched, there are bobbles on high-friction areas and it’s shrunk. Don’t believe the hype, it’s just not worth it. If you’re ready to invest in cashmere look to the high-end brands that work with the most respected mills. One brand I can highly recommend is Chinti and Parker, a London based clothing brand that specialise in a ‘classic-with-a-twist essence’. They cater for those of us with a more minimalist aesthetic as well as those looking for designs with personality (they collaborated with Miffy last year and have another exciting collaboration coming soon).

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.

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.

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

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.

Need To Know Places In Marylebone

This post was created in collaboration with Jaeger.

**Jaeger** Wool Wrap Coat in Black* | **Jaeger** Cashmere Slouchy Sweater in Charcoal* | **Jaeger** Wool Cigarette Trousers* | **Jaeger** Mini Oxford Cross-Body Bag in Black* | **Whistles** Cornel Suede Pointed Pumps in Nude | **Susan Caplan** Asymmetrical Ori Earrings in 18ct Gold Vermeil* | **Felice Dahl** Första Ring in Gold*

In the last year, I’ve spent a lot more time in Marylebone, an area of London I had previously thought of as north of Oxford Street and home to Madame Tussauds. That was until we had brunch at The Providores (the Turkish eggs are incredible) for Dan’s birthday and I discovered that there’s a whole lot more to the area. It has the feel of a town high street, yet it’s in Central London. There are lots of nice cafés and restaurants, as well as some great shops, including Jaeger who recently opened a beautiful new store on the main road, Marylebone High Street. I thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you.

Shops in Marylebone

FASHION
Jaeger 12 Marylebone High Street
L.K.Bennett 94 Marylebone High Street
Loft Designs By 36 Marylebone High Street
Sandro 6 Marylebone High Street
Theory 1 Marylebone High Street
Whistles 1 Thayer Street

BEAUTY
Aesop 69 Marylebone High Street
Space NK 83a Marylebone High Street

HOMEWARE
Skandium 86 Marylebone High Street
The Conran Shop 55 Marylebone High Street

Food & Drink in Marylebone

The Chiltern Firehouse 1 Chiltern Street
The Ivy Café 96 Marylebone Lane
Monocle Café 18 Chiltern Street
Nordic Bakery 48 Dorset Street
Pierre Marcolini 37 Marylebone High Street
The Providores 109 Marylebone High Street (now closed)

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.