Tag: It’s Personal

The Essential White Shirt

COS Grandad-Collar Shirt in White | Levi’s (vintage) 501 Jeans | PB 0110 AB 1 in Natural Leather* | Hanishken Raffia Slipper Shoes | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* |  Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Matthew Calvin Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold* |  88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold*

There’s not much in my wardrobe that beats a really good white shirt for effortless style but I know from experience that finding a good one isn’t always that straightforward. COS has been my first port of call for a couple of years now. Each season you can rely on them to make a few classic styles, as well as offering something a bit more edgy. For the summer I think a classic white grandad-collar shirt is a good option. I’ve found the longer length of this one works well with my bump. I’ve also gone up a size from my usual, which means it also fits my ever expanding chest. As I quite like an oversized style anyway I’ll still be wearing it long after the bump, as long as I can get away with wearing white (something tells me I won’t). It’s made from a nice crisp cotton poplin which I’ve found looks best if I iron it whilst it’s still damp. The curved hem is a classic detail which makes it more versatile to wear, allowing you to wear it tucked in or tied, as well as untucked, like I have.

Spring Essentials With A Baby Bump

It’s the time of year when denim jackets take centre stage in many of our wardrobes. This is no coincidence, it’s a piece of outerwear that’s incredibly versatile, as well as being lightweight. Plus, you can layer it under a coat on chillier days. The denim jacket is without question one of my spring wardrobe essentials. I particularly love this workman style one from Parka London, for me it has a bit more edge than a classic western cut and looks a bit smarter. I’ve had it since last Autumn and have been wearing it layered, up until now. It’s not been designed for maternity but unless it’s cold outside I’ve found it doesn’t really matter.

Good classic shirts have become even more essential to me since the start of my pregnancy. With so much stretch jersey on offer to pregnant women it can all start to feel a bit too casual. Don’t get me wrong, stretch jersey has been a life saver when it comes to comfort but finding ways to still feel like I’ve made an effort is important to me and maintaining my sanity. I’ve had this ME+EM soft blue chambray shirt since the beginning, and due to its masculine cut and loose comfortable fit it has been a staple over the last few months. It’s a UK size 12 (my standard size pre-pregnancy for tops) and is probably only just reaching its limit now, at 7 months pregnant.

Parka London Grace Denim Jacket* | ME+EM Soft Cotton Chambray Shirt in Light Blue* | ME+EM Crop Palazzo Pants in Black Jersey* | PB 0110 AB 1 Tote in Natural Leather* | Air & Grace Cherub Sneakers in White Leather* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Otiumberg Gold Graduated Hoops

ME+EM have been making these jersey cropped wide-leg trousers since I first discovered the brand several seasons ago, so I’m sure they’re one of their best-sellers. I can tell you that you won’t find a more comfortable pair, pregnant or not. And again, these are not designed specifically for pregnancy, they just happen to work really well when you are. They keep their shape well and after several washes are still nice and black.

Pop of Colour

It’s funny how just one thing can make such a difference to your look. Adding a pop of colour can really give an outfit that extra oomph. I’ve never been that confident about wearing a red lip (although I’d love to). I always feel rather self-conscious about it smudging, wearing off, becoming uneven, bleeding; it’s all such a quandary for me. However, I’ve found other ways of adding a bit of colour, like this gorgeous little PB 0110 shoulder bag, I love the raspberry red, the first image shows the true colour, in the others the light makes it look a bit paler than it actually is. It’s quite a rich red that I think is rather timeless, along with the minimal design. As with all PB 0110 bags, the craftsmanship is just so beautiful. Size-wise this style (the AB 10) fits my mobile, keys, hand cream, lip balm and sunglasses all quite easily.

Subtly, I’ve co-ordinated my bag and blazer, there’s not just the fine red lines running through the check of the fabric but a red grosgrain ribbon side stripe that runs down each side, under the arm. I love this detail, it’s become quite a signature for ME+EM to include a stripe and it really works for me.

ME+EM Grosgrain Trim Checked Blazer* | ME+EM Raw Edge Silk Oversized Tee in Soft White* | ME+EM Crop Palazzo Pant in Black* | PB 0110 AB 10 Shoulder Bag* | Air & Grace Cherub Trainers in White* | Otiumberg Graduated Hoops in Gold | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch*

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*

Cooler Spring Nights

Spring isn’t always that warm in England, it gets brighter and the days get longer but warm sunny days don’t always equal warm evenings. When the cooler temperatures descend upon us I usually throw on a jumper, as I can feel the cold quite easily. When it comes to knitwear, there’s nothing quite like a cashmere jumper, super soft and effective at keeping out a chill, and if looked after correctly will last you many years. I’ve been wearing this 100% cashmere jumper from ME+EM whenever it’s chilly. It’s fairly lightweight (so ideal for this time of year) and the pale cream colour feels nice and fresh for spring. I’ve been investing in cream items quite a lot recently, as it’s such an easy colour to work with.

ME+EM Longline Cocoon Cashmere Jumper in Cream* | ME+EM Crop Palazzo Pant in Black* | PB 0110 AB 52 Tote in Black* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Littionary 14k Tiny Gold Dot Stud | Dinny Hall Bijou Star Stud in Gold* | Otiumberg Small Gold Graduated Hoops

I’ve been living in these soft jersey cropped palazzo pants since I got pregnant. They’re not a maternity style but as they have a roll top waistband, similar to some maternity pieces I’ve tried on, they’ve been a valuable addition to my current wardrobe. They fitted me comfortably before I had a big bump, they’re still really comfortable now I do, and I know they’ll work for me after my bump has gone. They’re a regular size 10 which makes me feel good as not many of my clothes are at the moment and although size doesn’t matter it does help, mentally, when you feel like you’re just getting bigger and bigger.

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.

Ethical & Beautiful Resortwear From Cloe Cassandro

Cloe Cassandro Kimi Wrap Mini Dress* | Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Converse Chuck Taylors in Black | Ace & Tate Vivian Sunglasses in Matte Black* | A Weathered Penny Gold Wire Circle Hoops* | Merci Maman Large Hammered 10th Anniversary Necklace in Gold* | Merci Maman The Merci Maman Necklace*

This year, I’ve finally embraced the dress (more specifically, the wrap dress) and I’m not alone, if Instagram is anything to go by. It’s more than likely that you’ve already discovered both Réalisation Par and Reformation but there’s another brand I’ve been wearing that’s a little more under the radar, Cloe Cassandro.

Cloe Cassandro make beautiful silk-chiffon dresses (as well as other resort wear, including swimwear). They work with local artisans in Bali where everything is handmade, hand dyed and hand printed using traditional Balinese batik printing techniques. They describe themselves as an ‘ethical luxury beachwear brand’ that aim ‘to create simple, classic pieces’ that ‘are produced ethically and to the highest standard’. Basically, all good things I love to hear.

I took the Kimi dress out to Seville and, with the weather being unseasonably mild, it was ideal with a biker thrown over the top and a pair on Converse. It’s quite sheer but it comes with a slip dress you can wear underneath when you need to be more modest. Otherwise, it’s the perfect cover-up by the pool or at the beach.

Keeping It Basic with Organic Basics

Organic Basics White Female Tee* | Mango Committed Relaxed Jeans in White | Wåven Men’s Denim Jacket | Loewe Repeat Espadrille in Burgundy | Baukjen Classic Gold Buckle Belt* | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | A Weathered Penny Gold Wire Circle Hoops* | Merci Maman Large Hammered 10th Anniversary Necklace in Gold* | Merci Maman The Merci Maman Necklace* |  Kristen Elspeth Spear Ring in Gold* | Rotary Oxford Watch in Black* | Matthew Calvin Meteorite Ring in Rose Gold* | Merci Maman Pastille Bracelet in Gold*

So I’m a bit of a t-shirt and jeans girl a lot of the time. I own way too many of each, all in the search for the perfect one/pair. Lately I’ve been living in my Weekday Voyage jeans and these Mango Committed ones (which I bought in the sale at the end of the summer). I’ve been much more choosy about the denim I buy since I learnt what a huge impact both denim manufacturing and cotton growing has on the environment. Both the Weekday Voyage and Mango Committed pairs were made with organic cotton which uses far less water and no harmful chemical fertilisers, pesticides or insecticides. These are harmful not only to the land but also to the people that farm it.

Everyone should own a good white tee. If you ask me, it’s THE wardrobe essential of all essentials. A classic crew in a non-fitted cut is my preferred style, the looser fit just feels more comfortable to me. I recently discovered quite a new brand that have chosen to do a few basics really well, including a classic crew. Organic Basics are from Denmark where they take sustainability a lot more seriously than most countries. As the name suggests they use organic cotton in all their products which currently range from super soft undies to t-shirts. They’re a sustainable brand challenging the industry to improve its processes. They grow their cotton in Turkey, just outside Izmir. The farmers they work with have a long history of producing high quality Turkish long fibre. The long fibre is important because it gives the smooth texture to the finished garment.

Love, Travel, Laugh

This post was created in collaboration with Auree Jewellery.


LOVE, TRAVEL, LAUGH; three things that mean a lot to me. They’re the three things that I most like to do, and am lucky enough to do regularly. I carry these words with me on my necklace, a small reminder of what I believe is important. My mind is often distracted and I’ve found that by working out what is most important to me, I’m able to let go of the things and thoughts that aren’t.

Growing up I was told that it was important for me to be my own person, not to copy others but to discover the things I liked and enjoyed. The older I get the more that makes sense to me. We’re all individuals with our own passions and although it’s easy to get swept along with what everyone else is doing, it’s more fun to discover something more personal to you. Some things are universal though, we all need and gain from having and building good relationships. Without the LOVE of our partners, friends and family, life would be dull. Having someone to share the good and bad times with is important for all of us and allows us to grow as people. TRAVEL always offers me the opportunity to meet you new people, be inspired by new places and learn about different cultures. It’s the chance to escape the ordinary that is a breath of fresh air to me. And, life shouldn’t always be taken too seriously, there is something so energising about really LAUGHing with someone, the friends that have me in fits of giggles are my best friends. I’m unguarded with them and utterly relaxed.

The necklace I’m wearing is Auree’s Seychelles Spinning Love, Travel, Laugh Pendant. It’s a classic Victorian design that hides the message until you spin it. Auree are kindly offering you a discount code to use on their website until 18/12/17. If you type in AUREEANGEL7 you will receive 15% off all pendants and necklaces, just in time for you to buy some lovely Christmas presents. If you’d like to know which items are my favourite, head over to Auree’s Journal. If you follow me on Instagram, there’s a chance for you to win one of the Seychelles Spinning Pendants, either to give as a gift this Christmas or to keep for yourself. And, if you sign up to the Auree newsletter you’ll be entered into a competition to win a £250 necklace. Good luck!

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.

City Break Style: Milan

ME+EM Polka Dot Swing Blouse in Navy/White* | Topshop Denim Mini Skirt | Converse Chuck Taylor Plimsolls in White | Jones Bootmakers Lacerta Leather Tote Bag in Black* | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | Sally Lane Boomerang Earrings in Gold* | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace*

Early in September I headed out to Milan for a few days. I had mixed expectations about this particular Italian city but came back home with plans to return before long; I really loved it. The weather in September was warm and pleasant, perfect for ambling around the city, taking-in the chilled atmosphere and looking at some pretty impressive architecture. Many had told me it was quite an industrial city with ugly buildings but I guess it’s just a question of what you do and don’t appreciate. The Italian laid-back attitude is apparent here, people don’t rush around like headless chickens they take their time to enjoy the small things, like a simple coffee. Everywhere I went the service was exceptional, people were friendly and helpful.

I expected the Milanese style to be quite flamboyant (and not very me) with lots of clashing prints and gold details but the reality wasn’t so obvious. The women I met were well-dressed in elegant prints, usually with heels and little to no make-up, just a healthy glow. The men I spotted were mostly in tailored suits, white shirts and leather shoes. Only the younger women seem to wear denim, often very short shorts showing off their slim legs. I can’t say I felt like I fit in but I was comfortable, mixing print with denim, smart with casual. My tote bag from Jones Bootmaker was the perfect travel bag, fitting in lots for the flight (including my laptop and Kindle) and concealing my camera as I explored the city.

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.

On The List: AW17

With autumn just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about my wardrobe for the new season and what’s missing. I’m sharing a few brands you might not have heard of before and also some of the trends I think would suit my style.

Autumn Wish List

1. Alighieri No Lie Hoop Earrings in Gold-Plated Brass | 2. Anine Bing Madeleine Plaid Blazer | 3. Chinti & Parker Heart Aran Cashmere Blend Sweater in Red | 4. Re/Done Originals Distressed Denim Mini Skirt | 5. Cuyana Saddle Bag in Black | 6. Mango Slingback Shoes in Black

I’ve known Rosh from Alighieri for a few years, we met rather randomly at an exhibition at The Photographer’s Gallery in London. She’s so lovely and incredibly eloquent. Her collections are all inspired by Dante Alighieri’s ‘Divine Comedy’ which she studied whilst reading French and Italian at Oxford University. She describes the pieces as modern heirlooms, and they do have a timeless quality. It’s worth taking a look at her site even if it’s just to admire the beautiful photography.

If you haven’t heard of Anine Bing, where have you been? The Danish blogger and fashion empire owner has all your timeless wardrobe essentials covered. They’re a bit pricey but worth the investment, I think. The brand is well-known for its pretty lace bralettes but it’s their check blazer that I have my eye on this season. We’re going to be seeing check blazers everywhere, DAKS and Calvin Klein have some beautiful examples in their collections but this is one of my favourites.

Another firm trend for AW17 is red; red sweaters, red coats, red boots, red hoodies; RED IS BIG NEWS! I’m not one to jump on a bandwagon but I’m actually quite fond of red and have found a lovely sweater from one of my favourite British knitwear brands, Chinti & Parker. An Aran sweater is a wardrobe classic but the subtle heart pattern gives it a modern feel. It’s a cashmere blend so will be super soft, too.

I’m sure it hasn’t gone unnoticed that I love a denim skirt! I’m also a big fan of RE/DONE, they take vintage Levi’s jeans, unpick the seams and then remake them in the most gorgeous modern fits. There are many ways to be sustainable and this way of using vintage denim definitely ticks a box for me. They’re not the cheapest jeans you’ll find on the market but there are a few discount codes to be found online.

Cuyana is an American fashion brand that shares a lot of my values, they specialise in creating timeless, premium essentials. Their designs are simple and classic, focusing on quality and craftsmanship. Their Saddle bags are made in Italy and are perfect as an everyday bag, a decent size but minimal in design.

All summer I’ve been looking for a good pair of sling-backs, ones that don’t have a kitten heel as I always feel a bit stumpy in them. Mango have come through with these elegant pumps that will go perfectly with my vintage Levi’s and ME+EM Tux Trousers. This is definitely a look I’ll b sharing.

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

AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit III: SS17

This post was created in collaboration with AIDA Shoreditch

Libertine-Libertine Logic Shirt Dress in Blue & White | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0401 Ring in Gold | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0402 Ring in Gold | Matthew Calvin Meteorite Ring in Rose Gold | Good Life London Eros Pendant in Gold

This is the third and final look from my AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit. You can see the first look here and second here. Once again I’m in blue and white, maintaining the theme of the shoot. For this look I picked out a cotton shirt dress from Libertine-Libertine. They’re another Danish brand that I’ve known about for a little while but have yet to feature, until now. Their summer collection spans from bold prints in bright colours to plain fabrics in muted shades, with lots of classic cuts. The styling of the collection is stunning and an education in how you can wear bold prints whilst not feeling too obvious. It’s certainly tempting me to be a bit bolder with my choices, although I think I’ll always prefer a more minimal look. Most people assume that because my style is minimal I never wear bright colours or bold prints but I do. I think it’s really about how you style your clothes, I’d always tone down everything else I’m wearing, hence the need for such great basics in my wardrobe.

A huge thank you to Rowan for inviting me to collaborate with AIDA on this project. It’s always lovely to do something a bit different and I loved taking a step away from my usual photographic style to create something unique for their site with her. I would love to know what you think about my Style Edit and whether you think I should take part in more shoots like this.

AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit II: SS17

This post was created in collaboration with AIDA Shoreditch.

Mads Nørgaard Boutique Sudina Stripe Shirt | Wåven Fenn Flare Jeans in White | Veja Nautico Pekin V-10 Leather Trainers | Finlay & Co. Arlington Sunglasses in Pink Marble | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0401 Ring in Gold | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0402 Ring in Gold | Matthew Calvin Meteorite Ring in Rose Gold

For the second look for my AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit I went for quite a classic look with a modern twist. White jeans are a summer perennial and if not worn with more white, look great with a stripe. This high-waisted, flared cut is a lot more flattering than the fit of most white jeans I’ve tried. They’re from Wåven, a British brand I’ve featured before but never their jeans. (I have a denim jacket from their menswear collection that gets a lot of use.) I have to wonder why when the fit is actually really good. I definitely need to try a few more styles.

Stripes always look great with white denim but instead of a classic Breton I went for a beautiful shirt from Mads Nørgaard, a Danish brand who know quite a lot about stripes. In Denmark everyone knows them and more than likely owns one of their long-sleeve stripe t-shirts (they’ve been making them for years). The shirt was my favourite piece from the shoot and actually came home with me. It’s a really soft cotton that feels floaty yet structured.

Veja are a French trainer brand that have been on my radar for sometime but through no fault of their own have never quite made it into my wardrobe. Something that I need to change. I love the retro style of this pair with the red and blue details, and off-white sole. They are pretty comfortable, too. Aside from the obvious they have some great green credentials. They believe in fairtrade, the use of organic materials, reducing CO2 emissions and work with many initiatives to do things in a more sustainable way. For more information take a look at their Project page.

Finlay & Co. are the British sunglasses brand that first came to everyone’s attention with their wooden sunglasses. They still work with natural hardwoods but also Mazzucchelli acetate now. I don’t often wear pale frames because they usually make my eyes look small but these frames are large enough not to.

You can see my first look here.

AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit I: SS17

This post was created in collaboration with AIDA Shoreditch

Rakha Organic Double Layered Blouse in White | Levi’s Made & Crafted Slouchy Taper Jeans in Bay Blue | Sol Sana Parker Mules in Black | Good Life London London Eros Pendant in Gold | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0401 Ring in Gold | Louise Kragh Hangaround 0402 Ring in Gold | Matthew Calvin Meteorite Ring in Rose Gold

I’m super excited to share with you my first look from my AIDA Shoreditch Style Edit. I’ve known the lovely team at Aida for a little while now, we met over a delicious hot chocolate with rum a couple of years ago when they did an in-store event with my mate Lindsey from Ropes of Holland. If you live in East London you’ll have probably been in to their gorgeous shop or café. It’s full of Scandinavian and Scandi-inspired brands (the dream) that are beautifully displayed throughout the store, alongside lovely ceramics, inspiring books and magazines, and other homewares. There’s also a men’s section downstairs.

I stuck with my favourite palette of white and blue for the shoot, including some stripes of course. It was great to be introduced to some new brands like Rakha (I’m wearing their organic cotton blouse in this outfit); they’re a London based fashion brand whose clothes are made with ethically sourced, sustainable materials. Louise Kragh is a very affordable Danish jewellery brand, I’m wearing a couple of their rings alongside the Meteorite ring which I made with Matthew Calvin recently (more on that soon).

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.

Always In Denim

The White Company Three Quarter Sleeve Linen Blouse in White* | Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Levi’s 501 (Vintage) Jeans | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Finery London Flora Fan Peel Earrings* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Straw Bag (Bought In France)

It probably became clear some time ago that I’m always in denim. It’s one of those fabrics that’s never out of fashion, it’s unisex and crosses classes. It’s a leveller, and that suits me down to the ground. I don’t choose to stand out so it’s quite strange to have ended up as a blogger, sharing my style on a regular basis. I’m not the stereotypical loud, centre of attention kind of person that bloggers are perceived to be (and I’ve met many others who aren’t either). Even when I speak normally I’m softly spoken, I really have to project my voice to be heard.

“…finding my comfort zone has actually given me the confidence to experiment more with my style.”

I would never describe myself as glamorous. I don’t feel comfortable with hairspray in my hair, let alone when it’s styled. I feel overwhelmed by make-up, if I wear a lot it seems to wear me, which is why I stick with a natural look. And, I like to wear simple clothes with subtle details, it’s what I feel most comfortable in. That’s not to say I don’t wear dresses or that I don’t dress up for special occasions, I do, but just not in the same way others might do.

Being comfortable has always been an important factor in what I wear, not just physically but emotionally, too. I hate dress codes, I often don’t conform because they usually make me feel more conspicuous. And who likes being told what to wear anyway?

Believe it or not, finding my comfort zone has actually given me the confidence to experiment more with my style. I love to elevate the ordinary, taking my simple style and adding in a detail that changes things up. At the moment, I love adding a pair of statement earrings or a small splash of red. I’m actually thinking about trying a red lip on occasion. There’s one that MAC do, I think it’s ‘Dangerous’ that’s not too red and I reckon I might be able to carry off without feeling like everyone is staring at my lips.

I’m always going to love the classic, timeless styles and quality wardrobe investments but there’s nothing wrong with trying something new sometimes. Stay tuned for more denim and, occasionally, something a little bit different.

Black, In Summer?

Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | The White Company Silk Maxi Drawstring Dress in Black | Baia Trio Bag in Dove Grey* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Auree Jewellery Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | Kristen Elspeth Blade Ring & Axe Ring* | Lines & Current The Bar Earrings in Gold* |  Littionary 14k Tiny Yellow Gold Dot Stud Earrings | Dinny Hall Bijou Geode Stud in Gold* | Merci Maman Graduation Chain Charm Necklace*

I admit black may not be your colour of choice when it comes to what to wear on a hot summer day but come the evening, when the temperature drops a little and the sun’s rays no longer penetrate, it’s perfect. And if you have a golden tan then all the better for showing it off.

This loose fitting black silk dress feels amazing on, it’s soft on the skin, floaty and hangs really nicely. I knew from the moment that I first tried it on that I had to have it. It’s another piece in my growing collection of wardrobe essentials from The White Company. I’ve been so impressed with their collection this season and it’s been hard not to go in and buy up half the shop. I can see myself wearing this dress beyond summer and into next season, with the addition of a long sleeved t-shirt or jumper it may even make it into winter.

Denim Skirts & Linen Shirts

The White Company Linen Pocket Shirt in Pale Blue* | & Other Stories Denim Mini Skirt in Off-White | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | Komono Renee Sunglasses* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Wacoal Classic Reinvention Bra in Black*

I’m one of those people that will buy the same thing in every colour; usually in black, white and/or blue. You’ve witnessed my growing collection of linen shirts. But my other new obsession is denim skirts, I guess it’s just an extension of my love of denim, in general. And, with the weather being a little unsuitable for jeans most days I seem to have transferred my love to their summery alternative. There’s the black one I bought from Topshop a little while ago, this off-white one from & Other Stories and a regular blue wash one that I also bought recently in Topshop. I don’t think I’ll be buying any more for a while and I hope I don’t bore you with too many denim skirt looks. This off-white one feels particularly summery so it’s definitely coming on holiday with me to Istria in a few weeks.

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