ME+EM Leather Bomber Jacket in Soft Mink* | UNIQLO Breton Stripe Long-Sleeved Dress | AYR Sleeveless Shirt in White)* | Baia Leather Bucket Bag in Duck Egg Blue* | Diemme Garda Slip-ons* | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Nixon The Time Teller Watch* | Brandts Jewellery Daisy Ring in Rose Gold | Gemporia Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring* | Sophie Wallgren Marta Bracelet in Gold*
Transitioning from spring to summer can be difficult, you leave the house when the sun’s out and it’s a rather pleasant 18°C and then the next thing you know it’s down to 12°C before you’ve even reached lunchtime. Choosing the right layers and fabrics is important for getting your trans-seasonal wardrobe right. A leather jacket over a summer dress is one easy way. Leather can be light but warm and the beautiful taupe colour of this leather bomber by ME+EM is perfect for a summer wardrobe.
Cotton is great for layering, it’s breathable so if it does heat up you’ll still feel fresh. I avoid synthetic fabrics 90% of the time, I never feel very comfortable in them and this I find is especially important in warmer weather when they can make you feel clammy. So you won’t be surprised to find that both the shirt and dress I’m wearing here are cotton.
It’s almost time to get those legs out, the sun has been trying its best to show its face, which means it’s time for me to start using a little St Tropez Gradual Tan! The clocks changed today so officially it’s British Summer Time and soon we’ll be staying out later in London and enjoying a drink or two with friends in the evenings (bring it on). We’re an unsociable lot in the darker months and then everything transforms here as soon as we have the light and warmer temperatures.
I’ve gone for an in-between look (a warm suede jacket and navy co-ord) to wean myself out of my jeans. I find a leather or suede biker jacket is perfect at this time of the year, it’s a great piece for layering. I will quite often layer a coat and biker jacket so I can discard the knits and wear a silk shirt or t-shirt instead.
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.
ME+EM Cashmere Pick and Mix Beanie in Navy* | Ille De Coco Merino Wool Roll-Neck Tunic in Navy* | NYDJ Skinny Jeans in Black* | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers via MonShowroom* | Gemporia Arezzo D’oro Diamond Gold Ring* | Clarice Price Thomas Penumbra Ring in Gold*
Val-d’Isère was the perfect place to test out Ille De Coco‘s wonderful warm knits. Their roll-neck tunic (made with soft merino wool) kept every bit of me warm and cosy. There was no need for a scarf as the roll-neck comes up high and is quite a snug fit around the neck. I love this tunic, it was just so perfect for the weather in the resort and made so well. I’ll definitely be taking lots of their chunky knits with me next time I go skiing. I’m usually drawn to clothing that isn’t appropriate for a ski resorts (note the Stan Smiths I’m wearing in these photos) but on this occasion I found something appropriate that I really wanted to wear.
I also wore my favourite woolly hat which sadly has now sold out. If you’ve got your eye on one, given they were so popular, I’m sure they’ll be back in stock next autumn.
G-LABBellevue 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.
Comme Des Garçons Play Long-Sleeve Stripe T-Shirt | COS Black Mohair & Wool Cardigan | Cheap Monday Thrift Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans (brand since closed) | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers c/o MonShowroom* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Grey Fedora (found on Portobello Road) | Vintage Black Leather Belt (found on eBay)
The Comme Des Garçons Play collection is brilliant; stripe t-shirts and shirts, plain white tees, cute cardigans and jumpers, and (their collaboration with Converse) Chuck Taylor plimsolls, all embellished with the iconic Play heart. I bought my stripe t-shirt in Paris from the Comme Des Garçons Play shop in Le Marais, whilst there for Paris Fashion Week last October. It was on my wish list for ages and I’m so glad I have one of my own at last. Be warned, they come up small in size, so go one up from your usual size; I was lucky that the girls in the store warned me. I’ve kept the styling simple and casual for this look but it would look equally cool with a suit.
I’ve also broken out some new white kicks! My old Stan Smiths were starting to look a bit grubby. Ahhh, I love a fresh pair of trainers.
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.
I’m wearing Ille De Cocos‘ amazing grey roll-neck again but this time with a more casual look, with loose trousers and trainers. Roll-necks are so versatile and an essential in any winter wardrobe. I felt so warm and comfortable in this one. The knit has a springy feel, so whilst it’s chunky and warm, it’s also easy to move around in.
I chose a loose bun for this look so I could show off this incredible statement earring by one of my favourite London jewellery designers Jenny Sweetnam, a very talented lady. Sophia made it look so easy, I always think my hair is so difficult to work with but she said otherwise, so it just goes to show it just takes practise.
As with the other looks from my styling collaboration with Ille de Cocos, you’ll find them on their website.
Pyrus Anoha Salt broderie anglais top | One Teaspoon Bandit denim shorts in Hendrix | Jil SanderWayfarer sunglasses in Havana brown | Havaianas Slim flip flop in black
Paige Grant denim shorts | Paige Sammy blouse in Alexandria
Ganni stripe bag | Panama | Hammam towel (bought in Istanbul) | Kite Martino sunglasses | Ultrasun Super Sensitive Family Formula SPF30 sunscreen | Dermalogica UltraCalming Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF30 | Happy Plugs Deluxe Edition gold earbuds | Remix Magazine
You might remember that I included Antigua in my Travel Bucket List in January, well we made it and wow, it was amazing. It’s such a beautiful island and the people there are so kind and friendly. As you might expect from a Caribbean island, the vibe is super relaxed and this hits you straightaway. I’ve even brought a little back with me, driving and walking around yesterday I realised I wasn’t in a hurry like I usually am in London; I’m not sure how long this will last but let’s see.
We spent the first couple of days partying with our friends in the lead up to their wedding and then we partied some more to celebrate. The wedding was held at The Carlisle Bay, a luxury resort with tasteful decor, lush surroundings and a gentle breeze off the sea. I was teary eyed throughout the ceremony (I’m awful for this at my friends’ weddings) but pulled myself together soon afterwards. The tipple of the night was a delicious old fashioned rum punch which helped us dance the night away, barefoot in the sand. It was a wedding I won’t forget anytime soon.
Shirley Heights the night after the wedding was worth the crazy 45 minute taxi ride across the island (be warned taxi drivers either drive very slowly or very fast along the hole-ridden roads). We were welcomed with stunning views, steel drums and the smell of the most incredible barbeque.
We stayed at the Cocobay Resort, in a beautiful setting on a small cliff overlooking the sea; surrounded by cacti, banana plants and palms. Our little waterfront cottage had everything we needed, including an outside bath, hammock and plunge pool. Pelicans flew past our balcony just a few metres away and the bright blue sea spread-out wide in front of us.
Both Dan and I are foodies (he’s a classically trained chef) so we insisted on trying a few local delicacies, conch and dumplings, both of which could be found a short walk along the beach from our resort. The conch came in the form of fritters which were served with a sweet tamarind sauce at a beach restaurant called The Nest, they were so good; they also served a mean coconut shrimp. We sampled dumplings (by special request) at Dennis Restaurant. They were served with salt fish and pickled coleslaw; I enjoyed them but wouldn’t be in a hurry to have them again. Whilst we’re talking about food, Sheer Rocks is a must, their coconut fish stew was heavenly.
All photos were taken with my new Olympus PEN E-PL7 which was given to me by Fashiolista and Olympus. I’m genuinely in love with this camera, it’s been so easy to pick up and use. If you’re a blogger, I’d recommend it.
