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.

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.

That’s A Wrap

Wrap London Lena Cami in White* | Wrap London Elisa Trousers in Indigo* | Basket Bag from France | Penelope Chilvers Valencia Espadrilles | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | CFconcept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Kristen Elspeth Blade Ring* & Axe Ring* | Lines & Current Mini-D Drop Earrings* | Dinny Hall Bijou Gold Star Stud Earring*

I recently came across British womenswear brand, Wrap London. The brand have actually been around for years and are based just down the road from me. They share my love of well-made clothing, made from natural materials.

I’m very happy with this pretty camisole I got from them. It has some lovely details, there are little metal buttons down the front and metal beads on the straps, which criss-cross on the back. It’s designed to be a loose oversize style but I went down a size for a more fitted look. The trousers are also from Wrap London and are so comfortable. Again, I’d recommend going down a size as they loosen-up quite a bit throughout the day.

Dressing Up Jeans

Marina London Dree Silk Dress in Navy (Now Closed) | ME+EM Wide Leg Crop Pocket Jeans in Off-White* | Adidas Originals Court Vantage in White | Danielle Foster Charlie Box Bag in Mirror | Lines & Current Henning Sunglasses in Black* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold*| Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch*

Dresses over trousers can be a bit of a Marmite look, you either do or you don’t, there’s no in-between. As you can tell from the above, I’m in. I was looking for the chance to wear this lovely Marina London silk dress again but with it being scorching some days and chilly others, it’s been hard to work out when but then these gorgeous wide-leg jeans arrived from ME+EM I saw it as an opportunity to give this particular layered look a go.

This beautiful dress has sadly been hanging waiting for attention for a few months, as some mysterious grease marks had appeared on one side and I thought it was a gonna. I was ready to give up on it (as gutted as I was) but then had one last go at getting rid of the marks. I’d tried corn flour, greaseproof paper and an iron but to no avail; my last resort was washing-up liquid. I found an article via Google that suggested leaving the area soaked in washing-up liquid for 3 hours. Now, I’m not suggesting everyone tries this (and I’m sure Marina won’t be too impressed) but I was willing to try anything to revive it. I admit the silk doesn’t have the same beautiful finish it had the day I got it but it is wearable once more.

If you haven’t come across Marina London before, you’re in for a treat! Marina’s beautiful aesthetic always inspires me. She works just with silk producing stunning wardrobe essentials you’ll become obsessed with. I have four of her designs in my wardrobe and I love every piece.

Throw Off Those Coats

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

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

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

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

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