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.

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.

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

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.

A Few Nights In Marsanne

IRO Paris Yante Broderie Anglais Dress | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Vintage Belt | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
AYR Slip Silk Camisole* | Mango Denim Skirt | Mango Leather Sandals in Tan | Hush Spanish Dancer Scarf* | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
UNIQLO Stripe Linen Shirt | Topshop Straw Boater | Super by Retrosuperfuture Flat Top Sunglasses in Havana*
Red Print Dress (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Robert Clergerie Vicolek Raffia Wedge Derbies | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles)
Topshop Straw Boater | Ace & Tate Rae Sunglasses* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Dinny Hall Bijou Star Stud Earring*
Joseph Silk Shirt in Navy with Cream Piping | Levi’s Vintage Denim Skirt | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*
Solid & Striped Anne Marie Swimsuit* | AYR The Always Short*
Second Female Off-The-Shoulder Top* | Mango Denim Skirt | Penelope Chilvers Valenciana Espadrilles | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Straw Bag (bought on Île de Porquerolles) | Super by Retrosuperfuture Paloma Black Matte Sunglasses* | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch c/o Farfetch*

There’s something about the village of Marsanne that I fell utterly in love with the first time we visited, over a year ago. We arrived at 11pm in the dark, stayed just one night and left the next morning after breakfast but I knew it was somewhere I wanted to spend more time. When we were planning our “mini-moon” around the South of France it was a given that we would spend at least one more night at Le Clos Marquise, with its wonderful owner Sylvie. If I could adopt Sylvie I would, she’s like a long lost French aunt who is not only an excellent host but a wonderful chef, too. When we first visited, Le Clos Marquise had only been open a month, now its four rooms are booked up well in advance. It’s such a special place, I know we will return again.

On this occasion we stayed four nights and ventured beyond the beautiful walled gardens. In the centre of the village is a wonderful little restaurant, hotel and shop called L’Atelier à Marsanne. At first I was confused, should I order lunch or scour through all the amazing homeware pieces in the shop. Dan was there to help me see sense, so we sat down and ate first. I ordered the most incredible (and huge) plate of scallops tartare with fresh nectarine. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so many scallops in one go, it was delicious. After lunch Dan and I looked through the Jars ceramics I’d had my eye on in the shop and picked out a few pieces for us and a few to take home for friends. I’ve been using the bowls and mugs we bought nearly everyday since we got back.

Can’t wait til our next visit to Marsanne.


Accommodation
Le Clos Marquise | L’Atelier à Marsanne

Food & Drink
L’Atelier à Marsanne | Le Globe | Les Aubergistes

Postcards From The Camargue

UNIQLO Broderie Anglaise Top in Black* | Mango Buttoned Denim Skirt | ATP Atelier Rosa Sandals in Black | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Larsson & Jennings Liten Watch* | Missoma Engravable Initial Necklace in Gold* | Missoma x Lucy Williams Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold

We started our honeymoon in The Camargue, an area of France defined by its salt plains and marshlands; famous for its white horses, flamingoes and bulls. The Camargue is very different to anywhere else I’ve been in France, once affluent due to the salt industry, which sadly is not what it once was. There are beautiful houses but many of the villages are a little like ghost towns, even in mid-summer. The beaches however are incredibly busy.

For us, it was the perfect spot to unwind after the wedding and parties we had at the château. I was quite ill at the time with a chest infection which I still haven’t managed to shake. The peace and quiet allowed us both to readjust to a more relaxed state of mind and set the mood for the rest of our trip.


Accommodation

Chambre d’Hôtes en Camargue 4 (via Airbnb)

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