Tag: PB 0110

How To Build A Sustainable Wardrobe

What we choose to wear can have a significant effect on the environment and I believe we all have a part to play in protecting the planet for future generations. By choosing your wardrobe carefully you can help make a difference.

1. Wear Your Clothes

Chances are you already own some amazing clothes. The most sustainable wardrobe is the one you already own as long as you wear it regularly. Challenge yourself to come up with new ways of wearing your clothes and accessories. I have a couple of sections on my ‘Style’ Pinterest board where I save photos of outfits for autumn/winter and spring/summer that are made up of items similar to the ones I own.

2. Choose Well

Only buy what you truly love and know you will want to wear frequently. If you choose well, you should be able to wear an item at least 30 times, if not more. Don’t buy something just because, at first glance, you think it looks nice or you saw it on someone else whose style you admire; don’t make a panic purchase. Give yourself time to consider how you’ll wear it with the things you own. If you can’t think of at least three ways you can style it, don’t buy it.

3. Buy Well Made

Look for natural fibres because they tend to wear and wash better than most synthetic materials; they also allow the skin to breathe. Good garment construction is also important, you want your clothes to last and if they’re badly made they won’t. If you’re unsure, check the quality of the seams and how well the buttons are sewn on (if there are any).

4. Only Buy What You Need

Most of the time we don’t need another coat, another pair of shoes, another pair of jeans, etc. If you choose well and buy well made then you are even less likely to need more.

5. Buy Timeless Designs

You’ll never regret it. These items never go out of fashion and often turn up in new trends anyway.

Plus, it’s worth it for the investment alone; if you do decide you no longer want an item, there’s likely to be a market for you to sell it on.

6. Clothes That Fit

How well an item fits will usually determines how many times an item is worn. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably not going to relax all day and, the next time you put that item on, feel reluctant to wear it again; another reason it’s important not to panic buy.

On the other hand, if you’re wearing something that fits you well, you’ll feel good about yourself and how others see you.

7. Take Care of Your Clothes

If you want to prolong the length of use of your clothes you need to treat them with care. Wash them according to their labels, you can always drop the temperature (but never raise it). Use a detergent that is eco-friendly and reduce unnecessary and damaging chemicals in our water systems. I use Ecover or Kinn, both are made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and still leave my clothes clean and fresh.

Mend holes, damaged seams and hems. There are plenty of tutorials online if you’re not sure how. You could consider the Japanese practice of Sashiko, if you want to add character. If you’re not comfortable mending your things yourself, get in touch with an alterations and repairs agency.

8. Secondhand & Vintage

It goes without saying that there are a lot of unworn clothes in the world, some that have never been worn at all. Secondhand and vintage clothes are often more affordable than the newly made. Though often associated with bright, cheaply made, synthetic clothes from the 60s and 70s; I’ve bought a beautiful wool jumper from Margaret Howell via eBay and a classic Belstaff jacket from a secondhand store in London. You need to think about exactly what you want/need and not deviate.

TOAST have recently started a clothes-swapping initiative called TOAST Circle. Customers can bring in items from previous seasons and swap them for other worn pieces.

9. Buy Locally Made

Supporting local artisans that produce goods using local materials means they are made with a low carbon footprint. It gives the brand the option to make-to-order, reducing deadstock. It’s also beneficial to the local economy.

Bramble Green Knitwear Aran Sweater | Baukjen Grandad-Collar Shirt in White* | Saltspin Radium Mid-Wash Mom Jean* | PB 0110 AB 52 Tote in Black* | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | Laura-Adèle Zodiac Wheel Medallion Necklace* | Otiumberg Small Graduated Hoops

Other things to consider…

Look for organic or Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton. Less water is used in the farming process, the cotton seeds are not genetically modified and no chemicals or pesticides are used to grow them. This is better for the farm workers and pickers, better for the ground that the cotton is grown in, better for the local water supply and ecosystem and (I believe) better for your skin.

The OEKO-TEX registered trademark lets you know about fabrics that are made responsibly. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) lets you know about fabrics that have been made with a minimum of 70% organic fibres.

Make sure the brands you buy from ensure their wool is mulesing-free. It’s a painful practice that involves removing a strip of skin from the buttocks of the sheep to prevent a parasitic infection called flystrike. It’s especially common with Merino sheep.

Try to avoid polyester or nylon, unless it is recycled or vintage. Neither is biodegradable and both are thought to contribute to microplastics found in our oceans. Buy a Guppyfriend washing bag to reduce your impact.

Look for brands that are visibly working towards becoming more sustainable in their practices. They offer a lot of information on their websites about what they stand for, what they are doing and what they are working towards doing in the future.

For special events consider renting something from By Rotation, HURR, Front Row, My Wardrobe HQ

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.

The Middle Months of Pregnancy

It was around month five or six that I really started to notice how much my body had begun to change. It was depressing to look in my wardrobe, at first, as I felt as though I had nothing to wear. The best thing I did was go through, try on and separate out the items that did still fit.

Months five and six were the toughest for me, in terms of how I felt about my body. Seeing my bump grow was amazing but I felt completely outside of my comfort zone when it came to the rest of my body. The lack of movement and the excessive sweet tooth I had in the early days had caught up with me and I felt bigger all over, bigger than I have ever been before. I ate healthily but was still not getting out as much as I would have liked to, due to a persisting lack of energy.

I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my body, feeling that it’s never quite how I’d like it to be, regardless of what I do. In the second trimester I felt further from that ideal than ever before and it’s this lack of control that I found hardest to cope with. I got stricter with my diet, making sure I ate with nutrition in mind, rather than whatever I fancied in the moment. Everyone loves to tell you when you’re pregnant that “it’s okay, you’re eating for two” or that “you should eat whatever you like”; I don’t agree with this. I feel like this is the best time to focus on getting as many vitamins and minerals in your diet as you can, and eating as healthily as possible. At the end of the day, I’m growing a human being and I want to give them the best chance of being healthy and strong. That doesn’t mean I’ve not reached for the odd slice of cake and I’ve definitely started to like chocolate a lot more (only it’s got to be good quality and just two squares at a time, mind) but I’ve also got into the habit of having an apple most days and have found healthier alternatives to the sweet things, like homemade fruit and seed bars, and banana bread which I’ve made using coconut sugar.

Twist & Tango Naomi Sweater in Navy Blue* | Great Plains Summer Scribble Shirt Dress* | PB 0110 AB 10 Shoulder Bag in Red* | Air & Grace Cherub Trainers in White* | Otiumberg Graduated Hoops in Gold | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Gold* | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte*

It was towards the end of the sixth month that I finally started to gain more energy. Eager to get back to normality, I quickly booked in meetings, shoots and press events; only I took on too much, too soon. A full day in town resulted in a full day of doing nothing but recovering the next day, sometimes for two days. I listened to my body and learnt to take things more slowly, On the up side, my skin has finally settled down and I have started to get the pregnancy glow everyone talks about.

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*

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.

The First 3 Months of Pregnancy

Baukjen Rhian Cargo Jacket* | Great Plains Take A Break Jersey T-Shirt* | Levi’s (Vintage) 501 Jeans | Adidas Original MI Gazelle Trainers in Black | PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black*

I’m sure it hasn’t gone unnoticed that things have quietened down here on my blog, as well as over on my Instagram. The reason for this is that I’m currently growing a little person. The bump is six and a half months along now. We’re both really excited but it’s mad to think about how different our lives will be in three and a half months. (My maths isn’t off btw, most pregnancies last 40 weeks!! Thanks Pandora for breaking that one to me.) For me there have already been some big changes, some expected, others not so much. For the time-being I’m going to share a little of what the first three months were like.

The only sign that something was going on with my body during the first month was that my boobs started to feel particularly tender. I wasn’t sick once (phew) and found out fairly early on that I was pregnant. I kept my head down and carried on pretty much as normal – minus the alcohol, rare meat, sushi, etc..

The second month I started to feel really, really tired around 2pm everyday. This is the time of day that I’d have usually had a coffee pre-pregnancy but I’ve decided to avoid coffee whilst pregnant as it has so much caffeine in and it’s recommended you reduce your intake. To compensate I got into a bad habit of picking up something sweet to keep me going.

Not drinking over Christmas was a big tip-off to friends and family but we weren’t prepared to tell anyone until we were past the 12 week mark. I experienced a lot of anxiety about losing the baby early on. There wasn’t a specific reason for this, I just found it disconcerting not being able feel or see anything that was going on. Apart from taking another pregnancy test there’s no confirmation from anyone until your 12 week scan that everything is as it should be. The worst thing was that some of my friends started asking me if I was pregnant and I hated being forced to lie to them. (If you suspect your friend is pregnant please wait for them to tell you, don’t ask.)

By the third month I felt huge (little did I know what was to come) and as though everyone could tell I was pregnant. I was even more tired than before and my IBS was going into overdrive with anything and everything I ate. I felt like a balloon long before I thought I should and my regular clothes stopped fitting me super early. This is one reason my personal style posts dried up, almost immediately. The other is that I had zero energy for the first few months. I’ve been incredibly lucky not to have been sick at all but the exhaustion meant that I barely left the house and when I did it knocked me for six. If you’re in a similar situation I would recommend Floridix, it’s an iron supplement that has definitely helped me, that and afternoon naps.

I’ve had to make quite a few adjustments. Initially, I found going into town quite stressful, especially since it was during rush hour. I now only go in once a week if necessary, and never during rush hour.

I’ve found Anneli Bush’s accounts of pregnancy and beyond really helpful, as well as Alex Stedman‘s (congratulations to both of them). Having a couple of people share their experiences a little ahead has kept me calm, as well as giving me some style tips. I didn’t want to change my style because of my pregnancy. It’s been a bit of challenge, especially given I live in jeans at least 50% of the time. Alex Eagle (currently in her second pregnancy) gave me some great advice. She suggested buying some large vintage men’s shirts (and getting them personalised by Hand & Lock, so they feel a bit special) and investing in a really good pair of leggings from Live The Process (now stocked at Alex Eagle Studio).

My first move was to convert a pair of vintage 501s, swapping the front pockets for big wide strips of elastic (as seen above). I also bought a few men’s long sleeve t-shirts in black and white. That covered the basics for a little while. Going for a size up in tops and dresses during the first few months has made it possible for me to stick with the brands I usually wear.

Leather Care Tips

PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black* | Tangent Garment Care Shoe Grease | Tangent Garment Care Shine Cloth

I own some beautiful, well-designed handbags and it’s important to me that they remain as beautiful as the day they were made. I’ve always taken care of my belongings and with leather that means giving them back the moisture and protection they need to remain in good condition. I thought I’d share a few tips on how I take care of mine.

I use Tangent Garment Care products because they’re good quality and use natural ingredients. Their Shoe Grease is made with beeswax, coconut fat, rapeseed oil, wool wax and rosemary. It gives the leather water protection whilst allowing it to breath. Their Shine Cloth is made in Italy from organic cotton flannel and is lovely and soft so it won’t damage the leather.

One of my favourite bags at the moment is this PB 0110 AB 52 shoulder bag. I’ve had it since Christmas and I love its lovely smooth patina. If left untouched it’s likely that it will lose this finish and eventually begin to crack. This is how I look after it and prevent this from happening.

Leather Care Tips

  • Wash-off any stains with a damp sponge and allow to dry.
  • Test the shoe grease on an inconspicuous area.
  • Stuff the bag with tissue paper so the bag holds its shape.
  • Apply the grease all over with a soft cotton cloth (don’t forget the base).
  • Buff lightly with the cloth.
  • Place in its dust bag. If it doesn’t have one you can use a pillowcase or (if small enough) one of the cotton bags from Aesop.
  • Store somewhere cool and dry.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her 2017

So I’ve been a bit sneaky this year, instead of creating a women’s gift guide and a wish list like I usually do, I’ve combined them. I always want everything that’s on the women’s gift guide anyway so it made sense. The result is a bumper list of amazing products which I highly recommend. Each of the brands I’ve featured create the most amazing products and even if you don’t see something suitable here, please click through to their websites using the product links below, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

1. Toast Lotus Print Flannel Gown | 2. Otiumberg Gold Graduated Hoops | 3. Print Club London ‘Swimmers’ by Nadia Taylor | 4. Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash | 5. Sarah & Sebastian Small Disc Ring in Gold | 6. PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black | 7. ‘House of Plants – Living with Succulents, Air Plants and Cacti’ Book | 8. Immunocologie The Luminous Kit | 9. Sort of Coal Bincho Water Purifier | 10. ARKET Recycled Cashmere Jumper in Grey | 11. Merci Maman Personalised Pastille Chain Bracelet | 12. Comme des Garçons Medium Classic Leather Wallet in Black | 13. An Organised Life 2018 Daily Planner | 14. Murmur Mura Wash Bag in Warm White & Indigo | 15. Geo Fleur Cacti Selection Box | 16. Rathbornes Bitter Orange, Birch Tar & Balsam Classic Candle | 17. Laboratory Perfumes Amber Eau de Toilette | 18. SEP Jordan Koutubia Embroidered Cushion Cover | 19. ‘Bowls of Goodness’ Cookery Book by Nina Olsson | 20. Another Country Mug | 21. True Grace Candle Wick Trimmer | 22. Everlane The Twill Weekender in Black

I’ve included all sorts in my gift guide, some obvious gifts like earrings, beauty products and candles as well as something a little more unusual like this beautiful print by Nadia Taylor at Print Club London and a box of cacti from the cool plant people at Geo Fleur. The gorgeous hoop earrings are from Otiumberg, a brand whose website I find myself returning to over and over again because I just can’t decide which pair of earrings I want most. Women will always tell you they need another handbag but they might not feel that way if they own one of PB 0110’s timeless designs. As long as it fits the world in (well a nice make-up bag and a few other bits) and is versatile enough to go with almost everything, it’ll be a big hit. Immunocologie’s The Luminous Set is perfect for anyone struggling with their skin in this cold weather, oil based products will keep them protected. And if they’re feeling really cold and just want to cosy up at home, a beautiful dressing gown should do the trick, I’ve not seen one more beautiful than this one from Toast. SEP Jordan’s geometric cushion covers are designed and made in Jordan by female refugees. The brand has given these women a chance to make their own money so they no longer have to beg for even the most basic things. I hope you find something wonderful for the important women in your life. Happy shopping.

The Frill of It

Topshop MA-1 Bomber Jacket in Navy | Second Female Evaline Shirt* | ME+EM AM to PM Forever Pants in Navy* | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Plimsolls in White | PB 0110 AB21 Cross-Body Bag in Navy | Ace & Tate x It’s Nice That Sunglasses* | Finery London Cantire D Ring & Circle Earrings* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch*

I’m not averse to a cheeky frill, they bring a hint of femininity to my often tomboyish looks. Frills were a major trend last season and continue to be this season. I’ve noticed that there’s been a lot more continuity from one season to the next over the last year or more. This is possibly a reaction to fast fashion or part of the fallout from the recession but people are definitely looking to invest in items that are more versatile and long-lasting. Frills are definitely a good antidote to these more serious notions.

This gorgeous Second Female stripe blouse has a subtle frill, it’s a great one for the office as it has personality without being too loud. I’m still wearing trousers (as I’ve only just started back at the gym after a rather long hiatus and it’s still pretty chilly out) but I think it would look really great with a denim skirt or leather pencil skirt.

Another trend that’s not showing any let up is the bomber jacket. I bought this one some time ago from Topshop but I spotted a similar one in UNIQLO recently. I have to admit that my bomber jacket collection has grown to ridiculous proportions, I now have at least six.

Walking Tall In Marylebone

Samsøe & Samsøe Lisa Jeans* | Topshop MA1 Bomber in Navy | Second Female Eileen Stripe Shirt | Triwa Clyde Sunglasses in Havana | PB 0110 AB 21 Shoulder Bag in Navy | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | La Redoute Chunky Sole Brogue*

There are a few things in my wardrobe that I continue to buy season after season, pieces that are good, timeless basics. One of which is a blue and white stripe shirt and the other is a good pair of blue jeans. They’re two things I wear all the time and find great satisfaction in discovering new versions.

The Second Female stripe shirt in the outfit above has a pale blue stripe and is made from a cotton-linen textured fabric which holds its shape. It’s such a classic and could be worn in so many ways. One of my favourite ways is with a pair of blue jeans, and my current favourite jeans are these Samsøe & Samsøe straight-leg mid-rise ones. I love the fit, the straight cut with a slight taper and the little bit of distressing below the knee.

Let The Sun Shine

Second Female Kayser Suede Biker Jacket in Cognac* | Samsøe & Samsøe Kinna Top in Navy | Samsøe & Samsøe Judah Skirt in Navy | PB 0110 AB21 Shoulder Bag in Navy | Triwa Clyde Sunglasses in Havana | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers c/o MonShowroom*

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.

Daytime Pyjamas?

Triwa Clyde Sunglasses in Havana | Topshop MA1 Bomber in Navy Blue | Samsøe & Samsøe Sanella Sweater in Cream | The White T-Shirt Co. Long Sleeve Round Neck T-Shirt in White* | Samsøe & Samsøe Tuersen Wide-Leg Trousers in Red & White Stripe | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers via MonShowroom* | PB 0110 AB21 Shoulder Bag in Navy | Littionary Tiny Dot Stud Earringsin Gold | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold

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.

Grey & Navy Essentials

Samsøe & Samsøe Kahlia Coat in Light Grey Melange | Alexander Wang Grey Asymmetric Draped Sweater | Lemaire x UNIQLO Rayon Wide Leg Trousers in Navy | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers | PB 0110 Half-Moon Bag in Navy | CF Concept Tusk Necklace in Gold | Ace & Tate Sebastian Sunglasses in Bio Black*

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.

Exit mobile version