We’re in it: it’s my absolute favourite time for getting dressed. Lockdown 2.0 ain’t stopping me, and all the black & beige tones are out on repeat.
In true outfit repeating style, my leather short collection is out in force; layered under with tights on the chillier days [patiently awaiting frosty mornings atm] & knee high socks [solo] for those slightly warmer ones. My Prada Monolith boots are practically surgically attached to my feet this month, as they were this time last year – although could it be I love them even more? It’s possible.
Let’s talk about the coat: after having a Max Mara Teddy firmly on my wish-list for some time; I gave in, only to return it: and then, I found this guy: incredibly similar in tone, with the perfect lapel shape [this, is very important to me with this kinda coat – it’s a visuals thing] & snuggly as hell. It’s a dream to wear and as cosy as it looks. I do love a cosy coat, esp on those weekend ‘let’s-go-for-a-walk’ days – it just needs some balancing out with kick-ass boots.
My Louis Vuitton Palm Spring is a true go-to this time of year [talked about it over on YouTube – a shocking chatty update for i] I love the reverse monogram for autumn, and I always find a backpack handy & easy-going over a chunky coat – when less shoulder bags come out to play. The P.S backpacks are bloody hard to get hold of in store & online – I picked mine up second hand a few years ago on Vestiaire & haven’t regretted it for a moment. It’s damn cute, fits everything i need daily, super versatile & a joy to style.
..happy Novembering, one & all p.s oh, and…the beret is back
An absolute dream come true: last week I was invited to the Louis Vuitton SS21 screening in London, and dressed in a full LV look.
On Monday I headed to their London showroom [vlog, soon] to select an outfit for the event – the look I was able to pick & put together has ended up being one of my most adored outfits of the year: a heavy knitted, cropped sweater with retro centred zip, 1940’s inspired, teal wool high-waist shorts with utility pockets [the most insane cut] black Star Trail boots with LV embroidery, and finished off with a Capucine Mini bag in ‘miami green’…I’d happily wear this on the school run.
I am currently obsessing over the crop knit in particular, that I feel needs to be in my life [c’mon, Vestiaire] – I have multiple outfits planned in my head that need fulfilling.
The graphic, dramatic rounded shoulders, a shape synonymous with Nicolas Ghesquière – 80’s does modern age – combined with the timeless black & white stripes and crop nature, fit perfectly with the blocked colour of the [very] high waist, utilitarian-esque shorts.
The Capucine Mini was already firmly on my wish-list [in black & gold – naturally] and using it for the morning affirmed a desire for it in my collection. I’m a sucker for a mini bag.
The grained leather feels hard-wearing and sturdy, the simple flap closure easy for on the move, and the graphic LV leather-wrapped initials a killer detail to tie it all together.
a huge thank you to LV for the invite & opportunity
If I had to choose one country to travel within for the rest of my existence, I can imagine I would choose Italy.
Last week, I spent 3 magical days in Florence with my best; wandering, exploring, taking pictures, eating & taking it all in.
My roots to Italy originate in Florence, where my nonna was born and grew up. She left in the late 1940’s, when Italy was in post-war, Mussolini fuelled turmoil, after meeting my grandfather who was stationed in Italy during the war. She never lost her Italian accent, despite residing in England for 40 years; and she & my grandfather named their home ‘Firenze’.
I digress – in a nutshell, I bloody love Italy.
Naturally it’s a pretty damn weird time to travel, [Jess & I kept expecting the trip to be cancelled tbh] but the rules are clear, Italy feels incredibly safe; and with schools back and the off-season slowly kicking in, it’s a pretty sweet time to see a beautiful city without the crazy crowds, if rules continue to allow. We had lunch at Gucci Osteria on the first day [yeah yeah, I love Gucci] and we were so damn impressed with the quality of food, little extras, service & atmosphere [it’s located in the Piazza Signoria, funnily enough where my nonna used to sell trinkets to tourists] that I’d actually list it as one not to miss. Now I’m sounding like some travel blogger [lol, i most def am not] I best get into outfits…
Day one: my absolute current fav dress, and so similar to one I have designed in my head […i do this a lot] is this Reformation number – deep v neckline, fully functioning button closure, short sleeves: it’s a dream to look at, a dream to wear. Knocked off a bit of the feminine qualities [as per] with a Zana Bayne harness. Paired with my go-to travel shoes, my Gucci Princetown loafers; and my forever summer hat.
Day two: evening attire in this killer Orseund Iris two piece. I’ve had the skirt for a little while now, and caved into the top the moment it hit Net-A-Porter…so damn glad I did – I’m not usually one for ensuring I have the ‘set’ of something; as I’m more likely to use my own separates; however I adore these two together and they can both be paired with other items so easily. If you are debating this skirt – get it. It is SUCH a joy to wear. Mules are the ever popular Bottega Veneta Stretch mules – so loved, so comfortable, so good on – Rogue Louboutin lip, Chanel Coco top handle bag & ‘cult status ii’ scarf.
p.s one final note from this non-travel blogger: we stayed at Villa Cora – no mates rates before anyone asks – absolutely excelled beyond our expectations – the decor, the atmosphere, the service, the food…all absolutely perfect. Currently trying to convince Jess to get married & have her wedding there. I’ll keep u posted.
It’s coming – autumn is in the post. Summer started early in the UK, and you can feel the transition happening here, albeit a little early, right now. I say it every damn year, but as much as I adore summer [and this year has taught me that I really, really do love it – my goth ways have been transformed – slightly] autumn is my number one – if you get those crisp mornings, bright skies and layering weather, it’s the ultimate. But hey – I just love the seasons tbh, and the changes they bring. As the temperature is dropping and I am moving clothing items around on my holy-grail of an office-rail [the place where my ‘go-to’ pieces live] I’m also checking out what’s new online – as well as new pieces you may be after, it’s also helpful to refresh and remind you of what you already have, that you can work in new, pleasing ways.
One side note, in case helpful: something I tend to do if buying a designer piece: number one – I prefer online, over in store, any-day – MyTheresa, Net-A-Porter, Luisaviaroma, FarFetch, Browns [etc] are my go-to places – two – if I find an item on one of these sites, I will often to go one of the other sites mentioned, to see more and varied images of the item, and then decide where to purchase it from. As every site shows something differently [textures, lighting, etc] it can result in a more rounded view on that piece you’ve fallen for.
There are two sections per category below – a more high-end, independent led section, and a less expensive, high street edition: after an Instagram poll and some super helpful messages, it seemed like a balanced road to go down and showcase in this way. Oh, and one last thing to establish: these are key items I feel work well for early autumn, specifically.
THE TOPS
I am all about easy layering as September hits – there’s still plenty of warm days about, but there’s *that* chill in the air. I still reach for my vintage band tees, bodysuits and light tops, which can be bulked out, layered up, and [in my humble opinion] be worn all year round – if layered in the right way. An oversized jumper, a cosy turtleneck – also seriously get my attention.
THE BOTTOMS
Clothing wise, the onset of autumn, for me, conjures up immediate images of plaid, beige knits, patent, and black, black, black. There are a number of items I reach for consistently: a pair of black, high waisted trousers, a knitted midi skirt, and leather/faux leather shorts – paired with black tights & knee high boots is a winning combo.
THE OUTERWEAR
I bloody love outerwear. This is what happens when you live somewhere that really experiences seasons: you’re always prepared, with a jacket. Sometimes you’re prepared with an umbrella, too. But sometimes you leave that on the train….I digress: blazers, light jackets, cropped jackets, leather jackets, denim jackets – you name ’em, I love ’em. With warm days lingering here and there, it’s the perfect time for easy-going jackets that don’t face the battle of keeping you toasty and weighing you down – we’ve got that to come.
THE SHOES
As someone that continues to wear boots all year round, this is the season for my fav footwear, for sure. I continue to live for the Prada Monolith boots [the forever debate, but I will always adore them & lord knows I love an ‘ugly’ shoe] as well as my Prada patent knee high purchase from last year – I’ll be dusting those babies off v.soon.
Wearing my least favourite colour & somehow being super into it.
Having picked up these Isabel Marant tie-dye shorts on sale last month, and seemingly living in denim shorts this summer [never saw that one coming] when I spied this lilac-purple shirt number in Zara I had outfit visions in my head immediately & snapped it up. I don’t often shop in places like Zara for myself these days [for all the seemingly obvious reasons…] but every now & then I find a gem like this I intend on styling over & over.
Note the R13 platforms on repeat: they may be overpriced, but man – they are for sure in my top items of the year & I cannot see this changing.
nothing quite like a warm summer’s eve, jacket-less and with the warmth of the day lingering on your skin…and nothing like a simple all black two-piece, with some serious neon nails & a killer PVC Chanel number [bought pre-loved, which I always recommend for so many reasons]
Not forgetting my number one Gucci hat, that sees a lot of action this time of year.
On such seriously warm days [this was most def one of those, for us folk that live in the UK & believe 30 degrees celsius to be ‘boiling’] I love a midi skirt with a floaty nature – breeeeezy & super easy to wear.
These kinda skirts pair with anything, but I personally love a crop to balance it out…something as simple as changing the shoes makes the skirt have a completely diff vibe – so versatile – and this is one I’ll be wearing a lot over the warm months.
Summer suitin’ in a very casual kinda way. Tie dye, distressed denim from Isabel Marant, paired with a black bodysuit & a loose, oversized beige blazer. Usual go-to accessories – mixed metals, chunky belt, thatchain pouch, and my fav embroidered beret [yeah, I am really into headwear]. An outfit I threw together on a Saturday morning, and wore again the next day, switching out the top for a black tee.
It would seem the Prada Monolith boots are a true divider in opinion – many feeling they are the ugliest boots to have ever succeeded in their ability to sell-out – Anton refers to my knee-length versions as my ‘Old Man Marley Boots’ – which, quite frankly, had me cracking up and rolling my eyes at the same time. He’d have most def had some things to say if he’d have met me in my teenage goth years…lol – not that I’d have given a sh*t. I digress: I bloody love both the knee & ankle versions of these: they are Prada goth dreams – the right amount of somewhat ‘grown-up’ chunkiness, classic detailing, straps with pockets [who knew that was a thing tbh, but I’m here for them] and, if you’re into similar styling as I, they have continued timeless wearability.
As I will always & forever say: if you love it; wear it, wear it, wear it.
This bit of Smashing Pumpkins treasure is going to result in Bullet with Butterfly Wings whizzing around my head [on repeat] every.single.time. I wear it [it’s happening right now as I type out this post tbh]
Paired [yeah, another] vintage tee with a simple mini skirt, killer draped chain belt and an oversized black blazer. I can’t crack on about my love of this seemingly simple black blazer enough – it has been out of stock for some time, but I’ve seen it creeping back via pre-order. As someone that adores a blazer, this truly is the perfect oversized, all black number that you can throw over anything and feel instantly ready to go. The padded shoulders are *just* right – structured, but not over-the-top, may-poke-someone’s-eye-out kinda structured, the sleeves roll up a dream to show of said shoulders, and, of course – you can never forget to mention: pockets.
Topped off with my number one platform sneakers [sick of these guys yet?? ha] and that classic, once archived Gucci bamboo handled greatness; it’s my usual mix of clothing juxtapositions, that – for me – is just how I put an outfit together.
Fell totally in love with this Alexander Wang number – the colour got me, as well as its slightly over-sized nature, and the shirt-but-can-be-a-light-jacket abilities: grabbed it the moment it went on sale. For some reason, I just find this a super wearable colour – and for someone that is v happy in an all black outfit, that’s saying something.
Also, in other clothing news: been living in denim shorts this summer – which is something I most def did not see coming – I’ve pretty much not worn them in life until this year. Always felt like the ‘right’ pair just did not exist tbh. I ordered a Ksubi pair [via Net-A-Porter] ready for a work L.A trip in April, knowing it was gonna be damn hot in Palm Springs [obviously, that got shut the f down] and loved the fit on them so decided to keep ’em…it’s led me to ordering a couple of extra pairs with a similar cut, and it’s been such a go-to outfit during the last few months at home in the [unexpected] sun.
p.s I’m guessing at this point, it goes without saying that the band tee is vintage
