Arket

Shop the post: Jeans and jumper



Frame denim Nordic sweater

I’ve enjoyed the mild September window we’ve had going on – while it lasted.

Bliss for me is going coatless for as long as I can, so a sweater and jeans combo is always a good idea. I’m very happy with my dark indigo Levi’s Column Jeans* but rotate them with the off-white Arkets from a few seasons ago. (Yes, I love a uniform!) Meanwhile, Alex Mill’s Bev Relaxed Jeans* look like a perfect vintage 501 dupe for when a lighter, retro wash is called for. I bet they look great with 80s-style tall boots*.

Rustic chunky knits are a perennial favourite of mine. Frame’s alpaca Fair Isle number* looks thick but it’s light as a cloud, while the grey V neck* is something I’ve been meaning to revisit – this one is perfectly proportioned. Jigsaw has excelled itself with its slouchy funnel neck Snowdon sweaters* to wear loose, or half-tucked in. (more…)



7 Arket essentials to get you through autumn



Arket AW24 cotton blend mac

Arket’s autumn newness has started filtering through and they have really nailed the transeasonal outerwear and knitwear. Lightweight merinos and fine-gauge cashmeres in neutral colours might seem boring, but trust me, they’re useful! The charcoal rib tank* is an easy layering piece while we’re still in the is-there-a-September-heatwave-or-not phase, while there are quite a few short sleeve knits to choose from, including this roomy short-sleeve roll neck* – so versatile with jeans, tailored trousers* or shorts, pencil skirts or even a suit. (more…)



Trend report: what to wear for SS24



Bally SS24

Spring is properly here, so it’s off with the coats and on with the T-shirts. LOL April Fool! Alas no, it’s still pretty chilly in NW10, so my Spring trend report is leaning a little towards knits and waterproofs for another few weeks. But amongst the leather outerwear and aristo-inspired Barbours and barn jackets, there are skin-baring T-bar shoes, shiny, happy tinted lip oils and molto pops of primary colour (the Italians do it better). (more…)



Merch watch: are you consuming culture as a performative act?



The Gentlewoman x Arket tee

Rachel Cusk and Zadie Smith have become, in effect, literary brands — once their names are removed from the context of a book’s cover and placed on a hat or a tote bag.” Terry Nguyen, New York Times.

The merch machine refuses to die. In fact, I would argue it’s only just getting started. The New York Times recently published this article on literary merch, explaining the relatively new popularity of #litcore caps (and totes and tees) that show allegiance to revered writers while telegraphing the wearer’s (perceived) intellectual superiority. The Guardian calls this “consuming culture as a performative act”, while comedian Dan Rosen simply calls it “liberal cringe” (ouch #guilty).

It’s also rampant in media, with mainstream and niche publications going all out on taste signallers. (more…)