coats

Wardrobe update: the thin belt and the fresh white slice



The Row AW23 belt

Two very easy winter styling updates to consider if you fancy some newness without a mega cash outlay.

First, a thin leather belt. Thanks to Phoebe Philo, The Row and Louis Vuitton, the big boxy tailored coat is where the smart money is right now, but instead of buttoned, it’s worn wrapped and belted with a one-inch leather belt. (more…)



Gentlewoman style: Max Mara archives



Max Mara archive

I have a soft spot for Max Mara. In my first job, I had a favourite Max Mara black coat that made me feel very grown up and stealth-chic (until it was swiped off the back of a chair from Costa coffee in Broadwick Street as I sat in a meeting across the road from my office at The National Magazine Company). It was the era of understated, 90s style and a Max Mara coat conferred a certain minimalist sophistication mixed with style anonymity.

“It’s about the logic of a man’s wardrobe, but for women,” (more…)



Sale picks: classic buys under £500



neck wallet

Sad but true, I don’t get excited about sales like I used to. Does anybody? I think we’re so used to discounts all year round that we take them when we find them. The end of year sales are a good time to look for staples though, especially if you have Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket. I usually put Christmas money towards a good coat, knit or bag I’ve been eyeing; I’m definitely more of a winter sale person than summer.

Anyway, in the spirit of buying better, here are some sale staples I think are worth a look. This Mackintosh puffer* is excellent – super-warm and lightweight (I bought it in black) and I have a version of this coat* as well. If you’re petite, Mackintosh is always good option for coats. (more…)



Buy it now: the Burberry car coat



Burberry car coat - single breasted trench

I would call this a single breasted mac. Burberry is calling it a car coat. Either way, I like it, especially with the looser, more casual styling that Burberry’s gone for here. It’s less high fashion and more girl-on-the-go and this soft ‘tumbled gabardine’ reminds me of all the vintage Burberry macs I used to love before Burberry went posh. (more…)