gentlewoman style

Old Stone Trade summer edition



Old Stone Trade kilt

Old Stone Trade’s celebration of handmade work from the American Northeast is tapping into my inner desire for all things slightly rustic and Bruce Weber “All-American Family Album”-flavoured.

In keeping with OST’s ethos of small batch, handmade offerings, there are Oxford cloth cotton button-downs (imagine how good these will look after a few month’s wear), a stunning waxed ‘anorak’ and a cute double-layered white tee reminiscent of my late-80s summer uniform. The khaki kilt may not seem obviously summer weather-appropriate but it’s crafted from a summer-weight deadstock Italian suiting – LOVE! (more…)



Gentlewoman style: Janicza Bravo



Janicza Bravo for FT Weekend By Cian Oba-Smith

I’ve been enjoying reading about director Janicza Bravo in The Gentlewoman and the FT.

After clocking her boyish style, I wasn’t surprised to learn she started out as a stylist and costume designer. With her trouser suits, caps, Derby shoes and cropped hair, she has a great, distinctive look (more…)



On my radar: Marie Marot



Marie Marot

Ok, she’s been on my radar since around 2014, but is Marie Marot on yours? She should be!

This shirt designer is her own best brand ambassador (wait, why isn’t she on Substack?!). Her personal taste is textbook gentlewoman style; in fact, I’m pretty sure she was on my Pinterest board for my book pitch. Think tailored crop pants, Jil Sander or Church’s lace-ups, Charvet socks and – of course – the most beautiful cotton shirts, worn buttoned or unbuttoned. (more…)



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…)