This new shirt-centric brand is a good example of what I call ‘gentlewoman style’. The shapes are utilitarian but feminine, while the white cotton-linen fabrics nod to indestructible men’s shirts. Paris-based Atlantique Ascoli is inspired by her cache of Victorian blouses as well as Cristobal Balenciaga, which is reflected in the balloon-shaped sleeves and ruffle collars. (more…)
New season Grenson shoes are starting to drop and they’re amongst the boldest incarnations of trad-looking English footwear I’ve seen lately. I love that so many of these men’s styles also come in women’s sizes.
Monk shoes are still going strong. (more…)
Summer is when I get (a little bit) more adventurous with colour so I’m well into all the primary brights we’re seeing popping up everywhere. Rich royal blue is an easy choice for the colour-shy as it’s almost a neutral so I’d wear that in a bomber jacket or rain mac (I’m currently looking for the perfect single-breasted mac).
My manicure of the moment is Estee Lauder’s Pure Colour in Impassioned, a candy apple red that can skew either formal or casual. I also can’t get enough of Kelly green, especially in a fun print (hello Mother Of Pearl shorts), while a sunny shade of yellow lends itself beautifully to accents – this jolly Fendi key fob for example.
Finally, thank you Keep It Chic for alerting me to Tomas Maier’s Cruise 15 collection. You can’t buy it now but as inspiration for a relaxed red suit, it serves very nicely…
Spring pastels and summer neons may come and go but rich, handsome red never gets old. For starters, I love simple red sweaters, both for wearing and for tying round waists or shoulders.
Next, red leather accessories have a lovely nostalgic feel – Anya Hindmarch in particular has nailed it with her delicious two-way journal (which can be embossed with initials to personalise). (more…)
