French Fancy

This Thursday I’m off for a fleeting two-day trip to Paris, my favourite city in the world. I’m so happy to be heading back across the channel, particularly as I’m going with friends who haven’t been before. It’s always lovely to rediscover somewhere through new eyes. Our visit also coincides with some of Paris Fashion Week, which makes it extra exciting. No shows for me but I will find some time to hang around outside and ogle the outfits. I’ll be looking for lots of inspiration from that effortless French styling we all admire so much and will hopefully squeeze in a visit to a vintage shop or two over the weekend.

In anticipation, this look is a little homage to the French; a classic trench that I actually bought two years ago in Paris styled with blue jeans, Kurt Geiger boots and a beautiful black Outsider blouse. My bag is second hand Chloe, a belated 21st birthday present - more on that next week.

If anyone has any recommendations for Paris, send them my way, I’d love to hear from you! 

Photos taken by Jamie Biles

Skirt Three Ways

 

 

Speaking of long skirts, blue shirts and loose camis, see my post from last week on John Patrick, here are some photos of me taken a few weeks back. Apologies for the slightly DIY feel to the photos, the weather wasn’t on my side as it was pouring with rain in London and I only had a few hours before catching a train back to Nottingham.

As far back as last November I put up an inspiration post themed on the midi-skirt and after weeks trawling the internet with no luck, I somehow managed to stumble across this one in my favourite vintage shop in Nottingham, which has since closed down (sob). Unbelievably, this was almost the exact skirt I had in mind and what's more, fitted pretty perfectly. Another great find that helps justify the hours I spend perpetually riffling through second-hand rails - you just never know what's waiting for you!   

I’m looking forward to wearing this skirt come spring, cue the sunshine... I’m not quite brave enough to step out with bare legs ankles at the moment or risk the temperamental high winds that are lurking around. 

So, in anticipation of the warmer months ahead, I’ve teamed it with an assortment of wardrobe staples, a men's shirt, casual stripes and a slouchy cardi, all of which attempt to balance out the somewhat bold statement that is a midi-skirt and prevent me from looking like an Edwardian school teacher. Each look is topped off with a brown belt and trusty Supergas.

Photos by Jamie Biles

Girl Meets Dress

Too many of us fall into the trap of buying a new outfit for each event on our social calendars, wary of that old clique that we can’t be seen in the same thing twice. Online rental companies, such as Girl Meets Dress provide a sustainable and affordable answer.

Prices start at £30 plus postage and packaging, or you can pay a bit more to wear some of the designer pieces on offer, my favourite of which is this McQ Alexander McQueen Fringe Peplum dress.

Girl Meets Dress recently asked me to pick my favourite one-shouldered dresses from their collection; see my choices here and browse the array of other great pieces available to rent.

Organic by John Patrick Spring 14

It appears that unbeknown to me John Patrick conjured up my dream wardrobe and sent it down the runway last September. Very slow on the uptake over here, the collection was brought to my attention via favourite new online ethical magazine The Distillerist. Patrick's clothes now have me yearning for spring and warmer temperatures more than ever.

I love the beautiful muted tones and simple designs; the collection has a sporty feel yet still remains hyper feminine. Favourite pieces include the full-skirts, low-slung trousers, silk camis and boho blouses; the epitome of laid-back chic.

Patrick’s Organic label is well ahead of the ethical game and has been committed to sustainable practices since its launch in 2003. Patrick has simplicity down to a fine art and his perfect array of staple pieces are available to buy through the online store. As always, perfectionism comes with a price tag, which is why I really should have started saving months ago.. 

Pictures via The Distillerist