Trend: Trench Coats

After the most SCORCHIO of British Summers that I can remember, I can’t say I’m not a little relieved to hanging up my slightly weathered rosé hat. During this sweet spot between balmy and baltic, it was with total Autumnal anticipation I reached for my favourite trench.

I think we all can agree that the timeless trench coat is one of those key inter-seasonal layers that everyone needs.  Possessing all the Audrey vibes one could hope for in a trench, this wee Marks and Spencer's number I got last season is set to work just as hard this year, as it did the last…  And that’s the thing with trenches, they just never go out of style.

Although this balloon-sleeved beauty is sadly no longer in stock, Marks and Spencer have just launched their new style, an affordable Trench Coat made from sustainably sourced materials, which uses clever clogs Stormwear™ technology, increasing your protection against wind and rain (remember those ol'things?!)  Chic AND practical - WE LIKE! 

Another goodie I've spotted which won't be hanging around on their digital shelves for long is Rejina Pyo's love-and-wear-forever Double Breasted Belted Trench Coat from her second collaboration with Label/Mix. Rising fashion-star Rejina Pyo's show during London Fashion Week has become one I really look forward to, and being able to purchase some of her striking designs with their signature sculptural buttons, more affordably than her mainline layers, gives me such a sweet fashwunnnn high. 

Lastly, the other trench that understandably caught my eye was Gabriella Hearst's statement Armonia Coat that debuted on her Fall '18 runway.  With its wool and cashmere-blend, this style is considerably more expensive, but as they say, a trench is for life, not just this Autumn.  Ok, 'they' don't say this - but I just did, and I feel it works, so let's go with it...

Shop TLC's Look...

Photography: Joseph Galvin

OOTD: 27.10.17 with Farfetch

As well as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and other fantastical fashion houses, Farfetch also sells gorgeous clothing and accessories from an unparalleled number of emerging designers.  Having skilfully scoured the globe curating the most beautiful edit from the world’s most luxurious boutiques, Farfetch makes tracking down those less well known brands just that liiiittle bit easier to find!  

Two brands which flooded my Instagram in particular this Summer were the Copenhagen based Ganni and the all American Simon Miller. The amount of candy coloured mohair adorned arms I saw swinging around the most ridiculously LA-cool handbag popping up across my newsfeed left me thirsty for some of my own!

Despite having had Ganni on my radar for quite some time now, it was only really after attending their show at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August, when I started resenting pretty much anything I owned that wasn’t made by them! Their aforementioned candy coloured mohair jumpers, their Victoriana inspired dresses (worn with Asics trainers by the coolest of the Skandi cool) and their penchant for a little leopard print here and there, are just a few of the reasons why this brand became this Summer’s ‘go to’ for distinctive, yet wearable designs. The pieces are also available at a price point that seems far less ‘designer’ than you would imagine… Bonus! Similarly, Simon Miller’s cult-favourite Bonsai Bucket Bag also caught my eye over the last few months, having even been on a press trip where two fellow bloggers both had one of these beauties (I resisted stealing one... But only just.) Modern and minimalist, it’s the metal hoop handles on these suede or leather bags that really make them so original.

Now, despite the sunshine having quite abruptly left the building, these two brands have continued their popularity well into Autumn, and are very much still solid investments. So, I decided to get myself the Ganni Fern Jacket (via Farfetch) in a colour popping lilac.

I agree that lilac is a less traditional woolly coat colour, but one I feel suits that frequently awkward transitional months of October and November, where we are all still in a little bit of seasonal denial, and actively putting off any impending hibernations; ‘Yes, I’m wearing a very warm and snuggly coat, but its also lilac and therefore, I’m still sprightly and optimistic!’ In contrast, I felt this teeny tiny Simon Miller Bonsai Bag (has there ever been anything so small?!) with its clean lines, stood out even more when paired with the almost teddy-bear textured, woolly coat. I loved the freedom of carrying so little (I’m not exaggerating, after a bank card, some Tic Tacs and a lipstick, you’re pretty much at total capacity) and it is just very, very cool.

In collaboration with Farfetch

.

Photography: Frances Davison

Hair: Taylor Taylor London

Nails: Sophie Gass

Tried and Tested: Over-The-Knee Boots with Selfridges (Ad)

I must admit, rightly or wrongly, I have always associated wearing over-the-knee boots with being overtly sexual and Cabaret’esq, so have steered away from them, given ‘sexy’ is not really my go-to style.  In fact, I’d always rather a compliment over some eclectic ensemble I was wearing from a stylish woman than a wolf whistle or a manly leer, any day.  An ex (clearly!) boyfriend once told me my look was ‘moooore demure than sexy,’ and despite the intentions of his remark, I was incredibly appreciative!!  Give me Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Portman or even bloomin’Jane Austen over a Kardashian any day!  HOWEVER, my head was turned last Winter when I saw a few bloggers I know, and supermodels I don’t, wearing over-the-knee boots with dark jeans and it looked… well, kinda chic!  SO… Never one to not try something new, I decided to grab a pair from Selfridges and give them a wee whirl, making sure to adapt them to my own style, and not the other way around.  I, yes I, was going to wear these boots, they were not going wear me!

Let’s do this...

Firstly, I decided to pair some suede Carvela Sammy over-the-knee boots with some skinny, dark Diesel jeans and an oversize woolly jumper from Alexa by Alexa Chung (a beloved ambassador of the all things anti-sexy, in her ruffles and glittery flats!) and a Manu Atelier suede bag.  By pairing the boots with these winter textures, they instantly became softened and far more appropriate for daytime.  In fact, with the addition of my sharp Jess Collett Milliner fedora, the overall look felt pretty kick ass!  Yup, I definitely could hear some Beyonce playing in my head with each step (*finger snap, hair swish…)

For my second outfit, I paired the Carvela over-the-knee boots with a zippered Kitri shirt dress and the dinkiest of current It Bags, a Simon Miller Bonsai Bag.  I definitely think this is the kind of a look I would wear to Fashion Week, and although with certain wider strides, there were some good old fashioned thighs on display, the long sleeves, and length of dress counteracted any unwarranted incitement on the streets!

In summation, I still think these over-the-knee boots are pretty sexy, but not in the original, possibly negative way I had first imagined.  With the right, balanced outfit, these boots actually make you feel pretty damn empowered too.  Demurely sexy, some might say...! 

In collaboration with Selfridges

Photography: Francis Davison

Hair:  Taylor Taylor London

Nails:  Sophie Gass