The Red Jumper

The best jumpers are like rich mince pies, a warm bed on a Sunday morning and taking your bra off after a long day: pure comfort. When I spotted this knitted red jumper hiding in the corner of my local Zara, with its oversized shape and pretty bow at the back, it seemed only courtesy to take it in my arms and give it a home.

And when better to adorn yourself in red than the festive season? You can surely count on us bloggers to get you into the Christmas spirit with our vlogmases, advent calendar openings on Instagram stories and lengthy gift guides.

The White Shirt

Classic wardrobe pieces are classic for a reason. They work in any outfit and for every season. And a white shirt is exactly the kind of piece I'm living in right now. Though, I do admit, these photos were taken a little while ago as these days you'd struggle to find me amidst a bundle of layers and one too many scarves.

Black and White, Marylebone

Hello, hello ladies. It's been a crazy month cracking on with my university work but now that's all completed, you'll be seeing a lot more of me on here (feel free to boo or cheer.) 

November greeted us Londoners with the most bittersweet chill. A chill so cold that my skin has glued itself to this fluffy Mango coat, making me permanently resemble a polar bear. I've shared this faux fur number numerous times, and it wasn't until today that I realised I always style it in the same way (case in point here and here.) So while I wish I was showing you all something uniquely inspiring and revolutionary today, it's safe to say my style, still a year later, is pretty simple, understated and well, monochrome. So here's to more noir et blanc...

The Cashmere

It's hardly revolutionary or rebellious to talk about a cashmere jumper. It's a classic item that can be found in our grandmother's wardrobes, and is still worn by our favourite Parisian icons today, updated with Levis denim and Chanel ballet pumps.

As a lover of all things classic, high-quality and anything warm and fluffy, I've been on the hunt for a delicate swathe of cashmere to envelop myself in for some time. It's a fabric you must invest in and so a process of elimination around the shops is necessary. And after quite some time, I'm content to reveal Marks and Spencer simply do the best. I know, welcome to my forty-year-old inner-self.

Sundays At Columbia Road

Excuse the hyperbole, but Sundays in London are the best. It's almost as if the city workers, bankers and businessmen stay in bed all day for all of the young families, artists and creatives to roam free around the city. It's the day where food and flower markets lure us out of the warmth with their bittersweet smells and the perfect time to explore somewhere new in the capital's quiet charm.

I usually work on weekends, but I made sure to book a couple of Sundays off come September (my favourite month in London - goodbye tourists and hello autumnal colours!) to enjoy the city I call home. Since Columbia Road Flower Market only runs on Sunday mornings, we headed to Bethnal Green bright and early to grab the freshest bunch.

Here We Are, Burberry

"They provide a portrait of British life, in all its nuances, both exceptional and mundane, beautiful and harsh," said Christopher Bailey, Chief Creative Executive Officer of Burberry on the many beautiful photographs housed in the Here We Are exhibition. Featuring over 200 works by photographers Alasdair McLellan, Dafydd Jones, Bill Brandt, Brian Griffin, Shirley Baker, Jane Bown, Martin Parr, Jo Spence, Ken Russell, Charlie Phillips, Karen Knorr, Janette Beckman and Andy Sewell, the exhibition is a celebration of British life and reveals the inspiration behind the latest Burberry collection.

On an Indian summer Sunday, my sister and I headed to Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell, the site of the exhibition, to dose ourselves up on art and culture. Isn't that what weekends are for?

TOMMYXGIGI AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

There are definitely a few perks that come with studying Fashion Journalism in London. And often that means invites into fun, exclusive events (but sadly no free Chanel handbags...damn). On Tuesday evening, my course-mates and I were allowed special access into the Tommy Hilfiger after party, the closing show of London Fashion Week.

The Birkin Bag

Not the Hermès, before you get all excited. I'm talking about the original Provencal basket.

Though Birkin, wife of Serge Gainsbourg, was British by birth she was Parisian by style, attitude and strong personality. Always with a basket in hand, she has become a true icon for all of those who admire an effortless 'cool-girl' style.

In an attempt to release my inner Birkin, this straw bag from Zara (sadly not a basket, but I can pretend it as such but sticking the odd baguette inside), has rarely left my side since its purchase.

(The Last of) Summer In The City

A floral dress for summer. Groundbreaking.

But considering the sunshine season, complete with evening walks in the park and al fresco dining, visits London so rarely, the need to make the most of it is imperative. After a week of rain, I was ready to slip into something wholeheartedly summery and loose.

Into the Wilderness, Zermatt

There is not one hike in Zermatt that isn't worth walking. The crisp mountain air, the sound of the crickets buzzing in the midst of the alpine flora and the awe-inspiring views can be experienced from any angle. 

But if you want the real thrill of adventure, then fly on the cable car up to Shwarzee.

The Motorcycle Jacket

I had hoped my expensive love affair with jackets and coats was venturing towards another hiatus with spring just around the corner.

But then I saw this guy.

In buttery, charcoal black, faux suede with silky fur lining, all toughened up with silver zips and a belt, I couldn't resist this Zara purchase. But when can I ever resist a good, classic coat?

The Faux Fur Coat, Shoreditch

It must seem that I begin every blog post with an anecdote about the weather, but it's seriously bitter here in London this winter. I know, it's nothing compared to the blustery snowstorms of Iceland or the arctic winds of Norway, but I quite literally turn into an icecube in any temperature below 10 degrees.

So naturally my fluffy Mango coat has been my best friend.

And it was the perfect winter warmer for a blogger coffee date of shooting with the wonderful Jazmine from Jazzabelle's Diary, whom I met in Shoreditch earlier this week.

January Style Notes...

New year, new style? Just kidding. I'll still be sporting a loose-fit pair of jeans teamed with a navy jumper and smart coat until I'm ninety. It's a classic combination our Parisian friends adore, and one I will always care to adopt (even if it is to pretend I'm Jeanne Damas). So expect nothing less in this post other than a slightly more elevated masculine look that I've been loving lately and wish to wear come 2017. Expect a flurry of oversized pinstriped blazers, devastatingly chic loafers and sexy shirts. So below are my January style notes - a little scrapbook of inspiration I shall to turn to when I just have nothing to wear...

The Aviator

You all know by now that this girl loves a good jacket. Any kind, any shape, and style - if it's a jacket, or coat I'll wear it. To keep warm in the winter sunshine last Sunday, I nabbed up (a.k.a stole) my sister's aviator jacket as I naturally felt it belonged in my wardrobe (duh). The aviator jacket is all kinds of cool and androgynous chic. It's oversized fit thankfully makes room for all the bundled up layers underneath (and the extra pounds thanks to those one-too-many mince pies), while the mix of shearling and leather makes for a luxurious warm finish. 

December Style Notes...

Fur and Lots and Lots of Sugar, Soho

Au revoir university deadlines! I've now handed in my term one work for my degree, and feeling pretty fancy and free if I say so myself. I now have much more time to get back into blogging, explore London and focus on what makes me happy. 

To celebrate my friend Sarah and I popped to Cutter and Squidge in Soho, London - a lovely cake and dessert café. Not quite the boozy knees-up we had envisaged while ploughing through our work (don't worry, that's coming soon), but it did certainly bring a smile to our faces.

Zara Has Your Party-Season Wardrobe Sorted...

Top

Zara always gets it right for me, whether I'm heading in there to buy a cheap t-shirt for summer, a cosy knit for autumn or a luxury cashmere coat. The prices and quality far succeed any other shop on the high street, and so it's unsupirsing that I've been snooping their website for perfect party season attire. From cobalt sequined camis and shimmering rose gold dresses, to an array of off-the-shoulder pieces and an abundance of velvet; Zara has everything you need this party season...

The Autumn Layering Trick

As much as I love autumn, it can be a hard season to master sartorially. It can often be freezing in the morning and evening, but somewhat warm or muggy during the day. What's more, one minute it can be beautiful blue skies, the next pouring with rain with gusts of wind. Whatever do you do? Of course, there are larger worldly worries at stake in today's society, but if you're anything like me and often find yourself staring blankly into your wardrobe wondering what to wear on a typically autumnal day, then this may just be your answer. That my friend, is the 90's vest-over-tee look.

Flowers and Florals, Notting Hill

After a morning of university lectures, my friend Sarah and I hopped on the tube to my favourite London neighbourhood, Notting Hill. After being stuck inside all morning, we were itching to get outside into the crisp autumnal air. And boy, it was a chilly and windy one this day, but alas this did not stop us gazing at the beautiful flora on display at the Wild At Heart Florist. Every flower was either in a roaring shade of red or burnt orange - it was an incredible, vibrant sight.

The Velvet Floral Bomber

There's nothing too classic about this recent purchase of mine - a velvet, floral embroidered bomber jacket from Topshop. Yet, I know it will be in my wardrobe for a very long time, thus in my definition a classic, albeit one that I won't endlessly re-purchase season after season in varying forms.

I spotted this fun little gem nestled away in the corner of my local store, and knew instantly it belonged in my wardrobe. That said, perhaps it was the luxe, soft-to-the-touch velvet that persuaded me, or even the intricate mirrored floral embroidery that caught my eye, but I cannot deny that I love virtually every jacket/ coat out there (you should all know my obsession by now). So of course it was meant to be!