Author: Addie

Dark Leather Jacket with White Jeans?

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Pairing a dark leather jacket with white jeans feels a little odd. After all, white denim evokes the Summer and sunshine and heat – not exactly leather weather.  I’m relatively new to white jeans as it happens. I found practicalities like the constant fear of coffee spillage and grimy toddler hands (and the fact that they will probably spend most of the time in the wardrobe than on me – thanks to living in London) off-putting. But, a year or so ago I decided to give them a go and I’ve two pairs – the ripped H&M number featured in this post and a high-waisted ankle grazer from ACNE. So, back to dark leather jackets over white jeans. From my experience, to work this combo needs a few things:

#1. Sun, sun sun. You need a sunny day to really nail this. Shame we can’t control the weather!

#2. Stay neutral on top. A plain top (of any kind) in non-white neutrals like grey, tan or camel will nicely pull everything together. (Tip: A white t-shirt, usually the classic companion for a leather jacket, won’t work here.  But you can of course go ALL white, including the jacket, just don’t overdo it – stop at the bag and shoes!)

#3. Keep it above above the hips. We are talking about jackets  – and there are many styles to choose from: Bomber, Rider/Biker (like mine), Flight, Racer, Fencing – NOT leather coats.

#4. Add a large dollop of sass. Need I say more?

Addie x

What I’m wearing:

Jacket (All Saints)|Jumper and Jeans (H&M)| Boots (Pied a Terre)| Sunglasses (Celine)

 

 

The Forever Coat (and I know where you can get one)

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For years I’d been on the look out for a decent “all rounder” coat. I knew precisely what I wanted: long, wool, tailored but not fitted, slouchy but not too over-sized, in black or grey. But I also had a maximum budget of £250 (with no adjustments for inflation I’m proud to say?).  It wasn’t exactly an active search and there had been some close contenders over the years (All Saints did a decent version two seasons ago) but the search didn’t officially end until last Winter when I saw (and immediately bagged) this one from COS (A/W 16). I’m a big fan of the COS minimalist approach to wardrobe staples and this coat doesn’t disappoint. It’s everything that I’ve come to expect from this brand which consistently punches above the weight of other High Street retailers. A clean silhouette with solid slack tailoring – a happy combo of style and function. Classic, fabulous on or off-duty, it is truly a forever coat. And all for the princely sum of £225.  If you would like one for yourself COS has done similar versions this season in grey, burgundy and black in store now and at the same price. I remember a fashionista friend of mine once referring to COS as “the poor man’s Celine“. I guess it’s sort of a compliment but I also think that this punchy brand has earned more than enough stripes to stand on its own merits.

Addie x

For styling tips and what I’m wearing see my Tailored Coat Rules at the end!

 

My Tailored Coat Rules:

#1. For versatility go slack-tailored rather than fitted. You can always cinch it at the waist when you need to.

#2. Bag a clutch. If going for straps I like to wear very small bags across the body under the coat with the coat undone. Or I go supersize. In my opinion, medium-sized shoulder bags don’t quite work with long tailored coats. A clutch however takes the chic factor up a couple of notches.

#3. Keep it simple.  Let the coat speak for itself. My preferred off-duty mode is unbelted, paired with a good quality knit and trousers (of any kind) or jeans. If wearing with a dress or skirt add heels and ditch the tights.

#4. Look after your coat. It can’t be a forever coat if you don’t can it? A tailored wool coat is not the coat for extreme weather conditions so leave it at home on a rainy or snowy day. And make sure to dry clean it before you pack it away for another season!

What I’m wearing:

Coat (COS)|Scarf (Acne Studios)|Leather trousers (H&M)| Sweater (pink – Matalan/black – Primark)|Clutch (patent – Sandro Paris)| Clutch (camo – Vivienne Westwood)|Trousers (H&M) | Jeans (Heaven & Earth)| Boots (patent – pied a terre)| Boots (Deichmann)| Sneakers (Isabel Marant)| Sunglasses (tortoise shell – &other stories)| Sunglasses (black – Celine)

WARDROBE TREASURES! Featuring: Distressed Wool Blazer

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Gomme Homme A/W 2006

Don’t you just love it when you rediscover something that you haven’t worn in a long time and fall in love with it all over again?  The thrill of a “new purchase” mixed with the smug satisfaction that comes with a bargain?  If you follow me on Instagram you”ll have seen this distressed wool blazer  – by Japanese label Gomme –  featuring a few times in recent posts. A new purchase perhaps? Well, it was when I bought it 10 years ago! From the men’s range (Gomme Homme), I love it’s timeless slouchy and androgynous cut.  But, as I hadn’t worn it for a few years it nearly didn’t survive my last annual wardrobe cull. I’m glad I hung on to it. In fact, since its resurrection it’s seen so much action that it’s probably now a tad more distressed than originally intended. 🙂   The fact that it’s lasted this long is a real testament to buying well and investing in good quality timeless pieces.  So, two things: first, girls you can’t go wrong with a decent mannish blazer – doesn’t  have to be wool. A definite forever piece. Second, when did you last shop in your own wardrobe? Maybe take a peek before hitting the shops next time – who  knows what surprising rediscoveries lie within!

Addie x

Editor’s note:  Buy Well Wear Forever. This is something that I come back to over and over again. So, to show that I (sometimes) practice what I preach each Wardrobe Treasures post will feature something that I’ve had for a long time (in some cases decades) which is still on active duty! 

 

 

What I’m wearing:

Outfit #1: Blazer (Gomme); T-shirt – plain (Gap);  Leather skirt (Primark); Bag (Niccoli); Boots (Deichmann); Sunglasses (Celine) | Outfit #2: Blazer (as before); T-shirt (Cos); Jeans (Primark); Shoes (Isabel Marant); Sunglasses (as before) | Outfit #3: Blazer (As before); T-shirt – logo (Vivienne Westwood); Jeans (H&M); Trainers (Vans); Sunglasses (As before) |

 

 

 

 

Never Tulle Much!

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The day I wore this outfit we were spending the afternoon with my six year old daughter and two of her school pals. Boy, they were not amused. After all, it just wasn’t fair was it. And twirling in their faces probably didn’t help.?  Designed by Babs Atta-Krah of start-up label Gingham Doll, this fabulous tulle confection is made to order and to measure.  Naturally, it’s already quite high on my daughter’s list of “mummy’s stuff that will one day belong to Uli” but between you and me, she may (literally) have to yank this one off my dead body!

Send me a comment or contact info@ginghamdoll.com for enquiries. Quote code “mystyleartist” and get 5% off your first order. Go on girls, we all deserve a Carrie Bradshaw moment!

Love

Addie x