Autumn/Winter

Shorts in Autumn? With a bit of sun and a chunky knit, why not.

Leave a Comment

I can’t remember the last time Autumn started out this warm. My coats are all still packed away* and I’ve not once thought about tights (hurrah). I’ve not even used a proper jacket yet, just throwing a jumper, cardigan or knit blazer over dresses, skirts and all the Summer stuff that would normally have been packed away by now. This post carries on with the theme of the last one – soft tailoring and rediscovering old pieces. The tailored shorts are 80s vintage that I thrifted for less than a fiver a couple of years ago and the cardigan is a fairly knackered one that I’ve had for yonks. It’s buttonless so I was initially going to wear it open and slouchy but in the end I decided to add the belt for a more pulled together look. I think it worked quite well, don’t you?

Personally, I don’t see the need to go out buying anything for Autumn right now. Get more wear out of those Summer favourites while the weather lasts: throw an over-sized jumper over that dress or floaty skirt, add ankle boots, grab a brolly and your sunnies and make the most of it! And the best bit? This hot weather/cold weather clothes mash-up works even as it starts to get colder – just add tights and a chunky scarf. 

Thanks for reading. Always great to hear from you so feel free to leave comments!

Addie x

I am wearing:

Cardigan (Matalan)|Shorts (Vintage)| Belt (Primark)| Boots (Maison Margiela) |Bag (Jean Paul Gaultier)

 

*Packed away at the dry cleaners!  I hand in the coats at the beginning of Summer and don’t see them again until I pick them up in Winter.  It’s a sweet system if you struggle for space like me but be warned that using your dry cleaners as an extension of your wardrobe can be risky: don’t lose your ticket and make sure you check to see if they have a dumping policy!

 

WARDROBE TREASURES: Transitioning into Autumn with soft tailoring (and an old vest!)

Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that I love a good rummage in my wardrobe every once in a while. Usually on a space- saving clear-out mission but sometimes just for the fun of rediscovering something that I haven’t worn for a while. The last time I wore this Hysteric Glamour vest, it was with baggy jeans, a baseball cap and Converse hi-tops.  Thankfully, the baggy jeans and baseball cap – along with my days of dressing like a teenage boy – are long gone but I’ve hung on to this foxy wee vest.  The Gomme blazer is an old piece too and I still do wear it from time to time. Thanks to its cut and fabric (a patchwork of boucle, silk and wool) it’s not at all bulky and is a fab alternative to a cardigan and perfect for transitioning into Autumn.

It was a gorgeous sunny but cool day and I was going for a soft-tailored casual look which the graphic vest and trainers completed nicely. The high-waisted slouchy trousers are from H&M’s premium label and the trainers are Isabel Marant (although my Stan Smiths would have been just as fab).

Most of us probably think of tailoring as reserved for work/business meetings/job interviews. In my opinion it needn’t be! Soft tailored pieces might lend themselves more easily to off-duty wear, but it’s fairly easy to soften-up sharp tailored stuff. Just throw an over-sized fluffy jumper over those “work” trousers or pair your “work” blazer with some sports-luxe bottoms, add a box fresh pair of trainers and voila!

How divine are these H&M trousers?

So are you game? Let me know how you get on!

Thanks for reading,

Addie xx

I am wearing:

Vest (Hysteric Glamour)| Blazer (Gomme)| Trousers (H&M)| Trainers (Isabel Marant)| Bag (Victoria Beckham)| Sunglasses (Celine)

 

WARDROBE TREASURES: Featuring – Battered Army Surplus Parka

8 Comments

The U.S Army Surplus Arctic M65 Fishtail Parka in full Winter mode

The last Wardrobe Treasures post featured my 13 year old distressed wool blazer by Japanese label Gomme. This time it’s all about my 15 year old battered army surplus parka or, to give it its full name, the U.S Army Surplus Arctic M65 Fishtail Parka.  For a good few years in the early 2000s you couldn’t swing a cat in Hoxton without bumping into one of these babies.  But, as ubiquitous as it was, I have always loved it.  Here’s why:

#1. It’s WARM. (And waterproof, obvs.) #2. It’s versatile. Almost everything on this coat can be detached or adjusted. The fishtail, waist, DEEP pockets and hood can all be adjusted to give a different fit and look. And importantly, the hood and lining come off – making for a fabulous Spring/Autumn version. It’s also UNISEX. #3. It looks good.  Perhaps not with an evening gown but definitely with everything else, especially with the hood and lining detached.  In this post I’m wearing it with jeans, but I’ve frequently worn it over frocks –  just add heels!

Every wardrobe needs a parka in my opinion but whether you go for a Moncler or this one (you can still find them) is up to you.  All I’ll say is that it’s a testament to the awesomeness of this coat that everyone I know who ever had one still has it and uses it. Are you one of us? Drop me a comment and let me know!

Here’s to another 15 or so years…..

Addie x

Yes, this is the SAME coat…..

The U.S Army Surplus Arctic M65 Fishtail Parka in Spring/Autumn mode!

I am wearing:

Winter mode – Parka (US Army Surplus Arctic M65 Fishtail Parka)| Jeans and Sweater (H&M)| Bag (Marc Jacobs)| Beanie (COS)| Scarf (Acne Studios)| Boots (Billi Bi)

Spring/Autumn mode – Parka (as before)| T-shirt (GAP)| Blue jeans (Levis)| Trainers (Isabel Marant)| Bag (Victoria Beckham)| Sunglasses (&other stories)

Beyond Faux Fur: One Shaggy Coat That is Proudly Not Fur

2 Comments

 

“Cushion Chic”

I hesitated before buying this shaggy little H&M number. With broad shoulders and narrow hips, I don’t usually do short furry coats. Then there’s the colour: well, it’s not black or grey is it. Next, the fabric. On the plus side, it’s clearly not fur but I wasn’t keen on looking like I’d stuffed myself into an Ikea cushion either! Then I tried it on and, to my surprise, it looked rather fabulous. And I actually quite like the fact that it is unashamedly NOT fur. It’s comfortable too (not as bulky or as heavy as your typical faux fur number) and fantastically warm so no need for bulky sweaters or scarves. (Tip: Scarves just do not go with furry coats. Believe me, I’ve tried.)  The wallet-friendly H&M price point of course sealed the deal.* I’ll mostly be wearing it casually with jeans but I reckon it’ll be just as fab with a short skirt and heels for the evenings. What do you think?

Addie x

*Much to Uli’s disappointment! There was a similar Nikki Minaj X H&M version in store that day – it looked more like real fur, was a fiercer shade of pink with a gold unicorn on the back. Guess which one she preferred? (Well she is 6!) ?

 

 

Images: U.W. Ugbenne