Coats

Are you ready for ‘anything goes’ Spring/Summer 2018?

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Colour is IN

I wish the sunnier days of Spring were here already don’t you? And it’s  looking to be a stonker on the fashion front too.  In fact, there are so many trends to choose from for Spring/Summer 2018 that it made this post quite the challenge! Anyway, here it is – my round-up of the Fab, the Mad and the downright Bad…..

#1. Le Trench. (FAB)

Trench coats are everywhere for S/S 2018 in a variety of shapes. Every major label has a version, so expect the High Street to follow suit. To me, trench coats are always in, but now that it’s like, official,  if you need any tips on how to make the most of yours see my Trench Wear-fare: Little tweaks to make the most of your trench coat!

From L-R: Balenciaga, Céline, Bottega Veneta

Valentino

#2. Colour me….(BAD?) 

Whether it’s bright and brash (think Crayola crayons) or softer pastels (think the Queen), colour is “in” this Spring. And nothing makes me want to reach for my trusted grey and black faster. It’s not that I’m averse to colour – I own my fair share of colourful stuff – but I don’t think I’ve quite recovered from the “colour-blocking” madness of S/S 2011.  Anyway, you won’t find me anywhere near the lavenders, pastels and lilacs but I might indulge in a bold colour (or two) and actually the pinks are not looking so bad. Shock horror.

From L-R: Tom Ford, Off-White, Marco di Vincenzo, Missoni

Anyone for ice cream?

#3. 80s Pick n Mix. (FAB)

The 80s are back! Shoulders? Check. High-waisted jeans tucked into boots? Check. Dynasty-esque dresses? Double check. You can literally choose which bits of it you want. What fun. Tip:  I plan to get involved (obvs) but I won’t be bothering with the high-end stuff. I reckon the High Street will have this one covered. Meaning we can indulge to our heart’s content in the “ one season wonder” fun and frolics without breaking the bank. Oh dear. Oh YES.

From L-R: Emanuel Ungaro, Saint Laurent, Halpern

From L-R: Y Project, Off-white, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafin

#4. Fanny packs, bum bags or roadman bags. (FAB? MAD? Oh who cares!)

Bum bags or fanny packs, whatever  you call them, they are in. I’ll admit that I wasn’t keen on them first time round, but now with a 6 year old in tow, anything hands-free gets my vote! And there are so many fab options. I’m all over this one people.

From L-R: Zimmerman, Noon by Noor, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Tam, Rachel Comey

Gucci

Louis Vuitton

#5. Plastic not so fantastic (MAD. And BAD)

Shame on us, fashion lovers.  Maybe it’s just me, but with all the talk around reducing the impact of plastic on the environment this over-dose on “wearable plastic” (whatever that means) seems at tad out of touch and mighty crass. Plastic rain macs I might be able to forgive but transparent knee-high plastic boots?! Who is wearing this stuff? Emperor’s New Clothes syndrome on steroids.  We can do better.

From L-R: Balmain, Chanel, Balmain

Fabulous top half. Shame about the rest

#6. Bye bye Phoebe. Hello Hedi (FAB or MAD – time will tell)

So this is not exactly S/S 2018 news but I couldn’t ignore the hottest fashion news of the moment. Phoebe Philo – queen of minimalism and the designer of choice for “women with shit to get done” – is leaving Céline after 10 years to be replaced by Hedi Slimane (ex-YSL). Where Hedi is all about youth culture, Phoebe’s Céline is unquestionably for grown-ups, so it’ll be interesting to see what direction he takes. He’s no stranger to shaking things up (he it was who dropped “Yves” from Yves Saint Laurent – see What’s in a name anyway?) and apparently he’s already proposing a Céline Mens’ line.  Is this a yay or a nay? I’m not really sure but maybe we should start stocking up on those Céline accessories just in case. Psst! Rumour has it Ms Philo is off to Burberry…..

Phoebe Philo

Hedi Slimane

So there you have it. A veritable free-for-all S/S 2018 and I for one can’t wait!

Addie x

 

Photos: Imaxtree; Getty images

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) |