My Style Artist Says……

One short-sleeved sweatshirt. But when to wear it?!

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A sweatshirt with short sleeves falls into an awkward category of clothes – not quite pointless but maybe not far off. Like short-sleeved coats. And leather shirts. Because, let’s face it, if its cold enough to need a coat, you probably want that coat to have sleeves. And while a leather shirt might score high in the fashion forward stakes, when the chill has me reaching for leather, let’s make it a proper jacket please.So, back to this sweatshirt. It’s vintage AKU (c. 2005) by Japanese brand GDC.  As it happens, 1970 is also my birth year so it’s fair to say that I have a bit of an emotional attachment to it.  But even as much as I love it, I hardly ever wear it and sometimes years can go by. It’s neither a t-shirt nor a sweatshirt, so the weather has to be just right for it. Too warm and I’m sweltering. Too chilly and I want something with sleeves obviously, even if I’m wearing a coat over it.

So do you need a short-sleeved sweatshirt in your life?  I wouldn’t normally recommend something that only gives such limited wear but I will say yes. It’s a change from the typical trans-season staples of jumpers/cardies/jackets (and fully grown sweatshirts!) and I nearly always get compliments whenever I wear mine.  You’ll have to head to the men’s section for this one girls as you are not likely to find many styles, if at all, in women’s. You’ll also get a better fit as you’ll want it nice and loose. Go for decent quality. You might not get to wear it often but if you buy well it’s for keeps. Plain or with a logo it doesn’t really matter although I’m quite fond of retro logo versions.

Let me know if you decide to go for one. It might take a while before you find the right one for you but there’s absolutely no rush with this one!

Addie x

I am wearing:

Sweatshirt (GDC)| Jeans (H&M)| Espadrilles (Isabel Marant)| Bag (Acne Studios)| Sunglasses (Celine)| Loom band (Gift from beloved daughter UW Ugbenne)

Shop the look (sweatshirt): 

Shop similar here (Asos) or go proper vintage:  YSL here or A Bathing Ape here

 

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

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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: Slash your hems and breathe new life into your old jeans

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Teaching old jeans new tricks. I’ve had these 18th Amendment jeans since 2008 (BC: before children!) when it was still possible to mooch around town in floor-length flares and stacked shoes. Obviously not so practical nowadays which is why I hadn’t worn them for years…….until I gave them the chop.

From floor-length to chic (and way more practical) ankle-grazers

Playing around with hemlines is a quick way of reviving (and personalising!) any old pair of jeans. So don’t be daunted, get acquainted with a decent pair of scissors and go for it:
#1.  Put on your chosen jeans and decide where you want the new hemline to be. Mark the spot (with a marker/highlighter) or tack with pins.
#2. Lay the jeans flat and make sure you’ve marked the same length on both legs. If in doubt, use a ruler.
#3.  Cut both legs at the same time. I usually do this with the jeans folded lengthwise. Make sure you smooth out any creases especially around the seat of the jeans. If you are new to this, I’ll suggest cutting them a little longer than you think you need at first, then carefully cutting back higher to the desired length (always cutting both legs at the same time).
#4. Fray by teasing out loose fibres with your fingers.  I usually don’t bother as this will naturally occur after the first wash.
#5.  Enjoy your “new” pair of jeans!
Thanks for reading. Any thoughts? Let me know!
Love
Addie xx

Casually Luxe-ing Up A Little Black (Vest) Dress

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Whether you like them long or short, fitted or loose, vest dresses are easy and forgiving to wear.  And if you like to wear yours casually like I do, then you probably always pair them with flat sandals or trainers. But, laid-back and comfortable doesn’t mean having to loose out on the “chic factor” and some carefully chosen accessories can really help dial things up a notch. The key, as usual, is to keep things simple.

Here are five easy ways to take your vest dress from casual to casual-luxe….

#1. Fabric. Fine fabrics (silk, satin and their faux relations) give a more polished look than cotton or ribbed versions. #2. Cut. Try on different styles until you find what suits you. I like mine just above the knee and loose but if longer or more fitted works for you, go for it. Just remember that short and too fitted can sometimes come off a little cheap and long and too loose could wind up looking shapeless. #3. Feet. Give the flat sandals and trainers a break and go for a pair of backless loafers or flat/low-heeled mules. #4. Bag(gage). Keep it small to medium – strictly no extra baggage allowed! (If accompanied by a “junk generating mini person” get them to carry a rucksack.) See my last post for where to get some fabulous small totes at the moment.  #5. Accessories. Low-key and understated.

I am wearing:

Vest Dress (Filippa K)| Mules (Primark)| Bag (&Other Stories)| Sunglasses (Céline)

Thanks for visiting!

Addie xx