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Sunday 23 February 2014

Milan fashion week roundup

Second outfit in Milan:  ASOS pelum skirt £55Whistles merino crew £95, Gucci shoes and Prada clutch
Aside from a brief stint in 2005, my fashion week duties have just included London and Paris - never Milan - which at times felt a bit weird considering I'm Italian, I love Italian fashion and I could help the rest of the Red fashion team translate the restaurant menu... So this was in fact my first season in Milan, and what a season it was.

Outfit trials- middle Whistles Pelt Print Silk Dress (£350) that got lots of interest
Packing was nerve racking, I felt the extra pressure of wanting to look good in my home country: would  Italians like colour and print? Or should I stick to a pared-back monochrome palette? I went for the latter including my J.Crew pony skin pencil skirt, Whistles Pelt Print Silk Dress and ASOS pelum skirt as hero items. I also wore my crazy faux fur Prada clutch which interestingly was loved even by my most minimal colleagues!

With Nicola Rose, Red's Fashion and Creative Director at Marni
Landing in Milan, I've never felt less like a local: my studded Louboutin slippers suddenly looked too 'street' and my low-key undone hair felt decidedly 'unpolished'. It did make me wonder, have I become British? Probably...

Read the full article on Red online and see all my Instagram pictures here

Last day in Milan in J.Crew skirt and Charlotte Olympia heels

Wednesday 19 February 2014

WIT's Timeless Essentials


After all the fluff and thought behind my outfits during London Fashion Week I'm in a total basics mode (that is till Milan this week end). And this got me thinking about the things we actually need in our wardrobe like the perfect tee, the breton top, the perfectly cut black coat and the slick day-to-night clutch. This is the way I shop: quality staples that will stand the test of time which I then mix up with seasonal must-haves. Since my late twenties (when less became more) I've been aiming at building a  capsule wardrobe of investment basics that I will love and treasure forever. Whistles is one of my favorite premium high stores for these basic go-getters where quality meets an accessible price tag. From cashmere to tailoring, here is my round up of the wardrobe essentials all of us WIT women should own plus a few investments buys that you will never got out of style.

Shopping List
  • The simple white tee - I love the sleeve turn ups and boyish cut of this tee. The secret to the perfect tee is all in the perfect jersey weight and this one is one of my favourite. Ella Roll Cuff Tee  £40.00
  • The cashmere crew neck - if you can help it, stick to cashmere it lasts longer, it feels amazing on and it looks the part. A soft grey shade is the single most used item in my wardrobe. Clea Contrast Cashmere Crew
  • The tailored black coat - Opt for thick luxe fabrics and minimal detailing to stand the test of time. Less is more when it comes to coats. Dina Crombie  £395.00
  • The ankle grazing pant - If there is one shape that suits all shapes it's the sligtly cropped cigarette pant. Perfect with flats and so chic with heels.  Campbell Tailored Trouser  £125.00

Tuesday 18 February 2014

London Fashion Week day five


I am exhausted (and developing a cold -  but hey, to be expected!) so today I'm kind of dressing down in denim and cashmere. My friend Petro has lend me her fabulous Celine bag as she's not doing fashion week and I told her the bag needed an outing. I'm also wearing my favourite new jeans, The Phoebe, with the bigger turn ups you can imagine and just so cool. They are the perfect dress me up or dress me down kind of jeans, fab with heels and flats and any kind of top. Today I'm pairing them with a Gap cashmere jumper and to finish the look up I'm wearing a Burberry resort trench covered in crystals.



wear it with... 

1) A bright coloured Tippi sweater and a statement necklace for a night out

2) A smart top and a pair of glitzy earrings for work

3) A cool pyjama shirt a coat or red lipstick and statement sandals

4) A classic breton tee and slip on trainers at the week end

5) A buttoned up shirt, blazer and courts for a preppy look

5) A sweatshirt and pointy flats on your day off

Monday 17 February 2014

London Fashion Week day four


Today I'm all about a statement skirt and more specifically a printed statement skirt, letting it do all the talking by pairing it with navy separates. But there are many ways in which you can wear your prints in a chic and wearable way. Here are some ideas directly from London Fashion Week. 



Look One
The subtle print clash

Look two
The accessory colour clash

Look three
The adventurous tonal clash
See by Chloé Jungle Print Sweatshirt £178.00 with  Rika Alice Leopard Print Skirt £180.00 and MICHAEL Michael Kors Winston High Heeled Sandal £170.00

Sunday 16 February 2014

London Fashion Weekend update



Sunday

It has been a glorious day! The sun shined all day and I could finally wear one of my pre-planned outfits complete with bare leg (yes I promise I was not cold!). I got this Top Shop Unique resortskirt and matching top thinking of Milan but as it often happens, I got inspired in the morning and decided to wear it then and then. I started out with Margaret Howell which I always love and then had a busy day which included the Top Shop Unique, Paul Smith shows as well as the Sophia Webster, Nicole Farhi and Pringle presentations. 

On my way to Sophia Webster in my Webster's
I loved my top and skirt today, I wore with with Sophia Webster shoes, red sunglasses, my black Jil Sander clutch and a bomber jacket slung over my shoulder. Here's what's in store now and since my shoes are last season I just found a pair that I love and have the same clashing effect.



Saturday


Day two of shows at London Fashion Week and I was rocking my statement orange winter coat for the second day in a row. Here's my account of the day as seen on the Red Online blog I wrote:
"I got up today and looked blankly at my wardrobe while trying to ignore the wind howling through the trees outside and I made a shameful fashion decision... I decided to repeat outfit and wear what I was wearing the day before. I know, shocking, but please don't judge me - I had my daughter hanging onto my leg with her finger stuck in one of my favourite lipsticks and a husband stranded 200 miles away on a flight and NO time to think of a new outfit. 

So an all black leather trouser ensemble with my orange wool winter coat and sleek black Jil Sander clutch will have to do, swapping only yesterday's Sophia Websters for a pair of Chanel navy pumps. Nanny arrives and I'm literally out of the house in 5 minutes. 

First show Emilia Wickstead where I was seated directly behind the designer's husband and her gorgeous, albeit screaming, daughter. I'm tempted to put Peppa Pig on my iPhone but I just resisted.  The show was packed with all the current It Girls you can imagine including Poppy Delevingne and Caroline Sieber to name a few. 

After the show we jump in our Birchbox taxi and went off to the John Rocha, Sibling and 1205 shows back to back. Luckily I bumped into my friend (and soon to be Red columnist shhh!) Martha Ward and while discussuing current purchases and our love of monogramming, the afternoon sped by.
Before I knew it, it was dusk and I was sipping a hot chocolate at the newly opened Magazine Cafe by the Serpentine surrounded by fellow editors giving their heels a rest while waiting for the next two shows from Joseph and then Hunter Boots. 

Now that was what I call a show...! Picture this at Hunter Boots: A pitch black dark enchanted forest in place of a normal show space with a tree lined catwalk surrounded by water. Front row sat Anna Wintour, Stella McCartney and Arizona Muse taking selfies. All models stepped out in their super cool outfits and splashed/strutted down the catwalk in their heeled rubber wellies. The finale had Dynamo, the magician, playing card tricks before making the models disappear. At the end, playing cards came down from the ceiling in full force and the whole performance was completely amazing!
Back in the car for Belstaff (hoping for a David Beckham appearance, but sadly a no show) and then the last show of the day. A dazzling spectacle from Julien Macdonlad at the majestic setting of the Royal Courts of Justice. 9pm and it's a wrap, back home for a kiss goodnight to my sleeping child and a bowl of pasta to refuel for the day ahead..."

My Chanel heels - a treasured possession

Thursday 13 February 2014

London Fashion Week day one


It is cold. No, you don't understand.. it's really cold! Up to a week ago I still thought I could kind of manage but actually, planning my outfits last night I thought I would ease into this first day of London Fashion week with a few layers - especially since I have another two fashion weeks ahead of me and I don't want to be running out of steam early.

So today my hero piece is in fact a  Top Shop boyfriend style coat worn over Top Shop leather peg trousers and accessorised with my Prada faux fur stole, Sophia Webster shoes and beloved Jil Sander clutch. I feel stylish (and warm) ready for a full day at London's Somerset house. Come and see what me and the Red team are up to on Instagram and Twitter, I will be posting lots of behind the scenes pics. If you fancy any of the things I'm wearing, some of them are in the shops right now whilst some of them are last season but I've tried to find similar items.

Top Shop Tall Wool Boyfriend Coat £89
PS. A heads up - I opted for the tall version of the coat (although I'm not tall), because it's a more flattering and modern length.



Scarlett + burgundy


I love mixing different shades of the same colour, today I'm wearing my burgundy Maje jumper with my bright red Zara coat. I also wanted to flag up this style of jeans since I've received lots of enquiries about them. They are called Always Skinny and are by GAP in store now. They have a great figure hugging fit and come in three different washes. Worth trying on as thy have a bit of a magic slimming effect on. 

Wednesday 12 February 2014

How I face the cold


Well, aside from a few tricks (Uniqlo HEATTECH undergarments which include leggings and long sleeve t-shirts under jumpers and always, always keeping your neck and head warm) I don't really have any more tricks up my sleeve. The reality is I choose to suffer in silence for the 5 min walk to the tube and 5 minute walk to work. I am not a winter person (I'm Italian after all) and I hate the look of socks; if I can help it I delay the use of tights for weeks and my theory is that as long as your torso is warm, you an survive a bare leg in short spells (shows). 

My fashion icon- Jenna Lyons going sockless at NYFW
And here's a thought, have you often seen a celebrity on the red carpet (even at a January premiere) wearing tights? Not really, and that's because a bare leg is kind of timeless/season less and tights are a bit of a spoiler. However, as I am no celebrity and live in the real world you will always recognise my days spent at the desk (no socks) to the ones out and about (usually biker boots). There you go, myth dispelled and don't be surprised if you see me go tightless at the shows. Ridiculous? I agree, but I don't take myself too seriously anyway ;-)

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Update the black trouser


Some days for me are just about the simplest wardrobe staples, I love my classic coats, tailored trousers and simple knitwear but I always like to wear thin with a twist. Today I am picking up a pair of old COS trousers that have been such a great buy and that I have worn so much. I'm pairing them with a tucked in denim shirt and a pair of bright orange courts to add a touch of colour. Off to work now. 

Monday 10 February 2014

The things I'm most looking forward to wearing at LFW


London Fashion Week starts on Thursday and since I missed the last three season, I am feeling particularly excited. In the next weeks I will be covering London, Milan and Paris and I have really got to start thinking about what I'm going to wear. I take a lot of inspiration from Tommy Ton's sensational galleries on Style.com and have already started colliding ideas...


London is a mish mash of a bit of everything, I usually like to keep it quite simple and pair wardrobe staples (like my J.Crew Merino Tippi sweater in slate) with a key statement piece like a pair of shoes, top or a skirt - all topped up by a coat over the shoulder. 


I always like to wear earrings and at the moment I love anything with a deco feel. My Ray Ban's are always in my bag as are my Nars essentials. This season I am particularly excited to pull out my new MiH Phoebe jeans, the ultimate turn ups! London is perfect for dressed up denim. Here's what I've been day dreaming about what my key items could be.. 




Sunday 9 February 2014

Sunday update: have you bought your Peter Pilotto for Target yet? Quick!

The amazing, much anticipated Peter Pilotto for Target collaboration has finally arrived! Don't miss your chance and shop for it today, prices start at £10 and it is simply amazing (I've seen it in the flesh and quality is great too). I've logged in early this morning and already bought my favourite items: dress, skirt, top and cool round shades - quick get at it too! 




The Peter Pilotto for Target collection is available on Net-a-porter from today.

Thursday 6 February 2014

WIT mama Friday: and the five winners of the Little Bird for Mothercarecompetition are...


Jessica Ruston and 20 months old little girl
Carol Jackson and 4 years old little girl
Callum Smith and two girls dress size 12-18 and 2-3
Laura Magg and 1 year old girl
Fran Buxey and baby Luna  dress size 9-12
6 little girls.. where are the boys!?

Congratulations to all and happy shopping!
Please tweet your buys to @WITblog @mothercareuk @Jools_oliver #littlebirdbyjools
love 
Laura and Jools x

PS. Email Abi.Hutchinson@Mothercare.com with your name and address to redeem your vouchers

WIT mama Friday: Jools Oliver and a Little Bird for mothercare


Last week I got a very special invitation to view Jools Oliver's new collection for Mothercare called Littel Bird. I've been fan of this range since she first launched almost two years ago (I bough almost the entire collection when pregnant of Greta! See my post here).

 To this day Greta sleeps in her brushed linen fawn sleeping bag and I love her little mushroom doorstop. Jools is the most delightful hostess and welcomed a small amount of journalists in her London home to show us the Spring Summer range.

It was a delightful morning at the end of which we decide to share the love on WIT by giving five readers the chance to win £100 worth of clothes and accessories to spend in store at Mothercare!

All you have to do is read the message from Jools and answer our question by leaving your name, children's gender and size in the comment box. Greta will draw five names from a ha next week and the winner will be announced on Friday the 7th of February.

How many Mothercare stores is the Little Bird collection available in?

‘Hello WIT readers, to celebrate the launch of my new Little Bird collection I wanted to treat you to a competition to win some outfits for your little ones.
My New Spring Collection is all about celebrating the start of a new year, new green shoots in the garden, flowers starting to pop up. There are weddings, christenings and birthdays it’s such a happy time. The collection features some beautiful spring florals, fresh bright colours and really happy graphics. I hope it makes you smile.  

Love, Jools’

The full Little Bird range is available online and in 80 Mothercare stores in the UK.

Here are some of my favourite buys from the collection available now from www.mothercare.com/little-bird

Good luck!

Tuesday 4 February 2014

My February Fashion High Five for Get the Gloss


As you probably know by now I write a monthly shopping column for award winning health and beauty website Get The Gloss. Each month I write about five of my favourite must buys, and for February I  went on a little mission to find fabulous, new season buys that will make you feel on top of the trends yet all on a budget. There's my favourite bomber jacket, peplum hem pencil skirts, slip on trainers, hair barrettes and perfect week end sweatshirt too, all for under £100. Here's a little preview from this month's feature, click over to www.getthegloss.com to see the full article. 


" Week ends pre baby were pretty much like any other day of the week for me, but since having a daughter I have had to resort to a practical, comfort-meets style uniform of jeans, cool trainers and (washable) sweatshirts. Half jumper, half a nod to sports luxe, the multi tasking sweatshirt has become an essential item in every woman’s wardrobe. 


I absolutely love this style from J.Crew that is appropriately called the “week end sweatshirt; it comes in three different shades of grey and a summery white which will instantly freshen up and modernise your jeans and chinos. In fact I think it’s so brilliant that I that you won’t want to wear it just at the weekend,  you will want to take it to work too! In this case clash it with luxury fabrics like a brocade skirt or a pair of punchy colour trousers. Dress it up with a statement necklace and a coat of red lipstick - this sweatshirt will become the most versatile item in your wardrobe. It’s a promise. "
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Weekends pre-baby were pretty much like any other day of the week for me, but since having a daughter I have had to resort to a practical, comfort-meets-style uniform of jeans, cool trainers and (washable) sweatshirts. Half jumper, half a nod to sports luxe, the multitasking sweatshirt has become an essential item in every woman’s wardrobe.
I absolutely love this style from J.Crew that is appropriately called the “weekend sweatshirt’; it comes in three different shades of grey and a summery white which will instantly freshen up and modernise your jeans and chinos. In fact, I think it’s so brilliant that you won’t want to wear it just at the weekend,  you will want to take it to work too! In this case clash it with luxury fabrics like a brocade skirt or a pair of punchy colour trousers. Dress it up with a statement necklace and a coat of red lipstick - this sweatshirt will become the most versatile item in your wardrobe. That’s a promise.
- See more at: http://www.getthegloss.com/article/fashion-high-five-budget-fashion-buys-under-100#sthash.5HyuM4f7.dpuf
Weekends pre-baby were pretty much like any other day of the week for me, but since having a daughter I have had to resort to a practical, comfort-meets-style uniform of jeans, cool trainers and (washable) sweatshirts. Half jumper, half a nod to sports luxe, the multitasking sweatshirt has become an essential item in every woman’s wardrobe.
I absolutely love this style from J.Crew that is appropriately called the “weekend sweatshirt’; it comes in three different shades of grey and a summery white which will instantly freshen up and modernise your jeans and chinos. In fact, I think it’s so brilliant that you won’t want to wear it just at the weekend,  you will want to take it to work too! In this case clash it with luxury fabrics like a brocade skirt or a pair of punchy colour trousers. Dress it up with a statement necklace and a coat of red lipstick - this sweatshirt will become the most versatile item in your wardrobe. That’s a promise.
- See more at: http://www.getthegloss.com/article/fashion-high-five-budget-fashion-buys-under-100#sthash.5HyuM4f7.dpuf
Weekends pre-baby were pretty much like any other day of the week for me, but since having a daughter I have had to resort to a practical, comfort-meets-style uniform of jeans, cool trainers and (washable) sweatshirts. Half jumper, half a nod to sports luxe, the multitasking sweatshirt has become an essential item in every woman’s wardrobe.
I absolutely love this style from J.Crew that is appropriately called the “weekend sweatshirt’; it comes in three different shades of grey and a summery white which will instantly freshen up and modernise your jeans and chinos. In fact, I think it’s so brilliant that you won’t want to wear it just at the weekend,  you will want to take it to work too! In this case clash it with luxury fabrics like a brocade skirt or a pair of punchy colour trousers. Dress it up with a statement necklace and a coat of red lipstick - this sweatshirt will become the most versatile item in your wardrobe. That’s a promise.
- See more at: http://www.getthegloss.com/article/fashion-high-five-budget-fashion-buys-under-100#sthash.5HyuM4f7.dpuf
Weekends pre-baby were pretty much like any other day of the week for me, but since having a daughter I have had to resort to a practical, comfort-meets-style uniform of jeans, cool trainers and (washable) sweatshirts. Half jumper, half a nod to sports luxe, the multitasking sweatshirt has become an essential item in every woman’s wardrobe.
I absolutely love this style from J.Crew that is appropriately called the “weekend sweatshirt’; it comes in three different shades of grey and a summery white which will instantly freshen up and modernise your jeans and chinos. In fact, I think it’s so brilliant that you won’t want to wear it just at the weekend,  you will want to take it to work too! In this case clash it with luxury fabrics like a brocade skirt or a pair of punchy colour trousers. Dress it up with a statement necklace and a coat of red lipstick - this sweatshirt will become the most versatile item in your wardrobe. That’s a promise.
- See more at: http://www.getthegloss.com/article/fashion-high-five-budget-fashion-buys-under-100#sthash.5HyuM4f7.dpuf

Shoot gear


I am out on a shoot today and running around like a headless chicken in between locations, hence the late WIT today. When I'm shooting I rely on my slick LK Bennett pointy flats, HM leather leggings and GAP oversize jumper. Simple but stylish. Here I am our stylish lady house styling up her (amazing) wardrobe..


Sunday 2 February 2014

Monday morning pick me up: 6 New Season Must Haves


It's been a while since my last Monday morning pick me up so I thought I would bring it back today, especially as we've all just been payed.. so let's go shopping! I've had a think about what I'm lusting after from the new season, what are those wardrobe updates that will be the building blocks for my spring summer wardrobe. I'm all about little touches here and there, nod to trends as opposed to the full look. I'm looking forward to embrace colour, print and a tad of sports luxe. Here's what's on my shopping list and weather you buy one or all, cheap or expensive all these items are the ultimate new season investment.
  1. The statement dress - this is the dress that works for a day of mega importance or a night out, works with flats or heels and comes in a forgiving A-line shape.
  2. The fun court - your jeans best friend, slip it on and your denim gets an instant revamp.
  3. The powdery pink skirt - this season hottest colour, pair it with chambray denim or clash it with red.
  4. The jumpsuit- oh yes, you will wee me sporting this Top Shop number as soon as the sun starts shining!
  5. The slip on trainer - the perfect week end shoe, I can't wait to wear mine with rolled up denim and jersey t-shirts in the park.
  6. The bomber jacket - the ultimate season updater, wear it with confidence with anything from dresses to skirts.




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