How can WIT be better?

I am going on holiday to Italy to spend some quality time with GZ and the family. I won't be posting for the next week but I thought I would leave you with a little "homework" and the chance to win this little goodie bag...

Dior Glamour [hardcover] - by Mark Shaw

Jo Malone - White Jasmine & Mint 100ml bottle

Eve Lom - Rescue Mask 100ml jar

 It's been nine months since I re-launched the sparkly new redesigned version of WIT, featuring new entries like WIT's Weekly Star Buys, Style Tips, Look of the Week to make your shopping quicker, and the live Instagram and Twitter feeds to keep you up to the minute to great finds. Since the launch there have been discounts, giveaways, raffles and even WIT's very first shopping evening at the J.Crew store where we all had a chance to meet and interact. It's been a wonderful nine months, so much so that in a months time I hope to dedicate all my time at developing the best shopping blog there is. And I wondered: how's WIT working for you? And more importantly, how can I make it even better?

Back in August when writing my first post I wrote...

"... It is four years since WIT launched in February 2010. It began as a way to share my daily outfits with my close friends and let them know where to get my trusted buys. It was also born out of a need to have my own voice, to share my passion and knowledge of fashion and connect with like-minded women who too want wearable, affordable shopping inspiration. I don't claim to always get it right, and I'm certainly not ground breaking but I do stay true to my taste. I only ever promote what I believe in and always try to remain fashion-realistic. Every single item featured on WIT is something I truly love and I always ask myself the same question: "Would I buy it?". It's a blog based on trust which has grown into a little community that I've come to love, so this year I plan to give my readers back as much as possible. I hope to team up with my favourite brands to bring you special discounts, promotions and fabulous giveaways so that everyone can hopefully take something away with them."

Have I kept my promise?
Do you find WIT helpful/inspirational? Is there any area that you think could work harder? What would you like to see more (or less) of?

Have you got an idea for a post that you would really like me to do?
Why do you follow WIT? 
How can WIT be better?

I would love to hear from you to make your daily "fashion inspiration from inside a fashion editors wardrobe" work harder for you. Cut and paste the questions above in an email and send me your thoughts at wearingittoday@gmail.com. To thank you for your time, I will pick the winner of the best and most helpful answers and send you a goodie bag containing a Dior coffee table book, a Jo Malone perfume and an Eve Lom face mask just to say Grazie.

Looking forward to hearing from you
Laura x

All emails must be submitted by Friday the 30th of May - prizes will be posted second week of June 

Sweatshirts update

We've talked about sweathsirts a lot in the past few years - about how versatile they are and how they have sort of become the new T-shirt. Here's an update on what's in store at the moment and my inspiration for today's outfit. My eye is on the white quilted sweatshirt from Reiss - great for the summer and with my statement skirts.

Christopher Kane Flower lace-insert cotton-blend sweatshirt £330

1) Whistles LEte Logo Sweatshirt £75.00
2) Sportmax Code Jewel Embellished Sweatshirt £143.00 
3) Carven Gingham Embroidered Sweatshirt £180.00 
4) J.Crew Crystal-embellished cotton-terry sweatshirt £90  
5) J.Crew Cropped surf sweatshirt £98.00
6) Top Shop Neat Rib Sweatshirt £24.00
7) River Island Blue floral colour block sweatshirt £30.00
8) Reiss QUILTED SWEATSHIRT WHITE £79

Heads up - My Top Shop neon skirt is an old buy but every day, on my way to work, I pass by the Oasis store and I've noticed this orange neon skirt which could make a very similar buy. It's much brighter than it looks in this photo and looks quite expensive too. Worth a try.

Oasis lace skirt £35.00

The original peasant top

My mamma (and grandmother) are, to this day, two very fashionable ladies. I think I may have inherited a fashion gene or two from te pair and in the years I've been the lucky recipient of some amazing pieces from them. My grandmother grew up at a time where Dior and Chanel styles  could be bought as paper models and made by your own seamstress (the very same one that made my wedding dress), whilst my mamma grew up in the 70's and it is from her that I inherited a collection of these Mexican tops. I usually only wear them at te beach but the sun today has inspired me otherwise. 

Tuesday morning pick me up: Summer sandals

I recently completed the last part of my wardrobe swap over and that is putting away boots and winter shoots, and taking out all my summer shoes and opened toed sandals. To celebrate the arrival of pedicure season, I did a little "Tuesday morning pick me up" designer Vs high street style sheet, with three fabulous (almost identical styles) of summer flats.

From the top left

Metallic

Maiyet Desert metallic leather sandals £425 

OR 

Dune Black Menorcan Leather Sandal £89

Espadrilles

Valentino Studded textured-leather espadrilles £480 

OR

 Mango  Spike leather espadrilles £49.99

Embellished

J.Crew Camden embellished leather sandals £200 

OR

 Miss KG TAN £49.00

What I wore at the week end

J.Crew Victorian Abbey embroidered cotton dress £400

Week ends are my time off and with the exception of a few Instagrams I realise that not many of my outfits make it onto the blog. This is probably a good thing too, as my weekly outfits are so much more fun than my week end ones. This week end though I went away with my husband and packed some of my favourite clothes for dinners al fresco and drinks just the two of us. This was my favourite outfit and such an easy look to achieve: little white dress (some fabulous ones from Mango at the moment - my favourite store!) + denim jacket + fun clutch (see this week's Style Tip) and fabulous heels. Remember this formula on your next romantic getaway..

WIT mama Friday: Boho mum

Last summer in my Isabel Marant cotton swimsuit

Since going back to work I've gone back to a more "formal self" (thank goodness.. no more jeans and flats after a year of maternity I say), but last spring I most certainly went through a bit of a hippy moment (always with a fresh pedicure, of course). A little bit Isabel Marant and always very chic chic, the "boho-mum" look seems to be the one I naturally gravitate towards  at the week end. And there's a reason for it: this look is achievable, super comfortable and ultimately practical  whilst being stylish. I went on a high street quest (bar the N. Kirkwood espadrilles) because, let's face it recently I've been going a little wild with the prices and this look is totally doable at reasonable prices.

1) Top Shop Pom Pom Casual Cami £26.00
2) MARLEY KG Kurt Geiger £55.00 
3) Lisa Maree The Shining Light crocheted cotton-blend bikini £140
4) Nicholas Kirkwood Mexican embroidered twill espadrilles £220
5) Mango  Embellished ethnic dress £39.99
6) Mango  Beaded quilted jacket 59.99
7) Top Shop Victorina Lace Detail Dress £45.00
8) Top Shop Leather Woven Tassel Clutch £36.00
9) DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Kindred embroidered fil coupé blouse £130

One more thing, on Wednesday at the J.Crew event I wore a jumpsuit and I've disocvered a new world of comfort. Probably not the best item if you are breastfeeding but from a comfort/style point of view it is a revelation. Try to believe!

Mango  Chest-pocket long jumpsuit £69.99

Scrapbook from last night's J.Crew and WIT shopping evening

Oh wow. WHAT A NIGHT! 

As I write I've just come back from the event at the Brompton Cross store and almost find it a little hard to believe it all happened it was so fantastic. 

It really was an tremendous pleasure to properly meet WIT readers for the first time, (having said that, I feel like I know some of you already!) I can't even begin to explain it. 

What fun to announce the winner of the £500 voucher, hear that little squeak of joy and learn that the lovely lady then shared her win with her best friend... It really goes to show what a lovely community you are! And I was so touched by some if you bringing gifts to Greta, she is a very lucky girl and will be thrilled with her chocolates and bows this morning. 

So thank you, thank you, for turning up in hundreds with your beautiful outfits and fabulous smiles to mingle, chat and of course shop in one of our favourite stores, it was such a pleasure to hang out with you!

I've started a mood board on Pinterest with everything from mine and the team's work behind the scenes, to last nights snaps. Please do email, tweet or Instagram your photos to me @witblog and hash tag #jcrewxlaurafantacci so I can group them up and continue adding them to the mood board. It will be our growing little photo album from the night. 

In the end I wore...

The jumpsuits. It felt like the right choice and boy do I love it. It's my first jumpsuit and I must admit I was surprised at how unfussy and practical it was. I was expecting to have to "work" it a little but it was just as comfortable as a pair of jeans. I noticed many of you trying it on too - send me your photos and I will add them on too. Collection navy eyelet jumpsuit (£298.00) I paired it with a pair of shoes that are not yet available on line, but I will let you know when they are. More Collection shoes here

The mannequins wore...

The concept behind the WIT guest styled mannequins was to choose four (five really but I haven't got a pic of the 5th one), J.Crew staples that I love and think every woman should own in the her wardrobe and show you how to wear them in a WIT/everyday way. So here it goes (from the left)

The classic denim shirt worn with a little black skirt, a bejewelled necklace and leopard print contrasting sandals.

The statement skirt worn with my favourite featherweight cashmere pocket tee and a pair of wild print Sophia Webster shoes.

The lightweight parka (styled for a UK country/beach week end getaway) worn with a stripy top, cottonshorts and metallic Birkenstock

The grey marl sweatshirt worn with colour block tomato red trousers and clashing print shoes

Turn over to my Pinterest board to see what YOU BOUGHT! 

And remember to email, tweet or Instagram your photos to me @witblog and hash tag #jcrewxlaurafantacci so I can group them up and continue adding them to the mood board.

It's an Instagram post kind of day today

No post today, just a quick hello from out and about at press days before I bury my head at work to finish off the August issue and then set off to get ready for tonight's big event. Come over on Instagram to see how the day unfolds and it's "See you later" that my bag should say! 

See you tomorrow!

I've been prepping for our shopping evening and we are almost ready to go! Your goodie bags are ready and the store is looking more gorgeous than ever. 

Here I am at the Brompton Cross store in London last night choosing five J.Crew hero staples to guest style the mannequins and give you some "Build you wardrobe" inspiration. Come and ask me all about them tomorrow night. 

Don't forget to fill in your £500 raffle ticket when you arrive and hashtag all tweets and instagrams @witblog @jcrew #jcrewxlaurafantacci #buildyourwardrobe for photos to go on my Pinterest scrapbook the next day. 

So looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and thank you to the hundreds of www.wearingittoday.co.uk readers that have so enthusiastically RSVP

Love 

Laura x

Quick Monday outfit idea

Oh Monday Mondays.. Don't I just wish I was still in Cotswold today! However it's back to work today and when I'm a little stuck for ideas, I always resort to this style equation and it never fails me. 

QUICK MONDAY MORNING OUTFIT IDEA

1. Wear your chicest cashmere crew neck;
2. Pair with a pair of statement bottoms (today it's graphic printed trousers);
3. Wear with your coolest flats;
4. Finish off with a coat of bright lipstick.

From the top left:

Rose Cashmere Boxy  £165.00

Aquazzura Belgravia lace-up suede point-toe flats £440.00

Top Shop lips in Rio Rio  £8.00

Apiece Apart™ skinny Petra pant  £395.00

  Leopard Trellis Trouser  £225.00

Stella McCartney Christine printed silk crepe de chine pants £450.00

Anther day, another skirt

Oh how I'm loving wearing skirts every day! Despite the weather not being exactly summery in the past few days, I insist on wearing all my favourite ones. Today I'm adding black at once to give my brocade Marni skirt a more weather appropriate feel. 

My favourite show of the season: Burberry

At the beginning of each season at Red we always have a trend meeting where we have to bring our favourite show of the season, and for me Spring Summer was all about Burberry Prorsum. I loved everything about it: the statement pencil skirts worn with grey marl knits, the bejewelled details, the bright colour accents on the outfits and the sugary colours and feminine lace.

I knew that come spring I would try and replicate this look and I've been waiting to wear my Oasis skirt for months now, it will be in store at the end of the month so look out for for a tweet soon. In the mean time, here are some of my favourite Burberry-esque finds at more affordable prices.

Warehouse lace coat £100.00

Top Shop lace pencil skirt £60.00

ASOS Pretty Twisted Clutch Bag £35.00

River Island Parrot Pink T Bar Barely There High Heeled Sandals £35.00

J.Crew merino Tippi sweater £69.95

How to wear yellow

Roksanda Ilincic Stretch-neoprene top (£565), ASOS skirt and Office courts

For me it's the colour of the summer and as an olive skin Italian it works well with my complexion and looks fantastic with a tan. But yellow is a colour that most women are scared to wear, so  much so that my editor at Red asked me to go on a yellow quest and find out if there are shades that work for all skin types and ways you can incorporate it in your wardrobe.

The conclusion is that yes there are: from little touches here and there to choosing the right hue for your colourings or simply wearing it with your wardrobe staples (stripy tee anyone?). See Red June issue for the whole feature in my shopping section. 

L.K. Bennett court shoes £170.00

Sunshine shopping list (and who says it's got to be block?! go for prints too)

1) Whistles Rose Cashmere Boxy £165.00

2) J.Crew Roz floral-print bandeau bikini top £55 and briefs £50
3) MarniRuffled printed silk mini skirt £185.50
4) ASOS beach basket bag £26.00
5) Roksanda Ilincic Stretch-neoprene top £565 (as seen in my pic)
6) MarniFringed cotton-blend dress £424 
7) Alice + OliviaButterfly pleated stretch-woven shorts £87.75

8) Aquazzura Saharienne glossed-elaphe sandals £460 

WIT mama Friday: last week to order your Greta Collection rings for June delivery

The Greta Collection rings are back after popular demand.

I am doing a special Summer order for delivery first week of June. For all info please read below.

The Greta Collection rings are made for me in Florence by a prestigious Ponte Vecchio jeweller and can all be made in:

• White gold
• Yellow gold
• Rose gold

18kct solid gold and letter charms with diamonds in the letters are ct.0,03 H - VVS

The rings I had made when my daughter Greta Zita was born are a “G” in yellow gold and a “Z” in white gold, both with diamonds. If you would like to see more letters, take a look at the Photo Gallery to the left of the page, beneath The Greta Collection tab.

All letter charms are in capitals and the ring twisted gold. The charm is welded to the ring and is very secure. Also available is the necklace with one letter pendant or single charms only.

Prices 

Any gold with diamonds Euro 250.00 (approx GBP £200.00) 

+ post and packaging (for UK £7 next day delivery)

For shipping outside the UK please email me for a quote

EU customers only

Measurements

Ring measurements can be taken as per instructed in the table below. Please use option 2 and provide your UK size measurement. 

Ordering

If you would like to place an order please cut and paste the below only in an email and fill in all sections accordingly- address to wearingittoday@gmail.com with subject: Greta Collection Summer delivery and your full name. I will send you payment instructions.

Your name


Delivery address *


Letter of choice


Choice of gold


Ring size


Country of residence (to calculate postage and packaging)

*(please note someone must be in to sign for package- I’m posting with Royal Mail Next Day Delivery service so should be able to let you know in advance when parcel is being delivered)

Packaging

Every piece of jewellery is made to order and each one is lovingly made in Florence. It comes in a chic packaging and make a lovely gift for a loved one... Or you!

Please note

*Important*

All orders must be received and payed by Friday the 9th of May.

Delivery will be week of the 2nd of June 2014

Sadly EU customers only.

Let me know if you need any more info and looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Love 

Laura and my muse GZ

Scrap book from a (busy) day in my life

  It's a great day today! My J.Crew invite is going up and I have a busy day of press days and fabulous evening events so I'm dressing to impress. 

The invite goes out and already dozens of you starts emailing your RSVP's

 

8am

Decisions decisions: stripes or floral?

 The sun is shining and I am feeling summery. I have two events tonight so I need an outfit that will take me through from am to pm in style and statement skirt and simple sweatshirt combination always works for me.  

I opt for my Stella McCartney skirt that I bought last summer and are yet to wear out, After all I'm meeting Jenna Lyons today so it's something of a celebration. This neon brocade collection is still partly available on The Outnet

8.30

Make up time

 

 I love this lipstick that a very kind WIT reader has sent to me all the way from the USA. It's from the Marc Jacobs make up collection not yet available in the UK and it's called Scandal

 

Greta comes in to make some outfit suggestions of her own...

 

9am

It's a quick kiss and I'm out of the house

9.10am

On the way to work I stop by the "WIT wall" for a quick pic of my outfit. Today I'm wearing my Stella skirt with a J.Crew Tippi sweater, Sophia Webster shoes and a Dolce e Gabbana mini bag

 

9.15

On the tube my flats go on

 9.30am

When I don't have a breakfast appointment I always stop by Leon for my daily take away. At the moment I'm obsessed with their yogurts with yummy toppings

I have a busy morning of A/W press days, it's a beautiful day and shopping assistant Polly and I are doing the rounds at Jigsaw, Hobbs, Top Shop and River Island..

  

10am

At the Jigsaw press day we get given this cute pom poms for our bags

11am

Two things on my shopping list for next season (both from Top Shop): a light blue coat and furry number

1pm

 Looking at more clothes and snapping everything I like (ticking in my brain what trends I will feature in our big September issue)

 

2pm

Back in the office for a quick desk lunch

 

2.30

Finally some desk time to catch up on my emails and plan my evening. I am going to the launch of the Sophia Webster™ for J.Crew collection and then to the amazing Pradasphere cocktails at Harrods

 

7pm

I'm back on my heels 

7.30

I meet my friend and Red's features director Sara at the fabulous J.Crew store to admire the Sophia collection and take mental notes on what we both want to buy for our summer wardrobes

The display at the J.Crew store

 

I have a little catch up with Jenna Lyons, she is always so kind and looks divine in her in her Pippa pumps. She wishes me luck with my J.Crew shopping evening and tells me she has a lot of faith in me.. No pressure Jenna!

Sophia Webster™ for J.Crew Pippa pumps (£480.00)

 

9pm

We are off to Harrods which is hosting a retrospective on the brand

A detail from one of the shoe cabinets with 10 years of Prada shoes...

11pm

Time to get a cab home whilst I catch up on my emails and appointments for the next day

12am

Make up off (quick kiss to a sleeping GZ) and it's bed time