My Thanksgiving photo diary

All my friends know that Laura is many things but a cook. I'm not even necessarily a bad cook... but definitely a lazy one blessed with a husband that loves to cook,  so if I was left to my own devices I would have a picnic dinner everyday of my life if. Yet every so often I like to make an extra effort and go all the way with an amazing feast. This year it happened to be for Thanksgiving.

All my beautiful things are in storage, so I had to be a little bit creative. I'm not a paper plates kind of girl, so last wee I made a trip to Ikea to buy plates. 

I borrowed my mother's festive table cloth that we've been using every Christmas for the past I don't know how many years and I set the table the night before so it's one less thing to do. I bought gold glitter paper tags and used them to tie cutlery and as name places with bright orange napkins.

I literally cooked all afternoon - the turkey takes forever and I like to have everything ready at least one hour before my guests arrive.

I made a traditional "Fantacci Thanksgiving" with butter-roasted turkey and our three sides of mashed potatoes, peas with pancetta and sweet and sour "cipolline" (trying to find them in the UK was a massive challenge!). 

For dessert I had a panettone sent from Italy which I serve with whipped cream and hot chocolate sauce (plus my guests all bring a dessert each).

One of the best bits was the "cocktails desk" set up by Greta's wonder godfather... Greta made an appearance too in her sparkly dress and massive bow...

My outfit was planned a few days ahead - I decided to go with lace culottes and a sparkly lightweight knit. Happy Thanksgiving!

What to wear for Thanksgiving (and you next Christmas party)

In the UK (or Italy) you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but my family is part American and as such I've celebrated this festivity every year of my life (and kind of hope Greta will too one day). I usually go back to Italy where me and the 62 members of my family (no jokes) sit down for a super fun meal, but this year I couldn't make it to Florence so I'm throwing a little soiree of my own, complete with my grandmother's Turkey recipe and all the trimmings.

I've been doing some outfit planning because I love to get a little dressed up and I'm undecided between a pair of statemnet culottes (that I recently bought from Coast) and an old feather LBD. So even though most of you won't be celebrating tomorrow, you might get some ideas for your next Christmas party!

The culottes and jumper look

It's always stylish and a little but different - I love that with this outfit you can wear a cosy knit

Coast lace culottes £75

J.Crew pumps £298

Acne sweater £270

ASOS star clutch £16.50

The LBD look

I have an old Whisltles feather dress that I have worn so many times - it says party in a chic preppy way. I love this Oasis version too.

Oasis lace and feathers dress £130

Mango flats £39.99

Topshop nail varnish in gold £6

The jumpsuit look
It's the modern answer to smart dressing - pair it with a killer court and a pair of boho earring to give it a more relaxed feel.

Mango jumpsuit £59

Gianvito Rossi suede and pvc pumps £470

J.Crew earring £32.50

Wardrobe ICON's TIMELESS Christmas gift guide

Petro and I have been working night and day to make our very first Christmas gift guide extra special for you. In true Wardrobe ICONS style, we bring you a Christmas gift guide that is a little bit different from all the ones you may have seen so far: we wanted it to be timeless. From brilliant classics to stylish stocking fillers, we've searched every website and been to every shop to bring you an impeccable, curated edit of 75 timeless gifts to give and receive. There is something for everyone: from friends and family, to the men in your life and the personalised-obsessed (me!)
to be loved forever.

I promise you that all you need to do now is forward a link to your loved ones... hint hint!

X

www.wardrobeicons.com

Monday off and shopping in London

It's a beautiful sunny day here in London and I'm off from work to take my sister for a little shopping session in town. I'm wearing my super comfortable L.K Bennett leather leggings (better than jeans), my new Acne jumper, that predictably I've been wearing all week end and flat pointy shoes as I know we'll be doing quite a bit of mileage! Come on insta to see what we're buying...

WIT mama Friday: the fuss about Acne jumpers

This week I've been on the hunt for good jumpers. You may think it's an easy task but actually, it isn't. I don't know about you, but for the next 4 to 5 months it's all I will be wearing so I really want them to be nice. 

Acne mohair and wool sweater £220

I knew exactly what I wanted and it wasn't easy to find. I wanted an easy, oversize pullover type of jumper - the sort of thing that works with leather leggings at work and with jeans and a T-shirt at the weekend. Nothing fussy, nothing precious just a couple of good jumpers. I banned myself from buying any navy or grey, and I've had my eyes peeled for the perfect thing. I tried Zara (everything feels cheap), I tried J.Crew (everything is cashmere), I went back to Sandro and Isabel Marant where I bought my two most successful jumpers to date, but nothing. 

 

Acne Studios wool sweaters £280

Then I was in Liberty yesterday and I spotted a mannequin wearing an Acne amazing grey A-line ribbed sweater ( I LOVED it but no grey!!), I tried it in navy too but I really wanted something a bit different. 

Acne ribbed V neck jumper £270

Then I spotted a black super oversize ribbed sweater and a bottle green fluffy jumper, both from Acne and both very generous fit - the sort of thing I will want to wear on a Sunday morning under a big coat. They might not look like much in cut outs but I know know what the fuss is about with Acne sweaters - they are ALL amazing! The price was on the precious side but I've learnt from the past that if I don't love it I don't wear it, so there it went. I'm wearing it today for a day with Greta and can't wait to wear it on Monday with leather bottoms and heels.

Acne jumper £250 at Liberty London

The silk shirt

I find cotton shirts a but tricky to wear, unless they are cut in a way I can't even explain, I never like how they sit on my chest and the collar is either super tiny or looks a bit funny on me. To overcome the fact that I can't wear most (cotton) shirt I've recently discovered the power of the silk top. They kind of "glide on", they have a smooth sexy look and are much easier to wear than cotton ones. I particularly like V neck shaped ones (i.e ones that don't button up to the top) like the Equipment ones, and also bib front styles that have a somewhat slimming effect. Today I'm wearing one I bought from J.Crew that I selected fro Wardrobe ICONS (that has now wold out so I hope you managed to get yurs) and selected a few more worth a look.

J.Crew silk bib top £158

J.Crew silk eyelet top £88

Equipment striped silk shirt £305

Stella McCartney silk shirt £460

Equipment signature washed-silk skirt £230

What do you wear in the cold??

I don't know about you but winter really doesn't suit me. I hate not being able to wear bare legs and having to pile on layers after layers of clothing to keep warm, how's one supposed to look pretty? I have days (like today) where I'm out and about all day, I can't be cold as I walk around town between one press day and another, so all I can do is jumper/hat/coat combo.. when I look at my wardrobe the night before I want to cry! Last night I decided that I need more colorful jumpers to pair with my jeans and leather leggings, this Maje red one I bought last year has been such a great buy.  So today I might step into a few shops to see what's out there. Come on Instagram to see if I've been successful..

New issue of The ICONS Update: winter holiday packing special

 

One of the things you asked me for in last springs feedback were more life style features that included travel, packing tips, advice on where to eat, stay and shop from around the world. So for this issue of The ICONS Update we thought we would do a travel special with advice from team Wardrobe Icons on four winter holiday destinations from around the world. 

Think of it as our way to ease you into the holiday spirit.. there is nothing better at this time of year than imaging getting away and packing a lovely suitcase filled of fashion and beauty buys! I'm already planning what to wear at Christmas and New Year and all the things I want to do back home in Florence. And you don't just get advice from me, Petro brings you to South Africa whilst our newest recruit contributing editor Deborah Brett packs the perfect bag for a skiing holiday to Arosa, and special projects editor Polly Chamier shows you how to make the most of a UK stay-cation.

Hope you enjoy the issue!

www.wardrobeicons.com

The ultimate can't live without capsule wardrobe

As some of you might know, I've recently moved out of my flat and into a rented property while we build an extension. The move was a logistical nightmare as some things had to be packed to go to storage, whilst others were coming with us. Deciding what clothes and shoes to bring with me, (so essentially loosely planning  3 to 4 months worth of outfits) was... a challenge! Yet I decided to take it in my stride and embrace it as a bit of a challenge. I've been brutal with the edit and brought with me only the essentials for a multitasking capsule wardrobe.

Two weeks into my new life with an extremely edited wardrobe has given me almost a sense of relief: I love owning less and wearing everything I have. This has a lot to do with the philosophy behind Wardrobe ICONS so today I wanted to let you know what, of everything I've packed I really couldn't;t live without:

MY CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT LIST:

Jeans

Grey jumper

Grey T-shirts

Navy tailored coat

Something sparkly
Red lips (my new obsession below...)
Black courts

MiH boyfriend jeans £185

Whistles grey jumper £115

J.Crew Vintage cotton T-shirt £30

Isabel Marant Etoile coat £380

J.Crew jewelled shirt £125 (down from £250!!)

Hourglass in ICON £23

L.K. Bennett courts £160

From AM to PM dress code

Everything seems to be happening on this Thursday the 13th of November and I literally have the busiest day yet with press days, meetings, two presentations, (two) sets of drinks and a work dinner all in the space of 12 hours. What outfit could possibly work for all?

Well I had to give it a little bit of thought because there isn't one really and no time to go home to get changed. Flat shoes and an eye flick will do for the day, to be replaced with a clutch, high heels and a coat of red lipstick from my PM dos. See the result on Instagram later this eve...

Fur-ed up

I really do practice what I preach and this week I've dug deep into my wardrobe to take out all my favourite winter coats. I bought this faux fur number last year and still love it today - as soon as I put it on it completely transforms my outfit with a little bit of "coolness" to it. I have a busy day of press days so will be out and about all day, I might not even take my coat off so it's great that it really makes my outfit! This week's Star Buys are all about faux fur numbers as is my Winter Edit on Wardrobe ICONS so take your pick because faux fun fur is huge this season but I reckon it's one of those trends that will come back again and again...

It's Tuesday... New Issue of The ICONS Update is live!

Let's face it, we’ve had a pretty good run so far, yet winter has arrived and with it the necessity to take out your "serious" outerwear - but which are the coats worth investing in? And which ones will you buy now and wear forever? I walk into stores and feel sorry for women who have to take that decision because there is SO much out there... I am confused and I work in fashion!? Well, we have the answer. 

And if you are not in the market for a new coat, we found lots of fun accessories to update your existing one with (beanies, hats, gloves and scarves you will love).  Also read our new page called "Every ... (dot dot dot) woman should own" (this week it's all about the pregnant lady) and finally see which eyeliners (tried and tested by Petro and I)  have made our cut in our Beauty Focus page. Enjoy!

Read issue SIX of The ICONS Update now!

New house.. New wall!

...Admittedly only for a few months while my house is getting gutted and extended, but in the mean time I have a new wall to lean back on. Today I'm super busy on an (amazing) shoot in London... Soon to be revealed on The ICONS Update. I'm wearing my Whistles leather skirt with a cosy knit and ankle boots, all finished off with a coat of red lipstick and I'm ready to go. 

New buy alert: silk shirt dress

I had a Halloween inspired event last week and this is how far I go with my scary outfit! I wore my new Topshop silk maxi dress for it, it looks surprisingly expensive and it's 100% silk too. I bought it thinking it would be great next season (I love unfussy non clingy dresses that can can be worn with flats and heels in the summer) but then didn't resist and wore. You could wear it with tight, ankle boots and a chunky knit cardigan over it or even over leather leggings.. so I might not put it away at all and wear it like that as soon as my "fall bare leg" because completely unbearable.

Topshop Oversized Silk Shirt Dress by Boutique £85.00 with RABBIT Faux Fur Fluffy Sandals £58.00 andRika monster clutch £91

The Topshop trousers I've been livng in

Top shop trousers, top and shoes - LK.Bennett tote

I have literally been living in my new Topshop ripped utility trousers. I packed them for my holiday to Italy last week and wore them with my slouchy jumper and ankle boots in the day as well as heels and a sparkly sweater in the evening. They were great for travelling (they are super comfortable, I'm wearing a size 8) and look like they could be from Isabel Marant when paired with the right tops and accessories. Today I am dressing them up for a day at work with my fluffy faux fur sandals.. admittedly they come off during my commute (it's freeeeeezing!) but I love them too much not to wear them at my desk!

Topshop ripped utility trousers £36

For the day: J.Crew Embellished cotton-blend jersey sweatshirt £100 with Karen Millen ankle boots £199 and L.K. Bennett tote £195

and Nars nail polish 

Evening: Topshop Fluffy Jumper by Boutique  £50 and Gianvito Rossi Metallic-trimmed leather pumps £585 andASOS clutch bag £25 and J.Crew earrings £58

Issue FIVE of The ICONS Update is out today!

Sometimes I still can't believe I've got my own little magazine going! I always look back at my notes from the feedback you sent me in Spring so I really hope you are enjoying it and finding in it a good mix of inspiration and shopping ideas. 

 This week Petro and are paying tribute to one of our biggest wardrobe heroes: the super flat! It's amazing how much wear I've been getting out of both my Aquazzura and Valentino Rockstuds. I know they are expensive, but I can safely say I wear them at least 3 times a week so I've worked out (for my Twitter series called ICONSmathMondays) that over the year they cost me less than £5 per wear!

We also celebrate one of my favourite UK everyday brands (MiH jeans), talk the most flattering pairs of jeans in the worlds,  and reveal what's on my shopping radar (I'm IN LOVE with the Marco de Vincenzo skirt....)

See it all in this week's ICONS Update

Let me know what you think!

Laura x

The GRETA COLLECTION with Christmas delivery is back for ONE WEEK ONLY

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

NECKLACES:

• Yellow gold

18kct solid gold chain and disc hand engraved with one letter on one side only of each disc

RINGS:

• 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 on the left side bar. 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. These can only be made in yellow gold and the price is for one disc (but you can add more discs at €90 each). The letter is hand engraved in italics.

Prices 

RINGS
Any gold with diamonds €250.00 each  + post and packaging (for UK £8 next day delivery)

NECKLACES
Chain and one disc €270 (£90 extra per disc) + post and packaging (for UK £8 next day delivery)

For shipping outside the UK please email me for a quote

EU customers only

Measurements

Necklaces are one size only: chain  measures 41cm and discs are approx 5mm in diameter

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 Christmas deliver and your full name. Once I've processed your order I will email you a payment form taken via credit card only.

Your name:

Delivery address *:

Product: necklace/ring

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 Monday the 10th of November

Delivery will be week second week of December

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