The Isabel Marant spring jacket

Celine suglasses, J.Crew jumper, Topshop jeans, Aurora bag, IM Etoile jacket and shoes

I bought a scarf print short Isabel Marant Etoile cotton quilted jacket when I was on my first maternity leave and wore it endlessly. It's the sort of smart casual wardrobe staple that can really make a different to your jeans and T-shirt look; so when I was in Paris at the end of January I put my head in the store in St. Germain to try on a longer style that I had seen on the Internet.

Isabel Marant Étoile  Elmer reversible quilted jacket  £220

It also comes in the short cropped style like my red one - it's perfect with jeans, cargo pants and even over little dresses. I opted for the longer version, it seemed like the perfect cover up for spring, not too heavy not too light and mainly something I don't feel precious about but instantly gives a little touch to my outfit.

Isabel Marant Étoile  Elmer reversible quilted jacket  £330

I find Isabel Marant Etoile does that for me, I have bought so many things form the diffusion line and I love that effortless Parisian style with a bohemian slant to it. From T-shirts to dresses and shoes, here are some of my favourite pieces in store now.

Isabel Marant, Étoile Starla printed reversible bandeau bikini £ 155

Heloise crochet-knit linen and cotton top £ 255

Emsley linen and cotton-blend sweater £ 190

Naoko ruffled cotton-voile mini dress £295

Tayler paisley-print playsuit  £255 

Leo lace-up ballet flats  £290

Dill embroidered cut-out cotton top  £225 

Things I fancy for Spring: cargo pants and crazy sandals

Not that I will be able to wear them anytime soon, but lately I've been fancying a new pair of cargo pants - something slouchy and cool, but still a little smart that I can roll up and pair with bright heels and a denim shirt or white T-shirt. So the search for my post-bump box begins and I thought I would share with you some of my finds.

I'm absolutely in love with the Adam Lippes pair below (also worn gorgeously by Deborah Brett in last week's issue of The ICONS Update), but I think they are a bit too pricey so currently deciding between the cheaper versions I have found and simultaneously discovering a whole world of crazy sandals on ASOS...

Adam Lippes £604
and Aquazzura Colorado embroidered suede sandals £555 

J.Crew £150
and Public Desire at ASOS £29

Topshop £40
and Steve Madden at ASOS £79


Weekend Max Mara £145
and Lost Ink at ASOS £55 
 
Elizabeth and James £99 
and Daisy Street at ASOS £55

Sweater dresses - expensive to budget

Chinti and Parker dress, Lily and Lionel scarf, Jimmy Choo sunglasses, Chloe bag, vintage boots

 It was last season during the shows that I realised that knitwear, and knitwear-dressing was going to be huge this season, and I thought straight away that i was going to adopt this comfort-meets-style trend into my winter wardrobe. I've invested in a few new jumpers and was lucky enough to be gifted this Chinti and Parker sweater dress that I have worn countless amounts of times. You can get the real deal, or similar ones to mine. Here's the lowdown from super luxe cashmere cable knit, to a cheaper fine knit version. Something for every pockets.

Fine knitted dresses £19.99 Mango

Rib Stitch Tunic Dress £69 Boden

Ribbed Tunic Dress £295  Chinti & Parker 

Collection cable sweater-dress £850 J.Crew

Five of the best cable knit sweaters

It's starting to get cold and all I want to wear are cosy jumpers at the moment. I've had this cream Banana Republic sweater since last year and I've been surprised as to just how much I've worn it and just how flattering it is on. I love the slight turtle neck, trapeze shape and extra long sleeve - it's like wearing a hug! I've had a look on line and sadly they don't do this specific style any longer, but I've done a little search for ones I would buy and suggest today. So here's the lowdown:

Étoile Isabel Marant Nilsen cable-knit wool sweater £175

Topshop Unique Keswick cable-knit wool turtleneck sweater £175

Banana Republic chunky textured cable knit sweater £55 

Mango chunky cable knit sweater £49.99

Tory Burch Textured-knit cotton-blend sweater £255

Knitwear obsession (no, literally)

Ribbed skirt £95

Side split top £110 both at Whistles

I have to admit that last season I bought quite a few new jumpers, from Acne to J.Crew I went on a little crazy shopping spree but it has to be said, in the winter it's all I wear. This season my obsession for knitwear has extended past the jumper and I'm now on a  shopping frenzy for everything from skirts, to dresses and "coatigans". I was lucky enough to be able to choose an outfit from  (1 and 2) Whistles prior to LFW and have been hoping for a cold enough day to wear this ensamble of tubular skirt and open sided sweater. But also, I was on a shoot on Monday and fell in love with this (4) By Malene Birger jacket that is actually a knitted cardigan, and then of course is the (5) Eileen Fischer black wool skirt I wore to our Wardrobe ICONS event in September.  Thought I would flag the lot and here's what I'm wearing today for a day in the office! Oh - and I've just added this (3) Isabel Marant scarf to my Christmas wish list...

The all white look

Topshop shoe and culottes, J.Crew shoes, Chloe bag

I wore all white to London Fashion week last season and have been hooked ever since. I don't know why white and cream are mainly regarded as summer colours, I think they look amazing in the winter too, it's like getting an instant face glow! However, I think it's important to wear winter whites the winter way, so cosy knits and lots of layers. So today I'm wearing my new Topshop culottes (that are of a great, heavy fabric with a gorgeous pleat on the side that makes them look like a billowy midi skirt) and super chunky cable knit that everyone thinks it's Stella McCartney!

Chunky Polo Knit Jumper by Unique £175 and Heavyweight Crepe Culottes by Boutique £95 Topshop

The winter box

Isabel Marant Etoile jumper and boots, Whistles skirt, Bally bag

I've been back for a couple of days, but I've been preparing for the new season for a while now, compiling mental wish lists and jotting down the things I'm going to buy. Some of them will be investment buys (a  new coat, possibly a green one) and some of them I will buy on the high street. It's my way to make coming back from holiday a little bit more exciting, especially when saying goodbye to sunny days and beach life, so here's what's in my 'Winter Box'...

The two trends I'm most excited to wear next winter are jumpers (over on The ICONS Update I've been calling it jumper dressing because it's not just jumpers, it's jumper fabric - dresses, skirts and trousers too!) and knee high boots. When I was on holiday in Italy I was trawling on the website of my home town's website Luisa Via Roma, (which is the most amazing shop in the city centre of Florence selling everything from Isabel Marant to See by Chloe and Gianvito Rossi think the Italian version of Net and Matches - next time I'm in Florence I will do a post about it), and I stumbled across two buys that will build the foundations of my winter wardrobe.

The first winter buy is a cosy, navy roll neck jumper - I will wear with everything, from winter maxi skirts and jeans to statement skirts both at the weekend and at work.

Isabel Marant Etoile jumper £290

The second buy is my 'winter Transformer': thigh high boots. I've been wanting for a long time and these ones were just perfect. I love it that they are flat making the thigh high style much more wearable, plus since I hate wearing tights in the winter these might allow me to wear more skirts!

Etoile suede boots £585

PS. About LVR - I found that the website gives you the option to pre-order a lot of things, showing you what's been bought ahead of them hitting the on line store so it's a great place to grab your favourite pieces early  (I'm monitoring this Burberry dress...) and possibly also to find the most popular items that have sold out on the usual places.

Summer leather

If you live my side of the world, wearing leather in the summer is not so strange... although I can imagine many of my lovely Italian readers will cringe at the idea being so hot down there! But, in the UK, on days like this it's a perfectly appropriate attire. Today I am making my Whistles leather skirt look more summery with a pom pom peasant top that I bought from J.Crew last year (but take a look at this Topshop pom pom top available now!!) and my Mango lace up sandals. My skirt is still available on Whistles despite buying it last year, click here to take a look at it. I think the key when wearing black leather in the summer is giving it a fresh spin, so yes to opened toed sandals, billowy tops and lightweight fabrics like cottons and linens. Oh, and you know who else is wearing leather the summery way today? Our The ICONS Update cover star Eva Chen whom we've interviewed for this months "The Experts" piece. She is SUCH an interesting and inspiring woman so make sure you read her fabulous fashion tips on www.wardrobeicons.com

WIT mama Friday: what to pack for a kids free 24h mini-break

I'm going away with my husband for a kids-free 24h mini-break and I found myself being super excited at the prospect of packing some of my newest buys (hello Prada bag!), a book, bath oils, a pretty dress and heels instead of the usual jeans and T-shirt look that I would put together for a country weekend with Greta. So here's what's in my suitcase for some pool lounging, candle light dining and Sunday paper reading..

To drive over...

My Mother LOOKER cropped frayed jeans £152 with my J.Crew white peasant top that has sold out so I found this Mango beaded blouse £49.99 and fun lace up espadrilles (mine from Mango but again sold out) Castañer Jean canvas espadrilles £130

To hang out...

Topshop off the shoulder dress £36 with my Mango sandals that have sold out so I would gives these Topshop galdiator sandals £26 a look.

To pool lounge...
Going a bit Betty Draper Marks and Spencer £35  with my Valentino Rockstud cat-eye acetate sunglasses £225

To dine...

Pierre Balmain Paisley-print woven dress £199.06 Original price £568.75 65% off with super overdressed but who cares! Chloé  Daniela fringed suede kidskin sandals  £495

www.wearingittoday.co.uk

How short is too short?

Etoile Isabel Marant dress, Antonello bag, Mango sandals

Oh this dress - I remember debating in the Harvey Nichols changing rooms if I was past the appropriate age of wearing something so short and then thinking (literally): "What the heck. You only live once". So I bought it, it went in the Summer Box, I waited and waited and pulled it our for my recent Italy holiday. I wore it for an al fresco dinner in Rome with flat shoes, no make up make-up, hair up in a messy do and loved every minute of wearing it. Yes it's short, but then I'm quite short so it's not too short on me, plus if you style it down (down-down) then it's OK. So my answer to the question 'When is short too short?' is: when you feel uncomfortable in it.  So I wore it again, last night out for dinner and drinks on a terrace. Not quite as warm as Italy so I froze but hey ho, the dress made me feel fabulous. So here are a few more short things I love... all from Isabel Marant becasue she seems to love short too and somehow design them and style them in a way that they are never not tasteful.

Isabel Marant, Étoile Shelly crochet-knit dress £320

Isabel Marant Melissa printed silk-chiffon mini skirt Was £445 Now £178 60% OFF 

Isabel Marant Glitz crinkled cotton-gauze mini skirt Was £620 Now £372 40% OFF 

Isabel Marant Copal fringed faux raffia mini skirt Was £445 Now £222.50 50% OFF 

Étoile Isabel Marant Casey ruffled cotton-blend mini dress Was £335 Now £167.50 50% OFF 

Isabel Marant  Tifen fringed mini skirt  £350 Now £175 Save 50%

Shop my Instagram holiday outfits

This Madewell dress was a real hit and I wore it endlessly - do go a size down because it comes up really big. There's 30% off it today!

Even when I'm on holiday, I like to share a few pics on my Instagram, it's fun and I love the enthusiasm you have for some of the pieces/outfits I propose. Lot's of you ask me where things are from (remember you can tap the pic for credits), but because Instagram doesn't make it easy to link things through I thought I would direct you to the shops that are still selling some of your most liked items. Some of them are on sale so happy shopping!

In my Madewell blouse and green linen track pants - literally haven't taken these trousers off since buying them and now on super sale!

Sadly this Antonello bag has sold out everywhere but I found a few alternatives from the designer here

My hat got much attention - it's from H&M and sadly sold out but they do a similar version on the website now - take a look at it here.

I couldn't find the dress version but the top is on sale down to £84 from £240 here and a size 38 here

For a 2 week holiday 4 pairs of shoes are more than enough. From the top my Mango sandals, Chanel espadrilles (sometimes you can find one on Vestiaire Collective, my Florence market espadrilles and Madewell sling backs (30% off!)

BEST bikini in the world and such a timeless investment - my Eres Les Essential with Valentino sunglasses

How to wear shorts in the city

www.wearingittoday.co.uk

Rule number one: keep them smart. Perhaps if you live on Bondi beach you can get away with ripped denim like our superstar girl crush Elle Ferguson from Theyallhateus.com (we raided her wardrobe for last week's issue of The ICONS Update - do check it out), but for me they have to have a tailored feel to work in the city. I would also always pair with something a bit on the smarter side, like a buttoned down shirt or pretty blouse. Today I'm wearing my old J.Crew satin green shorts with a Gap denim shirt (buttoned up all the way) and tan accessories. Make sure your bag is a little smart too to add a sharp finishing touch (by the way my CHLOE Drew bag is back i stock!).

How to wear your boyfriend shirt

MiH shirt, Whistles skirt, Bally bag, KG shoes

This week on The ICONS Update I shined the light on yet another "Unexpected Hero": the boyfriend shirt. Mind you, the boyfriend shirt doesn't actually have to be your other half's work shirt (although in some cases it does look pretty cool!), it's just a shirt style that is a little oversize in all the right places. Why it looks so cool? Because it gives your more feminine items a relaxed and effortless feel. Try it with your prettiest pencil skirt or with a printed trouser to see what I mean. Today, I am wearing it with my Whistles fringed skirt, instantly giving it a more day feel.

For more tips on how to wear a boyfriend shirt and my top 5 styles to buy now, check out this week's issue of The ICONS Update.

How to get dressed (stylishly) in 45 seconds

Other Stories dress, Accessorize bag, Chanel shoes

Beyond busy day today! Quickest way to get dressed when I have days like this: little black dress (mine still available here £55 from Other Stories) + flat sandals, but choose your prettiest ones you own so don't feel sloppy ;-) Hello Chanel!

Have you been in... Madewell recently?

Tassle scarf dress $158 from Madewell

A few weeks ago, in The ICONS Update, I sang the praises of Madewell, J.Crew's little sister and my latest obsession for affordable, quality essentials (you can visit my ICONS page here). If, like me, you have a thing for J.Crew you will also love Madewell, just think J.Crew but with a more casual vibe, a tighter edit and cheaper (yey!) prices. 

Just before the weekend I received my first order (delivery to the UK will be available from August, until then you can shop it from Net-a-Porter), and I've been so excited to try my new items. I actually ended up wearing what can only be described as a beach dress with my wedding shoes on my anniversary date (I just had to wear it straight away), and I haven taken off the woven flats and monochrome Antonello bag. 

Sandals $108 from Madeweel and cotton bag $520 from Antonello

There's lots for you to look at, so explore the website, the monogrammed bags and some of their fabulous guest brands. Here are some more of my favourite pieces... feeling lucky that a friend of mine is going to NYC because I'm ordering all, and for once, go GBP!!!

Off the shoulder maxi dress $158, fringed tote $78, and woven sandals $158 from Madewell.com

distressed denim shorts £75, Cotton T-shirts £25, Broederie playsuit £150

Cotton blouse £90 all from Net-a-porter

Scrapbook from Florence

Last week I took some time off to spend some quality time with my husband and Greta (more on that and my amazing Monteverdi stay on Friday), meet my brand new niece and chill out in my hometown of Florence with my family. Every time I go back there are a numbers of things I love to do: take Greta to the playground in the amazing park by my mother's house (Giardino dell' Orticultura), eat lots of ice cream (also Greta's favourite activity), go to the sea side in Forte dei Marmi for the day and of course, take a trip to the outlets. 

Collecting my lamps from Mr.Turchi's crazy shop in Impruneta

This time I also got some time to walk around the city center, and hit dome of my all time favourite shops like Il Papiro (for 'Grazie' hand cut cards) and Aquazzurra (I thought I would stand a chance to find my latest obsession - these red sandals...), as well as having some things made by local artisans that these days I can only get done in Florence where "lamp shade makers" still exist and electricians can turn a vase into a lamp. We also walked around the gardens at Forte Bel Vedere with the most spectacular view over Florence and spent a day at the seaside in Forte dei Marmi where I have the most wonderful childhood memories. I thought I would put together a photo scarp book of my favourite moments and secret addresses of must go-to places to visit if you happen to go to Florence.

My suitcase

I spent the first three days of our holiday with my husband and Greta on a family mini break at Monteverdi - but more of that on Friday for my WITmamaFriday post

Some fun in Monteverdi - or as Greta would say: "Silly mamma!"

The view from my mum's kitchen window always takes my breath away

At the Giardini dell' Orticultura by my mother's house. Greta love ride the lions!

The obligatory tour of the outlets - I went on a rainy day and there were hoards of Japanese tourists that had the same idea!

I loved this red sequin dress, but sadly it was too big and it was the last one

I ended up buying this raffia Prada hat though!

I headed to the Aquazzura shop on the Lungarno and tried these fabulous neon woven espadrilles

Il Papiro is one of my all time favourite shops that sells hand made cards. I always buy the new baby ones the 'Grazie" ones.

First outing of my Other Stories dress and Mango shoes for dinner with my friends

I bought these black espadrilles from a tiny shop in Via de' Ginori for 29euros - what a bargain. Here with my Isabel Marant earrings and Mango clutch.

My sister made me discover this fab kids shop called Baby Bottega - I am throwing a summer party for Greta in the garden and stocked up on all sorts of goodies (plus a few more non party related).

My favourite activity: cuddles with Virginia

At the amazing Forte bel Vedere (a must of you are sightseeing in Florence)

My favourite gelateria is Gelateria Ponte all Carraia but this one near home is also good - they geared up with disposable kids bibs too. So clever!

Day trip to Forte dei Marmi - my grandparents bought a house here in the 1940's and we've all been coming here all our lives. Sadly we sold the house a few years ago but we still come to the same "bagno".

Lunch on the beach. I was so happy!!

Showing off my new hat and my semi-new Valentino sunglasses

On the beach until dusk.. the Italian way!

Happy!

 For more photos of my Italy trip, take a look at my Instagram account here