COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: WIT'S TOP 10 LOOKS OF 2015/2016 (as liked by you)

The time has come to go on maternity leave and put my feet up for a few weeks before my second baby arrives. To celebrate these last two weeks together I've come up with a few posts looking back at WIT and some of your favourite content. First up is "WIT'S TOP 10 LOOKS OF 2015/2016 (as liked by you)". I recently downloaded an App on my iPhone that allows me to see which posts are most popular on Instagram, and this is the Top 10 chart of your all time favourite looks of the past twelve months. 

It was so interesting to see, because as I was going through them I noticed that the things you love, are the ones I love too: a statement skirt, fab accessories and a glitter shoe, but also all of those wardrobe staples like a stripe top, a grey sweater and a white shirt - those key staples that made me want to start the concept of Wardrobe ICONS as an extension to WIT. So whilst I'm gone, and if you think you might miss me a little (I'm sure I will miss you!), don't worry because Wardrobe ICONS and The ICONS Update will continue to provide you with a little form WIT fix on a weekly basis.

So, without further a due... here are the looks you liked the most:

 NUMBER 10

The statement skirt 
 

I remember this day - I was rushing around and had a work dinner with Kate Spade in the evening and I opted for a fun skirt and plain top. I've always loved statement skirts - I love their versatility, the fact that you can dress them up and down and that you can choose from so many different styles. I have everything from dramatic neon pink maxi skirts to sequin ones and raffia fringed pencil skirts and never tire of them. They have become such a thing, that Net-a-Porter now has a whole section just dedicated to Statement Skirts (that I love!).

Whistles skirt and top, J.Crew shoes, Mango bag

 NUMBER 9

The grey sweater 

A grey sweater is a WIT must-buy, I couldn't live without mine. Despite having a shelf packed with them I wear each one of them on a regularly basis. Jenna Lyons gave me a little tip that has served me so well - when you find something you love buy it in different sizes, maybe one up or down, that way you can style it differently depending on the fit and look you are trying to achieve. I have fitted ones I like to wear with baggier bottoms and vice versa, but also different necklines and thicknesses for different seasons. My favourite grey sweater will always be a Tippi sweater from J.Crew though...

Gap jumpers, Lorenzo Serafini for Philosophy skirt, Jimmy Choo shoes

 NUMBER 8

The bold colour move 

Despite loving a basic and having started a business revolving around it, I couldn't live without a Transformer in my wardrobe. Be it a statement accessory, a fun clutch or a bright pink jumpsuits, I love fashion too much not to be tempted by seasonal trends and making a few wild buys. This Topshop Made in Britain blindingly bright pink jumpsuit was one of those buys and I absolutely love it! I wore it on the cover of The ICONS Update and somehow I think it really sums me up: 'classic, but with a twist!". 

Topshop jumpsuit, Accessorize clutch, Gianvito Rossi sandals

 NUMBER 7

The stripe T-shirt
 

I'm so glad one of my maternity looks made it into your Top 10, and even more glad to see that involves a stripe top. This is another WIT favourite and something I often go-to when I don't know what to wear. I would actually go as far as calling it a wardrobe saviour. My favourite is the Saint James® for J.Crew slouchy T-shirt - I love the long sleeves and slouchy fit. One heads up, get the white and navy (not the ecru). 

J.Crew T-shirt, Stella McCartney cape, Topshop maternity jeans Chanel shoes and bags

 NUMBER 6

The jumpsuit 
 

You obviously love a jumpsuit! After the success of the pink one, I bought the same exact style but in a more wearable colour and wore it so much, both day and evening with a smart clutch and heels - this was me wearing it to work. There is something so incredibly comfortable about a jumpsuit and I think it adapts well to any age. I prefer something with a sleeve and would always go a size up to get that effortless fit.

Topshop jumpsuit, KG shoes, Antonello bag

 NUMBER 5

The leather skirt 

I think what you probably loved about this look was the thigh high boots, but what I picked up on in terms of wardrobe staples is the leather skirt, or leather bottom. I have everything from culottes, trousers, leggings to three different style skirts (full, mini and pencil) and wear them all the time. The great thing about leather is that you buy it once (clean lines and of good quality) and never ever have to buy it again. So think well and hard before purchasing a style, as real leather tends to be expensive and you want to opt for something that will last a really long time in your wardrobe. Whistles always has a good leather staple - and so do we in our ICONS section.

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

 NUMBER 4

The trench

At number 4 is the trench. How could it not be? Easily also at number 4 in my own hit parade of wardrobe must-haves, the trench coat is an item every woman in her late twenties early thirties should save to buy and will wear for the rest of her life. Fact. So if you don;t have one yet, you should! It's the perfect in-between season jacket, so chic, so timeless and will never ever fail to make you feel stylish and put together even on the days where you are wearing the equivalent of your pajama underneath. The one and only to buy - Burberry!

Burberry trench, J.Crew top, Day Birger jeans, Miu Miu shoes

 NUMBER 3

The boho dress 
 

I love a little boho touch here and there and I remember falling in love with this Monsoon dress which I wore on a night out to celebrate my wedding anniversary. I like to do boho the dressed-up way, so would always pair my blouses with a designer bag or like in this case, a dress with fringed sandals and super slick clutch (the shoes were a fab Chloe buy and the clutch a another great wardrobe investment from Jil Sander). My rule is not to do hippy, I like a slick final effect. I'm glad it's a high-street look that made it at number three!

Monsoon dress, Jil Sander clutch, Chloe shoes

 NUMBER 2

The white shirt  

At number two is the white shirt, obviously! Crisp, white, cotton the white shirt is most definitely an item that every woman should own. Find the style that works for you be it fitted, loose or boyfriend style and wear it with everything from your jeans, layered under jumpers, tucked into a pretty skirt and even as a beach cover up! My ultimate favourite styles of all time are the MiH Oversize Shirt (great with leggings and at the beach) and the Equipment Signature washed-silk shirt (perfect for smartening up just about anything and such a universally fabulous fit).

Gant shirt, MiH jeans, Valentino bag, Chanel shoes

 NUMBER 1

The designer coat 

Ah! To think of the stick I got for this coat on Instagram ;-)

Well, it goes to show that a quality designer coat is at the top of your list too. Coats (and tailoring in general) is where to spend your money. You will never truly love a cheap coat, it can be a seasonal indulgence, but building a long lasting, quality winter coats closet has always been one of my absolute rules. This was the year I invested in a cape - it was something missing entirely from my wardrobe and I have, somewhat to my surprise, worn so much. I was pregnant and couldn't say at the time of this pic, so this coat served as a perfect maternity coat but it also works equally well in the day and as a smart evening coat.

Stella McCartney cape, J.Crew top and shoes, Gap jeans

What I wore at London Fashion Week day 1

Stella McCartney cape, J.Crew T-shirt, Topshop jeans, Chanel bag and shoes, Jimmy Choo sunglasses

Day one at LFW and I decided to go a bit casual with jeans, a preppy stripe top, my trusted Stella cape and some fabulous accessories. I was lucky enough to be able to borrow the shoes and bags from Chanel and I have to say the shoes are probably the most comfortable heels I've ever walked in - and this is an almost 7 month pregnant woman talking!

They are Coco Chanel's original two-tone slingback designed to create the optical illusion of a longer and leaner silhouette. They are sold out everywhere so trying to get a pair is almost impossible, but well worth being on the waiting list for.

My bag was more or a 'Transformer' than a classic (Chanel does that brilliantly too) and a boy bag with lots of fun applique on it. If you liked my look and wanted to shop for similar items take a look at my shopping list below. 

 

Cashmere cape £625 Joseph 

Maternity jeans £40 Topshop  

Suede pumps £290 A.P.C

Scallopped leather pump £320 Chloe 

Striped boatneck T-shirt £39 J.Crew 

Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square £20 NARS

Chanel bag from a selection at Vestiaire Collective 

A classic look that never dates: stripes denim and Chanel

I'm determined not to bore you with months of maternity buys and looks, but we'll have to accept that there are limitations on what I can wear these days so for next few days I wanted to showcase some of my wardrobe staples that work for maternity and beyond.

I'm talking about those key staples than can relatively easily adapt to pregnancy, and then get worn again after you've had your baby. 

For today's look I've chosen a classic mix of denim, stripes a touch of Chanel and the coat that most easily adapts to a growing bump, the cape. 

Aside from my maternity jeans (which are great Topshop ones available here), everything else I've had in my wardrobe for years and obviously worn time and time again, but I've tried to find similar items available to buy now.

CAPE

Line Ramsay wool cape £456.75  

T-SHIRT

Long sleeve breton £26.50 Boden 

ANKLE BOOTS

Acne Studios Jensen leather ankle boots £370
BAG
 Chanel Jumbo bag from a selection at Vestiaire Collective

New season, new coat: the cape

In my mind a coat cupboard should contain one of each of the great classics: the tailored grey coat, the forever camel wrap coat, the weekend jacket, the prefect parka and so the list goes. I've spent the past years slowly and gradually building this capsule wardrobe and ticking off my list of essentials, and this year I decided I was going to invest on a cape. A cape was high on my list of priorities because I don't really own a smart coat - also, I don't really ever know what to wear as a cover up over an evening dress and despite loving a bit of high/low mix, sometimes you just need a smart coat. 

After much research I fell in love with this Stella McCartney number from Luisa Via Roma. It's an investment, but I decided a few years ago I wasn't going to buy any more cheap coats - would rather buy one every two years!

Stella McCartney number from Luisa Via Roma

I think it makes the perfect evening coat for three reasons: it's doesn't interfere with your clothes (or at least not this style), you can graciously hold a clutch, and it's a real coat (75% wool) so it keeps you warm, not like using a shawl as a cover up! So there it goes, my new addition to the perfectly functioning coat closet worn today over jeans and heels. Turns out work for the day too! 

Stella McCartney wool cape £965

How to mix high and low

I have a lot of beautiful clothes, shoes and accessories, but if you scroll through my posts you will see that very rarely I wear head to toe designer preferring to mix cheaper, High Street pieces with more expensive designer investments. And this is for two reasons: number one I can't really afford designer only, and number two I think that mixing it up creates a much more individual look. The secret is all in finding the right balance, which is obviously easier said than done. So today's post looks at some of my past outfits and the formulas you can apply when dressing up yourself. Hope you find it useful!

Make believe - I wore a pair of blatantly Dolce e Gabbana bejewelled slingbacks to a wedding this week end with a "make believe' Dolce spotty dress that was actually from Marks and Spencer. Unless you are amongst fashion experts nobody will ever know and you will have created a very designer look for a fraction of the price (and without trying too hard).

Pair a high street dress with designer shoes - from time to time high street dresses are just as good as designer ones (especially in the summer when cotton is just cotton!). To give it a more expensive look, always pair it with designer shoes.

Wear an expensive coat over jeans and a sweater - A good quality coat (and I mean something like a cashmere maxi coat or a sleek tailored overcoat) will instantly make any outfit look expensive. I find that a Burberry trench could be worn over a pyjama and still make you look chic!

Wear a denim jacket over your pretty dress - this is a trick that I use all the time. Not only does it instantly make your dressy items more wearable in the day, but it also adds a cool and laid back effect to your outfit.

Invest in a pair of designer jeans - something recognisable, like my favourite MiH Marrakesh flare. You could be wearing a Topshop T-shirt with them (or a Madewell blouse in my case), and still look the part. (Okay so it also helps to wear a designer bag ;-) like my Chloe Drew...)

Throw a fun clutch over your all black look -  weather it's designer or not (this is my Prada cookie monster) a fun clutch instantly lifts you head to toe ensemble and gives your look a bit of  a 'lift'.

Combine designer bag with casual inexpensive shoes - No one will ever think you are wearing a  pair of £19.99 Mango espadrilles when your bag is a little designer flashy, so don't be afraid to wear your Chanel or Chloe bag with your Mango lace up shoes this winter.

Finish off your look with a pair of designer sunglasses - Even when you are wearing basics like jeans and a jumper, a pair of designer sunglasses will make your outfit look more expensive.

The pale blue shirt I've been looking for

Topshop oversize pocket shirt £36

I've been looking for a smart pale blue shirt for a while and I must admit that I was ready to splash out on it, when I found this Topshop version at a fraction of what I had budgeted for (Topshop shirt £36). I love it when things like this happen! It's a really nice cotton fabric with an oversize fit but really fitted arms that are super flattering. I love it that it's a bit long, so you can wear it over leggings and jeans, but also tuck it in to a skirt. But the thing that I love the most is the pale blue colour, which looks great on just about anyone and with just about anything. Today I'm wearing it with my Whistles leather skirt, Chanel bag and black canvas espadrilles for a few meetings in town.

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.

LWD (Little White Dresses)

J.Crew dress, Gianvito Rossi sandals, Chloe bag

 Quick!! Now it's the time to bag your timeless investment buys!! When will you ever tire of a Little White Dress for instance? I bought this last season and love it even more today (in fact I kind of save it a bit because I'm so afraid of ruining it..). I've been doing some high street, designer and sales trawling and hopefully you will find some of them in your perfect size. (P.S the Topshop one is amazing for the price...)

Topshop  £65

Isabel Marant Étoile  Casey ruffled cotton-blend voile dress  £335 Now £234 Save 30%

Self-Portrait Macramé lace midi dress £320

SEA Trellis guipure lace-paneled crinkled-gauze dress £340

Needle and Thread Geo crocheted cotton-lace dress £200

Alice + Olivia Vinny embroidered cotton-poplin mini dress £195 Original price £390 50% off

WIT andJ J.Crew in Paris part three: Pont des Arts

When the J.Crew team in New York asked me to head to Paris to check out the new (and first) French store in the Marais, it was really a no brainer. My task: head to Jenna's favourite Parisian spots and photograph one outfit I loved in each location.  From the Tour Eiffel, to St. Germain and the iconic Jardin Tuleries you can follow me through the streets of Paris every last Tuesday of the month  as I play dress up in my favourite J.Crew items.  

This month I'm wearing another favourite combinations of all time: a classic stripe T-shirt with a tailored blazer. This is an outfit combination I fall back on time and time again, especially when traveling because it's simple, stylish and so comfortable. When my Personal Shopping clients ask me what it a simple and obtainable 'travel look', this is a look I always stir them towards. The Saint James® for J.Crew slouchy tee is an absolute classic, Saint James has been spinning some of the world's finest knits out of their Normandy, France-based factory since 1889, but they're most famous for their sailor stripes (favored by style icons from Andy Warhol and Picasso to the iconic Coco Chanel).

 

In my opinion a quality blazer  is amongst the top 5 ultimate must-buys every woman should own,  when I interviewed Jenna Lyons for The ICONS Update she told me "this is where your money should go towards". Despite this, the Ludlow jacket is quite affordable compared to designer ones, yet hangs on your body like a dream. You must try it to believe it, I remember being a little skeptical before trying it on, but when I did I realised why Jenna has it fitted to a woman's body but constructed in men's factories in Italy, where tailoring and contruction are perfected down to every detail. This jacket hugs you around all the right places with a snug and skinny fit.

Because you know I love my sparkle, I added a pair or brightly coloured tassle earrings and sequin clad flat pointy shoes (annoyingly sold out last week but hopefully you've seen me wearing them before this post and bought them in time), and topped it all up with bright red lipstick and nails (I love a touch of red with stripes!). I also chose a classic tan leather bucket bag  that fit all of my essentials and gives the whole outfit a preppy feel. The Pont des Arts is one of my favourite spots in Paris, I have wonderful memories here of a super romantic week end with my husband and it's so quintessentially Parisian

J.Crew has been working with Point Sur Denim for many seasons now - they're made in LA, the capital of denim, in perfect washes with a worn-in feel that usually takes years to earn.I loved this skinny, ankle skimming style eprfect to be worn with flats and great for the summer with all my flat shoes. Point Sur epic skinny Japanese selvedge jean in Dailey wash

If you missed my previous Paris post check it out on March the 30th and April the 28th by clicking on the links.

See you on Tuesday the 30th of June of part four!

x

Find the J.Crew Marais store at:

12 Rue Malher, Paris‎ - +33 1 44 54 57 50

Shop the collection online on 

www.jcrew.com

Photos Eva K. Salvi