City appropriate espadrilles

Chanel espadrilles from a selection at Vestiaire Collective

My Chanel espadrilles were a totally crazy, indulgent buy, but I have to admit I absolutely love them and have got so much wear out of them last season, to my surprise mainly when I was in London. I think espadrilles are mainly a beach/holiday shoe, but with so many styles to choose from there are styles that make them totally city appropriate too. Sadly if you work in a smart office, I still think they are a total no-go, but could work at the weekend. Here are the rules I go by and all the ones I would own if I lived in Los Angeles all year round!

The perfect city espadrille:

• Opt for leather, suede and fabrics that you would actually avoid on the beach - they are more likely to be city appropriate.
• Choose neutral colours like black, navy and tan and save brighter shades for the beach.
• Styles with a closed toe and back are preferable to ones that are not. 
• Avoid straps and lace ups that instantly look very beachy. 
• A heeled or wedge espadrille is the ultimate holiday heel so stick to flat styles only.
• If in doubt, ask yourself if you could call it a shoe and if the answer is yes, then it's likely to be city appropriate!

1 Diane Von Furstenberg  Cairo espadrilles  £171
2 Valentino  C-Rockee leather espadrilles  £490
3 Soludos £57 ASOS
4 and 6 Suede £88 J.Crew
5 Tory Burch Two-tone leather espadrilles £175
7 Isabel Marant Étoile Cana printed canvas espadrilles £90

New season flats: what's old, and always good, and new and a bit cool

I'm starting the scrape the barrel on outfit inspiration and don't want to bore you with another pair of maternity jeans ;-) so today let's talk about shoes!! Which coincidentally is one of the only things of my body I can still show that are not altered by pregnancy. The weather is starting to get a bit better and consequently I've taken my Isabel Marant lace ups to the front of my wardrobe + bought a new pair of Whistles ones that will be my all-black version. 

Petro bought a pair of Gucci loafers that I'm slightly envious of and also made me think about a new generation of 'cool' and comfortable shoes that would totally update your jeans and would be the only thing I would have the confidence to buy right now, and wear in the next few months. Old or new, here are the shoes I'm loving at the moment. 

1) J.Crew £158 

2) Sam Eldeman £120  

3) Whistles £115 

4) Gucci £380

5) Castaner £100

6) ASOS Jessica £18 

7) Balenciaga £225 

8) Topshop £42 

9) Isabel Marant £290

10) Aldo Grazioli £45 

 

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 

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

WIT mama Friday: the mum-on-the-run friendly boot

Topshop jeans, Joseph gilet, Bally bag, Isabel Marant Etoile boots

I know I've been going on about sheepskin boots for a while now, (including in last week's issue of The ICONS Update), but the thing is every time I buy something that I get lots of wear out pf I feel like I really really need to let you know.

The thing is I've been looking for an acceptable form of Ugg boot for years now, but nothing ever meets the warm and comfort that that shoe can give me. Despite this, I would never want to be seen wearing them, they are sort of clunky and and make my fee look huge, plus let's face it they are not very chic.

The solution to all my winter boots problems have been these Isabel Marant Etoile boots that I got in Florence from Luisa Via Roma before Christmas - they have become my WIT mama Friday official shoes, and in this freezing climate my weekend shoe too.

They come in black suede with a little wrap-around leather detail, rubber soles and sheepskin lining and the great thing is, they are on sale too (40% off!)  - I would suggest getting a size up from your regular size as they lining makes them a might tight. Finally a shoe that keeps me warm in the winter, is park-proof and looks stylish all at the same time.

Isabel Marant Etoile shearling boots £225 from Luisa Via Roma

The one in, one out rule

Stella McCartney cape, Gap jumper, Mother denim jeans, Jimmy Choo shoes and sunglasses

I've had to come to the realisation that I do not have unlimited space in my wardrobe, and to be honest, I prefer having  somewhat limited edit of clothes so on a regular basis I give to charity/sell/give away all the thing that I don't wear any longer. However, since moving back into my flat and designing my own wardrobes, it is my strict "One in, One out" rule that is keeping things in ship shape. There's not much explaining to do, it's as simple as this: when I get something new, something old has to go. So this week, as I welcomed a new pair of reasonably heeled, lace pointy pointy pumps from Jimmy Choo to my wardrobe, an old pair of Topshop sandals are making their way back to Italy to my cousin. I find that this rule not only keeps my wardrobe nicely edited and fresh, but also allows me keep the fashion circle going!

The perfect dress-up your jeans shoe.. I'm in LOVE!

Hello new shoes!

Making space for a new shoe box in my heeled shoe cupboard

The perfect winter slipper: velvet flats

I bought my Dolce + Gabbana velvet slippers in the summer from the outlets in Florence thinking they would make the perfect winter flat and I'm pretty pleased with my buy. I've worn them a couple of times out for dinner with a simple cropped pant and a cashmere sweater and even with a LBD at a house party. There's something about the velvet that makes them perfectly wintry so today I wanted to show you a couple similar styles (mine are sadly no longer available) to shop for now if you too are looking for the perfect winter slipper.

Chloé Velvet ballet flats £370

Charlotte Olympia Mid Century Kitty embroidered velvet point-toe flats £340

Tabitha Simmons  Hermione velvet pumps  £435

J.Crew  velvet bow gladiator flats £198

Forever21 velvet flats £21

How to wear your silly shoes every day

Banana Republic trench, J.Crew sweater, Mango jeans, Miu Miu shoes

I look at my wardrobe and I think I have a pretty classic collection of staples, but then I look at my shoe cupboard and I think I've got some rather crazy stuff in there! What is it that prevents me from buying crazy tops and bottoms but not totally insane shoes? I think it's the fact that my crazy shoes can pretty much be worn any day of the year, when paired with my simple classics. So this week I dare you to wear some of your wildest shoes, just pair with your favorite jeans, a chic grey sweater and your classic trench over the shoulders. And talking shoes here are some of the ones I own and similar pairs to mine.

J.Crew Tippi sweater £79  and 
Mango patchwork jeans £39.99 with ...

1. Topshop fringed courts £68

2. Miu Miu Glittered patent-leather pumps £515 

3. Chloé  Daniela fringed suede kidskin sandals  £495

4. Gianvito Rossi Leather and PVC pumps £495

5. Aquazzura  Christy cheetah-print calf-hair flats  £600

7. Aquazzura Amazon suede and leather pumps £500

8. Valentino midi heel Rockstuds £620

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.

What I wore yesterday

Coast dress, Chloe shoes, Mango clutch

Yesterday was a beeeeeeeezy day, so much so that I don't even come around to do an outfit post. Also, I had one of those days where you walk out of the house and instantly regret what you are wearing - it wasn't right in any way, not smart enough, not chic enough and way to covered up for a hot, muggy grey day. So I did what any fashionista would do and bought something on my way to breakfast to quickly shake things up ;-)

With Petro and Zara Simon, the fabulous woman behind my Z jewellery obsession

 Much better to show you what I changed into for a lovely work dinner with the Monsoon team to celebrate the Monsoon Heritage collection and a new boho-chic range by Jessica Simon, that we are all going to LOVE! Think Burberry A/W15 collection but at affordable prices. The collection won't hit the stores until August but I will be sure to let you know when it does. First outing for my Chloe shoes teamed up with a high street fav dress from last year from Coast and my beloved Mango clutch.

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

WIT andJ J.Crew in Paris part four: Tour Eiffel

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 first Tuesday of the month  as I play dress up in my favourite J.Crew items.  

My journey to the Tour Eiffel started at the iconic Parisian Metro, where I also have the funniest photo of a passer by who decided to take a photo with me that will post it on Instagram later!  For this second to last post of my WIT and J.Crew in Paris installments, I wore a bright yellow mesh skirt with one of my all time favourite Vintage Cotton grey T-shirts and a denim jacket. Yellow is the perfect colour to celebrate July and the arrival of summer, yet wherever I'm going on holiday I always pack (and travel in) a denim jacket. It doesn't crease, it looks good withe everything from a pair of shorts and T-shirt to a sparkly summer dress and keeps air con and chilli summer nights winds away. I finished off the look with a statement iridescent hologram clutch, a delicate pendant necklace, gold bangles  mixed in with my own jewellery and olive green tasselled heels. Some of the things I'm wearing have sold out, but if you click on the links you will find the next best thing available to buy right now. Now I will leave you to some of the pics Eva K. Salvi and I took one cold February day by the beautiful Eiffel Tower in Paris... See you next month with the last Parisian post!

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 2nd of August for my final Parisian post!

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  

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