Ask A Stylist: Sunday Bonus
The pieces I wish I had taken on holiday
My paid subs have been super patient these last few weeks as I navigated wedding season, travel and existing clients so please see today’s post as a little bonus Sunday edition of delectable buys.
I usually have a sixth sense for the pieces that will be the hardest working additions to my wardrobe. At the grand age of 38 (soon to be 39 in the middle of Leo season) I know what works and what to invest in. For me, I’m all about the investment buys - I want top notch quality that will last years if not the decades. Often this means a little planning, a LOT of budgeting and an eye for timeless pieces that truly do pay back in ‘cost per wear.’ I like to approach each season with an existing wardrobe of beloved pieces, unhurried or stressed by last-minute panic buying. I rarely shop high-street, not because I have a large wallet (I don’t!) but because I’m fed up of feeling the dopamine’d frenzy of faster fashion. If I buy something it has to be of great fabrication with a shape that will work for several years down the line.
The idea of owning a lot of clothes has never been something I’ve identified with. I’m more intrigued by the style of women who have small, edited wardrobes with investment pieces they truly love and more importantly, feel themselves in. At the start of the season I had my eye on some pieces that regretfully, I didn’t buy in time for my travels. While away, I realised I should have invested! So here are my top (missed) finds that you can still buy.
Almost Bare Leather Sandals
Another Florentine brand I adore is Aquazzura and these barely there leather sandals were top of my ‘to-buy’ list in June. I love the clean lines and that delicate swirl at the ankle with a slight heel that elevates the entire design. The reason I resisted was that I really needed a new ‘city’ sandal this year but at Florentine dinners and even both weddings, I kept regretting not having them with me! They work in so many situations and while the gold is my preference I absolutely adore the new ‘Claret’ shade too.
Bright Bold Silk Trousers
I’m more of a dress wearer and love a short in the heat but I rarely think to take a bold trouser when away. I tried these RÓHE lucid green silk trousers (amazing for my tall subscribers - I also had to size down in-store) and while they were a bit of wildcard, I realised when away that they would have worked seamlessly. Silk is all I want to wear in the heat (fun fact: it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter) because it’s breathable and airy. These also don’t crinkle like cheaper silk trousers. I would have thrown these on with my bathing suit and a white linen shirt or an asymmetric black top.
The Packable Sun Hat
I always have grand ambitions of finding the perfect summer hat while away. I came close to buying a large striped one at the little beach shop tucked away at Marbella Club (highly recommend!) but having to hold it through airport security always deters me. A cap never works in the heat for me (sweat lines anyone?!) but this packable handmade raffia Noa hat for Maison N.H. Paris via TOAST fits the brief easily.
One More Black Dress
I’m not the biggest fan of black but come summer, with a tan (!) it seems to be all I want to wear. I regretfully didn’t purchase this DÔEN Emmaretta dress pre-travels and know it would have been the most useful piece for walking around in the sweltering city heat. The cotton-voile with thicker straps and shirred body would have concealed several bowls of pasta too while chanelling Sophia Loren.
The Directional Sunglasses
It always feels unnecessary to take multiple pairs of sunglasses away on holiday but the truth is they can shift the vibe of an outfit in seconds. I’d argue they’re the most important styling accessory! The Linda Farrow Attico Milano Oversized Sunglasses are sculptural aviators that would add flair to a simple t-shirt dress. I also like the relatively new Phoebe Philo Bliss Sunglasses too. Raspberry acetate and pink lenses are clearly ‘in’.
The Acidic Tee Dress
In Spain I saw the chicest mother wear this dress to breakfast at the hotel with simple black sandals and beautiful long brunette hair. I always forget about ‘breakfast attire’ looks at hotels and while my simple Arket shirt dresses were lifesavers, I wish I had packed this COS cotton piece. The aperol-spritz tone looks amazing with all complexions too.
Until Wednesday when we’ll be tackling the thorny subject of bikinis, bathing suits and what exactly ‘less is more’ at the beach truly means.
xC
All excellent!