Who What Wear

January 24, 2022 at 08:00AM If there’s one thing I’m asked most frequently as a shopping editor, it’s what designer bags are worth the investment. It’s a pretty big question to answer, as so many things come into play. After all, one person’s idea of what is affordable and expensive depends on their budget. There’s also the practicality consideration—some of us would happily forgo a roomy interior for an attractive design, whereas others require their handbags to fit everything except the kitchen sink.I’m probably somewhere in the middle. I find it hard to get on board with the micro-bag trend, and I require my bags to be versatile. However, I am the sort of person you’ll see lugging around a canvas tote bag with a water bottle, laptop and tissues while my handbag remains unsullied by such weighty responsibilities. I find that midsize bags, such as my Wandler…

January 24, 2022 at 08:00AM We all hear that little voice in our heads that pipes up as we gaze longingly into our wardrobes, telling us we have nothing to wear. Deep down, however, we know this isn’t the case.Most of us only wear a small percentage of our clothes. The rest? They seem to blend together to become a collective of forgotten items, only to be remembered about when an influencer you follow wears a dress similar to the one you bought a couple of years back or when you spot a runway trend that taps into something you already own. There’s no denying that fashion is cyclical, and as such, we’ve learnt the hard way never to cast aside the items we once loved. Not only will they most likely come back into style, but you never know when you might happen across a more…

January 24, 2022 at 08:00AM Winter is often considered the most difficult season to dress for. In summer you can throw any old dress on and look put-together, but in winter there’s a lot more to think about: which layers work without looking too bulky, will this dress go with tights, and exactly how washed out does this grey coat make me look? Like many of us, I seem to always resort to a dependable combination of denim, boots and knits. But if you’re not a jeans or trousers person, figuring out what to wear each morning when it’s cold outside can be even more of a chore. If that sounds like you, don’t fret. I’m here to tell you you can still take advantage of the ever-flattering midi skirt in the depths of winter. Dresses are slightly more complicated— unless they’re made from a…

January 24, 2022 at 07:00AM I created What to Buy Now to bring you a concise weekly edit of the items I really love, including pieces from the high street, designer labels, vintage gems you can buy online and even charity-shop treasures. I’m constantly scanning the most stylish online stores, so you can feel safe knowing that you won’t miss a thing.I know that your fashion requirements can vary massively from season to season, whether you’re looking for an immaculately tailored staple, an affordable sundress or the perfect pair of shoes. So not only will I cover all of the bases, but as an ardent believer in mindful consumption, I’ll also make sure everything I include will look just as fresh in a year’s time as it does now.Of course, I’ll also bring you those pieces that simply set your heart racing in…

January 24, 2022 at 06:36AM At the risk of sounding like a broken record, how great is H&M right now? The brand has always been one of the biggest high-street hitters, but over the past few seasons, it has surpassed even itself. What makes H&M stand out from other affordable fashion retailers is that it doesn’t merely follow the trends laid out on the runways—it starts them.It’s this constant ability to surprise and delight us that keeps us coming back to H&M in times where some sartorial inspiration is required. And that’s precisely what we find ourselves in need of at the moment as we enter the winter lull. With the novelty of layering starting to wear thin, but the ease of dressing and comfortable warmth of spring still a long way off, it’s easy to lose your way in terms of style.…

January 24, 2022 at 06:15AM Handbags usually fall into one of two categories: They’re either timeless, a design that’ll transcend seasons, or they’re trendy, born to reflect a particular moment. But what would it look like if there was a handbag that fell into both categories? Well, it would look something like the Loewe Puzzle Bag.The Loewe Puzzle Bag was the first new bag designed by Jonathan Anderson (or J.W. Anderson in fashion speak) for Loewe. It was first introduced in June 2014 at the men’s S/S 15 collection presentation in Paris, a year after Anderson took his seat in the Spanish brand’s creative director’s chair, and was undoubtedly the most-talked-about piece on show. Fast forward a few months and the Puzzle was a firm fixture in Loewe’s A/W 15 womenswear collection, too, only in a slightly smaller size than the original S/S 14…

January 24, 2022 at 06:09AM As we approach the end of January (where did that month go?), the sales may be a distant memory. You may believe the best bits are long gone, but this is where you’re mistaken. Sure, the most eager of shoppers will have had their baskets full of bargains weeks ago, but some of the best designer sales are still going, including Ralph Lauren. The iconic brand has been dressing the fashion elite since the ’60s, and there’s no doubt you know someone who owns a polo shirt, logo knitwear, a heritage check blazer or that instantly recognisable sportswear. The label has been going the distance for decades, so there’s true staying power in its pieces, and this is what sets this sale apart from the rest.Whether you’re shopping for last-minute winter warmers and wanting to swaddle up in…

January 24, 2022 at 06:04AM From royals to celebrities, influencers to editors, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone (fashion fanatic or otherwise) who doesn’t have an item of clothing from Zara in their wardrobe. The Spanish retailer has developed a reputation for itself over the years for creating affordable, trend-led pieces and contemporary basics which can act as the cornerstone of any closet. Though, Zara’s mass-market appeal doesn’t just end at clothing. The brand’s footwear is equally as coveted, and this winter in particular, we’ve spotted quite a number of expensive-looking boots among its collection, many of which, we predict, will sell out in no time. (Sadly, these styles don’t often hang around for long.)Once again this season, the brand has aced the concept of timeless classics while also creating pairs that are bound to elevate any outfit going. And we’re not just talking about chunky soles, although these…

January 24, 2022 at 06:04AM Is there any handbag more iconic than a Chanel bag? Upon receiving my first Chanel Classic, I vividly remember shedding a tiny tear. It felt as if it had been passed down from the hands of Gabrielle Chanel to Karl Lagerfeld and then myself. With the long shoulder strap symbolising the idea that women were free to do as they wished with their hands and the zipped pouch ideal for keeping secrets, it not only was a symbol of fashion but of femininity and freedom as well. Excuse the drama but Chanel more than deserves it.Since the inception of Chanel in 1910, the luxury brand has continued to grow alongside us as we have gained more rights and power and continued the quest for equality. Chanel is a symbol of strength, and it just so happens that Chanel bags are incredibly chic and enhance any outfit I’m…

January 24, 2022 at 06:00AM We all know the feeling, right? The feeling of cutting away loose threads at the start of a new year keeping things fresh and ridding all aspects of your life with anything that doesn’t serve you anymore. I definitely do this at the start of every year and especially when it comes to beauty and fashion. I donate a bunch of clothes, I narrow down my skincare regimen, clean my makeup brushes and most importantly I book in a haircut. Not a trim, which you should be getting every 3 to 4 months anyway, an actual cut– a restyle, a fringe, lobbing off the lengths.So, I spoke to some of my favourite hairstylists to determine which trends will be inspiring mine and my friends cuts this year. A statement haircut isn’t for the faint-hearted but it’s oh-so worth the plunge and…