2020’s Coolest Sandal Drop Is Back, and I Road-Tested the Best Styles

September 15, 2021 at 06:27AM Fashion collaborations come in a variety of guises. Some result in an exciting fusion of design aesthetics, while other designers probably should’ve just stuck to what they do best. Proenza Schouler and Birkenstock might not have been the most obvious of fashion bedfellows, but when these two brands dropped their first sandal collaboration last year, the fashion crowd couldn’t get enough—and neither could I.With all of Proenza’s design know-how and the comfy, hard-wearing appeal of Birkenstock’s iconic sandal, the collaboration entered the market just as the “gorpcore” trend was hitting the big time. With their clean lines, pops of colour and comfortable fit, these sandals are a rare meeting of form and function. So it comes as no surprise to me that this sellout collection is back for 2021.“Birkenstocks have always had a special place in our lives…

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That’s Right, the Knitted Vest Trend Is Non-Negotiable This Autumn

September 15, 2021 at 06:20AM Of all the autumn trends, the knitted vest trend is easily the most prolific of the season. Although it started doing the rounds last winter, for 2021, it’s being embraced on a scale previously unseen.Having shaken off the majority of its Grandad and Chandler Bing references, the knitted vest is perhaps the most fashion-forward investment you can make this autumn, and you need only consult the autumn/winter 2021 runways for proof.Everyone from Versace to Etro gave the knitted vest trend a whirl, layered over everything from shirting and mesh long-sleeve tops to dresses or, simply, worn on their own. Not only that, but Instagram is already topped up with real-life styling inspiration that makes the somewhat divisive trend more wearable and less daunting.Should you still find yourself in disbelieve or, at the very least, on the fence about the…

Continue ReadingThat’s Right, the Knitted Vest Trend Is Non-Negotiable This Autumn

2020’s Coolest Sandal Drop Is Back, and I Road-Tested the Best Styles

September 15, 2021 at 06:27AM Fashion collaborations come in a variety of guises. Some result in an exciting fusion of design aesthetics, while other designers probably should’ve just stuck to what they do best. Proenza Schouler and Birkenstock might not have been the most obvious of fashion bedfellows, but when these two brands dropped their first sandal collaboration last year, the fashion crowd couldn’t get enough—and neither could I.With all of Proenza’s design know-how and the comfy, hard-wearing appeal of Birkenstock’s iconic sandal, the collaboration entered the market just as the “gorpcore” trend was hitting the big time. With their clean lines, pops of colour and comfortable fit, these sandals are a rare meeting of form and function. So it comes as no surprise to me that this sellout collection is back for 2021.“Birkenstocks have always had a special place in our lives…

Continue Reading2020’s Coolest Sandal Drop Is Back, and I Road-Tested the Best Styles

That’s Right, the Knitted Vest Trend Is Non-Negotiable This Autumn

September 15, 2021 at 06:20AM Of all the autumn trends, the knitted vest trend is easily the most prolific of the season. Although it started doing the rounds last winter, for 2021, it’s being embraced on a scale previously unseen.Having shaken off the majority of its Grandad and Chandler Bing references, the knitted vest is perhaps the most fashion-forward investment you can make this autumn, and you need only consult the autumn/winter 2021 runways for proof.Everyone from Versace to Etro gave the knitted vest trend a whirl, layered over everything from shirting and mesh long-sleeve tops to dresses or, simply, worn on their own. Not only that, but Instagram is already topped up with real-life styling inspiration that makes the somewhat divisive trend more wearable and less daunting.Should you still find yourself in disbelieve or, at the very least, on the fence about the…

Continue ReadingThat’s Right, the Knitted Vest Trend Is Non-Negotiable This Autumn

These Trending Jewellery Pieces Are Going to Be Big News in 2022

September 15, 2021 at 06:11AM Jewellery trends, like clothing, handbag or footwear ones, are divided into two camps right now. On one side, the classics; on the other, a wild riotous party of fun. The wonder of it all is that you can follow a singular path but there’s also scope for the two opposing looks to be really fantastic when clashes together. A navy crew-neck jumper worn with a string of playful beads; a simple bracelet stack against a super-voluminous sleeve; a dramatically cut-out dress juxtaposed against a timeless chain necklace—these combinations spark joy. So it makes sense that autumn’s most important jewellery trends are split into two distinctly different vibes to follow suit: “forever” pieces like classic bangles or tennis necklaces, versus out-there styles like brightly-coloured gemstones or gaudy ‘80s clip-ons. A carefully chosen piece of jewellery can bring a look up-to-date, and there are a few choice styles…

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18 Sustainability-Championing Brands Every Shopper Should Know About

September 15, 2021 at 06:09AM We think it’s fair to say that we’d all like our wardrobes to be a more sustainable place, but aside from vintage, a lot of people are under the impression that eco-friendly fashion comes with a not-so-friendly price tag. If you were to look at some ethical brands, such as Mother of Pearl and Mara Hoffman, as gorgeous as they are, that would indeed be the case. But there’s a new wave of more affordable conscious brands emerging that are making it easier for those of us with less-than-flush bank accounts to shop more consciously.Influencer Ellie wears a sweater and trousers from Aligne. The word “affordable,” however, is difficult to cookie-cut and is completely dependant on individual circumstances. One blatantly clear thing is that the pieces, which you’ll find via the brands we’ve handpicked below, will likely never appear “affordable” when…

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9 Wardrobe Staples This One High Street Brand Gets Right Every Autumn

September 15, 2021 at 06:07AM Oh, autumn. In my personal opinion, it’s the best time of year for fashion. The beautiful colour palettes, layering options and reach-out-and-touch-me textures all come together to create a potent blend of wardrobe goodness that I find impossible to resist. And now, with autumn just days away (the season officially kicks in on 22 September), I’m more than ready to bid farewell to the sandals and linen dresses of summer and bring my autumn staples to the front of my rails and drawers.If you’re in need of some of the essential pieces that make up a stylish autumn wardrobe, look no further than Karen Millen’s new autumn drop, Chronicles of a Woman. The collection quite literally features everything I want to wear this season. Think tailored coats with military flair, expensive-looking leather separates, blouses that’ll pep up old jeans and strong,…

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We Just Tried on These 8 Autumn Outfits and Fell in Love

September 15, 2021 at 06:03AM Changing rooms still feel like a real novelty after months of online-only shopping, so to celebrate the arrival of autumn collections, our editors headed into stores to be able to give you our honest reviews. This month, we’ve been to the high street, tried new-in handbags and tested buzzy collaborations—and this time we’ve assembled eight autumn outfits from pieces we admired the most from the A/W 21 collections.Our team has tried so many cult items, from Bottega boots to Christopher Kane’s statement tees, and have each tried different aesthetics for autumn. You’ll find something grunge, something ‘70s and something with a back-to-school spirit. So whatever styling camp you’re in this autumn, we think you’ll find an outfit idea or two to try. We visited the personal shopping suites at Browns Fashion and MATCHESFASHION.COM, and because we are not just about new-in pieces, we…

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If You’re Looking to Invest in a Designer Bag, I Would Recommend These 10

September 15, 2021 at 06:00AM 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…

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I Just Tried on the Best Petite Autumn Buys—Here’s What’s Actually Worth It

September 15, 2021 at 06:01AM Amongst the women in my family, we’ve always believed in the power of the change-room boogie. You know, the inadvertent reaction you have when trying on clothes at a store and finally finding a piece that fits *just* right, inevitably leading to a quick shimmy in front of the change-room mirror to whatever pop song is playing over the loudspeaker.Okay, maybe it’s just us? But I’m sure everyone can relate to the exciting feeling of putting on an item of clothing that instantly fits like a glove. As a petite woman, I have to say it’s a rarity. There’s usually a skirt hem dragging on the floor or a trouser leg that requires rolling up whenever I’m trying on clothes. That is why this month, I set out to find some petite-specific items that warrant a change-room boogie (or…

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