Diptyque L'Ombre dans l'Eau

Perfume - L'Ombre dans l'Eau by Diptyque

I am not one to vary my perfume, I buy one and stick to it. Having worn Chanel No.5 for many years now, I felt it was time for a change. L'Ombre dans l'Eau by Diptyque has captured what I was looking for - a fresh floral scent with depth. When the name of the perfume is translated from French to English it becomes 'The shadow in the water', which I feel is the perfect description.

Details

Rings - H&M, Jumper - Margaret Howell, Culottes - Vanessa Seward, Shoes - Valentino

This winter I simply cannot tire of wearing super cozy jumpers and gold rings. I purchased this jumper by Margaret Howell last year, and love it even more than ever. I can see myself wearing it until it falls apart. That is the best thing about investing in quality; it will last. 

You may have noticed my blog looks a bit different. I feel my blog has developed with me over the years, after looking the same since 2009 I decided it was time for it to show this change. I hope you like it! 

Christmas wish list

With only a week until Christmas, I thought it would be timely to make an unattainable wishlist. 

1. Sophie Buhai Disc and Dimple Ring Set. I am currently having a thing for chunky rings, these stacking rings by Sophie Buhai are perfect. 

2. Sophie Buhai Classic Chain bracelet.  This silver bracelet would make the most beautiful gift. I can imagine wearing it constantly.

3.Valentino Tango Suede Pumps. Although I already own these shoes in patent black leather, I would love an alternative option of suede.

4. Diptyque Benjoin Bohème Eau de Parfum. Not only does this perfume smell glorious, it's marbled glass bottle would make an interesting addition to my make-up cabinet.

5. Tenfold New York Matte Brass Mirror. A vanity mirror that doubles up as a piece of interior design.  

6. Mason Pearson Detangler All Nylon Hair Brush. A hairbrush that is the ultimate aesthetic pleasure. 

Winter afternoon

Coat - Vintage, Bag - Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola, Shoes - Valentino, Culottes - Vanessa Seward, Jumper - Zara

My oversized coat served me well on this crisp December day. Paired with my wool culottes and ribbed knit ensured for cosy wearing in such refreshing weather. 

Why must I love neutrals?

I love neutrals. Beiges, creams, ivories and off-whites are all so wonderful to look at. When offset with shiny gold or silver it is like magic to my eyes. It is unfortunate then, that I own hardly any neutrals at all. The only items I own that spring to mind are my ivory silk culottes by Joseph and creamy-white glove shoes by Maryam Nassir Zadeh (and a Margaret Howell knit I have mistakenly left at my other home).

I question the reason why, and I do in fact know the answer: Living in London. The tubes are a haven for black dust, which in turn stick to my beloved pale belongings. My Joseph culottes caused me an imminent break down when they turned from clean ivory to light greige. And my glove shoes reacted in the same manner after a few wears. A trip to the dry cleaners reinstated my faith, once my culottes had been returned to me they were as good as new (I have decided I should take them once every three wears to sustain their brightness). As for my shoes, a quick sweep with a suede brush lifted the dirt, but I feel they will never have their original brilliance.

I feel it is a hard game to play, to purchase pale and keep up with trial of sustaining their prior beauty, or to avoid. I think the answer is going to be the irresistibility of the prior. I can imagine ribbed knits, light silks and pearly satin being perfect additions to my wardrobe.

Images:  1, 2, 3, 4

Golden rings

Large gold ring and gold rings - H&M, Beaded ring - Isabel Marant

This season I have found myself almost constantly wearing gold rings, and feel ever so bare when I forget to wear them. I mix and match my selection from H&M and Isabel Marant. 

Winter sweater

Sweater - A Momento, Velvet Trousers -  COS (last year), Shoes - Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Bag - Céline, Rings - Isabel Marant and H&M

Winter has most definitely hit London, so my new sweater is perfect for the chilly weather. I can't define it's colour in one word; it is a mixture of khaki, brown and black, making it easy to combine with other pieces. I am wearing it with my velvet culottes, ivory suede pumps and Céline box bag.

Jewellery for the home

Gleaming silver has been high on my radar since I discovered the amazing creations of Sophie Buhai.

So you could imagine my happiness when I stumbled upon these shiny objects when walking past a charity shop. At first I didn't know what they were, but upon closer inspection I noticed they were a pen and a perfume bottle. I have decided to place them on my coffee table, they have no purpose but simply serve as decoration. They are almost like jewellery for the table. 

A new purchase: Isabel Marant 'Alba' blouse

 

A new purchase: Isabel Marant 'Alba' blouse

Usually my winter wardrobe consists of sweaters and knits, but this season I have found myself drawn to blouses. This sparkling polka-dot piece immediately caught my eye. The metallic tone is rather different from my usual choices (sparkles and glitter are two words that haven't been in my aesthetic vocabulary since I was 8 years old). The tie neck feature incorporates my usual high necked style, which secured the purchase decision. 

 It feels refreshing to incorporate a new look into my outfits, and it feels particularly festive for this time of year!

Céline golden pearls

Céline always manages to make me form an obsession. This time I cannot stop thinking of these pearl earrings (I have already tried them on). In typical Phoebe Philo fashion, they aren't the typical pearl stud, but are a combination of three varying sized golden pearls, hanging from a brass wire. All I can say is: NEED. 

Images: Celine

Autumn in Hyde Park

Coat - Flat-80, Scarf - A.P.C., Jumper (just seen) - Zara, Skirt - Vanessa Seward, Shoes - Valentino, Bag - Céline

A walk in Hyde Park led to an impromptu photoshoot. The autumnal atmosphere was too incredible not to capture. 

In these pictures you may notice how wrapped up I am. My bag-lady look was due to the winter flurry that imposed upon London this week (fortunately or unfortunatley depending on preference it is yet to snow). The coat is a purchase from last year that I was incredibly thankful for, and my trusty wool scarf by A.P.C. served my neck very well. 

On my feet are my Valentino Tango shoes. This summer I decided to replace them, due to their sizing. These are my 3rd pair. The first were too big, the second too small, and now finally just right. When worn with tights on such winters day makes for easy elegance.

Autumn/Winter key pieces

This is a selection of my current mindset, a compilation of items I own and wish to own for this autumn and winter (and probably the next and the one after that).

Blouse, jumper and sweater - Isabel Marant, Grey coat - Isabel Marant (a purchase from 2013), Culottes and denim mini skirt - Vanessa Seward, Navy dolly coat - A.P.C. (a purchase from 2014 but a seasonal regular), Ballerina's - A.P.C. x Porselli, Mid heel shoes- Valentino, Boots - Isabel Marant Etoile 

1.Isabel Marant Alba fil coupé blouse. I can imagine wearing this tucked into a denim skirt, and worn under my oversized Isabel Marant coat with the ruffle detail discreetly showing. 

2. Isabel Marant jumper. A oversized jumper is the ultimate essential for winter.

3. Isabel Marant sweater. Comfy, cozy and casual.

4. Isabel Marant grey 'Chester' coat. A purchase from 2013, which is still one of my favourites. It is oversized and exceptionally thermal.

5. Vanessa Seward culottes. Culottes have become one of my most loved pieces for all seasons, but are my favourite come autumn. Being slightly cropped (they 'should' be knee length but on my 5'3 stature are mid calf- which I do prefer) they show a bit of skin while keeping my legs nice and warm.

6. Vanessa Seward 'Austin' denim mini skirt. I love my raw denim mini skirt by A.P.C. so Vanessa Seward's a-line take on the classic is a perfect addition to my wardrobe.

7. A.P.C. navy dolly coat. This coat has been my go-to piece for the past two years, I couldn't imagine life without it.

8. A.P.C. x Porselli ballerina. The most comfortable shoes I have ever owned (which I must replace).

9. Valentino Tango Pumps. The mid heel and patent leather combination make these shoes effortlessly versatile. I wear mine on nights drinking wine and on strolls around the park.

10. Isabel Marant Dicker Boot. I already own a pair in khaki green, which are serving me very well. A pair in black suede would be a (VERY) welcome alternative. 

Isabel Marant Casablanca rings

Gold rings - Isabel Marant, Silver rings - Etsy

It feels as though I have been searching for a set of gold rings for so long. I have wanted them to be simple, but not just a plain gold band. I recently found this set by Isabel Marant, which has fulfilled my quest. They are delicate and perfect for stacking, featuring either a row of beads or split in half. The price was a pleasant surprise, only £45 for 5 rings (unfortunately as I have small fingers only 4 out of the set fit)! I would love another set for never-ending stacking.

Autumn outfit

Jumper - Zara, Culottes - Vanessa Seward, Shoes - Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Wool culottes paired with a ribbed knit make the perfect combination for autumnal days. I am also wearing my suede glove shoes, which I have dearly missed through summer. Sometimes I wish the temperature would remain at this level, where a hint of bare leg is still amenable (although I am quite excited for freezing weather and cozy layering). 

You may have noticed the new accessories around my apartment. The cushions are from IKEA, in stone white and pale teal. To incorporate the autumn mood I purchased some winter berries from my local florist. I may buy a new plant each week, to fully appreciate what the season brings.

Autumn mind

Simple plants, oversized sweaters, long hair, comfy coats, wood, leaves, colourless colour.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5 , 6, 8 & 9 

A.P.C. Autumn Winter 2016 wishlist

Is that.... COLOUR? Yes it certainly is!

1. Dark red blouse. For some reason dark red has been on my mind. I may be feeling festive or simply enjoy the colour with my skin tone. It gives the same a glow to the face as a red lip does.

2. Golden yellow blouse. This golden yellow blouse is almost neutral, the high neck is perfect for autumn.

3. Navy blouse. What more can one ask from a blouse? Navy (tick), high neck (tick), adorable button detail (tick).

4. Grey mini skirt. A basic for the colder months, with tights it can be worn with everything.

5. Porselli Ballerina's. I have had multiple pairs of these shoes and they have proven to be the most comfortable, so a replacement is imminent.

6. Chestnut brown suede heels. All summer I have been wearing my heeled wedge sandals by A.P.C., so I am in need of a winter alternative. These heels are equally as casual with their wooden heel and Mary-Jane style.

7. Beige socks. As the winter months elude, sandals become almost impossible to wear. These socks provide the perfect thermal qualities to enable feet exposing shoes to be worn.

Barbara Casasola Spring Summer 2017

It is unfortunate that summer is coming to a close, as Barabara Casasola’s Spring Summer 2017 collection would be a welcome installation to my wardrobe.

Sophisticated yet breezy, the collection was befitting for a placid summer’s day. The entirety of the collection was based on a neutral colour palette. Pristine whites, ivory, black and khaki were the surface of the show. The only exception of colour came from a rust red dress.

Dresses were subtly sexy, drooping necklines showed collarbones, while shoulder baring gowns discreetly revealed décolletage. The chest revealing vest tops were the epitome of basic day wear. The black mid length shirtdress and rippling mauve dress were on my list of favourites.

Hem’s made a focal point. Shredded, uneven or folded they contributed to the easy aura of the looks. Accessories were minimal: basic gold bands encased the upper forearms and the occasional wrist.  

The models wore gloves on their feet; the luxurious leather kind that mold to the foot. They were in black, white and nude, upon initial viewing/inspection the model was barefoot.

It is a good thing that her autumn/winter collection was just as enticing, perfect to fill the seasonal gap.

Instagram liked: Week 6

@maryam_nassir_zadeh, @jennn_park, @_oliviala_ 

I couldn't resist compiling my favourite Instagram shots of Maryam Nassir Zadeh's Spring Summer 2017 presentation. I do feel for the beautiful broken ceramics, but I would love to see a giant mosaic made from all of the fragments (it would serve as some form of apology to the poor plates and vases).

Welcome home

Welcome to my new home.  I have moved into my new apartment which is the reason for my lack of updates. It is difficult to update with only 4G as my internet source. However I do get wifi in the next two weeks, hurrah!! It has almost been cleansing without it, I feel I have been given back part of a morning routine I forgot I had. I can't see it lasting once wifi and I are reunited. Instagram almost serves as a cup of coffee some mornings.

I do love my new apartment, especially the window area. The wooden chairs by Eames are a special favourite of mine, I plan on spending a lot of time reading under the natural light from the windows. I like the area to show my outfits, it makes a nice change from being stood against a wall.