Pleats and ladylike feet

If a 17 year old version of myself was told that one day she would be trading in her sky scrapper, foot crippling, platform heels for a pair of these Cos numbers she would have turned on her blistered heel in dismay. Flash forward many years (more than I want to admit to) and I've traded in my stilts for a more chic, and comfortable alternative. Ok, so I will admit I outgrew my leopard print, platform wedges along with that phase of clip in hair extensions (yes those statements are based on facts, please don't judge me). However, it was on a recent night out when I was wearing a pair of thin strap heels and suffering all kinds of new pain that I thought to myself why? Yes, they look good and yes they make me look like the tall, lovely version of myself that I long to be. But the pain was unbearable, so much so that I was taking interval breaks every 15 minutes just to sit down and give my poor feet a rest.

Enter my new grey suede shoes, the holy grail of comfort. In part we have Céline and Chanel to thank for this new trend blessing our feet. Like most other trends this ladylike style has trickled down from both luxury fashion houses. However, it was the brand Maryam Nassir Zadeh that first sparked my interest in converting to a pain free existence. I first spotted this brand through their Instagram page on the feet of one of my style icons, Scandinavian stylist Linn Hägglund. The Swedish beauty had on a pair of the brands most coveted heeled, ballet pumps with a pair of vintage Levis. The Scandis just get it, don't they? It is since then that I have been following the brand and have been more and more inspired by their creations. A pair of Maryam Nassir Zadeh shoes has taken position number one on my wish list, however for the time being I am very happy with my Cos decoys. And, look for once I haven’t chosen black. Baby steps. 

Back to the matter at hand, the outfit. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love tailoring. I had major wardrobe envy with my sister being the subject of the jealously when she recently invested in the most beautiful Theory blazer. However, I have found the perfect high street substitute from Mango, the quality is amazing. So much so that my sisters admitted how similar it was to her much more expensive Theory creation. Paired with H&M, kickflare trousers and Topshop boutique, finely pleated top completes my new found, pain free evening look. Looking to style these grey, suede babies with my own pair of Levi’s à la Linn Hägglund very soon.

No more blisters, no more sore toes stuffed into stilettos. Pain free and oh so stylish, apologies to my former self but me circa now is feeling much more comfortable and chic.  

All images - Erica Richardson 

The (Guilt Free) French Wardrobe

Fashion, it’s a fickle thing, two seasons and countless collections in-between. The pace that the industry moves at in today’s consumer society is speedy to say the least. Raf Simons, who until recently was the creative mind behind luxury, fashion powerhouse Dior, opened up about his own experience of the industry to Cathy Horyn for System magazine. Raf states:

“Everything is done in three weeks, maximum five. You have no incubation time for ideas, and incubation time is very important.” Business of Fashion, 2015 

The quote is a brief snippet that sums up the feeling of the article. I can only relate this to my own creative mind (not that mine is a patch on Mr Simons, of course) that sometimes moves at a glacier speed. However the end result, in my opinion is always worth the time it took. Doesn’t creativity need time to nurture and develop? I really recommend reading the whole article; it’s a very interesting piece.

Of course, the constant need for new trends, styles and products trickles down onto the high street fuelling this obsession with fast fashion. For instance, Zara has a continuous stream of new arrivals available on a daily basis. I’ll admit, I am guilty of getting caught up in the addictive nature of fast fashion. Buying something, wearing it once or twice and then it lies in drawer for the foreseeable future. But how sustainable is this?

I only really began to think about this when I was approached by Rêve En Vert, a French, luxury clothing website. Rêve En Vert’s ethos is very inspiring, focusing on quality, respect and longevity. The concept of sustainability is also extremely important to them in both the products they make and sell. Rêve En Vert only features designers who operate their businesses with respect for both people and the planet. The company also supports the Paris climate change summit, which took place late last year. You can learn more about this issue on Rêve En Vert’s website here.

I was lucky enough to receive one of Rêve En Vert's own organic, t-shirts from their R.E.V by Rêve En Vert collection.  Not only is it guilt free, this t-shirt is also beautifully made with the highest quality materials. This is an essential item for The French Wardrobe, wouldn’t you agree? I styled my tee with a lose pair of Cos trousers, an old (but still a favourite) Mango coat, the cosiest H&M jumper and my old faithful Adidas Superstars.

So, put down the credit card, step away from the Zara changing room. Thank you Rêve En Vert, guilt free fashion never looked so chic.

All images - Erica Richardson   

White shirts anonymous

Hello my name is Emma and I am a white shirt addict. Am I the only one who has the bad habit of buying multiple versions of the same item? I think I have adopted this habit from my lovely mother who owns a multitude of stripped, Breton t-shirts. Long sleeved, short sleeved, horizontal stripes, vertical stripes. Blue, white, red, yellow, pink. The list goes on. Honestly, there is not a Breton tee that the women doesn’t own. It’s a classic of course; well that’s how we justify it to ourselves.

For me it is a white shirt, I own countless. I am a serial offender in Cos. Every time I enter one of their stores I end up leaving with yet another one to add to the existing collection. I love the ease and simplicity that a classic white shirt can convey. This long number from H&M has been well lived in this year. With this outfit I have tried to mix up my usual uniform by tying this Uniqlo jumper around the waist. FYI these jumpers are amazing (I own 3 now) and are a great price point for the quality. Hint: buy a size down as they are from the menswear section. Teamed with a duster coat and a classic pair of docs this an easy autumn outfit with a cool edge. Bare legs optional.

White shirt H&M similar here  Duster coat & Other Stories  Grey jumper Uniqlo Mens  Pleated skirt Cos Black brogues Dr Marten Sunglasses Celine  

Channelling Phoebe

I feel like I've blinked and all of a sudden it's autumn, not that I’m complaining this is my favourite time of year. The winter coats are officially back! Anyone who knows me well will know how obsessed with Céline I am. I am always so inspired by the brand and I am a huge fan of everything that Phoebe Philo does. She has been able to inhale new life into the brand, which is now the epitome of Parisian girl cool. Philo has made Céline cool, effortless and sexy in a new understated way. Yes Philo did the unimaginable she made sliders sexy. Who else remembers that SS13 show?

So in an ode to the ultimate Céline girl I am channelling my inner Phoebe Philo in this post. A polo neck top, lose black trousers and a fresh pair of sneaks is the ultimate “Philo uniform”. You can’t go wrong with a pair of Céline sunglasses to complete the look.

Talking about obsessions, I love my new Madotta, marble phone cover. Another obsession of mine is anything marble. I choose this white style but I have got my eye on the black version too.

You may notice a difference in the quality of the shots in this post. I have been lucky enough to team up with Glasgow based photographer Erica Richardson from Eye on Style Photography. We had the best time shooting this day. It is so amazing to find someone to collaborate with who completely understands your vision.  I love these shots, it was so hard to pick which ones to use. Look out for more posts like this coming your way.

So basically you will find me living in a variation of the “ Philo uniform” this season. Am I Phoebe yet?

Coat Cos similar here Trousers H&M similar here  Jumper Cos Trainers Adidas Sunglasses Céline IPhone cover Madotta 

All images - Erica Richardson