Fashion: The Holiday Edit

Working title: Fashion items I bought or was gifted on my recent holiday to UK.

OK, this post isn’t really all that ‘Cutting Edge fashiony’, but when I was putting it together, that working title didn’t sound as catchy as it might, but that is really what this is about.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a marketers dream. I’m totally seduced by those fashion lay-outs you see in magazines and on Pinterest. They are always titled something along the lines of ‘The Holiday Edit’. I used to look at this sort of thing a lot for work when I was in the fashion industry, but for the last few years they failed to pique my curiosity. I thought I’d just lost interest, but I think it was just having time off, as more recently I seem to have found it again. Pinterest seems to be the main culprit. These images have managed to seduce me and leave me longing for a stylish life I don’t really have. But hang on . . . . going through my Style Inspiration board on Pinterest the other day, I realised that the styles I’m pinning are more often than not, surprisingly similar to things I already have in my wardrobe. So then I got to thinking about how the seduction happens, and why the longing when I’ve already got stuff. I think I have it. It’s all in the presentation.

I was really lucky to come away from my recent trip the proud owner of an armful of fashion goodies, so I thought I’d make myself love them even more by presenting them to myself through the medium of a ‘Fashion Edit’. I’m so gullible! It worked on me – how about you? I’m particularly interested to find out if my sister wants her stuff back now! She can’t have it.

Leather Moto Jacket, Allsaints – I’m in love with this UK brand. It’s an investment purchase. I bought a leather jacket there about 10 years ago and have worn it to death.

Wolf T-shirt, Allsaints – Deja-vu. I bought a dark owl print T there around 4 years ago and it’s still my go-to piece for casual/cool going out.

Grey stars T-shirt – Gap They had a huge sale on and I thought I ought to get something. It’s very me – looks like I’ve had it forever.

Grey distressed jeans, Allsaints – I asked the sales assistant to find me something to wear with the jacket when I was trying it on in the store (I was wearing a batwing denim dress – couldn’t get the jacket on). She gets full marks for up-selling. The jeans and plain white T looked great with the jacket and Mr.B said to get the lot. White T didn’t make it though – too expensive for a basic.

Striped jersey skirt, Great Plains hand-me-down from my sister – she said it was slightly the wrong length for her. I’ve never really worn anything like that, but it looked good when I tried it on and the stripes sold it.

Grey slouchy pants, Gap hand-me-down from my sister – she said she loved them, but never wore them. Apparently everyone’s wearing them in UK – I didn’t see one person in them when I was there, except me, in the mirror. I wore them out one evening with a high wedge and a casual T and they did look very nice I must say.

Boyfriend jeans, Gap hand-me-down from my sister – No idea why she’s given these up. She claims they are the wrong shape for her – can you see the extra button she sewed on at the waist? Funnily enough I have no need for the extra button, and they have become my everyday jeans of choice.

Cross-back apron, Bailey’s Home Stores – This was a belated birthday present from my sister (hand-me-downs weren’t enough apparently). I have been looking for an apron like this since seeing one on Pinterest. I even downloaded a pattern and didn’t get around to making it. I wore the apron for the first time when I was having people round to dinner, and my particularly stylish young friend thought it was part of my outfit and loved it! Very pleased. The store where we bought it is divine – and that’s another whole story.

Oversize metallic clutch, Paperchase – This was a belated birthday present from my other sister. Nice and simple with a bit of glam, and big enough to fit everything in. You can even fit an ipad in there. Now, just to get my hands on an ipad . . . .

Knotted string bag, Bailey’s Home Stores – Another belated birthday present from metallic-clutch sister. That store was so fabulous I wanted to take home everything, but I chose this funny little bag. It’s going to be lovely with the summer outfits I’m dreaming of. Brilliant for the beach I think.

Henkeeping, by Jane Eastoe (not really a fashion item) – It’s subtitled Inspiration and practical advice for would-be smallholders. Couldn’t really leave the shop without it now, could I? I bought it in the most adorable bookshop, Richard Booth’s bookshop, in Hay-on-Wye, full of titles like this, and a lovely café for lunch too. I highly recommend a visit should you find yourself in Hay-on-Wye for any reason.