I have a friend of a friend who is going on an impromptu business trip to London, and needed a full travel wardrobe organsised at the click of her fingers...and of course I heeded the call. I love planning these things out, and am particularly delighted if there is no budget to heed, and this lovely woman wanted an excuse to spend money to upgrade her winter wardrobe. Now from all accounts it is freezing in London at the moment, and she decided that she wanted to play with winter neutrals, a la Chloe. She was also going to take her own jeans (she really has enough) and a few more evening dresses and a black clutch which she had waiting in her wardrobe but has never used. So I made up a long list which balanced out what she would need and while I hanged around her style and the business theme, I added in quite a few things which she would like but might not have usually worn. I expected her to pick a few things to borrow from the large selection. It appears that she isn't all that good at choosing. She had bought a really big suitcase, and in her defence it was a three week trip. She ended up buying most of it, and what she didn't buy here, she was going to buy when she got to London anyway.
Anyway, this is what I came up with. I found some of these items via
http://www.net-a-porter.com/, and the rest, I managed to find listed on there anyway, so you can take a good look! If you love the pieces, you can buy them yourself! I know I bought quite a few once I was done...My excuse was I would need them for my own trip to London in the near future...
Here is the item list:
Coats/Jackets:
By Marlene Birger
Parsler wool-blend trench coat in Black
£268.09
This is a very fine version of the classic trench. Everyone, and I mean every woman out there, should have at least one classic trench, and there is nothing boring about black. Smart, sophisticated and classic a trench is easy to dress up or down and will be the most useful item in your wardrobe. (I have owned a Marc Jacobs black trench for over three years and am still in love with it). If you don't have one, get one. End of story.
Alexander McQueen
Wool kimono cape
£1,612.77
I love this jacket and it's particularly flattering for people with an hourglass shape. Will spice up the simplest of outfits, especially when travelling or on business. Rest in peace Alexander McQueen dear legend.
Sonia Rykiel
Wool-felt coat dress
£910.64
Simple, elegant and effortless. Not to mention warm and the neutral colour is no-fuss and perfect for London.
Yves Saint Laurent Suede coat
£3,161.70
Ah. Beautiful. Simply gorgeous and so versatile. I am going to go and buy this coat myself. :)
Tops/Blouses:
Yves Saint Laurent Cascade-front silk-satin blouse
£804.26
This olive blouse is every successful business woman's friend. The fabric is devine, the style has a twist of different but doesn't go overboard.
Chloe Bead-embellished silk blouse
£1,395.74
This is a very fine garmet and there is so much you can do with it. Wear with jeans on a day out. Wear with a tailored suit for the office. Or a pretty skirt for dining out.
Alberta Ferretti Pleated silk-chiffon blouse
£663.83
Classic but not boring. No fuss, no muss.
Fendi
Belted silk-blend blouse
£451.06
Well Fendi, congratulations for pulling this off. Wear this blouse for days you want an unique look. The high neckline excuses showing off your legs with heels; preferably pumps. Biggest mistakes: a) wearing necklaces, b) wearing all nude/tan/light brown colours because you'll only look like a dreary camel. You must mix some colours.
Jumpers/Cardigans:
Alexander Wang
Alpaca cowl-neck sweater
£378.72
Everybody needs a comfortable, woollen sit-around-the-house like a couch potato jumper that can still be worn on the street and make you the queen of casual-chick. The length makes leggings a possibility and jeans a perfect match. But because it's loose and fairly long, avoid skirts and wear something that defines the shape of your lower half. I think I want it....
Stella McCartney
Cashmere-blend cardigan
£438.30
Cashmere. Neutral grey/brown. Simple style. Wear it however you bloody well want and it will look good. I promise. I couldn't resist this one myself...and if you are looking for a summer version, there is a lovely one that I bought from MaxMara recently.
Stella McCartney
Cashmere-blend sweater
£353.19
You can do anything with this, but it's particularly good with jeans.
Skirts:
Yves Saint Laurent
Wool pocket-detail skirt
£451.06
Here your curves are hugged and defined. The No. 1 tip here. Keep it simple.
Michael Kors
Angora and wool-blend A-line skirt
£791.49
In winter, everyone needs a good woollen skirt. This one gives us a welcome break from the classic high-waisted. I love the butten detail. For those who have a larger top half than bottom half, this is a fantastic skirt to balance things out.
Gucci
Felt zip skirt
£463.83
Everyone loves a piece of clothing that has no limitations. By this I mean how, when and what you can wear it with, NOT Paris Hilton's latest barely there party getup. Just so we're clear. But anyway, love it.
Pants:
Gucci Cashmere and wool-blend pants in beige
£336.17
Cashmere and wool-blend tailored pants are perfect for the office or a nice lunch. They have two main bon us features: they look good and they keep your bum warm.
Gucci Cashmere and wool-blend pants in black
£336.17
Day Dresses:
Chloe Leather-trimmed wool-felt shift dress
£1,114.89
This simple classic is made interesting and modern by the mix of fabrics and colours.
Jil Sander Checked wool dress
£1,029.79
Before you say eww, notice the lovely structure of the dress, and how perfect it would look with black stockings and a ood pair of boots or pumps. I am not usually a fan of tartan, but I like this one.
Temperley London Honey wool turtleneck dress
£336.17
Don't dismiss the jumper-dress. If you are worried about it looked dumpy, wear it with a high-waisted belt like the Temperly one I put in accessories below. It will add character, and best of all, you won't freeze to death for the sake of fashion, and you'll be comfortable, for it looks just as good with flat-heeled boots as it does with heels. Why not take advantage of tht while you can?
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/100110?cm_sp=we_recommend-_-100110-_-slot1
Shoes:
Chloe Leather lace-up boots
£697.87
I cannot even begin to tell you how IN LOVE I am with these boots. I have now officially earned my ticket to shoe heaven. I seem to lacking a thing called objectivity as far as these are concerned, and I am now limited to gushing incomprehensively. I am so buying these. Make of them what you will.
Yves Saint Laurent Gaby patent-leather pumps
£425.53
If you don't already have a pair of black, shiny pumps with a decent heel, then there is a serious problem. Pull out your credit card and fix it right now. These will be your loyal shoe slaves for many years to come if you care for them well.
Michael Kors Flat leather knee-high boots
£553.19
Not a day goes by that I don't wear my brown knee-high boots. They are so comfortable, long walk friendly and still very fashionable. If you don't have a pair you are either a fan of foot torture or you never wear shoes. Either way, these will change your life...I have, after all, re-soled mine 3 times.
Balmain Silk button-up boots
£723.40
Is there anyone else who wants to burst into tears for sheer devotion to these boots upon sight? Don't worry, you are not alone. I love these 19th century inspred boots....made of silk....mmmmm. Move over people! I think I hurt a few people on my rush to buy them. Sorry folks. Sometimes you've got to play a little mean.
Jimmy Choo Private patent-leather sandals
£456.52
As I said to my friend, she NEEDED these shoes. They go so perfectly with almost every outfit that can come out of this list. My only advice was to avoid wearing them in a London downpour or you'll hear the squidgeing of wet shoes and the pain of toe-frostbite.
Burberry Quilted leather ballerina flats
£191.49
Does anyone remember when ballet flats weren't something you saw on every woman in town? It wasn't too long ago, but they took the world by storm and are here to stay. If it's a long walk (or just long when wearing heels) from the train station to the office, no one will think less of you for wearing pretty flats and switching them at work. Halleluyah! I'm a big beleiver of investing in several pairs of classic Chanel flats, but I have no objections to a little variety.
Burberry Leather platform pumps
£276.60
Burberry knows how a to make a woman scream England, but these a in a league of their own. I invested in a pair myself. I think I need to admit it now. I have a shoe fetish. There, happy? Doesn't make these any more wonderful, though.
Bags:
Miu Miu Horn-strap suede tote
£723.40
Warning: carriors of this bag will give off an aura of super-sassy-ness.
Gucci GG Running suede tote
£1,225.53
Feminine and graceful, older women especially will be charmed.
Mulberry Oversized Alexa leather bag
£704.35
Young, casual, timeless and charismatic. As a proud owner of this bag myself, I find it is the one of the most useful and flattering bags you can buy. Admirers of Alexa Chung's style will be in love.
Accessories:
Stella McCartney Angora-blend fingerless gloves
£114.89
So beautiful....I found these and had to have a pair even though it's spring here...there's always later
Stella McCartney Striped cashmere and silk-blend scarf
£297.87
Accessory necessity. For similar items Burberry is also a good place to look.
Roberto Cavalli Stone-embellished brass ring
£195.74
The shell effect that is not recommended for the beach...
Temperley London Duchess leather corset belt
£208.51
A little attitude, some sophistication put it in the pot, stir three times and this is the result. The jumper dress I listed above is also here. See? Perfect. Combine with other tan accessories.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/95348
Evening party/matini event:
Donna Karan textured wool-organza lace dress
£1,561.70
So beautiful, so graceful, so sexy. The lacy LBD that will make everyone's mouths water. The women in jealosy, the men in lust.
Don't forget, if you have any questions, suggestions or crave some fashion advice, email me on
Off to start the day,
xxx
Queen of Diamonds
