Trends come and go, but to me a successful purchase is one that you love when you wear it years later and that goes with almost every one of your outfits. By this criteria, the best item I own is probably a camel wool blazer by & Other Stories which is single-breasted and has a boxy oversized fit, with defined shoulders. The trend for tailored blazers with big ’80-style shoulders started in spring summer 2017 thanks to the likes of Balenciaga and Céline, and has continued to be a fixture in recent collections. This was a birthday present three years ago, but it is one of & Other Stories’ staple items that they recreate every season, with only slight tweaks to the buttons and shade. This is consistently in the ‘most popular ...
We created What to Buy Now to bring you a concise edit every Monday of the items we really love—from the high street, designer labels, vintage gems you can buy online and even charity-shop treasures. We’re constantly scanning the most stylish online stores so you can feel safe in the knowledge that you won’t miss a thing. We know that your fashion requirements can vary massively from season to season, whether you’re looking for an immaculately tailored staple, an affordable sundress or the perfect pair of shoes. So not only will we cover all the bases, but as ardent believers in mindful consumption, we’ll make sure everything we include will look just as fresh in a year’s time as it does now. Of course, we’ll also bring you those piec...
Thanks to a bout of flu Maya Jama has turned off her video on Zoom. “Why bother doing a full hair and makeup look when I’m ill in bed?”, she says. I couldn’t agree more. Video Call Fatigue™ is very much a thing in 2020 and I’m all here for Jama admitting that she feels rubbish and would rather not turn on her camera. It’s this honesty that’s part of Jama’s charm—I hesitate to use the word relatable but that’s really the only way to describe her. If you’re not already in love with Jama, you’re probably the last person who isn’t. It might sound sycophantic but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Just go over to the TV and radio presenter’s Instagram page, click on any image and you’ll see plenty of people professing their love f...
I never thought I’d be writing about the predicament of what to wear to dine outdoors in the winter (because who does that?), but it’s our reality in 2020, so here I am to give you some advice. First and foremost, it’s up to each of us to decide what level of risk we’re comfortable taking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dining outdoors is indeed safer than dining indoors and depending what Tier you are in, many who are choosing to go to a restaurant are spending their weekends looking for restaurants with outdoor heaters. I, for one, have dined outdoors in the heat with flies swarming and in the rain this year, so I guess my next adventure is dining outside when it’s sub-zero temperatures. But it’s going to take a little preparation, so let...
It used to be shoes but now my shopping weakness is vases. Has Covid-era claustrophobia just morphed into a kind extreme nesting where only ceramics can comfort me? Am I now—gasp—old? Or do I just simply have enough shoes and need to move onto something with almost no limit on what’s an appropriate amount to own? It may well be a combination of the three, in addition to the fact that my footwear requirements have really been filtered down to comfy, comfier and comfiest: Flat boots, trainers and slippers are all in constant rotation. But either way, the vase obsession is real; I’m constantly repinning all sorts of pieces and I really don’t discriminate. Vintage, sculptural, minimalist, kitsch, and artsy styles are all littering my (privat...
After spending an inordinate amount of time at home this year, there’s absolutely no denying that we’ve all become a little more conscious of our spaces. I for one will be the first to admit I’ve become thoroughly obsessed with homeware, and as with most things, I have found myself turning to Instagram for inspiration. From chic sofas to quirky table lamps and coffee table books I’d love to thumb through, there is no shortage of Insta-worthy decor on the aesthetically-pleasing app, though recently the one item I’ve found myself drawn to has been candles. Historically, when talking about candle ‘trends’ we’ve often analysed the key scents for the season or chronicled up-and-coming brands which have gained our attenti...
As we make our way through the last days of crisp autumn into the depths winter, it’s become more and more clear that we’re traversing unprecedented times. IRL interactions are still limited, and even when they do occur, masks and face coverings keep us from taking in each other’s mugs the way we once could. Despite all of this, there are still some makeup trends that have taken hold that speak to the times and prove that fashion girls will continue to serve face, even if only over Zoom and Instagram. No surprises there—am I right? While the vampy wintery vibes of yesteryear aren’t quite as strong, the looks are still perfect for channeling the seasonal shift in style. From bold lip moments to chic eye shadow and even an unexpected remi...
Finding a great foundation that tackles every single one of your skin’s needs is no mean feat. In fact, many spend years on the hunt for the perfect formula. And the worst part is that sometimes, even when you have spent many moons testing and trialling different products, you might finally find the one, only for your skin to change its mind on it after a few months. Sadly, such makeup dramas are never more prominent than when we are dealing with skin ageing. As we get older, the stuff that our skin naturally produces to keep it looking plump, hydrated and radiant starts to diminish – and these signs commonly start to show once we hit our 40s. With decreased collagen and hyaluronic acid production, even those that spent the first few decades of their life with a flawless, d...
And the best bit is, the style is totally universal. “It’s become such a popular choice because it’s the most flattering style of manicure, no matter what shape or size your nail bed. When it’s done correctly, it elongates and compliments all nails,” Westmoreland says. And while it is best executed by a professional in a salon, with a bit of patience and practise, you can do it yourself at home, too. “Make sure you set enough time aside because it can be a bit fiddly. Be prepared to practice and spend time prepping the nail. If the prep isn’t right, your polish won’t be either,” she adds. Keen to give the micro mani a go for yourself? Keep scrolling for Westmoreland’s top tips. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should...
If there was one word that dominated the fashion landscape in 2020 it would have to be loungewear. The numbers don’t lie: According to Lyst’s ‘Year in Fashion’ report, searches for sweatpants went up 104% month-on-month throughout April, and cosy buys such as Nike joggers (a 213% spike year-on-year), Ugg slippers (201,000 average monthly searches) and Frankie Shop’s tank top dominated the ‘World’s Most Wanted’ top 10. Meanwhile, searches for co-ords increased 120% year-on-year. Phew, that’s a whole lotta loungewear. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It begins with giving you back power. Get to meet Beautiful people, chat and make...
Zara needs absolutely no introduction that’s for sure. From Instagram accounts honoring a trending Zara coat or spotty dress to being the Duchess of Cambridge‘s go-to for classic staples, Zara can do no wrong. But did you know that the high-street mega brand also owns a load of other different, but just as great, high-street labels? It might have passed you by as each of the sister brands has its own identity—distinctly different from the original, so you might not even realise they’re part of the same group. There’s Massimo Dutti, which is a more grown-up sort of label, offering chic separates such as cashmere cardigans and leather shirts. Uterqüe is the fashion-forward brand, which is the place to find brightly-coloured shirts and bol...
When it comes to finding the perfect Christmas gifts, things can easily become overwhelming with so much out there these days. Nailing down that thoughtful, luxurious and within-budget special something can be tough, so we’re here to help. We might not be experts in what to buy your little brother, but we can certainly say with authority we have a pretty good idea what fashion girls want. So, whether you’re currently curating your own list and in need of ideas, looking for something to treat yourself, or searching for the perfect gift for the designer-devotee in your life, trust us when we say you need to check out The Outnet this year. One of the fashion world’s insider secrets, their premium selection of designer brands at much more affordable prices makes it an ideal destinat...