Style Notes for September.
Type “Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen smoke break” into Pinterest and you'll basically get my vibe for September. Alternatively, I'll break it down for you below...
Usually I’m all about colour/pattern/print clashes.
Not sure if it’s the fact that I’ve just spent a few weeks in the South of France, or the strong September, back-to-school vibes in the air, but I’m finding that right now I’m drawn to classic, simple, monochrome and all-grown-up vibes.
All images are from Pinterest.
Key components I will be bringing together from the get go-
Waistcoat- any bloody excuse for a waistcoat and I’m there. I have a classic black velvet one that will work well.
Black Cocoons or Black Wide Legs. I also think the Black Jumpsuit will be worn a lot. I’m thinking strong shapes/silhouette, great fabrics in beautiful textures here.
A crisp white shirt.
Grey Knit. Well-worn works well.
Basic White Tee. I’m actually thinking the white Cropped Blouse or the Double Gauze Vest will work well to add texture.
Brogues. I like a chunky brogue and am a lover of black suede. Dr Martens are my go-to.
Ballet flat. Never really got on with the ballet flat in the past. I recently got this pair of flats from Ganni and they have just enough chunk that I think they’re going to get a lot of wear.
Fishnet socks/ black sheer socks. (My hands literally won’t let me type the word p*psock, but that’s the gist, isn’t it?)
Classic Blazer. I have a great secondhand MaxMara blazer which will work, or a vintage black velvet one which is big and oversized (great paired with the black velvet waistcoat and black cocoons.)
Great, natural hair. Mine is unruly at best and I leave it natural as much as possible. I plan to schedule in a good trim (toying with the idea of a big chop, we’ll see) and I recently bought this hair oil on holiday, so far I like it! To tame the frizz, I oil my hair at night and plait. I always secure with a small velvet scrunchie rather than a normal bobble. I might need to locate some black velvet scrunchies to finish this look off.
A left over tan/ summer glow- whilst it lasts! Then it’ll be topped up with the following…
Face. I don’t really do make up unless it’s a special occasion, here’s how I’ll top up my glow.
A spritz of Rose Water. This one is my absolute all time fave, I use multiple times a day.
Whilst face still damp, two pumps of Matis Hyalu Essence maggased in.
Whilst face still damp from previous step, 2-3 pumps of Beauty Pie Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Add moisturiser of your choice.
Body. I’m pretty lazy when it comes to tanning. If I feel I need a glow, here are my steps…
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Body Wash to clean and condition skin.
Aesop Rejuvenate Body Balm (smells absolutely incredible and lasts ages.)
Maybe once or twice a week, I’ll use a light layer of Bondi Sands Gradual Tanner. Always applied in the morning as I hate the idea of it on my bedsheets. This one is very subtle and dries quickly which is an absolute must for me.
Ok, so that was my initial moodboard and thoughts.
Then I fell down a few Pinterest rabbit holes which added a few side-thoughts to my September vibe…
I used to have a Tumblr (remember those days!) when I was about 17 and I’d say 60% of the photos I saved were of Mary Kate/Ashley Olsen huddled shivering at a back door somewhere in New York, having a smoke. In fact, if you type “Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen smoke break” into Pinterest (and minus the ciggies) that’s pretty much my September vibe right there.
All images are from Pinterest.
Rabbit hole number two led me to Sarah-Lin Tran (so f*cking cool- the hair, the trouser/boot combos) and all things Lemaire. I trawled through a few seasons, and lapped up the looks. Love that “menswear/womenswear” is shown together. I often take a lot of inspiration from what is traditionally “menswear”.
All images are from Pinterest.
I’ll come clean. The next rabbit hole all started with a recent Zara photoshoot (I know, I know, Zara is the antithesis of all things sustainable fashion) BUT this shoot introduced me to Angela Molina and let me tell you I am now fully obsessed with this woman. The long, natural hair, the grey streaks, the strong, direct expression, the wrinkles, yes, THE GLORIOUS WRINKLES, how I love to see them. She is 100% my new pin-up. (I feel there’s a whole article in me on why I adore seeing women over a certain age represented in marketing and looking their age.)
All images are from Pinterest.
That was the inspo.
Here’re the outfits I pulled together using what I already have in my wardrobe…
Cocoon Trousers - Stalf
Brogues - Dr Martens
Waistcoat - Albaray
Shell Jewellery - Smilla Brav
Wide Trousers - Stalf
Cropped Blouse - Stalf
Brogues - Dr Martens
Grey Knit - Me + Em
Jewellery - Smilla Brav
Sweatshirt Jumpsuit - Stalf
Vest Top - Everlane
Black Pumps - Flabelus
Linen Shirt - WNU
Earrings - Rachel Quinn
Cocoon Shorts - Stalf
Grey Knit - Me + Em
Shell Jewellery - Mia Larsson
Suede Boots - Dr Martens
Tulip Trousers - Stalf
Wrap Cardi - The Outnet
Brogues - Dr Martens
Jewellery - By Alona
I’m always inspired by new moods or a new sense of how I want to style my clothing each season. I’m also really conscious that I don’t want to buy pieces senselessly or without consideration.
Once I’ve got my inspo/moodboard (I’m constantly saving images over on my pinterest with details I love or combinations I’m inspired by) I do this little process-
1-Identify what key pieces I’d like to pull together to create the looks/mood I’m imagining in my head.
2- Shop your wardrobe. What do you already own that can be restyled/repurposed/given a new lease of life.
3- Shop secondhand. ESPECIALLY if you know exactly what you’re looking for and can skip trawling through listing after listing/ can set alerts for items.
4- Shop small. When times are hard, it’s appreciated all the more. Buy less, but buy from the small businesses you want to see thrive.