The Style Edit: Playful Twists To Add To Your Outfits + Corporate Dressing Thoughts
High-street animal print that actually looks good, a Ròhe edit and a MERIT makeup run through...
I’m feeling in a fun mood this week, so today’s wishlist is all about those pieces that add that sprinkle into your outfits. Bored no more! Here’s a selection to jazz up a plain ol’ white T-shirt and your favourite pair of jeans. Behind on your TWE reading? No sweat. A quick read of last week’s outfit diary will have you armed with silky cream short outfit formulas by the bucketload. And never sweat gift-giving ever again - here are 40+ present ideas that your friends and family will actually want and use. Ok, onto the unlocked wishlist…
& Other Stories Cow Print Loafers* - We just need more funky shoes in our lives. They simply are the easiest way to turn jeans and a T-shirt into something. Now I’m a sucker for animal print, so these appealed to me (plus, they feel like the far more affordable version of the Tibi Herbert Loafers* that look ridiculously fun).
By Malene Birger Letita Wide-Leg Trousers* - It’s pretty hard to find trousers with interest, unless you go down the vintage route. Everything in the category is pretty flat and samey these days, so I did a genuine gasp when I stumbled across the selection at Malene Birger. Brown and patterned? I’m in! But these trousers that look like joggers*! Fringed flares*! Snot green silk*! Extremely playful and pairable with any baby white tee you already own.
Parker Thatch Jack Bag in Leopard* - And now I welcome you to the animal print bag section of today’s newsletter. Whenever I wear my vintage YSL (sourced via The Hosta), I am *always* asked about it, so I’ve cobbled together some alternatives that you’ll want to grab next time your outfit needs some oomph. I found this one via Sogole’s newsletter (a MUST follow in my books) and instantly swooned.
Liffner Pillow Pouch Micro in Leopard* - I KEEP seeing this teeny tiny little bag cropping up everywhere. First in Natalia’s post, then Anika mentioned it, and I guess I’m next because I'm just a sucker for a deep, rich ponyhair print. It would be too small for daily use for me, but a nice option for the evening, and apparently, it’s coming back in stock this autumn, so it will be back soon.
& Other Stories Cow Print* & Zebra Print Tote* - Oh, you thought I was done with animal print bags?! I can keep going, honey. This is the style of bag that I have in leopard print, but now in cow print and zebra, and I have to say I’d struggle to pick a favourite here. Both warm-toned, which gets a big tick from me, and roomier than you’d think.
& Other Stories Long-Sleeve Jersey Top* - If you, too, are swimming in a sea of plain white T-shirts, could this be something to shake up your rotation for autumn?
Róhe* are very much the style Substack darling du jour right now, and it’s with good reason. They certainly aren’t on the high-street side of pricing, but nor are they up there with The Row’s of the world. They feel very Toteme-adjacent, but perhaps a little more pushed in terms of design, and I’m always happy to see that their offering is mostly, 100% natural fibres - rich silks, cashmeres and wools. It makes sense. It was hard to narrow down an edit, but even if you just browse their website for styling tips, it’s well worth a peruse:
Foulard Silk Top* - A silky little number to do that whole day-to-night thing once the cooler weather kicks in.
Relaxed Corduroy Trousers in Rosso* - These have me contemplating if there’s a spot for a bright red pair of trousers in my wardrobe. I KNOW.
V-Neck Knitted Jumper* - If you liked my DONNI Red Cashmere Jumper* from last year but always wanted something richer, then this is for you.
Relaxed Corduroy Trousers in Sage* - The same trousers as above, but in sage. SWOON.
A paid sub perk is that you’re able to start threads in what is one of the busiest and arguably most helpful community chats here on Substack. I try to drop in where I can, but sometimes a request comes through like the above that needs a little more explanation, so here you are, Siobhan. If I were to buy a pair of leopard print flats right now, here’s what I’d be contemplating…
…and another one! I personally love MERIT*, pretty much across the board (although I’d pick their makeup over their skincare, and I’m not the biggest fan of their fragrance, it’s too heady and strong for me). And I feel you, I don’t have a counter near me either, so here are some of my favourites and how I apply them.
MERIT Signature Lipstick in Aperitif (limited edition), Vermillion & Ginger*
OH MY GOD HOW DID I FORGET THE UNIFORM*!? I wear the shade 24 and I really like it as an everyday, sheer, skin-like base.
For paid subs, there’s a real treat today. You know that corporate dressing post I’ve been going on about? You’ll find a decent chunk of it here for reasons I go into below the paywall, along with plenty of style morsels for you to snack on. Like the four colours to reach for next time you need an easy outfit, and the best Copenhagen Fashion Week write-ups I’ve found with helpful personal style takeaways.
…and also just a note that there’ll be a small price increase in subscriptions in September, so if you want to lock in the current price (£5 a month/£50 for the year - the best deal where you get 2 months free!), then now is your time. It’s the best way to support my work on Substack, which is my favourite place to pour time into. Current paid subs, no need to worry, you’re grandfathered in to the current pricing tier till the end of time. All good and thank you!