Stylonylon - UK Fashion Blog

London Zoo - First Time, First Date - iPhone Only

2013-05-19T18:19:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we took the little cookie to London Zoo – for the first time!

Needless to say it was packed with kids and their families, being a Saturday. But also, surprisingly (to me, at least) full of couples on what looked very much like first and second dates. Sweet, innocent delight in the tigers, pelicans, tapirs, giraffes, monkeys – kids and couples alike. Bad luck for me that my camera battery had run out and I was just left with my iPhone, which eventually ran out too and before I could try to capture the fabulous elegant gait of the giraffes. Let it be known, the enclosure are pretty big and it's entirely dependant on where the animals are as to whether you will catch a glimpse. Our second visit to the tigers we were rewarded with an intense devouring of a turkey – spell-binding – and from a distance we spotted a gorilla which felt pretty exciting. Anyway, here are some of my favourite shots rendered black and white before being without battery left me totally bereft, something not even another hot chocolate could fix. Fyi, the cafe's hot choc was real GOOD!

Outfit Post - Dungaree Elvis

2013-05-17T18:54:00.001+01:00

Consider the dungaree bandwagon officially jumped on...

I think when I wrote this piece last month (The Dungaree Trend - Thoughts on Wearability) I almost wanted to be proved wrong, to prove myself wrong. So when I discovered a £50 gift voucher in my Boohoo press day goodie bag I immediately got online to check out their denim dungaree offerings. These are a size 8, a nice fine denim (chambray?) with criss cross straps at the back (which I cannot manage to get straight) and just £25! Although I'm not loving my side profile in these, I have to admit up front they do look pretty cute. The gut reaction is to slip on a pair of flipflops and a hoodie (or is that just me?) but obviously, in terms of styling up, the thing to do is whip out a pair of heels and, in this case, a tailored jacket. I also love the holy trinity of blue denim, white and black – it never fails to work.

I am wearing Boohoo dungarees (which now seem to be sold out), Zara wedge courts and Topshop blazer (very similar here).

Marks & Spencer AW13 Press Day - An Edit

2013-05-17T08:49:00.002+01:00

It was pretty exciting to be invited to the press day for one of Britain's best-loved highstreet institutions...

And one that Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman (among a load of top fashion industry peeps) attended and tweeted "Definitely a good place to buy an autumn coat..." – in one fell swoop solving many a British woman's winter coat dilemma. M&S AW13 had already won me over, not only with their fabulously cut coats, but their chunky woollens and shoes too. The turn-around of Marks & Spencer under the helm of new style director Belinda Earl (former boss at Debenhams and Jaegar) is one of this week's big fashion news stories (this piece in the Telegraph is worth reading) and I, for one, am thrilled. Who doesn't have a soft spot for Marks & Spencer? For much of my generation it's where our mums would loyally shop for classic quality pieces, including a good winter coat! This collection also boasts better quality Chinese-sourced cashmere for cheaper and a Best of British collaboration with the British Fashion Council. So, for what it's worth, here's my pick of the AW13 collection (snapped on my iPhone), pieces I would genuinely like to see in my wardrobe. Tell me what you think! I should also mention that my first MANDSAW13 favourite pick tweet – the Best of British camel coat (RRP £299) – was also tweeted by disneyrollergirl as her hero piece!

New Shoes - Zara White Wedge Courts – Petite Proportions

2013-05-16T16:39:00.001+01:00

These white wonders have been on my mind for a while...

Too long, so much so I genuinely thought I'd missed the boat on them. But a spontaneous nip into the Oxford Circus Zara en route to the M&S AW13 press day resulted in a quick trying on and snapping them up. Ok, not so quick. I'm terrible when it comes to trying on. I will put on, take off, put on again, trying every angle in the mirror – getting ever-more concerned/pitying looks from the staff and other customers. The reason these took so long was because I'm beginning to realise I need to go up a shoe size at Zara. Well, actually, a half size would be ideal. I'm stuck in that no man's land between a size 38 (just a little too tight to be able to wear for longish periods of time) and a 39 (when I wonder am I crossing into little girl wearing her mum's heels territory? If I was taller, this would be less of a problem, but as a bonafide shortie everything has to fit exactly right. There's no room for playing around with proportions when you're petite.) So, after quite a bit of agonising – basically they look like different shoes in the two sizes – I went for the 39. Only time will tell if I made the right decision. For now, I'm still at the doting stage. And, they are available online (Zara White Wedge Court) – don't shriek too much at the price, m'ok?

A Festival Edit - Priory of Ten at Avenue 32

2013-05-15T23:43:00.000+01:00

It's impossible come the spring not to start thinking festivals...

Whether you're going to one or not (for the record, so far, I'm not) you just know you're going to be inundated with gorgeous photos of festival fabulous outfits. One of the reasons people get so annoyed with festival fashion is that it's become a bit of a cliche, there's a certain boho feathery style that people tend to go for, but, you know what, I like it. And with no apologies. Yes, there's room for fresh ideas, and those who push the boundaries will always get noticed, but I actually love the comfy fit of slipping into a part-rock-n'-roll part-hippy look that you can relax in and be ready for fun. The outfit I've put together is pretty much my dream look for any non-rainy summer festival. The only pinch is these gorgeous pieces from Avenue 32 (launched 2011, UK-based and voted second best online fashion retailer by Vogue) are on the pricey side – but hey, where else are you gonna play out your sartorial fantasies if not on a fashion blog? The key pieces of strong but subtle clothing with gorgeous detailing above belong to Priory of Ten, a design collective launched last year by New York based designer Mei Liu (previously a design assistant at 3.1 Phillip Lim) and childhood friends David Lin and Eunice Quan. The aim was to create beautiful minimalist staples – the monochrome a given although there is a single wine-coloured knit which I'm also lusting over – and to all intensive purposes this has been artfully achieved. Beautifully done.

1. Priory of Ten vest jacket 2. Little Doe short feather headdress 3. Priory of Ten Kain leggings 4. Maria Black monocle ring 5. Ancient Greek pink Ismene sandals 6. Priory of Ten Raek tank 7. 3.1 Phillip Lim mini Vendetta bag 8. Prism New York sunglasses 9. Hannah Martin spur pendant

Outfit Post - Any Old Daredevil Iron

2013-05-14T23:14:00.002+01:00

Nothing like a good old bit of corrugated iron for a backdrop...

More photos from the one sunny ever-so-gorgeous day in Skye; the light (just post-midday) was so lovely and soft in this corner. The outfit was an ever-so-easy one, the kind I might wear to my next musical festival (when will that be??) – a slightly too-short cotton top (it's a top, not a dress and something I usually wear over jeans) toughened up with a reliable duffle and favourite pair of ankle boots. That's the kind of uncomplicated way I wished I dressed most days. But somehow, I don't. It's kind of an irresponsible look in that if it's really cold the coat wouldn't be enough to keep you warm which is my main concern at any outdoor event. Adequate layerage (sorry, that's not even a word) on all parts is how I usually go about things. But the weather allowed for this daredevil approach and I enjoyed every minute of it!

I am wearing: Topshop duffle coat (old), white cotton blouse/top (old H&M), Sam Edelman Petty booties (in snake here), Hose tights.

Vintage Inspired Prom Dresses by London Label Fever Designs

2013-05-13T16:22:00.001+01:00

Nothing shouts sophisticated lady more than a statement print and an elegant silhouette...

And the vintage-inspired Fever Designs has this down to a fine art. Taking inspiration from flea markets and vintage stores all over the world – first designs were inspired by a pair of 1960s trousers found in LA and a 50s dress found in Milan – Fever Design has an impressive selection of retro styles for a variety of occasions (there's even a gorgeous Empire style wedding dress for £129.99). The site stocks everything from flared trousers to billowy 60s style tops, but because spring is finally with us and I'm in an occasion kind of mood I've chosen to put together a small garden party edit. Posher than a picnic but pre-cocktails – I'm in a Great Gatsby kinda mood needless to say! Obviously these aren't flapper style dresses, but what they are is another big trend for spring/summer '13 – the prom dress. And it's such an easy shortcut for putting together a fun but formal look. I've just bought myself a salmon-coloured short lacy prom dress which I'll be wearing with a boxy blazer and sky high Jeffrey Campbell Litas, but of course you can go much more conservative chic with this look pairing with a cropped cardigan (Fever Designs does a lovely cream one with 3/4 length sleeves) and sandal of the moment, the two strap. You can find all the dresses above and more at nice and friendly prices (between £70-90) online at Fever Designs and at their W1 store just near Oxford Street.

Watch On Video: Natalie Massenet's Talk At The Vogue Festival

2013-05-13T09:14:00.000+01:00

The one speaker I would have loved to have seen at the Vogue Festival was Net-a-Porter's Natalie Massenet...

Inspiring, successful and a tech visionary to boot, Natalie Massenet easily counts as a modern day idol for many in the world fashion and technology. Net-a-Porter goes from strength to strength and has paved the way for fashion online. During her talk Natalie takes us through a Powerpoint-style instagram diary of her life and career (nataporter_mystorysofar) and I'm loving the shots above, especially the one of her as a teenager in wide-brimmed hat (she notes on this that had she been a teenager today she'd have been a blogger, obvs). Anyway, Vogue has just released the festival talks and you can view Natalie's in its entirety below. A journalist, stylist, mother of two and a visionary entrepreneur – be inspired!

#WearYourSupport - Fashion Targets Breast Cancer 2013

2013-05-12T16:52:00.000+01:00

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is in its 17th year...

And for the 2013 mother-and-daughter themed campaign (fronted by Sharon & Kelly Osbourne and Pearl & Daisy Lowe) the charity has teamed up with a load of high street and online retailers to create a range of exclusive pieces covering all price brackets – Marks & Spencer, River Island, Warehouse, Topshop,my-wardrobe.com, Coast, Laura Ashley and Debenhams. My mother had early stages a few years ago, thankfully knocked on the head by a small operation and radiotherapy, but it was a tough and difficult time. Nothing is easier than wearing your support, snapping a pic and posting online. Do it! I bought this white LOVE tee by Topshop for £22 (30% is donated) in a S/M and am loving the oversized fit. I styled it with a pair of old Gap chinos and eBay-bargain Jeffrey Campbell Litas (yes, I succumbed to the pull of the 'ugly elephant shoe'!). Last night I wore it out to a birthday drinks and got a tonne of compliments – the little heart detail on the back caused quite a stir! You can shop the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer full range here. Tweet using #WearYourSupport and @FashionTargets and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Walnut Wood Sunglasses by Finlay & Co

2013-05-12T16:50:00.000+01:00

Wow, I can't take my eyes off these gorgeously crafted wooden sunnies by London brand Finlay & Co...

The grain and natural finish of this just released walnut model is just too delicious. A classic wayfarer style that jumps right out at you because of its (sustainably sourced) wooden frame. No wonder these are a favourite with various celebs and trendies (David Gandey, Henry Holland, Pixie Lott... and coincidently this guy in the bumblebee scarf I style snapped at LFW, though he must have had them momentarily tucked away). The range comes in two styles, the classic design above and the rounded style below. This walnut the perfect variant on my beloved tortoiseshell, my Raybans may well be prised from my hands this summer. Prices £105-£160.

Outfit Post - The Trees The Trees

2013-05-09T20:57:00.000+01:00

I must apologise for including a few out-of-focus photos...

It's really not in keeping with editorial standards now, is it? But I was a bit short on shots with this batch and, well, just look at the imposing detail of the trees. Leeway must be given for bloggers who take their own outfit posts 99% of the time, surely? ;) These photos were taken just after midday on the one sunny day we had in Skye. And on a day like this suddenly you realise why people choose to live on this magical faraway island. Think, it takes longer to travel from London to Skye than it does London to Portugal. And the most efficient journey always requires at least two hours in the car. But enough geeky travel chat. So, the outfit. It was eeked out of the few things I flung in the suitcase (including the Relax Garden customised skirt I wore to the wedding). The jumper is a brilliant old maternity one by Topshop (similar jumper here), cashmere scarf by Brora (similar coloured snood here), tights by Hose and booties are the Petty by Sam Edelman. But this post wasn't really about the outfit, was it?

Did I Mention Fashion App Pose?

2013-05-08T23:50:00.000+01:00

It's funny how some apps integrate so seamlessly into your digital life...

Since joining fashion app Pose at the beginning of the year (I can't even remember how I found out about it now!) it's got to the point where posting my outfit snaps has become as natural as tweeting, facebooking and pinning. And that's saying something when you consider the number of 'post your style' apps and websites out there. So why does Pose work so well for me? I think primarily, and this was what drew me in, is that it looks so good on screen (superficial, moi?). Although it works on your desktop, it's an app that has been designed for smartphones and tablets and boy, is it consumable. The sliding stream of amazing-looking stylistas from all over (though mainly the US) is eye-candy of the highest order – maybe it's because the quality of uploads seem so much better than other fashion apps. Brightly shot, in focus, perfectly styled looks, outfits and product shots in endless quantity make this a Pinterest-level experience.

I was lucky when I joined that the Pose team took a liking to me and featured some of my looks and my profile (follow me on Pose here!) which meant that I amassed a (now 5000-strong) following which, let's face it, always helps encourage your engagement and interaction. The interface is brilliantly simple to use and I love how on my iPhone and iPad I can upload photographs extremely quickly, tag and hashtag my outfit (the product database is the best I've come across). There are UK users but not as many as I'd like – certainly the fashion bloggers I know and/or follow tend to use other apps – but I'm hoping more will get on board and enjoy the fun. A recent update included a 'who wore it best' Style Stand-Off – quite addictive once you get going.

Pose works on both iPhones and Android – if you need to get your hands on a new phone check out www.dialaphone.co.uk where they can talk you through a range of contracts and pay-as-you-go phones with Vodaphone, Orange, O2 and T mobile. I've been on contract with Orange for absolutely ages with no complaints (apart from their high international roaming charges) and am currently using an iPhone 4s. Although I must admit, I've been eyeing up the new Blackberry Q10 quite a bit... I mourn BBM often and the camera (you know, the clever motion capture in the ads) looks fantastic!

Introducing... London Scarf Designer Tamara Tobias

2013-05-08T21:00:00.000+01:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a sucker for a beautiful scarf...

So when these gorgeous designs by Tamara Tobias landed in my inbox, I just had to share them. A Central Saint Martins graduate, the London-born and based Tamara Fowler studied Fashion Design Womenswear before working for Betty Jackson and Clements Ribeiro in London, Zac Posen in New York and then in retail as a visual merchandiser. Capitalising on her love of design and experience in retail, Tamara has spent the last eight months finalising six scarf designs for her eponymous label which launches this week – the website has only just gone live! I think the flower-inspired digitally printed scarves are completely divine and the six designs – I've picked out my three favourites below (I love how each has slightly different dimensions) – range from silk & wool mixes to cashmere & modal mixes and 100% silk. Prices from £60-£120. See the rest of the designs on tamaratobias.com and follow Tamara on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Outfit Post - Florals + A Splash of Blue

2013-05-07T22:12:00.000+01:00

I know you've seen these floral trousers a lot lately...

But it kind of makes sense because their wearability factor is high: a) they are super comfortable b) they always get compliments and c) they only cost £20! Which is a such a bargain. So much so I wanted to buy them in green and yellow but they're out of my size. Wail. They have also been an incredible sartorial revelation for me – I've never worn floral print trews before (skirts, yes, dresses, yes) and I've been absolutely blown away by what a strong look they are. Don't you agree? Anyway, this post – the photos were taken on our recent holiday in Portugal – is a submission for IFB's latest weekly project #94: The Natural Influence. Floral trousers by Boohoo and top by American Vintage (similar here).

Just a Little Sneak Preview

2013-05-07T15:12:00.001+01:00

I spent a lovely afternoon last week being photographed and interviewed by two fabulous ladies...

Jewellery designer Kirt Holmes and archeologist/anthropologist Rebecca King – for an exciting new project they're working on. I can't say any more just now, but as soon as it goes live I'll be able to share. Photo by Ms Kirt Holmes.

Introducing... Jewellery Delights From Charmnest

2013-05-07T11:07:00.000+01:00

Building a decent jewellery collection can be expensive...

Which is why it's kind of a relief to discover you can still get good-looking pieces of jewellery for extremely reasonable prices. Charmnest is a just launched online jewellery boutique by former communications freelancer Greta Jonynaite. Having left the hustle and bustle of London and big PR agencies for a quieter life in Dunstable, the accessory-loving Greta decided there was a market for high street fashion jewellery at mid-market (I'd say incredibly low, actually!) prices. And thus CharmNest was born. Sourcing each of her pieces in small quantities from independent dealers in Hong Kong, Greta has priced everything under a tenner – no complaints there! I love the bright statement necklaces and animal-inspired rings and earrings (I will definitely be splashing out on the £2 cat ear ring!) and what's more you can get 20% off til the end of the month with discount code blogger20. Follow Charmnest on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

#BoohooAW13 Press Day

2013-05-05T17:46:00.001+01:00

Last week I popped along to the Rook & Raven gallery just off Oxford Street where blogger favourite Boohoo was holding their AW13 press day...

It was a lovely space and the rails of clothes were nicely spaced out with lots of exciting extras – a nail station by Lyttle Minx, a photo-shoot set-up with, a grid display of all the fun snaps (gutted I didn't have time to have mine done), rails of festival-inspired current season and a well-stocked bar. On top of which I bumped into a couple of my favourite fashion bloggers, so little wonder I wished I could have schmoozed a little longer. Anyway, here are some iPhone snaps of my favourite pieces.

The three trends on display were sports chic – the palette was predominantly blue, white and black; English countryside – this isn't worded exactly right (apologies!) but contained tweedy jumpers, shearling and denim; and rebel – lots of tartan and studs, plus a very sumptuous and brocaded new Boutique collection with a gorgeous print chiffon blouse and grey faux-fox fur (see below). The jumpsuit was also heavily present in various fabrics and prints. You heard it here!

Outfit Post - Sexy 70 + Lux Soft

2013-05-02T08:00:00.000+01:00

I've been trying to wean myself off digital photographic filters...

But this Totally Rad Photoshop plugin filter combo of Sexy 70 and Lux Soft gave these too sharp and bright images the perfect faded retro look, don't ya think? I won't talk you through the outfit, you can find the deets in yesterday's #OOTD post. This is a scheduled post and as you read this we are making our up way up to the Scottish Highlands for a few days. Can't wait to get some lovely shots. Stay tuned...

Outfit Post - #OOTD

2013-05-02T07:00:00.000+01:00

It's not often I have two press day events and a book launch all in the same day...

And I couldn't resist slipping into my new Dahlia top (bought for a wedding at the weekend, I'm guessing you may have already seen) and teaming with a boxy blaze c/o Next, petite supersoft skinnies c/o New Look, super comfy Ash Jalouse ankle boots and old Ally Capellino bucket bag. This outfit will allow for charging about without hindrance as I inevitably lose my way – I never check the exact address, always rely on Google Maps; everything's so close in town, how difficult can it be? – and predictably get in a flap and make my way the wrong way a few times before I hit the jackpot. Wish me luck!

Outfit Post - Weekend Wedding

2013-05-01T19:52:00.000+01:00

Well, I couldn't plan the outfit without snapping a few photos now, could I...?

I'm really pleased with how this outfit has come together, especially as at the beginning of the week I had no idea what I was going to wear to the Skye wedding we are going to – which is a bit crazy for me (I am an Advance Planner). The Dahlia top has completely won me over, a lovely surprise as it's not in my safe zone. I usually shy away from collars because I think they make me look like I have turtleneck, but it's not too bad here. The crochet and mesh are just gorgeous and the pouffy shoulders and see-through arms really take this blouse to the next level. I feel proud to wear it! As mentioned in my outfit planning post the bag, belt and ring are vintage, the skirt (was a dress) is from east London boutique Relax Garden and the shoes are a fabulous pair of old season faux snake heels by Ash – so comfy! I'm hoping to get a few shots on location in Skye and at the wedding, but with a baby in tow and photograph-taking-hating husband it's not a sure thing... ;)

Outfit Planning - Antique Haze

2013-05-01T18:13:00.000+01:00

So excited! My Dahlia crochet and mesh collar blouse, a first purchase from the London-based brand arrived today...

I ordered it to wear to a wedding we are going to this weekend on the beautiful Isle of Skye. It's exciting because this is the first new wedding outfit I've put together in ages. I've relied on the same two (gorgeous) vintage dresses for every wedding we've been to in the last five years – including my own! So this is feeling pretty fresh. The top was a real punt, as it is a size 8 and I'd normally go for a size 6 if possible but, having just shot some outfit photos, I think it looks just fine. You'll have to tell me what you think. The bag, belt and ring are vintage, the skirt was once a dress – I hacked off the top part – from amazing east London bijoux boutique Relax Garden, and the shoes are an extremely comfortable pair by Ash which I've had stored away for a while and just re-discovered the other day. I love how all these pieces have come together in a lovely antique-coloured haze. The blouse came in a lovely tissue wrapped parcel with a sweet (?) little skeleton bracelet. You can buy the Dahlia blouse here.

#NextGuestBlogger - My Final Outfit Post - Metallics

2013-05-01T12:55:00.002+01:00

My third and final guest outfit post for the Next blog...
This is such a perfect outfit for me and a look you will find me wearing variations of on many occasions. A classic blazer in black – you can never have too many! I already have three, and each one I favour for the slight differences in length, cut and detailing. This one by Next I love for its boyfriend boxiness and it ticks all the boxes for the perfect everyday spring blazer. I like to roll the cuffs for a bit of Miami beach coolness! The relaxed skinnies in a mid-wash are another wardrobe staple you can't have too many of, and these are a great fit, extremely comfortable and not too tight on the waist or thighs. And now to the exciting bit – the accessories. Metallics are almost a perennial trend but the micro-trend twist here is the holographic finsh of the clutch and the two-tone silver and white ankle-strapped heels. I love teaming denim with white or silver and this outfit has just the right amount of classic chic and edge for me. What do you think? Is this a look you would wear? How do you style metallics?

See this post on the Next blog, and see outfit posts one and two.

I am wearing a petite black jacket, petite vintage relaxed skinny jeans, holographic clutch and silver white shoes.

Video Highlights From The Vogue Festival Weekend 2013

2013-04-30T17:33:00.002+01:00

I was totally gutted not to have been in the UK for the Vogue Festival at Southbank...
But here are some highlights from you to enjoy including the now-famous moment when Natalie Massenet thanks Alexandra Shulman for not giving her a job at Vogue, Cara D on her modelling career blowing up, Anna dello Russo on being photographed, David Gandey on when he was fat, Alexa Chung asking Paul Smith how he would dress the queen and Donatella on the only time she wears flats.

Outfit Post - The Barbour Borrower

2013-04-30T12:40:00.002+01:00

Despite the sunny days, the Algarvian evenings can be quite cool...
And the day these photographs were taken was particularly blustery, requiring a little extra cover-up. I found this beauty on mummy Stylonylon's rails. A gorgeous limited edition Barbour with floral lining. I remember my not-much-loved navy Barbour from school and it's nice to put an adult spin on the style. Obviously, the British brand has been big at festivals the last few years and many a hipster can be spotted sporting old and new styles in and around east London. Anyway, here's my take – straight up with blue jeans, a thrifted summery top and my trusty slim Havaianas. Apologies for the scruffier-than-usual hair – sun lotion made its way in. Do you wear a Barbour? If so, how do you like to wear it?

I am wearing: petite skinny jeans by Next, thrifted dress, classic Barbour jacket (similar here), Havaianas flip-flops

An Edit of New Look's Denim Jackets

2013-04-29T17:46:00.001+01:00

I didn't intend for the blog to be swamped by denim this week...

But some things you just have to roll with. It started with boyfriend jeans, then the wearability of dungarees and now we've arrived at (quite logically, don't you think?) the denim jacket. I'm taking a look at New Look's denim jackets – New Look is this year's partner for the Company Style Blog Awards btw – for which I've been shortlisted, please do vote for me here! New Look is a great buy – since trialling a selection of petite pieces I am a complete convert, especially to their lightweight skinny jeans which are so perfect for summer (recent outfit post here). For those of you unfamiliar, New Look is extremely reasonably priced and they manage to hit just the right note combining what's in with high wearability – not so beyond trend it's a once-only wear. And I've absolutely no issues with the quality. The jeans I've put through the wash quite a few times now and they're coming up just fine.

So, the denim jackets. I must admit I haven't worn one for a long time. It's not that I don't adore the look of denim jackets, it's more that I'm not so sure what to wear them with. My first instinct is to team with a bright print – either maxi dress or skirt which immediately gives a lovely boho feel. Less obvious to me would be a smarter look with a pair of tailored trousers, perhaps slim chinos with a rolled-up cuff. Most intimidating would be to pair with jeans. I think the key to double denim is to make sure you've not only got two quite distinct shades of denim but two differing fabrics. So a light chambray shirt, for example, paired with a stiffer dark denim. I must admit, I've got a slight obsession going with pale denim at the moment (it's a spring thing, for sure) and I love the so-faded-it's-almost-white look of the one, top left, above – the rose-gold coloured buttons contrast wonderfully. A little detailing, like the Aztec print panelling, takes the look in a different direction; this style would look great with a white dress and for a much primmer look, there's always pastels. (Not my style really, but still nice to look at.) My last pick is the petite, as the small among us know, fit is everything when it comes to jackets. All of the above are each under £30. No complaints there. Shop the New Look denim jacket range.