THE STYLISH STUFF: A LITTLE DENIM NOSTALGIA

26th July 2016

Recently I stumbled upon an old picture of me circa 1977 (scroll right on down). In it I’m wearing my most favourite and well worn dungarees plus a t-shirt that had to literally be prised off me to wash. There I am lying on the ground next to my pet rabbit Lucy, and seeing those beloved clothes and my first pet brought on a wave of serious nostalgia and inspired this week’s post. It’s a period of time that many of you probably didn’t actually enjoy first hand but it’s been a source of much plundering by designers over the decades since. For the purposes of today’s post, I’m looking at faded denims, flares, dungarees, cropped off cuts, Mom jeans, culottes and of course, if you dare, the short-shorts. Not forgetting chambray denim shirts (thanks M&S for the ruffled collar beauty in this feature), knitted halter necks and some key branded t-shirts. There’s not much to say except enjoy my trip down memory lane…

Colourful patches on a denim jacket? Well why not. This one comes ready made via ASOS , worn with VANS Wolf Print Raglan Top and MISS SELFRIDGES denim shorts.

Yes the body is back. Poppers at the ready with this TOPSHOP Floral Appliquéd number in nude. Worn Prim and leg-lengthening with the the TOPSHOP Mom cut jean and LAURA WHITMORE X DAISY Plectrum Gold Drop Necklace.

The detail on this appliquéd body is really beautiful especially for the tender price of £26

Cropped, flared, deep blue denim. The IDA Ramona Culotte Pinafore is definitely on the lust list – as chic in summer with a bikini top or bohemian blouse as it is in winter layered over a polo neck.

100% Pure retro…meet the TOPSHOP Halter Crochet Bralet (I so had one of these) teamed with ASOS Super Wide leg jeans with tie waist and your learn-to-love footwear, the SWEDISH HASBEEN Braided Sky High Clogs

If all else fails meet the humble beauty of the chambray shirt. Gently fitted with a pretty ruffle-edged collar, it doesn’t get much better than this beauty from M&S . Team it with M&S ‘soon-to-be-a-sellout’ mustard culottes – uh ha, MUSTARD – it’s the colour love-child of the 70s and it is actually really flattering in a wide leg cut, (you’ll need a heel.)

If you’re tall enough and indeed brave enough to embrace full on flares, these are your go-tos from FREEPEOPLE in the softest, washed out blue. Teamed with FREEPEOPLE’s pretty jade bra top and voluminous white blouse – you’re Ibiza ready.

The Art of Zen? A sheer thru Bardot-esque, floral, off-the-shoulder top (M&S) and the most comfortable super-stretch skinny jeans (M&S). Just add plenty of turquoise jewellery.

A drawstring waist, a turn up – easy does it from WRANGLER. Teamed with MISS SELFRIDGE’s Grey Brooklyn Tigers Body. Sunglasses, GUESS.

Ok so this WILDFOX COCA COLA TEE FROM ASOS was my shoot purchase downfall. It cried out to be bought in memory of branded-tees past. Loose and scooping low on the armholes this can be layered over a crisp white vest or tee or thrown over a bikini top. Just add WILDFOX denim shorts for good measure. Wooden bangle JIGSAW.

THE STYLISH STUFF: BEAUTY NOTES

Make up artist Frances Prescott threw me a curve ball on this shoot, as a self-confessed loather of blue eyeshadow, well, you can see what happened. Once she started to apply the colour, it simply just worked with ShenYue’s eyes and skin tone. Not that I’ll be trying it at home myself, but for the purpose of this story I’m a convert.