Theresa May x Mirta Bijoux

Theresa May knows how to make a statement, and when it comes to fashion, the biggest of all is her Balls necklace from Mirta Bijoux.

I first saw May's Mirta necklace when she strode up Downing Street to the Cameron Administrations's first cabinet meeting after Brexit. Paired perfectly with an Amanda Wakeley sky blue coat and navy shift and leopard print kitten heels, May was at this point the leading contender in the Conservative party leadership race- and her confidence showed.

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Fast forward a few weeks, and Theresa May wore the necklace on her first series of visits with European leaders. She wore it to greet Aung San Suu Kyi on her visit to Downing Street and the necklace was pictured in the powerful photos on the cover of her first sit down feature interview with the Sunday Times. It seems that the PM turns to this striking necklace for some of her most important duties- perhaps it is her power piece?

Mirta Bijoux was founded in 2013 on the heels of the enthusiasm, creativity and experience of Mirta Frosini who in 1998, founded Mirta Fashion Accessories.

Mirta's creations are dedicated to an audience who chooses quality and innovation. As the brand itself says, "Our accessory is the wearer: her passions, her creativity and her joy."

Based in Italy, the company creates all its products in the country, using nickel free materials and non-toxic colours. The company currently produces more than twenty jewellery lines as well as a small collection of Pochette bags.

Thanks to Theresa May, the Balls collection is Mirta's most famous line. An explosion of colour, the necklace is threaded on a strong and completely flexible elastic, with the signature Mirta M charm affixed to the back. Available in more than sixty different colours, the Balls line also features matching bracelets, earrings and rings. Theresa May sports a classic navy necklace, and we have yet to see her wear the matching items.

Mirta 

Big and bold necklaces certainly seem to be a passion of the Prime Minister's. From a silver oversized chain to a long black oval design, May has a sharp eye for quirky accessories. The Mirta Balls necklace is my favourite that the Prime Minister wears, and now the proud owner of one myself, I can attest that it is a great conversation starter!

Much like her shoes, Theresa May shows her personality through her carefully chosen accessories. Mirta Bijoux is one of her staples and demonstrates May's sharp sartorial eye for what works. Paired with a higher neckline and subtle shades of blue, the Mirta Bijoux necklace really is the ultimate style statement.

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Mindful Beauty: How to look and feel great in every season

We all need a bit of mindfulness in this hectic holiday season. Extra Christmas shopping, food prep panic and keeping friends and family happy all takes its toll. If you need a bit of calm then I recommend checking out Estelle Lefébure's new book, Mindful Beauty.

In this book, fifty-year-old model Estelle Lefébure divulges how they really maintain their fantastic natural looks. Her positive outlook inspires, and she offers a simple, enjoyable path to well-being and looking fabulous forever. Her holistic and mindful philosophy encompasses step-by-step fitness, wellness, nutrition, and natural beauty practices for every season.

And this book isn't just relevant for the December festive season. In the springtime, invigorate dry skin with a DIY body scrub while toning-up for outdoor activities. Go green once a week with a vegetable stock detox. When summer arrives, protect skin and hair with nourishing homemade masks. A glorious Indian summer is the perfect time to think about transformations; slow down and try out her massage techniques. Once autumn settles in, focus on breathing—sip Provence-inspired infusions of sunbaked thyme to open up your airways. Each chapter offers tips for beauty, nutrition, and fitness activities as well as natural remedies and gluten-free recipes from top French chefs to guide you throughout the year. I'm looking forward to trying out the water infusions, veggie curry and sweet snowballs!

Make sure you pop a copy of Mindful Beauty into your basket whilst you're doing the Christmas shopping!

Thanks to Flammarion for sending me a copy of Mindful Beauty to check out. 

Theresa May and Paule Ka

Theresa May knows the benefit of a good, tailored piece. From a navy nipped in suit, to a subtle shift with a not so demure back zipper, sharp tailoring is a staple feature of her wardrobe.

The Parisian brand Paule Ka is helping the PM to achieve this super chic look. Created in 1987 by Serge Cajfinger, the French ready-to-wear brand takes its inspiration from the grace and elegance of 50s and 60s style icons including Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Geometric, sophisticated detailing is dominant through Paule Ka's pieces, and the brand champions the 'classic with a twist' look which May has spotlighted for many years.

One of May's most recent Paule Ka pieces was the awesome black tunic and trousers she wore to the Conservative Party Conference. Elegant in its tailoring and construction of stretch technical fabric, May took the look one step further, accessorising with a canary yellow utilitarian ottoman belt. Echoing Paule Ka's bold ethos, May chose the Charlize silver capped black suede loafers from Russell & Bromley for her first Conference new shoe debut. The edgy look did divide opinion amongst many fashionistas, but my favourite comparison was that May looked like a superhero. Saving political style one step at a time!

Our new favorite photo of the PM! Loving the @PauleKaofficiel tunic and @randbprgirl leopard Frame pumps! #Repost @maidenheadadvertiser with @repostapp ・・・ Today the Prime Minister Theresa May visited Furze Platt Senior School, Maidenhead, to answer questions from the school's debating club.  Photo: Ian Longthorne (@iansnapper) #maidenhead #maidenheadadvertiser #primeminister #theresamay #theresa #may #pm #mp #debate #debatingteam #questions #questiontime #portrait #smile #photography #photo #furzeplattschool #school #lesson #students #pupils #number10 #10 #no10 #government #politics #conservative #tory

A photo posted by Theresa May Style (@theresamaystyle) on Nov 4, 2016 at 3:59pm PDT

May debuted another new Paule Ka piece at the Conference, selecting the violet Three Tone Dress in technical ottoman and matching Spencer jacket for television appearances and keynote speech prep. It's true blue, and classically elegant thanks to the jacket's back bow detailing. Perhaps one of the PM's favourite new pieces, the outfit made a reappearance on May's recent trip to Spain and to welcome the Columbian President.

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So why might May love Paule Ka? We know she understands the power of a perfectly constructed skirt or trouser suit, but she also likes to have fun with her tailoring. The black and yellow tunic might seem like an unusual choice for a world leader, but her fashion forward thinking and selection of such an item for her first big party political test demonstrates her confidence and attitude to thinking outside the box. May can carry off these bold looks, and this outfit is one of my personal favourites. The violet dress and jacket is a modern twist on the conservative skirt suit, referencing the style of 'formal' business dress, but propelling it firmly into the future.

A browse through the Paule Ka website is a real treasure trove, and there are so many fabulous pieces that I hope May has in her shopping bag. Time will tell if she wears this elegant black and blue bow satin backed dress or this appropriately festive fringed lurex coat - this fashionista's keeping her fingers crossed!

Political Style Gift Guide 2016

The holidays are here! I'm super excited to share the 2016 Political Style Gift Guide with you all. Over the past several weeks, I've been scouring the internet high and low for some of the best gift ideas for everyone on your list.

From fashion to technology, shoes to stocking stuffers, you'll find some of my favourite items from 2016- as well as some special pieces just for the holiday season!

And I haven't forgotten about you. I've teamed up with companies including Gousto, Buy A Gift and Case Station to offer some fantastic prizes! The giveaway closes on 19th December and is open to all readers.

Check out the gift guide using Issu above, or click here to view. Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Happy clicking!

Berlin and Brexit: Theresa May's week

It's been a busy week for the PM. From Remembrance Sunday to Berlin, here's what Theresa May has been up too.

On Sunday, the PM laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall as part of the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

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The PM's striking hat was by Liz Felix Millinery and her shoes were past season Russell & Bromley.

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On Monday, the PM opened the new HQ for Diabetes UK. Not seen since her announcement for Conservative Party leader, Theresa May wore the uber cool Blackwatch plaid pantsuit by Vivienne Westwood. She opted for a pair of black patent brogues with jewelled heel detail by Russell & Bromley.

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On Monday night, May delivered the keynote speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet at Guildhall. Wearing a long silk red gown, patent red heels and the Valorie silver lame clutch from Anya Hindmarch's S/S11 collection, this was May's glammest look by far.

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Also this week, the PM met with the UN Sec General designate António Guterres. For their meeting at Downing Street she rocked a red jacket and the Issa x LK Bennett embroidered Parrot pumps. May also met with the Portuguese Prime Minister on Wednesday, wearing classic tailoring from Amanda Wakeley and the leopard Cocktail pumps from Russell & Bromley.

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On Friday, the PM travelled to Berlin to take part in talks with other nations. May also held a joint press conference with Chancellor Merkel. A navy dress by Amanda Wakeley, the Edelle jacket from LK Bennett, Radford black shoulder bag from Amanda Wakeley and patent red kitten heels completed her look.

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Taylor Swift: This Is Our Song

If you are a Swiftie then rejoice- this is the book for you! After ten years of global superstardom, Taylor Swift's fans have teamed up with Simon & Schuster to create a special book dedicated to why TS is such an icon.

A tribute to Swift, fans across the US collaborated to create a unique scrapbook containing everything you would want to know- and revisit about the star. Featuring a mix of interviews from publications such as Vogue, The New Yorker and Rolling Stone, the publication also spotlights the commitment of the fans and shares why they are such big admirers of Swift and her music.

There's no doubt that Swift is a mega star, and this book reinforces her place in both music and cultural history. Some of the most touching passages are how Swift helped fans through her music, whether it be providing them the strength to end an abusive relationship, or gain the confidence to think big and follow their dreams.

Even though I am a fan of Swift's music, I don't listen as regularly as her superfans! I particularly enjoyed reading the stories behind the lyrics - and the infamous 'is Taylor Swift in New Zealand?' story.

A perfect gift for any Taylor or music fan, this is a great book that you won't want to shake off! :)

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of This Is Our Song to review. 

The Crown costumes at Liberty London

I was in London this weekend for Remembrance commemorations, but I made a quick dash to Liberty London to check out the amazing costumes from the new Netflix series, The Crown.

I watched The Crown in 3 days and loved every episode. What makes the series even more special is that a close friend worked on the series as the Protocol Advisor- it was great to see the finished result. Expect more love for The Crown in a future post, but in the meantime, here are some of the costumes which were on display at Liberty!

Before she becomes Queen, we are introduced to Elizabeth Windsor. This silk day dress ensemble is one of the earliest costumes in the series.

Now Queen, we see Claire Foy wear this spectacular ballgown and fur pairing.

Much is made of Princess Margaret as a glamorous and daring individual throughout the series. This is another stunning ballgown- complete with a sparkling tiara.

Princess Margaret's status as a fashion icon is firmly cemented thanks to this forward thinking cocktail dress. I love it! 

Recap: Theresa May's India Trade Mission

Prime Minister Theresa May was in India this week, hosting her first trade mission since taking office. With a business delegation drawn from across the UK, May visited Delhi and Bangalore on the three day trip.

Leaving Heathrow for India, Theresa May wore 5/6 length black trousers, grey tweed jacket and black flats with jewel buckle detail from Russell & Bromley.

Arriving in Delhi, the Prime Minister met with Indian Prime Minister Modi, holding a joint press conference and addressing the India-UK TECH Summit. May also visited the Gandhi Smriti museum and pays her respects at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

On Tuesday, Theresa May travelled to Bangalore, visiting Stonehill International School to meet pupils and watch an exciting flypast. The PM also visited the Dynamatic Technologies' facility in Bangalore, India. She viewed parts that are made in the UK being assembled for sale onto Airbus.

Arriving in one of the country's worst episodes of smog, Theresa May stood out in a striking Amanda Wakeley wardrobe. Arriving in Delhi, the PM wore the navy and neon yellow Amanda Wakeley long coat, last seen on the day she took office. Wearing navy trousers, a white cami, and an oversized pearl necklace, the PM chose the Cocktail jewelled tassel loafers from Russell & Bromley to complete her elegant look.

And for day two of the trade mission, Theresa May stuck with navy, again opting for trousers, a white camisole top and a long cardigan coat. A blush pink scarf and the Frame leopard flats from Russell & Bromley accessorised the look.

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At the end of her visit, Prime Minister Theresa May went to the Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, in Bangalore, wearing traditional dress.

For more details on the #UKIndia trade mission click here. 

Theresa May and Beverly Feldman: the perfect shoe pairing

Margaret Thatcher is known for her pussy-bow blouses, Hillary Clinton is synonymous with the brightly coloured pantsuit, and Michael Foot will forever be linked to the 'donkey jacket.' For our new Prime Minister Theresa May, her signature style statement is the shoe.

Theresa May and Beverly Feldman, courtesy of the designer

Kitten heel or flat, thigh high boot or loafer, May is the political queen of footwear. Whilst she has been known to fit in a shopping spree at Russell & Bromley, perhaps the Prime Minister's longest-standing shoe choice is the quirky, Spanish based designer Beverly Feldman. Inhabiting the tagline 'too much is not enough,' Feldman has been creating shoes since she was 23, taking inspiration from the sunshine and her travels to include in her designs.

The Prime Minister has sported several of Beverly Feldman's designs, including shoes from her collaborations with Russell & Bromley. "I think Theresa May is a fan of my shoes as they are comfortable, unique and most of all, they make a statement. She could be wearing the most conservative, formal outfit but adds humour and fun by wearing a pair of my shoes," Feldman tells me.

"Theresa May dresses really well and knows that you can be smart and powerful whilst having fun with fashion. "

Feldman's shoes seem to be a firm favourite of TM's, and we've seen many repeat appearances of three of her Caliente kitten heel designs. The first, a red rose print and leopard mix, have been in her wardrobe for many years, and were worn by May when she was named as the victorious candidate in the Conservative Party leadership race. They also appeared on the front page of The Sun.

The second, (and a personal favourite,) are the plaid, leopard and green/cherry red patent kitten heels. Whether the PM wears them with a tailored Amanda Wakeley navy suit or with a bright blue long coat, they look awesome. (And having seen them in real life, I can solemnly swear that they turned many heads in Portcullis House!)

The other pair that the PM often sports is a leopard and gold glitzy mix. Wearing them to meet the Queen seemed pretty appropriate to me!

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May's love of Feldman's shoes shows her fun side, and her ability to carry off quirky fashion pieces in a traditionally serious environment. Whilst many women wouldn't be able to carry off (or maybe would be afraid) to carry off a multi-mix shoe, May does so with aplomb. Tasked with the awesome responsibility of leading the country, fashion brings May a slice of relief. And what better way to put a fun, fashionable foot forward?

In a timely and most welcome move, Feldman has updated the signature Theresa May shoe, with three new designs now available. The plaid and leopard designs are now paired with new patterns (hello blue swirls and electric pink,) and are joined by a new addition featuring a zebra print and mock red and blue croc. We're hoping that the PM wears these new designs next season!

Antonio Seva

Theresa May's fashionably daring week and a new shoe debut

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Theresa May rewrote the fashion rules this week stepping out in not one, but two fashionably daring outfits. 

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On Monday, the Prime Minister attended the Pride of Britain Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, selecting an evening dress like we've never seen before. TM ripped up the rule book for what female politicians 'should' wear, opting for the Luna Midnight Short Dress by her favourite designer, Amanda Wakeley. Crafted from a beautifully weighted techno-cady material, the fit and flare style dress exudes femininity without compromising on a clean and tailored finish. The sculpted waist detail and the deep V cut at the back make this an unique and unusual choice for the PM. The selection of such a dress signifies May's fashion forward thinking and determination to wear pieces which she loves. 

With a new gown came a new pair of shoes! Sporting Dolce & Gabbana for the first time, Theresa May chose the blue lace Belucci pumps from the Italian fashion house. Part of the Rainbow Lace collection, the kitten heel shoes are topped with sparkling Swarovski detailing. 

The Prime Minister's second 'outside of the box' fashion moment came at Wednesday night's Spectator Awards. Accepting the honour of Politician of the Year, May's wicked sense of humour led her to don a hard hat and hi vis jacket- a not so subtle jab at former Chancellor George Osbourne's commitment to wearing these two safety items! Can you think of any other politician who would be game for that?! 

Huge respect tonight for @theresa_may, winning Politician of the Year. And deservedly so. #specawards pic.twitter.com/jgwB6Go1O3

— Carrie Symonds (@carrie_symonds1) November 2, 2016

Whilst poles apart, these two fashion moments tell us more about Theresa May's boldness to take risks with her clothes, and importantly, have the last laugh! 

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It was back to business in between these two moments. May launched the annual Poppy Appeal at Downing Street on Monday morning, wearing a tweed mix jacket, black trousers, oversized white pearl necklace and gold studded loafers from Russell & Bromley to greet veterans. 

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For the arrival of the Columbian President, Juan Man Santos, the Prime Minister wore a midnight blue shift from Amanda Wakeley, a navy hat and the Edelle Evergreen Tweed Jacket from LK Bennett. The awesome Vivacious block heels from Russell & Bromley made their second public appearance. 

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For PMQs and the visit of the Columbian President, May wore a navy dress and jacket. Excitingly, she debuted a new shoe from Russell & Bromley - the bronze Twister block heel pumps! Topped with a twisted black velvet bow, they are the ultimate luxe shoe to take from day to night. 

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Roll on the next prime ministerial fashion forward moment! 

Like what you see? Follow the Theresa May Style Instagram account for more!