UNGA: Theresa May's Week

29.9.18


The PM's week was dominated by her trip to New York and the United Nations General Assembly.

Heading out to the US on Tuesday, the PM participated in a roundtable event on the importance of education for girls across the globe.



She also met with world leaders from Iran, France and Canada.

It was a return to a firm favourite for the PM (and us!) The navy fleck military jacket from Daniel Blake, teamed with navy trousers and the black Divine flats from Russell & Bromley.


On Wednesday, the PM took part in the Bloomberg Global Business Forum, talking about how a post-Brexit Britain will be pro-business.


Later in the day, she addressed the United Nations General Assembly and took part in a Security Council meeting. May turned to Amanda Wakeley for her look, picking a smart black trouser suit, satin top and accessorising with the oversized silver chain necklace and bracelet. She wore her leopard Delicious flats from Russell & Bromley.

Two classic looks from the PM! 

Maidenhead, LFW and Salzburg: Theresa May's Week

22.9.18


From constituency events to the EU Summit in Salzburg, here's a recap of Theresa May's week.

On Monday, the PM was in her Maidenhead constituency. She opened a new bridge in Bray before heading to the Make It Your Business seminar in Cookham.


May wore a navy Peserico blazer and trousers, teaming it with the Divine jewelled flats and a pearl and silver necklace.


She then returned to Number 10 to welcome the Prime Minister of Malta. In the evening she attended the UJIA Dinner at Grosvenor House. The PM wore a black jersey dress, accessorising with a Swarovski Crystaldust cuff and red kitten heels from LK Bennett.


On Tuesday, May gave an interview to the Daily Express at Number 10 - looking fierce in an Escada black and white blazer, trousers and the leopard Frame flats. Later in the day she hosted a reception for London Fashion Week, swapping the Escada for custom Daniel Blake and the blue Rosehip kitten heels from Russell & Bromley.



On Wednesday, the PM delivered a keynote speech at the National Housing Federation Summit in Westminster. May wore her classic navy Escada skirt suit, accessorising with an oversized cuff bracelet and the leopard Charlotte Olympia kitty heels. She then travelled to Salzburg for the evening section of the EU Council.


On Thursday, the PM attended day two of the EU Council. She wore her striking orange Daniel Blake jacket, trousers and a pair of leopard loafers from Russell & Bromley. She accessorised with the fierce Amanda Wakeley silver oversized chain necklace and bracelet.

On Friday, the PM delivered a statement on the Brexit negotiations at Number 10. Strong and determined, the PM wore a navy suit, pearl jewelled necklace and a pair of vintage leopard Russell & Bromley heels.

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Westminster and Birmingham: Theresa May's Week

15.9.18


From Birmingham to Westminster, here's a recap of Theresa May's week!


An exciting start to a Monday - with the PM carrying a new handbag! An eagle eyed follower let us know that it is the Buddy bag in black from Anya Hindmarch. We love it!

In the evening, May attended the Daily Mail Health Heroes awards, wearing a floor length metallic dress, red heels from LK Bennett and a nude clutch purse. She wore her new Ami Doshi Shah necklace and cuff.



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On Tuesday, the PM was in Birmingham for the Zero Vehicle Emission Summit at the ICC. May delivered a speech and met car manufacturers and hosted a roundtable session with industry leaders.

The PM picked her blue Daniel Blake Orchid jacket and skirt for the trip, teaming it with her leopard Charlotte Olympia Kitty kitten heels.




On Wednesday, it was time for the last PMQs before recess. May wore our favourite navy and blue spotted Daniel Blake jacket, pairing it with navy trousers and the navy Twiggy kitten heels from Russell & Bromley. She accessorised with some Swarovski Crystaldust bangles and an oversized bead necklace. 

Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair is back!

14.9.18


Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair 2018 invites visitors to step back inside after a long hot summer with new and returning exhibitors ready to inspire for home decorating for the autumn and winter.

Following the smash hit launch in 2016, and now a firm fixture in the social calendar in the salubrious Bruton area, often called the Notting Hill of the South West, the 3rd Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair will take place from 19-21 October 2018 with some exciting new exhibitors and many eager returnees from 2017.

The luxurious and spacious venue of Haynes Motor Museum will be an interior design hub spot with more than 50 exhibitors dealing in decorative antiques and Mid Century design with an accent on home furnishing and embellishments.


With a companion fair of the stature of Bath Decorative Antiques Fair to match, the fair has been quick to establish its very own style and atmosphere and offers a hybrid of decorative antiques for house and garden, Country House furniture and humble folk art with Mid Century design attracting a sophisticated trade audience, interior designers and a fleet of smart home owners and collectors from the region and across the UK.

The essence of a decorative fair is the artful curation of stands where exhibitors use all their talent to help visitors envision how pieces might be used and in some cases these are curious interpretations of random objects – antique dolls houses as cocktail cabinets, any possible object converted as lamps or planting vessels, huge illuminated shops signs as wall art, absolutely any garden related object or furniture brought indoors and architectural elements as accent pieces – no limit on size here!

Younger dealers working in the antiques trade also re-imagine the use of traditional furniture making oak and mahogany relevant in C21st interiors. At Bruton local Somerton dealer Mary Hossack of Life Interiors cleverly combines classic country furniture and upholstered pieces from the C19th with contemporary lighting, art and mirrors to inspire a new generation of homemakers and collectors.

Making a debut at Bruton this year will be the Suffolk based Antiques Partnership, with stock ranging from the traditional to the trendy with an accent on country made and unusual pieces. From Hungerford, Berkshire Youlls Antiques with French provincial furniture and decorative accessories, Tetbury based Trilogie with French and Continental decorative antiques for the home and garden, specialist Art Deco furniture dealers Shine on Design from Brighton and TV antiques specialist and decorative dealer Mark Stacey Antiques who delighted visitors at Bath earlier in the year with a jam packed cabinet of curiosities covering a complete wall of his stand. Ashburton, Devon, based Denis Perry Antiques will also make a debut and will make a splash after a lifetime of collecting a wide range of curios and desirable objet for the home.


Returning dealers include Bombe Interiors dealing in French and Italian large scale painted furniture and mirrors, and Elham Antiques dealing painted decorative pieces with an industrial flavour, both from Kent, Linda North, Hertfordshire, with antiques for the garden and conservatory, John Read Smith, Herefordshire, Country House pieces and upholstery, Alchemy from Bruton with French and English upholstery, dining tables and chairs, C20th century glass tables, mirrors, textiles, and a selection of contemporary art and sculpture, Quillon House Antiques, also Bruton based, with fine English oak and country furniture, decorative accessories and equestrian paintings, Sherborne based Macintosh Antiques with painted Country House furniture and upholstery from leading furniture makes of the C18th – C19th and Somerset based Terry & Marie Kelly with folk art, naïve paintings, small country furniture and collectible glass and pottery. Dorset based Guy Dennler will again expand into a 3 room showcase for his Country House furniture and collections of botanic prints and Hugh Leuchars returns with Country House furniture and mirrors.

Library furniture, period portraits and mantiques are a speciality of William Morris Antiques, Brighton and King George Antiques, Essex and 20Th Century Glamour will add a tempting diversion with boudoir art and designer vintage jewellery and handbags. Muse Sculpture Company will return with contemporary sculpture in bronze, stone and glass.

Sleek contemporary leather and steel named designer furniture and accessories from Denmark will be on show from returnee Scandinavian By Design from Dorset and Mid Century design will also be shown by Not Wanted on Voyage from Oxfordshire who specialises in interesting art and design of the 20th century.



Fine British, European and Modern & Contemporary Art will be well represented by local dealers White Space Gallery, Totnes, Freya Mitton, Somerset, The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne and Cambridge based Granta Fine Art.

Followers of Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair will be delighted to hear that antiques industry celebrity Mark Hill, BBC Antiques Roadshow expert, author and lecturer will return to Bruton 2018 for a Mark Hill Takeover on Saturday 20 October. Visitors will be invited to join Mark as he leads tours around the fair when he will engage in person with both his audience and exhibitors and followers on social media. Mark’s talks and advice will be streamed on social media channels throughout the day.


With such an encyclopaedic knowledge of antiques and collectibles, Mark has a knack of uncovering rare and interesting objects to delight and surprise his audience and sometimes the owner! Last year at Bruton he found an early Victorian miner’s hat being offered by regular Bruton exhibitors Hiscock & Shepherd for £95. Formed out of thick leather that has now darkened through use and been virtually petrified solid, this little hat just spoke to Mark somehow and on later research he discovered his ancestors had worked in mining industry in Timsbury, Somerset, just a few miles up the road from Bruton – who knows one of them may have worn this little hat!

Owner of the fair Sue Ede: “We had such a fantastic Bruton debut at Haynes International Motor Museum in 2016 following much pent up demand from exhibitors for a companion fair to the revered Bath Decorative Antiques Fair celebrating its 30th edition next year. We are very much looking forward to our 3rd edition at Bruton in October 2018.”


NOTES TO EDITORS:
The 3rd edition of Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair 19-21 October 2018
Trade Preview Friday 19 October 11 am – 2 pm
Public Friday 19–2 pm – 5 pm, Saturday 20 + Sunday 21 - 11 am – 5 pm
Bruton is the companion fair to the established Bath Decorative Antiques Fair due to celebrate its 30th edition in March 2019.

Back to Westminster: Theresa May's Week

8.9.18


The House was back from its summer recess this week - and the PM was back to business.

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We saw her on Wednesday for Prime Minister's Questions and an update on Salisbury. The PM wore her navy Escada skirt suit, teaming it with the navy Twiggy kitten heels from Russell & Bromley and a deep red jewelled necklace.

Later in the day, May hosted a reception at Number 10 for the London Design Binennale.



And for those of you asking about the PM's necklace and bracelet on her recent trip to Kenya, we have the answer! It is the Fractal Cuff and Torque necklace in Zoisite made by Ami Doshi Shah. A fantastic achievement!


How to be a best dressed politico

3.9.18


Politics is not a 9 to 5 job, and for those of us that work in this ever unpredictable environment, we need a wardrobe that is predictable - and dependable!

I've worked in three different political institutions, with each having a different dress code. The National Assembly for Wales was perhaps the most informal - (you could get away with wearing jeans on a sitting day...) and the US House of Representatives more formal, with staffers opting for smart separates and suits. Parliament is perhaps the best dressed institution I have worked in. Maybe it is the weight of history and the sense of responsibility to dress 'right' - I'm certainly my best dressed when I'm in the Palace!

I have a staple set of items that have become my political uniform. Quality tailored black and navy trousers, a smart blouse/top and a sharp blazer are the items I reach for when getting ready to grace Parliament's hallowed halls. But having a uniform doesn't mean that you have to conform. Every politico needs a signature item in their closet, and for me, my shoes are where I can have some fun and show my personality.

Perhaps it is the influence of Theresa May, but funky flats and statement heels are the talking piece of my wardrobe! Leopard, sparkles and tassels- they're all there! And as our Prime Minister herself has said, "you can be clever and like clothes."

So if you work in politics and are looking for some outfit inspo, check out these top brands...

The Fold


I'm obsessed with The Fold! It's a dream for fans of the nifty blazer. the power dress and knitwear with a twist. It's also a great destination to plot your perfect capsule wardrobe and learn from other women about how they dress for their day jobs in the inspiration Fold London series.

The Le Marais wrap jacket is on my list for autumn - and beyond!

Libby London


Looking for a smart shirt dress or a tailored blazer? Be sure to check out Libby London! Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd has sported a number of the brand's iconic Lewis shirt dresses- her navy and sunshine yellow is my favourite.


LK Bennett

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Turn on Parliament TV and you'll likely see a number of our female MPs wearing a piece or two from LK Bennett. A style staple in many a Parliamentarian's wardrobe - and a firm favourite of Theresa May and Amber Rudd, LK Bennett is the perfect destination for chic dresses, smart cardigans and a trendy heel (or two!)

Look for your investment pieces such as suits and shift dresses that will last you for years and shape your reputation as a stylish politico!

Russell & Bromley


Another favourite of the Prime Minister, you won't be sorry when investing in a pair of Russell & Bromley shoes! From lovely loafers to a simple pair of kitten heels, R&B will take you from day to night in an effortlessly chic way.

These Link In vivid blue courts are my current favourites. Also take advantage of their twice yearly sale (summer and Christmas) and sign up for the R&B loyalty scheme which earns you money off future purchases.



Hobbs


A great stop for your staples! Hobbs does a fantastic range of blouses, knitwear and tailored items that are perfect for the office. And as we are officially in coat season, check out some of the luxe pieces that are now available. I love the Elle coat in navy and postbox red.

DvF


Workwear with a twist? DvF is your stop. Whilst not a cheap choice, you'll find pieces that will last a lifetime. Opt for a classic wrap dress that will take you from committee meeting to evening drinks, or a quirky jacket that will look great with tailored trousers or jeans for dress down Friday.

The Outnet

So if like me, you are partial to an odd designer piece, The Outnet will be your best friend. Stop by here for last season steals with brands such as Anya Hindmarch, Charlotte Olympia and Chloe available with sizeable discounts.

Farfetch

Another of my favourites is Farfetch. With a mix of affordable and high-end brands all in one place, here you can really top up your wardrobe. Sign up for early sale alerts and create a wishlist of your must haves for when the discounts kick in.

MM La Fleur


And if you're looking to take the hassle out of your wardrobe prep, take a look at MM La Fleur. An American company that creates 'bento' style boxes of clothes for its subscribers, it's expert team will help curate your perfect workwear wardrobe with ease. Luxurious and comfortable, this is a fantastic way to hit reset on what you wear to work.

And to aspire too...


Daniel Blake



And the award for drool worthy jackets goes to Daniel Blake. I can see why the PM has so many in her wardrobe! From her orange Nehru style to the poppin' purple Origami number, Blake's tailoring has a military feel that is thoroughly modern. You all know of my love for May's navy flecked jacket - want!



Goat

Luxurious, glamorous and favoured by politicians and royals alike- Goat is a lust worthy brand. From gorgeous shift dresses to classic coats, you'll want to own at least one Goat piece in your career.

Amber Rudd mixed Goat into her line-up this year- from a burgundy coat to a bejewelled Ezra white tunic for evening  - she looks great.

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Work in politics? Which brands and pieces do you swear by? Let me know in the comments - I'd love to share!

Theresa May in Africa

1.9.18


The Prime Minister was in Africa this week for a three day trip to the region. Visiting South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, the PM met with leaders and promoted British trade.


On Tuesday, the PM landed in Cape Town accompanied by the Secretary of State for Wales and a number of British businesses. May wore her white striped Piazza Sempione jacket, teaming it with trousers and the Charlize loafers from Russell & Bromley.



Later in the day, May visited a local school - showing off some swell dance moves! She also held meetings with President Ramaphosa and visited Robben Island.


The PM wore her awesome bright orange jacket from Daniel Blake, black trousers and the leopard Delicious flats from Russell & Bromley. She accessorised with the oversized silver chain set from Amanda Wakeley.


The next leg of her trip saw her visit Nigeria. May met with President Buhari for a bilateral meeting and met the Salvation Army to discuss modern slavery.



In a nod to Nigerian fashion, May wore a striking yellow custom jacket by Emmy Kasbit.

The last stop of her journey was to Nairobi, Kenya. Here May met with President Kenyatta, holding a bilateral meeting and later meeting with Scouts who presented her with a friendship scarf.


May wore our favourite navy military cut Daniel Blake jacket with trousers and a pair of leopard loafers from Russell & Bromley. She accessorised with her oversized Amanda Wakeley silver chain bracelet.


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