Campaigning begins: Theresa May's Week

Campaigning for the 2017 General Election is in full swing, and with business to wrap up in the Commons before Parliament is dissolved on Wednesday, it has been a busy week for the Prime Minister.

On Tuesday, Theresa May travelled to my home turf and I was lucky enough to meet her in Bridgend. But before the Prime Minister got to Bridgend, she visited Newport Galvanizers in my home city. She then made her way down the M4 to an area of Bridgend called Brackla.

For this first campaign stop of the week, the PM wore tailored black trousers, a brown and white tweed jacket, black pearls, black patent and sparkly brogues from Russell & Bromley and one of her new rings from Celtic Treasure.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister was back in London to take part in the final PMQs before the Election. May wore her ever faithful navy Escada suit with a white top. She wore the velvet bow adorned Twister gold block heels from Russell & Bromley and a maroon jewel necklace. Later in the day, the PM met with Jean Claude Juncker at Number 10 to discuss Brexit negotiations.

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On Thursday, May was back on the campaign trail, this time in Derbyshire. Here she visited IKO Polymeric and spoke to party activists. For this stop, the PM wore her beloved blackwatch tartan Vivienne Westwood blazer, teaming it with a white top and tailored black trousers. We saw the Divine black flats from Russell & Bromley make a reappearance, and a new green jewel necklace added to the mix.

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On Friday, the PM welcomed Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan to Chequers. With a subtle, diplomatic nod to the Japanese flag, May wore a red dress, an oatmeal jacket and a pair of leopard kitten heels. Political style in action! Following their meeting, May was back in her constituency, attending the annual Maidenhead Conservatives Dinner and wearing head to toe Amanda Wakeley.

#Repost @maddi9597 with @repostapp ・・・ Quiet night in #theresamay #primeminister

A post shared by Theresa May Style (@theresamaystyle) on Apr 28, 2017 at 3:04pm PDT

Up bright and early on Saturday, May launched her own re-election campaign in Maidenhead town centre. A classic campaigning look for May is her olive Barbour jacket, jeans and a blazer, all of which were on display. She rocked this look with a pair of leopard ankle boots- essential campaigning footwear in my view! It was then straight on a plane to Scotland, where May joined in with canvassing and meeting party members in Aberdeenshire.

Ruth Davidson

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And today, May appeared on the Andrew Marr Show and the Peston Show, discussing the Conservatives campaign and Brexit. It was a return to an old favourite for these two important interviews- the red Amanda Wakeley suit (last seen on her visit to Cardiff in March,) accessorised with a Hermes scarf. May added a new pair of black suede kitten heels to the mix- this time the Twiggy from Russell & Bromley.

A busy week in Theresa May's world, and it's only going to get busier! For updates throughout the campaign be sure to follow Political Style!

Theresa May's Swarovski bracelets

Great interview with the PM in The Sun this week- natural and fun photos! #theresamay #theresamaystyle #primeminister #downingstreet

A post shared by Theresa May Style (@theresamaystyle) on Apr 23, 2017 at 4:45am PDT

You may have read my recent post where I revealed the details of Theresa May's recent Swarovski haul. 

This week, the Prime Minister debuted some other bracelets from Swarovski's Crystaldust range.

Adding some sparkle to her big snap General Election announcement, Theresa May tripled her chances and wore three of the Crystaldust bracelets. Picking the cuffs in purple, grey and dark crystals, these are uber affordable at £59 each.

Teaming it with her new Celtic Treasures swirl ring purchased in North Wales, Theresa May is investing in some shiny new baubles this year!

Theresa May visits Wales

The Prime Minister made a visit to Wales yesterday- the first of the General Election campaign. Theresa May was in Bridgend and then made a visit to a steel company in Newport.

I was at the event, and as a dedicated Theresa May style blogger, managed to get a few pictures...and a selfie!

The PM wore a pair of tailored black trousers, a brown and white fleck tweed nipped in jacket and the Russell & Bromley black patent brogues with sparkly heels. They are very shiny in real life! The PM also wore her Crystaldust Swarovski bracelet and her newly purchased celtic ring from Celtic Treasure. When in Wales!

I also met Laura Kuenssberg, Political Editor at the BBC.

Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast

Who wouldn't want to take a trip to the Amalfi Coast to see Villa Astor? Well if your schedule and budget doesn't quite allow, this fantastic new book will transport you in an instant.

Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast showcases the legendary Italian villa that William Waldorf Astor exquisitely curated as a masterpiece of art, architecture, and design.

© Eric Sander, from Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast , by Curt DiCamillo, (Flammarion, 2017)

Dominating the Bay of Naples in the charming town of Sorrento, with spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius, Villa Astor is an Italian landmark with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire.

American businessman, collector, and politician William Waldorf Astor—founder of the legendary Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York— fell in love with Italy during his time as American Ambassador in Rome. He purchased the villa that now bears his name and turned it into a paradise of art, beauty, architecture, and exquisite gardens. The eccentric, extravagant, and discerning art lover spent a decade restoring and decorating the house and gardens with an outstanding collection of classical artefacts.

© Eric Sander, from Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast , by Curt DiCamillo, (Flammarion, 2017)

After Astor’s death in 1919, the villa changed hands. It was recently acquired by new owners, who have restored the villa and gardens to their former splendour with the talented French decorator Jacques Garcia.

This volume traces the splendid history of a legendary house, garden, and art collection, and the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most enigmatic tycoons.

© Eric Sander, from Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast , by Curt DiCamillo, (Flammarion, 2017)

Celtic Treasure: Theresa May's Welsh Wardrobe

Great interview with the PM in The Sun this week- natural and fun photos! #theresamay #theresamaystyle #primeminister #downingstreet

A post shared by Theresa May Style (@theresamaystyle) on Apr 23, 2017 at 4:45am PDT

Much has been made of Theresa May's recent walking holiday to North Wales. It was here that the Prime Minister made up her mind to call a snap General Election, the sights and sounds of this rugged Welsh countryside perhaps helping to focus her mind.

Theresa May was snapped leaving church in Dolgellau on Palm Sunday, the day before having visited Celf Aran Arts, a local arts and crafts centre, packed to the brim with items from small businesses and local entrepreneurs. News reports revealed that the Prime Minister purchased a set of Welsh slate coasters (maybe for her private Number 10 office?) and two rings from Celtic Treasure.

With a range of celtic inspired jewellery designed by Anna Hicks, Mrs May purchased two striking rings at Celf Aran Arts. One was a heavy wire work ring, highly influenced by Iron Age and Celtic designs. The other was a modern piece, its oversized swirl design particularly striking.

Political Style caught up with Anna to find out more about what inspires her designs and the reaction she has had since the Prime Minister debuted her pieces.

How long have you been making jewellery?

I started making jewellery on leaving school at 16. I worked with a self-taught jeweller in Dolgellau on one of the old work schemes for £20 ish a week back in the late 70's. I took over the shop in the early 80's and ran it for 8 years before taking a break to have my sons. I've been making jewellery on and off for 38 years and still look forward to work each day. My jewellery is predominantly gold and silver with, occasionally, some stone setting. I specialise in fine piercing work which particularly suits the Celtic patterns.

Theresa May's swirl ring

Which rings did the Prime Minister purchase and why do you think she picked them?

Theresa May chose one heavy wire work ring, influenced by Celtic and Iron Age designs, and she wore this when she was photographed leaving the church in Dolgellau.

The other design was a modern swirl pattern ring which she wore when she announced the election on Tuesday.

I take a keen interest in Mrs May's jewellery and if I had been asked to choose a couple of my designs for her it would have been the two she chose.

Theresa May's celtic ring

What inspires you in your designs?

I started with Celtic patterns as my first boss taught me this style of work but I also enjoy making more modern, bold designs too. Anything can inspire a piece, from a shape to sometimes just sitting at the bench and playing with some wire and seeing what happens!

What do you think of the PM's style?

Mrs May seems very definite in what she likes and I like the fact that she chooses to wear pieces she likes again and again.

Why do you think the PM and her husband like to visit North Wales?

For anybody that likes walking, and peace and quiet, Snowdonia must be hard to beat. Fabulous scenery and the rugged mountains. I am lucky to have lived here all my life and feel vulnerable when I'm in flat country, without the mountains around me!

 What has been the reaction to the PM wearing your designs?

The interest has been wonderful. I still can't quite believe what's happened. The interest generated in the shop where she bought the rings from has been so good for all of us makers. There are 16 of us in total at Celf Aran Arts, making a range of different products, from artwork to ceramics. At the shop we have had newspaper interviews, TV coverage and our Facebook reach has increased by 38,000%!

General Election 2017: Theresa May's Week

Only one story has dominated the airwaves this week- the snap General Election to be held on June 8th.

Prime Minister Theresa May made the announcement on Tuesday outside Downing Street. Wearing a navy asymmetrical dress by Daniel Blake and leopard kitten heels from LK Bennett, May was the epitome of Brand Britain.

On Wednesday, Theresa May was interviewed by Radio 4's Today programme before heading to the Commons for the weekly Prime Minister's Questions. It was a serious business kind of day, with the PM wearing a black suit, white blouse and chunky silver chain accessories by Amanda Wakeley. She wore the fierce Frame leopard flats from Russell & Bromley.

Later that day, the PM welcomed the Ukrainian President to Downing Street before heading to Bolton for her first campaign event of the election.

On Thursday, the PM welcomed the President of the European Parliament to Downing Street. She raided her closet for some firm favourites, including a black and white patterned jacket from Amanda Wakeley and the Charlize silver toed loafers from Russell & Bromley.

#theresamay #Repost @jessicaelgot with @repostapp ・・・ PM addresses true blue (shirted) staff at a toothpaste factory. Day 4. #election2017 #ge2017 😬

A post shared by Theresa May Style (@theresamaystyle) on Apr 21, 2017 at 12:08pm PDT

On Friday, the PM was in her Maidenhead constituency for a campaign event at GSK before heading to Cox Green School to speak to first time voters. May wore a staple black and white blazer, teamed with a black skirt and black ankle boots with leopard detailing.

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On Saturday,  May hit the Dudley streets for some canvassing. It was a return to a familiar outfit- blue jeans, white tee, grey jacket and leopard print ankle boots. The chic way to canvass! 

The Beltway Bible

I've got a stack of books that I'm making my way through at the moment - and the top of my list is The Beltway Bible.

I've worked on the Hill and having also worked in politics in the UK, I'm a total geek for books which spell out everything you need to know about our political institutions. Written by political reporter and editor of Huff Post's Washington DC Bureau, Eliot Nelson provides a satirical and absolutely fabulous look at the A-Z of everything you would want to know about the Hill.

From why everyone in Washington is an 'expert' to the value of certain Twitter accounts, this is definitely a book for the political fanatic in your life. Nelson thinks that this book will only be read in the bathroom - something I have to disagree with! This is one I'll be dipping in and out of over the years of political ups and downs that are to come.

Theresa May wears Daniel Blake for General Election announcement

Prime Minister Theresa May announced a General Election to be held on June 8th. Standing outside Downing Street, May wore an asymmetrical pinstripe wool dress by Daniel Blake, leopard print kitten heels from LK Bennett and her recently purchased Swarovski bracelet.

Let the games begin!

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The Amanda Wakeley Chunky Chain Necklace and Bracelet

Very rarely will a politician have the power to wear an item and sell it out. Theresa May bucked this trend when she wore a chunky silver chain necklace in July 2016 to make her maiden speech as Prime Minister on the steps of 10 Downing Street.

Designed by Amanda Wakeley, the two pieces quickly became unavailable in their native silver and alternative rose gold - and we totally understand why! The statement piece is absolutely striking, and as May has demonstrated, an effortless accessory to wear during the day and at night. Looking great with a higher neckline, the necklace gives definition with an edgy twist.

May wears her chain necklace with a whole host of outfits- elegant shift dresses, a sparkly tweed jacket and a classic monochrome trouser suit. She also teams it up with the matching bracelet, a satisfyingly statement piece to add power to any wrist.

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Alot of people worry about wearing oversized accessories, fearing that they won't be able to confidently carry them off. I can testify that these two items won't give you a headache! Wearing mine to a meeting last week I felt confident and chic thanks to a little bit of Wakeley glamour!

Many readers have contacted me to ask where May's chunky chain accessory set was from- I hope this post has put your mind at rest! Be sure to hop on over to the Amanda Wakeley website to snatch yours before demand wins once again! The pieces are also now available in gold.

(And a shout out to the Amanda Wakeley store in Albemarle Street, London for putting me on the waiting list and for the fast delivery!)

March through Instagram

Special mail from the UN | Sugafina candy delivery | Treating my skin with Rodan + Fields | Named as thirty to watch by the IWA | A fun day at the Bath Decorative Fair with Judith Miller | Stopping by Downing Street | Quote about Theresa May in The Telegraph | Spring flowers | Cardiff Bay boats

Follow me on Instagram for more snaps!

Kekkai Scarves

kekkai

I'm excited to share with you a fantastic new scarf brand which I recently discovered. kekkai was founded in 2014 as a collaborative art project between two Greek sisters, Emily and Yvonne-Demitra, living separately in New York City and London. Their eye-catching designs are created through a process-driven artistic practice that explores the overlap between digital and analogue techniques of pattern making. Inspired by the hidden powers of geometry, healing plants and color, each piece is uniquely designed to lift the spirit. Made of the highest quality Italian fabrics and large enough to wrap the entire body, they become a second skin, perfect for winter and summer alike.

But what does kekkai mean? Literally, kekkai is 'on a small scale, meaning a projected energy barrier, force field or shield; and on a larger scale, meaning a pocket universe, spiritual or otherwise.' kekkai's pieces certainly live up to this unique description. With its mythological and mystical roots, these qualities are reflected in many of kekkai's beautiful designs. Each design was made as a unique piece of art, inspired by the hidden powers of colour and geometry to help protect the person wearing it. In this collection Emily and Yvonne-Demitra were inspired to protect those around them that suffer from depression and darkness. They created these shields to protect and lift the mood with bright colours, healing plants and artefacts.

kekkai sent me the Pomegranate Solstice scarf to brighten up my spring wardrobe! Made from cashmere, this psychedelic print is hand-finished in Italy and the perfect lightweight scarf to transition from the spring to summer months. I love the pomegranate print, and as a bonus, it reminds me to introduce more pomegranate goodness into my fruit intake! My other favourite design is the Ibiza Gardens print, a heady mix of soft florals on a bold, black background.

The scarves are made with extremely soft silk and cashmere and are large enough to completely wrap the body almost like a second skin. The sisters look for their style inspiration in nature and in every single human being around them, and their next collection is to be launched in June.

And who would they love to see wearing a kekkai design? The fantastic Tilda Swinton, who as Emily says, "would absolutely appreciate the work that we put into our designs, and hopefully see our scarves as a statement, art inspired piece."

Check out kekkai's range of beautiful scarves here.

Theresa May's Camel Coat

Many of you have emailed me over the past few weeks about Theresa May's camel coat, and for all this time, the elusive piece was sitting right under our noses!

The beautiful coat is by the PM's favourite designer, Amanda Wakeley. The Astrid tailored coat is cut from a luxe wool blend, with slim pockets and dart detailing. It's uber cool and an ideal investment piece for season to season.

May has had hers since the beginning of the year, and we've seen her wear it to and from the House of Commons and most recently, on her trip to Cardiff. Working with dark suits and a brown tweed jacket, the PM wears this beautiful piece well!

Matthew Horwood

Travel to the Gulf: Theresa May's Week

Theresa May was back on her travels this week, heading to the Gulf for a three day trip.

The Prime Minister left London for Jordan on Monday, visiting the Quick Reaction Force Command and King Abdullah II and meeting members of the armed forces. The PM also visited local schools and met Syrian refugees.

For the first day of her trip, May wore a navy jacket and trousers, accessorising with a strand of pearls and the navy Cocktail tassel loafers from Russell & Bromley.

The PM continued her navy theme the next day, wearing navy trousers and a long navy coatigan, the Mesh scarf by Pazuki and a pair of Divine flats from Russell & Bromley. She then headed to Saudi Arabia for the final leg of her trip.

Here, May met with the Crown Prince and other dignitaries, and discussed women in sport with Princess Reema. For this meeting, she debuted a new outfit- a pink cocoon coatigan, and the Delicious leopard flats by Russell & Bromley.

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On Friday, May launched the Conservative local election campaign before heading back to Downing Street to meet with President Tusk. It was a true blue outfit for this important meeting, with May choosing navy trousers and a navy and sky blue coat by Amanda Wakeley. May accessorised with the navy Cocktail tassel loafers from Russell & Bromley and a new white and blue scarf.

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Lady Sarah Thatcher designs a new range of handbags

Previous Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was synonymous for her love of handbags, and like the Queen, was never seen without one.

Her daughter in law, Lady Sarah Thatcher has recently designed a range of handbags for Luxury Promise. Whilst most have sold out, a few designs are still available to purchase.

The colourful range of keyrings, purses and bags start at an affordable £95 and advance to nearly £5000 for some exotic items. Constructed from crocodile and ostrich, these pieces are absolutely classic- and all have a fresh, modern twist.

The Royal Blue Crocodile Clutch is one of my favourite designs- and still available! The Grey purse is also still available to buy, and will bring a touch of luxury to your everyday routine.

For more details on the line visit Luxury Promise - but be quick!