Cold Weather Canvassing Fashion Must-Haves

30.12.19

The election may (thankfully) be over but the memories will never leave us. The challenge of braving the winter elements to knock doors and deliver leaflets was matched by an equally important additional challenge - what to wear in the cold, gloomy weather!

I'd like to think I stylishly met this task head on, and having canvassed in rain, hail, wind and the cold, retained my sense of style and humour. 

So, to prepare us for any future canvassing in the cold weather - here's my guide to how you can look your stylish best with some examples from my fashionable friends and favourite brands.

1. Barbour Jacket - deep pockets for leaflets, sweets and gloves, every canvasser shouldn't be without one. 

We love the Liberty collaboration that the brand started a few years ago.


2. Layers - and lots of them! Invest in some good quality thermals from Uniqlo - they were a life saver.

3. Hat - silly or otherwise, you'll need it when out canvassing in the cold wind.

4. Boots - hiking style, fleece lined were the most wanted and lusted over on the campaign trail. Russell & Bromley has some great ones like these. I also depended on my Joules boots. 



5. Gloves - smart tech? Yes please.

6. Longchamp - for those of you that like to carry things not in pockets- a Longchamp backpack is an essential. 



7. Something leopard - it wouldn't be a list without a splash of leopard. Scarf, gloves or even shoes? You choose.

8. Herno - definitely an investment piece, my Herno coat kept me toasty warm from the first canvass in October right up until polling day. 



And here's Theresa May, showing us how it is done:


Parisian Chic Encore! A Style Guide

26.10.19


How can you maintain effortless glamour and timeless allure the French way? Celebrity model Ines de la Fressange shares the well-kept secrets of how Parisian do just that in the much anticipated sequel to her bestselling book, Parisian Chic.

The French icon shares her personal tips for living with style and charm, and recommendations of top places to shop, visit, eat and gain inspiration from in this quirky volume of style.

She debunks beauty myths and offers simple tips and tricks for living a chic life, alongside great photography and a behind the scenes look into her wardrobe and home.

For fashion fans like me, this is a great book to keep on the bedside table, and dip in and out when I'm needing some stylish inspiration. It makes a great gift- for you and your friends!

Theresa May's New Season Anya Hindmarch Handbag

18.10.19



There are some stunning pieces in Anya Hindmarch's new season arrivals- and Theresa May has picked a classic!

The MP for Maidenhead debuted the Postbox Bag in Medium Red for the Queen's Speech this week.

Constructed around a handmade vintage-gold frame, this chic bag is ideal for formal occasions, also looks good with a more casual look. The brand has used a luxurious capra leather which is durable and has a lovely sheen for the perfect finishing. It comes with a leather strap but has plenty of personalised options available if you really want to make it your own.

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May teamed hers with her bright orange suit from Daniel Blake- and was spotted carrying it throughout the week with some other stylish outfits. It's the perfect pick me up for the new season! 

Amanda Wakeley Autumn 2019

18.9.19

Amanda Wakeley's Autumn 19 offering sees the brand embrace the theme of world traveller, with fond memories of time spent in East Africa, and an eclectic mix of Maasai Maira references.

Contemporary checks and bold prints form part of this striking collection, with draped tailoring, rich textures, and elements of 90s sports luxe for a truly wearable and unique line of pieces.

My favourite looks?


The Check Tailoring Boyfriend Blazer - how sassy!


The Sculptured Tailored Blazer in Saffron - a new colour crush!



Belted Shawl Check Jacket- such a fab silhouette!

Check out the new season arrivals here. 

Russell & Bromley New Season Picks

8.9.19

It's September, the weather is getting a little colder and our attention has turned to AW looks. Enter new arrivals from firm favourite Russell & Bromley! 

Here are a selection of my top picks for the new season.




















Theresa May Style Spotlight: Mirta Bijoux

8.8.19


Theresa May has left her mark on political fashion and in the first of the series, we are looking at her love of necklaces from the Italian brand Mirta Bijoux.

Throughout her time as Prime Minister and as Home Secretary, May has worn the chunky accessories from Mirta Bijoux on a regular basis. Bright, bold and definitely outside the box, May has worn her Ballsmania necklaces with dresses, skirt suits and with casual weekend looks. From meeting heads of state to fielding questions at the dispatch box, the Ballsmania collection has been a firm favourite of our second female Prime Minister.

Let's take a closer look at the necklaces from the brand - and how May styled them.


Black, navy and pink

May has worn this one with a striking cobalt blue pencil dress from Amanda Wakeley. The perfect accessory!


Teal, turquoise and light blue

A 2018 holiday purchase, May added a colour clash to a red coat with this great necklace. She's also worn it with navy blazers and jeans.

Metallic blue

We last saw May wear this version of the Ballsmania necklace to the Welsh Conservative Party Conference in May. It added a little pop of electric to a crisp white blazer.

Navy

The first Ballsmania necklace we saw May wear, this classic navy version has been teamed with Daniel Blake dresses, Hobbs coats and jeans.

Gold

Tapping into the popular metallic trend, May wore her gold Ballsmania necklace and matching bracelet to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Red

Opting for another primary colour, May has worn her red Ballsmania necklace when appearing in front of Parliamentary Select Committees and also at Party Conference.


Silver

When one metallic just isn't enough! May wore her silver Ballsmania with a military knotch jacket from Daniel Blake- the silver picking up the metallic thread in this gorgeous tailored piece.

Black


Another classic, May usually wears this with a brown or black jacket. We saw it when she welcomed New Zealand's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern to Number 10 earlier this year.




Taupe, orange and gold


An unusual choice for May, we've seen this autumnal version only once. When might it reappear?

Last Week in Downing Street: Theresa May's final days as Prime Minister

27.7.19


Theresa May's three years as Prime Minister came to an end this week. Bowing out in supreme style, here's a recap of her week.

On Tuesday, May hosted her final Cabinet meeting at Number 10 alongside a number of other meetings. She wore her navy Military Knotch jacket from Daniel Blake with navy trousers and kitten heels.


And for her final day as Prime Minister, May returned to the classics. She wore her cobalt blue Orchid suit from the legendary Daniel Blake. May teamed it with her trusted pair of velvet leopard Kitty heels from Charlotte Olympia, and and oversized necklace.


There is much discussion about her bracelet - is it really Margaret Thatcher's much-loved stone bracelet that was recently sold at auction for £40,000? An iconic message if so.

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Thursday saw May take a very well deserved day off to attend the cricket at Lords. May wore a summery Piazza Sempione patterned top and skirt, a Ballsmania necklace from Mirta Bijoux - and some seriously chic oversized sunglasses.

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Celebrations at Downing Street: Theresa May's Week

20.7.19


From marking the England win at the Cricket World Cup to recognizing acts of service at the Policy Bravery Awards, here's a recap of Theresa May's week.

On Monday, the PM welcomed the England World Cup Cricket Team to No 10 to celebrate their World Cup win.


May wore her baby blue Daniel Blake jacket with black trousers and a pair of patent black slingbacks for the event.




On Tuesday, the PM marked India Day with a speech. She wore her Hobbs teal coat, teaming it with a navy shift dress, the Rosebud kitten heels from Russell & Bromley and the blue Mirta Bijoux Ballsmania necklace.


On Wednesday, May took part in her penultimate Prime Minister's Questions. She wore her navy Escada suit, a garnet necklace and her fierce red kitten heels from LK Bennett.

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Later in the day she delivered a speech on the state of national and international politics at Chatham House.


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On Thursday, May hosted members of the policy for the Police Bravery Awards at No 10. She wore her orange Nehru Daniel Blake jacket, black trousers and an oversized necklace.


Later in the evening, it was the annual No 10 staff party. May wore her houndstooth Amanda Wakeley coat.



And on Friday, May was in her Maidenhead constituency where she placed a pair of leopard kitten heels at an exhibition in the Maidenhead Heritage Centre. She wore a navy blazer from Herno, matching trousers, leopard flats and an oversized necklace.

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