A Prime Ministerial approved Christmas list

Have you had your eye on a Prime Ministerial approved item for the whole of 2018? From shoes to accessories, the PM has sported some really great pieces this year. And if you've been well behaved and are currently compiling your Christmas list, these items should be ones that you ask for!

Shoes

Need some dancing shoes? The Curve heels from Russell & Bromley made May a Dancing Queen - and the glossy red heel is the perfect conversation piece.

Sparkly and fabulously festive, we love the Humbug courts from Russell & Bromley. These are one shoe that will get you recognised!

And for a traditional festive pop (that you can carry season to season,) the red Audrey kitten heels from LK Bennett are a great shoe investment.

Accessories

Keep warm throughout the colder months in a handmade bright Pazuki scarf. May has several of these in her wardrobe - we love the Shadowland design. 

Those oversized bead necklaces that we frequently see the PM wear are by Italian based brand Mirta Bijoux. May has 5 - blue, red, black, mixed blue and silver- and there's a whole host to choose from!

Silk scarves are a great investment and if your budget doesn't quite stretch to Hermes, take a look at Megan Ferris's range. The PM wore one of her blue and white designs for St. David's Day celebrations in 2017.

The chain necklace and bracelet from Amanda Wakeley is perhaps the most iconic of May's accessories. Available in silver or a contemporary rose gold, it's an essential that will stand the test of time - and it makes the perfect gift too!

Last seen in Davos 2017, these unique faux fur snood from Louison'dor is pure luxe. Bring it back Theresa! 

Clothes

A great seasonal piece, a Harris Wharf coat will take you from winter to spring. May's pink one is particularly stylish!

I've a penchant for a snuggly coat, and Herno supplies them in spades. May has fully embraced the athleisure look and her navy wool and bodywarmer coat is my top pick.

For a chunky knit or a fierce dress, Amanda Wakeley is your ultimate destination. This dress we love!

What could be a more perfect present than a bespoke item of clothing? Daniel Blake creates beautiful suits, jackets and dresses for the Prime Minister - and this is a one off gift that I would love to receive on December 25th.

Bags

A staple for the PM, investing in an Anya Hindmarch bag is a solid choice. May's latest bag is the stylish Buddy model, although I am still very fond of the Vere satchel she carried throughout 2018.

Which of these would you love to see under your Christmas tree? 

Infographic: Theresa May's Clothes in 2017

2017 has been a year of change for many reasons, but one thing remains constant - Theresa May's fabulously fashionable wardrobe.

This year has probably been one that the PM won't forget, and despite the ups and downs, Theresa's sense of style and commitment to British fashion has remained constant.

Eagle eyed readers will remember the infographic I produced last year, detailing Theresa May's clothes choices during the first six months as Prime Minister. We've had a full year of gorgeous clothes to pore over, so here's the low-down of what Theresa May has worn during 2017.

Focusing on public appearances and official photographs, I've put together this infographic analysing all of her clothes during 2017. From the steps of Downing Street to her Maidenhead constituency, I've analysed the PM's favourite shoes, designers and included a few of my own favourite fashion highlights.

Here's what I found:

• Daniel Blake has replaced Amanda Wakeley as the Prime Minister's favourite designer. With a whole mix of jackets, coats and tailored trousers, items from British designer Blake have been worn by May a total of 51 times throughout the year.
• Russell & Bromley remains Theresa May's favourite shoe brand, with the high street favourite retaining its crown for 2017. 
• The Divine jewelled flat black pump also remains May's most worn shoe for a second year running. This is closely followed by the lovely leopard Delicious flat and the sparkly Cocktail loafers.
• Flats also remain the PM's go-to shoe, worn by May on 53% of public appearances. Heels frequently appear when May appears at the despatch box or for speeches, providing an added boost of height.
• Pearls were Theresa May's favourite accessory during 2017, with a mix of simple strands and oversized versions appearing most often. The Amanda Wakeley oversized silver chain necklace and bracelet remain a style staple, appearing 25% of the time. 
• And what about the handbag? The newly purchased Vere satchel by Anya Hindmarch has been carried constantly by the Prime Minister over the past few weeks. From the battlefields of Iraq to the peaceful surroundings of her Sonning home, May certainly loves this luxury satchel! 

What surprised me about the data? 

We've seen a steady shift away from European designers, and a reliance on Brand Britain. Perhaps a subtle nod to Brexit and the importance of British design, we've seen May champion designers such as Daniel Blake and Amanda Wakeley, as well as introducing new ones into the mix - such as Charlotte Olympia for a quirky take on the leopard kitten heel. And who can forget Theresa wearing a custom made pair of Charlotte Olympia heels for Red Nose Day? 

I'm particularly excited to see Theresa May supporting small businesses and British traders. We've notably seen her wear a gorgeous navy and white silk scarf by young designer Megan Ferris to the spring Budget, a sophisticated faux fur collar by Louison d'or to Davos and numerous hand painted and printed scarves by Pazuki. 

The PM has also dug deep into her closet and re-introduced items from the past! We've seen old leopard Russell & Bromley boots on the campaign trail, a Liberty x Barbour olive wax jacket and patterned dresses from Maria Grachvogel and Amanda Wakeley all make welcome reappearances into the prime ministerial repertoire. 

And for someone who has chronicled what Theresa May has worn throughout 2017, my personal fashion highlights have been:

• The PM embracing bargain buys, particularly a pair of classic white Converse trainers and a pink linen dress from Next for her Italian holiday
• A range of gorgeous handmade hats from Henley on Thames based designer Liz Felix- I particularly loved the nod to the uniforms at Sandhurst with a red hat by Felix and military inspired coat by Daniel Blake
• So many amazing tailored items from Blake and Wakeley to show how British fashion inspires and empowers women 
• The sparkly tweed jacket from DvF paired with the Russell & Bromley Vivacious sparkly bow adorned heels for Prime Minister's Questions
• The steady reappearance of leopard into May's wardrobe- everything leopard, all the time! 
• A nod to the Japanese flag on her visit to Tokyo, wearing a red jersey dress and sharp white Peserico blazer
• Championing my homeland of Wales with two Celtic Treasure rings!

There have been so many great stylish moment from the Prime Minister this year, and her leadership and humour remind us what a role model she is- both professionally and personally. Who else could fly the flag so stylishly for Global Britain?! Here's to another fashionable year!

Going local: Theresa May's favourite local businesses

Local businesses are the backbone of the British economy, and like many of us, Theresa May likes to shop local.

Amongst the big name brands, Theresa May is a champion of British design and talent. From millinery to accessories, May knows that British is best.

May's favourite boutique is Fluidity. Based in the picturesque Henley on Thames, Fluidity stocks fashionable, creative and wearable items. Hand picked and edited, the customer is offered a truly unique and independent selection of brands. This year Fluidity is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. Much of Theresa May's wardrobe is sourced from Fluidity- from the grey Escada dress and jacket to the violet Paule Ka ensemble, Fluidity's creative and wearable ethos is evident in what the Prime Minister wears.

Fluidity is a treasure trove of fantastic clothes and accessories, and visiting the boutique for myself, I can see why May is a fan. Fluidity also champions local designers, stocking gorgeous handmade scarves by Pazuki- another favourite of Mrs May!

Head down the street in Henley and you'll come across Liz Felix Millinery. Well known for its range of unique and stunning occasion hats, Liz Felix is a skilled milliner famed for her bespoke designs. Her shop also stocks a range of off the peg hats and dresses and accessories by local designers. Felix's designs can often be seen by attendees at the Henley Royal Regatta and Royal Ascot, and of course, on the world stage thanks to Theresa May.

May has worn several of Felix's designs throughout her time as Home Secretary and currently as Prime Minister. We've seen a wide brim navy blue hat with suitable sparkly bling to the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, a striking poppy red hat for the Chinese State Visit and the Sandhurst passing out parade, and a somber black creation for the annual Remembrance Day commemorations. Each of the designs are so beautiful, unique in their presentation and framing. Liz Felix is my number one pick for bespoke millinery- and I can see one on my horizon for the not too distant future!

May also champions up and coming designers, particularly when it comes to accessories. Louison d'or was a recent discovery for Political Style this year when May wore one their faux fur collars to Davos. With streaks of neon orange and purple, the black collar is a chic alternative to a scarf, and is designed by Emilie Lhoste from London. Emilie also designs a range of fun bags, all available through her online shop.

And spotlighting a young design student, Theresa May debuted a silk scarf from Megan Ferris to a session of PMQs earlier this year. Making a reappearance for the Queen's Speech, the scarf has propelled London based Ferris and her fantastic designs into the vision of many around the world.

The PM knows that her position as our leader provides an unique opportunity to promote and support the great creative talent that we have in the United Kingdom. From designers who are just starting out, to boutiques that are May's trusted sartorial suppliers, shopping and supporting local is not just a way of life, but a value. We can't wait to see what local purchases she debuts this A/W season!

Theresa May A-Z: S is for Small Business

Small businesses are the backbone of the British economy, and the Prime Minister is a fierce champion of entrepreneurs in all industries.

May is a staunch supporter of small fashion brands, and has regularly worn items by forward-thinking designers during her time as Prime Minister.

Two notable examples are Pazuki and Louison d’or. May has worn their respectively gorgeous scarves on many foreign trips. Taking its inspiration from nature, Pazuki’s range of designs are delicately intricate, and the PM owns several scarves from this London based brand. (You can read my full post with Pazuki’s founder here.)

The Mesh scarf by Pazuki

Louison d’or really appeals to Theresa May’s quirky side. Who else could wear a faux fur collar with two flashes of orange and purple to the World Economic Forum?

And it is not just on professional trips where the PM champions our small businesses. On a recent holiday and election-deciding trip to North Wales, May visited a craft centre in the village of Dollegau. Purchasing a set of Welsh slate coasters and two handmade silver rings by Anna at Celtic Treasure, May reinvested in the small community she was visiting- boosting visitor numbers and sales in the process.

Swirl Ring by Celtic Treasure

It’s perhaps more important than ever to shop local, and with so many fantastic small businesses making their mark on our high streets, it is fantastic to see the Prime Minister practicing what she preaches.

Come back tomorrow for the T is for... reveal! For further A-Z entries and Theresa May posts click here. 

Theresa May A-Z: M is for Maidenhead Coop

Nestled in her constituency, the Maidenhead Coop is a hidden gem. Stocking many pieces from quirky small businesses, Theresa May is a staunch supporter of this local cooperative and the entrepreneurs who sell their wares through this location.

Interviewed by Peston in Davos in January, we were all intrigued by the glamorous faux fur collar adorning the Prime Minister’s neck. The designer? London based Emilie Lhoste, the brains behind and owner of Louison d’or. Specializing in handmade scarves, bags and accessories, the PM picked up this black, purple and hot orange faux fur collar from the Maidenhead Coop.

An affordable price and perfect for keeping warm in the harsh temperatures of Switzerland, May’s choice of collar demonstrated her commitment to small businesses and her love of shopping local.

Political Style reader and Maidenhead Mum blogger Jodie recently met the Prime Minister, and presented her with a 2017 calendar full to the brim of photos of her Maidenhead constituency. Thanks to Jodie for these great photos of the Coop and the PM!

Wearing the scarf brought great publicity for both Louison d’or and the Maidenhead Coop- the question is, which small designers will Theresa May support next?!

Come back tomorrow for the N is for... reveal! For further A-Z entries and Theresa May posts click here.