Parisian Chic Encore! A Style Guide

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!

Amanda Wakeley Autumn 2019

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. 

New Season at Amanda Wakeley

It may be cold and rainy out, but the new season arrivals at Amanda Wakeley are a bright ray of sunshine!

With a focus on striking transitional pieces, there are so many great items that have just arrived. With an eye for sharp tailoring, I am falling in love with many of the jackets and luxe coats that Wakeley has designed this season. It's all about making a statement in a luxurious way!

Here's my top pieces from Amanda Wakeley's new arrivals. Question is, will the PM be wearing this in the coming months?

Black Sculpted Tailored Jacket

Midnight Cloque Coat

Black Organza Cloque Jacquard Midi Dress

Prince of Wales Check Fitted Dress

The Anya Hindmarch Vere Satchel

The Vere Satchel from Anya Hindmarch is the stuff of dream bags. I first saw the Vere Satchel this time last year. The eye-catching shape and rich red interior made this bag stand out from the crowd, as well as the luxurious satin leather which is super soft.

Made in one of the world's leading Italy leather factories, this beautifully constructed bag comes with a detachable, adjustable cross-body strap, contrasting leather lining and plenty of labelled pockets to ensure there's always a place for everything.

It's little wonder that Theresa May chose the Vere Satchel as her AW bag. It's ideal workwear territory, but looks equally as chic when paired with a dress down outfit of jeans and a blazer. It's perfect for the Prime Minister- and fashion fan alike!

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Now the bag isn't cheap, but it's a great investment that will see you from season to season over many years.

Theresa May's Piazza Sempione Dress

Once in a while, Theresa May will pick a piece that's very different from her usual wardrobe choices. We've seen her recently wear a new abstract print dress- it's a little out of character but still very chic!

After hours pouring over dresses online, I think the olive, pink and blue dress is from Pizza Sempione. May has purchased a few Piazza Sempione pieces lately, notably the olive and black striped blazer she debuted in Florence and at the Conservative Party Conference.

This jacquard dress with a full skirt isn't in line with the usual tailored pieces the PM will pick from Daniel Blake or Amanda Wakeley, but it's floaty nature makes it as eye catching. May has paired the colourblock abstract print with her bright white Peserico blazer, accessorizing with a grey fabric bead necklace, matching bracelet and the leopard Kitty heels from Charlotte Olympia. It could be one of our new favourite looks!

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And for those of you who are looking for the dress, we've found a similar version here.

Number 10 and Estonia: Theresa May's Week

From welcoming world leaders to Downing Street and travelling to Estonia, here's a recap of Theresa May's week.

On Monday, Theresa May welcomed the Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to Downing Street. The pair discuss the importance of devolved Government being restored to Northern Ireland as soon as possible and the UK Government’s steadfast commitment to the Belfast Agreement and its successors.

May wore a navy suit, teaming it with a white blouse and vintage multi colour Russell & Bromley kitten heels. The PM also debuted her new silver Balls necklace and bracelet from Mirta Bijoux- a recent purchase from her Italian holiday!

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On Tuesday, May welcomed European Council President Donald Tusk to Downing Street to discuss imaginative and creative ways to establish the new UK/EU relationship.

Wearing an autumnal palette, May opted for a brown textured jacket, trousers and the Delicious leopard flats from Russell & Bromley. She accesorised with a brown plastic necklace from Et Le Bijou Crea La Femme.

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On Wednesday, Theresa May had a much deserved trip to watch the cricket. Later in the day she pre-recorded some media interviews. May wore the sky blue coat, teaming it with a navy shift from Amanda Wakeley. She accessorised with her second Mirta Bijoux piece of the week- the Balls necklace in navy.

On Thursday, the PM delivered a speech at Fishmongers Hall, London to mark twenty years of independence for the Bank of England. May wore one of our favourite outfits- the bright blue Orchid jacket and matching skirt from Daniel Blake. She teamed it with pearls, snakeskin kitten heels, a Crystaldust Swarovski cuff and the swirl ring from Celtic Treasures.

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Later in the day, May travelled to Estonia to participate in a summit on security and digital. For the evening working dinner, May wore the Tulip dress in wool flannel windowpane check from Daniel Blake. She accessorised with oversized pearls and her jewellery from earlier in the day. And we learned that the PM has reading glasses- and chic red ones no less!

On Friday, Theresa May met with British troops stationed at Tapa Military Base in Estonia. May wore a navy mackintosh over a black suit. She wore the Delicious leopard flats from Russell & Bromley and accessorised with the oversized chain necklace and bracelet from Amanda Wakeley. May also wore a scarf by Pazuki.

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!

New Season Arrivals at LK Bennett

The new season arrivals at LK Bennett are out of this world! Here are some of my favourites:

Juliet Navy Lace Courts

Suzette Navy Dress

Jacqui Grey Melange Merino Jumper

Shippa Black Tweed Jacket

Poppie Oxblood Leather Flats

Amana Navy Dress

Infographic: Theresa May's Clothes at the Despatch Box

It's been a year since Theresa May became Prime Minister- and what a rollercoaster 12 months it has been!

Despite the ups and downs, one thing remains constant- Theresa May's fabulous sense of style.

The PM's most visible commitment in her diary is her weekly outing to Prime Minister's Questions. Facing MPs and the Leader of the Opposition, May is a strong performer in this bear pit.

I've always been interested to see what May wears at PMQs, and what her sartorial selections for this often brutal event suggest. I decided to take a deeper look at the clothes she has been wearing during her time at the despatch box.

Focusing on PMQ appearances and official statements, I've created this infographic analysing Theresa May's clothes in the Commons chamber. From favourite designers to fancy footwear, I've analysed what Theresa May wears and considered the reasoning behind her choices.

Here's what I found: 

• Amanda Wakeley and Escada are the two most frequently worn designers by Theresa May at the despatch box. Both combined, May wore items from these two brands for over 60% of her appearances.
• Theresa May's favourite colour is navy. She chose this true blue hue for almost three quarters of these televised appearances. 
• Russell & Bromley again topped the poll for the Prime Minister's most loved shoe brand. She wore a shoe from the brand 26 times at the despatch box. 
• Theresa May wore the gold Twister block heel from Russell & Bromley the most for these televised appearances. This was closely followed by the chic Vivacious heel from the same brand. 
• And unsurprisingly, British designers continue to be the Prime Minister's preferred outfitters, with a reliance on classic British tailoring and accessories. 

But what was different? 

• Heels have overtaken flats as the most worn type of shoe. This is most likely because of the added height and confidence they give to the wearer in front of the TV cameras.
• Bright colours didn't get a look in, with May never wearing red at the despatch box. With blue associated with the Conservative Party and red for Labour, this is a logical and obvious choice. 

What does this suggest about Theresa May's despatch box style?

May understands the power and complexities of a televised forum. She selects tailored, timeless pieces that will look good on camera and present her as a strong and sophisticated leader. She picks items of clothing that give confidence and make her feel good, relying on trusted brands to help her get the job done. 

Theresa May selects suitably serious pieces for big events, choosing classic, no fuss pieces like a white shirt and a sharp navy suit for big announcements like the Budget and Brexit negotiations. And for solemn statements, like responses to the Westminster terror attack, May uses black to convey her sympathy and solidarity. 

But just as May chooses classic pieces, she does like to wear 'wildcard' items. In this very public arena oversized necklaces and statement bangles are two favourites, as is a sophisticated silk scarf. Theresa May memorably used this public event to show her support of young designers, wearing an eye catching silk scarf by the talented Megan Ferris to a PMQ session for all the world to see. Genuine touches like these makes Theresa May a real champion of British fashion and provides us with an insight into just how much she loves to accessorise. 

As her political future remains uncertain, one thing does remain constant- Theresa May truly is the most fashionable MP we'll see at the despatch box! 

I'd love to hear what you think of this infographic- share your thoughts with me in the comments or on Twitter! View the full infographic here.